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Swanson MA, Jiang H, Busquet N, Carlsen J, Brindley C, Benke TA, Van Hove RA, Friederich MW, MacLean KN, Mesches MH, Van Hove JLK. Deep postnatal phenotyping of a new mouse model of nonketotic hyperglycinemia. J Inherit Metab Dis 2024. [PMID: 38840294 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Nonketotic hyperglycinemia due to deficient glycine cleavage enzyme activity causes a severe neonatal epileptic encephalopathy. Current therapies based on mitigating glycine excess have only limited impact. An animal model with postnatal phenotyping is needed to explore new therapeutic approaches. We developed a Gldc p.Ala394Val mutant model and bred it to congenic status in two colonies on C57Bl/6J (B6) and J129X1/SvJ (J129) backgrounds. Mutant mice had reduced P-protein and enzyme activity indicating a hypomorphic mutant. Glycine levels were increased in blood and brain regions, exacerbated by dietary glycine, with higher levels in female than male J129 mice. Birth defects were more prevalent in mutant B6 than J129 mice, and hydrocephalus was more frequent in B6 (40%) compared to J129 (none). The hydrocephalus rate was increased by postnatal glycine challenge in B6 mice, more so when delivered from the first neonatal week than from the fourth. Mutant mice had reduced weight gain following weaning until the eighth postnatal week, which was exacerbated by glycine loading. The electrographic spike rate was increased in mutant mice following glycine loading, but no seizures were observed. The alpha/delta band intensity ratio was decreased in the left cortex in female J129 mice, which were less active in an open field test and explored less in a Y-maze, suggesting an encephalopathic effect. Mutant mice showed no evidence of memory dysfunction. This partial recapitulation of human symptoms and biochemistry will facilitate the evaluation of new therapeutic approaches with an early postnatal time window likely most effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Swanson
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Clinical Genetics and Metabolism, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Hua Jiang
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Clinical Genetics and Metabolism, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Nicolas Busquet
- NeuroTechnology Center, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Jessica Carlsen
- NeuroTechnology Center, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Connie Brindley
- NeuroTechnology Center, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Tim A Benke
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Roxanne A Van Hove
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Clinical Genetics and Metabolism, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Marisa W Friederich
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Clinical Genetics and Metabolism, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Kenneth N MacLean
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Clinical Genetics and Metabolism, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Michael H Mesches
- NeuroTechnology Center, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Johan L K Van Hove
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Clinical Genetics and Metabolism, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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2
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Leung KY, Santos C, De Castro SCP, Diaz DG, Copp AJ, Waddington S, Greene NDE. AAV-mediated expression of mouse or human GLDC normalises metabolic biomarkers in a GLDC-deficient mouse model of Non-Ketotic Hyperglycinemia. Mol Genet Metab 2024; 142:108496. [PMID: 38761651 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2024.108496] [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: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Non-Ketotic Hyperglycinemia (NKH) is a rare inborn error of metabolism caused by impaired function of the glycine cleavage system (GCS) and characterised by accumulation of glycine in body fluids and tissues. NKH is an autosomal recessive condition and the majority of affected individuals carry mutations in GLDC (glycine decarboxylase). Current treatments for NKH have limited effect and are not curative. As a monogenic condition with known genetic causation, NKH is potentially amenable to gene therapy. An AAV9-based expression vector was designed to target sites of GCS activity. Using a ubiquitous promoter to drive expression of a GFP reporter, transduction of liver and brain was confirmed following intra-venous and/or intra-cerebroventricular administration to neonatal mice. Using the same capsid and promoter with transgenes to express mouse or human GLDC, vectors were then tested in GLDC-deficient mice that provide a model of NKH. GLDC-deficient mice exhibited elevated plasma glycine concentration and accumulation of glycine in liver and brain tissues as previously observed. Moreover, the folate profile indicated suppression of folate one‑carbon metabolism (FOCM) in brain tissue, as found at embryonic stages, and reduced abundance of FOCM metabolites including betaine and choline. Neonatal administration of vector achieved reinstatement of GLDC mRNA and protein expression in GLDC-deficient mice. Treated GLDC-deficient mice showed significant lowering of plasma glycine, confirming functionality of vector expressed protein. AAV9-GLDC treatment also led to lowering of brain tissue glycine, and normalisation of the folate profile indicating restoration of glycine-derived one‑carbon supply. These findings support the hypothesis that AAV-mediated gene therapy may offer potential in treatment of NKH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kit-Yi Leung
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Chloe Santos
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sandra C P De Castro
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Diana Gold Diaz
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Andrew J Copp
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Simon Waddington
- EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Nicholas D E Greene
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK.
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3
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Drackley A, Peter M, Rathbun P, Ing A, Prada CE, Yap KL. Homozygosity for disease-causing variants in AMT and GLDC in a patient with severe nonketotic hyperglycinemia. Am J Med Genet A 2024:e63622. [PMID: 38572626 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63622] [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: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Nonketotic hyperglycinemia (NKH) is a relatively well-characterized inborn error of metabolism that results in a combination of lethargy, hypotonia, seizures, developmental arrest, and, in severe cases, death early in life. Three genes encoding components of the glycine cleavage enzyme system-GLDC, AMT, and GCSH-are independently associated with NKH. We report on a patient with severe NKH in whom the homozygous pathogenic variant in AMT (NM_000481.3):c.602_603del (p.Lys201Thrfs*75) and the homozygous likely pathogenic variant in GLDC(NM_000170.2):c.2852C>A (p.Ser951Tyr) were both identified. Our patient demonstrates a novel combination of two homozygous disease-causing variants impacting the glycine cleavage pathway at two different components, and elicits management- and genetic counseling-related challenges for the family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy Drackley
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Division of Genetics, Genomics, and Metabolism, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Merlene Peter
- Division of Genetics, Genomics, and Metabolism, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Pamela Rathbun
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Alexander Ing
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Division of Genetics, Genomics, and Metabolism, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Carlos E Prada
- Division of Genetics, Genomics, and Metabolism, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Kai Lee Yap
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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4
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Chambers BE, Weaver NE, Lara CM, Nguyen TK, Wingert RA. (Zebra)fishing for nephrogenesis genes. Tissue Barriers 2024; 12:2219605. [PMID: 37254823 PMCID: PMC11042071 DOI: 10.1080/21688370.2023.2219605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Kidney disease is a devastating condition affecting millions of people worldwide, where over 100,000 patients in the United States alone remain waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. Concomitant with a surge in personalized medicine, single-gene mutations, and polygenic risk alleles have been brought to the forefront as core causes of a spectrum of renal disorders. With the increasing prevalence of kidney disease, it is imperative to make substantial strides in the field of kidney genetics. Nephrons, the core functional units of the kidney, are epithelial tubules that act as gatekeepers of body homeostasis by absorbing and secreting ions, water, and small molecules to filter the blood. Each nephron contains a series of proximal and distal segments with explicit metabolic functions. The embryonic zebrafish provides an ideal platform to systematically dissect the genetic cues governing kidney development. Here, we review the use of zebrafish to discover nephrogenesis genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke E. Chambers
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Zebrafish Research, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Warren Center for Drug Discovery, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana (IN), USA
| | - Nicole E. Weaver
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Zebrafish Research, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Warren Center for Drug Discovery, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana (IN), USA
| | - Caroline M. Lara
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Zebrafish Research, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Warren Center for Drug Discovery, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana (IN), USA
| | - Thanh Khoa Nguyen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Zebrafish Research, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Warren Center for Drug Discovery, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana (IN), USA
| | - Rebecca A. Wingert
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Zebrafish Research, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Warren Center for Drug Discovery, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana (IN), USA
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Parmeggiani B, Signori MF, Cecatto C, Frusciante MR, Marcuzzo MB, Souza DG, Ribeiro RT, Seminotti B, Gomes de Souza DO, Ribeiro CAJ, Wajner M, Leipnitz G. Glycine disrupts myelin, glutamatergic neurotransmission, and redox homeostasis in a neonatal model for non ketotic hyperglycinemia. Biochimie 2024; 219:21-32. [PMID: 37541567 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.07.022] [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: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Non ketotic hyperglycinemia (NKH) is an inborn error of glycine metabolism caused by mutations in the genes encoding glycine cleavage system proteins. Classic NKH has a neonatal onset, and patients present with severe neurodegeneration. Although glycine accumulation has been implicated in NKH pathophysiology, the exact mechanisms underlying the neurological damage and white matter alterations remain unclear. We investigated the effects of glycine in the brain of neonatal rats and MO3.13 oligodendroglial cells. Glycine decreased myelin basic protein (MBP) and myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) in the corpus callosum and striatum of rats on post-natal day (PND) 15. Glycine also reduced neuroglycan 2 (NG2) and N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor subunit 1 (NR1) in the cerebral cortex and striatum on PND15. Moreover, glycine reduced striatal glutamate aspartate transporter 1 (GLAST) content and neuronal nucleus (NeuN), and increased glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) on PND15. Glycine also increased DCFH oxidation and malondialdehyde levels and decreased GSH concentrations in the cerebral cortex and striatum on PND6, but not on PND15. Glycine further reduced viability but did not alter DCFH oxidation and GSH levels in MO3.13 cells after 48- and 72-h incubation. These data indicate that impairment of myelin structure and glutamatergic system and induction of oxidative stress are involved in the neuropathophysiology of NKH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belisa Parmeggiani
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas - Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Marian Flores Signori
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas - Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Cecatto
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas - Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Marina Rocha Frusciante
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas - Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Manuela Bianchin Marcuzzo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas - Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Débora Guerini Souza
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas - Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Rafael Teixeira Ribeiro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas - Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Bianca Seminotti
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas - Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Diogo Onofre Gomes de Souza
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas - Bioquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - César Augusto João Ribeiro
- Natural and Humanities Sciences Center, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, SP, 09606-070, Brazil
| | - Moacir Wajner
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas - Bioquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Serviço de Genética Médica do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Guilhian Leipnitz
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas - Bioquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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6
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Swanson MA, Jiang H, Busquet N, Carlsen J, Brindley C, Benke TA, Van Hove RA, Friederich MW, MacLean KN, Mesches MH, Van Hove JLK. Deep postnatal phenotyping of a new mouse model of nonketotic hyperglycinemia. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.26.586818. [PMID: 38586005 PMCID: PMC10996592 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.26.586818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Nonketotic hyperglycinemia due to deficient glycine cleavage enzyme activity causes a severe neonatal epileptic encephalopathy. Current therapies based on mitigating glycine excess have only limited impact. An animal model with postnatal phenotyping is needed to explore new therapeutic approaches. We developed a Gldc p.Ala394Val mutant model and bred it to congenic status in 2 colonies on C57Bl/6J (B6) and J129X1/SvJ (J129) backgrounds. Mutant mice had reduced P-protein and enzyme activity indicating a hypomorphic mutant. Glycine levels were increased in blood and brain regions, exacerbated by dietary glycine, with higher levels in female than male J129 mice. Birth defects were more prevalent in mutant B6 than J129 mice, and hydrocephalus was more frequent in B6 (40%) compared to J129 (none). The hydrocephalus rate was increased by postnatal glycine challenge in B6 mice, more so when delivered from the first neonatal week than from the fourth. Mutant mice had reduced weight gain following weaning until the eighth postnatal week, which was exacerbated by glycine loading. The electrographic spike rate was increased in mutant mice following glycine loading, but no seizures were observed. The alpha/delta band intensity ratio was decreased in the left cortex in female J129 mice, which were less active in an open field test and explored less in a Y-maze, suggesting an encephalopathic effect. Mutant mice showed no evidence of memory dysfunction. This partial recapitulation of human symptoms and biochemistry will facilitate the evaluation of new therapeutic approaches with an early postnatal time window likely most effective. Take home message A mouse model of nonketotic hyperglycinemia is described that shows postnatal abnormalities in glycine levels, neural tube defects, body weight, electroencephalographic recordings, and in activity in young mice making it amenable for the evaluation of novel treatment interventions. Author contributions Study concept and design: JVH, MHM, NB, KNMAnimal study data: MAS, HJ, NB, MHM, JC, CBBiochemical and genetic studies: MAS, RAVH, MWFStatistical analysis: NB, JVHFirst draft writing: JVH, NB, MHMCritical rewriting: MAS, NB, MHM, TAB, JC, MWF, KNM, JVHFinal responsibility, guarantor, and communicating author: JVH. Competing interest statement The University of Colorado (JVH, MS, KNM, HJ) has the intention to file Intellectual property protection for certain biochemical treatments of NKH. Otherwise, the authors have stated that they had no interests that might be perceived as posing a conflict or bias to this subject matter. Funding support Financial support is acknowledged form the NKH Crusaders, Brodyn's Friends, Nora Jane Almany Foundation, the Dickens Family Foundation, the Lucas John Foundation, Les Petits Bourdons, Joseph's Fund, the Barnett Family, Maud & Vic Foundation, Lucy's BEElievers fund, Hope for NKH, Madi's Mission NKH fund, and from Dr. and Ms. Shaw, and the University of Colorado Foundation NKH research fund. The study was supported by a grant (CNS-X-19-103) from the University of Colorado School of Medicine and the Colorado Clinical Translational Science Institute, which is supported by NIH/NCATS Colorado CTSA Grant Number UL1 TR002535. Contents are the authors' sole responsibility and do not necessarily represent official NIH views. All funding sources had no role in the design or execution of the study, the interpretation of data, or the writing of the study. Ethics approval on Laboratory Animal Studies Mouse studies were carried out with approval from the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (IACUC# 00413). Data sharing statement The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
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Arribas-Carreira L, Castro M, García F, Navarrete R, Bravo-Alonso I, Zafra F, Ugarte M, Richard E, Pérez B, Rodríguez-Pombo P. Metabolic Rewiring and Altered Glial Differentiation in an iPSC-Derived Astrocyte Model Derived from a Nonketotic Hyperglycinemia Patient. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2814. [PMID: 38474060 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The pathophysiology of nonketotic hyperglycinemia (NKH), a rare neuro-metabolic disorder associated with severe brain malformations and life-threatening neurological manifestations, remains incompletely understood. Therefore, a valid human neural model is essential. We aimed to investigate the impact of GLDC gene variants, which cause NKH, on cellular fitness during the differentiation process of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into iPSC-derived astrocytes and to identify sustainable mechanisms capable of overcoming GLDC deficiency. We developed the GLDC27-FiPS4F-1 line and performed metabolomic, mRNA abundance, and protein analyses. This study showed that although GLDC27-FiPS4F-1 maintained the parental genetic profile, it underwent a metabolic switch to an altered serine-glycine-one-carbon metabolism with a coordinated cell growth and cell cycle proliferation response. We then differentiated the iPSCs into neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and astrocyte-lineage cells. Our analysis showed that GLDC-deficient NPCs had shifted towards a more heterogeneous astrocyte lineage with increased expression of the radial glial markers GFAP and GLAST and the neuronal markers MAP2 and NeuN. In addition, we detected changes in other genes related to serine and glycine metabolism and transport, all consistent with the need to maintain glycine at physiological levels. These findings improve our understanding of the pathology of nonketotic hyperglycinemia and offer new perspectives for therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Arribas-Carreira
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa UAM-CSIC, Instituto de Biología Molecular, Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Diagnóstico de Enfermedades Moleculares (CEDEM), 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Margarita Castro
- Centro de Diagnóstico de Enfermedades Moleculares (CEDEM), 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando García
- Centro de Diagnóstico de Enfermedades Moleculares (CEDEM), 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa Navarrete
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa UAM-CSIC, Instituto de Biología Molecular, Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Diagnóstico de Enfermedades Moleculares (CEDEM), 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene Bravo-Alonso
- Centro de Diagnóstico de Enfermedades Moleculares (CEDEM), 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Zafra
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa UAM-CSIC, Instituto de Biología Molecular, Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital La Paz (IdiPaz), ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Magdalena Ugarte
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa UAM-CSIC, Instituto de Biología Molecular, Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Diagnóstico de Enfermedades Moleculares (CEDEM), 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital La Paz (IdiPaz), ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva Richard
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa UAM-CSIC, Instituto de Biología Molecular, Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Diagnóstico de Enfermedades Moleculares (CEDEM), 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital La Paz (IdiPaz), ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Belén Pérez
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa UAM-CSIC, Instituto de Biología Molecular, Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Diagnóstico de Enfermedades Moleculares (CEDEM), 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital La Paz (IdiPaz), ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Rodríguez-Pombo
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa UAM-CSIC, Instituto de Biología Molecular, Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Diagnóstico de Enfermedades Moleculares (CEDEM), 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital La Paz (IdiPaz), ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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8
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Jin Q, Xie X, Zhai Y, Zhang H. Mechanisms of folate metabolism-related substances affecting Staphylococcus aureus infection. Int J Med Microbiol 2023; 313:151577. [PMID: 36841056 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2023.151577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is one of the critical clinical pathogens which can cause multiple diseases ranging from skin infections to fatal sepsis. S. aureus is generally considered to be an extracellular pathogen. However, more and more evidence has shown that S. aureus can survive inside various cells. Folate plays an essential role in multiple life activities, including the conversion of serine and glycine, the remethylation of homocysteine to methionine, and the de novo synthesis of purine /dTMP, et al. More and more studies reported that S. aureus intracellular infection requires the involvement of folate metabolism. This review focused on the mechanisms of folate metabolism and related substances affecting S. aureus infection. Loss of tetrahydrofolic acid (THF)-dependent dTMP directly inhibits the nucleotide synthesis pathway of the S. aureus due to pabA deficiency. Besides, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX), a potent antibiotic that treats S. aureus infections, interferes in the process of the folate mechanism and leads to the production of thymidine-dependent small-colony variants (TD-SCVs). In addition, S. aureus is resistant to lysostaphin in the presence of serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT). We provide new insights for understanding the molecular pathogenesis of S. aureus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiyuan Jin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaolu Xie
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yaxuan Zhai
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Haifang Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
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9
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Weaver NE, Healy A, Wingert RA. gldc Is Essential for Renal Progenitor Patterning during Kidney Development. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10123220. [PMID: 36551976 PMCID: PMC9776136 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123220] [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: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The glycine cleavage system (GCS) is a complex located on the mitochondrial membrane that is responsible for regulating glycine levels and contributing one-carbon units to folate metabolism. Congenital mutations in GCS components, such as glycine decarboxylase (gldc), cause an elevation in glycine levels and the rare disease, nonketotic hyperglycinemia (NKH). NKH patients suffer from pleiotropic symptoms including seizures, lethargy, mental retardation, and early death. Therefore, it is imperative to fully elucidate the pathological effects of gldc dysfunction and glycine accumulation during development. Here, we describe a zebrafish model of gldc deficiency that recapitulates phenotypes seen in humans and mice. gldc deficient embryos displayed impaired fluid homeostasis suggesting renal abnormalities, as well as aberrant craniofacial morphology and neural development defects. Whole mount in situ hybridization (WISH) revealed that gldc transcripts were highly expressed in the embryonic kidney, as seen in mouse and human repository data, and that formation of several nephron segments was disrupted in gldc deficient embryos, including proximal and distal tubule populations. These kidney defects were caused by alterations in renal progenitor populations, revealing that the proper function of Gldc is essential for the patterning of this organ. Additionally, further analysis of the urogenital tract revealed altered collecting duct and cloaca morphology in gldc deficient embryos. Finally, to gain insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying these disruptions, we examined the effects of exogenous glycine treatment and observed analogous renal and cloacal defects. Taken together, these studies indicate for the first time that gldc function serves an essential role in regulating renal progenitor development by modulating glycine levels.
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10
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Peng MZ, Shao YX, Li XZ, Zhang KD, Cai YN, Lin YT, Jiang MY, Liu ZC, Su XY, Zhang W, Jiang XL, Liu L. Mitochondrial FAD shortage in SLC25A32 deficiency affects folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:375. [PMID: 35727412 PMCID: PMC11072207 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04404-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The SLC25A32 dysfunction is associated with neural tube defects (NTDs) and exercise intolerance, but very little is known about disease-specific mechanisms due to a paucity of animal models. Here, we generated homozygous (Slc25a32Y174C/Y174C and Slc25a32K235R/K235R) and compound heterozygous (Slc25a32Y174C/K235R) knock-in mice by mimicking the missense mutations identified from our patient. A homozygous knock-out (Slc25a32-/-) mouse was also generated. The Slc25a32K235R/K235R and Slc25a32Y174C/K235R mice presented with mild motor impairment and recapitulated the biochemical disturbances of the patient. While Slc25a32-/- mice die in utero with NTDs. None of the Slc25a32 mutations hindered the mitochondrial uptake of folate. Instead, the mitochondrial uptake of flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) was specifically blocked by Slc25a32Y174C/K235R, Slc25a32K235R/K235R, and Slc25a32-/- mutations. A positive correlation between SLC25A32 dysfunction and flavoenzyme deficiency was observed. Besides the flavoenzymes involved in fatty acid β-oxidation and amino acid metabolism being impaired, Slc25a32-/- embryos also had a subunit of glycine cleavage system-dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase damaged, resulting in glycine accumulation and glycine derived-formate reduction, which further disturbed folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism, leading to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate shortage and other folate intermediates accumulation. Maternal formate supplementation increased the 5-methyltetrahydrofolate levels and ameliorated the NTDs in Slc25a32-/- embryos. The Slc25a32K235R/K235R and Slc25a32Y174C/K235R mice had no glycine accumulation, but had another formate donor-dimethylglycine accumulated and formate deficiency. Meanwhile, they suffered from the absence of all folate intermediates in mitochondria. Formate supplementation increased the folate amounts, but this effect was not restricted to the Slc25a32 mutant mice only. In summary, we established novel animal models, which enabled us to understand the function of SLC25A32 better and to elucidate the role of SLC25A32 dysfunction in human disease development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Zhi Peng
- Department of Genetics and Endocrinology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, the Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 9 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong-Xian Shao
- Department of Genetics and Endocrinology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, the Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 9 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiu-Zhen Li
- Department of Genetics and Endocrinology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, the Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 9 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kang-Di Zhang
- Department of Genetics and Endocrinology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, the Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 9 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan-Na Cai
- Department of Genetics and Endocrinology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, the Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 9 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yun-Ting Lin
- Department of Genetics and Endocrinology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, the Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 9 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min-Yan Jiang
- Department of Genetics and Endocrinology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, the Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 9 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zong-Cai Liu
- Department of Genetics and Endocrinology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, the Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 9 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xue-Ying Su
- Department of Genetics and Endocrinology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, the Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 9 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Genetics and Endocrinology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, the Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 9 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Xiao-Ling Jiang
- Department of Genetics and Endocrinology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, the Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 9 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Genetics and Endocrinology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, the Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 9 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, China.
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11
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Hayden MR, Tyagi SC. Impaired Folate-Mediated One-Carbon Metabolism in Type 2 Diabetes, Late-Onset Alzheimer's Disease and Long COVID. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2021; 58:16. [PMID: 35056324 PMCID: PMC8779539 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58010016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Impaired folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism (FOCM) is associated with many pathologies and developmental abnormalities. FOCM is a metabolic network of interdependent biosynthetic pathways that is known to be compartmentalized in the cytoplasm, mitochondria and nucleus. Currently, the biochemical mechanisms and causal metabolic pathways responsible for the initiation and/or progression of folate-associated pathologies have yet to be fully established. This review specifically examines the role of impaired FOCM in type 2 diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer's disease and the emerging Long COVID/post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC). Importantly, elevated homocysteine may be considered a biomarker for impaired FOCM, which is known to result in increased oxidative-redox stress. Therefore, the incorporation of hyperhomocysteinemia will be discussed in relation to impaired FOCM in each of the previously listed clinical diseases. This review is intended to fill gaps in knowledge associated with these clinical diseases and impaired FOCM. Additionally, some of the therapeutics will be discussed at this early time point in studying impaired FOCM in each of the above clinical disease states. It is hoped that this review will allow the reader to better understand the role of FOCM in the development and treatment of clinical disease states that may be associated with impaired FOCM and how to restore a more normal functional role for FOCM through improved nutrition and/or restoring the essential water-soluble B vitamins through oral supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melvin R. Hayden
- Departments of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolism Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease Center, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Suresh C. Tyagi
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA;
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12
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Zárybnický T, Heikkinen A, Kangas SM, Karikoski M, Martínez-Nieto GA, Salo MH, Uusimaa J, Vuolteenaho R, Hinttala R, Sipilä P, Kuure S. Modeling Rare Human Disorders in Mice: The Finnish Disease Heritage. Cells 2021; 10:cells10113158. [PMID: 34831381 PMCID: PMC8621025 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The modification of genes in animal models has evidently and comprehensively improved our knowledge on proteins and signaling pathways in human physiology and pathology. In this review, we discuss almost 40 monogenic rare diseases that are enriched in the Finnish population and defined as the Finnish disease heritage (FDH). We will highlight how gene-modified mouse models have greatly facilitated the understanding of the pathological manifestations of these diseases and how some of the diseases still lack proper models. We urge the establishment of subsequent international consortiums to cooperatively plan and carry out future human disease modeling strategies. Detailed information on disease mechanisms brings along broader understanding of the molecular pathways they act along both parallel and transverse to the proteins affected in rare diseases, therefore also aiding understanding of common disease pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomáš Zárybnický
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 63, 00014 Helsinki, Finland;
| | - Anne Heikkinen
- Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, 90014 Oulu, Finland; (A.H.); (S.M.K.); (M.H.S.); (R.V.)
- Oulu Center for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 8000, 90014 Oulu, Finland
| | - Salla M. Kangas
- Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, 90014 Oulu, Finland; (A.H.); (S.M.K.); (M.H.S.); (R.V.)
- PEDEGO Research Unit, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 8000, 90014 Oulu, Finland;
- Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, 90014 Oulu, Finland
| | - Marika Karikoski
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland; (M.K.); (G.A.M.-N.)
| | - Guillermo Antonio Martínez-Nieto
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland; (M.K.); (G.A.M.-N.)
- Turku Center for Disease Modelling (TCDM), Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Miia H. Salo
- Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, 90014 Oulu, Finland; (A.H.); (S.M.K.); (M.H.S.); (R.V.)
- PEDEGO Research Unit, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 8000, 90014 Oulu, Finland;
- Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, 90014 Oulu, Finland
| | - Johanna Uusimaa
- PEDEGO Research Unit, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 8000, 90014 Oulu, Finland;
- Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, 90014 Oulu, Finland
- Clinic for Children and Adolescents, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Oulu University Hospital, P.O. Box 20, 90029 Oulu, Finland
| | - Reetta Vuolteenaho
- Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, 90014 Oulu, Finland; (A.H.); (S.M.K.); (M.H.S.); (R.V.)
| | - Reetta Hinttala
- Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, 90014 Oulu, Finland; (A.H.); (S.M.K.); (M.H.S.); (R.V.)
- PEDEGO Research Unit, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 8000, 90014 Oulu, Finland;
- Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, 90014 Oulu, Finland
- Correspondence: (R.H.); (P.S.); (S.K.)
| | - Petra Sipilä
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland; (M.K.); (G.A.M.-N.)
- Turku Center for Disease Modelling (TCDM), Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland
- Correspondence: (R.H.); (P.S.); (S.K.)
| | - Satu Kuure
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 63, 00014 Helsinki, Finland;
- GM-Unit, Laboratory Animal Center, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
- Correspondence: (R.H.); (P.S.); (S.K.)
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13
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Jog R, Chen G, Wang J, Leff T. Hormonal regulation of glycine decarboxylase and its relationship to oxidative stress. Physiol Rep 2021; 9:e14991. [PMID: 34342168 PMCID: PMC8329434 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.14991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
In both humans and rodent models, circulating glycine levels are significantly reduced in obesity, glucose intolerance, type II diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The glycine cleavage system and its rate-limiting enzyme, glycine decarboxylase (GLDC), is a major determinant of plasma glycine levels. The goals of this study were to determine if the increased expression of GLDC contributes to the reduced plasma glycine levels seen in disease states, to characterize the hormonal regulation of GLDC gene expression, and to determine if altered GLDC expression has physiological effects that might affect the development of diabetes. The findings presented here show that hepatic GLDC gene expression is elevated in mouse models of obesity and diabetes, as well as by fasting. We demonstrated that GLDC gene expression is strongly regulated by the metabolic hormones glucagon and insulin, and we identified the signaling pathways involved in this regulation. Finally, we found that GLDC expression is linked to glutathione levels, with increased expression associated with elevated levels of glutathione and reduced expression associated with a suppression of glutathione and increased cellular ROS levels. These findings suggest that the hormonal regulation of GLDC contributes not only to the changes in circulating glycine levels seen in metabolic disease, but also affects glutathione production, possibly as a defense against metabolic disease-associated oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruta Jog
- Department of PathologyCenter for Integrative Endocrine and Metabolic ResearchWayne State University School of MedicineDetroitMIUSA
| | - Guohua Chen
- Department of PathologyCenter for Integrative Endocrine and Metabolic ResearchWayne State University School of MedicineDetroitMIUSA
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of PathologyCenter for Integrative Endocrine and Metabolic ResearchWayne State University School of MedicineDetroitMIUSA
| | - Todd Leff
- Department of PathologyCenter for Integrative Endocrine and Metabolic ResearchWayne State University School of MedicineDetroitMIUSA
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14
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Keep RF, Jones HC, Drewes LR. Brain Barriers and brain fluids research in 2020 and the fluids and barriers of the CNS thematic series on advances in in vitro modeling of the blood-brain barrier and neurovascular unit. Fluids Barriers CNS 2021; 18:24. [PMID: 34020685 PMCID: PMC8138848 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-021-00258-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This editorial discusses advances in brain barrier and brain fluid research in 2020. Topics include: the cerebral endothelium and the neurovascular unit; the choroid plexus; the meninges; cerebrospinal fluid and the glymphatic system; disease states impacting the brain barriers and brain fluids; drug delivery to the brain. This editorial also highlights the recently completed Fluids Barriers CNS thematic series entitled, Advances in in vitro modeling of the bloodbrain barrier and neurovascular unit. Such in vitro modeling is progressing rapidly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard F Keep
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA. .,Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, R5018 BSRB, MI, 48109-2200, USA.
| | - Hazel C Jones
- Gagle Brook House, Chesterton, Bicester, OX26 1UF, UK
| | - Lester R Drewes
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School Duluth, Duluth, MN, 55812, USA
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15
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Bezerra GA, Holenstein A, Foster WR, Xie B, Hicks KG, Bürer C, Lutz S, Mukherjee A, Sarkar D, Bhattacharya D, Rutter J, Talukdar A, Brown PJ, Luo M, Shi L, Froese DS, Yue WW. Identification of small molecule allosteric modulators of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) by targeting its unique regulatory domain. Biochimie 2021; 183:100-107. [PMID: 33476699 PMCID: PMC8040968 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2021.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The folate and methionine cycles, constituting one-carbon metabolism, are critical pathways for cell survival. Intersecting these two cycles, 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) directs one-carbon units from the folate to methionine cycle, to be exclusively used for methionine and S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) synthesis. MTHFR deficiency and upregulation result in diverse disease states, rendering it an attractive drug target. The activity of MTHFR is inhibited by the binding of AdoMet to an allosteric regulatory domain distal to the enzyme's active site, which we have previously identified to constitute a novel fold with a druggable pocket. Here, we screened 162 AdoMet mimetics using differential scanning fluorimetry, and identified 4 compounds that stabilized this regulatory domain. Three compounds were sinefungin analogues, closely related to AdoMet and S-adenosylhomocysteine (AdoHcy). The strongest thermal stabilisation was provided by (S)-SKI-72, a potent inhibitor originally developed for protein arginine methyltransferase 4 (PRMT4). Using surface plasmon resonance, we confirmed that (S)-SKI-72 binds MTHFR via its allosteric domain with nanomolar affinity. Assay of MTHFR activity in the presence of (S)-SKI-72 demonstrates inhibition of purified enzyme with sub-micromolar potency and endogenous MTHFR from HEK293 cell lysate in the low micromolar range, both of which are lower than AdoMet. Nevertheless, unlike AdoMet, (S)-SKI-72 is unable to completely abolish MTHFR activity, even at very high concentrations. Combining binding assays, kinetic characterization and compound docking, this work indicates the regulatory domain of MTHFR can be targeted by small molecules and presents (S)-SKI-72 as an excellent candidate for development of MTHFR inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo A Bezerra
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Alexander Holenstein
- Division of Metabolism and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zürich, University of Zürich, Switzerland
| | - William R Foster
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Bing Xie
- Computational Chemistry and Molecular Biophysics Unit, National Institute on Drug Abuse - Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Kevin G Hicks
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, USA
| | - Céline Bürer
- Division of Metabolism and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zürich, University of Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Seraina Lutz
- Division of Metabolism and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zürich, University of Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Ayan Mukherjee
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata, 700032, WB, India
| | - Dipika Sarkar
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata, 700032, WB, India
| | - Debomita Bhattacharya
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata, 700032, WB, India
| | - Jared Rutter
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, USA
| | - Arindam Talukdar
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata, 700032, WB, India
| | - Peter J Brown
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Minkui Luo
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Program of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lei Shi
- Computational Chemistry and Molecular Biophysics Unit, National Institute on Drug Abuse - Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - D Sean Froese
- Division of Metabolism and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zürich, University of Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Wyatt W Yue
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK.
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16
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Leung KY, De Castro SCP, Galea GL, Copp AJ, Greene NDE. Glycine Cleavage System H Protein Is Essential for Embryonic Viability, Implying Additional Function Beyond the Glycine Cleavage System. Front Genet 2021; 12:625120. [PMID: 33569080 PMCID: PMC7868403 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.625120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycine cleavage system H protein (GCSH) is a component of the glycine cleavage system (GCS), a conserved protein complex that acts to decarboxylate glycine. Mutation of AMT or GLDC, encoding the GCS components aminomethyltransferase and glycine decarboxylase, can cause malformations of the developing CNS (neural tube defects (NTDs) and ventriculomegaly) as well as a post-natal life-limiting neurometabolic disorder, Non-Ketotic Hyperglycinemia. In contrast, it is unclear whether mutation of GCSH contributes to these conditions and we therefore investigated GCSH loss of function in mice. Mice that were heterozygous for a Gcsh null allele were viable and did not exhibit elevated plasma glycine. Moreover, heterozygous mutation of Gcsh did not increase the frequency of NTDs in Gldc mutant embryos. Homozygous Gcsh null mice were not recovered at post-natal stages. Analysis of litters at E8.5-10.5, revealed the presence of homozygous null embryos which were much smaller than littermates and had failed to develop beyond early post-implantation stages with no visible somites or head-folds. Hence, unlike null mutations of Gldc or Amt, which are compatible with embryonic survival despite the presence of NTDs, loss of Gcsh causes embryonic death prior to mid-gestation. Maternal supplementation with formate did not restore embryonic development beyond E7.5, suggesting that the primary cause of lethality was not loss of glycine cleavage activity or suppression of folate one-carbon metabolism. These findings suggest that GCSH has additional roles beyond function in the glycine cleavage system. We hypothesize that GCSH potentially acts in lipoylation of 2-oxoacid dehydrogenase proteins, as reported in bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kit-Yi Leung
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sandra C P De Castro
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gabriel L Galea
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew J Copp
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas D E Greene
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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17
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Rose J, Brian C, Pappa A, Panayiotidis MI, Franco R. Mitochondrial Metabolism in Astrocytes Regulates Brain Bioenergetics, Neurotransmission and Redox Balance. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:536682. [PMID: 33224019 PMCID: PMC7674659 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.536682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
In the brain, mitochondrial metabolism has been largely associated with energy production, and its dysfunction is linked to neuronal cell loss. However, the functional role of mitochondria in glial cells has been poorly studied. Recent reports have demonstrated unequivocally that astrocytes do not require mitochondria to meet their bioenergetics demands. Then, the question remaining is, what is the functional role of mitochondria in astrocytes? In this work, we review current evidence demonstrating that mitochondrial central carbon metabolism in astrocytes regulates overall brain bioenergetics, neurotransmitter homeostasis and redox balance. Emphasis is placed in detailing carbon source utilization (glucose and fatty acids), anaplerotic inputs and cataplerotic outputs, as well as carbon shuttles to neurons, which highlight the metabolic specialization of astrocytic mitochondria and its relevance to brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Rose
- Redox Biology Center, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, United States.,School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, United States
| | - Christian Brian
- Redox Biology Center, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, United States.,School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, United States
| | - Aglaia Pappa
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Mihalis I Panayiotidis
- Department of Electron Microscopy & Molecular Pathology, Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Rodrigo Franco
- Redox Biology Center, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, United States.,School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, United States
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18
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Leung K, De Castro SCP, Santos C, Savery D, Prunty H, Gold‐Diaz D, Bennett S, Heales S, Copp AJ, Greene NDE. Regulation of glycine metabolism by the glycine cleavage system and conjugation pathway in mouse models of non-ketotic hyperglycinemia. J Inherit Metab Dis 2020; 43:1186-1198. [PMID: 32743799 PMCID: PMC8436753 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Glycine abundance is modulated in a tissue-specific manner by use in biosynthetic reactions, catabolism by the glycine cleavage system (GCS), and excretion via glycine conjugation. Dysregulation of glycine metabolism is associated with multiple disorders including epilepsy, developmental delay, and birth defects. Mutation of the GCS component glycine decarboxylase (GLDC) in non-ketotic hyperglycinemia (NKH) causes accumulation of glycine in body fluids, but there is a gap in our knowledge regarding the effects on glycine metabolism in tissues. Here, we analysed mice carrying mutations in Gldc that result in severe or mild elevations of plasma glycine and model NKH. Liver of Gldc-deficient mice accumulated glycine and numerous glycine derivatives, including multiple acylglycines, indicating increased flux through reactions mediated by enzymes including glycine-N-acyltransferase and arginine: glycine amidinotransferase. Levels of dysregulated metabolites increased with age and were normalised by liver-specific rescue of Gldc expression. Brain tissue exhibited increased abundance of glycine, as well as derivatives including guanidinoacetate, which may itself be epileptogenic. Elevation of brain tissue glycine occurred even in the presence of only mildly elevated plasma glycine in mice carrying a missense allele of Gldc. Treatment with benzoate enhanced hepatic glycine conjugation thereby lowering plasma and tissue glycine. Moreover, administration of a glycine conjugation pathway intermediate, cinnamate, similarly achieved normalisation of liver glycine derivatives and circulating glycine. Although exogenous benzoate and cinnamate impact glycine levels via activity of glycine-N-acyltransferase, that is not expressed in brain, they are sufficient to lower levels of glycine and derivatives in brain tissue of treated Gldc-deficient mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kit‐Yi Leung
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College LondonLondonUK
| | | | - Chloe Santos
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College LondonLondonUK
| | - Dawn Savery
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College LondonLondonUK
| | - Helen Prunty
- Department of Chemical PathologyGreat Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
| | - Diana Gold‐Diaz
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College LondonLondonUK
| | - Stuart Bennett
- Department of Chemical PathologyGreat Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
| | - Simon Heales
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College LondonLondonUK
- Department of Chemical PathologyGreat Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
| | - Andrew J. Copp
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College LondonLondonUK
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