1
|
Iino T, Nagao M, Tanaka H, Yoshikawa S, Asakura J, Nishimori M, Shinohara M, Harada A, Watanabe S, Ishida T, Hirata KI, Toh R. Assessment of transthyretin instability in patients with wild-type transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy. Sci Rep 2024; 14:20508. [PMID: 39227655 PMCID: PMC11371834 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-71446-8] [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: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The pathophysiology of variant transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis (ATTRv) is associated with destabilizing mutations in the TTR tetramer. However, why TTR with a wild-type genetic sequence misfolds and aggregates in wild-type transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRwt) is unknown. Here, we evaluate kinetic TTR stability with a newly developed ELISA system in combination with urea-induced protein denaturation. Compared with that in control patients, endogenous TTR in patients with wild-type transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTRwt-CM) exhibited thermodynamic instability, indicating that circulating TTR instability may be associated with the pathogenesis of ATTRwt as well as ATTRv. Our findings provide new insight into the underlying mechanisms of ATTRwt.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Iino
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
- Central Research Laboratories, Sysmex Corporation, Kobe, Japan
| | - Manabu Nagao
- Division of Evidence-Based Laboratory Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-Cho, Chuo-Ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan.
| | - Hidekazu Tanaka
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Sachiko Yoshikawa
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Junko Asakura
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Makoto Nishimori
- Division of Molecular Epidemiology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Masakazu Shinohara
- Division of Molecular Epidemiology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
- The Integrated Center for Mass Spectrometry, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Amane Harada
- Central Research Laboratories, Sysmex Corporation, Kobe, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Watanabe
- Bio-Diagnostic Reagent Technology Center, Sysmex Corporation, Kobe, Japan
| | - Tatsuro Ishida
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
- Division of Nursing Practice, Kobe University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kobe, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichi Hirata
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
- Division of Evidence-Based Laboratory Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-Cho, Chuo-Ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan
| | - Ryuji Toh
- Division of Evidence-Based Laboratory Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-Cho, Chuo-Ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Afjadi MN, Dabirmanesh B, Uversky VN. Therapeutic approaches in proteinopathies. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2024; 206:341-388. [PMID: 38811085 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2024.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
A family of maladies known as amyloid disorders, proteinopathy, or amyloidosis, are characterized by the accumulation of abnormal protein aggregates containing cross-β-sheet amyloid fibrils in many organs and tissues. Often, proteins that have been improperly formed or folded make up these fibrils. Nowadays, most treatments for amyloid illness focus on managing symptoms rather than curing or preventing the underlying disease process. However, recent advances in our understanding of the biology of amyloid diseases have led to the development of innovative therapies that target the emergence and accumulation of amyloid fibrils. Examples of these treatments include the use of small compounds, monoclonal antibodies, gene therapy, and others. In the end, even if the majority of therapies for amyloid diseases are symptomatic, greater research into the biology behind these disorders is identifying new targets for potential therapy and paving the way for the development of more effective treatments in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Nabi Afjadi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahareh Dabirmanesh
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute for Biological Instrumentation, Pushchino, Moscow, Russia; Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
González-Moreno J, Gragera-Martínez Á, Rodríguez A, Borrachero-Garro C, García-Garrido S, Barceló C, Manovel-Sánchez A, Ribot-Sansó MA, Ibargüen-González L, Gomila R, Muñoz-Beamud F, Losada-López I, Cisneros-Barroso E. Biomarkers of axonal damage to favor early diagnosis in variant transthyretin amyloidosis (A-ATTRv). Sci Rep 2024; 14:581. [PMID: 38182630 PMCID: PMC10770310 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50212-2] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Early identification of ATTRv amyloidosis disease onset is still often delayed due to the lack of validated biomarkers of this disease. Light chain neurofilament (NfL) have shown promising results in early diagnosis in this disease, but data is still needed, including with alternative measuring methods. Our aim was to study the levels of NfL measured by ELISA. Furthermore, interstitial matrix metalloproteinase type 1 (MMP-1) serum levels were measured as a potential new biomarker in ATTRv. Serum NfL and MMP-1 were measured using ELISA assays in 90 participants (29 ATTR-V30M patients, 31 asymptomatic V30M-TTR variant carriers and 30 healthy controls). Median NfL levels among ATTRv amyloidosis patients were significantly higher (116 pg/mL vs 0 pg/mL in both comparison groups). The AUC comparing ATTRv amyloidosis patients and asymptomatic carriers was 0.90 and the NfL concentration of 93.55 pg/mL yielded a sensitivity of 79% and a specificity of 87%. NfL levels had a significant positive correlation with NIS values among patients. We found a negative significant correlation between eGFR and NfL levels. Finally, MMP1 levels were not different between groups. Evidence of NfL use for early diagnosis of ATTR-PN amyloidosis is growing. ELISA seems a reliable and available technique for it quantification. Decreased GFR could influence NfL plasma levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan González-Moreno
- Balearic Research Group in Genetic Cardiopathies, Sudden Death and TTR Amyloidosis, Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitario Son Llàtzer, Crta Manacor Km 4, 07198, Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - Álvaro Gragera-Martínez
- Clinical Analysis Department, Genetic Unit, Hospital Universitario Juan Ramón Jiménez, Huelva, Spain
- Cardiology Department, Hospital Universitario Juan Ramón Jiménez, Huelva, Spain
| | - Adrián Rodríguez
- Balearic Research Group in Genetic Cardiopathies, Sudden Death and TTR Amyloidosis, Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - Cristina Borrachero-Garro
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitario Juan Ramón Jiménez, Huelva, Spain
- Cardiology Department, Hospital Universitario Juan Ramón Jiménez, Huelva, Spain
| | | | - Carles Barceló
- Translational Pancreatic Cancer Oncogenesis Group, Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
| | - Ana Manovel-Sánchez
- Cardiology Department, Hospital Universitario Juan Ramón Jiménez, Huelva, Spain
- Multidisciplinary ATTR Unit, Hospital Universitario Juan Ramón Jiménez, Huelva, Spain
| | - Maria Antonia Ribot-Sansó
- Balearic Research Group in Genetic Cardiopathies, Sudden Death and TTR Amyloidosis, Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitario Son Llàtzer, Crta Manacor Km 4, 07198, Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - Lesly Ibargüen-González
- Translational Pancreatic Cancer Oncogenesis Group, Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
| | - Rosa Gomila
- Department of Chemistry, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Crta de Valldemossa Km 7.5, 07122, Palma de Mallorca, Baleares, Spain
| | - Francisco Muñoz-Beamud
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitario Juan Ramón Jiménez, Huelva, Spain
- Cardiology Department, Hospital Universitario Juan Ramón Jiménez, Huelva, Spain
| | - Inés Losada-López
- Balearic Research Group in Genetic Cardiopathies, Sudden Death and TTR Amyloidosis, Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitario Son Llàtzer, Crta Manacor Km 4, 07198, Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - Eugenia Cisneros-Barroso
- Balearic Research Group in Genetic Cardiopathies, Sudden Death and TTR Amyloidosis, Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain.
- Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario Son Llàtzer, Crta Manacor Km 4, 07198, Palma, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cheng S, Huang Z, Nakashima A, Sharma S. Gestational Age-Dependent Regulation of Transthyretin in Mice during Pregnancy. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1048. [PMID: 37626934 PMCID: PMC10451295 DOI: 10.3390/biology12081048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Our prior studies have shown that protein misfolding and aggregation in the placenta are linked to the development of preeclampsia, a severe pregnancy complication. We identified transthyretin (TTR) as a key component of the aggregated protein complex. However, the regulation of native TTR in normal pregnancy remains unclear. In this study, we found that pregnant mice exhibited a remarkable and progressive decline in serum TTR levels through gestational day (gd) 12-14, followed by an increase in late pregnancy and postpartum. Meanwhile, serum albumin levels showed a modest but statistically significant increase throughout gestation. TTR protein and mRNA levels in the liver, a primary source of circulating TTR, mirrored the changes observed in serum TTR levels during gestation. Intriguingly, a similar pattern of TTR alteration was also observed in the serum of pregnant women and pregnant interleukin-10-knockout (IL-10-/-) mice with high inflammation background. In non-pregnant IL-10-/- mice, serum TTR levels were significantly lower than those in age-matched wild-type mice. Administration of IL-10 to non-pregnant IL-10-/- mice restored their serum TTR levels. Notably, dysregulation of TTR resulted in fewer implantation units, lower fetal weight, and smaller litter sizes in human TTR-overexpressing transgenic mice. Thus, TTR may play a pivotal role as a crucial regulator in normal pregnancy, and inflammation during pregnancy may contribute to the downregulation of serum TTR presence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shibin Cheng
- Department of Pediatrics, Women & Infants Hospital, Rhode Island and Brown University, Providence, RI 02905, USA;
| | - Zheping Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, Women & Infants Hospital, Rhode Island and Brown University, Providence, RI 02905, USA;
| | - Akitoshi Nakashima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-8555, Japan;
| | - Surendra Sharma
- Department of Pediatrics, Women & Infants Hospital, Rhode Island and Brown University, Providence, RI 02905, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Thimm A, Carpinteiro A, Oubari S, Papathanasiou M, Kessler L, Rischpler C, Malik RA, Herrmann K, Reinhardt HC, Rassaf T, Kleinschnitz C, Hagenacker T, Stettner M. Corneal confocal microscopy identifies corneal nerve loss and increased Langerhans cells in presymptomatic carriers and patients with hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis. J Neurol 2023:10.1007/s00415-023-11689-z. [PMID: 37014422 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11689-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv amyloidosis) is a rare, but life-threatening protein misfolding disorder due to TTR gene mutations. Cardiomyopathy (ATTRv-CM) and polyneuropathy (ATTRv-PN) with early small nerve fibre involvement are the most common manifestations. Timely diagnosis and treatment initiation are key to limiting progression of disease. Corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) is a non-invasive method to quantify corneal small nerve fibres and immune cell infiltrates in vivo. METHODS This cross-sectional study investigated the utility of CCM in 20 patients with ATTRv amyloidosis (ATTRv-CM, n = 6; ATTRv-PN, n = 14) and presymptomatic carriers (n = 5) compared to 20 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Corneal nerve fibre density, corneal nerve fibre length, corneal nerve branch density, and cell infiltrates were assessed. RESULTS Corneal nerve fibre density and nerve fibre length were significantly lower in patients with ATTRv amyloidosis compared to healthy controls regardless of the clinical phenotype (ATTRv-CM, ATTRv-PN) and corneal nerve fibre density was significantly lower in presymptomatic carriers. Immune cell infiltrates were only evident in patients with ATTRv amyloidosis, which correlated with reduced corneal nerve fibre density. CONCLUSIONS CCM identifies small nerve fibre damage in presymptomatic carriers and symptomatic patients with ATTRv amyloidosis and may serve as a predictive surrogate marker to identify individuals at risk of developing symptomatic amyloidosis. Furthermore, increased corneal cell infiltration suggests an immune-mediated mechanism in the pathogenesis of amyloid neuropathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Thimm
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45147, Essen, Germany.
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Scienes (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | - Alexander Carpinteiro
- Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sara Oubari
- Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Maria Papathanasiou
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, West German Heart and Vascular Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Lukas Kessler
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Rayaz Ahmed Malik
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ken Herrmann
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Hans Christian Reinhardt
- Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Tienush Rassaf
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, West German Heart and Vascular Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Christoph Kleinschnitz
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Scienes (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Tim Hagenacker
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Scienes (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Mark Stettner
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Scienes (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Monteiro C, Mesgarzadeh JS, Anselmo J, Fernandes J, Novais M, Rodrigues C, Powers DL, Powers ET, Coelho T, Kelly JW. Tafamidis polyneuropathy amelioration requires modest increases in transthyretin stability even though increases in plasma native TTR and decreases in non-native TTR do not predict response. Amyloid 2023; 30:81-95. [PMID: 36178172 PMCID: PMC9992127 DOI: 10.1080/13506129.2022.2126308] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND TTR aggregation causes hereditary transthyretin (TTR) polyneuropathy (ATTRv-PN) in individuals with destabilised TTR variants. ATTRv-PN can be treated with ligands that bind TTR and prevent aggregation. One such ligand, tafamidis, is widely approved to treat ATTRv-PN. We explore how TTR stabilisation markers relate to clinical efficacy in 210 ATTRv-PN patients taking tafamidis. METHODS TTR concentration in patient plasma was measured before and after tafamidis treatment using assays for native or combined native + non-native TTR. TTR tetramer dissociation kinetics, which are slowed by tafamidis binding, were also measured. RESULTS Native TTR levels increased by 56.8% while combined native + non-native TTR levels increased by 3.1% after 24 months of tafamidis treatment, implying that non-native TTR decreased. Accordingly, the fraction of native TTR increased from 0.54 to 0.71 with tafamidis administration. Changes in native and non-native TTR levels were uncorrelated with clinical response to tafamidis. TTR tetramer dissociation generally slowed to an extent consistent with ∼40% of TTR being tafamidis-bound. Male non-responders had a lower extent of binding. CONCLUSIONS Native and non-native TTR concentration changes cannot be used as surrogate measures for therapeutic efficacy. Also, successful tafamidis therapy requires only moderate TTR stabilisation. Male patients may benefit from higher tafamidis doses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cecília Monteiro
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute,
10550 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Jaleh S. Mesgarzadeh
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute,
10550 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - João Anselmo
- Unidade Corino de Andrade, Centro Hospitalar do Porto,
Largo do Prof. Abel Salazar, 4099-001 Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana Fernandes
- Unidade Corino de Andrade, Centro Hospitalar do Porto,
Largo do Prof. Abel Salazar, 4099-001 Porto, Portugal
| | - Marta Novais
- Unidade Corino de Andrade, Centro Hospitalar do Porto,
Largo do Prof. Abel Salazar, 4099-001 Porto, Portugal
| | - Carla Rodrigues
- Unidade Corino de Andrade, Centro Hospitalar do Porto,
Largo do Prof. Abel Salazar, 4099-001 Porto, Portugal
| | - David L. Powers
- Department of Mathematics, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY
13676, USA
| | - Evan T. Powers
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute,
10550 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Teresa Coelho
- Unidade Corino de Andrade, Centro Hospitalar do Porto,
Largo do Prof. Abel Salazar, 4099-001 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Neurophysiology, Centro Hospitalar do Porto,
Largo do Prof. Abel Salazar, 4099-001 Porto, Portugal
| | - Jeffery W. Kelly
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute,
10550 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Teixeira AC, Saraiva MJ. Selective recognition of human small transthyretin aggregates by a novel monoclonal antibody. Amyloid 2023; 30:74-80. [PMID: 36111397 DOI: 10.1080/13506129.2022.2122034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Biochemical characterisation of transthyretin variant TTR Y78F showed that this variant adopts a tetrameric conformation as normal TTR but exhibits some of the characteristics of an intermediate structure in the fibrillogenesis pathway. It was hypothesised that native Y78F might represent an early event in TTR amyloidogenesis. We immunised TTR knock out mice with recombinant variant TTR Y78F. One stable hybridoma named CE11, of the IgM isotype, was tested for reactivity towards several soluble recombinant TTR variants both amyloidogenic and non-amyloidogenic. CE11 only recognises the highly amyloidogenic TTR variants L55P, S52P, A97S, Y78F or acidified TTR wt preparations. At the same time, this clone was negative for TTR V30M, soluble wild type protein or TTR T119M. The reactivity increased with oligomer formation and decreased as mature fibrils grow. After size exclusion chromatography (SEC) followed by sandwich ELISA and native immunoblotting, the mAb recognised two peaks (i) peak 1 present in acidified and in soluble variant proteins preparations with material above 146 KDa (ii) peak 2 only present in soluble L55P and S52P TTR preparations with material between 66 and 146 KDa. mAb CE11 may be a potential tool to survey therapeutical agents against TTR aggregation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A C Teixeira
- Molecular Neurobiology Department, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, i3S, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, IBMC, Porto, Portugal
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Dasari AKR, Yi S, Coats MF, Wi S, Lim KH. Toxic Misfolded Transthyretin Oligomers with Different Molecular Conformations Formed through Distinct Oligomerization Pathways. Biochemistry 2022; 61:2358-2365. [PMID: 36219173 PMCID: PMC9665167 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.2c00390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Protein aggregation is initiated by structural changes from native polypeptides to cytotoxic oligomers, which form cross-β structured amyloid. Identification and characterization of oligomeric intermediates are critically important for understanding not only the molecular mechanism of aggregation but also the cytotoxic nature of amyloid oligomers. Preparation of misfolded oligomers for structural characterization is, however, challenging because of their transient, heterogeneous nature. Here, we report two distinct misfolded transthyretin (TTR) oligomers formed through different oligomerization pathways. A pathogenic TTR variant with a strong aggregation propensity (L55P) was used to prepare misfolded oligomers at physiological pH. Our mechanistic studies showed that the full-length TTR initially forms small oligomers, which self-assemble into short protofibrils at later stages. Enzymatic cleavage of the CD loop was also used to induce the formation of N-terminally truncated oligomers, which was detected in ex vivo cardiac TTR aggregates extracted from the tissues of patients. Structural characterization of the oligomers using solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance and circular dichroism revealed that the two TTR misfolded oligomers have distinct molecular conformations. In addition, the proteolytically cleaved TTR oligomers exhibit a higher surface hydrophobicity, suggesting the presence of distinct oligomerization pathways for TTR oligomer formation. Cytotoxicity assays also revealed that the cytotoxicity of cleaved oligomers is stronger than that of the full-length TTR oligomers, indicating that hydrophobicity might be an important property of toxic oligomers. These comparative biophysical analyses suggest that the toxic cleaved TTR oligomers formed through a different misfoling pathway may adopt distinct structural features that produce higher surface hydrophobicity, leading to the stronger cytotoxic activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anvesh K. R. Dasari
- Department of Chemistry, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Sujung Yi
- Department of Chemistry, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Matthew F. Coats
- Department of Chemistry, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Sungsool Wi
- Interdisciplinary Magnetic Resonance (CIMAR), National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (NHMFL), 1800 East, Paul Dirac Dr., Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA
| | - Kwang Hun Lim
- Department of Chemistry, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hood CJ, Hendren NS, Pedretti R, Roth LR, Saelices L, Grodin JL. Update on Disease-Specific Biomarkers in Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis. Curr Heart Fail Rep 2022; 19:356-363. [PMID: 35930129 PMCID: PMC10132942 DOI: 10.1007/s11897-022-00570-1] [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] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CM) is an infiltrative cardiomyopathy and an increasingly recognized cause of morbidity and mortality. There remains substantial delay between initial symptoms and diagnosis. With the recent emergence of various targeted therapies proven to reduce morbidity and mortality, there is an imperative to diagnose subclinical disease. Biomarkers may be well-suited for this role. RECENT FINDINGS Conventional markers of heart failure, such as natriuretic peptides and cardiac troponins, and estimated glomerular filtration rate are associated with risk in ATTR-CM. Circulating transthyretin (TTR) levels parallel TTR kinetic stability, correlate with disease severity, and may serve as indirect markers of ATTR-CM disease activity and response to targeted treatment. There is also growing evidence for the correlation of TTR to retinol-binding protein 4, a biomarker which independently associates with this disease. The rate-limiting step for ATTR pathogenesis is dissociation of the TTR homotetramer, which may be quantified using subunit exchange to allow for early risk assessment, prognostication, and assessment of treatment response. The protein species that result from the dissociation and misfolding of TTR are known as nonnative transthyretin (NNTTR). NNTTR is quantifiable via peptide probes and is a specific biomarker whose reduction is positively correlated with improvement in neuropathic ATTR amyloidosis. Neurofilament light chain (NfL) is released into the blood after axonal damage and correlates with neuropathic ATTR amyloidosis, but its clinical use in ATTR-CM is uncertain. Conventional markers of heart failure, transthyretin, retinol-binding protein 4, transthyretin kinetic stability, nonnative transthyretin, peptide probes, and neurofilament light chain have potential as biomarkers to enable early, subclinical diagnosis in patients with transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caleb J Hood
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Parkland Health and Hospital System, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Nicholas S Hendren
- Parkland Health and Hospital System, Dallas, TX, USA
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd. Ste. E5.310F, Dallas, TX, 75390-8830, USA
| | - Rose Pedretti
- Center for Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Lori R Roth
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd. Ste. E5.310F, Dallas, TX, 75390-8830, USA
| | - Lorena Saelices
- Center for Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Justin L Grodin
- Parkland Health and Hospital System, Dallas, TX, USA.
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd. Ste. E5.310F, Dallas, TX, 75390-8830, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Cheng S, Huang Z, Banerjee S, Jash S, Buxbaum JN, Sharma S. Evidence From Human Placenta, Endoplasmic Reticulum-Stressed Trophoblasts, and Transgenic Mice Links Transthyretin Proteinopathy to Preeclampsia. Hypertension 2022; 79:1738-1754. [PMID: 35607996 PMCID: PMC9308752 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.121.18916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We have demonstrated that protein aggregation plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia and identified several aggregated proteins in the circulation of preeclampsia patients, the most prominent of which is the serum protein TTR (transthyretin). However, the mechanisms that underlie protein aggregation remain poorly addressed. METHODS We examined TTR aggregates in hypoxia/reoxygenation-exposed primary human trophoblasts (PHTs) and the preeclampsia placenta using complementary approaches, including a novel protein aggregate detection assay. Mechanistic analysis was performed in hypoxia/reoxygenation-exposed PHTs and Ttr transgenic mice overexpressing transgene-encoded wild-type human TTR or Ttr-/- mice. High-resolution ultrasound analysis was used to measure placental blood flow in pregnant mice. RESULTS TTR aggregation was inducible in PHTs and the TCL-1 trophoblast cell line by endoplasmic reticulum stress inducers or autophagy-lysosomal disruptors. PHTs exposed to hypoxia/reoxygenation showed increased intracellular BiP (binding immunoglobulin protein), phosphorylated IRE1α (inositol-requiring enzyme-1α), PDI (protein disulfide isomerase), and Ero-1, all markers of the unfolded protein response, and the apoptosis mediator caspase-3. Blockade of IRE1α inhibited hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced upregulation of Ero-1 in PHTs. Excessive unfolded protein response activation was observed in the early-onset preeclampsia placenta. Importantly, pregnant human TTR mice displayed aggregated TTR in the junctional zone of the placenta and severe preeclampsia-like features. High-resolution ultrasound analysis revealed low blood flow in uterine and umbilical arteries in human TTR mice compared with control mice. However, Ttr-/- mice did not show any pregnancy-associated abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS These observations in the preeclampsia placenta, cultured trophoblasts, and Ttr transgenic mice indicate that TTR aggregation is an important causal contributor to preeclampsia pathophysiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shibin Cheng
- Department of Pediatrics, Women & Infants Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI (S.C., Z.H., S.B., S.J., S.S.)
| | - Zheping Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, Women & Infants Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI (S.C., Z.H., S.B., S.J., S.S.)
| | - Sayani Banerjee
- Department of Pediatrics, Women & Infants Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI (S.C., Z.H., S.B., S.J., S.S.)
| | - Sukanta Jash
- Department of Pediatrics, Women & Infants Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI (S.C., Z.H., S.B., S.J., S.S.)
| | - Joel N Buxbaum
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA (J.N.B.).,Protego Biopharma, Inc, San Diego, CA (J.N.B.)
| | - Surendra Sharma
- Department of Pediatrics, Women & Infants Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI (S.C., Z.H., S.B., S.J., S.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Mesgarzadeh JS, Buxbaum JN, Wiseman RL. Stress-responsive regulation of extracellular proteostasis. J Cell Biol 2022; 221:213026. [PMID: 35191945 PMCID: PMC8868021 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202112104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic, environmental, and aging-related insults can promote the misfolding and subsequent aggregation of secreted proteins implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases. This has led to considerable interest in understanding the molecular mechanisms responsible for regulating proteostasis in extracellular environments such as the blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Extracellular proteostasis is largely dictated by biological pathways comprising chaperones, folding enzymes, and degradation factors localized to the ER and extracellular space. These pathways limit the accumulation of nonnative, potentially aggregation-prone proteins in extracellular environments. Many reviews discuss the molecular mechanisms by which these pathways impact the conformational integrity of the secreted proteome. Here, we instead focus on describing the stress-responsive mechanisms responsible for adapting ER and extracellular proteostasis pathways to protect the secreted proteome from pathologic insults that challenge these environments. Further, we highlight new strategies to identify stress-responsive pathways involved in regulating extracellular proteostasis and describe the pathologic and therapeutic implications for these pathways in human disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Joel N Buxbaum
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA
| | - R Luke Wiseman
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Obici L, Mussinelli R. Current and Emerging Therapies for Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloidosis: Strides Towards a Brighter Future. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:2286-2302. [PMID: 34850359 PMCID: PMC8804119 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-021-01154-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The past few years have witnessed an unprecedented acceleration in the clinical development of novel therapeutic options for hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis. Recently approved agents and drugs currently under investigation not only represent a major breakthrough in this field but also provide validation of the therapeutic potential of innovative approaches, like RNA interference and CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene editing, in rare inherited disorders. In this review, we describe the evolving therapeutic landscape for hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis and discuss how this highly disabling and fatal condition is turning into a treatable disease. We also provide an overview of the molecular mechanisms involved in transthyretin (TTR) amyloid formation and regression, to highlight how a deeper understanding of these processes has contributed to the identification of novel treatment targets. Finally, we focus on major areas of uncertainty and unmet needs that deserve further efforts to improve long-term patients' outcomes and allow for a brighter future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Obici
- Amyloidosis Research and Treatment Centre, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico San Matteo, Viale Golgi, 19, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Roberta Mussinelli
- Amyloidosis Research and Treatment Centre, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico San Matteo, Viale Golgi, 19, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|