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Karakus S, Dogan HO. Exploring altered free amino acids and metabolites: Insights into the metabolic landscape of preeclampsia. Placenta 2024; 154:18-27. [PMID: 38850593 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.06.002] [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] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Preeclampsia (PE) is a complex disease that poses a risk for maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to investigate the role of maternal serum amino acids (AAs) levels in PE. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 56 pregnant women (26 with PE and 30 controls) were included in the study. The participants had a confirmed gestational age between 24 and 37 weeks. The mean body mass index (BMI) for the PE group was 33.1 kg/m2, while the control group had a mean BMI of 29.6 kg/m2. AAs levels were quantified, and statistical analyses were performed to identify significant differences between the two groups. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was employed the diagnostic potential of specific AAs. RESULTS We observed significantly elevated levels of multiple AAs in the PE group, including citrulline, lysine, ethanolamine, ornithine and histidine. Citrulline exhibited exceptional predictive power for PE with 100.0% sensitivity and specificity at a cutoff of 7.79 µmol/L, reflected in an area under the curve (AUC) of 1.000. DISCUSSION Our study highlights the crucial involvement of altered amino acid levels, specifically in the urea cycle, disruptions in lysine and ethanolamine metabolism in PE development. Exploring these changes may reveal new therapeutic targets, providing insights into the disease's molecular mechanisms. Understanding amino acid metabolism in PE not only informs therapeutic strategies but also holds the potential to revolutionize early diagnosis and intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savas Karakus
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey.
| | - Halef Okan Dogan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey.
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Placental Metabolomics of Fetal Growth Restriction. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13020235. [PMID: 36837853 PMCID: PMC9959525 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13020235] [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: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction is an obstetrical pathological condition that causes high neonatal mortality and morbidity. The mechanisms of its onset are not completely understood. Metabolites were extracted from 493 placentas from non-complicated pregnancies in Hamilton Country, TN (USA), and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Newborns were classified according to raw fetal weight (low birth weight (LBW; <2500 g) and non-low birth weight (Non-LBW; >2500 g)), and according to the calculated birth weight centile as it relates to gestational age (small for gestational age (SGA), large for gestational age (LGA), and adequate for gestational age (AGA)). Mothers of LBW infants had a lower pre-pregnancy weight (66.2 ± 17.9 kg vs. 73.4 ± 21.3 kg, p < 0.0001), a lower body mass index (BMI) (25.27 ± 6.58 vs. 27.73 ± 7.83, p < 0.001), and a shorter gestation age (246.4 ± 24.0 days vs. 267.2 ± 19.4 days p < 0.001) compared with non-LBW. Marital status, tobacco use, and fetus sex affected birth weight centile classification according to gestational age. Multivariate statistical comparisons of the extracted metabolomes revealed that asparagine, aspartic acid, deoxyribose, erythritol, glycerophosphocholine, tyrosine, isoleucine, serine, and lactic acid were higher in both SGA and LBW placentas, while taurine, ethanolamine, β-hydroxybutyrate, and glycine were lower in both SGA and LBW. Several metabolic pathways are implicated in fetal growth restriction, including those related to the hypoxia response and amino-acid uptake and metabolism. Inflammatory pathways are also involved, suggesting that fetal growth restriction might share some mechanisms with preeclampsia.
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Hypolipidemic Effects of Beetroot Juice in SHR-CRP and HHTg Rat Models of Metabolic Syndrome: Analysis of Hepatic Proteome. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13020192. [PMID: 36837811 PMCID: PMC9965406 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13020192] [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: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, red beetroot has attracted attention as a health-promoting functional food. Studies have shown that beetroot administration can reduce blood pressure and ameliorate parameters of glucose and lipid metabolism; however, mechanisms underlying these beneficial effects of beetroot are not yet fully understood. In the current study, we analysed the effects of beetroot on parameters of glucose and lipid metabolism in two models of metabolic syndrome: (i) transgenic spontaneously hypertensive rats expressing human C-reactive protein (SHR-CRP rats), and (ii) hereditary hypertriglyceridemic (HHTg) rats. Treatment with beetroot juice for 4 weeks was, in both models, associated with amelioration of oxidative stress, reduced circulating lipids, smaller visceral fat depots, and lower ectopic fat accumulation in the liver compared to the respective untreated controls. On the other hand, beetroot treatment had no significant effects on the sensitivity of the muscle and adipose tissue to insulin action in either model. Analyses of hepatic proteome revealed significantly deregulated proteins involved in glycerophospholipid metabolism, mTOR signalling, inflammation, and cytoskeleton rearrangement.
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Morita SY, Ikeda Y. Regulation of membrane phospholipid biosynthesis in mammalian cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 206:115296. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Koganti PP, Tu LN, Selvaraj V. Functional metabolite reserves and lipid homeostasis revealed by the MA-10 Leydig cell metabolome. PNAS NEXUS 2022; 1:pgac215. [PMID: 36714831 PMCID: PMC9802464 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgac215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
In Leydig cells, intrinsic factors that determine cellular steroidogenic efficiency is of functional interest to decipher and monitor pathophysiology in many contexts. Nevertheless, beyond basic regulation of cholesterol storage and mobilization, systems biology interpretation of the metabolite networks in steroidogenic function is deficient. To reconstruct and describe the different molecular systems regulating steroidogenesis, we profiled the metabolites in resting MA-10 Leydig cells. Our results identified 283-annotated components (82 neutral lipids, 154 membrane lipids, and 47 other metabolites). Neutral lipids were represented by an abundance of triacyglycerols (97.1%), and low levels of cholesterol esters (2.0%). Membrane lipids were represented by an abundance of glycerophospholipids (77.8%), followed by sphingolipids (22.2%). Acylcarnitines, nucleosides, amino acids and their derivatives were the other metabolite classes identified. Among nonlipid metabolites, we recognized substantial reserves of aspartic acid, choline, creatine, betaine, glutamine, homoserine, isoleucine, and pantothenic acid none of which have been previously considered as a requirement in steroidogenic function. Individually limiting use of betaine, choline, or pantothenic acid, during luteinizing hormone-induced steroidogenesis in MA-10 cells resulted in substantial decreases to acute steroidogenic capacity, explained by intermediary metabolite imbalances affecting homeostasis. As such, our dataset represents the current level of baseline characterization and unravels the functional resting state of steroidogenic MA-10 Leydig cells. In identifying metabolite stockpiles and causal mechanisms, these results serve to further comprehend the cellular setup and regulation of steroid biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasanthi P Koganti
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Lan N Tu
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Vimal Selvaraj
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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Zhang T, Wang T, Niu Q, Xu L, Chen Y, Gao X, Gao H, Zhang L, Liu GE, Li J, Xu L. Transcriptional atlas analysis from multiple tissues reveals the expression specificity patterns in beef cattle. BMC Biol 2022; 20:79. [PMID: 35351103 PMCID: PMC8966188 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-022-01269-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A comprehensive analysis of gene expression profiling across tissues can provide necessary information for an in-depth understanding of their biological functions. We performed a large-scale gene expression analysis and generated a high-resolution atlas of the transcriptome in beef cattle. RESULTS Our transcriptome atlas was generated from 135 bovine tissues in adult beef cattle, covering 51 tissue types of major organ systems (e.g., muscular system, digestive system, immune system, reproductive system). Approximately 94.76% of sequencing reads were successfully mapped to the reference genome assembly ARS-UCD1.2. We detected a total of 60,488 transcripts, and 32% of them were not reported before. We identified 2654 housekeeping genes (HKGs) and 477 tissue-specific genes (TSGs) across tissues. Using weighted gene co-expression network analysis, we obtained 24 modules with 237 hub genes (HUBGs). Functional enrichment analysis showed that HKGs mainly maintain the basic biological activities of cells, while TSGs were involved in tissue differentiation and specific physiological processes. HKGs in bovine tissues were more conserved in terms of expression pattern as compared to TSGs and HUBGs among multiple species. Finally, we obtained a subset of tissue-specific differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between beef and dairy cattle and several functional pathways, which may be involved in production and health traits. CONCLUSIONS We generated a large-scale gene expression atlas across the major tissues in beef cattle, providing valuable information for enhancing genome assembly and annotation. HKGs, TSGs, and HUBGs further contribute to better understanding the biology and evolution of multiple tissues in cattle. DEGs between beef and dairy cattle also fill in the knowledge gaps about differential transcriptome regulation of bovine tissues underlying economically important traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianliu Zhang
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193 People’s Republic of China
| | - Tianzhen Wang
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193 People’s Republic of China
| | - Qunhao Niu
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193 People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei Xu
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan Chen
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xue Gao
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193 People’s Republic of China
| | - Huijiang Gao
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193 People’s Republic of China
| | - Lupei Zhang
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193 People’s Republic of China
| | - George E. Liu
- Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, Maryland 20705 USA
| | - Junya Li
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193 People’s Republic of China
| | - Lingyang Xu
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193 People’s Republic of China
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Zhao Y, Huang J, Cao J, Zhou Y, Gong H, Zhang H, Zhou J. 4-NBT, a specific inhibitor of Babesia microti thioredoxin reductase, affects parasite biochemistry and proteomic properties. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 10:1018-1027. [PMID: 31151924 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 04/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Babesia microti is an emerging zoonotic pathogen that is transmitted by ticks and parasites and propagates in mammalian erythrocytes. Thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) plays a crucial role in B. microti survival by maintaining cellular redox homeostasis. In the present study, 4-nitro-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (4-NBT) was selected as a specific B. microti TrxR inhibitor by comparing rat and parasite TrxR inhibition levels. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were evaluated using flow cytometry, and in B. microti treated with 4-NBT, ROS levels increased with increasing inhibitor concentration. Furthermore, the inhibitor treatment increased lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl levels, thus indicating a state of oxidative stress. While B. microti treated with 4-NBT appeared to lose the ability to multiply in mice, the fastigium of parasitemia between the treated and control groups was comparable. Furthermore, a TUNEL assay showed that 4-NBT induces apoptosis in B. microti. Proteomic analysis of B. microti treated with 4-NBT detected 960 proteins. Label-free quantitative proteomic analysis identified 118 proteins that were significantly up-regulated and 37 that were significantly down-regulated in the treatment group relative to the control. Of the differential proteins, proteasome and ribosomal subunit expression was up-regulated, thus suggesting that redundant proteins may be damaged by oxidation and waiting for degradation, while proteins for subsistence are waiting for de novo synthesis. Moreover, the findings obtained herein suggest that the DNA and lipids were also damaged and awaiting synthesis or repair. In conclusion, TrxR dysfunction in B. microti results in the breakdown of redox homeostasis and promotes apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanzhen Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jingwei Huang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jie Cao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yongzhi Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Haiyan Gong
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Houshuang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jinlin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China.
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Small-Molecule Modulation of Lipid-Dependent Cellular Processes against Cancer: Fats on the Gunpoint. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:6437371. [PMID: 30186863 PMCID: PMC6114229 DOI: 10.1155/2018/6437371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Lipid cell membrane composed of various distinct lipids and proteins act as a platform to assemble various signaling complexes regulating innumerous cellular processes which are strongly downregulated or altered in cancer cells emphasizing the still-underestimated critical function of lipid biomolecules in cancer initiation and progression. In this review, we outline the current understanding of how membrane lipids act as signaling hot spots by generating distinct membrane microdomains called rafts to initiate various cellular processes and their modulation in cancer phenotypes. We elucidate tangible drug targets and pathways all amenable to small-molecule perturbation. Ranging from targeting membrane rafts organization/reorganization to rewiring lipid metabolism and lipid sorting in cancer, the work summarized here represents critical intervention points being attempted for lipid-based anticancer therapy and future directions.
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9
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Shah T, Krishnamachary B, Wildes F, Wijnen JP, Glunde K, Bhujwalla ZM. Molecular causes of elevated phosphoethanolamine in breast and pancreatic cancer cells. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2018; 31:e3936. [PMID: 29928787 PMCID: PMC6118328 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.3936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Revised: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Elevated phosphoethanolamine (PE) is frequently observed in MRS studies of human cancers and xenografts. The role of PE in cell survival and the molecular causes underlying this increase are, however, relatively underexplored. In this study, we investigated the roles of ethanolamine kinases (Etnk-1 and 2) and choline kinases (Chk-α and β) in contributing to increased PE in human breast and pancreatic cancer cells. We investigated the effect of silencing Etnk-1 and Etnk-2 on cell viability as a potential therapeutic strategy. Both breast and pancreatic cancer cells showed higher PE compared with their nonmalignant counterparts. We identified Etnk-1 as a major cause of the elevated PE levels in these cancer cells, with little or no contribution from Chk-α, Chk-β, or Etnk-2. The increase of PE observed in pancreatic cancer cells in culture was replicated in the corresponding tumor xenografts. Downregulation of Etnk-1 with siRNA resulted in cell cytotoxicity that correlated with PE levels in breast and pancreatic cancer cells. Etnk-1 may provide a potential therapeutic target in breast and pancreatic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tariq Shah
- Division of Cancer Imaging Research, The Russell H Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Balaji Krishnamachary
- Division of Cancer Imaging Research, The Russell H Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Flonne Wildes
- Division of Cancer Imaging Research, The Russell H Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jannie P. Wijnen
- Division of Cancer Imaging Research, The Russell H Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Centre of Image Sciences/High field MR Research group, Radiology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Kristine Glunde
- Division of Cancer Imaging Research, The Russell H Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Zaver M. Bhujwalla
- Division of Cancer Imaging Research, The Russell H Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Correspondence: Zaver M. Bhujwalla, PhD, Division of Cancer Imaging Research, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Rm 208C Traylor Building, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA, Phone: +1 (410) 955 9698 | Fax: +1 (410) 614 1948,
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Vance JE. Historical perspective: phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylethanolamine from the 1800s to the present. J Lipid Res 2018; 59:923-944. [PMID: 29661786 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.r084004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Revised: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This article provides a historical account of the discovery, chemistry, and biochemistry of two ubiquitous phosphoglycerolipids, phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), including the ether lipids. In addition, the article describes the biosynthetic pathways for these phospholipids and how these pathways were elucidated. Several unique functions of PS and PE in mammalian cells in addition to their ability to define physical properties of membranes are discussed. For example, the translocation of PS from the inner to the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane of cells occurs during apoptosis and during some other specific physiological processes, and this translocation is responsible for profound life-or-death events. Moreover, mitochondrial function is severely impaired when the PE content of mitochondria is reduced below a threshold level. The discovery and implications of the existence of membrane contact sites between the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria and their relevance for PS and PE metabolism, as well as for mitochondrial function, are also discussed. Many of the recent advances in these fields are due to the use of isotope labeling for tracing biochemical pathways. In addition, techniques for disruption of specific genes in mice are now widely used and have provided major breakthroughs in understanding the roles and metabolism of PS and PE in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean E Vance
- Department of Medicine and Group on the Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2S2, Canada.
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11
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Woods L, Perez-Garcia V, Hemberger M. Regulation of Placental Development and Its Impact on Fetal Growth-New Insights From Mouse Models. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:570. [PMID: 30319550 PMCID: PMC6170611 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 251] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The placenta is the chief regulator of nutrient supply to the growing embryo during gestation. As such, adequate placental function is instrumental for developmental progression throughout intrauterine development. One of the most common complications during pregnancy is insufficient growth of the fetus, a problem termed intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) that is most frequently rooted in a malfunctional placenta. Together with conventional gene targeting approaches, recent advances in screening mouse mutants for placental defects, combined with the ability to rapidly induce mutations in vitro and in vivo by CRISPR-Cas9 technology, has provided new insights into the contribution of the genome to normal placental development. Most importantly, these data have demonstrated that far more genes are required for normal placentation than previously appreciated. Here, we provide a summary of common types of placental defects in established mouse mutants, which will help us gain a better understanding of the genes impacting on human placentation. Based on a recent mouse mutant screen, we then provide examples on how these data can be mined to identify novel molecular hubs that may be critical for placental development. Given the close association between placental defects and abnormal cardiovascular and brain development, these functional nodes may also shed light onto the etiology of birth defects that co-occur with placental malformations. Taken together, recent insights into the regulation of mouse placental development have opened up new avenues for research that will promote the study of human pregnancy conditions, notably those based on defects in placentation that underlie the most common pregnancy pathologies such as IUGR and pre-eclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Woods
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Vicente Perez-Garcia
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Vicente Perez-Garcia
| | - Myriam Hemberger
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Myriam Hemberger
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van der Veen JN, Kennelly JP, Wan S, Vance JE, Vance DE, Jacobs RL. The critical role of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine metabolism in health and disease. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2017; 1859:1558-1572. [PMID: 28411170 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2017.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 904] [Impact Index Per Article: 129.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Revised: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) are the most abundant phospholipids in all mammalian cell membranes. In the 1950s, Eugene Kennedy and co-workers performed groundbreaking research that established the general outline of many of the pathways of phospholipid biosynthesis. In recent years, the importance of phospholipid metabolism in regulating lipid, lipoprotein and whole-body energy metabolism has been demonstrated in numerous dietary studies and knockout animal models. The purpose of this review is to highlight the unappreciated impact of phospholipid metabolism on health and disease. Abnormally high, and abnormally low, cellular PC/PE molar ratios in various tissues can influence energy metabolism and have been linked to disease progression. For example, inhibition of hepatic PC synthesis impairs very low density lipoprotein secretion and changes in hepatic phospholipid composition have been linked to fatty liver disease and impaired liver regeneration after surgery. The relative abundance of PC and PE regulates the size and dynamics of lipid droplets. In mitochondria, changes in the PC/PE molar ratio affect energy production. We highlight data showing that changes in the PC and/or PE content of various tissues are implicated in metabolic disorders such as atherosclerosis, insulin resistance and obesity. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Membrane Lipid Therapy: Drugs Targeting Biomembranes edited by Pablo V. Escribá.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelske N van der Veen
- Group on the Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2S2, Canada
| | - John P Kennelly
- Group on the Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, Canada; Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, 4-002 Li Ka Shing Centre for Heath Research Innovations, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Sereana Wan
- Group on the Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2S2, Canada
| | - Jean E Vance
- Group on the Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2S2, Canada
| | - Dennis E Vance
- Group on the Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2S2, Canada
| | - René L Jacobs
- Group on the Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2S2, Canada; Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, 4-002 Li Ka Shing Centre for Heath Research Innovations, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada.
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13
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Tan LTH, Chan KG, Pusparajah P, Lee WL, Chuah LH, Khan TM, Lee LH, Goh BH. Targeting Membrane Lipid a Potential Cancer Cure? Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:12. [PMID: 28167913 PMCID: PMC5253362 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer mortality and morbidity is projected to increase significantly over the next few decades. Current chemotherapeutic strategies have significant limitations, and there is great interest in seeking novel therapies which are capable of specifically targeting cancer cells. Given that fundamental differences exist between the cellular membranes of healthy cells and tumor cells, novel therapies based on targeting membrane lipids in cancer cells is a promising approach that deserves attention in the field of anticancer drug development. Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), a lipid membrane component which exists only in the inner leaflet of cell membrane under normal circumstances, has increased surface representation on the outer membrane of tumor cells with disrupted membrane asymmetry. PE thus represents a potential chemotherapeutic target as the higher exposure of PE on the membrane surface of cancer cells. This feature as well as a high degree of expression of PE on endothelial cells in tumor vasculature, makes PE an attractive molecular target for future cancer interventions. There have already been several small molecules and membrane-active peptides identified which bind specifically to the PE molecules on the cancer cell membrane, subsequently inducing membrane disruption leading to cell lysis. This approach opens up a new front in the battle against cancer, and is of particular interest as it may be a strategy that may be prove effective against tumors that respond poorly to current chemotherapeutic agents. We aim to highlight the evidence suggesting that PE is a strong candidate to be explored as a potential molecular target for membrane targeted novel anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loh Teng-Hern Tan
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Kok-Gan Chan
- Division of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Priyia Pusparajah
- Biomedical Research Laboratory, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Wai-Leng Lee
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Lay-Hong Chuah
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Tahir Mehmood Khan
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Monash University MalaysiaBandar Sunway, Malaysia; Department of Pharmacy, Abasyn University PeshawarPeshawar, Pakistan
| | - Learn-Han Lee
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Monash University MalaysiaBandar Sunway, Malaysia; Center of Health Outcomes Research and Therapeutic Safety, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of PhayaoPhayao, Thailand
| | - Bey-Hing Goh
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Monash University MalaysiaBandar Sunway, Malaysia; Center of Health Outcomes Research and Therapeutic Safety, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of PhayaoPhayao, Thailand
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14
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Austdal M, Thomsen LCV, Tangerås LH, Skei B, Mathew S, Bjørge L, Austgulen R, Bathen TF, Iversen AC. Metabolic profiles of placenta in preeclampsia using HR-MAS MRS metabolomics. Placenta 2015; 36:1455-62. [PMID: 26582504 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2015.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Revised: 10/23/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Preeclampsia is a heterogeneous gestational disease characterized by maternal hypertension and proteinuria, affecting 2-7% of pregnancies. The disorder is initiated by insufficient placental development, but studies characterizing the placental disease components are lacking. METHODS Our aim was to phenotype the preeclamptic placenta using high-resolution magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (HR-MAS MRS). Placental samples collected after delivery from women with preeclampsia (n = 19) and normotensive pregnancies (n = 15) were analyzed for metabolic biomarkers including amino acids, osmolytes, and components of the energy and phospholipid metabolism. The metabolic biomarkers were correlated to clinical characteristics and inflammatory biomarkers in the maternal sera. RESULTS Principal component analysis showed inherent differences in placental metabolic profiles between preeclamptic and normotensive pregnancies. Significant differences in metabolic profiles were found between placentas from severe and non-severe preeclampsia, but not between preeclamptic pregnancies with fetal growth restricted versus normal weight neonates. The placental metabolites correlated with the placental stress marker sFlt-1 and triglycerides in maternal serum, suggesting variation in placental stress signaling between different placental phenotypes. DISCUSSION HR-MAS MRS is a sensitive method for defining the placental disease component of preeclampsia, identifying several altered metabolic pathways. Placental HR-MAS MRS analysis may improve insight into processes affected in the preeclamptic placenta, and represents a novel long-required tool for a sensitive placental phenotyping of this heterogeneous disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Austdal
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway; St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, 7006 Trondheim, Norway; Centre of Molecular Inflammation Research, and Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, NTNU, 7491 Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Liv Cecilie Vestrheim Thomsen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway; Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway; Centre of Molecular Inflammation Research, and Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, NTNU, 7491 Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Line Haugstad Tangerås
- St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, 7006 Trondheim, Norway; Centre of Molecular Inflammation Research, and Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, NTNU, 7491 Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Bente Skei
- Centre of Molecular Inflammation Research, and Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, NTNU, 7491 Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Seema Mathew
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway.
| | - Line Bjørge
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway; Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway.
| | - Rigmor Austgulen
- Centre of Molecular Inflammation Research, and Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, NTNU, 7491 Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Tone Frost Bathen
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Ann-Charlotte Iversen
- Centre of Molecular Inflammation Research, and Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, NTNU, 7491 Trondheim, Norway.
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15
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He R, Guo W, Zhang D. An ethanolamine kinase Eki1 affects radial growth and cell wall integrity inTrichoderma reesei. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2015; 362:fnv133. [DOI: 10.1093/femsle/fnv133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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16
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Yelnik CM, Dubucquoi S, Houfflin-Debarge V, Lambert M. Anticorps antiphosphatidyléthanolamine, un marqueur du syndrome des antiphospholipides ? Presse Med 2015; 44:284-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lpm.2014.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2014] [Revised: 06/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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17
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Ling CS, Yin KB, Cun STW, Ling FL. Expression profiling of choline and ethanolamine kinases in MCF7, HCT116 and HepG2 cells, and the transcriptional regulation by epigenetic modification. Mol Med Rep 2014; 11:611-8. [PMID: 25333818 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2014.2707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2013] [Accepted: 09/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The function of choline kinase (CK) and ethanolamine kinase (EK) is to catalyse the phosphorylation of choline and ethanolamine, respectively, in order to yield phosphocholine (PCho) and phosphoethanolamine (PEtn). A high expression level of PCho, due to elevated CK activity, has previously been associated with malignant transformation. In the present study, a quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to determine the mRNA expression profiles of ck and ek mRNA variants in MCF7 breast, HCT116 colon and HepG2 liver cancer cells. The ck and ek mRNA expression profiles showed that total ckα was expressed most abundantly in the HepG2 cells. The HCT116 cells exhibited the highest ckβ and ek1 mRNA expression levels, whereas the highest ek2α mRNA expression levels were detected in the MCF7 cells. The ckβ variant had higher mRNA expression levels, as compared with total ckα, in both the MCF7 and HCT116 cells. Relatively low ek1 mRNA expression levels were detected, as compared with ek2α in the MCF7 cells; however, this was not observed in the HCT116 and HepG2 cells. Notably, the mRNA expression levels of ckα2 were markedly low, as compared with ckα1, in all three cancer cell lines. The effects of epigenetic modification on ck and ek mRNA expression, by treatment of the cells with the histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA), were also investigated. The results of the present study showed that the mRNA expression levels of ckα, ckβ and ek2α were affected by TSA. An increase >8-fold was observed in ek2α mRNA expression upon treatment with TSA, in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. In conclusion, the levels of ck and ek transcript variants in the three cancer cell lines were varied. The effects of TSA treatment on the mRNA expression levels of ck and ek imply that ck and ek mRNA expression may be regulated by epigenetic modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chua Siang Ling
- School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan 16150, Malaysia
| | - Khoo Boon Yin
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia
| | - See Too Wei Cun
- School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan 16150, Malaysia
| | - Few Ling Ling
- School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan 16150, Malaysia
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18
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Chen F, Zhao X, Peng J, Bo L, Fan B, Ma D. Integrated microRNA-mRNA analysis of coronary artery disease. Mol Biol Rep 2014; 41:5505-11. [PMID: 24913032 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-014-3426-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2014] [Accepted: 05/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Although patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) have a high mortality rate, the pathogenesis of CAD is still poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms and potential target molecules for CAD. The platelet miRNA (GSE28858) and blood mRNA (GSE42148) expression profiles of patients with CAD and healthy controls were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus. Differentially expressed miRNAs and genes (DEGs) were identified by significant analysis of microarray algorithm after data preprocessing. Furthermore, the miRNA-target gene regulatory network was constructed based on miRecords database. The spearman correlation coefficients (ρ) between miRNAs and their target genes were calculated. Six up- (miR-340, miR-545, miR-451, miR454-5p, miR-624 and miR-585) and four down-regulated (miR-199a, miR-17-3p, miR-154 and miR-339) miRNAs were screened. Total 295 target genes of miR-545, miR-451, miR-585 and miR-154 were predicted. Among these 295 target genes, 7 genes were DEGs. Further analysis showed miR-545-TFEC and miR-585-SPOCK1 were highly positively correlated (ρ = 0.808091264; ρ = 0.874680776) in CAD samples. Therefore, differentially expressed miRNAs might participate in the pathogenesis of CAD by regulating their target genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Fifth Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200240, China
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19
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Hernandez-Andrade E, Ahn H, Szalai G, Korzeniewski SJ, Wang B, King M, Chaiworapongsa T, Than NG, Romero R. Evaluation of utero-placental and fetal hemodynamic parameters throughout gestation in pregnant mice using high-frequency ultrasound. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2014; 40:351-360. [PMID: 24342911 PMCID: PMC4179107 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2013.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2012] [Revised: 08/09/2013] [Accepted: 09/22/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Throughout gestation, changes in maternal and fetal Doppler parameters in pregnant mice, similar to those obtained in human fetuses, were detected using high-frequency ultrasound with a 55-MHz linear probe. In the uterine arteries (UtA), fetal umbilical artery (UA) and fetal ductus venosus (DV) peak systolic velocity increased (UtA, p = 0.04; UA, p = 0.0004; DV, p = 0.02), end-diastolic velocity increased (UtA, p < 0.001; UA, p < 0.0001; DV, p = 0.01) and resistance index decreased (UtA, p = 0.0004; UA, p = 0.0001; DV, p = 0.04) toward the end of pregnancy. In the middle cerebral and carotid arteries, end diastolic velocity increased (p = 0.02 and p < 0.0001) and resistance index decreased (both vessels, p < 0.0001). There was a reduction in the pulsatile pattern in the umbilical vein (p < 0.05). The increased velocities and reduced resistance index suggest a progressive increment in blood flow to the fetal mouse toward the end of pregnancy. Fetal and utero-placental vascular parameters in CD-1 mice can be reliably evaluated using high-frequency ultrasound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar Hernandez-Andrade
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Hyunyoung Ahn
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Gabor Szalai
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Steven J Korzeniewski
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Bing Wang
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Mary King
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Tinnakorn Chaiworapongsa
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Nandor Gabor Than
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
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20
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Kildey K, Flower RL, Tran TV, Tunningley R, Harris J, Dean MM. Characterization of ENU-induced Mutations in Red Blood Cell Structural Proteins. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2013; 6:e201303012. [PMID: 24688720 PMCID: PMC3962129 DOI: 10.5936/csbj.201303012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2013] [Revised: 09/05/2013] [Accepted: 09/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Murine models with modified gene function as a result of N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) mutagenesis have been used to study phenotypes resulting from genetic change. This study investigated genetic factors associated with red blood cell (RBC) physiology and structural integrity that may impact on blood component storage and transfusion outcome. Forward and reverse genetic approaches were employed with pedigrees of ENU-treated mice using a homozygous recessive breeding strategy. In a "forward genetic" approach, pedigree selection was based upon identification of an altered phenotype followed by exome sequencing to identify a causative mutation. In a second strategy, a "reverse genetic" approach based on selection of pedigrees with mutations in genes of interest was utilised and, following breeding to homozygosity, phenotype assessed. Thirty-three pedigrees were screened by the forward genetic approach. One pedigree demonstrated reticulocytosis, microcytic anaemia and thrombocytosis. Exome sequencing revealed a novel single nucleotide variation (SNV) in Ank1 encoding the RBC structural protein ankyrin-1 and the pedigree was designated Ank1(EX34). The reticulocytosis and microcytic anaemia observed in the Ank1(EX34) pedigree were similar to clinical features of hereditary spherocytosis in humans. For the reverse genetic approach three pedigrees with different point mutations in Spnb1 encoding RBC protein spectrin-1β, and one pedigree with a mutation in Epb4.1, encoding band 4.1 were selected for study. When bred to homozygosity two of the spectrin-1β pedigrees (a, b) demonstrated increased RBC count, haemoglobin (Hb) and haematocrit (HCT). The third Spnb1 mutation (spectrin-1β c) and mutation in Epb4.1 (band 4.1) did not significantly affect the haematological phenotype, despite these two mutations having a PolyPhen score predicting the mutation may be damaging. Exome sequencing allows rapid identification of causative mutations and development of databases of mutations predicted to be disruptive. These tools require further refinement but provide new approaches to the study of genetically defined changes that may impact on blood component storage and transfusion outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina Kildey
- Research and Development, Australian Red Cross Blood Service, Brisbane, Australia ; Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Robert L Flower
- Research and Development, Australian Red Cross Blood Service, Brisbane, Australia ; Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Thu V Tran
- Research and Development, Australian Red Cross Blood Service, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | | | - Melinda M Dean
- Research and Development, Australian Red Cross Blood Service, Brisbane, Australia
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21
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Horvath SE, Daum G. Lipids of mitochondria. Prog Lipid Res 2013; 52:590-614. [PMID: 24007978 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2013.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 606] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2013] [Accepted: 07/31/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
A unique organelle for studying membrane biochemistry is the mitochondrion whose functionality depends on a coordinated supply of proteins and lipids. Mitochondria are capable of synthesizing several lipids autonomously such as phosphatidylglycerol, cardiolipin and in part phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidic acid and CDP-diacylglycerol. Other mitochondrial membrane lipids such as phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol, sterols and sphingolipids have to be imported. The mitochondrial lipid composition, the biosynthesis and the import of mitochondrial lipids as well as the regulation of these processes will be main issues of this review article. Furthermore, interactions of lipids and mitochondrial proteins which are highly important for various mitochondrial processes will be discussed. Malfunction or loss of enzymes involved in mitochondrial phospholipid biosynthesis lead to dysfunction of cell respiration, affect the assembly and stability of the mitochondrial protein import machinery and cause abnormal mitochondrial morphology or even lethality. Molecular aspects of these processes as well as diseases related to defects in the formation of mitochondrial membranes will be described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne E Horvath
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 12/2, A-8010 Graz, Austria
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22
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Nayfe R, Uthman I, Aoun J, Saad Aldin E, Merashli M, Khamashta MA. Seronegative antiphospholipid syndrome. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2013; 52:1358-67. [PMID: 23502076 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/ket126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
APS is an autoimmune disease that leads to arterial and/or venous thrombosis, recurrent pregnancy loss and persistently positive aPLs. Patients with clinical manifestations highly suggestive of APS but persistently negative conventional aPLs are classified as having seronegative APS. Ongoing research has revealed the existence of non-criteria antibodies proposed to be relevant to APS and that can be potentially included in the disease's classification criteria. We present a literature review on the most promising antibodies of this heterogeneous aPL family, which includes antibodies to a zwitterionic phospholipid, namely phosphatidylethanolamine, phospholipid-binding plasma proteins, phospholipid-protein complexes and anionic phospholipids other than cardiolipin. Although these molecules can increase the diagnostic yield of APS, their clinical relevance is still debatable and needs to be confirmed by interlaboratory efforts toward standardizing diagnostic tools, in addition to experimental data and larger longitudinal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabih Nayfe
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, PO Box 11-0236, Riad El-Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
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23
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Agassandian M, Mallampalli RK. Surfactant phospholipid metabolism. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2012; 1831:612-25. [PMID: 23026158 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2012.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2012] [Revised: 09/07/2012] [Accepted: 09/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary surfactant is essential for life and is composed of a complex lipoprotein-like mixture that lines the inner surface of the lung to prevent alveolar collapse at the end of expiration. The molecular composition of surfactant depends on highly integrated and regulated processes involving its biosynthesis, remodeling, degradation, and intracellular trafficking. Despite its multicomponent composition, the study of surfactant phospholipid metabolism has focused on two predominant components, disaturated phosphatidylcholine that confers surface-tension lowering activities, and phosphatidylglycerol, recently implicated in innate immune defense. Future studies providing a better understanding of the molecular control and physiological relevance of minor surfactant lipid components are needed. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Phospholipids and Phospholipid Metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Agassandian
- Department of Medicine, Acute Lung Injury Center of Excellence, the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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24
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Vance JE, Tasseva G. Formation and function of phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylethanolamine in mammalian cells. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2012; 1831:543-54. [PMID: 22960354 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2012.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 366] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2012] [Revised: 08/20/2012] [Accepted: 08/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) are metabolically related membrane aminophospholipids. In mammalian cells, PS is required for targeting and function of several intracellular signaling proteins. Moreover, PS is asymmetrically distributed in the plasma membrane. Although PS is highly enriched in the cytoplasmic leaflet of plasma membranes, PS exposure on the cell surface initiates blood clotting and removal of apoptotic cells. PS is synthesized in mammalian cells by two distinct PS synthases that exchange serine for choline or ethanolamine in phosphatidylcholine (PC) or PE, respectively. Targeted disruption of each PS synthase individually in mice demonstrated that neither enzyme is required for viability whereas elimination of both synthases was embryonic lethal. Thus, mammalian cells require a threshold amount of PS. PE is synthesized in mammalian cells by four different pathways, the quantitatively most important of which are the CDP-ethanolamine pathway that produces PE in the ER, and PS decarboxylation that occurs in mitochondria. PS is made in ER membranes and is imported into mitochondria for decarboxylation to PE via a domain of the ER [mitochondria-associated membranes (MAM)] that transiently associates with mitochondria. Elimination of PS decarboxylase in mice caused mitochondrial defects and embryonic lethality. Global elimination of the CDP-ethanolamine pathway was also incompatible with mouse survival. Thus, PE made by each of these pathways has independent and necessary functions. In mammals PE is a substrate for methylation to PC in the liver, a substrate for anandamide synthesis, and supplies ethanolamine for glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchors of cell-surface signaling proteins. Thus, PS and PE participate in many previously unanticipated facets of mammalian cell biology. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Phospholipids and Phospholipid Metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean E Vance
- Group on the Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids and the Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada AB T6G 2S2.
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25
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Veiga-da-Cunha M, Hadi F, Balligand T, Stroobant V, Van Schaftingen E. Molecular identification of hydroxylysine kinase and of ammoniophospholyases acting on 5-phosphohydroxy-L-lysine and phosphoethanolamine. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:7246-55. [PMID: 22241472 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.323485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of the present work was to identify the catalytic activity of AGXT2L1 and AGXT2L2, two closely related, putative pyridoxal-phosphate-dependent enzymes encoded by vertebrate genomes. The existence of bacterial homologues (40-50% identity with AGXT2L1 and AGXT2L2) forming bi- or tri-functional proteins with a putative kinase belonging to the family of aminoglycoside phosphotransferases suggested that AGXT2L1 and AGXT2L2 acted on phosphorylated and aminated compounds. Vertebrate genomes were found to encode a homologue (AGPHD1) of these putative bacterial kinases, which was therefore likely to phosphorylate an amino compound bearing a hydroxyl group. These and other considerations led us to hypothesize that AGPHD1 corresponded to 5-hydroxy-L-lysine kinase and that AGXT2L1 and AGXT2L2 catalyzed the pyridoxal-phosphate-dependent breakdown of phosphoethanolamine and 5-phosphohydroxy-L-lysine. The three recombinant human proteins were produced and purified to homogeneity. AGPHD1 was indeed found to catalyze the GTP-dependent phosphorylation of 5-hydroxy-L-lysine. The phosphorylation product made by this enzyme was metabolized by AGXT2L2, which converted it to ammonia, inorganic phosphate, and 2-aminoadipate semialdehyde. AGXT2L1 catalyzed a similar reaction on phosphoethanolamine, converting it to ammonia, inorganic phosphate, and acetaldehyde. AGPHD1 and AGXT2L2 are likely to be the mutated enzymes in 5-hydroxylysinuria and 5-phosphohydroxylysinuria, respectively. The high level of expression of AGXT2L1 in human brain, as well as data in the literature linking AGXT2L1 to schizophrenia and bipolar disorders, suggest that these diseases may involve a perturbation of brain phosphoethanolamine metabolism. AGXT2L1 and AGXT2L2, the first ammoniophospholyases to be identified, belong to a family of aminotransferases acting on ω-amines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Veiga-da-Cunha
- Laboratory of Physiological Chemistry, de Duve Institute and Université Catholique de Louvain, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium.
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Abstract
Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) is a major component in the mammalian plasma membrane. It is present mainly in the inner leaflet of the membrane bilayer in a viable, typical mammalian cell. However, accumulating evidence indicates that a number of biological events involve PE externalization. For instance, PE is concentrated at the surface of cleavage furrow between mitotic daughter cells and is correlated with the dynamics of contractile ring. In apoptotic cells, PE is exposed to the cell surface, thus providing a molecular marker for detection. In addition, PE is a cofactor in the anticoagulant mechanism, and a distinct distribution profile of PE has been documented at the blood-endothelium interface. These recent discoveries were made possible using PE-specific probes derived from duramycin and cinnamycin, which are members of type B lantibiotics. This review provides an account on the features of these PE-specific lantibiotics in the context of molecular probes for the characterization of PE on a cellular and tissue level. According to the existing data, PE is likely a versatile chemical species that plays a role in the regulation of defined biological and physiological activities. The utilities of lantibiotic-based molecular probes will help accelerate the characterization of PE as an abundant, yet elusive membrane component.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Zhao
- Department of Biophysics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, 53226, USA.
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Hermansson M, Hokynar K, Somerharju P. Mechanisms of glycerophospholipid homeostasis in mammalian cells. Prog Lipid Res 2011; 50:240-57. [DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2011.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2011] [Revised: 02/21/2011] [Accepted: 02/25/2011] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Velayuthaprabhu S, Matsubayashi H, Sugi T, Nakamura M, Ohnishi Y, Ogura T, Tomiyama T, Archunan G. A Unique Preliminary Study on Placental Apoptosis in Mice with Passive Immunization of Anti-Phosphatidylethanolamine Antibodies and Anti-Factor XII Antibodies. Am J Reprod Immunol 2011; 66:373-84. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2011.01008.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
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Penrod NM, Poku KA, Vaughn DE, Asselbergs FW, Brown NJ, Moore JH, Williams SM. Epistatic interactions in genetic regulation of t-PA and PAI-1 levels in a Ghanaian population. PLoS One 2011; 6:e16639. [PMID: 21304999 PMCID: PMC3031598 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0016639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2010] [Accepted: 01/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The proteins, tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), act in concert to balance thrombus formation and degradation, thereby modulating the development of arterial thrombosis and excessive bleeding. PAI-1 is upregulated by the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), specifically by angiotensin II, the product of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) cleavage of angiotensin I, which is produced by the cleavage of angiotensinogen (AGT) by renin (REN). ACE indirectly stimulates the release of t-PA which, in turn, activates the corresponding fibrinolytic system. Single polymorphisms in these pathways have been shown to significantly impact plasma levels of t-PA and PAI-1 differently in Ghanaian males and females. Here we explore the involvement of epistatic interactions between the same polymorphisms in central genes of the RAS and fibrinolytic systems on plasma t-PA and PAI-1 levels within the same population (n = 992). Statistical modeling of pairwise interactions was done using two-way ANOVA between polymorphisms in the ETNK2, RENIN, ACE, PAI-1, t-PA, and AGT genes. The most significant interactions that associated with t-PA levels were between the ETNK2 A6135G and the REN T9435C polymorphisms in females (p = 0.006) and the REN T9435C and the TPA I/D polymorphisms (p = 0.005) in males. The most significant interactions for PAI-1 levels were with REN T9435C and the TPA I/D polymorphisms (p = 0.001) in females, and the association of REN G6567T with the TPA I/D polymorphisms (p = 0.032) in males. Our results provide evidence for multiple genetic effects that may not be detected using single SNP analysis. Because t-PA and PAI-1 have been implicated in cardiovascular disease these results support the idea that the genetic architecture of cardiovascular disease is complex. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the relationship between interacting polymorphisms of pathway specific genes that predict t-PA and PAI-1 levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia M. Penrod
- Department of Genetics, Dartmouth Medical School, Lebanon, New Hampshire, United States of America
| | - Kwabena A. Poku
- Human Services Management and Public Administration, Business School, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Douglas E. Vaughn
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical School, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Folkert W. Asselbergs
- Division Heart and Lungs, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Nancy J. Brown
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical School, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Jason H. Moore
- Department of Genetics, Dartmouth Medical School, Lebanon, New Hampshire, United States of America
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, Dartmouth Medical School, Lebanon, New Hampshire, United States of America
| | - Scott M. Williams
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Center for Human Genetics Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Zhixin Li, Wells CW, North PE, Kumar S, Duris CB, McIntyre JA, Ming Zhao. Phosphatidylethanolamine at the luminal endothelial surface--implications for hemostasis and thrombotic autoimmunity. Clin Appl Thromb Hemost 2009; 17:158-63. [PMID: 19903695 DOI: 10.1177/1076029609350620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Accumulating evidence suggests that phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) is physically present at the luminal endothelial surface, where it tentatively functions as a critical anticoagulant. The goal of the current investigation was 3-fold: to characterize the distribution profile of PE at the luminal endothelial surface; to examine the immunoreactivity to the vascular endothelium by anti-PE (aPE) sera from patients presenting with thrombosis; and to discuss the potential mechanism of PE upregulation by endothelial cells. METHODS The rat aortic arch was selected as major conduit vessel under significant hemodynamic burden. The presence of PE and the antigenic profile of aPE sera at the luminal endothelial surface were examined using duramycin as a PEbinding probe and immunohistochemistry. Phosphatidylethanolamine upregulation at endothelial cell surface was investigated using cultured monolayer subject to laminar shear stress or thrombin treatment. RESULTS High levels of PE were detected at the luminal endothelial surface of aortic flow dividers, the ascending aorta, and the outer curvature of the aortic arch. The antigenic profiles of aPE sera, which are highly associated with elevated thrombotic risks in patients, are consistent with PE distribution along the endothelial surface. Finally, PE is upregulated at the surface of cultured endothelial cells in response to luminal shear stress but not thrombin. CONCLUSIONS The current data describe the physical distribution of vascular PE at the blood-endothelium interface. The luminal PE presents a vulnerability to anti-PE autoimmunity and is consistent with the association between aPE and elevated risk for idiopathic thrombosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixin Li
- Department of Biophysics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226, USA
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King JD, Kocíncová D, Westman EL, Lam JS. Review: Lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Innate Immun 2009; 15:261-312. [PMID: 19710102 DOI: 10.1177/1753425909106436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 225] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes serious nosocomial infections, and an important virulence factor produced by this organism is lipopolysaccharide (LPS). This review summarizes knowledge about biosynthesis of all three structural domains of LPS - lipid A, core oligosaccharide, and O polysaccharides. In addition, based on similarities with other bacterial species, this review proposes new hypothetical pathways for unstudied steps in the biosynthesis of P. aeruginosa LPS. Lipid A biosynthesis is discussed in relation to Escherichia coli and Salmonella, and the biosyntheses of core sugar precursors and core oligosaccharide are summarised. Pseudomonas aeruginosa attaches a Common Polysaccharide Antigen and O-Specific Antigen polysaccharides to lipid A-core. Both forms of O polysaccharide are discussed with respect to their independent synthesis mechanisms. Recent advances in understanding O-polysaccharide biosynthesis since the last major review on this subject, published nearly a decade ago, are highlighted. Since P. aeruginosa O polysaccharides contain unusual sugars, sugar-nucleotide biosynthesis pathways are reviewed in detail. Knowledge derived from detailed studies in the O5, O6 and O11 serotypes is applied to predict biosynthesis pathways of sugars in poorly-studied serotypes, especially O1, O4, and O13/O14. Although further work is required, a full understanding of LPS biosynthesis in P. aeruginosa is almost within reach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerry D King
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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Matsubayashi H. Autoantibodies and coagulation in reproductive medicine. Reprod Med Biol 2009; 8:131-140. [PMID: 29662422 DOI: 10.1007/s12522-009-0026-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2009] [Accepted: 06/29/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Management of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is considered to be difficult, in part because of cunfusion between autoantibodies and coagulation disorders. Autoantibodies and coagulation are related; two groups of multicenter studies concerning autoantibodies and coagulation reported that factor XII deficiency, hypofibrinolysis, anti-phosphatidylethanolamine (aPE), anti-beta2-glycoprotein I, anti-annexin A5, and lupus anticoagulant (LA) were found to be frequent risk factors in RPL women. Therefore, discrimination of autoantibodies and coagulation is important in understanding RPL well. We propose three types of pathways regarding reproduction, which are different and independent: (1) Negatively charged-phospholipid related antibodies (anti-phosphatidylserine; aPS, anti-cardiolipin; aCL, lupus anticoagulant; LA, anti-annexin A5; aANX), (2) factor XII-aPE-fibrinolysis: suppression of fibrinolysis, (3) protein C-protein S-factor V: loss of inactivation against activated factor V. Women with RPL and infertility showed similar findings in terms of the above clinical tests. Available data, however, is not enough to conclude whether these are pathogenic to infertile women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidehiko Matsubayashi
- Tokai University School of Medicine 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara 259-1193 Kanagawa Japan.,Osaka New ART Clinic Pacificmarks Nishiumeda 10F, 2-6-20 Umeda, Kita-ku 530-0001 Osaka Japan
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Li Z, Wells CW, Esmon CT, Zhao M. Phosphatidylethanolamine at the endothelial surface of aortic flow dividers. J Thromb Haemost 2009; 7:227-9. [PMID: 18983507 DOI: 10.1111/j.1538-7836.2008.03193.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Gustin SE, Western PS, McClive PJ, Harley VR, Koopman PA, Sinclair AH. Testis development, fertility, and survival in Ethanolamine kinase 2-deficient mice. Endocrinology 2008; 149:6176-86. [PMID: 18755794 DOI: 10.1210/en.2008-0584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Ethanolamine kinase 2 (Eki2) was previously isolated from a differential expression screen designed to identify candidate genes involved in testis development and differentiation. In mouse, Eki2 is specifically up-regulated in Sertoli cells of the developing testis at the time of sex determination. Based on this expression profile, Eki2 was considered a good candidate testis-determining gene. To investigate a possible role of Eki2 in testis development, we have generated a mouse with targeted disruption of the Eki2 gene by using an EGFP replacement strategy. No abnormalities were detected in the Eki2-deficient mice with regard to embryonic and adult testis morphology, differentiation, function, or fertility. Furthermore, no significant differences were observed in litter sizes, pup mortality rates, or distribution of the sexes among the offspring. Ethanolamine kinases are involved in the biosynthesis of phosphatidylethanolamine, a major membrane phospholipid. Expression analysis indicates that the absence of an apparent phenotype in the Eki2-deficient mice may be due to compensation by Eki2-family members or the activation of an alternative pathway to generate phosphatidylethanolamine. Expression of EGFP in this mouse model enabled the isolation of gonad cell populations, providing a useful resource from which to obtain relatively pure early steroidogenic cells for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja E Gustin
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia
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Vance DE, Vance JE. Physiological consequences of disruption of mammalian phospholipid biosynthetic genes. J Lipid Res 2008; 50 Suppl:S132-7. [PMID: 18955728 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.r800048-jlr200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
By 1959, Eugene Kennedy and coworkers had outlined most pathways of phospholipid biosynthesis. In the next four decades, the emphasis was on enzymology and regulation of these pathways. In the last 12 years, several lines of mice with disrupted genes of phospholipid biosynthesis were generated. From this research, we have learned that embryonic lethality occurs in mice that lack choline kinase (CK) alpha, CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase alpha, CTP:phosphoethanolamine cytidylyltransferase, or phosphatidylserine decarboxylase. Whereas mice that lack CK beta are viable but develop hindlimb muscular dystrophy and neonatal bone deformity. Mice that lack CTP:phosphocholine cytidylytransferase beta have gonadal dysfunction and defective axon branching. Mice that lack phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase exhibit no phenotype until fed a choline-deficient diet, which leads to rapid liver failure. Future research should extend our knowledge about the function of these and other enzymes of phospholipid biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis E Vance
- Group on Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids and Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2S2 Canada.
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Kono M, Allende ML, Proia RL. Sphingosine-1-phosphate regulation of mammalian development. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2008; 1781:435-41. [PMID: 18675379 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2008.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2008] [Revised: 06/30/2008] [Accepted: 07/02/2008] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) was first identified as a lysophospholipid metabolite whose formation is required for the irreversible degradation of sphingolipids. Years later, it was discovered that S1P is a bioactive lipid that provokes varied cell responses by acting through cell-surface receptors to drive cell signaling. More recent findings in model organisms have now established that S1P metabolism and signaling are integrated into many physiological systems. We describe here the surprising breadth of function of S1P in mammalian development and the underlying biologic processes that S1P regulates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari Kono
- Genetics of Development and Disease Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1821, USA
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Vance JE. Phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylethanolamine in mammalian cells: two metabolically related aminophospholipids. J Lipid Res 2008; 49:1377-87. [PMID: 18204094 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.r700020-jlr200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 335] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) are two aminophospholipids whose metabolism is interrelated. Both phospholipids are components of mammalian cell membranes and play important roles in biological processes such as apoptosis and cell signaling. PS is synthesized in mammalian cells by base-exchange reactions in which polar head groups of preexisting phospholipids are replaced by serine. PS synthase activity resides primarily on mitochondria-associated membranes and is encoded by two distinct genes. Studies in mice in which each gene has been individually disrupted are beginning to elucidate the importance of these two synthases for biological functions in intact animals. PE is made in mammalian cells by two completely independent major pathways. In one pathway, PS is converted into PE by the mitochondrial enzyme PS decarboxylase. In addition, PE is made via the CDP-ethanolamine pathway, in which the final reaction occurs on the endoplasmic reticulum and nuclear envelope. The relative importance of these two pathways of PE synthesis has been investigated in knockout mice. Elimination of either pathway is embryonically lethal, despite the normal activity of the other pathway. PE can also be generated from a base-exchange reaction and by the acylation of lyso-PE. Cellular levels of PS and PE are tightly regulated by the implementation of multiple compensatory mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean E Vance
- Group on the Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids and Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2S2, Canada.
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Mizugishi K, Li C, Olivera A, Bielawski J, Bielawska A, Deng CX, Proia RL. Maternal disturbance in activated sphingolipid metabolism causes pregnancy loss in mice. J Clin Invest 2007; 117:2993-3006. [PMID: 17885683 PMCID: PMC1978422 DOI: 10.1172/jci30674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2006] [Accepted: 06/26/2007] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Uterine decidualization, a process that occurs in response to embryo implantation, is critical for embryonic survival and thus is a key event for successful pregnancy. Here we show that the sphingolipid metabolic pathway is highly activated in the deciduum during pregnancy and disturbance of the pathway by disruption of sphingosine kinase (Sphk) genes causes defective decidualization with severely compromised uterine blood vessels, leading to early pregnancy loss. Sphk-deficient female mice (Sphk1(-/-)Sphk2(+/-)) exhibited both an enormous accumulation of dihydrosphingosine and sphingosine and a reduction in phosphatidylethanolamine levels in pregnant uteri. These mice also revealed increased cell death in decidual cells, decreased cell proliferation in undifferentiated stromal cells, and massive breakage of decidual blood vessels, leading to uterine hemorrhage and early embryonic lethality. Thus, sphingolipid metabolism regulates proper uterine decidualization and blood vessel stability. Our findings also suggest that disturbance in sphingolipid metabolism may be considered as a cause of pregnancy loss in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyomi Mizugishi
- Genetics of Development and Disease Branch, NIDDK, and
Molecular Immunology and Inflammation Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Cuiling Li
- Genetics of Development and Disease Branch, NIDDK, and
Molecular Immunology and Inflammation Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Ana Olivera
- Genetics of Development and Disease Branch, NIDDK, and
Molecular Immunology and Inflammation Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Jacek Bielawski
- Genetics of Development and Disease Branch, NIDDK, and
Molecular Immunology and Inflammation Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Alicja Bielawska
- Genetics of Development and Disease Branch, NIDDK, and
Molecular Immunology and Inflammation Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Chu-Xia Deng
- Genetics of Development and Disease Branch, NIDDK, and
Molecular Immunology and Inflammation Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Richard L. Proia
- Genetics of Development and Disease Branch, NIDDK, and
Molecular Immunology and Inflammation Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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Wu G, Aoyama C, Young SG, Vance DE. Early embryonic lethality caused by disruption of the gene for choline kinase alpha, the first enzyme in phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis. J Biol Chem 2007; 283:1456-1462. [PMID: 18029352 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m708766200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Choline kinase alpha (CK-alpha) is one of two mammalian enzymes that catalyze the phosphorylation of choline to phosphocholine in the biosynthesis of the major membrane phospholipid, phosphatidylcholine. We created mice lacking CK-alpha with an embryonic stem cell line containing an insertional mutation in the gene for CK-alpha (Chka). Embryos homozygous for the mutant Chka allele were recovered at the blastocyst stage, but not at embryonic day 7.5, indicating that CK-alpha is crucial for the early development of mouse embryos. Heterozygous mutant mice (Chka(+/-)) appeared entirely normal in their embryonic development and gross anatomy, and they were fertile. Although choline kinase activity was decreased by approximately 30%, the amount of phosphatidylcholine in cells and the levels of other enzymes involved in phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis were unaffected. Phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis measured by choline incorporation into hepatocytes was also not compromised in Chka(+/-) mice. Enhanced levels of choline and attenuated levels of phosphocholine were observed in both the livers and testes of Chka(+/-) mice. Triacylglycerol and cholesterol ester were elevated approximately 2-fold in the livers, whereas neutral lipid profiles in plasma were similar in Chka(+/-) and wild-type (Chka(+/+)) mice. Thus, Chka is an essential gene for early embryonic development, but adult mice do not require full expression of the gene for normal levels of phosphatidylcholine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gengshu Wu
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research Group on the Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2S2, Canada
| | - Chieko Aoyama
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research Group on the Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2S2, Canada
| | - Stephen G Young
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095
| | - Dennis E Vance
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research Group on the Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2S2, Canada.
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Tie A, Bakovic M. Alternative splicing of CTP:phosphoethanolamine cytidylyltransferase produces two isoforms that differ in catalytic properties. J Lipid Res 2007; 48:2172-81. [PMID: 17646670 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.m600536-jlr200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
CTP:phosphoethanolamine cytidylyltransferase (Pcyt2) catalyzes the rate-controlling reaction of the CDP-ethanolamine (Kennedy) pathway. We have previously established that Pcyt2 is encoded by a single gene that can be alternatively spliced from an internal exon into two transcripts, designated Pcyt2alpha and Pcyt2beta. Little is currently known about the regulation of Pcyt2. Here, we functionally express both murine Pcyt2 (mPcyt2) transcripts and investigate the roles of the two proteins in the regulation of mPcyt2 activity. We demonstrate that the tagged and purified alpha and beta proteins differ significantly in their kinetic properties. The K(m) of mPcyt2alpha for phosphoethanolamine was 318.4 microM, compared with 140.3 microM for mPcyt2beta. The maximal velocities of the alpha and beta isoforms at saturating conditions for both substrates were 138.0 and 114.4 nmol/min/mumol enzyme, respectively. When phosphoethanolamine was used at a fixed concentration of 1 mM, the K(m) of mPcyt2alpha for CTP was 102.0 microM and that of mPcyt2beta was 84.09 microM. Using a combination of nondenaturing PAGE, gel filtration chromatography, and immunoprecipitation, we provide evidence that mPcyt2alpha and mPcyt2beta proteins can form both homodimeric and heterodimeric complexes. We show that alternative splicing of the mPcyt2 transcript is ubiquitous but could also be regulated in a tissue-specific manner, producing a variable ratio of mPcyt2alpha/mPcyt2beta mRNAs. The expression of two distinct protein isoforms maybe an important mechanism by which Pcyt2 activity is regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Tie
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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Bakovic M, Fullerton MD, Michel V. Metabolic and molecular aspects of ethanolamine phospholipid biosynthesis: the role of CTP:phosphoethanolamine cytidylyltransferase (Pcyt2). Biochem Cell Biol 2007; 85:283-300. [PMID: 17612623 DOI: 10.1139/o07-006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The CDP-ethanolamine branch of the Kennedy pathway is the major route for the formation of ethanolamine-derived phospholipids, including diacyl phosphatidylethanolamine and alkenylacyl phosphatidylethanolamine derivatives, known as plasmalogens. Ethanolamine phospholipids are essential structural components of the cell membranes and play regulatory roles in cell division, cell signaling, activation, autophagy, and phagocytosis. The physiological importance of plasmalogens has not been not fully elucidated, although they are known for their antioxidant properties and deficiencies in a number of inherited peroxisomal disorders. This review highlights important aspects of ethanolamine phospholipid metabolism and reports current molecular information on 1 of the regulatory enzymes in their synthesis, CTP:phosphoethanolamine cytidylyltransferase (Pcyt2). Pcyt2 is encoded by a single, nonredundant gene in animal species that could be alternatively spliced into 2 potential protein products. We describe properties of the mouse and human Pcyt2 genes and their regulatory promoters and provide molecular evidence for the existence of 2 distinct Pcyt2 proteins. The goal is to obtain more insight into Pcyt2 catalytic function and regulation to facilitate a better understanding of the production of ethanolamine phospholipids via the CDP-ethanolamine branch of the Kennedy pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marica Bakovic
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
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Abstract
Phospholipid biosynthetic enzymes produce diverse molecular structures and are often present in multiple forms encoded by different genes. This work utilizes comparative genomics and phylogenetics for exploring the distribution, structure and evolution of phospholipid biosynthetic genes and pathways in 26 eukaryotic genomes. Although the basic structure of the pathways was formed early in eukaryotic evolution, the emerging picture indicates that individual enzyme families followed unique evolutionary courses. For example, choline and ethanolamine kinases and cytidylyltransferases emerged in ancestral eukaryotes, whereas, multiple forms of the corresponding phosphatidyltransferases evolved mainly in a lineage specific manner. Furthermore, several unicellular eukaryotes maintain bacterial-type enzymes and reactions for the synthesis of phosphatidylglycerol and cardiolipin. Also, base-exchange phosphatidylserine synthases are widespread and ancestral enzymes. The multiplicity of phospholipid biosynthetic enzymes has been largely generated by gene expansion in a lineage specific manner. Thus, these observations suggest that phospholipid biosynthesis has been an actively evolving system. Finally, comparative genomic analysis indicates the existence of novel phosphatidyltransferases and provides a candidate for the uncharacterized eukaryotic phosphatidylglycerol phosphate phosphatase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios Lykidis
- Genome Biology Program, DOE-Joint Genome Institute, Walnut Creek, CA 94598, USA.
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Fullerton MD, Hakimuddin F, Bakovic M. Developmental and metabolic effects of disruption of the mouse CTP:phosphoethanolamine cytidylyltransferase gene (Pcyt2). Mol Cell Biol 2007; 27:3327-36. [PMID: 17325045 PMCID: PMC1899976 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.01527-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The CDP-ethanolamine pathway is responsible for the de novo biosynthesis of ethanolamine phospholipids, where CDP-ethanolamine is coupled with diacylglycerols to form phosphatidylethanolamine. We have disrupted the mouse gene encoding CTP:phosphoethanolamine cytidylyltransferase, Pcyt2, the main regulatory enzyme in this pathway. Intercrossings of Pcyt2(+/-) animals resulted in small litter sizes and unexpected Mendelian frequencies, with no null mice genotyped. The Pcyt2(-/-) embryos die after implantation, prior to embryonic day 8.5. Examination of mRNA expression, protein content, and enzyme activity in Pcyt2(+/-) animals revealed the anticipated 50% decrease due to the gene dosage effect but rather a 20 to 35% decrease. [(14)C]ethanolamine radiolabeling of hepatocytes, liver, heart, and brain corroborated Pcyt2 gene expression and activity data and showed a decreased rate of phosphatidylethanolamine biosynthesis in heterozygotes. Total phospholipid content was maintained in Pcyt2(+/-) tissues; however, this was not due to compensatory increases in the decarboxylation of phosphatidylserine. These results establish the necessity of Pcyt2 for murine development and demonstrate that a single Pcyt2 allele in heterozygotes can maintain phospholipid homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan D Fullerton
- Department of Human Health and Nutirtionla Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1
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