1
|
Sewerin S, Aurnhammer C, Skubic C, Blagotinšek Cokan K, Jeruc J, Rozman D, Pfister F, Dittrich K, Mayer B, Schönauer R, Petzold F, Halbritter J. Mechanisms of pathogenicity and the quest for genetic modifiers of kidney disease in branchiootorenal syndrome. Clin Kidney J 2024; 17:sfad260. [PMID: 38213489 PMCID: PMC10783239 DOI: 10.1093/ckj/sfad260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Backgound Branchiootorenal (BOR) syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by pathogenic EYA1 variants and clinically characterized by auricular malformations with hearing loss, branchial arch anomalies, and congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract. BOR phenotypes are highly variable and heterogenous. While random monoallelic expression is assumed to explain this phenotypic heterogeneity, the potential role of modifier genes has not yet been explored. Methods Through thorough phenotyping and exome sequencing, we studied one family with disease presentation in at least four generations in both clinical and genetic terms. Functional investigation of the single associated EYA1 variant c.1698+1G>A included splice site analysis and assessment of EYA1 distribution in patient-derived fibroblasts. The candidate modifier gene CYP51A1 was evaluated by histopathological analysis of murine Cyp51+/- and Cyp51-/- kidneys. As the gene encodes the enzyme lanosterol 14α-demethylase, we assessed sterol intermediates in patient blood samples as well. Results The EYA1 variant c.1698+1G>A resulted in functional deletion of the EYA domain by exon skipping. The EYA domain mediates protein-protein interactions between EYA1 and co-regulators of transcription. EYA1 abundance was reduced in the nuclear compartment of patient-derived fibroblasts, suggesting impaired nuclear translocation of these protein complexes. Within the affected family, renal phenotypes spanned from normal kidney function in adulthood to chronic kidney failure in infancy. By analyzing exome sequencing data for variants that potentially play roles as genetic modifiers, we identified a canonical splice site alteration in CYP51A1 as the strongest candidate variant. Conclusion In this study, we demonstrate pathogenicity of EYA1 c.1698+1G>A, propose a mechanism for dysfunction of mutant EYA1, and conjecture CYP51A1 as a potential genetic modifier of renal involvement in BOR syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Sewerin
- Division of Nephrology, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
- Current affiliation: Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Cene Skubic
- Institute of Biochemistry, Centre for Functional Genomics and Bio-Chips, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Kaja Blagotinšek Cokan
- Institute of Biochemistry, Centre for Functional Genomics and Bio-Chips, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jera Jeruc
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damjana Rozman
- Institute of Biochemistry, Centre for Functional Genomics and Bio-Chips, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Frederick Pfister
- Institute of Pathology, University of Erlangen Medical Center, Erlangen, Germany
- Current affiliation: Humanpathologie Dr. med. Manfred Weiß MVZ GmbH, Erlangen-Tennenlohe, Germany
| | - Katalin Dittrich
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Brigitte Mayer
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, University of Dresden Medical Center, Dresden, Germany
| | - Ria Schönauer
- Division of Nephrology, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
- Current affiliation: Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Friederike Petzold
- Division of Nephrology, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jan Halbritter
- Division of Nephrology, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
- Current affiliation: Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Martin L, Marbach S, Zimba P, Liu Q, Xu W. Uptake of Nanoplastic particles by zebrafish embryos triggers the macrophage response at early developmental stage. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 341:140069. [PMID: 37673181 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution continues to erupt as a global ecological concern. As plastic debris is degraded into nanoscale and microscale particles via biodegradation, UV-irradiation, and mechanical processes, nanoplastic pollution arises as a threat to virtually every biological and ecological system on the planet. In this study, zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos were exposed to fluorescently labeled plastic particles at nanoscales (30 nm and 100 nm). The uptake of both the nanoplastic particles (NPs) was found to exponentially increase with incubation time. Penetration of NPs through the natural barrier of the zebrafish embryos, the chorion, was observed prior to the hatching of the embryo. As a result, the NPs were found to accumulate on the body surface as well as inside the body of the zebrafish. The invasion of NPs into zebrafish embryos induced the upregulation of several stress and immune response genes including interleukins (il6 and il1b), cytochrome P450 (cyp1a and cyp51), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) removal protein-encoding genes (sod and cat). This suggested the initiation of ROS generation and removal as well as the activation of the immune response of zebrafish embryos. Colocalization of macrophages and NPs in zebrafish embryos indicated the involvement of macrophage response to the NP invasion at the early developmental stage of zebrafish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leisha Martin
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Science, Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX, USA
| | - Sandra Marbach
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Science, Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX, USA
| | - Paul Zimba
- Center for Coastal Studies, Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX, USA; Rice Rivers Center, VA Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Qianqian Liu
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Science, Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX, USA
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Science, Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX, USA; Center for Coastal Studies, Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yin J, Fu J, Shao Y, Xu J, Li H, Chen C, Zhao Y, Zheng Z, Yu C, Zheng L, Wang B. CYP51-mediated cholesterol biosynthesis is required for the proliferation of CD4 + T cells in Sjogren's syndrome. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:1691-1711. [PMID: 36413274 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-022-00939-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
CYtochrome P450, family 51 (CYP51) is an important enzyme for de novo cholesterol synthesis in mammalian cells. In the present study, we found that the expression of CYP51 positively correlated with CD4+ T cell activation both in vivo and in vitro. The addition of ketoconazole, a pharmacological inhibitor of CYP51, prevented the proliferation and activation of anti-CD3/CD28-expanded mouse CD4+ T cells in a dose-dependent fashion. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry indicated an increase in levels of lanosterol in T cells treated with ketoconazole during activation. Ketoconazole-induced blockade of the cholesterol synthesis pathway also caused Sterol regulatory element binding protein 2 (SREBP2) activation in CD4+ T cells. Additionally, ketoconazole treatment elicited an integrated stress response in T cells that up-regulated activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) and DNA-damage inducible transcript 3 (DDIT3/CHOP) at the translational level. Furthermore, treatment with ketoconazole significantly decreased the amount of CD4+ T cells infiltrating lesions in the submandibular glands of NOD/Ltj mice. In summary, our results suggest that CYP51 plays an essential role in the proliferation and survival of CD4+ T cells, which makes ketoconazole an inhibitor of CD4+ T cell proliferation and of the SS-like autoimmune response through regulating the biosynthesis of cholesterol and inducing the integrated stress response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junhao Yin
- Department of Oral Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiayao Fu
- Department of Oral Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanxiong Shao
- Department of Oral Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiabao Xu
- Department of Oral Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Oral Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Changyu Chen
- Department of Oral Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yijie Zhao
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Fudan University, 1258 Fuxin Zhong Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhanglong Zheng
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Tongji University, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Tooth Restoration and Regeneration, Shanghai, China
| | - Chuangqi Yu
- Department of Oral Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingyan Zheng
- Department of Oral Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
- National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, China.
| | - Baoli Wang
- Department of Oral Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
- National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bandyopadhyay D, Basu S, Mukherjee I, Chakrabarti S, Chakrabarti P, Mukherjee K, Bhattacharyya SN. Accelerated export of Dicer1 from lipid-challenged hepatocytes buffers cellular miRNA-122 levels and prevents cell death. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:104999. [PMID: 37394005 PMCID: PMC10413358 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocytes on exposure to high levels of lipids reorganize the metabolic program while fighting against the toxicity associated with elevated cellular lipids. The mechanism of this metabolic reorientation and stress management in lipid-challenged hepatocytes has not been well explored. We have noted the lowering of miR-122, a liver-specific miRNA, in the liver of mice fed with either a high-fat diet or a methionine-choline-deficient diet that is associated with increased fat accumulation in mice liver. Interestingly, low miR-122 levels are attributed to the enhanced extracellular export of miRNA processor enzyme Dicer1 from hepatocytes in the presence of high lipids. Export of Dicer1 can also account for the increased cellular levels of pre-miR-122-the substrate of Dicer1. Interestingly, restoration of Dicer1 levels in the mouse liver resulted in a strong inflammatory response and cell death in the presence of high lipids. Increasing death of hepatocytes was found to be caused by increased miR-122 levels in hepatocytes restored for Dicer1. Thus, the Dicer1 export by hepatocytes seems to be a key mechanism to combat lipotoxic stress by shunting out miR-122 from stressed hepatocytes. Finally, as part of this stress management, we determined that the Ago2-interacting pool of Dicer1, responsible for mature microribonucleoprotein formation in mammalian cells, gets depleted. miRNA-binder and exporter protein HuR is found to accelerate Ago2-Dicer1 uncoupling to ensure export of Dicer1 via extracellular vesicles in lipid-loaded hepatocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diptankar Bandyopadhyay
- RNA Biology Research Laboratory, Molecular Genetics Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | - Sudarshana Basu
- RNA Biology Research Laboratory, Molecular Genetics Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India; Department of Molecular Biology, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) Kolkata, India
| | - Ishita Mukherjee
- Structural Biology and Bio-Informatics Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | - Saikat Chakrabarti
- Structural Biology and Bio-Informatics Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | - Partha Chakrabarti
- Metabolic Disease Laboratory, Cell Biology and Physiology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | - Kamalika Mukherjee
- RNA Biology Research Laboratory, Molecular Genetics Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India; Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Suvendra N Bhattacharyya
- RNA Biology Research Laboratory, Molecular Genetics Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India; Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, Nebraska, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Jin Q, Li G, Qin K, Shang Y, Yan H, Liu H, Zeng B, Hu Z. The expression pattern, subcellular localization and function of three sterol 14α-demethylases in Aspergillus oryzae. Front Genet 2023; 14:1009746. [PMID: 36755574 PMCID: PMC9899854 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1009746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Sterol 14α-demethylase catalyzes lanosterol hydroxylation, which is one of the key reactions in the biosynthetic pathway of sterols. There is only one sterol 14α-demethylases gene named Erg11 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome. In this study, three sterol 14α-demethylases genes named AoErg11A, AoErg11B and AoErg11C were identified in Aspergillus oryzae genome through bioinformatics analysis. The function of these three genes were studied by yeast complementation, and the expression pattern/subcellular localization of these genes/proteins were detected. The results showed that the three AoErg11s were expressed differently at different growth times and under different abiotic stresses. All of the three proteins were located in endoplasmic reticulum. The AoErg11s could not restore the temperature-sensitive phenotype of S. cerevisiae erg11 mutant. Overexpression of the three AoErg11s affected both growth and sporulation, which may be due to the effect of AoErg11s on ergosterol content. Therefore, this study revealed the functions of three AoErg11s and their effects on the growth and ergosterol biosynthesis of A. oryzae, which may contribute to the further understanding of the ergosterol biosynthesis and regulation mechanism in this important filamentous fungus, A. oryzae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qi Jin
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Bioprocess Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Ganghua Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Edible Wild Plants Conservation and Utilization, Hubei Normal University, Huangshi, China
| | - Kunhai Qin
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Bioprocess Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yitong Shang
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Bioprocess Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Huanhuan Yan
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Bioprocess Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Hongliang Liu
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Bioprocess Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Bin Zeng
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, China,*Correspondence: Zhihong Hu, ; Bin Zeng,
| | - Zhihong Hu
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Bioprocess Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, China,*Correspondence: Zhihong Hu, ; Bin Zeng,
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Context-Specific Genome-Scale Metabolic Modelling and Its Application to the Analysis of COVID-19 Metabolic Signatures. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13010126. [PMID: 36677051 PMCID: PMC9866716 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13010126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs) have found numerous applications in different domains, ranging from biotechnology to systems medicine. Herein, we overview the most popular algorithms for the automated reconstruction of context-specific GEMs using high-throughput experimental data. Moreover, we describe different datasets applied in the process, and protocols that can be used to further automate the model reconstruction and validation. Finally, we describe recent COVID-19 applications of context-specific GEMs, focusing on the analysis of metabolic implications, identification of biomarkers and potential drug targets.
Collapse
|
7
|
Mao YJ, Ying MM, Xu G. Identification of hub genes and small molecule therapeutic drugs related to simple steatosis with secondary analysis of existing microarray data. ALL LIFE 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/26895293.2022.2114550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Jie Mao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Miao-Miao Ying
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Gang Xu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Guimarães Nunes IJ, Feltes BC, David MZ, Dorn M. Gene Expression Variation Analysis (GEVA): a new R package to evaluate variations in differential expression in multiple biological conditions. J Biomed Inform 2022; 129:104053. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbi.2022.104053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
9
|
Cokan KB, Hancock JM, Spindelböck W, Režen T, Juvan P, Rozman D. Matching mouse models to specific human liver disease states by comparative functional genomics of mouse and human datasets. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2022; 1865:194785. [PMID: 34971790 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2021.194785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Omics has broadened our view of transcriptional and gene regulatory networks of multifactorial diseases, such as metabolism associated liver disease and its advanced stages including hepatocellular carcinoma. Identifying liver disease biomarkers and potential treatment targets makes use of experimental models, e.g. genetically engineered mice, which show molecular features of human pathologies but are experimentally tractable. We compared gene expression profiling data from human to our studies on transgenic mice with hepatocyte deletion of Cyp51 from cholesterol synthesis with the aim of identifying the human liver disease state best matched by the Cyp51 knockout model. Gene Expression Omnibus was used to identify relevant human datasets. We identified enriched and deregulated genes, pathways and transcription factors of mouse and human disease samples. Analysis showed a closer match of the Cyp51 knockout to the female patient samples. Importantly, CYP51 was depleted in both mouse and female human data. Among the enriched genes were the oxysterol-binding protein-related protein 3 (OSBPL3), which was enriched in all datasets, and the collagen gene COL1A2, which was enriched in both the mouse and one human dataset. KEGG and Reactome analyses revealed the most enriched pathway to be ECM-receptor interaction. Numerous transcription factors were differentially expressed in mice of both sexes and in the human female dataset, while depleted HNF4α and RXRα:PPARα-isoform1 were a hallmark in all cases. Our analysis exposed novel potential biomarkers, which may provide new avenues towards more personalized approaches and different targets in females and males. The analysis was only possible because of availability of open data resources and tools and broadly consistent annotation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaja Blagotinšek Cokan
- Centre for Functional Genomics and Bio-Chips, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - John M Hancock
- Centre for Functional Genomics and Bio-Chips, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Walter Spindelböck
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Tadeja Režen
- Centre for Functional Genomics and Bio-Chips, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Peter Juvan
- Centre for Functional Genomics and Bio-Chips, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damjana Rozman
- Centre for Functional Genomics and Bio-Chips, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Walakira A, Rozman D, Režen T, Mraz M, Moškon M. Guided extraction of genome-scale metabolic models for the integration and analysis of omics data. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:3521-3530. [PMID: 34194675 PMCID: PMC8225705 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Omics data can be integrated into a reference model using various model extraction methods (MEMs) to yield context-specific genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs). How to chose the appropriate MEM, thresholding rule and threshold remains a challenge. We integrated mouse transcriptomic data from a Cyp51 knockout mice diet experiment (GSE58271) using five MEMs (GIMME, iMAT, FASTCORE, INIT an tINIT) in a combination with a recently published mouse GEM iMM1865. Except for INIT and tINIT, the size of extracted models varied with the MEM used (t-test: p-value < 0.001). The Jaccard index of iMAT models ranged from 0.27 to 1.0. Out of the three factors under study in the experiment (diet, gender and genotype), gender explained most of the variability ( > 90%) in PC1 for FASTCORE. In iMAT, each of the three factors explained less than 40% of the variability within PC1, PC2 and PC3. Among all the MEMs, FASTCORE captured the most of the true variability in the data by clustering samples by gender. Our results show that for the efficient use of MEMs in the context of omics data integration and analysis, one should apply various MEMs, thresholding rules, and thresholding values to select the MEM and its configuration that best captures the true variability in the data. This selection can be guided by the methodology as proposed and used in this paper. Moreover, we describe certain approaches that can be used to analyse the results obtained with the selected MEM and to put these results in a biological context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Walakira
- Centre for Functional Genomics and Bio-Chips, Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damjana Rozman
- Centre for Functional Genomics and Bio-Chips, Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tadeja Režen
- Centre for Functional Genomics and Bio-Chips, Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Miha Mraz
- Faculty of Computer and Information Science, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Miha Moškon
- Faculty of Computer and Information Science, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kočar E, Režen T, Rozman D. Cholesterol, lipoproteins, and COVID-19: Basic concepts and clinical applications. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2021; 1866:158849. [PMID: 33157278 PMCID: PMC7610134 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2020.158849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cholesterol is being recognized as a molecule involved in regulating the entry of the SARS-CoV-2 virus into the host cell. However, the data about the possible role of cholesterol carrying lipoproteins and their receptors in relation to infection are scarce and the connection of lipid-associated pathologies with COVID-19 disease is in its infancy. Herein we provide an overview of lipids and lipid metabolism in relation to COVID-19, with special attention on different forms of cholesterol. Cholesterol enriched lipid rafts represent a platform for viruses to enter the host cell by endocytosis. Generally, higher membrane cholesterol coincides with higher efficiency of COVID-19 entry. Inversely, patients with COVID-19 show lowered levels of blood cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and low-density lipoproteins. The modulated efficiency of viral entry can be explained by availability of SR-B1 receptor. HDL seems to have a variety of roles, from being itself a scavenger for viruses, an immune modulator and mediator of viral entry. Due to inverse roles of membrane cholesterol and lipoprotein cholesterol in COVID-19 infected patients, treatment of these patients with cholesterol lowering statins needs more attention. In conclusion, cholesterol and lipoproteins are potential markers for monitoring the viral infection status, while the lipid metabolic pathways and the composition of membranes could be targeted to selectively inhibit the life cycle of the virus as a basis for antiviral therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Kočar
- Centre for Functional Genomics and Bio-Chips, Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Tadeja Režen
- Centre for Functional Genomics and Bio-Chips, Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Damjana Rozman
- Centre for Functional Genomics and Bio-Chips, Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Common Transcriptional Program of Liver Fibrosis in Mouse Genetic Models and Humans. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020832. [PMID: 33467660 PMCID: PMC7830925 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Multifactorial metabolic diseases, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, are a major burden to modern societies, and frequently present with no clearly defined molecular biomarkers. Herein we used system medicine approaches to decipher signatures of liver fibrosis in mouse models with malfunction in genes from unrelated biological pathways: cholesterol synthesis-Cyp51, notch signaling-Rbpj, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling-Ikbkg, and unknown lysosomal pathway-Glmp. Enrichment analyses of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), Reactome and TRANScription FACtor (TRANSFAC) databases complemented with genome-scale metabolic modeling revealed fibrotic signatures highly similar to liver pathologies in humans. The diverse genetic models of liver fibrosis exposed a common transcriptional program with activated estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) signaling, and a network of interactions between regulators of lipid metabolism and transcription factors from cancer pathways and the immune system. The novel hallmarks of fibrosis are downregulated lipid pathways, including fatty acid, bile acid, and steroid hormone metabolism. Moreover, distinct metabolic subtypes of liver fibrosis were proposed, supported by unique enrichment of transcription factors based on the type of insult, disease stage, or potentially, also sex. The discovered novel features of multifactorial liver fibrotic pathologies could aid also in improved stratification of other fibrosis related pathologies.
Collapse
|
13
|
Režen T, Razpotnik R, Ferk P, Juvan P, Rozman D. From Whole Liver to Single Cell Transcriptomics in Sex-Dependent Liver Pathologies. SYSTEMS MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-801238-3.11646-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
|
14
|
Ogris I, Zelenko U, Sosič I, Gobec M, Skubic C, Ivanov M, Soković M, Kocjan D, Rozman D, Golič Grdadolnik S. Pyridylethanol(phenylethyl)amines are non-azole, highly selective Candida albicans sterol 14α-demethylase inhibitors. Bioorg Chem 2020; 106:104472. [PMID: 33261849 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2020.104472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Sterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51) is the main drug target for the treatment of fungal infections. The worldwide increase in the incidence of opportunistic fungal infections and the emerging resistance to available azole-based antifungal drugs, raise the need to develop structurally distinct and selective fungal CYP51 inhibitors. In this work we have, for the first time, investigated the binding of pyridylethanol(phenylethyl)amines to any fungal CYP51. The comparison of the binding to Candida albicans and human CYP51 studied by spectroscopic and modeling methods revealed moieties decisive for selectivity and potency and resulted in the development of highly selective derivatives with significantly increased inhibitory potency. The structure-based insight into the selectivity requirements of this new chemical class of fungal CYP51 inhibitors, their unique binding properties and the low molecular weight of lead derivatives offer novel directions for the targeted development of antifungal clinical candidates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iza Ogris
- Laboratory for Molecular Structural Dynamics, Theory Department, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Urška Zelenko
- Laboratory for Molecular Structural Dynamics, Theory Department, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Izidor Sosič
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Martina Gobec
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Cene Skubic
- Center for Functional Genomics and Bio-Chips, Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marija Ivanov
- Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"- National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marina Soković
- Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"- National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Darko Kocjan
- Laboratory for Molecular Structural Dynamics, Theory Department, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damjana Rozman
- Center for Functional Genomics and Bio-Chips, Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Simona Golič Grdadolnik
- Laboratory for Molecular Structural Dynamics, Theory Department, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Cokan KB, Urlep Ž, Lorbek G, Matz-Soja M, Skubic C, Perše M, Jeruc J, Juvan P, Režen T, Rozman D. Chronic Disruption of the Late Cholesterol Synthesis Leads to Female-Prevalent Liver Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113302. [PMID: 33182326 PMCID: PMC7695248 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hepatocellular carcinoma is a disease with a variety of molecular triggers and is usually reported to prevail in males. However, after the menopause, the disease is also increasing in the female population. Herein, we discovered that chronic depletion of cholesterol synthesis due to the knock-out of the gene Cyp51 from this pathway leads to female prevalent hepatocarcinogenesis in aging mice. There is a high similarity between our mouse model and the situation in humans. Multiple deregulated pathways of hepatocarcinogenesis are shared. A female-dependent metabolic reprogramming leading to this type of liver cancer is exposed for the first time and reflects on deregulated cholesterol synthesis as the metabolic trigger. These data are of crucial importance. Despite the higher overall prevalence of hepatocellular carcinoma in males, we need tools and biomarkers to further stratify patients and offer better diagnosis and treatment options to both sexes. Abstract While the role of cholesterol in liver carcinogenesis remains controversial, hepatocellular carcinoma generally prevails in males. Herein, we uncover pathways of female-prevalent progression to hepatocellular carcinoma due to chronic repression of cholesterogenic lanosterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51) in hepatocytes. Tumors develop in knock-out mice after year one, with 2:1 prevalence in females. Metabolic and transcription factor networks were deduced from the liver transcriptome data, combined by sterol metabolite and blood parameter analyses, and interpreted with relevance to humans. Female knock-outs show increased plasma cholesterol and HDL, dampened lipid-related transcription factors FXR, LXRα:RXRα, and importantly, crosstalk between reduced LXRα and activated TGF-β signalling, indicating a higher susceptibility to HCC in aging females. PI3K/Akt signalling and ECM-receptor interaction are common pathways that are disturbed by sex-specific altered genes. Additionally, transcription factors (SOX9)2 and PPARα were recognized as important for female hepatocarcinogenesis, while overexpressed Cd36, a target of nuclear receptor RORC, is a new male-related regulator of ECM-receptor signalling in hepatocarcinogenesis. In conclusion, we uncover the sex-dependent metabolic reprogramming of cholesterol-related pathways that predispose for hepatocarcinogenesis in aging females. This is important in light of increased incidence of liver cancers in post-menopausal women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaja Blagotinšek Cokan
- Centre for Functional Genomics and Bio-Chips, Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (K.B.C.); (Ž.U.); (G.L.); (C.S.); (P.J.); (T.R.)
| | - Žiga Urlep
- Centre for Functional Genomics and Bio-Chips, Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (K.B.C.); (Ž.U.); (G.L.); (C.S.); (P.J.); (T.R.)
| | - Gregor Lorbek
- Centre for Functional Genomics and Bio-Chips, Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (K.B.C.); (Ž.U.); (G.L.); (C.S.); (P.J.); (T.R.)
| | - Madlen Matz-Soja
- Rudol-Schönheimer-Institute of Biochemistry, Divison of General Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
| | - Cene Skubic
- Centre for Functional Genomics and Bio-Chips, Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (K.B.C.); (Ž.U.); (G.L.); (C.S.); (P.J.); (T.R.)
| | - Martina Perše
- Medical Experimental Centre, Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Jera Jeruc
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Peter Juvan
- Centre for Functional Genomics and Bio-Chips, Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (K.B.C.); (Ž.U.); (G.L.); (C.S.); (P.J.); (T.R.)
| | - Tadeja Režen
- Centre for Functional Genomics and Bio-Chips, Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (K.B.C.); (Ž.U.); (G.L.); (C.S.); (P.J.); (T.R.)
| | - Damjana Rozman
- Centre for Functional Genomics and Bio-Chips, Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (K.B.C.); (Ž.U.); (G.L.); (C.S.); (P.J.); (T.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +386-1-543-7591
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Comte B, Baumbach J, Benis A, Basílio J, Debeljak N, Flobak Å, Franken C, Harel N, He F, Kuiper M, Méndez Pérez JA, Pujos-Guillot E, Režen T, Rozman D, Schmid JA, Scerri J, Tieri P, Van Steen K, Vasudevan S, Watterson S, Schmidt HH. Network and Systems Medicine: Position Paper of the European Collaboration on Science and Technology Action on Open Multiscale Systems Medicine. NETWORK AND SYSTEMS MEDICINE 2020; 3:67-90. [PMID: 32954378 PMCID: PMC7500076 DOI: 10.1089/nsm.2020.0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Network and systems medicine has rapidly evolved over the past decade, thanks to computational and integrative tools, which stem in part from systems biology. However, major challenges and hurdles are still present regarding validation and translation into clinical application and decision making for precision medicine. Methods: In this context, the Collaboration on Science and Technology Action on Open Multiscale Systems Medicine (OpenMultiMed) reviewed the available advanced technologies for multidimensional data generation and integration in an open-science approach as well as key clinical applications of network and systems medicine and the main issues and opportunities for the future. Results: The development of multi-omic approaches as well as new digital tools provides a unique opportunity to explore complex biological systems and networks at different scales. Moreover, the application of findable, applicable, interoperable, and reusable principles and the adoption of standards increases data availability and sharing for multiscale integration and interpretation. These innovations have led to the first clinical applications of network and systems medicine, particularly in the field of personalized therapy and drug dosing. Enlarging network and systems medicine application would now imply to increase patient engagement and health care providers as well as to educate the novel generations of medical doctors and biomedical researchers to shift the current organ- and symptom-based medical concepts toward network- and systems-based ones for more precise diagnoses, interventions, and ideally prevention. Conclusion: In this dynamic setting, the health care system will also have to evolve, if not revolutionize, in terms of organization and management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Blandine Comte
- Plateforme d'Exploration du Métabolisme, MetaboHUB Clermont, Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UNH, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jan Baumbach
- TUM School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan (WZW), Technical University of Munich (TUM), Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany
| | | | - José Basílio
- Institute of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nataša Debeljak
- Medical Centre for Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Åsmund Flobak
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- The Cancer Clinic, St. Olav's University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Christian Franken
- Digital Health Systems, Einsingen, Germany
- Department of Pharmacology and Personalised Medicine, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Science, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Feng He
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Martin Kuiper
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Juan Albino Méndez Pérez
- Department of Computer Science and Systems Engineering, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Estelle Pujos-Guillot
- Plateforme d'Exploration du Métabolisme, MetaboHUB Clermont, Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UNH, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Tadeja Režen
- Centre for Functional Genomics and Bio-Chips, Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damjana Rozman
- Centre for Functional Genomics and Bio-Chips, Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Johannes A. Schmid
- Institute of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jeanesse Scerri
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Paolo Tieri
- CNR National Research Council, IAC Institute for Applied Computing, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Sona Vasudevan
- Georgetown University Medical Centre, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Steven Watterson
- Northern Ireland Centre for Stratified Medicine, Ulster University, Londonderry, United Kingdom
| | - Harald H.H.W. Schmidt
- Department of Pharmacology and Personalised Medicine, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Science, MeHNS, Maastricht University, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Skubic C, Drakulić Ž, Rozman D. Personalized therapy when tackling nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a focus on sex, genes, and drugs. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2018; 14:831-841. [PMID: 29969922 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2018.1492552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most frequent liver disease in the world. It describes a term for a group of hepatic diseases including steatosis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis that can finally lead to hepatocellular carcinoma. There are many factors influencing NAFLD initiation and progression, such as obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, genetic factors, and hormonal changes. However, there is also lean-NAFLD which is not associated with obesity. NAFLD is considered to be a sexually dimorphic disease. In most cases, men have a higher prevalence for the disease compared to premenopausal women. Areas covered: In this review, we first summarize the NAFLD disease epidemiology, pathology, and diagnosis. We describe NAFLD progression with the focus on sexual and genetic differences for disease development and pharmacological treatment. Personalized treatment for multifactorial NAFLD is discussed in consideration of different factors, including genetics, gender and sex. Expert opinion: The livers of female and male NAFLD patients have different metabolic capacities which influence the metabolism of all drugs applied to such patients. This aspect is not yet sufficiently taken into account. The liver computational models might quicken the pace toward assessing personalized disease progression and treatment options.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cene Skubic
- a Centre for Functional Genomic and Biochips, Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine , University of Ljubljana , Ljubljana , Slovenia
| | - Živa Drakulić
- a Centre for Functional Genomic and Biochips, Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine , University of Ljubljana , Ljubljana , Slovenia
| | - Damjana Rozman
- a Centre for Functional Genomic and Biochips, Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine , University of Ljubljana , Ljubljana , Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Cvitanović Tomaš T, Urlep Ž, Moškon M, Mraz M, Rozman D. LiverSex Computational Model: Sexual Aspects in Hepatic Metabolism and Abnormalities. Front Physiol 2018; 9:360. [PMID: 29706895 PMCID: PMC5907313 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The liver is to date the best example of a sexually dimorphic non-reproductive organ. Over 1,000 genes are differentially expressed between sexes indicating that female and male livers are two metabolically distinct organs. The spectrum of liver diseases is broad and is usually prevalent in one or the other sex, with different contributing genetic and environmental factors. It is thus difficult to predict individual's disease outcomes and treatment options. Systems approaches including mathematical modeling can aid importantly in understanding the multifactorial liver disease etiology leading toward tailored diagnostics, prognostics and therapy. The currently established computational models of hepatic metabolism that have proven to be essential for understanding of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are limited to the description of gender-independent response or reflect solely the response of the males. Herein we present LiverSex, the first sex-based multi-tissue and multi-level liver metabolic computational model. The model was constructed based on in silico liver model SteatoNet and the object-oriented modeling. The crucial factor in adaptation of liver metabolism to the sex is the inclusion of estrogen and androgen receptor responses to respective hormones and the link to sex-differences in growth hormone release. The model was extensively validated on literature data and experimental data obtained from wild type C57BL/6 mice fed with regular chow and western diet. These experimental results show extensive sex-dependent changes and could not be reproduced in silico with the uniform model SteatoNet. LiverSex represents the first large-scale liver metabolic model, which allows a detailed insight into the sex-dependent complex liver pathologies, and how the genetic and environmental factors interact with the sex in disease appearance and progression. We used the model to identify the most important sex-dependent metabolic pathways, which are involved in accumulation of triglycerides representing initial steps of NAFLD. We identified PGC1A, PPARα, FXR, and LXR as regulatory factors that could become important in sex-dependent personalized treatment of NAFLD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Cvitanović Tomaš
- Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Functional Genomics and Bio-Chips, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Žiga Urlep
- Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Functional Genomics and Bio-Chips, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Miha Moškon
- Faculty of Computer and Information Science, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Miha Mraz
- Faculty of Computer and Information Science, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damjana Rozman
- Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Functional Genomics and Bio-Chips, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Yu C, Li Y, Liu M, Gao M, Li C, Yan H, Li C, Sun L, Mo L, Wu C, Qi X, Ren J. Critical Role of Hepatic Cyp450s in the Testis-Specific Toxicity of (5R)-5-Hydroxytriptolide in C57BL/6 Mice. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:832. [PMID: 29209210 PMCID: PMC5702336 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Low solubility, tissue accumulation, and toxicity are chief obstacles to developing triptolide derivatives, so a better understanding of the pharmacokinetics and toxicity of triptolide derivatives will help with these limitations. To address this, we studied pharmacokinetics and toxicity of (5R)-5-hydroxytriptolide (LLDT-8), a novel triptolide derivative immunosuppressant in a conditional knockout (KO) mouse model with liver-specific deletion of CYP450 reductase. Compared to wild type (WT) mice, after LLDT-8 treatment, KO mice suffered severe testicular toxicity (decreased testicular weight, spermatocytes apoptosis) unlike WT mice. Moreover, KO mice had greater LLDT-8 exposure as confirmed with elevated AUC and Cmax, increased drug half-life, and greater tissue distribution. γ-H2AX, a marker of meiosis process, its localization and protein level in testis showed a distinct meiosis block induced by LLDT-8. RNA polymerase II (Pol II), an essential factor for RNA storage and synapsis in spermatogenesis, decreased in testes of KO mice after LLDT-8 treatment. Germ-cell line based assays confirmed that LLDT-8 selectively inhibited Pol II in spermatocyte-like cells. Importantly, the analysis of androgen receptor (AR) related genes showed that LLDT-8 did not change AR-related signaling in testes. Thus, hepatic CYP450s were responsible for in vivo metabolism and clearance of LLDT-8 and aggravated testicular injury may be due to increased LLDT-8 exposure in testis and subsequent Pol II reduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cunzhi Yu
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Li
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mingxia Liu
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Man Gao
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chenggang Li
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Yan
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chunzhu Li
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lihan Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Liying Mo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chunyong Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinming Qi
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Ren
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Režen T, Ogris I, Sever M, Merzel F, Golic Grdadolnik S, Rozman D. Evaluation of Selected CYP51A1 Polymorphisms in View of Interactions with Substrate and Redox Partner. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:417. [PMID: 28713270 PMCID: PMC5492350 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol is essential for development, growth, and maintenance of organisms. Mutations in cholesterol biosynthetic genes are embryonic lethal and few polymorphisms have been so far associated with pathologies in humans. Previous analyses show that lanosterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51A1) from the late part of cholesterol biosynthesis has only a few missense mutations with low minor allele frequencies and low association with pathologies in humans. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of amino acid changes in the natural missense mutations of the hCYP51A1 protein. We searched SNP databases for existing polymorphisms of CYP51A1 and evaluated their effect on protein function. We found rare variants causing detrimental missense mutations of CYP51A1. Some missense variants were also associated with a phenotype in humans. Two missense variants have been prepared for testing enzymatic activity in vitro but failed to produce a P450 spectrum. We performed molecular modeling of three selected missense variants to evaluate the effect of the amino acid substitution on potential interaction with its substrate and the obligatory redox partner POR. We show that two of the variants, R277L and especially D152G, have possibly lower binding potential toward obligatory redox partner POR. D152G and R431H have also potentially lower affinity toward the substrate lanosterol. We evaluated the potential effect of damaging variants also using data from other in vitro CYP51A1 mutants. In conclusion, we propose to include damaging CYP51A1 variants into personalized diagnostics to improve genetic counseling for certain rare disease phenotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tadeja Režen
- Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Functional Genomics and Bio-Chips, Institute of Biochemistry, University of LjubljanaLjubljana, Slovenia
| | - Iza Ogris
- Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Functional Genomics and Bio-Chips, Institute of Biochemistry, University of LjubljanaLjubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marko Sever
- Department of Biomolecular Structure, National Institute of ChemistryLjubljana, Slovenia
| | - Franci Merzel
- Department of Biomolecular Structure, National Institute of ChemistryLjubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Damjana Rozman
- Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Functional Genomics and Bio-Chips, Institute of Biochemistry, University of LjubljanaLjubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Differential lactate and cholesterol synthetic activities in XY and XX Sertoli cells. Sci Rep 2017; 7:41912. [PMID: 28150810 PMCID: PMC5288785 DOI: 10.1038/srep41912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
SRY, a sex-determining gene, induces testis development in chromosomally female (XX) individuals. However, mouse XX Sertoli cells carrying Sry (XX/Sry Sertoli cells) are incapable of fully supporting germ cell development, even when the karyotype of the germ cells is XY. While it has therefore been assumed that XX/Sry Sertoli cells are not functionally equivalent to XY Sertoli cells, it has remained unclear which specific functions are affected. To elucidate the functional difference, we compared the gene expression of XY and XX/Sry Sertoli cells. Lactate and cholesterol metabolisms, essential for nursing the developing germ cells, were down-regulated in XX/Sry cells, which appears to be caused at least in part by the differential expression of histone modification enzymes SMCX/SMCY (H3K4me3 demethylase) and UTX/UTY (H3K27me3 demethylase) encoded by the sex chromosomes. We suggest that down-regulation of lactate and cholesterol metabolism that may be due to altered epigenetic modification affects the nursing functions of XX/Sry Sertoli cells.
Collapse
|
22
|
Disrupting Hepatocyte Cyp51 from Cholesterol Synthesis Leads to Progressive Liver Injury in the Developing Mouse and Decreases RORC Signalling. Sci Rep 2017; 7:40775. [PMID: 28098217 PMCID: PMC5241696 DOI: 10.1038/srep40775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of mice with hepatocyte knockout of lanosterol 14α-demethylase (HCyp51−/−) from cholesterol synthesis is characterized by the progressive onset of liver injury with ductular reaction and fibrosis. These changes begin during puberty and are generally more aggravated in the knockout females. However, a subgroup of (pre)pubertal knockout mice (runts) exhibits a pronounced male prevalent liver dysfunction characterized by downregulated amino acid metabolism and elevated Casp12. RORC transcriptional activity is diminished in livers of all runt mice, in correlation with the depletion of potential RORC ligands subsequent to CYP51 disruption. Further evidence for this comes from the global analysis that identified a crucial overlap between hepatic Cyp51−/− and Rorc−/− expression profiles. Additionally, the reduction in RORA and RORC transcriptional activity was greater in adult HCyp51−/− females than males, which correlates well with their downregulated amino and fatty acid metabolism. Overall, we identify a global and sex-dependent transcriptional de-regulation due to the block in cholesterol synthesis during development of the Cyp51 knockout mice and provide in vivo evidence that sterol intermediates downstream of lanosterol may regulate the hepatic RORC activity.
Collapse
|
23
|
Patel N, Anand D, Monies D, Maddirevula S, Khan AO, Algoufi T, Alowain M, Faqeih E, Alshammari M, Qudair A, Alsharif H, Aljubran F, Alsaif HS, Ibrahim N, Abdulwahab FM, Hashem M, Alsedairy H, Aldahmesh MA, Lachke SA, Alkuraya FS. Novel phenotypes and loci identified through clinical genomics approaches to pediatric cataract. Hum Genet 2016; 136:205-225. [PMID: 27878435 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-016-1747-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Pediatric cataract is highly heterogeneous clinically and etiologically. While mostly isolated, cataract can be part of many multisystem disorders, further complicating the diagnostic process. In this study, we applied genomic tools in the form of a multi-gene panel as well as whole-exome sequencing on unselected cohort of pediatric cataract (166 patients from 74 families). Mutations in previously reported cataract genes were identified in 58% for a total of 43 mutations, including 15 that are novel. GEMIN4 was independently mutated in families with a syndrome of cataract, global developmental delay with or without renal involvement. We also highlight a recognizable syndrome that resembles galactosemia (a fulminant infantile liver disease with cataract) caused by biallelic mutations in CYP51A1. A founder mutation in RIC1 (KIAA1432) was identified in patients with cataract, brain atrophy, microcephaly with or without cleft lip and palate. For non-syndromic pediatric cataract, we map a novel locus in a multiplex consanguineous family on 4p15.32 where exome sequencing revealed a homozygous truncating mutation in TAPT1. We report two further candidates that are biallelically inactivated each in a single cataract family: TAF1A (cataract with global developmental delay) and WDR87 (non-syndromic cataract). In addition to positional mapping data, we use iSyTE developmental lens expression and gene-network analysis to corroborate the proposed link between the novel candidate genes and cataract. Our study expands the phenotypic, allelic and locus heterogeneity of pediatric cataract. The high diagnostic yield of clinical genomics supports the adoption of this approach in this patient group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nisha Patel
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Deepti Anand
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Dorota Monies
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Saudi Human Genome Program, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sateesh Maddirevula
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Arif O Khan
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Talal Algoufi
- Department of Pediatrics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Alowain
- Department of Medical Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eissa Faqeih
- Department of Pediatrics, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muneera Alshammari
- Department of Pediatrics, King Khalid University Hospital and College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Qudair
- Department of Medical Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hadeel Alsharif
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fatimah Aljubran
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hessa S Alsaif
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Niema Ibrahim
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Firdous M Abdulwahab
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mais Hashem
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haifa Alsedairy
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed A Aldahmesh
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Salil A Lachke
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA.,Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Fowzan S Alkuraya
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. .,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Wruck W, Graffmann N, Kawala MA, Adjaye J. Concise Review: Current Status and Future Directions on Research Related to Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Stem Cells 2016; 35:89-96. [PMID: 27374784 DOI: 10.1002/stem.2454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Revised: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 06/18/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Considered a feature of the metabolic syndrome, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is associated with insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, obesity and drug toxicity. Its prevalence is estimated at about 30% in western countries mainly due to sedentary life styles and high fat diets. Genome-wide association studies have identified polymorphisms in several genes, for example, PNPLA3, and TM6SF2 which confer susceptibility to NAFLD. Here, we review recent findings in the NAFLD field with a particular focus on published transcriptomics datasets which we subject to a meta-analysis. We reveal a common gene signature correlating with the progression of the disease from steatosis and steatohepatitis and reveal that lipogenic and cholesterol metabolic pathways are main actors in this signature. We propose the use of disease-in-a-dish models based on hepatocyte-like cells derived from patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC). These will enable investigations into the contribution of genetic background in the progression from NALFD to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Furthermore, an iPSC-based approach should aid in the elucidation of the function of new biomarkers, thus enabling better diagnostic tests and validation of potential drug targets. Stem Cells 2017;35:89-96.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wasco Wruck
- Medical Faculty, Institute for Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Nina Graffmann
- Medical Faculty, Institute for Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Marie-Ann Kawala
- Medical Faculty, Institute for Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - James Adjaye
- Medical Faculty, Institute for Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Lorbek G, Urlep Ž, Rozman D. Pharmacogenomic and personalized approaches to tackle nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Pharmacogenomics 2016; 17:1273-1288. [PMID: 27377717 DOI: 10.2217/pgs-2016-0047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a raising liver disease with increasing prevalence due to the epidemics of obesity and diabetes, with end points in cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. A multitude of genetic and metabolic perturbations, together with environmental factors, likely drive the disease. However, to date only a few genes, primarily PNPLA3 and TM6SF2, associate with NAFLD and there is no specific treatment. In this review we focus on the therapeutical aspects of NAFLD, taking into account drugs and lifestyle interventions. Sex also influences disease progression and treatment outcomes. Lastly, we discuss the present and potential future of personalized approaches to tackle NAFLD and how the known polymorphisms of NAFLD associated genes influence the choice and success of therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gregor Lorbek
- Faculty of Medicine, Center for Functional Genomics & Bio-Chips, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Žiga Urlep
- Faculty of Medicine, Center for Functional Genomics & Bio-Chips, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damjana Rozman
- Faculty of Medicine, Center for Functional Genomics & Bio-Chips, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Cytochrome P450 metabolism of the post-lanosterol intermediates explains enigmas of cholesterol synthesis. Sci Rep 2016; 6:28462. [PMID: 27334049 PMCID: PMC4917857 DOI: 10.1038/srep28462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol synthesis is among the oldest metabolic pathways, consisting of the Bloch and Kandutch-Russell branches. Following lanosterol, sterols of both branches are proposed to be dedicated to cholesterol. We challenge this dogma by mathematical modeling and with experimental evidence. It was not possible to explain the sterol profile of testis in cAMP responsive element modulator tau (Crem τ) knockout mice with mathematical models based on textbook pathways of cholesterol synthesis. Our model differs in the inclusion of virtual sterol metabolizing enzymes branching from the pathway. We tested the hypothesis that enzymes from the cytochrome P450 (CYP) superfamily can participate in the catalysis of non-classical reactions. We show that CYP enzymes can metabolize multiple sterols in vitro, establishing novel branching points of cholesterol synthesis. In conclusion, sterols of cholesterol synthesis can be oxidized further to metabolites not dedicated to production of cholesterol. Additionally, CYP7A1, CYP11A1, CYP27A1, and CYP46A1 are parts of a broader cholesterol synthesis network.
Collapse
|
27
|
Liver-Specific Deletion of SRSF2 Caused Acute Liver Failure and Early Death in Mice. Mol Cell Biol 2016; 36:1628-38. [PMID: 27022105 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.01071-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The liver performs a variety of unique functions critical for metabolic homeostasis. Here, we show that mice lacking the splicing factor SRSF2 but not SRSF1 in hepatocytes have severe liver pathology and biochemical abnormalities. Histological analyses revealed generalized hepatitis with the presence of ballooned hepatocytes and evidence of fibrosis. Molecular analysis demonstrated that SRSF2 governs splicing of multiple genes involved in the stress-induced cell death pathway in the liver. More importantly, SRSF2 also functions as a potent transcription activator, required for efficient expression of transcription factors mainly responsible for energy homeostasis and bile acid metabolism in the liver. Consistent with the effects of SRSF2 in gene regulation, accumulation of total cholesterol and bile acids was prominently observed in the mutant liver, followed by enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species and increased endoplasmic reticulum stress, as revealed by biochemical and ultrastructural analyses. Taking these observations together, inactivation of SRSF2 in liver caused dysregulated splicing events and hepatic metabolic disorders, which trigger endoplasmic reticulum stress, oxidative stress, and finally liver failure.
Collapse
|
28
|
Baburski AZ, Sokanovic SJ, Bjelic MM, Radovic SM, Andric SA, Kostic TS. Circadian rhythm of the Leydig cells endocrine function is attenuated during aging. Exp Gerontol 2016; 73:5-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2015.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2015] [Revised: 10/11/2015] [Accepted: 11/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
|