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Caldovic L, Ahn JJ, Andricovic J, Balick VM, Brayer M, Chansky PA, Dawson T, Edwards AC, Felsen SE, Ismat K, Jagannathan SV, Mann BT, Medina JA, Morizono T, Morizono M, Salameh S, Vashist N, Williams EC, Zhou Z, Morizono H. Datamining approaches for examining the low prevalence of N-acetylglutamate synthase deficiency and understanding transcriptional regulation of urea cycle genes. J Inherit Metab Dis 2023. [PMID: 37847851 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Ammonia, which is toxic to the brain, is converted into non-toxic urea, through a pathway of six enzymatically catalyzed steps known as the urea cycle. In this pathway, N-acetylglutamate synthase (NAGS, EC 2.3.1.1) catalyzes the formation of N-acetylglutamate (NAG) from glutamate and acetyl coenzyme A. NAGS deficiency (NAGSD) is the rarest of the urea cycle disorders, yet is unique in that ureagenesis can be restored with the drug N-carbamylglutamate (NCG). We investigated whether the rarity of NAGSD could be due to low sequence variation in the NAGS genomic region, high NAGS tolerance for amino acid replacements, and alternative sources of NAG and NCG in the body. We also evaluated whether the small genomic footprint of the NAGS catalytic domain might play a role. The small number of patients diagnosed with NAGSD could result from the absence of specific disease biomarkers and/or short NAGS catalytic domain. We screened for sequence variants in NAGS regulatory regions in patients suspected of having NAGSD and found a novel NAGS regulatory element in the first intron of the NAGS gene. We applied the same datamining approach to identify regulatory elements in the remaining urea cycle genes. In addition to the known promoters and enhancers of each gene, we identified several novel regulatory elements in their upstream regions and first introns. The identification of cis-regulatory elements of urea cycle genes and their associated transcription factors holds promise for uncovering shared mechanisms governing urea cycle gene expression and potentially leading to new treatments for urea cycle disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ljubica Caldovic
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Genomics and Precision Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Julie J Ahn
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jacklyn Andricovic
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Veronica M Balick
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Mallory Brayer
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Pamela A Chansky
- The Institute for Biomedical Science, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Tyson Dawson
- The Institute for Biomedical Science, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
- AMPEL BioSolutions LLC, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Alex C Edwards
- The Institute for Biomedical Science, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Sara E Felsen
- The Institute for Biomedical Science, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Karim Ismat
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Genomics and Precision Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Sveta V Jagannathan
- The Institute for Biomedical Science, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Brendan T Mann
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jacob A Medina
- The Institute for Biomedical Science, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Toshio Morizono
- College of Science and Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Michio Morizono
- College of Science and Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Shatha Salameh
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
- Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Neerja Vashist
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Genomics and Precision Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Emily C Williams
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
- The George Washington University Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Zhe Zhou
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Hiroki Morizono
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Genomics and Precision Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
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Cavino K, Sung B, Su Q, Na E, Kim J, Cheng X, Gromada J, Okamoto H. Glucagon Receptor Inhibition Reduces Hyperammonemia and Lethality in Male Mice with Urea Cycle Disorder. Endocrinology 2021; 162:5988952. [PMID: 33206168 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The liver plays a critical role in maintaining ammonia homeostasis. Urea cycle defects, liver injury, or failure and glutamine synthetase (GS) deficiency result in hyperammonemia, serious clinical conditions, and lethality. In this study we used a mouse model with a defect in the urea cycle enzyme ornithine transcarbamylase (Otcspf-ash) to test the hypothesis that glucagon receptor inhibition using a monoclonal blocking antibody will reduce the hyperammonemia and associated lethality induced by a high-protein diet, which exacerbates disease. We found reduced expression of glutaminase, which degrades glutamine and increased expression of GS in livers of Otcspf-ash mice treated with the glucagon receptor blocking antibody. The gene expression changes favor ammonia consumption and were accompanied by increased circulating glutamine levels and diminished hyperammonemia. Otcspf-ash mice treated with the glucagon receptor-blocking antibody gained lean and body mass and had increased survival. These data suggest that glucagon receptor inhibition using a monoclonal antibody could reduce the risk for hyperammonemia and other clinical manifestations of patients suffering from defects in the urea cycle, liver injury, or failure and GS deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Cavino
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, New York USA
| | - Biin Sung
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, New York USA
| | - Qi Su
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, New York USA
| | - Erqian Na
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, New York USA
| | - Jinrang Kim
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, New York USA
| | - Xiping Cheng
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, New York USA
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Jestin M, Kapnick SM, Tarasenko TN, Burke CT, Zerfas PM, Diaz F, Vernon H, Singh LN, Sokol RJ, McGuire PJ. Mitochondrial disease disrupts hepatic allostasis and lowers the threshold for immune-mediated liver toxicity. Mol Metab 2020; 37:100981. [PMID: 32283081 PMCID: PMC7167504 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2020.100981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective In individuals with mitochondrial disease, respiratory viral infection can result in metabolic decompensation with mitochondrial hepatopathy. Here, we used a mouse model of liver-specific Complex IV deficiency to study hepatic allostasis during respiratory viral infection. Methods Mice with hepatic cytochrome c oxidase deficiency (LivCox10−/−) were infected with aerosolized influenza, A/PR/8 (PR8), and euthanized on day five after infection following three days of symptoms. This time course is marked by a peak in inflammatory cytokines and mimics the timing of a common clinical scenario in which caregivers may first attempt to manage the illness at home before seeking medical attention. Metabolic decompensation and mitochondrial hepatopathy in mice were characterized by serum hepatic testing, histology, electron microscopy, biochemistry, metabolomics, and bioenergetic profiling. Results Following influenza infection, LivCox10−/− mice displayed marked liver disease including hepatitis, enlarged mitochondria with cristae loss, and hepatic steatosis. This pathophysiology was associated with viremia. Primary hepatocytes from LivCox10−/− mice cocultured with WT Kupffer cells in the presence of PR8 showed enhanced lipid accumulation. Treatment of hepatocytes with recombinant TNFα implicated Kupffer cell-derived TNFα as a precipitant of steatosis in LivCox10−/− mice. Eliminating Kupffer cells or blocking TNFα in vivo during influenza infection mitigated the steatosis and mitochondrial morphologic changes. Conclusions Taken together, our data shift the narrative of metabolic decompensation in mitochondrial hepatopathy beyond the bioenergetic costs of infection to include an underlying susceptibility to immune-mediated damage. Moreover, our work suggests that immune modulation during metabolic decompensation in mitochondrial disease represents a future viable treatment strategy needing further exploration. Influenza infection leads to worsening mitochondrial function and steatohepatitis in a model of mitochondrial hepatopathy. Kupffer cells may mediate this damage by the uptake of influenza virus and the secretion of TNFa. Hepatocytes affected by mitochondrial disease have a lower threshold for immune mediated toxicity by TNFa. Modulating the immune response leads to an improvement in the phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxim Jestin
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Senta M Kapnick
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Tatyana N Tarasenko
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Cassidy T Burke
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Patricia M Zerfas
- Office of Research Services, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Francisca Diaz
- University of Miami, Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Hilary Vernon
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Johns Hopkins Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Larry N Singh
- Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Ronald J Sokol
- Section of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Peter J McGuire
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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Allegri G, Deplazes S, Rimann N, Causton B, Scherer T, Leff JW, Diez-Fernandez C, Klimovskaia A, Fingerhut R, Krijt J, Kožich V, Nuoffer JM, Grisch-Chan HM, Thöny B, Häberle J. Comprehensive characterization of ureagenesis in the spf ash mouse, a model of human ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency, reveals age-dependency of ammonia detoxification. J Inherit Metab Dis 2019; 42:1064-1076. [PMID: 30714172 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The most common ureagenesis defect is X-linked ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency which is a main target for novel therapeutic interventions. The spf ash mouse model carries a variant (c.386G>A, p.Arg129His) that is also found in patients. Male spf ash mice have a mild biochemical phenotype with low OTC activity (5%-10% of wild-type), resulting in elevated urinary orotic acid but no hyperammonemia. We recently established a dried blood spot method for in vivo quantification of ureagenesis by Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) using stable isotopes. Here, we applied this assay to wild-type and spf ash mice to assess ureagenesis at different ages. Unexpectedly, we found an age-dependency with a higher capacity for ammonia detoxification in young mice after weaning. A parallel pattern was observed for carbamoylphosphate synthetase 1 and OTC enzyme expression and activities, which may act as pacemaker of this ammonia detoxification pathway. Moreover, high ureagenesis in younger mice was accompanied by elevated periportal expression of hepatic glutamine synthetase, another main enzyme required for ammonia detoxification. These observations led us to perform a more extensive analysis of the spf ash mouse in comparison to the wild-type, including characterization of the corresponding metabolites, enzyme activities in the liver and plasma and the gut microbiota. In conclusion, the comprehensive enzymatic and metabolic analysis of ureagenesis performed in the presented depth was only possible in animals. Our findings suggest such analyses being essential when using the mouse as a model and revealed age-dependent activity of ammonia detoxification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Allegri
- Division of Metabolism and Children's Research Center (CRC), University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sereina Deplazes
- Division of Metabolism and Children's Research Center (CRC), University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Rimann
- Division of Metabolism and Children's Research Center (CRC), University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Tanja Scherer
- Division of Metabolism and Children's Research Center (CRC), University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Carmen Diez-Fernandez
- Division of Metabolism and Children's Research Center (CRC), University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anna Klimovskaia
- Institute for Molecular Systems Biology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ralph Fingerhut
- Swiss Newborn Screening Laboratory, University Children's Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jakub Krijt
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Charles University-First Faculty of Medicine and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Viktor Kožich
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Charles University-First Faculty of Medicine and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jean-Marc Nuoffer
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Inselspital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Hiu M Grisch-Chan
- Division of Metabolism and Children's Research Center (CRC), University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Beat Thöny
- Division of Metabolism and Children's Research Center (CRC), University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Häberle
- Division of Metabolism and Children's Research Center (CRC), University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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5
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Tarasenko TN, Jestin M, Matsumoto S, Saito K, Hwang S, Gavrilova O, Trivedi N, Zerfas PM, Barca E, DiMauro S, Senac J, Venditti CP, Cherukuri M, McGuire PJ. Macrophage derived TNFα promotes hepatic reprogramming to Warburg-like metabolism. J Mol Med (Berl) 2019; 97:1231-1243. [PMID: 31053970 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-019-01786-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
During infection, hepatocytes must undergo a reprioritization of metabolism, termed metabolic reprogramming. Hepatic metabolic reprogramming in response to infection begins within hours of infection, suggesting a mechanism closely linked to pathogen recognition. Following injection with polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid, a mimic of viral infection, a robust hepatic innate immune response could be seen involving the TNFα pathway at 2 h. Repeated doses led to the adoption of Warburg-like metabolism in the liver as determined by in vivo metabolic imaging, expression analyses, and metabolomics. Hepatic macrophages, Kupffer cells, were able to induce Warburg-like metabolism in hepatocytes in vitro via TNFα. Eliminating macrophages in vivo or blocking TNFα in vitro or in vivo resulted in abrogation of the metabolic phenotype, establishing an immune-metabolic axis in hepatic metabolic reprogramming. Overall, we suggest that macrophages, as early sensors of pathogens, instruct hepatocytes via TNFα to undergo metabolic reprogramming to cope with challenges to homeostasis initiated by infection. This work not only addresses a key component of end-organ physiology, but also raises questions about the side effects of biologics in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. KEY MESSAGES: • Hepatocytes develop Warburg-like metabolism in vivo during viral infection. • Macrophage TNFα promotes expression of glycolytic enzymes in hepatocytes. • Blocking this immune-metabolic axis abrogates Warburg-like metabolism in the liver. • Implications for patients being treated for inflammatory diseases with biologics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana N Tarasenko
- Medical Genomics and Metabolic Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, 49 Convent Drive, Room 4A62, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Maxim Jestin
- Medical Genomics and Metabolic Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, 49 Convent Drive, Room 4A62, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Shingo Matsumoto
- Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Keita Saito
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sean Hwang
- Medical Genomics and Metabolic Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, 49 Convent Drive, Room 4A62, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Oksana Gavrilova
- Mouse Metabolism Core, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Niraj Trivedi
- Social Behavioral Research Branch, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Patricia M Zerfas
- Office of Research Services, Division of Veterinary Resources, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Emanuele Barca
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Salvatore DiMauro
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Julien Senac
- Medical Genomics and Metabolic Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, 49 Convent Drive, Room 4A62, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Charles P Venditti
- Medical Genomics and Metabolic Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, 49 Convent Drive, Room 4A62, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Murali Cherukuri
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Peter J McGuire
- Medical Genomics and Metabolic Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, 49 Convent Drive, Room 4A62, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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Tarasenko TN, Cusmano-Ozog K, McGuire PJ. Tissue acylcarnitine status in a mouse model of mitochondrial β-oxidation deficiency during metabolic decompensation due to influenza virus infection. Mol Genet Metab 2018; 125:144-152. [PMID: 30031688 PMCID: PMC6626496 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2018.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Revised: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Despite judicious monitoring and care, patients with fatty acid oxidation disorders may experience metabolic decompensation due to infection which may result in rhabdomyolysis, cardiomyopathy, hypoglycemia and liver dysfunction and failure. Since clinical studies on metabolic decompensation are dangerous, we employed a preclinical model of metabolic decompensation due to infection. By infecting mice with mouse adapted influenza and using a pair-feeding strategy in a mouse model of long-chain fatty acid oxidation (Acadvl-/-), our goals were to isolate the effects of infection on tissue acylcarnitines and determine how they relate to their plasma counterparts. Applying statistical data reduction techniques (Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis), we were able to identify critical acylcarnitines that were driving differentiation of our experimental groups for all the tissues studied. While plasma displayed increases in metabolites directly related to mouse VLCAD deficiency (e.g. C16 and C18), organs like the heart, muscle and liver also showed involvement of alternative pathways (e.g. medium-chain FAO and ketogenesis), suggesting adaptive measures. Matched correlation analyses showed strong correlations (r > 0.7) between plasma and tissue levels for a small number of metabolites. Overall, our results demonstrate that infection as a stress produces perturbations in metabolism in Acadvl-/- that differ greatly from WT infected and Acadvl-/- pair-fed controls. This model system will be useful for studying the effects of infection on tissue metabolism as well as evaluating interventions aimed at modulating the effects of metabolic decompensation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana N Tarasenko
- Metabolism, Infection and Immunity Section, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, United States
| | - Kristina Cusmano-Ozog
- Rare Disease Institute, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Peter J McGuire
- Metabolism, Infection and Immunity Section, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, United States.
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7
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Gene-metabolite profile integration to understand the cause of spaceflight induced immunodeficiency. NPJ Microgravity 2018; 4:4. [PMID: 29387784 PMCID: PMC5788863 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-017-0038-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight presents a spectrum of stresses very different from those associated with terrestrial conditions. Our previous study (BMC Genom. 15: 659, 2014) integrated the expressions of mRNAs, microRNAs, and proteins and results indicated that microgravity induces an immunosuppressive state that can facilitate opportunistic pathogenic attack. However, the existing data are not sufficient for elucidating the molecular drivers of the given immunosuppressed state. To meet this knowledge gap, we focused on the metabolite profile of spaceflown human cells. Independent studies have attributed cellular energy deficiency as a major cause of compromised immunity of the host, and metabolites that are closely associated with energy production could be a robust signature of atypical energy fluctuation. Our protocol involved inoculation of human endothelial cells in cell culture modules in spaceflight and on the ground concurrently. Ten days later, the cells in space and on the ground were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a ubiquitous membrane endotoxin of Gram-negative bacteria. Nucleic acids, proteins, and metabolites were collected 4 and 8 h post-LPS exposure. Untargeted profiling of metabolites was followed by targeted identification of amino acids and knowledge integration with gene expression profiles. Consistent with the past reports associating microgravity with increased energy expenditure, we identified several markers linked to energy deficiency, including various amino acids such as tryptophan, creatinine, dopamine, and glycine, and cofactors such as lactate and pyruvate. The present study revealed a molecular architecture linking energy metabolism and immunodeficiency in microgravity. The energy-deficient condition potentially cascaded into dysregulation of protein metabolism and impairment of host immunity. This project is limited by a small sample size. Although a strict statistical screening was carefully implemented, the present results further emphasize the need for additional studies with larger sample sizes. Validating this hypothesis using an in vivo model is essential to extend the knowledge towards identifying markers of diagnostic and therapeutic value. Human cells challenged with a bacterial toxin show more signs of energy deficiency when flown in space than when cultured on the ground. Rasha Hammamieh from the US Army Center for Environmental Health Research in Frederick, Maryland, and colleagues exposed human endothelial cells in spaceflight to lipopolysaccharide, an immune response-triggering part of the bacterial membrane. They then collected nucleic acids, proteins and metabolites 4 and 8 h later, and saw a molecular architecture consistent with increased energy expenditure compared to matched control cells grown on Earth. Combined with the researchers’ previous finding that microgravity can induce an immunosuppressive state, the results suggest that energy imbalances potentially lead to problems with protein metabolism that ultimately impair the immune system. The authors propose that reversing this energy depletion could help enhance the immune health of astronauts.
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8
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Tarasenko TN, McGuire PJ. The liver is a metabolic and immunologic organ: A reconsideration of metabolic decompensation due to infection in inborn errors of metabolism (IEM). Mol Genet Metab 2017; 121:283-288. [PMID: 28666653 PMCID: PMC5553615 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2017.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Revised: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic decompensation in inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) is characterized by a rapid deterioration in metabolic status leading to life-threatening biochemical perturbations (e.g. hypoglycemia, hyperammonemia, acidosis, organ failure). Infection is the major cause of metabolic decompensation in patients with IEM. We hypothesized that activation of the immune system during infection leads to further perturbations in end-organ metabolism resulting in increased morbidity. To address this, we established model systems of metabolic decompensation due to infection. Using these systems, we have described the pathologic mechanisms of metabolic decompensation as well as changes in hepatic metabolic reserve associated with infection. First and foremost, our studies have demonstrated that the liver experiences a significant local innate immune response during influenza infection that modulates hepatic metabolism. Based on these findings, we are the first to suggest that the role of the liver as a metabolic and immunologic organ is central in the pathophysiology of metabolic decompensation due to infection in IEM. The dual function of the liver as a major metabolic regulator and a lymphoid organ responsible for immunosurveillance places this organ at risk for hepatotoxicity. Mobilization of hepatic reserve and the regenerative capacity of a healthy liver compensates for this calculated risk. However, activation of the hepatic innate immune system may be deleterious in IEM. Based on this assertion, strategies aimed at modulating the innate immune response may be a viable target for intervention in the treatment of hepatic metabolic decompensation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana N Tarasenko
- Metabolism, Infection and Immunity Section, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Peter J McGuire
- Metabolism, Infection and Immunity Section, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States.
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9
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Söderholm S, Fu Y, Gaelings L, Belanov S, Yetukuri L, Berlinkov M, Cheltsov AV, Anders S, Aittokallio T, Nyman TA, Matikainen S, Kainov DE. Multi-Omics Studies towards Novel Modulators of Influenza A Virus-Host Interaction. Viruses 2016; 8:v8100269. [PMID: 27690086 PMCID: PMC5086605 DOI: 10.3390/v8100269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Revised: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human influenza A viruses (IAVs) cause global pandemics and epidemics. These viruses evolve rapidly, making current treatment options ineffective. To identify novel modulators of IAV–host interactions, we re-analyzed our recent transcriptomics, metabolomics, proteomics, phosphoproteomics, and genomics/virtual ligand screening data. We identified 713 potential modulators targeting 199 cellular and two viral proteins. Anti-influenza activity for 48 of them has been reported previously, whereas the antiviral efficacy of the 665 remains unknown. Studying anti-influenza efficacy and immuno/neuro-modulating properties of these compounds and their combinations as well as potential viral and host resistance to them may lead to the discovery of novel modulators of IAV–host interactions, which might be more effective than the currently available anti-influenza therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Söderholm
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland.
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki 00250, Finland.
| | - Yu Fu
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland.
| | - Lana Gaelings
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland.
| | - Sergey Belanov
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland.
| | - Laxman Yetukuri
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland.
| | - Mikhail Berlinkov
- Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science, Ural Federal University, Yekaterinburg 620083, Russia.
| | - Anton V Cheltsov
- Q-Mol L.L.C. in Silico Pharmaceuticals, San Diego, CA 92037, USA.
| | - Simon Anders
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland.
| | - Tero Aittokallio
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland.
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Turku, Turku 20014, Finland.
| | | | - Sampsa Matikainen
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki 00250, Finland.
- Department of Rheumatology, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00015, Finland.
| | - Denis E Kainov
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland.
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10
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MacLeod EL, Hall KD, McGuire PJ. Computational modeling to predict nitrogen balance during acute metabolic decompensation in patients with urea cycle disorders. J Inherit Metab Dis 2016; 39:17-24. [PMID: 26260782 PMCID: PMC4713290 DOI: 10.1007/s10545-015-9882-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Revised: 07/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Nutritional management of acute metabolic decompensation in amino acid inborn errors of metabolism (AA IEM) aims to restore nitrogen balance. While nutritional recommendations have been published, they have never been rigorously evaluated. Furthermore, despite these recommendations, there is a wide variation in the nutritional strategies employed amongst providers, particularly regarding the inclusion of parenteral lipids for protein-free caloric support. Since randomized clinical trials during acute metabolic decompensation are difficult and potentially dangerous, mathematical modeling of metabolism can serve as a surrogate for the preclinical evaluation of nutritional interventions aimed at restoring nitrogen balance during acute decompensation in AA IEM. A validated computational model of human macronutrient metabolism was adapted to predict nitrogen balance in response to various nutritional interventions in a simulated patient with a urea cycle disorder (UCD) during acute metabolic decompensation due to dietary non-adherence or infection. The nutritional interventions were constructed from published recommendations as well as clinical anecdotes. Overall, dextrose alone (DEX) was predicted to be better at restoring nitrogen balance and limiting nitrogen excretion during dietary non-adherence and infection scenarios, suggesting that the published recommended nutritional strategy involving dextrose and parenteral lipids (ISO) may be suboptimal. The implications for patients with AA IEM are that the medical course during acute metabolic decompensation may be influenced by the choice of protein-free caloric support. These results are also applicable to intensive care patients undergoing catabolism (postoperative phase or sepsis), where parenteral nutritional support aimed at restoring nitrogen balance may be more tailored regarding metabolic fuel selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin L MacLeod
- Division of Genetics and Metabolism, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kevin D Hall
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Peter J McGuire
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, 49 Convent Drive, 4A62, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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11
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Tarasenko TN, Singh LN, Chatterji-Len M, Zerfas PM, Cusmano-Ozog K, McGuire PJ. Kupffer cells modulate hepatic fatty acid oxidation during infection with PR8 influenza. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2015; 1852:2391-401. [PMID: 26319418 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2015.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2015] [Revised: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
In response to infection, patients with inborn errors of metabolism may develop a functional deterioration termed metabolic decompensation. The biochemical hallmarks of this disruption of metabolic homeostasis are disease specific and may include acidosis, hyperammonemia or hypoglycemia. In a model system previously published by our group, we noted that during influenza infection, mice displayed a depression in hepatic mitochondrial enzymes involved in nitrogen metabolism. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that this normal adaptation may extend to other metabolic pathways, and as such, may impact various inborn errors of metabolism. Since the liver is a critical organ in inborn errors of metabolism, we carried out untargeted metabolomic profiling of livers using mass spectrometry in C57Bl/6 mice infected with influenza to characterize metabolic adaptation. Pathway analysis of metabolomic data revealed reductions in CoA synthesis, and long chain fatty acyl CoA and carnitine species. These metabolic adaptations coincided with a depression in hepatic long chain β-oxidation mRNA and protein. To our surprise, the metabolic changes observed occurred in conjunction with a hepatic innate immune response, as demonstrated by transcriptional profiling and flow cytometry. By employing an immunomodulation strategy to deplete Kupffer cells, we were able to improve the expression of multiple genes involved in β-oxidation. Based on these findings, we are the first to suggest that the role of the liver as an immunologic organ is central in the pathophysiology of hepatic metabolic decompensation in inborn errors of metabolism due to respiratory viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana N Tarasenko
- Metabolism, Infection and Immunity Unit, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Larry N Singh
- Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine, Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Milani Chatterji-Len
- Metabolism, Infection and Immunity Unit, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Patricia M Zerfas
- Office of Research Services, Division of Veterinary Resources, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kristina Cusmano-Ozog
- Biochemical Genetics and Metabolism Laboratory, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Peter J McGuire
- Metabolism, Infection and Immunity Unit, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Genotype-Phenotype Correlations in Ornithine Transcarbamylase Deficiency: A Mutation Update. J Genet Genomics 2015; 42:181-94. [PMID: 26059767 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2015.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2014] [Revised: 04/05/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency is an X-linked trait that accounts for nearly half of all inherited disorders of the urea cycle. OTC is one of the enzymes common to both the urea cycle and the bacterial arginine biosynthesis pathway; however, the role of OTC has changed over evolution. For animals with a urea cycle, defects in OTC can trigger hyperammonemic episodes that can lead to brain damage and death. This is the fifth mutation update for human OTC with previous updates reported in 1993, 1995, 2002, and 2006. In the 2006 update, 341 mutations were reported. This current update contains 417 disease-causing mutations, and also is the first report of this series to incorporate information about natural variation of the OTC gene in the general population through examination of publicly available genomic data and examination of phenotype/genotype correlations from patients participating in the Urea Cycle Disorders Consortium Longitudinal Study and the first to evaluate the suitability of systematic computational approaches to predict severity of disease associated with different types of OTC mutations.
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Ginseng Purified Dry Extract, BST204, Improved Cancer Chemotherapy-Related Fatigue and Toxicity in Mice. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2015; 2015:197459. [PMID: 25945105 PMCID: PMC4405287 DOI: 10.1155/2015/197459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2014] [Revised: 01/21/2015] [Accepted: 01/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Cancer related fatigue (CRF) is one of the most common side effects of cancer and its treatments. A large proportion of cancer patients experience cancer-related physical and central fatigue so new strategies are needed for treatment and improved survival of these patients. BST204 was prepared by incubating crude ginseng extract with ginsenoside-β-glucosidase. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of BST204, mixture of ginsenosides on 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced CRF, the glycogen synthesis, and biochemical parameters in mice. The mice were randomly divided into the following groups: the naïve normal (normal), the HT-29 cell inoculated (xenograft), xenograft and 5-FU treated (control), xenograft + 5-FU + BST204-treated (100 and 200 mg/kg) (BST204), and xenograft + 5-FU + modafinil (13 mg/kg) treated group (modafinil). Running wheel activity and forced swimming test were used for evaluation of CRF. Muscle glycogen, serum inflammatory cytokines, aspartic aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine (CRE), white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil (NEUT), red blood cell (RBC), and hemoglobin (HGB) were measured. Treatment with BST204 significantly increased the running wheel activity and forced swimming time compared to the control group. Consistent with the behavioral data, BST204 markedly increased muscle glycogen activity and concentrations of WBC, NEUT, RBC, and HGB. Also, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), AST, ALT, and CRE levels in the serum were significantly reduced in the BST204-treated group compared to the control group. This result suggests that BST204 may improve chemotherapy-related fatigue and adverse toxic side effects.
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