Determining NAD synthesis in erythrocytes

Metabolic Changes in Maternal and Cord Blood in One Case of Pregnancy-Associated Breast Cancer Seen by Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy

Pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC) is a rare disease, which is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage due to limitations in current diagnostic methods. In this study, fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) was used to study the metabolic changes by measuring maternal blood and umbilical cord blood via the autofluorescence of coenzymes, reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate) (NAD(P)H), and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD). The NAD(P)H data showed that a PABC case had significant differences compared with normal cases, which may indicate increased glycolysis. The FAD data showed that both maternal and cord blood of PABC had shorter mean lifetimes and higher bound-FAD ratios. The significant differences suggested that FLIM testing of blood samples may be a potential method to assist in PABC non-radiative screening.

The nanomolar sensing of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide in human plasma using a cycling assay in albumin modified simulated body fluids

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), a prominent member of the pyridine nucleotide family, plays a pivotal role in cell-oxidation protection, DNA repair, cell signalling and central metabolic pathways, such as beta oxidation, glycolysis and the citric acid cycle. In particular, extracellular NAD⁺ has recently been demonstrated to moderate pathogenesis of multiple systemic diseases as well as aging. Herein we present an assaying method, that serves to quantify extracellular NAD⁺ in human heparinised plasma and exhibits a sensitivity ranging from the low micromolar into the low nanomolar domain. The assay achieves the quantification of extracellular NAD⁺ by means of a two-step enzymatic cycling reaction, based on alcohol dehydrogenase. An albumin modified revised simulated body fluid was employed as standard matrix in order to optimise enzymatic activity and enhance the linear behaviour and sensitivity of the method. In addition, we evaluated assay linearity, reproducibility and confirmed long-term storage stability of extracellular NAD⁺ in frozen human heparinised plasma. In summary, our findings pose a novel standardised method suitable for high throughput screenings of extracellular NAD⁺ levels in human heparinised plasma, paving the way for new clinical discovery studies.

Deficiency of nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase 3 (nmnat3) causes hemolytic anemia by altering the glycolytic flow in mature erythrocytes

NAD biosynthesis is of substantial interest because of its important roles in regulating various biological processes. Nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase 3 (Nmnat3) is considered a mitochondria-localized NAD synthesis enzyme involved in de novo and salvage pathways. Although the biochemical properties of Nmnat3 are well documented, its physiological function in vivo remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that Nmnat3 was localized in the cytoplasm of mature erythrocytes and critically regulated their NAD pool. Deficiency of Nmnat3 in mice caused splenomegaly and hemolytic anemia, which was associated with the findings that Nmnat3-deficient erythrocytes had markedly lower ATP levels and shortened lifespans. However, the NAD level in other tissues were not apparently affected by the deficiency of Nmnat3. LC-MS/MS-based metabolomics revealed that the glycolysis pathway in Nmnat3-deficient erythrocytes was blocked at a glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) step because of the shortage of the coenzyme NAD. Stable isotope tracer analysis further demonstrated that deficiency of Nmnat3 resulted in glycolysis stall and a shift to the pentose phosphate pathway. Our findings indicate the critical roles of Nmnat3 in maintenance of the NAD pool in mature erythrocytes and the physiological impacts at its absence in mice.

Plasma ectonucleotidases prevent desensitization of purinergic receptors in stored platelets: importance for platelet activity during thrombus formation

BACKGROUND

Platelets (PLTs) contain purinergic receptors for ATP (P2X1) and ADP (P2Y1 and P2Y12) that rapidly desensitize upon stimulation with these nucleotides. In vivo, this is antagonized by ectonucleotidases on the surface of endothelial cells and white blood cells (WBCs). The receptor desensitization of ATP- and ADP-induced responses of PLTs stored in plasma without WBCs was investigated.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

ATP- and ADP-induced PLT shape change (shear-induced) aggregation and Ca2+ signaling were measured in the presence or absence of plasma. Degradation of nucleotides in plasma was quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography.

RESULTS

Washed PLTs became refractory for ATP and ADP in shape change, aggregation, and Ca2+ responses during a 90-minute incubation at 37 degrees C. The PLT responses mediated by P2X1, P2Y1, and P2Y12 receptors gradually reduced or disappeared. When plasma was present, however, the PLTs persistently showed high responses to ATP and ADP. Heat treatment of plasma abolished this effect. Also under conditions of flow and high shear, PLTs in plasma kept high P2X1 activity, mediating aggregate formation. In isolated plasma, not containing WBCs, nucleotides were degraded in the order of ADP/UDP>ATP/UTP. Degradation of ATP was partly inhibited by blocking the ecto-NTPDase CD39, whereas degradation of both ATP and ADP was inhibited by blocking ectopyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase activity. Part of the nucleotide-degrading activities appeared to be membrane-bound.

CONCLUSION

Ectonucleotidases in plasma preserve the functionality of P2X1 and P2Y receptors. Upon PLT storage, these plasma activities are essential to ensure adequate (shear-dependent) formation of aggregates and thrombi.

Platelet ADP response deteriorates in synthetic storage media

BACKGROUND

During storage under blood bank conditions, platelets (PLTs) are known to secrete ADP. PLT stimulation by ADP results in refractoriness to restimulation, making this response one of the most unstable PLT reactions. The goal of this study was to evaluate the ADP-induced responses of PLTs stored in full plasma or in plasma and additive solution (AS).

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Surface expression of P-selectin, ADP-induced aggregation, and reconstituted whole-blood thrombus formation were determined on collagen surfaces in a perfusion model with PLTs that were stored for 4 days either in plasma or in the presence of plasma with PAS-II or Composol.

RESULTS

After 4 days of storage in PAS-II but not in Composol, the percentage of PLTs that had secreted granule contents (P-selectin) was increased, when compared to PLTs stored in full plasma. Maximal aggregation in response to ADP was reduced for PLTs stored in PAS-II or Composol. Resuspension of these PLTs in plasma at 37 degrees C for 1 hour caused partial recovery of the aggregation response. Addition of apyrase to PLTs in AS preserved the responsiveness toward ADP. Titration experiments indicated that this response gradually decreased with decreasing plasma concentration. The functional significance of these findings was demonstrated by perfusion experiments. Thrombus formation on collagen was significantly higher for PLTs stored in full plasma than for PLTs stored in PAS-II or Composol.

CONCLUSIONS

Storage of PLTs in the presence of AS under blood bank conditions induces deterioration of the PLT responsiveness to ADP compared to PLT concentrates in 100 percent plasma. Higher plasma-to-AS ratios result in better preserved responses.

A local mechanism mediates NAD-dependent protection of axon degeneration

Axon degeneration occurs frequently in neurodegenerative diseases and peripheral neuropathies. Important insight into the mechanisms of axon degeneration arose from findings that the degeneration of transected axons is delayed in Wallerian degeneration slow (Wlds) mice with the overexpression of a fusion protein with the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) synthetic enzyme, nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase (Nmnat1). Although both Wld^s and Nmnat1 themselves are functional in preventing axon degeneration in neuronal cultures, the underlying mechanism for Nmnat1- and NAD-mediated axon protection remains largely unclear. We demonstrate that NAD levels decrease in degenerating axons and that preventing this axonal NAD decline efficiently protects axons from degeneration. In support of a local protective mechanism, we show that the degeneration of axonal segments that have been separated from their soma could be prevented by the exogenous application of NAD or its precursor nicotinamide. Furthermore, we provide evidence that such Nmnat1/NAD-mediated protection is primarily mediated by their effects on local bioenergetics. Together, our results suggest a novel molecular pathway for axon degeneration.

HPRTSardinia: a new point mutation causing HPRT deficiency without Lesch-Nyhan disease

Hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) deficiency always causing hyperuricemia presents various degrees of neurological manifestations, the most severe which is Lesch-Nyhan syndrome. The HPRT gene is situated in the region Xq26-q27.2 and consists of 9 exons. At least 300 different mutations at different sites in the HPRT coding region from exon 1 to exon 9 have been identified. A new mutation in the HPRT gene has been determined in one patient with complete deficiency of erythrocyte activity, with hyperuricemia and gout but without Lesch-Nyhan disease. Analysis of cultured fibroblasts revealed minimal residual HPRT activity mainly when guanine was the substrate. Genomic DNA sequencing demonstrated patient's mother heterozygosity for the mutation and no mutation in her brother. The mutation consists in a C-->T transversion at cDNA base 463 (C463T) in exon 6, resulting in proline to serine substitution at codon 155 (P155S). This mutation had not been reported previously and has been designated HPRT(Sardinia). The mutation identified in this patient allows some expression of functional enzyme in nucleated cells such as fibroblasts, indicating that such cell type may add further information to conventional blood analysis. A multicentre survey gathering patients with variant neurological forms could contribute to understand the pathophysiology of the neurobehavioral symptoms of HPRT deficiency.

NAD+ modulates p53 DNA binding specificity and function

DNA damage induces p53 DNA binding activity, which affects tumorigenesis, tumor responses to therapies, and the toxicities of cancer therapies (B. Vogelstein, D. Lane, and A. J. Levine, Nature 408:307-310, 2000; K. H. Vousden and X. Lu, Nat. Rev. Cancer 2:594-604, 2002). Both transcriptional and transcription-independent activities of p53 contribute to DNA damage-induced cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and aneuploidy prevention (M. B. Kastan et al., Cell 71:587-597, 1992; K. H. Vousden and X. Lu, Nat. Rev. Cancer 2:594-604, 2002). Small-molecule manipulation of p53 DNA binding activity has been an elusive goal, but here we show that NAD(+) binds to p53 tetramers, induces a conformational change, and modulates p53 DNA binding specificity in vitro. Niacinamide (vitamin B(3)) increases the rate of intracellular NAD(+) synthesis, alters radiation-induced p53 DNA binding specificity, and modulates activation of a subset of p53 transcriptional targets. These effects are likely due to a direct effect of NAD(+) on p53, as a molecule structurally related to part of NAD(+), TDP, also inhibits p53 DNA binding, and the TDP precursor, thiamine (vitamin B(1)), inhibits intracellular p53 activity. Niacinamide and thiamine affect two p53-regulated cellular responses to ionizing radiation: rereplication and apoptosis. Thus, niacinamide and thiamine form a novel basis for the development of small molecules that affect p53 function in vivo, and these results suggest that changes in cellular energy metabolism may regulate p53.

The NAD biosynthesis pathway mediated by nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase regulates Sir2 activity in mammalian cells

Recent studies have revealed new roles for NAD and its derivatives in transcriptional regulation. The evolutionarily conserved Sir2 protein family requires NAD for its deacetylase activity and regulates a variety of biological processes, such as stress response, differentiation, metabolism, and aging. Despite its absolute requirement for NAD, the regulation of Sir2 function by NAD biosynthesis pathways is poorly understood in mammals. In this study, we determined the kinetics of the NAD biosynthesis mediated by nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (Nampt) and nicotinamide/nicotinic acid mononucleotide adenylyltransferase (Nmnat), and we examined its effects on the transcriptional regulatory function of the mouse Sir2 ortholog, Sir2alpha, in mouse fibroblasts. We found that Nampt was the rate-limiting component in this mammalian NAD biosynthesis pathway. Increased dosage of Nampt, but not Nmnat, increased the total cellular NAD level and enhanced the transcriptional regulatory activity of the catalytic domain of Sir2alpha recruited onto a reporter gene in mouse fibroblasts. Gene expression profiling with oligonucleotide microarrays also demonstrated a significant correlation between the expression profiles of Nampt- and Sir2alpha-overexpressing cells. These findings suggest that NAD biosynthesis mediated by Nampt regulates the function of Sir2alpha and thereby plays an important role in controlling various biological events in mammals.

Lactate dehydrogenase is an AU-rich element-binding protein that directly interacts with AUF1

Post-transcriptional pathways provide a major means of regulating eukaryotic gene expression. Reiterations of the AU-rich element (ARE) within the 3'-untranslated region of many cytokine and proto-oncogene mRNAs serve as signals for rapid degradation and translational repression. The identification of this cis-acting stability determinant has fueled the search for ARE-binding proteins (AUBP) that function as trans-acting factors that transduce this function. Previous work identified heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) A1 as a major AUBP capable of binding the ARE of granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) RNA in the context of a full-length mRNA. We report here that functional studies failed to indicate a role for hnRNP A1 in ARE-dependent mRNA turnover. In an effort to identify other functionally relevant AUBP, the major GM-CSF ARE-specific binding protein in cells lacking hnRNP A1 was purified from CB3 mouse erythroleukemia cells. Microsequencing identified this protein as the glycolytic enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) M. RNA binding by LDH was shown to occur in the NAD(+)-binding region (Rossmann fold). Polysome gradient analysis demonstrates that LDH is found in the translationally active fraction. Polysomal localization of LDH was dependent on RNA binding. Moreover, polysomal LDH exists in a complex with AUF1 and hsp-70, which has been implicated previously in the regulation of mRNA turnover. The interaction between LDH and AUF1 is direct as it can be demonstrated in vitro with purified proteins. Collectively these data implicate a role for LDH in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression.

LC/MS analysis of NAD biosynthesis using stable isotope pyridine precursors

A liquid chromatographic-electrospray ionization ion trap mass spectrometry (LC/MS) method has been developed to measure the biosynthetic incorporation of specific precursors into NAD. The stable isotope-labeled precursors tryptophan, quinolinic acid, nicotinic acid, and nicotinamide were added to the media of human liver tumor cells (SK-HEP) grown in culture. The cells were harvested, the NAD was extracted, and the ratio of labeled to unlabeled NAD was measured using the newly developed LC/MS assay. The quantity of NAD formed from each precursor relative to an internal standard (fully labeled 13C, 15N-labeled NAD prepared from baker's yeast) was measured. The detection limit (signal-to-noise ratio 5:1) of the LC/MS method was 37 fmol (25 pg) of NAD and was linear from 20.0 ng to 25 pg. All reported NAD levels were normalized relative to cellular protein measurements. At 50 microM precursor concentrations, nicotinamide was the dominant precursor and NAD levels in the cell rose well above normal levels. Other precursors were minimally incorporated. The same methods were applied to NAD biosynthesized by macrophages derived from peripheral blood monocytes. However, the NAD concentration in macrophages was about 5% of that in SK-HEP cells and the incorporation of stable isotope-labeled substrates remained below measurable levels.

Biochemical and molecular study of mentally retarded patient with partial deficiency of hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase

Nucleotide metabolism was studied in erythrocytes of a mentally retarded child and family members. Partial hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) deficiency was found in the propositus and an asymptomatic maternal uncle. Studies in crude lysates demonstrated decreased apparent V(max) and slightly decreased apparent K(m) for hypoxanthine in both HPRT-deficient subjects. Genomic DNA analysis revealed a single nucleotide change with leucine-147 to phenylalanine substitution in both subjects; mother and grandmother were heterozygous carriers of the same defect. This new variant has been termed HPRT(Potenza). Increased erythrocyte concentration of NAD and rate of synthesis by intact erythrocytes were found in the patient; increased activities of nicotinic acid phosphoribosyltransferase (NAPRT) and NAD synthetase (NADs) were demonstrated in erythrocyte lysates, with normal apparent K(m) for their substrates and increased V(max). These alterations were not found in any member of the family, including the HPRT-deficient uncle. These findings show multiple derangement of nucleotide metabolism associated with partial HPRT deficiency. The enzyme alteration was presumably not the cause of neurological impairment since no neurological symptoms were found in the HPRT-deficient uncle, whereas they were present in the propositus' elder brother who had normal HPRT activity.

Identification of a plasmid-encoded gene from Haemophilus ducreyi which confers NAD independence

Members of the family Pasteurellaceae are classified in part by whether or not they require an NAD supplement for growth on laboratory media. In this study, we demonstrate that this phenotype can be determined by a single gene, nadV, whose presence allows NAD-independent growth of Haemophilus influenzae and Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae. This gene was cloned from a 5.2-kb plasmid which was previously shown to be responsible for NAD independence in Haemophilus ducreyi. When transformed into A. pleuropneumoniae, this cloned gene allowed NAD-independent growth on complex media and allowed the utilization of nicotinamide in place of NAD on defined media. Sequence analysis revealed an open reading frame of 1,482 bp that is predicted to encode a protein with a molecular mass of 55,619 Da. Compared with the sequence databases, NadV was found to have significant sequence homology to the human pre-B-cell colony-enhancing factor PBEF and to predicted proteins of unknown function identified in the bacterial species Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Shewanella putrefaciens, Synechocystis sp., Deinococcus radiodurans, Pasteurella multocida, and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans. P. multocida and A. actinomycetemcomitans are among the NAD-independent members of the Pasteurellaceae. Homologues of NadV were not found in the sequenced genome of H. influenzae, an NAD-dependent member of the Pasteurellaceae, or in species known to utilize a different pathway for synthesis of NAD, such as Escherichia coli. Sequence alignment of these nine homologues revealed regions and residues of complete conservation that may be directly involved in the enzymatic activity. Identification of a function for this gene in the Pasteurellaceae should help to elucidate the role of its homologues in other species.

Enzyme activities leading to NAD synthesis in human lymphocytes

Pyridine nucleotide levels and the activities of enzymes involved in NAD synthesis (nicotinic acid phosphoribosyltransferase, nicotinic acid- and nicotinamide mononucleotide-adenylyltransferase) have been assayed in human normal lymphocytes by an HPLC method using radioactive or nonradioactive substrates. NAD concentration was 46.4 +/- 17.2 pmol 10(-6) cells, and that of NADP was 14.5 +/- 3.9 pmol 10(-6) cells (mean +/- standard deviation). The adenylyltransferase activity using nicotinic acid mononucleotide as substrate was 1.530 +/- 0.216 nmol h(-1) 10(-6) cells, using nicotinamide mononucleotide was 1.466 +/- 0.354 nmol h(-1) 10(-6) cells. The apparent K(M) values were 0.015 mM for the former substrate and 0.167 mM for the latter. The mean activity of nicotinic acid phosphoribosyltransferase was 0.038 +/- 0.014 nmol h(-1) 10(-6) cells, and the apparent K(M) for nicotinic acid was 0.165 mM. The proposed methods, easy and rapid to perform, are reliable and sensitive, avoiding the use of radiolabels except for NAPRT and displaying a very low activity. The reported findings, together with the previous ones in human erythrocytes, can provide an useful base to investigate NAD metabolism in humans through the study of blood cells.

Cytosolic 5'-nucleotidase hyperactivity in erythrocytes of Lesch-Nyhan syndrome patients

Lesch-Nyhan syndrome is a metabolic-neurological syndrome caused by the X-linked deficiency of the purine salvage enzyme hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT). Metabolic consequences of HGPRT deficiency have been clarified, but the connection with the neurological manifestations is still unknown. Much effort has been directed to finding other alterations in purine nucleotides in different cells of Lesch-Nyhan patients. A peculiar finding was the measure of appreciable amount of Z-nucleotides in red cells. We found significantly higher IMP-GMP-specific 5'-nucleotidase activity in the erythrocytes of seven patients with Lesch-Nyhan syndrome than in healthy controls. The same alteration was found in one individual with partial HGPRT deficiency displaying a severe neurological syndrome, and in two slightly hyperuricemic patients with a psychomotor delay. Since ZMP was a good substrate of 5'-nucleotidase producing Z-riboside, we incubated murine and human cultured neuronal cells with this nucleoside and found that it is toxic for our models, promoting apoptosis. This finding suggests an involvement of the toxicity of the Z-riboside in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders in Lesch-Nyhan syndrome and possibly in other pediatric neurological syndromes of uncertain origin.

Hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase deficiency and erythrocyte synthesis of pyridine coenzymes

Purine and pyridine metabolism were studied in ten Lesch-Nyhan patients, with virtually no hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) activity in erythrocytes. Increased NAD erythrocyte concentrations were found in all patients. Raised activities of two enzymes catalysing NAD synthesis from nicotinic acid (nicotinic acid phosphoribosyltransferase: NAPRT, and NAD synthetase: NADs) was found in erythrocyte lysates from all patients. The two enzymes had normal apparent Km for their substrates and increased Vmax. The rate of synthesis of pyridine nucleotides from nicotinic acid by intact erythrocytes in vitro was also increased in most patients. These findings suggest that raised NAD concentrations in HPRT- erythrocytes are due to enhanced synthesis as a result of increased enzyme activities.