Homozygous intronic mutation leading to inefficient transcription combined with a novel frameshift mutation in F13A1 gene causes FXIII deficiency

Genetic landscape in coagulation factor XIII associated defects – Advances in coagulation and beyond

Coagulation factor XIII (FXIII) acts as a fine fulcrum in blood plasma that maintains the balance between bleeding and thrombosis by covalently crosslinking the pre-formed fibrin clot into an insoluble one that is resistant to premature fibrinolysis. In plasma, FXIII circulates as a pro-transglutaminase complex composed of the dimeric catalytic FXIII-A encoded by the F13A1 gene and dimeric carrier/regulatory FXIII-B subunits encoded by the F13B gene. Growing evidence accumulated over decades of exhaustive research shows that not only does FXIII play major roles in both pathological extremes of hemostasis i.e. bleeding and thrombosis, but that it is, in fact, a pleiotropic protein with physiological roles beyond coagulation. However, the current FXIII genetic-epidemiological literature is overwhelmingly derived from the bleeding pathology associated with its deficiency. In this article we review the current clinical, functional, and molecular understanding of this fascinating multifaceted protein, especially putting into the same perspective its genetic landscape.

[Study on the molecular mechanisms of a novel large deletion of FXIIIA mRNA in a new hereditary factor XIII deficiency]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the mechanisms of DelCD11-279 of factor XIII subunit A mRNA in the pathogenesis of hereditary factor XIII deficiency.

METHODS

The recombinant plasmids containing pET-22b(+)/FXIIIA of normal subject and proband's mother and pET-22b(+)/FXIIIA-Del of the proband were constructed and transformed into E. coli BL21. Expressing protein was analyzed by the SDS-PAGE and purified by Ni-NTA resin. Purified proteins were detected by the Western-blot. The activity of purified protein was detected by the incorporation test with EZ-LinkTM5-(Biotinamido) Pentylamine.

RESULTS

The recombinant plasmids containing pET-22b(+)/FXIIIA and pET-22b(+)/FXIIIA-Del which constructed and identified successfully by enzyme digestion and PCR, were transformed into E. coli BL21 and efficiently expressed by IPTG induction. The molecular weights of expressing proteins are 83 200 and 51 900 by the SDS-PAGE. Expressing proteins were purified by Ni-NTA resin, and were proved to be human FXIIIA proteins by Western-blot. Purified protein activity of proband's mother and proband was 95.87% and 0 of the purified FXIIIA protein activity from the normal subject, respectively.

CONCLUSION

DelCD11-279 of FXIIIA mRNA which encoding a 464 amino acids of inactive FXIIIA protein is one of the molecular mechanisms resulting in FXIII deficiency in the patient.

Sp1/Sp3 transcription factors regulate hallmarks of megakaryocyte maturation and platelet formation and function

Sp1 and Sp3 belong to the specificity proteins (Sp)/Krüppel-like transcription factor family. They are closely related, ubiquitously expressed, and recognize G-rich DNA motifs. They are thought to regulate generic processes such as cell-cycle and growth control, metabolic pathways, and apoptosis. Ablation of Sp1 or Sp3 in mice is lethal, and combined haploinsufficiency results in hematopoietic defects during the fetal stages. Here, we show that in adult mice, conditional pan-hematopoietic (Mx1-Cre) ablation of either Sp1 or Sp3 has minimal impact on hematopoiesis, whereas the simultaneous loss of Sp1 and Sp3 results in severe macrothrombocytopenia. This occurs in a cell-autonomous manner as shown by megakaryocyte-specific (Pf4-Cre) double-knockout mice. We employed flow cytometry, cell culture, and electron microscopy and show that although megakaryocyte numbers are normal in bone marrow and spleen, they display a less compact demarcation membrane system and a striking inability to form proplatelets. Through megakaryocyte transcriptomics and platelet proteomics, we identified several cytoskeleton-related proteins and downstream effector kinases, including Mylk, that were downregulated upon Sp1/Sp3 depletion, providing an explanation for the observed defects in megakaryopoiesis. Supporting this notion, selective Mylk inhibition by ML7 affected proplatelet formation and stabilization and resulted in defective ITAM receptor-mediated platelet aggregation.

Coagulation factor XIII deficiency. Diagnosis, prevalence and management of inherited and acquired forms

The plasma circulating zymogenic coagulation factor XIII (FXIII) is a protransglutaminase, which upon activation by thrombin and calcium cross-links preformed fibrin clots/fibrinolytic inhibitors making them mechanically stable and less susceptible to fibrinolysis. The zymogenic plasma FXIII molecule is a heterotetramer composed of two catalytic FXIII-A and two protective FXIII-B subunits. Factor XIII deficiency resulting from inherited or acquired causes can result in pathological bleeding episodes. A diverse spectrum of mutations have been reported in the F13A1 and F13B genes which cause inherited severe FXIII deficiency. The inherited severe FXIII deficiency, which is a rare coagulation disorder with a prevalence of 1 in 4 million has been the prime focus of clinical and genetic investigations owing to the severity of the bleeding phenotype associated with it. Recently however, with a growing understanding into the pleiotropic roles of FXIII, the fairly frequent milder form of FXIII deficiency caused by heterozygous mutations has become one of the subjects of investigative research. The acquired form of FXIII deficiency is usually caused by generation of autoantibodies or hyperconsumption in other disease states such as disseminated intravascular coagulation. Here, we update the knowledge about the pathophysiology of factor XIII deficiency and its therapeutic options.

In vitro secretion deficits are common among human coagulation factor XIII subunit B missense mutants: correlations with patient phenotypes and molecular models

Coagulation factor XIII (FXIII) proenzyme circulates in plasma as a heterotetramer composed of two each of A and B subunits. Upon activation, the B subunits dissociate from the A subunit dimer, which gains transglutaminase activity to cross-link preformed fibrin clots increasing mechanical strength and resistance to degradation. The B subunits are thought to possess a carrier/protective function before FXIII activation. Mutations in either A or B subunits are associated with pathological patient phenotypes characterized by mild to severe bleeding. In vitro expression of FXIII B subunit (FXIIIB) missense variants in HEK293T cells revealed impaired secretion for all seven variants studied. To investigate the likely molecular environments of the missense residues, we created molecular models of individual FXIIIB Sushi domains using phylogenetically similar complement factor H Sushi domain structural templates. Assessment of the local molecular environments for the models suggested surface or buried positions for each mutant residue and possible pathological mechanisms. The in vitro expression system and in silico analytical methods and models we developed can be used to further investigate the molecular basis of FXIIIB mutation pathologies.