1
|
Li X, Hu C, Luo S, Dai F, Li C, Zhou W, Wang J, Chen H, Wang Z, Long T, Jiang L, Tang C. Cav3.2 deletion attenuates nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in mice. Gene 2024; 929:148812. [PMID: 39116959 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148812] [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: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease and represents the main cause of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Cav3.2 is a T-type calcium channel that is widely present in tissues throughout the body and plays a vital role in energy and metabolic balance. However, the effects of Cav3.2 on the NFALD remain unclear. Here, we investigated the role of Cav3.2 channel in the development and progression of NAFLD. After 16 weeks on a high-fat diets (HFD), Cav3.2 knockout (Cav3.2 KO) improved hepatic steatosis, liver injury and metabolic syndrome in an NAFLD mouse model. We provided evidence that Cav3.2 KO inhibited HFD-induced hepatic oxidative stress, inflammation and hepatocyte apoptosis. In addition, Cav3.2 KO also attenuated hepatic lipid accumulation, oxidative stress, inflammation and hepatocyte apoptosis in palmitic acid/oleic acid (PAOA)-treated primary hepatocytes. These results suggest that therapeutic approaches targeting Cav3.2 provide effective approaches for treating NAFLD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xue Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China; Departmentof Anesthesiology, Anhui Provincial Cancer Hospital. Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
| | - Chengyun Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China; Departmentof Anesthesiology, Anhui Provincial Cancer Hospital. Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
| | - Shanshan Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China; Departmentof Anesthesiology, Anhui Provincial Cancer Hospital. Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
| | - Feibiao Dai
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China; Departmentof Anesthesiology, Anhui Provincial Cancer Hospital. Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
| | - Chuanyao Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China
| | - Wanjun Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China
| | - Jiawu Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China; Departmentof Anesthesiology, Anhui Provincial Cancer Hospital. Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.
| | - Tengfei Long
- Department of Radiotherapy, Hefei Ion Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230088, China.
| | - Lai Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China.
| | - Chaoliang Tang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China; Departmentof Anesthesiology, Anhui Provincial Cancer Hospital. Hefei, Anhui 230031, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Svahn F, Solhusløkk Höse K, Stenman A, Liu Y, Calissendorff J, Tham E, Végvári Á, Zubarev RA, Wang N, Korah R, Carling T, Zedenius J, Bränström R, Juhlin CC, Larsson C. Genetic variants and down-regulation of CACNA1H in pheochromocytoma. Endocr Relat Cancer 2024; 31:e230061. [PMID: 38864697 PMCID: PMC11301417 DOI: 10.1530/erc-23-0061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Pheochromocytoma (PCC) and abdominal paraganglioma (aPGL) (together abbreviated PPGL) frequently present with an underlying genetic event in a PPGL driver gene, and additional susceptibility genes are anticipated. Here, we re-analyzed whole-exome sequencing data for PCC patients and identified two patients with rare missense variants in the calcium voltage-gated channel subunit 1H gene (CACNA1H). CACNA1H variants were also found in the clinical setting in PCC patients using targeted sequencing and from analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas database. In total, CACNA1H variants were found in six PCC cases. Three of these were constitutional, and two are known to have functional consequences on hormone production and gene expression in primary aldosteronism and aldosterone-producing adrenocortical adenoma. In general, PPGL exhibited reduced CACNA1H mRNA expression as compared to normal adrenal. Immunohistochemistry showed strong CACNA1H (CaV3.2) staining in adrenal medulla while PPGL typically had weak or negative staining. Reduced CACNA1H gene expression was especially pronounced in PCC compared to aPGL and in PPGL with cluster 2 kinase signaling phenotype. Furthermore, CACNA1H levels correlated with HIF1A and HIF2A. Moreover, TCGA data revealed a correlation between CACNA1H methylation density and gene expression. Expression of rCacna1h in PC12 cells induced differential protein expression profiles, determined by mass spectrometry, as well as a shift in the membrane potential where maximum calcium currents were observed, as determined by electrophysiology. The findings suggest the involvement of CACNA1H/CaV3.2 in pheochromocytoma development and establish a potential link between the etiology of adrenomedullary and adrenocortical tumor development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fredrika Svahn
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Adam Stenman
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Breast, Endocrine Tumors and Sarcoma, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yaxuan Liu
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Breast Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jan Calissendorff
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Emma Tham
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ákos Végvári
- Division of Chemistry I, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Roman A Zubarev
- Division of Chemistry I, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Na Wang
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Reju Korah
- Yale Endocrine Neoplasia Laboratory, Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Tobias Carling
- Yale Endocrine Neoplasia Laboratory, Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Carling Adrenal Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Jan Zedenius
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Breast, Endocrine Tumors and Sarcoma, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Robert Bränström
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Breast, Endocrine Tumors and Sarcoma, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - C Christofer Juhlin
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Catharina Larsson
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ajjour H, Pallafacchina G, Lenzini L, Caroccia B, Rossi GP. Intracellular Calcium Dynamics in Primary Human Adrenocortical Cells Deciphered with a Novel Pipeline. High Blood Press Cardiovasc Prev 2024; 31:299-308. [PMID: 38763953 DOI: 10.1007/s40292-024-00641-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The fluctuations of the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) are key physiological signals for cell function under normal conditions and can undergo profound alterations in disease states, as high blood pressure due to endocrine disorders like primary aldosteronism (PA). However, when assessing such fluctuations several parameters in the Ca2+ signal dynamics need to be considered, which renders their assessment challenging. AIM Aim to develop an observer-independent custom-made pipeline to analyze Ca2+ dynamics in terms of frequency and peak parameters, as amplitude, full width at half maximum (FWHM) and area under the curve (AUC). METHODS We applied a custom-made methodology to aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) and APA adjacent cells (AAC) and found this pipeline to be suitable for monitoring and processing a wide-range of [Ca2+]i events in these cell types delivering reproducible results. CONCLUSION The designed pipeline can provide a useful tool for [Ca2+]i signal analysis that allows comparisons of Ca2+ dynamics not only in PA, but in other cell phenotypes that are relevant for the regulation of blood pressure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hala Ajjour
- Specialized Center of Excellence for Hypertension of the European Society of Hypertension and Emergency Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University Hospital, University of Padua, Padua, 35126, Italy
| | - Giorgia Pallafacchina
- Neuroscience Institute, Italian National Research Council (CNR) and Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, 35131, Italy
| | - Livia Lenzini
- Specialized Center of Excellence for Hypertension of the European Society of Hypertension and Emergency Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University Hospital, University of Padua, Padua, 35126, Italy
| | - Brasilina Caroccia
- Specialized Center of Excellence for Hypertension of the European Society of Hypertension and Emergency Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University Hospital, University of Padua, Padua, 35126, Italy
| | - Gian Paolo Rossi
- Specialized Center of Excellence for Hypertension of the European Society of Hypertension and Emergency Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University Hospital, University of Padua, Padua, 35126, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Dinh HA, Volkert M, Secener AK, Scholl UI, Stölting G. T- and L-Type Calcium Channels Maintain Calcium Oscillations in the Murine Zona Glomerulosa. Hypertension 2024; 81:811-822. [PMID: 38507511 PMCID: PMC10956685 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.123.21798] [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: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The zona glomerulosa of the adrenal gland is responsible for the synthesis and release of the mineralocorticoid aldosterone. This steroid hormone regulates salt reabsorption in the kidney and blood pressure. The most important stimuli of aldosterone synthesis are the serum concentrations of angiotensin II and potassium. In response to these stimuli, voltage and intracellular calcium levels in the zona glomerulosa oscillate, providing the signal for aldosterone synthesis. It was proposed that the voltage-gated T-type calcium channel CaV3.2 is necessary for the generation of these oscillations. However, Cacna1h knock-out mice have normal plasma aldosterone levels, suggesting additional calcium entry pathways. METHODS We used a combination of calcium imaging, patch clamp, and RNA sequencing to investigate calcium influx pathways in the murine zona glomerulosa. RESULTS Cacna1h-/- glomerulosa cells still showed calcium oscillations with similar concentrations as wild-type mice. No calcium channels or transporters were upregulated to compensate for the loss of CaV3.2. The calcium oscillations observed were instead dependent on L-type voltage-gated calcium channels. Furthermore, we found that L-type channels can also partially compensate for an acute inhibition of CaV3.2 in wild-type mice. Only inhibition of both T- and L-type calcium channels abolished the increase of intracellular calcium caused by angiotensin II in wild-type. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates that T-type calcium channels are not strictly required to maintain glomerulosa calcium oscillations and aldosterone production. Pharmacological inhibition of T-type channels alone will likely not significantly impact aldosterone production in the long term.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hoang An Dinh
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Center of Functional Genomics, Germany (H.A.D., M.V., A.K.S., U.I.S., G.S.)
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Translational Physiology, Germany (H.A.D.)
| | - Marina Volkert
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Center of Functional Genomics, Germany (H.A.D., M.V., A.K.S., U.I.S., G.S.)
| | - Ali Kerim Secener
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Center of Functional Genomics, Germany (H.A.D., M.V., A.K.S., U.I.S., G.S.)
- Genomics Technology Platform, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany (A.K.S.)
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany (A.K.S.)
| | - Ute I. Scholl
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Center of Functional Genomics, Germany (H.A.D., M.V., A.K.S., U.I.S., G.S.)
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Berlin, Germany (U.I.S.)
| | - Gabriel Stölting
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Center of Functional Genomics, Germany (H.A.D., M.V., A.K.S., U.I.S., G.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mulatero P, Scholl UI, Fardella CE, Charmandari E, Januszewicz A, Reincke M, Gomez-Sanchez CE, Stowasser M, Dekkers OM. Familial hyperaldosteronism: an European Reference Network on Rare Endocrine Conditions clinical practice guideline. Eur J Endocrinol 2024; 190:G1-G14. [PMID: 38571460 DOI: 10.1093/ejendo/lvae041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
We describe herein the European Reference Network on Rare Endocrine Conditions clinical practice guideline on diagnosis and management of familial forms of hyperaldosteronism. The guideline panel consisted of 10 experts in primary aldosteronism, endocrine hypertension, paediatric endocrinology, and cardiology as well as a methodologist. A systematic literature search was conducted, and because of the rarity of the condition, most recommendations were based on expert opinion and small patient series. The guideline includes a brief description of the genetics and molecular pathophysiology associated with each condition, the patients to be screened, and how to screen. Diagnostic and treatment approaches for patients with genetically determined diagnosis are presented. The recommendations apply to patients with genetically proven familial hyperaldosteronism and not to families with more than one case of primary aldosteronism without demonstration of a responsible pathogenic variant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Mulatero
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hypertension Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Ute I Scholl
- Center of Functional Genomics, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Carlos E Fardella
- Department of Endocrinology, School of Medicine, Centro Traslacional de Endocrinología Universidad Católica (CETREN-UC), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, 8330033 Santiago, Chile
| | - Evangelia Charmandari
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens 11527, Greece
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - Andrzej Januszewicz
- Department of Hypertension, National Institute of Cardiology, 02-628 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Martin Reincke
- Department of Medicine 4, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich D-80336, Germany
| | - Celso E Gomez-Sanchez
- Research Service, G. V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, 39216 MS, United States
| | - Michael Stowasser
- Endocrine Hypertension Research Centre, University of Queensland Frazer Institute, Greenslopes and Princess Alexandra Hospitals, Brisbane, 4102 Queensland, Australia
| | - Olaf M Dekkers
- Departments of Clinical Epidemiology and Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2311 Leiden, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gong Y, Liu R, Zha H, Dong D, Lu N, Yan H, Wan L, Nian Y. Analgesic Buxus alkaloids with Enhanced Selectivity for the Low-Voltage-Gated Calcium Channel Ca v 3.2 over Ca v 3.1 through a New Binding Mode. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202313461. [PMID: 37997012 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202313461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Low-voltage-gated calcium channels (LVGCCs; Cav 3.1-3.3) represent promising drug targets for epilepsy, pain, and essential tremor. At present, modulators with heightened selectivity for a subtype of LVGCCs are still highly desired. In this study we explored three classes of Buxus alkaloids and identified 9(10/19)abeo-artanes Buxusemine H and Buxusemine L (BXSL) as an unprecedented type of Cav 3.2 inhibitors. Particularly, BXSL exhibited Cav 3.2 inhibition comparable to Z944, a non-subtype-selective LVGCCs inhibitor under clinical trial. While lacking specificity for Cav 3.3, BXSL showed a 30-fold selectivity of Cav 3.2 over Cav 3.1. As compared to several well-known inhibitors, the experimental and computational studies suggested BXSL exhibits a distinct binding mode to Cav 3.2, notably through the essential interaction with serine-1543 in domain III. Furthermore, BXSL showed minimal impact on various recombinant and native nociceptive ion channels, while significantly reducing the excitability of isolated mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons. Animal studies in wild-type and Cav 3.2 knock-out mice revealed that BXSL (5 mg/kg), by inhibiting Cav 3.2, exhibits an analgesic effect equivalent to Z944 (10 mg/kg) or mibefradil (10 mg/kg). Moreover, we proposed a structural rationale for the high selectivity of 9(10/19)abeo-artane-type alkaloids towards Cav 3.2 over Cav 3.1. This study introduces a novel analgesic agent and valuable molecular insight for structure-based innovative Cav 3.2 drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ye Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, P. R. China
| | - Rui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, P. R. China
| | - Hongjing Zha
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Ding Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, P. R. China
| | - Nihong Lu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Third People's Hospital of Kunming, Kunming, 650041, Yunnan, P. R. China
| | - Hui Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, P. R. China
| | - Luosheng Wan
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Yin Nian
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Stölting G, Scholl UI. Adrenal Anion Channels: New Roles in Zona Glomerulosa Physiology and in the Pathophysiology of Primary Aldosteronism. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2024; 283:59-79. [PMID: 37495852 DOI: 10.1007/164_2023_680] [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] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
The mineralocorticoid aldosterone is produced in the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex. Its synthesis is regulated by the serum concentrations of the peptide hormone angiotensin II and potassium. The primary role of aldosterone is to control blood volume and electrolytes. The autonomous production of aldosterone (primary aldosteronism, PA) is considered the most frequent cause of secondary hypertension. Aldosterone-producing adenomas and (micro-)nodules are frequent causes of PA and often carry somatic mutations in ion channels and transporters. Rare familial forms of PA are due to germline mutations. Both somatic and germline mutations in the chloride channel gene CLCN2, encoding ClC-2, have been identified in PA. Clinical findings and results from cell culture and animal models have advanced our knowledge about the role of anions in PA. The zona glomerulosa of the adrenal gland has now been firmly established as a tissue in which anions play a significant role for signaling. In this overview, we aim to summarize the current knowledge and highlight novel concepts as well as open questions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Stölting
- Center of Functional Genomics, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ute I Scholl
- Center of Functional Genomics, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Stölting G, Dinh HA, Volkert M, Hellmig N, Schewe J, Hennicke L, Seidel E, Oberacher H, Zhang J, Lifton RP, Urban I, Long M, Rivalan M, Nottoli T, Scholl UI. Isradipine therapy in Cacna1dIle772Met/+ mice ameliorates primary aldosteronism and neurologic abnormalities. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e162468. [PMID: 37698934 PMCID: PMC10619505 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.162468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Somatic gain-of-function mutations in the L-type calcium channel CaV1.3 (CACNA1D gene) cause adrenal aldosterone-producing adenomas and micronodules. De novo germline mutations are found in a syndrome of primary aldosteronism, seizures, and neurologic abnormalities (PASNA) as well as in autism spectrum disorder. Using CRISPR/Cas9, we here generated mice with a Cacna1d gain-of-function mutation found in both adenomas and PASNA syndrome (Cacna1dIle772Met/+). These mice show reduced body weight and increased mortality from weaning to approximately 100 days of age. Male mice do not breed, likely due to neuromotor impairment, and the offspring of female mice die perinatally, likely due to lack of maternal care. Mice generated by in vitro fertilization showed elevated intracellular calcium in the aldosterone-producing zona glomerulosa, an elevated aldosterone/renin ratio, and persistently elevated serum aldosterone on a high-salt diet as signs of primary aldosteronism. Anesthesia with ketamine and xylazine induced tonic-clonic seizures. Neurologic abnormalities included hyperlocomotion, impaired performance in the rotarod test, impaired nest building, and slight changes in social behavior. Intracellular calcium in the zona glomerulosa, aldosterone levels, and rotarod performance responded to treatment with the calcium channel blocker isradipine, with implications for the therapy of patients with aldosterone-producing lesions and with PASNA syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Stölting
- Center of Functional Genomics, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hoang An Dinh
- Center of Functional Genomics, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marina Volkert
- Center of Functional Genomics, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nicole Hellmig
- Center of Functional Genomics, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julia Schewe
- Center of Functional Genomics, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Luise Hennicke
- Center of Functional Genomics, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Eric Seidel
- Center of Functional Genomics, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Herbert Oberacher
- Institute of Legal Medicine and Core Facility Metabolomics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Junhui Zhang
- Department of Genetics and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Richard P. Lifton
- Department of Genetics and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Laboratory of Human Genetics and Genomics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Melissa Long
- Animal Behavior Phenotyping Facility (ABPF), Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marion Rivalan
- Animal Behavior Phenotyping Facility (ABPF), Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Timothy Nottoli
- Section of Comparative Medicine, Yale Genome Editing Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Ute I. Scholl
- Center of Functional Genomics, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Dinh HA, Stölting G, Scholl UI. Ca V3.2 (CACNA1H) in Primary Aldosteronism. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2023. [PMID: 37311830 DOI: 10.1007/164_2023_660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Aldosterone is a steroid hormone produced in the zona glomerulosa (ZG) of the adrenal cortex. The most prominent function of aldosterone is the control of electrolyte homeostasis and blood pressure via the kidneys. The primary factors regulating aldosterone synthesis are the serum concentrations of angiotensin II and potassium. The T-type voltage-gated calcium channel CaV3.2 (encoded by CACNA1H) is an important component of electrical as well as intracellular calcium oscillations, which govern aldosterone production in the ZG. Excessive aldosterone production that is (partially) uncoupled from physiological stimuli leads to primary aldosteronism, the most common cause of secondary hypertension. Germline gain-of-function mutations in CACNA1H were identified in familial hyperaldosteronism, whereas somatic mutations are a rare cause of aldosterone-producing adenomas. In this review, we summarize these findings, put them in perspective, and highlight missing knowledge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hoang An Dinh
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Center of Functional Genomics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gabriel Stölting
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Center of Functional Genomics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ute I Scholl
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Center of Functional Genomics, Berlin, Germany.
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gancayco CA, Gerding MR, Breault DT, Beenhakker MP, Barrett PQ, Guagliardo NA. Intrinsic Adrenal TWIK-Related Acid-Sensitive TASK Channel Dysfunction Produces Spontaneous Calcium Oscillations Sufficient to Drive AngII (Angiotensin II)-Unresponsive Hyperaldosteronism. Hypertension 2022; 79:2552-2564. [PMID: 36129175 PMCID: PMC10167771 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.122.19557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background:
Ion channel mutations in calcium regulating genes strongly associate with AngII (angiotensin II)-independent aldosterone production. Here, we used an established mouse model of in vivo aldosterone autonomy,
Cyp11b2
-driven deletion of TWIK-related acid-sensitive potassium channels (TASK-1 and TASK-3, termed zona glomerulosa [zG]-TASK-loss-of-function), and selective pharmacological TASK channel inhibition to determine whether channel dysfunction in native, electrically excitable zG cell rosette-assemblies: (1) produces spontaneous calcium oscillatory activity and (2) is sufficient to drive substantial aldosterone autonomy.
Methods:
We imaged calcium activity in adrenal slices expressing a zG-specific calcium reporter (GCaMP3), an in vitro experimental approach that preserves the native rosette assembly and removes potentially confounding extra-adrenal contributions. In parallel experiments, we measured acute aldosterone production from adrenal slice cultures.
Results:
Absent from untreated WT slices, we find that either adrenal-specific genetic deletion or acute pharmacological TASK channel inhibition produces spontaneous oscillatory bursting behavior and steroidogenic activity (2.4-fold) that are robust, sustained, and equivalent to activities evoked by 3 nM AngII in WT slices. Moreover, spontaneous activity in zG-TASK-loss-of-function slices and inhibitor-evoked activity in WT slices are unresponsive to AngII regulation over a wide range of concentrations (50 pM to 3 µM).
Conclusions:
We provide proof of principle that spontaneous activity of zG cells within classic rosette assemblies evoked solely by a change in an intrinsic, dominant resting-state conductance can be a significant source of AngII-independent aldosterone production from native tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Molly R. Gerding
- Department of Pharmacology (M.R.G., M.P.B., P.Q.B., N.A.G.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - David T. Breault
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children’s Hospital, MA (D.T.B.)
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA (D.T.B.)
| | - Mark P. Beenhakker
- Department of Pharmacology (M.R.G., M.P.B., P.Q.B., N.A.G.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Paula Q. Barrett
- Department of Pharmacology (M.R.G., M.P.B., P.Q.B., N.A.G.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Nick A. Guagliardo
- Department of Pharmacology (M.R.G., M.P.B., P.Q.B., N.A.G.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
Primary aldosteronism is considered the commonest cause of secondary hypertension. In affected individuals, aldosterone is produced in an at least partially autonomous fashion in adrenal lesions (adenomas, [micro]nodules or diffuse hyperplasia). Over the past decade, next-generation sequencing studies have led to the insight that primary aldosteronism is largely a genetic disorder. Sporadic cases are due to somatic mutations, mostly in ion channels and pumps, and rare cases of familial hyperaldosteronism are caused by germline mutations in an overlapping set of genes. More than 90% of aldosterone-producing adenomas carry somatic mutations in K+ channel Kir3.4 (KCNJ5), Ca2+ channel CaV1.3 (CACNA1D), alpha-1 subunit of the Na+/K+ ATPase (ATP1A1), plasma membrane Ca2+ transporting ATPase 3 (ATP2B3), Ca2+ channel CaV3.2 (CACNA1H), Cl− channel ClC-2 (CLCN2), β-catenin (CTNNB1), and/or G-protein subunits alpha q/11 (GNAQ/11). Mutations in some of these genes have also been identified in aldosterone-producing (micro)nodules, suggesting a disease continuum from a single cell, acquiring a somatic mutation, via a nodule to adenoma formation, and from a healthy state to subclinical to overt primary aldosteronism. Individual glands can have multiple such lesions, and they can occur on both glands in bilateral disease. Familial hyperaldosteronism, typically with early onset, is caused by germline mutations in steroid 11-beta hydroxylase/ aldosterone synthase (CYP11B1/2), CLCN2, KCNJ5, CACNA1H, and CACNA1D.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ute I Scholl
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Center of Functional Genomics, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Williams TA, Reincke M. Pathophysiology and histopathology of primary aldosteronism. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2022; 33:36-49. [PMID: 34743804 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2021.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Primary aldosteronism (PA) can be sporadic or familial and classified into unilateral and bilateral forms. Sporadic PA predominates with excessive aldosterone production usually arising from a unilateral aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) or bilateral adrenocortical hyperplasia. Familial PA is rare and caused by germline variants, that partly correspond to somatic alterations in APAs. Classification into unilateral and bilateral PA determines the treatment approach but does not accurately mirror disease pathology. Some evidence indicates a disease continuum ranging from balanced aldosterone production from each adrenal to extreme asymmetrical bilateral aldosterone production. Nonetheless, surgical removal of the overactive adrenal in unilateral PA achieves highly successful outcomes and almost all patients are biochemically cured of their aldosteronism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tracy Ann Williams
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, München, Germany; Division of Internal Medicine and Hypertension, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
| | - Martin Reincke
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, München, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Enhanced Ca 2+ signaling, mild primary aldosteronism, and hypertension in a familial hyperaldosteronism mouse model ( Cacna1h M1560V/+ ). Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2014876118. [PMID: 33879608 PMCID: PMC8092574 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2014876118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary aldosteronism (increased production of the adrenal steroid hormone aldosterone) is the most common cause of secondary hypertension. We here generated a mouse model of familial hyperaldosteronism type IV with a heterozygous gain-of-function mutation in a calcium channel gene (Cacna1hM1560V/+). Cacna1hM1560V/+ mice have about twofold elevated aldosterone:renin ratios (a screening parameter for primary aldosteronism) and elevated blood pressure, with an overall mild phenotype. Elevated adrenal aldosterone synthase expression in Cacna1hM1560V/+ mice is associated with increased intracellular calcium concentrations in glomerulosa cells. This model allows for the ex vivo analysis of calcium signaling in aldosterone-producing glomerulosa cells of the adrenal gland. Cacna1h−/− mice have normal aldosterone synthase expression, with implications for the evaluation of CACNA1H as a therapeutic target. Gain-of-function mutations in the CACNA1H gene (encoding the T-type calcium channel CaV3.2) cause autosomal-dominant familial hyperaldosteronism type IV (FH-IV) and early-onset hypertension in humans. We used CRISPR/Cas9 to generate Cacna1hM1560V/+ knockin mice as a model of the most common FH-IV mutation, along with corresponding knockout mice (Cacna1h−/−). Adrenal morphology of both Cacna1hM1560V/+ and Cacna1h−/− mice was normal. Cacna1hM1560V/+ mice had elevated aldosterone:renin ratios (a screening parameter for primary aldosteronism). Their adrenal Cyp11b2 (aldosterone synthase) expression was increased and remained elevated on a high-salt diet (relative autonomy, characteristic of primary aldosteronism), but plasma aldosterone was only elevated in male animals. The systolic blood pressure of Cacna1hM1560V/+ mice was 8 mmHg higher than in wild-type littermates and remained elevated on a high-salt diet. Cacna1h−/− mice had elevated renal Ren1 (renin-1) expression but normal adrenal Cyp11b2 levels, suggesting that in the absence of CaV3.2, stimulation of the renin-angiotensin system activates alternative calcium entry pathways to maintain normal aldosterone production. On a cellular level, Cacna1hM1560V/+ adrenal slices showed increased baseline and peak intracellular calcium concentrations in the zona glomerulosa compared to controls, but the frequency of calcium spikes did not rise. We conclude that FH-IV, on a molecular level, is caused by elevated intracellular Ca2+ concentrations as a signal for aldosterone production in adrenal glomerulosa cells. We demonstrate that a germline Cacna1h gain-of-function mutation is sufficient to cause mild primary aldosteronism, whereas loss of CaV3.2 channel function can be compensated for in a chronic setting.
Collapse
|