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Slominski AT, Kim TK, Janjetovic Z, Slominski RM, Li W, Jetten AM, Indra AK, Mason RS, Tuckey RC. Biological Effects of CYP11A1-Derived Vitamin D and Lumisterol Metabolites in the Skin. J Invest Dermatol 2024; 144:2145-2161. [PMID: 39001720 PMCID: PMC11416330 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2024.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Novel pathways of vitamin D3, lumisterol 3 (L3), and tachysterol 3 (T3) activation have been discovered, initiated by CYP11A1 and/or CYP27A1 in the case of L3 and T3. The resulting hydroxymetabolites enhance protection of skin against DNA damage and oxidative stress; stimulate keratinocyte differentiation; exert anti-inflammatory, antifibrogenic, and anticancer activities; and inhibit cell proliferation in a structure-dependent manner. They act on nuclear receptors, including vitamin D receptor, aryl hydrocarbon receptor, LXRα/β, RAR-related orphan receptor α/γ, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ, with selectivity defined by their core structure and distribution of hydroxyl groups. They can activate NRF2 and p53 and inhibit NF-κB, IL-17, Shh, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Thus, they protect skin integrity and physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej T Slominski
- Department of Dermatology, Heersink School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA; Cancer Chemoprevention Program, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Heersink School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA; Veterans Administration Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
| | - Tae-Kang Kim
- Department of Dermatology, Heersink School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Zorica Janjetovic
- Department of Dermatology, Heersink School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Radomir M Slominski
- Department of Genetics, Heersink School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Wei Li
- Drug Discovery Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Anton M Jetten
- Immunity, Inflammation and Disease Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Arup K Indra
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA; Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon; USA
| | - Rebecca S Mason
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Australia; Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Robert C Tuckey
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
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2
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Radkohl A, Schusterbauer V, Bernauer L, Rechberger GN, Wolinski H, Schittmayer M, Birner-Gruenberger R, Thallinger GG, Leitner E, Baeck M, Pichler H, Emmerstorfer-Augustin A. Human Sterols Are Overproduced, Stored and Excreted in Yeasts. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:781. [PMID: 38255855 PMCID: PMC10815178 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Sterols exert a profound influence on numerous cellular processes, playing a crucial role in both health and disease. However, comprehending the effects of sterol dysfunction on cellular physiology is challenging. Consequently, numerous processes affected by impaired sterol biosynthesis still elude our complete understanding. In this study, we made use of yeast strains that produce cholesterol instead of ergosterol and investigated the cellular response mechanisms on the transcriptome as well as the lipid level. The exchange of ergosterol for cholesterol caused the downregulation of phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylserine and upregulation of phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis. Additionally, a shift towards polyunsaturated fatty acids was observed. While the sphingolipid levels dropped, the total amounts of sterols and triacylglycerol increased, which resulted in 1.7-fold enlarged lipid droplets in cholesterol-producing yeast cells. In addition to internal storage, cholesterol and its precursors were excreted into the culture supernatant, most likely by the action of ABC transporters Snq2, Pdr12 and Pdr15. Overall, our results demonstrate that, similarly to mammalian cells, the production of non-native sterols and sterol precursors causes lipotoxicity in K. phaffii, mainly due to upregulated sterol biosynthesis, and they highlight the different survival and stress response mechanisms on multiple, integrative levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Radkohl
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, Graz University of Technology, NAWI Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Veronika Schusterbauer
- Bisy GmbH, 8200 Hofstaetten an der Raab, Austria
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, Graz University of Technology, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Lukas Bernauer
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, Graz University of Technology, NAWI Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Gerald N. Rechberger
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, NAWI Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Heimo Wolinski
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, NAWI Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
- Field of Excellence BioHealth, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Matthias Schittmayer
- Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Technische Universität Wien, 1040 Vienna, Austria (R.B.-G.)
| | - Ruth Birner-Gruenberger
- Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Technische Universität Wien, 1040 Vienna, Austria (R.B.-G.)
| | - Gerhard G. Thallinger
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, Graz University of Technology, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Erich Leitner
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry and Food Chemistry, University of Graz, NAWI Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria;
| | - Melanie Baeck
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, Graz University of Technology, NAWI Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Harald Pichler
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, Graz University of Technology, NAWI Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
- Acib—Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Anita Emmerstorfer-Augustin
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, Graz University of Technology, NAWI Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
- Acib—Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology, 8010 Graz, Austria
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3
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Molina-Gonzalez I, Miron VE, Antel JP. Chronic oligodendrocyte injury in central nervous system pathologies. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1274. [PMID: 36402839 PMCID: PMC9675815 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04248-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Myelin, the membrane surrounding neuronal axons, is critical for central nervous system (CNS) function. Injury to myelin-forming oligodendrocytes (OL) in chronic neurological diseases (e.g. multiple sclerosis) ranges from sublethal to lethal, leading to OL dysfunction and myelin pathology, and consequent deleterious impacts on axonal health that drive clinical impairments. This is regulated by intrinsic factors such as heterogeneity and age, and extrinsic cellular and molecular interactions. Here, we discuss the responses of OLs to injury, and perspectives for therapeutic targeting. We put forward that targeting mature OL health in neurological disease is a promising therapeutic strategy to support CNS function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Molina-Gonzalez
- grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988United Kingdom Dementia Research Institute at The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland UK ,grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Chancellor’s Building, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland UK ,grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland UK
| | - Veronique E. Miron
- grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988United Kingdom Dementia Research Institute at The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland UK ,grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Chancellor’s Building, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland UK ,grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland UK ,grid.415502.7Barlo Multiple Sclerosis Centre and Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Toronto, Canada ,grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jack P. Antel
- grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649Neuroimmunology Unit, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC Canada
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4
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Farkas MH, Skelton LA, Ramachandra-Rao S, Au E, Fliesler SJ. Morphological, biochemical, and transcriptomic characterization of iPSC-derived human RPE cells from normal and Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome patients. Mol Vis 2022; 28:394-411. [PMID: 36540063 PMCID: PMC9744241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michael H. Farkas
- Department of Ophthalmology (Ross Eye Institute), The State University of New York- University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
- Department of Biochemistry and the Neuroscience Graduate Program, The State University of New York- University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
- Research Service, VA Western New York Healthcare System, Buffalo, NY
| | - Lara A. Skelton
- Department of Ophthalmology (Ross Eye Institute), The State University of New York- University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
- Department of Biochemistry and the Neuroscience Graduate Program, The State University of New York- University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
- Research Service, VA Western New York Healthcare System, Buffalo, NY
| | - Sriganesh Ramachandra-Rao
- Department of Ophthalmology (Ross Eye Institute), The State University of New York- University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
- Department of Biochemistry and the Neuroscience Graduate Program, The State University of New York- University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
- Research Service, VA Western New York Healthcare System, Buffalo, NY
| | - Elizabeth Au
- Department of Ophthalmology (Ross Eye Institute), The State University of New York- University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
| | - Steven J. Fliesler
- Department of Ophthalmology (Ross Eye Institute), The State University of New York- University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
- Department of Biochemistry and the Neuroscience Graduate Program, The State University of New York- University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
- Research Service, VA Western New York Healthcare System, Buffalo, NY
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5
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Puthanveetil P, Kong X, Bräse S, Voros G, Peer WA. Transcriptome analysis of two structurally related flavonoids; Apigenin and Chrysin revealed hypocholesterolemic and ketogenic effects in mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 893:173804. [PMID: 33347826 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
There is no known single therapeutic drug for treating hypercholesterolemia that comes with negligible systemic side effects. In the current study, using next generation RNA sequencing approach in mouse embryonic fibroblasts we discovered that two structurally related flavonoid compounds. Apigenin and Chrysin exhibited moderate blocking ability of multiple transcripts that regulate rate limiting enzymes in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway. The observed decrease in cholesterol biosynthesis pathway correlated well with an increase in transcripts involved in generation and trafficking of ketone bodies as evident by the upregulation of Bdh1 and Slc16a6 transcripts. The hypocholesterolemic potential of Apigenin and Chrysin at higher concentrations along with their ability to generate ketogenic substrate especially during embryonic stage is useful or detrimental for embryonic health is not clear and still debatable. Our study will serve as a steppingstone to further the investigation in whole animal studies and also in translating this knowledge to human studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasanth Puthanveetil
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL, USA.
| | - Xiaoli Kong
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Stefan Bräse
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems (IBCS), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hermann von Helmholtz Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein Leopoldshafen, Germany.
| | - Gabor Voros
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Catholic University Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Wendy Ann Peer
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, College of Agricultural and Natural Resources, University of Maryland, MD, USA.
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6
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Kanuri B, Fong V, Ponny SR, Tallman KA, Rao SR, Porter N, Fliesler SJ, Patel SB. Generation and validation of a conditional knockout mouse model for the study of the Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome. J Lipid Res 2020; 62:100002. [PMID: 33410752 PMCID: PMC7890206 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.ra120001101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome (SLOS) is a developmental disorder (OMIM #270400) caused by autosomal recessive mutations in the Dhcr7 gene, which encodes the enzyme 3β-hydroxysterol-Δ7 reductase. SLOS patients present clinically with dysmorphology and neurological, behavioral, and cognitive defects, with characteristically elevated levels of 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC) in all bodily tissues and fluids. Previous mouse models of SLOS have been hampered by postnatal lethality when Dhcr7 is knocked out globally, while a hypomorphic mouse model showed improvement in the biochemical phenotype with aging and did not manifest most other characteristic features of SLOS. We report the generation of a conditional knockout of Dhcr7 (Dhcr7flx/flx), validated by generating a mouse with a liver-specific deletion (Dhcr7L-KO). Phenotypic characterization of liver-specific knockout mice revealed no significant changes in viability, fertility, growth curves, liver architecture, hepatic triglyceride secretion, or parameters of systemic glucose homeostasis. Furthermore, qPCR and RNA-Seq analyses of livers revealed no perturbations in pathways responsible for cholesterol synthesis, either in male or in female Dhcr7L-KO mice, suggesting that hepatic disruption of postsqualene cholesterol synthesis leads to minimal impact on sterol metabolism in the liver. This validated conditional Dhcr7 knockout model may now allow us to systematically explore the pathophysiology of SLOS, by allowing for temporal, cell and tissue-specific loss of DHCR7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babunageswararao Kanuri
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Vincent Fong
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Sithara Raju Ponny
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Keri A Tallman
- Department of Chemistry and Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Sriganesh Ramachandra Rao
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo-State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Ned Porter
- Department of Chemistry and Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Steven J Fliesler
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo-State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University at Buffalo- State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA; Research Service, VA Western New York Healthcare System, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Shailendra B Patel
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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7
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Visualisation of cholesterol and ganglioside GM1 in zebrafish models of Niemann-Pick type C disease and Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome using light sheet microscopy. Histochem Cell Biol 2020; 154:565-578. [PMID: 33079236 PMCID: PMC7609433 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-020-01925-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Lysosomal storage diseases are the most common cause of neurodegeneration in children. They are characterised at the cellular level by the accumulation of storage material within lysosomes. There are very limited therapeutic options, and the search for novel therapies has been hampered as few good small animal models are available. Here, we describe the use of light sheet microscopy to assess lipid storage in drug and morpholino induced zebrafish models of two diseases of cholesterol homeostasis with lysosomal dysfunction: First, Niemann–Pick type C disease (NPC), caused by mutations in the lysosomal transmembrane protein NPC1, characterised by intralysosomal accumulation of cholesterol and several other lipids. Second, Smith–Lemli–Opitz syndrome (SLOS), caused by mutations in 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase, which catalyses the last step of cholesterol biosynthesis and is characterised by intralysosomal accumulation of dietary cholesterol. This is the first description of a zebrafish SLOS model. We find that zebrafish accurately model lysosomal storage and disease-specific phenotypes in both diseases. Increased cholesterol and ganglioside GM1 were observed in sections taken from NPC model fish, and decreased cholesterol in SLOS model fish, but these are of limited value as resolution is poor, and accurate anatomical comparisons difficult. Using light sheet microscopy, we were able to observe lipid changes in much greater detail and identified an unexpected accumulation of ganglioside GM1 in SLOS model fish. Our data demonstrate, for the first time in zebrafish, the immense potential that light sheet microscopy has in aiding the resolution of studies involving lysosomal and lipid disorders.
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8
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Paulazo MA, Sodero AO. Analysis of cholesterol in mouse brain by HPLC with UV detection. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228170. [PMID: 31978159 PMCID: PMC6980532 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
We describe a sensitive high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-based method for the determination of cholesterol in brain tissue. The method does not require the derivatization of the analyte and uses separation and quantification by reversed-phase HPLC coupled to UV detection. Lipids were methanol/chloroform extracted following the method of Bligh and Dyer, and separated using isopropanol/acetonitrile/water (60/30/10, v/v/v) as mobile phase. We observed lineal detection in a wide range of concentrations, from 62.5 to 2000 ng/μL, and were able to detect a significant increase in the brain cholesterol levels between postnatal days 2 and 10 in C57BL6 mice. Based on our validation parameters, we consider this analytical method a useful tool to assess free cholesterol in rodent brain samples and cell cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- María A. Paulazo
- Institute of Biomedical Research (BIOMED), Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina (UCA) and National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), C1107AFF Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alejandro O. Sodero
- Institute of Biomedical Research (BIOMED), Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina (UCA) and National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), C1107AFF Buenos Aires, Argentina
- * E-mail:
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9
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Ramachandra Rao S, Pfeffer BA, Más Gómez N, Skelton LA, Keiko U, Sparrow JR, Rowsam AM, Mitchell CH, Fliesler SJ. Compromised phagosome maturation underlies RPE pathology in cell culture and whole animal models of Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome. Autophagy 2018; 14:1796-1817. [PMID: 29979914 PMCID: PMC6135634 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2018.1490851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment of rats with the cholesterol pathway inhibitor AY9944 produces an animal model of Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS), an autosomal recessive disease caused by defective cholesterol synthesis. This SLOS rat model undergoes progressive and irreversible degeneration of the neural retina, with associated pathological features of the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE). Here, we provide further insights into the mechanism involved in the RPE pathology. In the SLOS rat model, markedly increased RPE apical autofluorescence is observed, compared to untreated animals, which correlates with increased levels of A2E and other bisretinoids. Utilizing cultured human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)- derived SLOS RPE cells, we found significantly elevated steady-state levels of 7-dehydrocholesterol (7DHC) and decreased cholesterol levels (key biochemical hallmarks of SLOS). Western blot analysis revealed altered levels of the macroautophagy/autophagy markers MAP1LC3B-II and SQSTM1/p62, and build-up of ubiquitinated proteins. Accumulation of immature autophagosomes was accompanied by inefficient degradation of phagocytized, exogenously supplied retinal rod outer segments (as evidenced by persistence of the C-terminal 1D4 epitope of RHO [rhodopsin]) in SLOS RPE compared to iPSC-derived normal human control. SLOS RPE cells exhibited lysosomal pH levels and CTSD activity within normal physiological limits, thus discounting the involvement of perturbed lysosomal function. Furthermore, 1D4-positive phagosomes that accumulated in the RPE in both pharmacological and genetic rodent models of SLOS failed to fuse with lysosomes. Taken together, these observations suggest that defective phagosome maturation underlies the observed RPE pathology. The potential relevance of these findings to SLOS and the requirement of cholesterol for phagosome maturation are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sriganesh Ramachandra Rao
- Departments of Ophthalmology (Ross Eye Institute) and Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, SUNY-University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
- SUNY Eye Institute, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Research Service, VA Western NY Healthcare System, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Bruce A. Pfeffer
- Departments of Ophthalmology (Ross Eye Institute) and Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, SUNY-University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
- SUNY Eye Institute, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Research Service, VA Western NY Healthcare System, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Néstor Más Gómez
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lara A. Skelton
- Departments of Ophthalmology (Ross Eye Institute) and Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, SUNY-University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
- SUNY Eye Institute, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Research Service, VA Western NY Healthcare System, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Ueda Keiko
- Departments of Ophthalmology (Harkness Eye Institute) and Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University, College of Physicians & Surgeons, NY, NY, USA
| | - Janet R. Sparrow
- Departments of Ophthalmology (Harkness Eye Institute) and Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University, College of Physicians & Surgeons, NY, NY, USA
| | - Aryn M. Rowsam
- Departments of Ophthalmology (Ross Eye Institute) and Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, SUNY-University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
- SUNY Eye Institute, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Research Service, VA Western NY Healthcare System, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Claire H. Mitchell
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Steven J. Fliesler
- Departments of Ophthalmology (Ross Eye Institute) and Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, SUNY-University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
- SUNY Eye Institute, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Research Service, VA Western NY Healthcare System, Buffalo, NY, USA
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10
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Korade Ž, Liu W, Warren EB, Armstrong K, Porter NA, Konradi C. Effect of psychotropic drug treatment on sterol metabolism. Schizophr Res 2017; 187:74-81. [PMID: 28202290 PMCID: PMC5554466 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2017.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Revised: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Cholesterol metabolism is vital for brain function. Previous work in cultured cells has shown that a number of psychotropic drugs inhibit the activity of 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase (DHCR7), an enzyme that catalyzes the final steps in cholesterol biosynthesis. This leads to the accumulation of 7-dehydrocholesterol (7DHC), a molecule that gives rise to oxysterols, vitamin D, and atypical neurosteroids. We examined levels of cholesterol and the cholesterol precursors desmosterol, lanosterol, 7DHC and its isomer 8-dehydrocholesterol (8DHC), in blood samples of 123 psychiatric patients on various antipsychotic and antidepressant drugs, and 85 healthy controls, to see if the observations in cell lines hold true for patients as well. Three drugs, aripiprazole, haloperidol and trazodone increased circulating 7DHC and 8DHC levels, while five other drugs, clozapine, escitalopram/citalopram, lamotrigine, olanzapine, and risperidone, did not. Studies in rat brain verified that haloperidol dose-dependently increased 7DHC and 8DHC levels, while clozapine had no effect. We conclude that further studies should investigate the role of 7DHC and 8DHC metabolites, such as oxysterols, vitamin D, and atypical neurosteroids, in the deleterious and therapeutic effects of psychotropic drugs. Finally, we recommend that drugs that increase 7DHC levels should not be prescribed during pregnancy, as children born with DHCR7 deficiency have multiple congenital malformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Željka Korade
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, UNMC, Omaha, NE 68198, United States
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Nashville, TN 37235, United States
| | - Emily B Warren
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, United States
| | - Kristan Armstrong
- Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212, United States
| | - Ned A Porter
- Department of Chemistry and Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Nashville, TN 37235, United States
| | - Christine Konradi
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212, United States.
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11
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Sharif NF, Korade Z, Porter NA, Harrison FE. Oxidative stress, serotonergic changes and decreased ultrasonic vocalizations in a mouse model of Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2017; 16:619-626. [PMID: 28220990 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Revised: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome is an inherited monogenic disorder in which mutations to the 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC) reductase (Dhcr7) gene lead to deficits in cholesterol synthesis. As a result, many patients suffer from gross physiological and neurological deficits. The purpose of this study was to identify a potential abnormal behavioral phenotype in a compound mutant mouse model for Smith-Lemli-Opitz disease (Dhcr7 Δ3-5/T93M ) to further validate the model and to provide potential targets for future therapeutic interventions. We also sought to identify some of the underlying changes in brain function that may be responsible for behavioral differences among groups. The Dhcr7 compound mutant mice were smaller than their single mutant littermates. Both single and compound heterozygous mice made fewer ultrasonic vocalizations when separated from the dam, which may suggest a communication deficit in these animals. Striking increases of the highly oxidizable 7-DHC were observed in the compound mutant mice. 7-Dehydrocholesterol is the precursor to cholesterol and builds up because of decreased function of the mutated Dhcr7 enzyme. Additionally, several differences were noted in the serotonergic system including increased expression of the serotonin transporter and increased uptake of serotonin by isolated synaptosomes. We propose that changes to the oxidative environment during development can have a significant impact on the development of serotonergic function and that this contributes to behavioral differences observed in the mutant mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- N F Sharif
- Neuroscience Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Z Korade
- Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.,Present address: Department of Pediatrics, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - N A Porter
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - F E Harrison
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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12
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Pasta S, Akhile O, Tabron D, Ting F, Shackleton C, Watson G. Delivery of the 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase gene to the central nervous system using adeno-associated virus vector in a mouse model of Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome. Mol Genet Metab Rep 2015; 4:92-98. [PMID: 26347274 PMCID: PMC4559272 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgmr.2015.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Smith Lemli Opitz syndrome (SLOS) is an inherited malformation and mental retardation metabolic disorder with no cure. Mutations in the last enzyme of the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway, 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase (DHCR7), lead to cholesterol insufficiency and accumulation of its dehyrdocholesterol precursors, and contribute to its pathogenesis. The central nervous system (CNS) constitutes a major pathophysiological component of this disorder and remains unamenable to dietary cholesterol therapy due to the impenetrability of the blood brain barrier (BBB). The goal of this study was to restore sterol homeostasis in the CNS. To bypass the BBB, gene therapy using an adeno-associated virus (AAV-8) vector carrying a functional copy of the DHCR7 gene was administered by intrathecal (IT) injection directly into the cerebrospinal fluid of newborn mice. Two months post-treatment, vector DNA and DHCR7 expression was observed in the brain and a corresponding improvement of sterol levels seen in the brain and spinal cord. Interestingly, sterol levels in the peripheral nervous system also showed a similar improvement. This study shows that IT gene therapy can have a positive biochemical effect on sterol homeostasis in the central and peripheral nervous systems in a SLOS animal model. A single dose delivered three days after birth had a sustained effect into adulthood, eight weeks post-treatment. These observations pave the way for further studies to understand the effect of biochemical improvement of sterol levels on neuronal function, to provide a greater understanding of neuronal cholesterol homeostasis, and to develop potential therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saloni Pasta
- Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, 5700 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland CA 94609
| | - Omoye Akhile
- Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, 5700 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland CA 94609
| | - Dorothy Tabron
- Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, 5700 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland CA 94609
| | - Flora Ting
- Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, 5700 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland CA 94609
| | - Cedric Shackleton
- Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, 5700 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland CA 94609
| | - Gordon Watson
- Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, 5700 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland CA 94609
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13
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Saher G, Stumpf SK. Cholesterol in myelin biogenesis and hypomyelinating disorders. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2015; 1851:1083-94. [PMID: 25724171 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2015.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Revised: 02/05/2015] [Accepted: 02/12/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The largest pool of free cholesterol in mammals resides in myelin membranes. Myelin facilitates rapid saltatory impulse propagation by electrical insulation of axons. This function is achieved by ensheathing axons with a tightly compacted stack of membranes. Cholesterol influences myelination at many steps, from the differentiation of myelinating glial cells, over the process of myelin membrane biogenesis, to the functionality of mature myelin. Cholesterol emerged as the only integral myelin component that is essential and rate-limiting for the development of myelin in the central and peripheral nervous system. Moreover, disorders that interfere with sterol synthesis or intracellular trafficking of cholesterol and other lipids cause hypomyelination and neurodegeneration. This review summarizes recent results on the roles of cholesterol in CNS myelin biogenesis in normal development and under different pathological conditions. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Brain Lipids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gesine Saher
- Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, 37075 Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Sina Kristin Stumpf
- Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, 37075 Göttingen, Germany.
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14
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Ying L, Matabosch X, Serra M, Watson B, Shackleton C, Watson G. Biochemical and Physiological Improvement in a Mouse Model of Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome (SLOS) Following Gene Transfer with AAV Vectors. Mol Genet Metab Rep 2014; 1:103-113. [PMID: 25024934 PMCID: PMC4093838 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgmr.2014.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS) is an inborn error of cholesterol synthesis resulting from a defect in 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase (DHCR7), the enzyme that produces cholesterol from its immediate precursor 7-dehydrocholesterol. Current therapy employing dietary cholesterol is inadequate. As SLOS is caused by a defect in a single gene, restoring enzyme functionality through gene therapy may be a direct approach for treating this debilitating disorder. In the present study, we first packaged a human DHCR7 construct into adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors having either type-2 (AAV2) or type-8 (AAV2/8) capsid, and administered treatment to juvenile mice. While a positive response (assessed by increases in serum and liver cholesterol) was seen in both groups, the improvement was greater in the AAV2/8-DHCR7 treated mice. Newborn mice were then treated with AAV2/8-DHCR7 and these mice, compared to mice treated as juveniles, showed higher DHCR7 mRNA expression in liver and a greater improvement in serum and liver cholesterol levels. Systemic treatment did not affect brain cholesterol in any of the experimental groups. Both juvenile and newborn treatments with AAV2/8-DHCR7 resulted in increased rates of weight gain indicating that gene transfer had a positive physiological effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee Ying
- Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, 5700 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland, Ca 94609, USA
| | - Xavier Matabosch
- Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, 5700 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland, Ca 94609, USA
| | - Montserrat Serra
- Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, 5700 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland, Ca 94609, USA
| | - Berna Watson
- Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, 5700 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland, Ca 94609, USA
| | - Cedric Shackleton
- Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, 5700 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland, Ca 94609, USA
| | - Gordon Watson
- Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, 5700 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland, Ca 94609, USA
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15
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Meljon A, Watson GL, Wang Y, Shackleton CHL, Griffiths WJ. Analysis by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry of sterols and oxysterols in brain of the newborn Dhcr7(Δ3-5/T93M) mouse: a model of Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome. Biochem Pharmacol 2013; 86:43-55. [PMID: 23500538 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2013.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2013] [Revised: 02/28/2013] [Accepted: 03/01/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
In this study the sterol and oxysterol profile of newborn brain from the Dhcr7(Δ3-5/T93M) mouse model of Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS) has been investigated. This is a viable mouse model which is compound heterozygous containing one null allele and one T93M mutation on Dhcr7. We find the SLOS mouse has reduced levels of cholesterol and desmosterol and increased levels of 7- and 8-dehydrocholesterol and of 7- and 8-dehydrodesmosterol in brain compared to the wild type. The profile of enzymatically formed oxysterols in the SLOS mouse resembles that in the wild type but the level of 24S-hydroxycholesterol, the dominating cholesterol metabolite, is reduced in a similar proportion to that of cholesterol. A number of oxysterols abundant in the SLOS mouse are probably derived from 7-dehydrocholesterol, however, the mechanism of their formation is unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Meljon
- Institute of Mass Spectrometry, College of Medicine, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
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16
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Elias PM, Williams ML, Feingold KR. Abnormal barrier function in the pathogenesis of ichthyosis: therapeutic implications for lipid metabolic disorders. Clin Dermatol 2012; 30:311-22. [PMID: 22507046 DOI: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2011.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Ichthyoses, including inherited disorders of lipid metabolism, display a permeability barrier abnormality in which the severity of the clinical phenotype parallels the prominence of the barrier defect. The pathogenesis of the cutaneous phenotype represents the consequences of the mutation for epidermal function, coupled with a "best attempt" by affected epidermis to generate a competent barrier in a terrestrial environment. A compromised barrier in normal epidermis triggers a vigorous set of metabolic responses that rapidly normalizes function, but ichthyotic epidermis, which is inherently compromised, only partially succeeds in this effort. Unraveling mechanisms that account for barrier dysfunction in the ichthyoses has identified multiple, subcellular, and biochemical processes that contribute to the clinical phenotype. Current treatment of the ichthyoses remains largely symptomatic: directed toward reducing scale or corrective gene therapy. Reducing scale is often minimally effective. Gene therapy is impeded by multiple pitfalls, including difficulties in transcutaneous drug delivery, high costs, and discomfort of injections. We have begun to use information about disease pathogenesis to identify novel, pathogenesis-based therapeutic strategies for the ichthyoses. The clinical phenotype often reflects not only a deficiency of pathway end product due to reduced-function mutations in key synthetic enzymes but often also accumulation of proximal, potentially toxic metabolites. As a result, depending upon the identified pathomechanism(s) for each disorder, the accompanying ichthyosis can be treated by topical provision of pathway product (eg, cholesterol), with or without a proximal enzyme inhibitor (eg, simvastatin), to block metabolite production. Among the disorders of distal cholesterol metabolism, the cutaneous phenotype in Congenital Hemidysplasia with Ichthyosiform Erythroderma and Limb Defects (CHILD syndrome) and X-linked ichthyosis reflect metabolite accumulation and deficiency of pathway product (ie, cholesterol). We validated this therapeutic approach in two CHILD syndrome patients who failed to improve with topical cholesterol alone, but cleared with dual treatment with cholesterol plus lovastatin. In theory, the ichthyoses in other inherited lipid metabolic disorders could be treated analogously. This pathogenesis (pathway)-driven approach possesses several inherent advantages: (1) it is mechanism-specific for each disorder; (2) it is inherently safe, because natural lipids and/or approved drugs often are utilized; and (3) it should be inexpensive, and therefore it could be used widely in the developing world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter M Elias
- Dermatology Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 4150 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA.
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17
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Meljon A, Theofilopoulos S, Shackleton CHL, Watson GL, Javitt NB, Knölker HJ, Saini R, Arenas E, Wang Y, Griffiths WJ. Analysis of bioactive oxysterols in newborn mouse brain by LC/MS. J Lipid Res 2012; 53:2469-83. [PMID: 22891291 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.d028233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Unesterified cholesterol is a major component of plasma membranes. In the brain of the adult, it is mostly found in myelin sheaths, where it plays a major architectural role. In the newborn mouse, little myelination of neurons has occurred, and much of this sterol comprises a metabolically active pool. In the current study, we have accessed this metabolically active pool and, using LC/MS, have identified cholesterol precursors and metabolites. Although desmosterol and 24S-hydroxycholesterol represent the major precursor and metabolite, respectively, other steroids, including the oxysterols 22-oxocholesterol, 22R-hydroxycholesterol, 20R,22R-dihydroxycholesterol, and the C(21)-neurosteroid progesterone, were identified. 24S,25-epoxycholesterol formed in parallel to cholesterol was also found to be a major sterol in newborn brain. Like 24S- and 22R-hydroxycholesterols, and also desmosterol, 24S,25-epoxycholesterol is a ligand to the liver X receptors, which are expressed in brain. The desmosterol metabolites (24Z),26-, (24E),26-, and 7α-hydroxydesmosterol were identified in brain for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Meljon
- Institute of Mass Spectrometry, College of Medicine, Swansea, UK
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18
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Abstract
Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS) is an autosomal recessive, multiple congenital malformation and intellectual disability syndrome, with clinical characteristics that encompass a wide spectrum and great variability. Elucidation of the biochemical and genetic basis for SLOS, specifically understanding SLOS as a cholesterol deficiency syndrome caused by mutation in DHCR7, opened up enormous possibilities for therapeutic intervention. When cholesterol was discovered to be the activator of sonic hedgehog, cholesterol deficiency with inactivation of this developmental patterning gene was thought to be the cause of SLOS malformations, yet this explanation is overly simplistic. Despite these important research breakthroughs, there is no proven treatment for SLOS. Better animal models are needed to allow potential treatment testing and the study of disease pathophysiology, which is incompletely understood. Creation of human cellular models, especially models of brain cells, would be useful, and in vivo human studies are also essential. Biomarker development will be crucial in facilitating clinical trials in this rare condition, because the clinical phenotype can change over many years. Additional research in these and other areas is critical if we are to make headway towards ameliorating the effects of this devastating condition.
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19
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Saher G, Quintes S, Nave KA. Cholesterol: a novel regulatory role in myelin formation. Neuroscientist 2011; 17:79-93. [PMID: 21343408 DOI: 10.1177/1073858410373835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Myelin consists of tightly compacted membranes that form an insulating sheath around axons. The function of myelin for rapid saltatory nerve conduction is dependent on its unique composition, highly enriched in glycosphingolipids and cholesterol. Cholesterol emerged as the only integral myelin component that is essential and rate limiting for the development of CNS and PNS myelin. Experiments with conditional mouse mutants that lack cholesterol biosynthesis in oligodendrocytes revealed that only minimal changes of the CNS myelin lipid composition are tolerated. In Schwann cells of the PNS, protein trafficking and myelin compaction depend on cholesterol. In this review, the authors summarize the role of cholesterol in myelin biogenesis and myelin disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gesine Saher
- Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Neurogenetics, Göttingen, Germany.
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20
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Shui G, Cheong WF, Jappar IA, Hoi A, Xue Y, Fernandis AZ, Tan BKH, Wenk MR. Derivatization-independent cholesterol analysis in crude lipid extracts by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry: applications to a rabbit model for atherosclerosis. J Chromatogr A 2011; 1218:4357-65. [PMID: 21621788 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2011.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2010] [Revised: 02/22/2011] [Accepted: 05/08/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Direct measurement of various sterols in crude lipid extracts in a single experiment from limited biological samples is challenging. Current mass spectrometry (MS) based approaches usually require chemical derivatization before subjecting to MS analysis. Here, we present a derivatization-independent method for analyzing various sterols, including cholesterol and its congeners, using liquid chromatography and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry. Based on the specific tandem mass spectrometry pattern of cholesterol, multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) transitions were used to quantify free cholesterol and its fatty acyl esters. Several cholesterol oxidation products could also be measured using the upfront liquid chromatography separation and specific MRM transitions. The method was validated alongside established enzymatic assays in measuring total cholesterol. As a proof of concept, we analyzed plasma sterols in rabbits administrated with a high cholesterol diet (HCD) which is a classical atherosclerotic model. Free cholesterol, cholesterol esters, 7-hydroxycholesterol, and 7-ketocholesterol were elevated in plasma of rabbits on HCD. This method could also serve as an excellent tool for quantitative analysis of other sterols such as ergosterol and sitosterol in other organisms beside mammalian. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, our results indicated dramatic increases of the ratio of ergosterol esters to free ergosterol in both yeh2Δ and tgl1Δ cells, which are consistent with the function of the respective enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanghou Shui
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
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21
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Elias PM, Crumrine D, Paller A, Rodriguez-Martin M, Williams ML. Pathogenesis of the cutaneous phenotype in inherited disorders of cholesterol metabolism: Therapeutic implications for topical treatment of these disorders. DERMATO-ENDOCRINOLOGY 2011; 3:100-6. [PMID: 21695019 PMCID: PMC3117009 DOI: 10.4161/derm.3.2.14831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2011] [Accepted: 01/13/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Molecular geneticists tend to conceptualize disease pathogenesis from the mutated gene outward, an approach that does not take into account the impact of barrier requirements in determining disease phenotype. An ‘outside-to-inside’ perspective has provided quite different explanations for the ichthyoses, including several of the disorders of distal cholesterol metabolism. Elucidation of responsible pathogenic mechanisms also is pointing to appropriate, pathogenesis (pathway)-based therapeutic strategies. In the case of the lipid metabolic disorders, it takes full advantage of new molecular, genetic and cellular pathogenesis information to correct or bypass the metabolic abnormality. This approach fully exploits the unique accessibility of the skin to a topical approach. Moreover, since it will utilize topical lipids and lipid-soluble, and often generic, lipid-soluble drugs, these treatments should be readily transported across the stratum corneum. If successful, this approach could initiate an entirely new departure for the therapy of the ichthyoses. Finally, because these agents are relatively safe and inexpensive, this form of treatment has the potential to be widely-deployed, even in the developing world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter M Elias
- Dermatology Service; Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Dermatology; University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, CA USA
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22
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Serra M, Matabosch X, Ying L, Watson G, Shackleton C. Hair and skin sterols in normal mice and those with deficient dehydrosterol reductase (DHCR7), the enzyme associated with Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2010; 122:318-25. [PMID: 20804844 PMCID: PMC2964438 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2010.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2010] [Revised: 08/19/2010] [Accepted: 08/20/2010] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Our recent studies have focused on cholesterol synthesis in mouse models for 7-dehydrosterolreductase (DHCR7) deficiency, also known as Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome. Investigations of such mutants have relied on tissue and blood levels of the cholesterol precursor 7-dehydrocholesterol (7DHC) and its 8-dehydro isomer. In this investigation by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) we have identified and quantified cholesterol and its precursors (7DHC, desmosterol, lathosterol, lanosterol and cholest-7,24-dien-3β-ol) in mouse hair. The components were characterized and their concentrations were compared to those found in mouse skin and serum. Hair appeared unique in that desmosterol was a major sterol component, almost matching in concentration cholesterol itself. In DHCR7 deficient mice, dehydrodesmosterol (DHD) was the dominant hair Δ(7) sterol. Mutant mouse hair had much higher concentrations of 7-dehydrosterols relative to cholesterol than did serum or tissue at all ages studied. The 7DHC/C ratio in hair was typically about sevenfold the value in serum or skin and the DHD/D ratio was 100× that of the serum 7DHC/C ratio. Mutant mice compensate for their DHCR7 deficiency with maturity, and the tissue and blood 7DHC/C become close to normal. That hair retains high relative concentrations of the dehydro precursors suggests that the apparent up-regulation of Dhcr7 seen in liver is slower to develop at the site of hair cholesterol synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montserrat Serra
- Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, CA 94609, USA
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23
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Matabosch X, Ying L, Serra M, Wassif CA, Porter FD, Shackleton C, Watson G. Increasing cholesterol synthesis in 7-dehydrosterol reductase (DHCR7) deficient mouse models through gene transfer. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2010; 122:303-9. [PMID: 20800683 PMCID: PMC2966472 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2010.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2010] [Revised: 08/18/2010] [Accepted: 08/19/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS) is caused by deficiency in the terminal step of cholesterol biosynthesis: the conversion of 7-dehydrocholesterol (7DHC) to cholesterol (C), catalyzed by 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase (DHCR7). This disorder exhibits several phenotypic traits including dysmorphia and mental retardation with a broad range of severity. There are few proven treatment options. That most commonly used is a high cholesterol diet that seems to enhance the quality of life and improve behavioral characteristics of patients, although these positive effects are controversial. The goal of our study was to investigate the possibility of restoring DHCR7 activity by gene transfer. We constructed an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector containing the DHCR7 gene. After we infused this vector into affected mice, the introduced DHCR7 gene could be identified in liver, mRNA was expressed and a functional enzyme was produced. Evidence of functionality came from the ability to partially normalize the serum ratio of 7DHC/C in treated animals, apparently by increasing cholesterol production with concomitant decrease in 7DHC precursor. By 5 weeks after treatment the mean ratio (for 7 animals) had fallen to 0.05 while the ratio for untreated littermate controls had risen to 0.14. This provides proof of principle that gene transfer can ameliorate the genetic defect causing SLOS and provides a new experimental tool for studying the pathogenesis of this disease. If effective in humans, it might also offer a possible alternative to exogenous cholesterol therapy. However, it would not offer a complete cure for the disorder as many of the negative implications of defective synthesis are already established during prenatal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Matabosch
- Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, 5700 Martin Luther King Jr Way Oakland, 94609, California
| | - Lee Ying
- Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, 5700 Martin Luther King Jr Way Oakland, 94609, California
| | - Montserrat Serra
- Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, 5700 Martin Luther King Jr Way Oakland, 94609, California
| | - Christopher A. Wassif
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Forbes D. Porter
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Cedric Shackleton
- Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, 5700 Martin Luther King Jr Way Oakland, 94609, California
- Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (CEDAM), Institute of Biomedical Research, University of Birmingham, Wolfson Drive, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Gordon Watson
- Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, 5700 Martin Luther King Jr Way Oakland, 94609, California
- Address for correspondence: Dr Gordon Watson, Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, 5700 Martin Luther King Way, Oakland, CA 94609, United States of America, Tel (001) 510 450 7665, Fax (001)510 450 7910,
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24
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Porter FD, Herman GE. Malformation syndromes caused by disorders of cholesterol synthesis. J Lipid Res 2010; 52:6-34. [PMID: 20929975 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.r009548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 319] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol homeostasis is critical for normal growth and development. In addition to being a major membrane lipid, cholesterol has multiple biological functions. These roles include being a precursor molecule for the synthesis of steroid hormones, neuroactive steroids, oxysterols, and bile acids. Cholesterol is also essential for the proper maturation and signaling of hedgehog proteins, and thus cholesterol is critical for embryonic development. After birth, most tissues can obtain cholesterol from either endogenous synthesis or exogenous dietary sources, but prior to birth, the human fetal tissues are dependent on endogenous synthesis. Due to the blood-brain barrier, brain tissue cannot utilize dietary or peripherally produced cholesterol. Generally, inborn errors of cholesterol synthesis lead to both a deficiency of cholesterol and increased levels of potentially bioactive or toxic precursor sterols. Over the past couple of decades, a number of human malformation syndromes have been shown to be due to inborn errors of cholesterol synthesis. Herein, we will review clinical and basic science aspects of Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome, desmosterolosis, lathosterolosis, HEM dysplasia, X-linked dominant chondrodysplasia punctata, Congenital Hemidysplasia with Ichthyosiform erythroderma and Limb Defects Syndrome, sterol-C-4 methyloxidase-like deficiency, and Antley-Bixler syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Forbes D Porter
- Program in Developmental Genetics and Endocrinology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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25
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Matabosch X, Rahman M, Hughes B, Patel SB, Watson G, Shackleton C. Steroid production and excretion by the pregnant mouse, particularly in relation to pregnancies with fetuses deficient in Delta7-sterol reductase (Dhcr7), the enzyme associated with Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2009; 116:61-70. [PMID: 19406241 PMCID: PMC2929956 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2009.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2008] [Revised: 04/21/2009] [Accepted: 04/21/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This study has shown that the mouse has a great increase in steroid production during pregnancy in similar fashion to the human. Many steroids were provisionally identified in maternal urine of the wild-type mouse. The major progesterone metabolites appear to be hydroxylated pregnanolones, particularly with hydroxyl groups in the 16alpha position. Rather than estriol being the major end-product of feto-placental steroid synthesis as in the human, the pregnant mouse produces and excretes large amounts of androgen metabolites, ranging in polarity from androstanetriols to androstanepentols. These steroids have 15alpha- or 18-hydroxyl groups with additional hydroxylation at uncharacterized positions. From metabolite data the peak of pregnancy progesterone production appears to be between 7.5 and 14.5 gestational days, while for C(19) metabolites peak excretion is later. The starting-point of the studies was to study pregnancy steroid production by a mouse model for Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome, 7-dehydrosterol reductase (DHCR7) deficiency. In human pregnancies with DHCR7 deficient fetuses large amounts of 7- and 8-dehydrosteroids are excreted, products secondary to high fetal 7- and 8-dehydrocholesterol (DHC) accumulation. This agrees with existing evidence that human feto-placental steroid synthesis utilizes little maternal cholesterol as precursor. In contrast, this study has shown that pregnant mice carrying dhcr7 deficient fetuses with relatively high DHC production had essentially undetectable maternal excretions of steroids with Delta(7)- and Delta(8)-unsaturation. As mutant mouse mothers have essentially normal cholesterol production (little or no DHC build-up), this suggests maternal cholesterol is primarily utilized for pregnancy steroid synthesis in the mouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Matabosch
- Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, 5700 Martin Luther King Jr Way Oakland, 94609, California
| | - Mahbuba Rahman
- Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, 5700 Martin Luther King Jr Way Oakland, 94609, California
| | - Beverly Hughes
- Institute of Biomedical Research, University of Birmingham, Wolfson Drive, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Shailendra B. Patel
- Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, 53226, Wisconsin
| | - Gordon Watson
- Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, 5700 Martin Luther King Jr Way Oakland, 94609, California
| | - Cedric Shackleton
- Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, 5700 Martin Luther King Jr Way Oakland, 94609, California
- Institute of Biomedical Research, University of Birmingham, Wolfson Drive, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
- Address for correspondence:, Dr Cedric Shackleton, Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, 5700 Martin Luther King Way, Oakland, Ca 94609, Tel 510 450 7660, Fax 510 450 7910,
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