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Sun L, Jin Y, Nishio M, Watanabe M, Kamakura T, Nagata S, Fukuda M, Maekawa H, Kawai S, Yamamoto T, Toguchida J. Oxidative phosphorylation is a pivotal therapeutic target of fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202302219. [PMID: 38365425 PMCID: PMC10875110 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a non-physiological bone formation where soft tissue progenitor cells differentiate into chondrogenic cells. In fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), a rare genetic disease characterized by progressive and systemic HO, the Activin A/mutated ACVR1/mTORC1 cascade induces HO in progenitors in muscle tissues. The relevant biological processes aberrantly regulated by activated mTORC1 remain unclear, however. RNA-sequencing analyses revealed the enrichment of genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) during Activin A-induced chondrogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells derived from FOP patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells. Functional analyses showed a metabolic transition from glycolysis to OXPHOS during chondrogenesis, along with increased mitochondrial biogenesis. mTORC1 inhibition by rapamycin suppressed OXPHOS, whereas OXPHOS inhibitor IACS-010759 inhibited cartilage matrix formation in vitro, indicating that OXPHOS is principally involved in mTORC1-induced chondrogenesis. Furthermore, IACS-010759 inhibited the muscle injury-induced enrichment of fibro/adipogenic progenitor genes and HO in transgenic mice carrying the mutated human ACVR1. These data indicated that OXPHOS is a critical downstream mediator of mTORC1 signaling in chondrogenesis and therefore is a potential FOP therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Sun
- Department of Regeneration Sciences and Engineering, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yonghui Jin
- Department of Regeneration Sciences and Engineering, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Megumi Nishio
- Department of Fundamental Cell Technology, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Makoto Watanabe
- Life Science Research Center, Technology Research Laboratory, Shimadzu Corporation, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takeshi Kamakura
- Department of Regeneration Sciences and Engineering, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Sanae Nagata
- Department of Fundamental Cell Technology, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masayuki Fukuda
- Department of Regeneration Sciences and Engineering, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hirotsugu Maekawa
- Department of Fundamental Cell Technology, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Kawai
- Department of Fundamental Cell Technology, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takuya Yamamoto
- Department of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (WPI-ASHBi), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Medical-risk Avoidance Based on iPS Cells Team, RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Junya Toguchida
- Department of Regeneration Sciences and Engineering, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Fundamental Cell Technology, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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Anwar S, Yokota T. Navigating the Complex Landscape of Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva: From Current Paradigms to Therapeutic Frontiers. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:2162. [PMID: 38136984 PMCID: PMC10742611 DOI: 10.3390/genes14122162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is an enigmatic, ultra-rare genetic disorder characterized by progressive heterotopic ossification, wherein soft connective tissues undergo pathological transformation into bone structures. This incapacitating process severely limits patient mobility and poses formidable challenges for therapeutic intervention. Predominantly caused by missense mutations in the ACVR1 gene, this disorder has hitherto defied comprehensive mechanistic understanding and effective treatment paradigms. This write-up offers a comprehensive overview of the contemporary understanding of FOP's complex pathobiology, underscored by advances in molecular genetics and proteomic studies. We delve into targeted therapy, spanning genetic therapeutics, enzymatic and transcriptional modulation, stem cell therapies, and innovative immunotherapies. We also highlight the intricate complexities surrounding clinical trial design for ultra-rare disorders like FOP, addressing fundamental statistical limitations, ethical conundrums, and methodological advancements essential for the success of interventional studies. We advocate for the adoption of a multi-disciplinary approach that converges bench-to-bedside research, clinical expertise, and ethical considerations to tackle the challenges of ultra-rare diseases like FOP and comparable ultra-rare diseases. In essence, this manuscript serves a dual purpose: as a definitive scientific resource for ongoing and future FOP research and a call to action for innovative solutions to address methodological and ethical challenges that impede progress in the broader field of medical research into ultra-rare conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Toshifumi Yokota
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada;
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Okamoto S, Echigoya Y, Tago A, Segawa T, Sato Y, Itou T. Antiviral Efficacy of RNase H-Dependent Gapmer Antisense Oligonucleotides against Japanese Encephalitis Virus. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14846. [PMID: 37834294 PMCID: PMC10573891 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
RNase H-dependent gapmer antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are a promising therapeutic approach via sequence-specific binding to and degrading target RNAs. However, the efficacy and mechanism of antiviral gapmer ASOs have remained unclear. Here, we investigated the inhibitory effects of gapmer ASOs containing locked nucleic acids (LNA gapmers) on proliferating a mosquito-borne flavivirus, Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), with high mortality. We designed several LNA gapmers targeting the 3' untranslated region of JEV genomic RNAs. In vitro screening by plaque assay using Vero cells revealed that LNA gapmers targeting a stem-loop region effectively inhibit JEV proliferation. Cell-based and RNA cleavage assays using mismatched LNA gapmers exhibited an underlying mechanism where the inhibition of viral production results from JEV RNA degradation by LNA gapmers in a sequence- and modification-dependent manner. Encouragingly, LNA gapmers potently inhibited the proliferation of five JEV strains of predominant genotypes I and III in human neuroblastoma cells without apparent cytotoxicity. Database searching showed a low possibility of off-target binding of our LNA gapmers to human RNAs. The target viral RNA sequence conservation observed here highlighted their broad-spectrum antiviral potential against different JEV genotypes/strains. This work will facilitate the development of an antiviral LNA gapmer therapy for JEV and other flavivirus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunsuke Okamoto
- Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan; (S.O.); (T.S.); (T.I.)
- Nihon University Veterinary Research Center, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan; (A.T.); (Y.S.)
| | - Yusuke Echigoya
- Nihon University Veterinary Research Center, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan; (A.T.); (Y.S.)
- Laboratory of Biomedical Science, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan
| | - Ayaka Tago
- Nihon University Veterinary Research Center, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan; (A.T.); (Y.S.)
- Laboratory of Biomedical Science, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan
| | - Takao Segawa
- Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan; (S.O.); (T.S.); (T.I.)
- Nihon University Veterinary Research Center, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan; (A.T.); (Y.S.)
| | - Yukita Sato
- Nihon University Veterinary Research Center, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan; (A.T.); (Y.S.)
- Laboratory of Biomedical Science, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan
| | - Takuya Itou
- Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan; (S.O.); (T.S.); (T.I.)
- Nihon University Veterinary Research Center, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan; (A.T.); (Y.S.)
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Nagar G, Mittal P, Gupta SRR, Pahuja M, Sanger M, Mishra R, Singh A, Singh IK. Multi-omics therapeutic perspective on ACVR1 gene: from genetic alterations to potential targeting. Brief Funct Genomics 2022; 22:123-142. [PMID: 36003055 DOI: 10.1093/bfgp/elac026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Activin A receptor type I (ACVR1), a transmembrane serine/threonine kinase, belongs to the transforming growth factor-β superfamily, which signals via phosphorylating the downstream effectors and SMAD transcription factors. Its central role in several biological processes and intracellular signaling is well known. Genetic variation in ACVR1 has been associated with a rare disease, fibrodysplasia ossificans progressive, and its somatic alteration is reported in rare cancer diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma. Furthermore, altered expression or variation of ACVR1 is associated with multiple pathologies such as polycystic ovary syndrome, congenital heart defects, diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, posterior fossa ependymoma and other malignancies. Recent advancements have witnessed ACVR1 as a potential pharmacological target, and divergent promising approaches for its therapeutic targeting have been explored. This review highlights the structural and functional characteristics of receptor ACVR1, associated signaling pathways, genetic variants in several diseases and cancers, protein-protein interaction, gene expression, regulatory miRNA prediction and potential therapeutic targeting approaches. The comprehensive knowledge will offer new horizons and insights into future strategies harnessing its therapeutic potential.
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