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Nyffenegger N, Flace A, Varol A, Altermatt P, Doucerain C, Sundstrom H, Dürrenberger F, Manolova V. The oral ferroportin inhibitor vamifeport prevents liver iron overload in a mouse model of hemochromatosis. Hemasphere 2024; 8:e147. [PMID: 39267817 PMCID: PMC11391117 DOI: 10.1002/hem3.147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Hemochromatosis is an inherited iron overload condition caused by mutations that reduce the levels of the iron-regulatory hormone hepcidin or its binding to ferroportin. The hepcidin-ferroportin axis is pivotal to iron homeostasis, providing opportunities for therapeutic intervention in iron overload disorders like hemochromatosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the oral ferroportin inhibitor vamifeport in the Hfe C282Y mouse model, which carries the most common mutation found in patients with hemochromatosis. A single oral dose of vamifeport lowered serum iron levels in Hfe C282Y mice, with delayed onset and shorter duration than observed in wild-type mice. Vamifeport induced transient hypoferremia by inhibiting ferroportin and resulted in a feedback regulation of liver Hamp in wild-type mice, which was absent in Hfe C282Y mice, reflecting the dysregulated systemic iron sensing in this hemochromatosis model. Chronic dosing with vamifeport led to sustained serum and liver iron reductions in Hfe C282Y mice, as well as markedly reducing liver Hamp expression in Hfe C282Y mice, suggesting distinct regulation of liver Hamp expression following acute or continuous iron restriction via vamifeport. At the tested dose, vamifeport retained its activity when combined with phlebotomy and did not significantly interfere with liver iron removal by phlebotomy in Hfe C282Y mice. These data demonstrate that chronic vamifeport treatment significantly reduces serum iron levels and prevents liver iron loading in the Hfe C282Y mouse model of hemochromatosis, thus providing preclinical proof of concept for the efficacy of vamifeport in hemochromatosis with or without phlebotomy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Flace
- Research Zurich, CSL R&D Schlieren Switzerland
| | - Ahmet Varol
- Research Zurich, CSL R&D Schlieren Switzerland
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2
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Desgagné M, Désilets A, Ferková S, Lepage M, Perreault O, Joushomme A, Lemieux G, Guerrab W, Froehlich U, Comeau C, Sarret P, Leduc R, Boudreault PL. Rational In Silico Design of Selective TMPRSS6 Peptidomimetic Inhibitors via Exploitation of the S2 Subpocket. J Med Chem 2024; 67:12969-12983. [PMID: 39028865 PMCID: PMC11321340 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
TMPRSS6 is a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of iron overload due to its role in regulating levels of hepcidin. Although potent TMPRSS6 inhibitors have been previously developed, their lack of specificity requires optimization to avoid potential side effects before pursuing preclinical development with in vivo models. Here, using computer-aided drug design based on a TMPRSS6 homology model, we reveal that the S2 position of TMPRSS6 offers a potential avenue to achieve selectivity against other members of the TTSP family. Accordingly, we synthesized novel peptidomimetic molecules containing lipophilic amino acids at the P2 position to exploit this unexplored pocket. This enabled us to identify TMPRSS6-selective small molecules with low nanomolar affinity. Finally, pharmacokinetic parameters were determined, and a compound was found to be potent in cellulo toward its primary target while retaining TTSP-subtype selectivity and showing no signs of alteration in in vitro TEER experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Desgagné
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology,
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Antoine Désilets
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology,
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Sára Ferková
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology,
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Matthieu Lepage
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology,
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Olivier Perreault
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology,
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Alexandre Joushomme
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology,
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Gabriel Lemieux
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology,
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Walid Guerrab
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology,
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Ulrike Froehlich
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology,
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Christian Comeau
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology,
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Philippe Sarret
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology,
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Richard Leduc
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology,
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Pierre-Luc Boudreault
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology,
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
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3
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Guerra A, Hamilton N, Rivera A, Demsko P, Guo S, Rivella S. Combination of a TGF-β ligand trap (RAP-GRL) and TMPRSS6-ASO is superior for correcting β-thalassemia. Am J Hematol 2024; 99:1300-1312. [PMID: 38659383 PMCID: PMC11166515 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.27332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
A recently approved drug that induces erythroid cell maturation (luspatercept) has been shown to improve anemia and reduce the need for blood transfusion in non-transfusion-dependent as well as transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (BT) patients. Although these results were predominantly positive, not all the patients showed the expected increase in hemoglobin (Hb) levels or transfusion burden reduction. Additional studies indicated that administration of luspatercept in transfusion-dependent BT was associated with increased erythropoietic markers, decreased hepcidin levels, and increased liver iron content. Altogether, these studies suggest that luspatercept may necessitate additional drugs for improved erythroid and iron management. As luspatercept does not appear to directly affect iron metabolism, we hypothesized that TMPRSS6-ASO could improve iron parameters and iron overload when co-administered with luspatercept. We used an agent analogous to murine luspatercept (RAP-GRL) and another novel therapeutic, IONIS TMPRSS6-LRx (TMPRSS6-ASO), a hepcidin inducer, to treat non-transfusion-dependent BT-intermedia mice. Our study shows that RAP-GRL alone improved red blood cell (RBC) production, with no or limited effect on splenomegaly and iron parameters. In contrast, TMPRSS6-ASO improved RBC measurements, ameliorated splenomegaly, and improved iron overload most effectively. Our results provide pre-clinical support for combining TMPRSS6-ASO and luspatercept in treating BT, as these drugs together show potential for simultaneously improving both erythroid and iron parameters in BT patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amaliris Guerra
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nolan Hamilton
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ariel Rivera
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Perry Demsko
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA, USA
- University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Cell and Molecular Biology affinity group (CAMB), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Shuling Guo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, CA, USA
| | - Stefano Rivella
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA, USA
- University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Cell and Molecular Biology affinity group (CAMB), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics-CHOP
- Penn Center for Musculoskeletal Disorders, CHOP, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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4
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Wake M, Palin A, Belot A, Berger M, Lorgouilloux M, Bichon M, Papworth J, Bayliss L, Grimshaw B, Rynkiewicz N, Paterson J, Poindron A, Spearing E, Carter E, Hudson R, Campbell M, Petzer V, Besson-Fournier C, Latour C, Largounez A, Gourbeyre O, Fay A, Coppin H, Roth MP, Theurl I, Germaschewski V, Meynard D. A human anti-matriptase-2 antibody limits iron overload, α-globin aggregates, and splenomegaly in β-thalassemic mice. Blood Adv 2024; 8:1898-1907. [PMID: 38241484 PMCID: PMC11021894 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023012010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Iron plays a major role in the deterioration of β-thalassemia. Indeed, the high levels of transferrin saturation and iron delivered to erythroid progenitors are associated with production of α-globin precipitates that negatively affect erythropoiesis. Matriptase-2/TMPRSS6, a membrane-bound serine protease expressed in hepatocytes, negatively modulates hepcidin production and thus is a key target to prevent iron overload in β-thalassemia. To address safety concerns raised by the suppression of Tmprss6 by antisense oligonucleotides or small interfering RNA, we tested a fully human anti-matriptase-2 antibody, RLYB331, which blocks the protease activity of matriptase-2. When administered weekly to Hbbth3/+ mice, RLYB331 induced hepcidin expression, reduced iron loading, prevented the formation of toxic α-chain/heme aggregates, reduced ros oxygen species formation, and improved reticulocytosis and splenomegaly. To increase the effectiveness of RLYB331 in β-thalassemia treatment even further, we administered RLYB331 in combination with RAP-536L, a ligand-trapping protein that contains the extracellular domain of activin receptor type IIB and alleviates anemia by promoting differentiation of late-stage erythroid precursors. RAP-536L alone did not prevent iron overload but significantly reduced apoptosis in the erythroid populations of the bone marrow, normalized red blood cell counts, and improved hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. Interestingly, the association of RLYB331 with RAP-536L entirely reversed the β-thalassemia phenotype in Hbbth3/+ mice and simultaneously corrected iron overload, ineffective erythropoiesis, splenomegaly, and hematological parameters, suggesting that a multifunctional molecule consisting of the fusion of RLYB331 with luspatercept (human version of RAP-536L) would allow administration of a single medication addressing simultaneously the different pathophysiological aspects of β-thalassemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Wake
- Kymab Ltd, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Anaïs Palin
- Institut de Recherche en Santé Digestive, Université de Toulouse, INSERM, Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'alimentation et l'Environnement, École Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Audrey Belot
- Institut de Recherche en Santé Digestive, Université de Toulouse, INSERM, Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'alimentation et l'Environnement, École Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Mathieu Berger
- Institut de Recherche en Santé Digestive, Université de Toulouse, INSERM, Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'alimentation et l'Environnement, École Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Megane Lorgouilloux
- Institut de Recherche en Santé Digestive, Université de Toulouse, INSERM, Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'alimentation et l'Environnement, École Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Margot Bichon
- Institut de Recherche en Santé Digestive, Université de Toulouse, INSERM, Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'alimentation et l'Environnement, École Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Luke Bayliss
- Kymab Ltd, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Jemima Paterson
- Kymab Ltd, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Alicia Poindron
- Kymab Ltd, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Erin Spearing
- Kymab Ltd, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Emily Carter
- Kymab Ltd, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Robyne Hudson
- Kymab Ltd, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Millie Campbell
- Kymab Ltd, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Verena Petzer
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Céline Besson-Fournier
- Institut de Recherche en Santé Digestive, Université de Toulouse, INSERM, Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'alimentation et l'Environnement, École Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Chloé Latour
- Institut de Recherche en Santé Digestive, Université de Toulouse, INSERM, Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'alimentation et l'Environnement, École Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Amélie Largounez
- Institut de Recherche en Santé Digestive, Université de Toulouse, INSERM, Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'alimentation et l'Environnement, École Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Ophélie Gourbeyre
- Institut de Recherche en Santé Digestive, Université de Toulouse, INSERM, Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'alimentation et l'Environnement, École Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Alexis Fay
- Institut de Recherche en Santé Digestive, Université de Toulouse, INSERM, Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'alimentation et l'Environnement, École Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Hélène Coppin
- Institut de Recherche en Santé Digestive, Université de Toulouse, INSERM, Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'alimentation et l'Environnement, École Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Marie-Paule Roth
- Institut de Recherche en Santé Digestive, Université de Toulouse, INSERM, Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'alimentation et l'Environnement, École Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Igor Theurl
- Kymab Ltd, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Delphine Meynard
- Institut de Recherche en Santé Digestive, Université de Toulouse, INSERM, Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'alimentation et l'Environnement, École Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
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5
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Nai A, Cordero-Sanchez C, Tanzi E, Pagani A, Silvestri L, Di Modica SM. Cellular and animal models for the investigation of β-thalassemia. Blood Cells Mol Dis 2024; 104:102761. [PMID: 37271682 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcmd.2023.102761] [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: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
β-Thalassemia is a genetic form of anemia due to mutations in the β-globin gene, that leads to ineffective and extramedullary erythropoiesis, abnormal red blood cells and secondary iron-overload. The severity of the disease ranges from mild to lethal anemia based on the residual levels of globins production. Despite being a monogenic disorder, the pathophysiology of β-thalassemia is multifactorial, with different players contributing to the severity of anemia and secondary complications. As a result, the identification of effective therapeutic strategies is complex, and the treatment of patients is still suboptimal. For these reasons, several models have been developed in the last decades to provide experimental tools for the study of the disease, including erythroid cell lines, cultures of primary erythroid cells and transgenic animals. Years of research enabled the optimization of these models and led to decipher the mechanisms responsible for globins deregulation and ineffective erythropoiesis in thalassemia, to unravel the role of iron homeostasis in the disease and to identify and validate novel therapeutic targets and agents. Examples of successful outcomes of these analyses include iron restricting agents, currently tested in the clinics, several gene therapy vectors, one of which was recently approved for the treatment of most severe patients, and a promising gene editing strategy, that has been shown to be effective in a clinical trial. This review provides an overview of the available models, discusses pros and cons, and the key findings obtained from their study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Nai
- Regulation of Iron Metabolism Unit, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, via Olgettina 60, Milan, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, via Olgettina 58, Milan, Italy.
| | - Celia Cordero-Sanchez
- Regulation of Iron Metabolism Unit, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, via Olgettina 60, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuele Tanzi
- Regulation of Iron Metabolism Unit, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, via Olgettina 60, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessia Pagani
- Regulation of Iron Metabolism Unit, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, via Olgettina 60, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Silvestri
- Regulation of Iron Metabolism Unit, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, via Olgettina 60, Milan, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, via Olgettina 58, Milan, Italy
| | - Simona Maria Di Modica
- Regulation of Iron Metabolism Unit, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, via Olgettina 60, Milan, Italy
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6
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Guerra A, Parhiz H, Rivella S. Novel potential therapeutics to modify iron metabolism and red cell synthesis in diseases associated with defective erythropoiesis. Haematologica 2023; 108:2582-2593. [PMID: 37345473 PMCID: PMC10542825 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2023.283057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Under normal conditions, iron metabolism is carefully regulated to sustain normal cellular functions and the production of hemoglobin in erythroid cells. Perturbation to the erythropoiesis-iron metabolism axis can result in iron imbalances and cause anemia or organ toxicity. Various congenital and acquired diseases associated with abnormal red cell production are characterized by aberrant iron absorption. Several recent studies have shown that improvements in red blood cell production also ameliorate iron metabolism and vice versa. Many therapeutics are now under development with the potential to improve a variety of hematologic diseases, from β-thalassemia and iron-refractory iron deficiency anemia to anemia of inflammation and polycythemia vera. This review summarizes selected mechanisms related to red cell production and iron metabolism and describes potential therapeutics and their current uses. We also consider the potential application of the discussed therapeutics on various diseases, alone or in combination. The vast repertoire of drugs under development offers new opportunities to improve the clinical care of patients suffering from congenital or acquired red blood cell disorders with limited or no treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amaliris Guerra
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA
| | - Hamideh Parhiz
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA, USA; RNA Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Stefano Rivella
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA, USA; RNA Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Cell and Molecular Biology affinity group (CAMB), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics-CHOP; Penn Center for Musculoskeletal Disorders, CHOP, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA.
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7
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Enns CA, Weiskopf T, Zhang RH, Wu J, Jue S, Kawaguchi M, Kataoka H, Zhang AS. Matriptase-2 regulates iron homeostasis primarily by setting the basal levels of hepatic hepcidin expression through a nonproteolytic mechanism. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105238. [PMID: 37690687 PMCID: PMC10551898 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105238] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Matriptase-2 (MT2), encoded by TMPRSS6, is a membrane-anchored serine protease. It plays a key role in iron homeostasis by suppressing the iron-regulatory hormone, hepcidin. Lack of functional MT2 results in an inappropriately high hepcidin and iron-refractory iron-deficiency anemia. Mt2 cleaves multiple components of the hepcidin-induction pathway in vitro. It is inhibited by the membrane-anchored serine protease inhibitor, Hai-2. Earlier in vivo studies show that Mt2 can suppress hepcidin expression independently of its proteolytic activity. In this study, our data indicate that hepatic Mt2 was a limiting factor in suppressing hepcidin. Studies in Tmprss6-/- mice revealed that increases in dietary iron to ∼0.5% were sufficient to overcome the high hepcidin barrier and to correct iron-deficiency anemia. Interestingly, the increased iron in Tmprss6-/- mice was able to further upregulate hepcidin expression to a similar magnitude as in wild-type mice. These results suggest that a lack of Mt2 does not impact the iron induction of hepcidin. Additional studies of wild-type Mt2 and the proteolytic-dead form, fMt2S762A, indicated that the function of Mt2 is to lower the basal levels of hepcidin expression in a manner that primarily relies on its nonproteolytic role. This idea is supported by the studies in mice with the hepatocyte-specific ablation of Hai-2, which showed a marginal impact on iron homeostasis and no significant effects on iron regulation of hepcidin. Together, these observations suggest that the function of Mt2 is to set the basal levels of hepcidin expression and that this process is primarily accomplished through a nonproteolytic mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline A Enns
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Tyler Weiskopf
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Richard H Zhang
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Jeffrey Wu
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Shall Jue
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Makiko Kawaguchi
- Faculty of Medicine, Section of Oncopathology and Regenerative Biology, Department of Pathology, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kataoka
- Faculty of Medicine, Section of Oncopathology and Regenerative Biology, Department of Pathology, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - An-Sheng Zhang
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA.
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8
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Walter S, Mertens C, Muckenthaler MU, Ott C. Cardiac iron metabolism during aging - Role of inflammation and proteolysis. Mech Ageing Dev 2023; 215:111869. [PMID: 37678569 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2023.111869] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Iron is the most abundant trace element in the human body. Since iron can switch between its 2-valent and 3-valent form it is essential in various physiological processes such as energy production, proliferation or DNA synthesis. Especially high metabolic organs such as the heart rely on iron-associated iron-sulfur and heme proteins. However, due to switches in iron oxidation state, iron overload exhibits high toxicity through formation of reactive oxygen species, underlining the importance of balanced iron levels. Growing evidence demonstrates disturbance of this balance during aging. While age-associated cardiovascular diseases are often related to iron deficiency, in physiological aging cardiac iron accumulates. To understand these changes, we focused on inflammation and proteolysis, two hallmarks of aging, and their role in iron metabolism. Via the IL-6-hepcidin axis, inflammation and iron status are strongly connected often resulting in anemia accompanied by infiltration of macrophages. This tight connection between anemia and inflammation highlights the importance of the macrophage iron metabolism during inflammation. Age-related decrease in proteolytic activity additionally affects iron balance due to impaired degradation of iron metabolism proteins. Therefore, this review accentuates alterations in iron metabolism during aging with regards to inflammation and proteolysis to draw attention to their implications and associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Walter
- German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Department of Molecular Toxicology, Nuthetal, Germany; TraceAge-DFG Research Unit on Interactions of Essential Trace Elements in Healthy and Diseased Elderly, Potsdam-Berlin-Jena, Wuppertal, Germany; DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christina Mertens
- Center for Translational Biomedical Iron Research, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Immunology, and Hematology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Martina U Muckenthaler
- Center for Translational Biomedical Iron Research, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Immunology, and Hematology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany; Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit, Heidelberg, Germany; Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christiane Ott
- German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Department of Molecular Toxicology, Nuthetal, Germany; TraceAge-DFG Research Unit on Interactions of Essential Trace Elements in Healthy and Diseased Elderly, Potsdam-Berlin-Jena, Wuppertal, Germany; DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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9
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Ginzburg Y, An X, Rivella S, Goldfarb A. Normal and dysregulated crosstalk between iron metabolism and erythropoiesis. eLife 2023; 12:e90189. [PMID: 37578340 PMCID: PMC10425177 DOI: 10.7554/elife.90189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Erythroblasts possess unique characteristics as they undergo differentiation from hematopoietic stem cells. During terminal erythropoiesis, these cells incorporate large amounts of iron in order to generate hemoglobin and ultimately undergo enucleation to become mature red blood cells, ultimately delivering oxygen in the circulation. Thus, erythropoiesis is a finely tuned, multifaceted process requiring numerous properly timed physiological events to maintain efficient production of 2 million red blood cells per second in steady state. Iron is required for normal functioning in all human cells, the erythropoietic compartment consuming the majority in light of the high iron requirements for hemoglobin synthesis. Recent evidence regarding the crosstalk between erythropoiesis and iron metabolism sheds light on the regulation of iron availability by erythroblasts and the consequences of insufficient as well as excess iron on erythroid lineage proliferation and differentiation. In addition, significant progress has been made in our understanding of dysregulated iron metabolism in various congenital and acquired malignant and non-malignant diseases. Finally, we report several actual as well as theoretical opportunities for translating the recently acquired robust mechanistic understanding of iron metabolism regulation to improve management of patients with disordered erythropoiesis, such as anemia of chronic inflammation, β-thalassemia, polycythemia vera, and myelodysplastic syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yelena Ginzburg
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
| | - Xiuli An
- LFKRI, New York Blood CenterNew YorkUnited States
| | - Stefano Rivella
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, The Children’s Hospital of PhiladelphiaPhiladelphiaUnited States
- Cell and Molecular Biology affinity group (CAMB), University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics at the Children’s Hospital of PhiladelphiaPhiladelphiaUnited States
- Penn Center for Musculoskeletal Disorders at the Children’s Hospital of PhiladelphiaPhiladelphiaUnited States
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine at University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
- RNA Institute at University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Adam Goldfarb
- Department of Pathology, University of VirginiaCharlottesvilleUnited States
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10
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Tariq Z, Qadeer MI, Anjum I, Hano C, Anjum S. Thalassemia and Nanotheragnostics: Advanced Approaches for Diagnosis and Treatment. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:bios13040450. [PMID: 37185525 PMCID: PMC10136341 DOI: 10.3390/bios13040450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Thalassemia is a monogenic autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations, which lead to abnormal or reduced production of hemoglobin. Ineffective erythropoiesis, hemolysis, hepcidin suppression, and iron overload are common manifestations that vary according to genotypes and dictate, which diagnosis and therapeutic modalities, including transfusion therapy, iron chelation therapy, HbF induction, gene therapy, and editing, are performed. These conventional therapeutic methods have proven to be effective, yet have several disadvantages, specifically iron toxicity, associated with them; therefore, there are demands for advanced therapeutic methods. Nanotechnology-based applications, such as the use of nanoparticles and nanomedicines for theragnostic purposes have emerged that are simple, convenient, and cost-effective methods. The therapeutic potential of various nanoparticles has been explored by developing artificial hemoglobin, nano-based iron chelating agents, and nanocarriers for globin gene editing by CRISPR/Cas9. Au, Ag, carbon, graphene, silicon, porous nanoparticles, dendrimers, hydrogels, quantum dots, etc., have been used in electrochemical biosensors development for diagnosis of thalassemia, quantification of hemoglobin in these patients, and analysis of conventional iron chelating agents. This review summarizes the potential of nanotechnology in the development of various theragnostic approaches to determine thalassemia-causing gene mutations using various nano-based biosensors along with the employment of efficacious nano-based therapeutic procedures, in contrast to conventional therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Tariq
- Department of Biotechnology, Kinnaird College for Women, 92-Jail Road, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | | | - Iram Anjum
- Department of Biotechnology, Kinnaird College for Women, 92-Jail Road, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Christophe Hano
- Department of Chemical Biology, Eure & Loir Campus, University of Orleans, 28000 Chartres, France
| | - Sumaira Anjum
- Department of Biotechnology, Kinnaird College for Women, 92-Jail Road, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
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11
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Ganz T, Nemeth E, Rivella S, Goldberg P, Dibble AR, McCaleb ML, Guo S, Monia BP, Barrett TD. TMPRSS6 as a Therapeutic Target for Disorders of Erythropoiesis and Iron Homeostasis. Adv Ther 2023; 40:1317-1333. [PMID: 36690839 PMCID: PMC10070284 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-022-02421-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
TMPRSS6 is a serine protease highly expressed in the liver. Its role in iron regulation was first reported in 2008 when mutations in TMPRSS6 were shown to be the cause of iron-refractory iron deficiency anemia (IRIDA) in humans and in mouse models. TMPRSS6 functions as a negative regulator of the expression of the systemic iron-regulatory hormone hepcidin. Over the last decade and a half, growing understanding of TMPRSS6 biology and mechanism of action has enabled development of new therapeutic approaches for patients with diseases of erythropoiesis and iron homeostasis.ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03165864.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomas Ganz
- Department of Medicine and Pathology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Elizabeta Nemeth
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Stefano Rivella
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), 3401 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group (CAMB), University of Pennsylvania, Abramson Research Center, 3615 Civic Center Boulevard, Room 316B, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Paul Goldberg
- Prilenia Therapeutics, Herzliya, Israel
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Shuling Guo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, CA, USA
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12
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Abstract
Advances in understanding the underlying pathophysiology of β-thalassemia have enabled efforts toward the development of novel therapeutic modalities. These can be classified into three major categories based on their ability to target different features of the underlying disease pathophysiology: correction of the α/β globin chain imbalance, targeting ineffective erythropoiesis, and targeting iron dysregulation. This article provides an overview of these different emerging therapies that are currently in development for β-thalassemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rayan Bou-Fakhredin
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Kevin H M Kuo
- Division of Hematology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ali T Taher
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.
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13
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Ginzburg YZ. Hepcidin and its multiple partners: Complex regulation of iron metabolism in health and disease. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2023; 123:249-284. [PMID: 37717987 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2023.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
The peptide hormone hepcidin is central to the regulation of iron metabolism, influencing the movement of iron into the circulation and determining total body iron stores. Its effect on a cellular level involves binding ferroportin, the main iron export protein, preventing iron egress and leading to iron sequestration within ferroportin-expressing cells. Hepcidin expression is enhanced by iron loading and inflammation and suppressed by erythropoietic stimulation. Aberrantly increased hepcidin leads to systemic iron deficiency and/or iron restricted erythropoiesis as occurs in anemia of chronic inflammation. Furthermore, insufficiently elevated hepcidin occurs in multiple diseases associated with iron overload such as hereditary hemochromatosis and iron loading anemias. Abnormal iron metabolism as a consequence of hepcidin dysregulation is an underlying factor resulting in pathophysiology of multiple diseases and several agents aimed at manipulating this pathway have been designed, with some already in clinical trials. In this chapter, we assess the complex regulation of hepcidin, delineate the many binding partners involved in its regulation, and present an update on the development of hepcidin agonists and antagonists in various clinical scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yelena Z Ginzburg
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United Sates.
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14
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de Vasconcellos JF, Meier ER, Parrow N. Editorial: Stress erythropoiesis. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1165315. [PMID: 36909243 PMCID: PMC9992965 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1165315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nermi Parrow
- Department of Pediatrics, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, United States
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15
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Scaramellini N, Fischer D, Agarvas AR, Motta I, Muckenthaler MU, Mertens C. Interpreting Iron Homeostasis in Congenital and Acquired Disorders. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16030329. [PMID: 36986429 PMCID: PMC10054723 DOI: 10.3390/ph16030329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian cells require iron to satisfy their metabolic needs and to accomplish specialized functions, such as hematopoiesis, mitochondrial biogenesis, energy metabolism, or oxygen transport. Iron homeostasis is balanced by the interplay of proteins responsible for iron import, storage, and export. A misbalance of iron homeostasis may cause either iron deficiencies or iron overload diseases. The clinical work-up of iron dysregulation is highly important, as severe symptoms and pathologies may arise. Treating iron overload or iron deficiency is important to avoid cellular damage and severe symptoms and improve patient outcomes. The impressive progress made in the past years in understanding mechanisms that maintain iron homeostasis has already changed clinical practice for treating iron-related diseases and is expected to improve patient management even further in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Scaramellini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milano, Italy
- Unit of Medicine and Metabolic Disease, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Dania Fischer
- Department of Anesthesiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 420, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anand R. Agarvas
- Center for Translational Biomedical Iron Research, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Immunology, and Hematology, University of Heidelberg, INF 350, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Irene Motta
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milano, Italy
- Unit of Medicine and Metabolic Disease, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Martina U. Muckenthaler
- Center for Translational Biomedical Iron Research, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Immunology, and Hematology, University of Heidelberg, INF 350, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Side, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christina Mertens
- Center for Translational Biomedical Iron Research, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Immunology, and Hematology, University of Heidelberg, INF 350, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-6221564582; Fax: +49-6221564580
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16
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Abstract
Hepcidin, the iron-regulatory hormone, determines plasma iron concentrations and total body iron content. Hepcidin, secreted by hepatocytes, functions by controlling the activity of the cellular iron exporter ferroportin, which delivers iron to plasma from intestinal iron absorption and from iron stores. Hepcidin concentration in plasma is increased by iron loading and inflammation and is suppressed by erythropoietic stimulation and during pregnancy. Hepcidin deficiency causes iron overload in hemochromatosis and anemias with ineffective erythropoiesis. Hepcidin excess causes iron-restrictive anemias including anemia of inflammation. The development of hepcidin diagnostics and therapeutic agonists and antagonists should improve the treatment of iron disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeta Nemeth
- Center for Iron Disorders, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA;
| | - Tomas Ganz
- Center for Iron Disorders, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA;
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17
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Xiao X, Moschetta GA, Xu Y, Fisher AL, Alfaro-Magallanes VM, Dev S, Wang CY, Babitt JL. Regulation of iron homeostasis by hepatocyte TfR1 requires HFE and contributes to hepcidin suppression in β-thalassemia. Blood 2023; 141:422-432. [PMID: 36322932 PMCID: PMC9936306 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022017811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) performs a critical role in cellular iron uptake. Hepatocyte TfR1 is also proposed to influence systemic iron homeostasis by interacting with the hemochromatosis protein HFE to regulate hepcidin production. Here, we generated hepatocyte Tfrc knockout mice (Tfrcfl/fl;Alb-Cre+), either alone or together with Hfe knockout or β-thalassemia, to investigate the extent to which hepatocyte TfR1 function depends on HFE, whether hepatocyte TfR1 impacts hepcidin regulation by serum iron and erythropoietic signals, and its contribution to hepcidin suppression and iron overload in β-thalassemia. Compared with Tfrcfl/fl;Alb-Cre- controls, Tfrcfl/fl;Alb-Cre+ mice displayed reduced serum and liver iron; mildly reduced hematocrit, mean cell hemoglobin, and mean cell volume; increased erythropoietin and erythroferrone; and unchanged hepcidin levels that were inappropriately high relative to serum iron, liver iron, and erythroferrone levels. However, ablation of hepatocyte Tfrc had no impact on iron phenotype in Hfe knockout mice. Tfrcfl/fl;Alb-Cre+ mice also displayed a greater induction of hepcidin by serum iron compared with Tfrcfl/fl;Alb-Cre- controls. Finally, although acute erythropoietin injection similarly reduced hepcidin in Tfrcfl/fl;Alb-Cre+ and Tfrcfl/fl;Alb-Cre- mice, ablation of hepatocyte Tfrc in a mouse model of β-thalassemia intermedia ameliorated hepcidin deficiency and liver iron loading. Together, our data suggest that the major nonredundant function of hepatocyte TfR1 in iron homeostasis is to interact with HFE to regulate hepcidin. This regulatory pathway is modulated by serum iron and contributes to hepcidin suppression and iron overload in murine β-thalassemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Xiao
- Nephrology Division and Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Gillian A. Moschetta
- Nephrology Division and Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Yang Xu
- Nephrology Division and Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Allison L. Fisher
- Nephrology Division and Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | | | - Som Dev
- Nephrology Division and Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Chia-Yu Wang
- Nephrology Division and Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Jodie L. Babitt
- Nephrology Division and Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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18
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Costa E, Cappellini MD, Rivella S, Chilin A, Alessi E, Riccaboni M, Leufkens HGM, Luzzatto L. Emergent treatments for β-thalassemia and orphan drug legislations. Drug Discov Today 2022; 27:103342. [PMID: 36058507 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.103342] [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: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
In many countries, β-thalassemia (β-THAL) is not uncommon; however, it qualifies as a rare disease in the US and in European Union (EU), where thalassemia drugs are eligible for Orphan Drug Designation (ODD). In this paper, we evaluate all 28 ODDs for β-THAL granted since 2001 in the US and the EU: of these, ten have since been discontinued, twelve are pending, and six have become licensed drugs available for clinical use. The prime mover for these advances has been the increasing depth of understanding of the pathophysiology of β-THAL; at the same time, and even though only one-fifth of β-THAL ODDs have become licensed drugs, the ODD legislation has clearly contributed substantially to the development of improved treatments for β-THAL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Costa
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Pharmaceutical Policy and Regulation at Utrecht University, Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Science, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | | | - Stefano Rivella
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Cell and Molecular Biology Affinity Group (CAMB), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Penn Center for Musculoskeletal Disorders, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Adriana Chilin
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
| | | | | | - Hubert G M Leufkens
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Science, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Lucio Luzzatto
- Department of Haematology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
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19
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Shash H. Non-Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia: A Panoramic Review. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:medicina58101496. [PMID: 36295656 PMCID: PMC9608723 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58101496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT) has been considered less severe than its transfusion-dependent variants. The most common forms of NTDT include β-thalassemia intermedia, hemoglobin E/beta thalassemia, and hemoglobin H disease. Patients with NTDT develop several clinical complications, despite their regular transfusion independence. Ineffective erythropoiesis, iron overload, and hypercoagulability are pathophysiological factors that lead to morbidities in these patients. Therefore, an early and accurate diagnosis of NTDT is essential to ascertaining early interventions. Currently, several conventional management options are available, with guidelines suggested by the Thalassemia International Federation, and novel therapies are being developed in light of the advancement of the understanding of this disease. This review aimed to increase clinicians’ awareness of NTDT, from its basic medical definition and genetics to its pathophysiology. Specific complications to NTDT were reviewed, along with the risk factors for its development. The indications of different therapeutic options were outlined, and recent advancements were reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwazen Shash
- College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Pediatrics, King Fahad Hospital of the University, Al-Khobar 31952, Saudi Arabia
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20
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Di Modica SM, Tanzi E, Olivari V, Lidonnici MR, Pettinato M, Pagani A, Tiboni F, Furiosi V, Silvestri L, Ferrari G, Rivella S, Nai A. Transferrin receptor 2 (Tfr2) genetic deletion makes transfusion-independent a murine model of transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia. Am J Hematol 2022; 97:1324-1336. [PMID: 36071579 PMCID: PMC9540808 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.26673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
β-thalassemia is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in the β-globin gene, and characterized by anemia, ineffective erythropoiesis and iron overload. Patients affected by the most severe transfusion-dependent form of the disease (TDT) require lifelong blood transfusions and iron chelation therapy, a symptomatic treatment associated with several complications. Other therapeutic opportunities are available, but none is fully effective and/or applicable to all patients, calling for the identification of novel strategies. Transferrin receptor 2 (TFR2) balances red blood cells production according to iron availability, being an activator of the iron-regulatory hormone hepcidin in the liver and a modulator of erythropoietin signaling in erythroid cells. Selective Tfr2 deletion in the BM improves anemia and iron-overload in non-TDT mice, both as a monotherapy and, even more strikingly, in combination with iron-restricting approaches. However, whether Tfr2 targeting might represent a therapeutic option for TDT has never been investigated so far. Here, we prove that BM Tfr2 deletion improves anemia, erythrocytes morphology and ineffective erythropoiesis in the Hbbth1/th2 murine model of TDT. This effect is associated with a decrease in the expression of α-globin, which partially corrects the unbalance with β-globin chains and limits the precipitation of misfolded hemoglobin, and with a decrease in the activation of unfolded protein response. Remarkably, BM Tfr2 deletion is also sufficient to avoid long-term blood transfusions required for survival of Hbbth1/th2 animals, preventing mortality due to chronic anemia and reducing transfusion-associated complications, such as progressive iron-loading. Altogether, TFR2 targeting might represent a promising therapeutic option also for TDT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Maria Di Modica
- Regulation of Iron Metabolism Unit, Division of Genetics and Cell BiologyOspedale San RaffaeleMilanItaly
| | - Emanuele Tanzi
- Regulation of Iron Metabolism Unit, Division of Genetics and Cell BiologyOspedale San RaffaeleMilanItaly
| | - Violante Olivari
- Regulation of Iron Metabolism Unit, Division of Genetics and Cell BiologyOspedale San RaffaeleMilanItaly,Vita Salute San Raffaele UniversityMilanItaly
| | - Maria Rosa Lidonnici
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR‐TIGET)Ospedale San RaffaeleMilanItaly
| | - Mariateresa Pettinato
- Regulation of Iron Metabolism Unit, Division of Genetics and Cell BiologyOspedale San RaffaeleMilanItaly,Vita Salute San Raffaele UniversityMilanItaly
| | - Alessia Pagani
- Regulation of Iron Metabolism Unit, Division of Genetics and Cell BiologyOspedale San RaffaeleMilanItaly
| | - Francesca Tiboni
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR‐TIGET)Ospedale San RaffaeleMilanItaly
| | - Valeria Furiosi
- Regulation of Iron Metabolism Unit, Division of Genetics and Cell BiologyOspedale San RaffaeleMilanItaly
| | - Laura Silvestri
- Regulation of Iron Metabolism Unit, Division of Genetics and Cell BiologyOspedale San RaffaeleMilanItaly,Vita Salute San Raffaele UniversityMilanItaly
| | - Giuliana Ferrari
- Vita Salute San Raffaele UniversityMilanItaly,San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR‐TIGET)Ospedale San RaffaeleMilanItaly
| | - Stefano Rivella
- Division of Hematology, Department of PediatricsChildren's Hospital of PhiladelphiaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Antonella Nai
- Regulation of Iron Metabolism Unit, Division of Genetics and Cell BiologyOspedale San RaffaeleMilanItaly,Vita Salute San Raffaele UniversityMilanItaly
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21
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Is the Role of Hepcidin and Erythroferrone in the Pathogenesis of Beta Thalassemia the Key to Developing Novel Treatment Strategies? THALASSEMIA REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/thalassrep12030017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Thalassemia is a disease of erythrocytes that varies largely on its genetic composition and associated clinical presentation. Though some patients may remain asymptomatic, those with a complicated course may experience severe anemia early in childhood, carrying into adulthood and requiring recurrent blood transfusions as a pillar of symptom management. Due to the consequences of ineffective erythropoiesis and frequent transfusions, patients with severe beta thalassemia may be subsequently susceptible to hemochromatosis. In light of the established role of hepcidin and erythroferrone in the pathogenesis of beta thalassemia, this review aims to discuss current clinical trials and studies in the field while presenting clinical implications of the HAMP gene polymorphisms and novel treatments. Research suggested incorporating erythroferrone and serum hepcidin testing as a part of routine workups for beta thalassemia, as they could be a predictive tool for early iron accumulation. Furthermore, ameliorating low hepcidin and high erythroferrone appeared to be crucial in treating beta thalassemia and its complications due to iron overload. Currently, hepcidin-like compounds, such as minihepcidins, LJPC-401, PTG-300, VIT-2763, and agents that promote hepcidin production by inhibiting TMPRSS6 expression or erythroferrone, were shown to be effective in restoring iron homeostasis in preliminary studies. Moreover, the natural bioactives astragalus polysaccharide and icariin have been recently recognized as hepcidin expression inductors.
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22
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Dion SP, Désilets A, Lemieux G, Leduc R. Functionally impaired isoforms regulate TMPRSS6 proteolytic activity. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273825. [PMID: 36044454 PMCID: PMC9432768 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
TMPRSS6 is a type II transmembrane serine protease involved in iron homeostasis expressed as 4 isoforms in humans. TMPRSS6 isoform 2 downregulates hepcidin production by cleaving hemojuvelin and other surface proteins of hepatocytes. The functions of catalytically impaired isoforms 3 and 4 are still unknown. Here we demonstrate that TMPRSS6 isoforms 3 and 4 reduce the proteolytic activity of isoform 2 and uncover the ability of isoforms to interact. Moreover, we identified 49 potential protein partners common to TMPRSS6 isoforms, including TfR1, known to be involved in iron regulation. By co-expressing TMPRSS6 and TfR1, we show that TfR1 is cleaved and shed from the cell surface. Further, we demonstrate that TMPRSS6 isoforms 3 and 4 behave as dominant negative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien P. Dion
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Antoine Désilets
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Gabriel Lemieux
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Richard Leduc
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Longo F, Piga A. Does Hepcidin Tuning Have a Role among Emerging Treatments for Thalassemia? J Clin Med 2022; 11:5119. [PMID: 36079046 PMCID: PMC9457499 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11175119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The treatments available for thalassemia are rapidly evolving, with major advances made in gene therapy and the modulation of erythropoiesis. The latter includes the therapeutic potential of hepcidin tuning. In thalassemia, hepcidin is significantly depressed, and any rise in hepcidin function has a positive effect on both iron metabolism and erythropoiesis. Synthetic hepcidin and hepcidin mimetics have been developed to the stage of clinical trials. However, they have failed to produce an acceptable efficacy/safety profile. It seems difficult to avoid iron over-restricted erythropoiesis when directly using hepcidin as a drug. Indirect approaches, each one with their advantages and disadvantages, are many and in full development. The ideal approach is to target erythroferrone, the main inhibitor of hepcidin expression, the plasma concentrations of which are greatly increased in iron-loading anemias. Potential means of improving hepcidin function in thalassemia also include acting on TMPRSS6, TfR1, TfR2 or ferroportin, the target of hepcidin. Only having a better understanding of the crosslinks between iron metabolism and erythropoiesis will elucidate the best single option. In the meantime, many potential combinations are currently being explored in preclinical studies. Any long-term clinical study on this approach should include the wide monitoring of functions, as the effects of hepcidin and its modulators are not limited to iron metabolism and erythropoiesis. It is likely that some of the aspects of hepcidin tuning described briefly in this review will play a role in the future treatment of thalassemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filomena Longo
- Thalassemia Reference Centre, 10043 Orbassano, Italy
- Regional HUB Centre for Thalassaemia and Haemoglobinopathies, Department of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria S. Anna, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Antonio Piga
- Thalassemia Reference Centre, 10043 Orbassano, Italy
- University of Torino, 10043 Torino, Italy
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The mutual crosstalk between iron and erythropoiesis. Int J Hematol 2022; 116:182-191. [PMID: 35618957 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-022-03384-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Iron homeostasis and erythropoiesis are strongly interconnected. On one side iron is essential to terminal erythropoiesis for hemoglobin production, on the other erythropoiesis may increase iron absorption through the production of erythroferrone, the erythroid hormone that suppresses hepcidin expression Also erythropoietin production is modulated by iron through the iron regulatory proteins-iron responsive elements that control the hypoxia inducible factor 2-α. The second transferrin receptor, an iron sensor both in the liver and in erythroid cells modulates erythropoietin sensitivity and is a further link between hepcidin and erythropoiesis. When erythropoietin is decreased in iron deficiency the erythropoietin sensitivity is increased because the second transferrin receptor is removed from cell surface. A deranged balance between erythropoiesis and iron/hepcidin may lead to anemia, as in the case of iron deficiency, defective iron uptake and erythroid utilization or subnormal recycling. Defective control of hepcidin production may cause iron deficiency, as in the recessive disorder iron refractory iron deficiency anemia or in anemia of inflammation, or in iron loading anemias, which are characterized by excessive but ineffective erythropoiesis. The elucidation of the mechanisms that regulates iron homeostasis and erythropoiesis is leading to the development of drugs for the benefit of both iron and erythropoiesis disorders.
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25
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Role of Iron in Aging Related Diseases. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11050865. [PMID: 35624729 PMCID: PMC9137504 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11050865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Iron progressively accumulates with age and can be further exacerbated by dietary iron intake, genetic factors, and repeated blood transfusions. While iron plays a vital role in various physiological processes within the human body, its accumulation contributes to cellular aging in several species. In its free form, iron can initiate the formation of free radicals at a cellular level and contribute to systemic disorders. This is most evident in high iron conditions such as hereditary hemochromatosis, when accumulation of iron contributes to the development of arthritis, cirrhosis, or cardiomyopathy. A growing body of research has further identified iron’s contributory effects in neurodegenerative diseases, ocular disorders, cancer, diabetes, endocrine dysfunction, and cardiovascular diseases. Reducing iron levels by repeated phlebotomy, iron chelation, and dietary restriction are the common therapeutic considerations to prevent iron toxicity. Chelators such as deferoxamine, deferiprone, and deferasirox have become the standard of care in managing iron overload conditions with other potential applications in cancer and cardiotoxicity. In certain animal models, drugs with iron chelating ability have been found to promote health and even extend lifespan. As we further explore the role of iron in the aging process, iron chelators will likely play an increasingly important role in our health.
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Chauhan W, Shoaib S, Fatma R, Zaka‐ur‐Rab Z, Afzal M. β‐thalassemia, and the advent of new Interventions beyond Transfusion and Iron chelation. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2022; 88:3610-3626. [DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Waseem Chauhan
- Human Genetics and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology Aligarh Muslim University Aligarh India
| | - Shoaib Shoaib
- Department of Biochemistry, JNMC Aligarh Muslim University Aligarh India
| | - Rafat Fatma
- Human Genetics and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology Aligarh Muslim University Aligarh India
| | - Zeeba Zaka‐ur‐Rab
- Department of Pediatrics, JNMC Aligarh Muslim University Aligarh India
| | - Mohammad Afzal
- Human Genetics and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology Aligarh Muslim University Aligarh India
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27
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Ineffective erythropoiesis and its treatment. Blood 2021; 139:2460-2470. [PMID: 34932791 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2021011045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The erythroid marrow and circulating red blood cells (RBCs) are the key components of the human erythron. Abnormalities of the erythron that are responsible for anemia can be distinguished into 3 major categories, that is, erythroid hypoproliferation, ineffective erythropoiesis, and peripheral hemolysis. Ineffective erythropoiesis is characterized by erythropoietin-driven expansion of early-stage erythroid precursors, associated with apoptosis of late-stage precursors. This mechanism is primarily responsible for anemia in inherited disorders like β-thalassemia, inherited sideroblastic anemias, and congenital dyserythropoietic anemias, as well as in acquired conditions like some subtypes of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). The inherited anemias due to ineffective erythropoiesis are also defined as iron loading anemias because of the associated parenchymal iron loading caused by the release of erythroid factors that suppress hepcidin production. Novel treatments specifically targeting ineffective erythropoiesis are being developed. Iron restriction through enhancement of hepcidin activity or inhibition of ferroportin function has been shown to reduce ineffective erythropoiesis in murine models of β-thalassemia. Luspatercept is a TGF-β ligand trap that inhibits SMAD2/3 signaling. Based on pre-clinical and clinical studies, this compound is now approved for the treatment of anemia in adult patients with β-thalassemia who require regular RBC transfusions. Luspatercept is also approved for the treatment of transfusion-dependent anemia in patients with MDS with ring sideroblasts, most of whom carry a somatic SF3B1mutation. While long-term efficacy and safety of luspatercept need to be evaluated both in β-thalassemia and MDS, defining the molecular mechanisms of ineffective erythropoiesis in different disorders might allow the discovery of new effective compounds.
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Impaired bone marrow microenvironment and stem cells in transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 146:112548. [PMID: 34923340 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Beta-thalassemia (BT) is a hereditary disease caused by abnormal hemoglobin synthesis with consequent ineffective erythropoiesis. Patients with thalassemia major are dependent on long-term blood transfusions with associated long-term complications such as iron overload (IO). This excess iron can result in tissue damage, impaired organ function, and increased morbidity. Growing evidence has demonstrated that IO contributes to impairment of the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment that largely impacts the function of BM mesenchymal stem cells, hematopoietic stem cells, and endothelial cells. In this article, we review recent progress in the understanding of iron metabolism and the perniciousness induced by IO. We highlight the importance of understanding the cross-talk between BM stem cells and the BM microenvironment, particularly the pathological effect of IO on BM stem cells and BT-associated complications. We also provide an update on recent novel therapies to cure transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia and iron overload-induced complications for their future clinical application.
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Casu C, Liu A, De Rosa G, Low A, Suzuki A, Sinha S, Ginzburg YZ, Abrams C, Aghajan M, Guo S, Rivella S. Tmprss6-ASO as a tool for the treatment of Polycythemia Vera mice. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251995. [PMID: 34890402 PMCID: PMC8664179 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycythemia Vera (PV) is a chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm resulting from an acquired driver mutation in the JAK2 gene of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells resulting in the overproduction of mature erythrocytes and abnormally high hematocrit, in turn leading to thromboembolic complications. Therapeutic phlebotomy is the most common treatment to reduce the hematocrit levels and consequently decrease thromboembolic risk. Here we demonstrate that, by using the iron restrictive properties of the antisense oligonucleotides against Tmprss6 mRNA, we can increase hepcidin to achieve effects equivalent to therapeutic phlebotomy. We provide evidence that this less invasive approach could represent an additional therapeutic tool for the treatment of PV patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Casu
- Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Alison Liu
- Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Gianluca De Rosa
- Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Audrey Low
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, CA, United States of America
| | - Aae Suzuki
- University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Sayantani Sinha
- Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Yelena Z. Ginzburg
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Charles Abrams
- University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Mariam Aghajan
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, CA, United States of America
| | - Shuling Guo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, CA, United States of America
| | - Stefano Rivella
- Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
- University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
- Cell and Molecular Biology affinity group (CAMB), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics-CHOP, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
- Penn Center for Musculoskeletal Disorders, CHOP, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
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30
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Tian T, Xiao F, Li H, Ding D, Dong W, Hou G, Zhao L, Yang Y, Yang Y, Zhou W. Association between serum iron status and primary liver cancer risk: a Mendelian randomization analysis. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:1533. [PMID: 34790739 PMCID: PMC8576647 DOI: 10.21037/atm-21-4608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Background Serum iron status has been reported as associated with primary liver cancer (PLC) risk. However, whether iron status plays a role in the development of PLC remains inconclusive. Methods Genetic summary statistics of the four biomarkers (serum iron, ferritin, transferrin saturation, and transferrin) of iron status and PLC were retrieved from two independent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) that had been performed in European populations. Two-sample univariate and multivariate Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were conducted to determine the causal link between iron status and PLC risk. Results No significant horizontal pleiotropy was detected for the four biomarkers according to the Mendelian Randomization Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier (MR-PRESSO) global test. No evidence of between-single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) heterogeneity and directional pleiotropy was detected by the Cochran’s Q test and MR-Egger regression for serum iron, ferritin, and transferrin. For transferrin saturation, although no heterogeneity was detected, the directional pleiotropy was significant (P value for intercept of MR-Egger regression =0.033). Univariate MR estimates based on inverse variance weighting (IVW) method suggested that there was no causal link between serum iron [odds ratio (OR) =0.71, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.45 to 1.11], ferritin (OR =0.56, 95% CI: 0.16 to 2.04), and transferrin (OR =0.91, 95% CI: 0.72 to 1.15) and PLC risk. We found a significant causal relationship between transferrin saturation and PLC risk (OR =0.45, 95% CI: 0.22 to 0.90), although this link was non-significant in multivariate MR analysis. Conclusions There might be no causal relationship between iron status and PLC risk. However, data from larger sample size and people with different ethnic background were needed to further validate our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Tian
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Xiao
- Department of Organ Transplantation, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongdong Li
- No. 960 Hospital of PLA Joint Logistic Support Force, Jinan, China
| | - Dongyang Ding
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Dong
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guojun Hou
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Linghao Zhao
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun Yang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Yang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiping Zhou
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Jaing TH, Chang TY, Chen SH, Lin CW, Wen YC, Chiu CC. Molecular genetics of β-thalassemia: A narrative review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e27522. [PMID: 34766559 PMCID: PMC8589257 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000027522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT β-thalassemia is a hereditary hematological disease caused by over 350 mutations in the β-globin gene (HBB). Identifying the genetic variants affecting fetal hemoglobin (HbF) production combined with the α-globin genotype provides some prediction of disease severity for β-thalassemia. However, the generation of an additive composite genetic risk score predicts prognosis, and guide management requires a larger panel of genetic modifiers yet to be discovered.Presently, using data from prior clinical trials guides the design of further research and academic studies based on gene augmentation, while fundamental insights into globin switching and new technology developments have inspired the investigation of novel gene therapy approaches.Genetic studies have successfully characterized the causal variants and pathways involved in HbF regulation, providing novel therapeutic targets for HbF reactivation. In addition to these HBB mutation-independent strategies involving HbF synthesis de-repression, the expanding genome editing toolkit provides increased accuracy to HBB mutation-specific strategies encompassing adult hemoglobin restoration for personalized treatment of hemoglobinopathies. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was, until very recently, the curative option available for patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia. Gene therapy currently represents a novel therapeutic promise after many years of extensive preclinical research to optimize gene transfer protocols.We summarize the current state of developments in the molecular genetics of β-thalassemia over the last decade, including the mechanisms associated with ineffective erythropoiesis, which have also provided valid therapeutic targets, some of which have been shown as a proof-of-concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tang-Her Jaing
- Divisions of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Children's Hospital, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Yen Chang
- Divisions of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Children's Hospital, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Hsiang Chen
- Divisions of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Children's Hospital, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Wei Lin
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chuan Wen
- Department of Nursing, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Chi Chiu
- Department of Nursing, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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Rana S, Prabhakar N. Iron disorders and hepcidin. Clin Chim Acta 2021; 523:454-468. [PMID: 34755647 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2021.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Iron is an essential element due to its role in a wide variety of physiological processes. Iron homeostasis is crucial to prevent iron overload disorders as well as iron deficiency anemia. The liver synthesized peptide hormone hepcidin is a master regulator of systemic iron metabolism. Given its role in overall health, measurement of hepcidin can be used as a predictive marker in disease states. In addition, hepcidin-targeting drugs appear beneficial as therapeutic agents. This review emphasizes recent development on analytical techniques (immunochemical, mass spectrometry and biosensors) and therapeutic approaches (hepcidin agonists, stimulators and antagonists). These insights highlight hepcidin as a potential biomarker as well as an aid in the development of new drugs for iron disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilpa Rana
- Department of Biochemistry, Sector-25, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Nirmal Prabhakar
- Department of Biochemistry, Sector-25, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India.
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Musallam KM, Bou‐Fakhredin R, Cappellini MD, Taher AT. 2021 update on clinical trials in β-thalassemia. Am J Hematol 2021; 96:1518-1531. [PMID: 34347889 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.26316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The treatment landscape for patients with β-thalassemia is witnessing a swift evolution, yet several unmet needs continue to persist. Patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (TDT) primarily rely on regular transfusion and iron chelation therapy, which can be associated with considerable treatment burden and cost. Patients with non-transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (NTDT) are also at risk of significant morbidity due to the underlying anemia and iron overload, but treatment options in this patient subgroup are limited. In this review, we provide updates on clinical trials of novel therapies targeting the underlying pathology in β-thalassemia, including the α/non-α-globin chain imbalance, ineffective erythropoiesis, and iron dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled M. Musallam
- Thalassemia Center, Burjeel Medical City Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates
- International Network of Hematology London UK
| | - Rayan Bou‐Fakhredin
- Department of Internal Medicine American University of Beirut Medical Center Beirut Lebanon
| | - Maria Domenica Cappellini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community University of Milan, Ca’ Granda Foundation IRCCS Maggiore Policlinico Hospital Milan Italy
| | - Ali T. Taher
- Department of Internal Medicine American University of Beirut Medical Center Beirut Lebanon
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35
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Sinha S, Pereira-Reis J, Guerra A, Rivella S, Duarte D. The Role of Iron in Benign and Malignant Hematopoiesis. Antioxid Redox Signal 2021; 35:415-432. [PMID: 33231101 PMCID: PMC8328043 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2020.8155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Significance: Iron is an essential element required for sustaining a normal healthy life. However, an excess amount of iron in the bloodstream and tissue generates toxic hydroxyl radicals through Fenton reactions. Henceforth, a balance in iron concentration is extremely important to maintain cellular homeostasis in both normal hematopoiesis and erythropoiesis. Iron deficiency or iron overload can impact hematopoiesis and is associated with many hematological diseases. Recent Advances: The mechanisms of action of key iron regulators such as erythroferrone and the discovery of new drugs, such as ACE-536/luspatercept, are of potential interest to treat hematological disorders, such as β-thalassemia. New therapies targeting inflammation-induced ineffective erythropoiesis are also in progress. Furthermore, emerging evidences support differential interactions between iron and its cellular antioxidant responses of hematopoietic and neighboring stromal cells. Both iron and its systemic regulator, such as hepcidin, play a significant role in regulating erythropoiesis. Critical Issues: Significant pre-clinical studies are on the way and new drugs targeting iron metabolism have been recently approved or are undergoing clinical trials to treat pathological conditions with impaired erythropoiesis such as myelodysplastic syndromes or β-thalassemia. Future Directions: Future studies should explore how iron regulates hematopoiesis in both benign and malignant conditions. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 35, 415-432.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayantani Sinha
- Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Joana Pereira-Reis
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Amaliris Guerra
- Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Stefano Rivella
- Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Cell and Molecular Biology Affinity Group (CAMB), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Penn Center for Musculoskeletal Disorders, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Delfim Duarte
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Onco-Hematology, Instituto Português de Oncologia (IPO), Porto, Portugal
- Unit of Biochemistry, Department of Biomedicine, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto (FMUP), Porto, Portugal
- Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), Porto, Portugal
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Ineffective Erythropoiesis in β-Thalassaemia: Key Steps and Therapeutic Options by Drugs. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22137229. [PMID: 34281283 PMCID: PMC8268821 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
β-thalassaemia is a rare genetic condition caused by mutations in the β-globin gene that result in severe iron-loading anaemia, maintained by a detrimental state of ineffective erythropoiesis (IE). The role of multiple mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of the disease has been recently unravelled. The unbalanced production of α-globin is a major source of oxidative stress and membrane damage in red blood cells (RBC). In addition, IE is tightly linked to iron metabolism dysregulation, and the relevance of new players of this pathway, i.e., hepcidin, erythroferrone, matriptase-2, among others, has emerged. Advances have been made in understanding the balance between proliferation and maturation of erythroid precursors and the role of specific factors in this process, such as members of the TGF-β superfamily, and their downstream effectors, or the transcription factor GATA1. The increasing understanding of IE allowed for the development of a broad set of potential therapeutic options beyond the current standard of care. Many candidates of disease-modifying drugs are currently under clinical investigation, targeting the regulation of iron metabolism, the production of foetal haemoglobin, the maturation process, or the energetic balance and membrane stability of RBC. Overall, they provide tools and evidence for multiple and synergistic approaches that are effectively moving clinical research in β-thalassaemia from bench to bedside.
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Colucci S, Marques O, Altamura S. 20 years of Hepcidin: How far we have come. Semin Hematol 2021; 58:132-144. [PMID: 34389105 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Twenty years ago the discovery of hepcidin deeply changed our understanding of the regulation of systemic iron homeostasis. It is now clear that hepcidin orchestrates systemic iron levels by controlling the amount of iron exported into the bloodstream through ferroportin. Hepcidin expression is increased in situations where systemic iron levels should be reduced, such as in iron overload and infection. Conversely, hepcidin is repressed during iron deficiency, hypoxia or expanded erythropoiesis, to increase systemic iron availability and sustain erythropoiesis. In this review, we will focus on molecular mechanisms of hepcidin regulation and on the pathological consequences of their disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Colucci
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology - University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.; Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit, EMBL and University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Oriana Marques
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology - University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.; Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit, EMBL and University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sandro Altamura
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology - University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.; Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit, EMBL and University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany..
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Abstract
Rare anemias (RA) are mostly hereditary disorders with low prevalence and a broad spectrum of clinical severity, affecting different stages of erythropoiesis or red blood cell components. RA often remains underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed, and treatment options have been limited to supportive care for many years. During the last decades, the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying several RA paved the way for developing new treatments. Innovative treatments other than supportive care and allogeneic bone marrow transplantation are currently in clinical trials for β-thalassemias, sickle cell disease (SCD), and congenital hemolytic anemias. Recently, luspatercept, an activin receptor ligand trap targeting ineffective erythropoiesis, has been approved as the first pharmacological treatment for transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia. L-glutamine, voxelotor, and crizanlizumab are new drugs approved SCD, targeting different steps of the complex pathophysiological mechanism. Gene therapy represents an innovative and encouraging strategy currently under evaluation in several RA and recently approved for β-thalassemia. Moreover, the advent of gene-editing technologies represents an additional option, mainly focused on correcting the defective gene or editing the expression of genes that regulate fetal hemoglobin synthesis. In this review, we aim to update the status of innovative treatments and the ongoing trials and discuss RA treatments’ future directions. Interestingly, several molecules that showed promising results for treating one of these disorders are now under evaluation in the others. In the near future, the management of RA will probably consist of polypharmacotherapy tailored to patients’ characteristics.
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Xu Y, Alfaro-Magallanes VM, Babitt JL. Physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms of hepcidin regulation: clinical implications for iron disorders. Br J Haematol 2021; 193:882-893. [PMID: 33316086 PMCID: PMC8164969 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.17252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of hepcidin has provided a solid foundation for understanding the mechanisms of systemic iron homeostasis and the aetiologies of iron disorders. Hepcidin assures the balance of circulating and stored iron levels for multiple physiological processes including oxygen transport and erythropoiesis, while limiting the toxicity of excess iron. The liver is the major site where regulatory signals from iron, erythropoietic drive and inflammation are integrated to control hepcidin production. Pathologically, hepcidin dysregulation by genetic inactivation, ineffective erythropoiesis, or inflammation leads to diseases of iron deficiency or overload such as iron-refractory iron-deficiency anaemia, anaemia of inflammation, iron-loading anaemias and hereditary haemochromatosis. In the present review, we discuss recent insights into the molecular mechanisms governing hepcidin regulation, how these pathways are disrupted in iron disorders, and how this knowledge is being used to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xu
- Division of Nephrology, Program in Membrane Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Víctor M. Alfaro-Magallanes
- Division of Nephrology, Program in Membrane Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- LFE Research Group, Department of Health and Human Performance, Faculty of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jodie L. Babitt
- Division of Nephrology, Program in Membrane Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Vadolas J, Ng GZ, Kysenius K, Crouch PJ, Dames S, Eisermann M, Nualkaew T, Vilcassim S, Schaeper U, Grigoriadis G. SLN124, a GalNac-siRNA targeting transmembrane serine protease 6, in combination with deferiprone therapy reduces ineffective erythropoiesis and hepatic iron-overload in a mouse model of β-thalassaemia. Br J Haematol 2021; 194:200-210. [PMID: 33942901 PMCID: PMC8359948 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.17428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Beta‐thalassaemia is an inherited blood disorder characterised by ineffective erythropoiesis and anaemia. Consequently, hepcidin expression is reduced resulting in increased iron absorption and primary iron overload. Hepcidin is under the negative control of transmembrane serine protease 6 (TMPRSS6) via cleavage of haemojuvelin (HJV), a co‐receptor for the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)‐mothers against decapentaplegic homologue (SMAD) signalling pathway. Considering the central role of the TMPRSS6/HJV/hepcidin axis in iron homeostasis, the inhibition of TMPRSS6 expression represents a promising therapeutic strategy to increase hepcidin production and ameliorate anaemia and iron overload in β‐thalassaemia. In the present study, we investigated a small interfering RNA (siRNA) conjugate optimised for hepatic targeting of Tmprss6 (SLN124) in β‐thalassaemia mice (Hbbth3/+). Two subcutaneous injections of SLN124 (3 mg/kg) were sufficient to normalise hepcidin expression and reduce anaemia. We also observed a significant improvement in erythroid maturation, which was associated with a significant reduction in splenomegaly. Treatment with the iron chelator, deferiprone (DFP), did not impact any of the erythroid parameters. However, the combination of SLN124 with DFP was more effective in reducing hepatic iron overload than either treatment alone. Collectively, we show that the combination therapy can ameliorate several disease symptoms associated with chronic anaemia and iron overload, and therefore represents a promising pharmacological modality for the treatment of β‐thalassaemia and related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jim Vadolas
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Garrett Z Ng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Kai Kysenius
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Peter J Crouch
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | - Tiwaporn Nualkaew
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Shahla Vilcassim
- School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | | | - George Grigoriadis
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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Motta I, Bou-Fakhredin R, Taher AT, Cappellini MD. Beta Thalassemia: New Therapeutic Options Beyond Transfusion and Iron Chelation. Drugs 2021; 80:1053-1063. [PMID: 32557398 PMCID: PMC7299245 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-020-01341-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Hemoglobinopathies are among the most common monogenic diseases worldwide. Approximately 1–5% of the global population are carriers for a genetic thalassemia mutation. The thalassemias are characterized by autosomal recessive inherited defects in the production of hemoglobin. They are highly prevalent in the Mediterranean, Middle East, Indian subcontinent, and East and Southeast Asia. Due to recent migrations, however, the thalassemias are now becoming more common in Europe and North America, making this disease a global health concern. Currently available conventional therapies in thalassemia have many challenges and limitations. A better understanding of the pathophysiology of β-thalassemia in addition to key developments in optimizing transfusion programs and iron-chelation therapy has led to an increase in the life span of thalassemia patients and paved the way for new therapeutic strategies. These can be classified into three categories based on their efforts to address different features of the underlying pathophysiology of β-thalassemia: correction of the globin chain imbalance, addressing ineffective erythropoiesis, and improving iron overload. In this review, we provide an overview of the novel therapeutic approaches that are currently in development for β-thalassemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Motta
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Rayan Bou-Fakhredin
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ali T Taher
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Maria Domenica Cappellini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy. .,Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
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Kowdley KV, Gochanour EM, Sundaram V, Shah RA, Handa P. Hepcidin Signaling in Health and Disease: Ironing Out the Details. Hepatol Commun 2021; 5:723-735. [PMID: 34027264 PMCID: PMC8122377 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepcidin, a peptide hormone produced by hepatocytes, is the central regulator of systemic iron homeostasis through its interaction with ferroportin, the major cellular iron export protein. Hepcidin binding to ferroportin results in reduced iron export from macrophages and intestinal absorptive cells, leading to decreased serum iron levels. Hepcidin expression is influenced by several factors that include serum and liver iron stores, erythropoiesis, hypoxia, inflammation, and infection. Erythropoietic drive and hypoxia suppress hepcidin expression and promote red cell production. In contrast, inflammation and infection are associated with increased hepcidin production to sequester iron intracellularly as a means of depriving microorganisms of iron. Chronic inflammation may up-regulate hepcidin expression through the interleukin-6 (IL-6)-Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway. The bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-mothers against decapentaplegic homolog (SMAD) pathway is a major positive driver of hepcidin expression in response to either increased circulating iron in the form of transferrin or iron loading in organs. Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) consists of several inherited disorders that cause inappropriately reduced hepcidin expression in response to body iron stores, leading to increased iron absorption from a normal diet. The most common form of HH is due to a mutation in the HFE gene, which causes a failure in the hepatocyte iron-sensing mechanism, leading to reduced hepcidin expression; the clinical manifestations of HFE-HH include increased serum transferrin-iron saturation and progressive iron loading in the liver and other tissues over time among patients who express the disease phenotype. In this article, we review the physiologic mechanisms and cellular pathways by which hepcidin expression is regulated, and the different forms of HH resulting from various mutations that cause hepcidin deficiency. We also review other drivers of hepcidin expression and the associated pathophysiologic consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kris V. Kowdley
- Liver Institute Northwest and Elson S. Floyd College of MedicineWashington State UniversitySpokaneWAUSA
- Liver Care Network and Organ Care ResearchSwedish Medical CenterSeattleWAUSA
| | - Eric M. Gochanour
- Liver Institute Northwest and Elson S. Floyd College of MedicineWashington State UniversitySpokaneWAUSA
- Liver Care Network and Organ Care ResearchSwedish Medical CenterSeattleWAUSA
| | - Vinay Sundaram
- Division of Gastroenterology and Comprehensive Transplant CenterLos AngelesCAUSA
| | - Raj A. Shah
- Liver Care Network and Organ Care ResearchSwedish Medical CenterSeattleWAUSA
| | - Priya Handa
- Liver Care Network and Organ Care ResearchSwedish Medical CenterSeattleWAUSA
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43
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Correcting β-thalassemia by combined therapies that restrict iron and modulate erythropoietin activity. Blood 2021; 136:1968-1979. [PMID: 32556142 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2019004719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
β-Thalassemia intermedia is a disorder characterized by ineffective erythropoiesis (IE), anemia, splenomegaly, and systemic iron overload. Novel approaches are being explored based on the modulation of pathways that reduce iron absorption (ie, using hepcidin activators like Tmprss6-antisense oligonucleotides [ASOs]) or increase erythropoiesis (by erythropoietin [EPO] administration or modulating the ability of transferrin receptor 2 [Tfr2] to control red blood cell [RBC] synthesis). Targeting Tmprss6 messenger RNA by Tmprss6-ASO was proven to be effective in improving IE and splenomegaly by inducing iron restriction. However, we postulated that combinatorial strategies might be superior to single therapies. Here, we combined Tmprss6-ASO with EPO administration or removal of a single Tfr2 allele in the bone marrow of animals affected by β-thalassemia intermedia (Hbbth3/+). EPO administration alone or removal of a single Tfr2 allele increased hemoglobin levels and RBCs. However, EPO or Tfr2 single-allele deletion alone, respectively, exacerbated or did not improve splenomegaly in β-thalassemic mice. To overcome this issue, we postulated that some level of iron restriction (by targeting Tmprss6) would improve splenomegaly while preserving the beneficial effects on RBC production mediated by EPO or Tfr2 deletion. While administration of Tmprss6-ASO alone improved the anemia, the combination of Tmprss6-ASO + EPO or Tmprss6-ASO + Tfr2 single-allele deletion produced significantly higher hemoglobin levels and reduced splenomegaly. In conclusion, our results clearly indicate that these combinatorial approaches are superior to single treatments in ameliorating IE and anemia in β-thalassemia and could provide guidance to translate some of these approaches into viable therapies.
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Parrow NL, Violet PC, George NA, Ali F, Bhanvadia S, Wong R, Tisdale JF, Fitzhugh C, Levine M, Thein SL, Fleming RE. Dietary iron restriction improves markers of disease severity in murine sickle cell anemia. Blood 2021; 137:1553-1555. [PMID: 33512468 PMCID: PMC7976514 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2020006919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nermi L Parrow
- Department of Pediatrics, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Pierre-Christian Violet
- Molecular and Clinical Nutrition Section, Digestive Disease Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
| | - Nisha Ajit George
- Department of Pediatrics, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Faris Ali
- Department of Pediatrics, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Shivam Bhanvadia
- Department of Pediatrics, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Ryan Wong
- Department of Pediatrics, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | | | | | - Mark Levine
- Molecular and Clinical Nutrition Section, Digestive Disease Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
| | - Swee Lay Thein
- Sickle Cell Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD; and
| | - Robert E Fleming
- Department of Pediatrics, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
- Edward A. Doisy Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
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46
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Musallam KM, Rivella S, Taher AT. Management of non-transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (NTDT): The next 5 years. Am J Hematol 2021; 96:E57-E59. [PMID: 33219704 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.26055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Stefano Rivella
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology; Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics; Abramson Research Center at The Childrenʼs Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP); Cell and Molecular Biology Affinity Group (CAMB), Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia Pennsylvania USA
| | - Ali T. Taher
- Department of Internal Medicine American University of Beirut Medical Center Beirut Lebanon
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali T Taher
- From the Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon (A.T.T.); the International Network of Hematology, London (K.M.M.); and the Department of Clinical Sciences and Community, University of Milan, Ca' Granda Foundation IRCCS Maggiore Policlinico Hospital, Milan (M.D.C.)
| | - Khaled M Musallam
- From the Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon (A.T.T.); the International Network of Hematology, London (K.M.M.); and the Department of Clinical Sciences and Community, University of Milan, Ca' Granda Foundation IRCCS Maggiore Policlinico Hospital, Milan (M.D.C.)
| | - M Domenica Cappellini
- From the Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon (A.T.T.); the International Network of Hematology, London (K.M.M.); and the Department of Clinical Sciences and Community, University of Milan, Ca' Granda Foundation IRCCS Maggiore Policlinico Hospital, Milan (M.D.C.)
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Schmidt PJ, Fitzgerald K, Butler JS, Fleming MD. Global loss of Tfr2 with concomitant induced iron deficiency greatly ameliorates the phenotype of a murine thalassemia intermedia model. Am J Hematol 2021; 96:251-257. [PMID: 33180328 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.26048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
β-thalassemias result from mutations in β-globin, causing ineffective erythropoiesis and secondary iron overload due to inappropriately low levels of the iron regulatory hormone hepcidin. Mutations in transferrin receptor 2 (TFR2) lead to hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) as a result of inappropriately increased iron uptake from the diet, also due to improperly regulated hepcidin. TFR2 is also thought to be required for efficient erythropoiesis through its interaction with the erythropoietin receptor in erythroid progenitors. Transmembrane serine protease 6 (TMPRSS6), a membrane serine protease expressed selectively in the liver, participates in regulating hepcidin production in response to iron stores by cleaving hemojuvelin (HJV). We have previously demonstrated that inhibiting TMPRSS6 expression with a hepatocyte-specific siRNA formulation, induces hepcidin, mitigates anemia, and reduces iron overload in murine models of β-thalassemia intermedia and HH. Here, we demonstrate that Tmprss6 siRNA treatment of double mutant Tfr2Y245X/Y245X HH Hbbth3/+ thalassemic mice induces hepcidin and diminishes tissue and serum iron levels. Importantly, treated double mutant animals produce more mature red blood cells and have a nearly 50% increase in hemoglobin compared to untreated β-thalassemic mice. Furthermore, we also show that treatment of Tfr2Y245X/Y245X HH mice leads to increased hepcidin expression and reduced total body iron burden. These data indicate that siRNA suppression of Tmprss6, in conjunction with the targeting of TFR2, may be superior to inhibiting Tmprss6 alone in the treatment of the anemia and secondary iron loading in β-thalassemia intermedia and may be useful as a method of suppressing the primary iron overload in TFR2-related (type 3) hereditary hemochromatosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J. Schmidt
- Department of Pathology Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts USA
| | | | - James S. Butler
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Cambridge Massachusetts USA
- Current: Intellia Therapeutics, Inc. Cambridge Massachusetts USA
| | - Mark D. Fleming
- Department of Pathology Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts USA
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The Oral Ferroportin Inhibitor VIT-2763 Improves Erythropoiesis without Interfering with Iron Chelation Therapy in a Mouse Model of β-Thalassemia. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020873. [PMID: 33467196 PMCID: PMC7830167 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In β-thalassemia, ineffective erythropoiesis leads to anemia and systemic iron overload. The management of iron overload by chelation therapy is a standard of care. However, iron chelation does not improve the ineffective erythropoiesis. We recently showed that the oral ferroportin inhibitor VIT-2763 ameliorates anemia and erythropoiesis in the Hbbth3/+ mouse model of β-thalassemia. In this study, we investigated whether concurrent use of the iron chelator deferasirox (DFX) and the ferroportin inhibitor VIT-2763 causes any pharmacodynamic interactions in the Hbbth3/+ mouse model of β-thalassemia. Mice were treated with VIT-2763 or DFX alone or with the combination of both drugs once daily for three weeks. VIT-2763 alone or in combination with DFX improved anemia and erythropoiesis. VIT-2763 alone decreased serum iron and transferrin saturation (TSAT) but was not able to reduce the liver iron concentration. While DFX alone had no effect on TSAT and erythropoiesis, it significantly reduced the liver iron concentration alone and in the presence of VIT-2763. Our results clearly show that VIT-2763 does not interfere with the iron chelation efficacy of DFX. Furthermore, VIT-2763 retains its beneficial effects on improving ineffective erythropoiesis when combined with DFX in the Hbbth3/+ mouse model. In conclusion, co-administration of the oral ferroportin inhibitor VIT-2763 and the iron chelator DFX is feasible and might offer an opportunity to improve both ineffective erythropoiesis and iron overload in β-thalassemia.
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Molecular analysis of homeostatic iron regulator, transmembrane protease serine-6, and BTB domain-containing protein-9 variants and iron parameters in blood donors. Biosci Rep 2021; 41:227422. [PMID: 33367529 PMCID: PMC7809544 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20202584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic variants associated with iron homeostasis have been identified, but their association with iron-related indices and variables among different ethnic populations remains controversial. We aimed to explore the genotype frequency and allelic distribution of three iron-metabolism related variants in homeostatic iron regulator gene (HFE; rs1800562 G/A), transmembrane protease, Serine-6 gene (TMPRSS6; rs855791 A/G), and BTB domain-containing protein-9 gene (BTBD9; rs9357271 C/T) among a sample of the Middle Eastern blood donors and to detect the association of these variants on blood indices, and serum hepcidin/ferritin levels. Real-Time TaqMan genotyping assay for the specified variants was applied for 197 unrelated blood donors. Complete blood picture and serum hepcidin/ferritin levels were assessed. All participants were carriers of rs1800562*G/G genotype for HFE. The frequency of A/A and A/G genotypes of TMPRSS6 rs855791 variant was 55% and 45%, and for C/C, C/T, and T/T of BTBD9 rs9357271, were 15%, 43%, and 42%, respectively. Minor allele frequencies of rs855791*G and rs9357271*C were 0.23 and 0.37. The GGC genotype combination (for HFE/TMPRSS6/BTBD9, respectively) was more frequent in male participants. Higher serum hepcidin and hepcidin/ferritin ratio were observed in TMPRSS6 (A/G) carriers. While subjects with BTBD9 C/T and TT genotypes had lower serum ferritin values and higher levels of hepcidin and hepcidin/ferritin ratio compared with C/C genotype. No significant associations were found with any other blood parameters. In conclusion, TMPRSS6 rs855791 (A/G) and BTBD9 rs9357271 (C/T) variants were prevalent in the present blood donor population and may influence the serum hepcidin and/or ferritin levels.
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