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Lotsios NS, Arvanitis N, Charonitakis AG, Mpekoulis G, Frakolaki E, Vassilaki N, Sideris DC, Vassilacopoulou D. Expression of Human L-Dopa Decarboxylase (DDC) under Conditions of Oxidative Stress. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:10179-10192. [PMID: 38132481 PMCID: PMC10742706 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45120635] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is known to influence mRNA levels, translation, and proteolysis. The importance of oxidative stress has been demonstrated in several human diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders. L-Dopa decarboxylase (DDC) is the enzyme that converts L-Dopa to dopamine (DA). In spite of a large number of studies, little is known about the biological significance of the enzyme under physiological and pathological conditions. Here, we investigated the relationship between DDC expression and oxidative stress in human neural and non-neural cells. Oxidative stress was induced by treatment with H2O2. Our data indicated that mRNA and protein expression of DDC was enhanced or remained stable under conditions of ROS induction, despite degradation of total RNA and increased cytotoxicity and apoptosis. Moreover, DDC silencing caused an increase in the H2O2-induced cytotoxicity. The current study suggests that DDC is involved in the mechanisms of oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos S. Lotsios
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15701 Athens, Greece; (N.S.L.); (N.A.); (A.G.C.); (D.C.S.)
| | - Nikolaos Arvanitis
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15701 Athens, Greece; (N.S.L.); (N.A.); (A.G.C.); (D.C.S.)
| | - Alexandros G. Charonitakis
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15701 Athens, Greece; (N.S.L.); (N.A.); (A.G.C.); (D.C.S.)
| | - George Mpekoulis
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute (HPI), 11521 Athens, Greece; (G.M.); (N.V.)
| | - Efseveia Frakolaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute (HPI), 11521 Athens, Greece; (G.M.); (N.V.)
| | - Niki Vassilaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute (HPI), 11521 Athens, Greece; (G.M.); (N.V.)
| | - Diamantis C. Sideris
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15701 Athens, Greece; (N.S.L.); (N.A.); (A.G.C.); (D.C.S.)
| | - Dido Vassilacopoulou
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15701 Athens, Greece; (N.S.L.); (N.A.); (A.G.C.); (D.C.S.)
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Bisello G, Rossignoli G, Choi S, Phillips RS, Bertoldi M. Active site serine-193 modulates activity of human aromatic amino acid decarboxylase. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 679:6-14. [PMID: 37651872 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.08.049] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Aromatic amino acid decarboxylase is a pyridoxal 5'-phosphate-dependent enzyme responsible for the synthesis of the neurotransmitters, dopamine and serotonin. Here, by a combination of bioinformatic predictions and analyses, phosphorylation assays, spectroscopic investigations and activity measurements, we determined that Ser-193, a conserved residue located at the active site, can be phosphorylated, increasing catalytic efficiency. In order to determine the molecular basis for this functional improvement, we determined the structural and kinetic properties of the site-directed variants S193A, S193D and S193E. While S193A retains 27% of the catalytic efficiency of wild-type, the two acidic side chain variants are impaired in catalysis with efficiencies of about 0.15% with respect to the wild-type. Thus, even if located at the active site, Ser-193 is not essential for enzyme activity. We advance the idea that this residue is fundamental for the correct architecture of the active site in terms of network of interactions triggering catalysis. This role has been compared with the properties of the Ser-194 of the highly homologous enzyme histidine decarboxylase whose catalytic loop is visible in the spatial structure, allowing us to propose the validation for the effect of the phosphorylation. The effect could be interesting for AADC deficiency, a rare monogenic disease, whose broad clinical phenotype could be also related to post translational AADC modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Bisello
- Section of Biochemistry, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie, 8, Verona, Italy
| | - Giada Rossignoli
- Section of Biochemistry, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie, 8, Verona, Italy
| | - Sarah Choi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Robert S Phillips
- Department of Chemistry, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA.
| | - Mariarita Bertoldi
- Section of Biochemistry, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie, 8, Verona, Italy.
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Revised Exon Structure of l-DOPA Decarboxylase ( DDC) Reveals Novel Splice Variants Associated with Colorectal Cancer Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228568. [PMID: 33202911 PMCID: PMC7697000 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a highly heterogenous malignancy with an increased mortality rate. Aberrant splicing is a typical characteristic of CRC, and several studies support the prognostic value of particular transcripts in this malignancy. l-DOPA decarboxylase (DDC) and its derivative neurotransmitters play a multifaceted role in physiological and pathological states. Our recent data support the existence of 6 DDC novel exons. In this study, we investigated the existence of additional DDC novel exons and transcripts, and their potential value as biomarkers in CRC. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) in 55 human cell lines coupled with Sanger sequencing uncovered 3 additional DDC novel exons and 20 splice variants, 7 of which likely encode new protein isoforms. Eight of these transcripts were detected in CRC. An in-house qPCR assay was developed and performed in TNM II and III CRC samples for the quantification of transcripts bearing novel exons. Extensive biostatistical analysis uncovered the prognostic value of specific DDC novel exons for patients’ disease-free and overall survival. The revised DDC exon structure, the putative protein isoforms with distinct functions, and the prognostic value of novel exons highlight the pivotal role of DDC in CRC progression, indicating its potential utility as a molecular biomarker in CRC.
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Emerging Role of l-Dopa Decarboxylase in Flaviviridae Virus Infections. Cells 2019; 8:cells8080837. [PMID: 31387309 PMCID: PMC6721762 DOI: 10.3390/cells8080837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
l-dopa decarboxylase (DDC) that catalyzes the biosynthesis of bioactive amines, such as dopamine and serotonin, is expressed in the nervous system and peripheral tissues, including the liver, where its physiological role remains unknown. Recently, we reported a physical and functional interaction of DDC with the major signaling regulator phosphoinosite-3-kinase (PI3K). Here, we provide compelling evidence for the involvement of DDC in viral infections. Studying dengue (DENV) and hepatitis C (HCV) virus infection in hepatocytes and HCV replication in liver samples of infected patients, we observed a negative association between DDC and viral replication. Specifically, replication of both viruses reduced the levels of DDC mRNA and the ~120 kDa SDS-resistant DDC immunoreactive functional complex, concomitant with a PI3K-dependent accumulation of the ~50 kDa DDC monomer. Moreover, viral infection inhibited PI3K-DDC association, while DDC did not colocalize with viral replication sites. DDC overexpression suppressed DENV and HCV RNA replication, while DDC enzymatic inhibition enhanced viral replication and infectivity and affected DENV-induced cell death. Consistently, we observed an inverse correlation between DDC mRNA and HCV RNA levels in liver biopsies from chronically infected patients. These data reveal a novel relationship between DDC and Flaviviridae replication cycle and the role of PI3K in this process.
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l-Dopa decarboxylase (DDC) constitutes an emerging biomarker in predicting patients’ survival with stomach adenocarcinomas. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2012; 139:297-306. [DOI: 10.1007/s00432-012-1326-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2012] [Accepted: 09/24/2012] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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Depression and the role of genes involved in dopamine metabolism and signalling. Prog Neurobiol 2010; 92:112-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2010.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2009] [Revised: 06/01/2010] [Accepted: 06/07/2010] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Kokkinou I, Nikolouzou E, Hatzimanolis A, Fragoulis EG, Vassilacopoulou D. Expression of enzymatically active L-DOPA decarboxylase in human peripheral leukocytes. Blood Cells Mol Dis 2008; 42:92-8. [PMID: 19041269 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcmd.2008.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2008] [Accepted: 10/21/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
L-DOPA decarboxylase (DDC) is a pyridoxal 5-phosphate (PLP)-dependent enzyme that catalyses the decarboxylation of L-DOPA to dopamine. Dopamine (DA) has been found to be a regulating factor of the proliferation and differentiation of different leukocyte subtypes. In the present study, we report the expression of the gene that codes for the L-DOPA decarboxylase in human peripheral leukocytes and in T-lymphocytes, as well as the simultaneous detection of both neural and non-neural type DDC mRNA in the cellular components of this specialized connective tissue type. Furthermore, we have detected the neural type DDC transcript which lacks exon 3 and the alternative 37 kD alt-DDC protein isoform which lacks exons 10-15 but includes an alternative exon 10 in human peripheral leukocytes. Treatment of white blood cells with Triton X-114 resulted in the recovery of DDC in the detergent enriched and highly hydrophobic phases, suggesting association of DDC molecules with membranes in the studied cells. Enzymatic activity experiments revealed that DDC is active towards the decarboxylation of L-DOPA. The expression of enzymatically active DDC in human leukocytes could indicate a cross-talk between the nervous and the immune systems and raises new questions about the regulatory role of DDC in immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioanna Kokkinou
- Department of Biochemistry-Molecular Biology, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Expression analysis and clinical utility of L-Dopa decarboxylase (DDC) in prostate cancer. Clin Biochem 2008; 41:1140-9. [PMID: 18586020 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2008.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2007] [Revised: 04/20/2008] [Accepted: 04/24/2008] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND L-Dopa decarboxylase (DDC) is a pyridoxal 5'-phosphate-dependent enzyme that was found to be involved in many malignancies. The aim of this study was to investigate the mRNA expression levels of DDC in prostate tissues and to evaluate its clinical utility in prostate cancer (CaP). METHODS Total RNA was isolated from 118 tissue specimens from benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and CaP patients and a highly sensitive quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) method for DDC mRNA quantification has been developed using the SYBR Green chemistry. LNCaP prostate cancer cell line was used as a calibrator and GAPDH as a housekeeping gene. RESULTS DDC was found to be overexpressed, at the mRNA level, in the specimens from prostate cancer patients, in comparison to those from benign prostate hyperplasia patients (p<0.001). Logistic regression and ROC analysis have demonstrated that the DDC expression has significant discriminatory value between CaP and BPH (p<0.001). DDC expression status was compared with other established prognostic factors, in prostate cancer. High expression levels of DDC were found more frequently in high Gleason's score tumors (p=0.022) as well as in advanced stage patients (p=0.032). CONCLUSIONS Our data reveal the potential of DDC expression, at the mRNA level, as a novel biomarker in prostate cancer.
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Margiotti K, Wafa LA, Cheng H, Novelli G, Nelson CC, Rennie PS. Androgen-regulated genes differentially modulated by the androgen receptor coactivator L-dopa decarboxylase in human prostate cancer cells. Mol Cancer 2007; 6:38. [PMID: 17553164 PMCID: PMC1904238 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-6-38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2007] [Accepted: 06/06/2007] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The androgen receptor is a ligand-induced transcriptional factor, which plays an important role in normal development of the prostate as well as in the progression of prostate cancer to a hormone refractory state. We previously reported the identification of a novel AR coactivator protein, L-dopa decarboxylase (DDC), which can act at the cytoplasmic level to enhance AR activity. We have also shown that DDC is a neuroendocrine (NE) marker of prostate cancer and that its expression is increased after hormone-ablation therapy and progression to androgen independence. In the present study, we generated tetracycline-inducible LNCaP-DDC prostate cancer stable cells to identify DDC downstream target genes by oligonucleotide microarray analysis. Results Comparison of induced DDC overexpressing cells versus non-induced control cell lines revealed a number of changes in the expression of androgen-regulated transcripts encoding proteins with a variety of molecular functions, including signal transduction, binding and catalytic activities. There were a total of 35 differentially expressed genes, 25 up-regulated and 10 down-regulated, in the DDC overexpressing cell line. In particular, we found a well-known androgen induced gene, TMEPAI, which wasup-regulated in DDC overexpressing cells, supporting its known co-activation function. In addition, DDC also further augmented the transcriptional repression function of AR for a subset of androgen-repressed genes. Changes in cellular gene transcription detected by microarray analysis were confirmed for selected genes by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. Conclusion Taken together, our results provide evidence for linking DDC action with AR signaling, which may be important for orchestrating molecular changes responsible for prostate cancer progression.
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MESH Headings
- Adenocarcinoma/enzymology
- Adenocarcinoma/metabolism
- Androgens
- Blotting, Western
- Cell Line, Tumor/metabolism
- Dopa Decarboxylase/genetics
- Dopa Decarboxylase/physiology
- Enzyme Induction/drug effects
- Gene Expression Profiling
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Genetic Vectors/pharmacology
- Humans
- Male
- Neoplasm Proteins/biosynthesis
- Neoplasm Proteins/genetics
- Neoplasm Proteins/physiology
- Neoplasms, Hormone-Dependent/enzymology
- Neoplasms, Hormone-Dependent/metabolism
- Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis
- Prostatic Neoplasms/enzymology
- Prostatic Neoplasms/metabolism
- RNA, Messenger/biosynthesis
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Neoplasm/biosynthesis
- RNA, Neoplasm/genetics
- Receptors, Androgen/physiology
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/genetics
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/physiology
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Tetracycline/pharmacology
- Transfection
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Affiliation(s)
- Katia Margiotti
- The Prostate Centre at Vancouver General Hospital, 2660 Oak Street, V6H 3Z6, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Biopathology and Diagnostic Imaging, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Viale Oxford, 81-00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Latif A Wafa
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, Canada
- The Prostate Centre at Vancouver General Hospital, 2660 Oak Street, V6H 3Z6, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Helen Cheng
- The Prostate Centre at Vancouver General Hospital, 2660 Oak Street, V6H 3Z6, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Giuseppe Novelli
- Department of Biopathology and Diagnostic Imaging, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Viale Oxford, 81-00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Colleen C Nelson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, Canada
- The Prostate Centre at Vancouver General Hospital, 2660 Oak Street, V6H 3Z6, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Paul S Rennie
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, Canada
- The Prostate Centre at Vancouver General Hospital, 2660 Oak Street, V6H 3Z6, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Zhang H, Ye Y, Wang X, Gelernter J, Ma JZ, Li MD. DOPA decarboxylase gene is associated with nicotine dependence. Pharmacogenomics 2007; 7:1159-66. [PMID: 17184203 DOI: 10.2217/14622416.7.8.1159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cigarette smoking is a prevalent and harmful behavior. Although the heritability of nicotine dependence (ND) is well documented and many candidate genetic regions have been identified, few of them were confirmed. This may be, in part, due to analytic methods that sacrifice power. METHODS Using a recently developed, more powerful method for testing association between a genetic marker and an ordinal trait, we analyzed data from 1879 smokers and nonsmokers from 600 nuclear families of African- or European-American (AA or EA) ancestry. This method increases power principally by accounting for differences in severity between affected subjects. RESULTS To demonstrate the more powerful method, we re-analyzed an existing dataset, which confirmed the association of the DOPA decarboxylase (DDC) gene on chromosome 7p11 with measures of nicotine dependence. Although none of the eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) studied were found to be significantly associated with nicotine dependence (unadjusted p-value > 0.01), we identified haplotypes from those SNPs that were significantly associated with nicotine dependence in both AA and EA samples. CONCLUSION The associated haplotypes differed in the AA and EA samples. The strongest association (p-value = 0.003) was identified between the 'heaviness of smoking index' and haplotype C-A-T-G in SNPs rs921451-rs3735273-rs1451371-rs2060762. However, this association was not found significant in a previous report (p-value = 0.19) that used the same sample, underscoring the importance of using the statistical methods that use more of the available phenotypic information, and thereby better reflect the distribution of the phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heping Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8034, USA.
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Yu Y, Panhuysen C, Kranzler HR, Hesselbrock V, Rounsaville B, Weiss R, Brady K, Farrer LA, Gelernter J. Intronic variants in the dopa decarboxylase (
DDC
) gene are associated with smoking behavior in European-Americans and African-Americans. Hum Mol Genet 2006; 15:2192-9. [PMID: 16740595 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddl144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
We report here a study considering association of alleles and haplotypes at the DOPA decarboxylase (DDC) locus with the DSM-IV diagnosis of nicotine dependence (ND) or a quantitative measure for ND using the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). We genotyped 18 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) spanning a region of approximately 210 kb that includes DDC and the genes immediately flanking DDC in 1,590 individuals from 621 families of African-American (AA) or European-American (EA) ancestry. Evidence of association (family-based tests) was observed with several SNPs for both traits (0.0002<or=P<or=0.04). The most significant result was obtained for the relationship of FTND score to SNP rs12718541 (AA families: P=0.002; EA families: P=0.03; all families: P=0.0002) which is in the same intron as the splice site for a neuronal isoform of human DDC lacking exons 10-15. Haplotype analysis did not reveal any SNP combination with stronger evidence for association than rs12718541 alone. Although sequence analysis suggests that rs12718541 may be an intronic splicing enhancer, further studies are needed to determine whether a direct link exists between an alternatively spliced form of DDC and predisposition to ND. These findings confirm a previous report of association of DDC with ND, localize the causative variants to the 3' end of the coding region and extend the association to multiple population groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yu
- Department of Medicine, Genetics Program, Boston University School of Medicine, MA, USA
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12
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Ma JZ, Beuten J, Payne TJ, Dupont RT, Elston RC, Li MD. Haplotype analysis indicates an association between the DOPA decarboxylase (DDC) gene and nicotine dependence. Hum Mol Genet 2005; 14:1691-8. [PMID: 15879433 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddi177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
DOPA decarboxylase (DDC; also known as L-amino acid decarboxylase; AADC) is involved in the synthesis of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. Because the mesolimbic dopaminergic system is implicated in the reinforcing effects of many drugs, including nicotine, the DDC gene is considered a plausible candidate for involvement in the development of vulnerability to nicotine dependence (ND). Further, this gene is located within the 7p11 region that showed a 'suggestive linkage' to ND in our previous genome-wide scan in the Framingham Heart Study population. In the present study, we tested eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within DDC for association with ND, which was assessed by smoking quantity (SQ), the heaviness of smoking index (HSI) and the Fagerstrom test for ND (FTND) score, in a total of 2037 smokers and non-smokers from 602 nuclear families of African- or European-American (AA or EA, respectively) ancestry. Association analysis for individual SNPs using the PBAT-GEE program indicated that SNP rs921451 was significantly associated with two of the three adjusted ND measures in the EA sample (P=0.01-0.04). Haplotype-based association analysis revealed a protective T-G-T-G haplotype for rs921451-rs3735273-rs1451371-rs2060762 in the AA sample, which was significantly associated with all three adjusted ND measures after correction for multiple testing (min Z=-2.78, P=0.006 for HSI). In contrast, we found a high-risk T-G-T-G haplotype for a different SNP combination in the EA sample, rs921451-rs3735273-rs1451371-rs3757472, which showed a significant association after Bonferroni correction with the SQ and FTND score (max Z=2.73, P=0.005 for FTND). In summary, our findings provide the first evidence for the involvement of DDC in the susceptibility to ND and, further, reveal the racial specificity of its impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennie Z Ma
- Program in Genomics and Bioinformatics on Drug Addiction, Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
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Siaterli MZ, Vassilacopoulou D, Fragoulis EG. Cloning and expression of human placental L-Dopa decarboxylase. Neurochem Res 2003; 28:797-803. [PMID: 12718431 DOI: 10.1023/a:1023246620276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
L-Dopa decarboxylase (DDC) is a pyridoxal 5-phosphate (PLP)-dependent enzyme that catalyses the decarboxylation of L-Dopa to dopamine. In this study we show the expression of DDC in human placental tissue and present data on the molecular cloning and in vitro expression of the active recombinant enzyme. Our analyses indicated the presence of both alternative DDC mRNA splice variants (neuronal and nonneuronal) in human placenta. Cloning of the coding region of the DDC cDNA into the pTrcHisA expression vector led to the production of the enzymatically active recombinant protein. The obtained recombinant enzyme specific activity values were in good agreement with the results obtained for the purified enzyme from human kidney. The availability of active recombinant human DDC could provide information leading to the better understanding of the enzyme's structure and substrate specificity, as well as its regulation and involvement in pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Zaharenia Siaterli
- University of Athens, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Panepistimiopolis 15701, Athens, Greece
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Hawi Z, Foley D, Kirley A, McCarron M, Fitzgerald M, Gill M. Dopa decarboxylase gene polymorphisms and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): no evidence for association in the Irish population. Mol Psychiatry 2001; 6:420-4. [PMID: 11443526 DOI: 10.1038/sj.mp.4000903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2000] [Revised: 02/12/2001] [Accepted: 02/15/2001] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Dopa decarboxylase (DDC) is an enzyme which catalyses the decarboxylation of both dopa to dopamine and L-5 hydroxytryptophan to serotonin. Both catecholamines are major neurotransmitters of the mammalian nervous system. It has been suggested that genes involved in the dopaminergic system play a primary role in predisposing to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In this study, the 4-bp insertion/deletion variant mapped to the first neuronally expressed exon 1 at the dopa decarboxylase gene and two microsatellite markers flanking the gene were investigated for possible association with ADHD. Using HHRR, we observed an increased transmission (though not significant) of the 4-bp insertion (allele 1) to ADHD cases (chi(2) = 2.72, P = 0.1, RR = 1.25). However marginally significant excess transmission of allele 10 (213 bp) of the 3' microsatellite D7S2422 ( approximately 0.75 cM distal to dopa decarboxylase gene) was found (chi(2) = 4.2, P = 0.04, RR=1.48). Interestingly, a haplotype containing both alleles is transmitted more frequently (chi(2)= 5, P = 0.025). Analysing data by the sex of transmitting parent showed a greater relative risk for paternal transmission of the 4-bp insertion allele and allele 10 of the D7S2422 (RR = 1.48 and 1.63 respectively). This provides preliminary evidence that this locus or a closely mapped DNA variant may be involved in the genetic susceptibility to ADHD. However, further studies are required to either confirm or refute these observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Hawi
- Department of Genetics, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland.
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Maller A, Hyland K, Milstien S, Biaggioni I, Butler IJ. Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency: clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of a second family. J Child Neurol 1997; 12:349-54. [PMID: 9309516 DOI: 10.1177/088307389701200602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency is an inborn error of metabolism that leads to combined serotonin and catecholamine deficiency, first described by Hyland et al in 1990. The clinical features, biochemical findings, and treatment of the second family with this condition are reported. Our male patient presented with developmental delay, extreme hypotonia, oculogyric crises, and irritability. The diagnosis of this inborn error of biogenic amine metabolism was accomplished by determining low concentrations of homovanillic, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl-ethyleneglycol in cerebrospinal fluid with normal biopterin metabolism and increased L-dopa, in plasma, cerebrospinal fluid, and urine. Greatly reduced activity of aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase in plasma confirmed this diagnosis. Combined treatment with pyridoxine, tranylcypromine, and bromocriptine produced some clinical improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Maller
- University of Texas Health Science Center, Medical School-Houston, USA
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Zhu MY, Juorio AV. Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase: biological characterization and functional role. GENERAL PHARMACOLOGY 1995; 26:681-96. [PMID: 7635243 DOI: 10.1016/0306-3623(94)00223-a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
1. Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase is the enzyme responsible for the decarboxylation step in both the catecholamine and the indolamine synthetic pathways. Immunological and molecular biological studies suggest that it is a single enzyme with one catalytic site but with different locations for attachment of the substrates. The enzyme is widely distributed in the brain and in peripheral tissues. 2. Recent investigations have shown that the enzyme is regulated by short term mechanisms that may involve activation of adenyl cyclase or protein kinase C. In addition, a long-term mechanism of activation by altered gene expression has also been suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Y Zhu
- Neuropsychiatric Research Unit, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
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17
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Le Van Thai A, Coste E, Allen JM, Palmiter RD, Weber MJ. Identification of a neuron-specific promoter of human aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase gene. BRAIN RESEARCH. MOLECULAR BRAIN RESEARCH 1993; 17:227-38. [PMID: 8510497 DOI: 10.1016/0169-328x(93)90006-b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
We have cloned the 5' region of human aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) gene in a cosmid and an overlapping lambda clone, and sequenced the first five exons. A 61 base pair (bp) non-coding, first exon containing for the 5' end of a human pheochromocytoma AADC cDNA was localized 16 kb upstream of exon 2, in which translation is initiated. The transcription start site was localized by RNAse mapping, primer extension and reverse transcription-PCR. The non-conventional cap site was preceded by a modified TATA box at position -29. A strong promoter was characterized in the 560 bp region upstream of the cap site by linkage to the reporter gene LacZ, and transfection in human neuroblastoma SK-N-BE and SK-N-BE-K2 cells. Using a series of constructs bearing a varying length of 5' flanking region, three positive regulatory elements have been localized in the -560 to -394, -244 to -200 and -147 to -1 regions. Negative regulatory elements were localized in the -9000 to -560 and -394 to -316 regions. Surprisingly, constructs comprising all or the major part of intron 1 were inactive, suggesting the presence of a silencer in the first intron, or incorrect splicing events. The construct containing 560 bp of 5' flanking sequence did not express in human cholinergic neuroepithelioma cells MC-I-XC, and in three non-neuronal cell lines which displayed high AADC activities: human pancreatic carcinoma cells AsPC-1, rat insulinoma cells RINm5F and mouse anterior pituitary cells AtT20. These data suggest that we have identified a neuron-specific AADC promoter. An extensive search for a second promoter responsible for AADC gene expression in non-neuronal cells only gave negative results.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Le Van Thai
- Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire des Eucaryotes, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Toulouse, France
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Vassort C, Rivière M, Bruneau G, Gros F, Thibault J, Levan G, Szpirer J, Szpirer C. Assignment of the rat genes coding for dopa decarboxylase (DDC) and glutamic acid decarboxylases (GAD1 and GAD2). Mamm Genome 1993; 4:202-6. [PMID: 8499653 DOI: 10.1007/bf00417563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
By use of rat cDNA probes and a panel of cell hybrids segregating rat chromosomes, the genes encoding three pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP)-dependent decarboxylases--namely, DOPA-decarboxylase (Ddc), glutamic acid decarboxylase 1 and 2 (Gad1 and Gad2)--were assigned to rat Chromosomes (Chrs) 14, 3, and 17, respectively. If one takes into account chromosome localizations in the human and the mouse, the present results (i) show that a synteny group is retained on rat Chr 14, human Chr 7, and mouse Chr 11 (Ddc); (ii) strengthen the homology relation known between rat Chr 3 and human and mouse Chrs 2 (Gad1); (iii) suggest that rat Chr 17 has no extensive homology to any human chromosome; and (iv) suggest the order (Prl, Fdp)--Tpl2--Gad2 on the rat Chr 17.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Vassort
- Laboratoire de Biocheimie Cellulaire, Collège de France, Paris
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