1
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Tax G, Guay KP, Pantalone L, Ceci M, Soldà T, Hitchman CJ, Hill JC, Vasiljević S, Lia A, Modenutti CP, Straatman KR, Santino A, Molinari M, Zitzmann N, Hebert DN, Roversi P, Trerotola M. Rescue of secretion of rare-disease-associated misfolded mutant glycoproteins in UGGT1 knock-out mammalian cells. Traffic 2024; 25:e12927. [PMID: 38272446 PMCID: PMC10832616 DOI: 10.1111/tra.12927] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retention of misfolded glycoproteins is mediated by the ER-localized eukaryotic glycoprotein secretion checkpoint, UDP-glucose glycoprotein glucosyl-transferase (UGGT). The enzyme recognizes a misfolded glycoprotein and flags it for ER retention by re-glucosylating one of its N-linked glycans. In the background of a congenital mutation in a secreted glycoprotein gene, UGGT-mediated ER retention can cause rare disease, even if the mutant glycoprotein retains activity ("responsive mutant"). Using confocal laser scanning microscopy, we investigated here the subcellular localization of the human Trop-2-Q118E, E227K and L186P mutants, which cause gelatinous drop-like corneal dystrophy (GDLD). Compared with the wild-type Trop-2, which is correctly localized at the plasma membrane, these Trop-2 mutants are retained in the ER. We studied fluorescent chimeras of the Trop-2 Q118E, E227K and L186P mutants in mammalian cells harboring CRISPR/Cas9-mediated inhibition of the UGGT1 and/or UGGT2 genes. The membrane localization of the Trop-2 Q118E, E227K and L186P mutants was successfully rescued in UGGT1-/- cells. UGGT1 also efficiently reglucosylated Trop-2-Q118E-EYFP in cellula. The study supports the hypothesis that UGGT1 modulation would constitute a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of pathological conditions associated to misfolded membrane glycoproteins (whenever the mutation impairs but does not abrogate function), and it encourages the testing of modulators of ER glycoprotein folding quality control as broad-spectrum rescue-of-secretion drugs in rare diseases caused by responsive secreted glycoprotein mutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabor Tax
- Leicester Institute of Chemical and Structural Biology and Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Henry Wellcome Building, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 7HR, England, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin P. Guay
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, United States
| | - Ludovica Pantalone
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Italy; Laboratory of Cancer Pathology, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Martina Ceci
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Italy; Laboratory of Cancer Pathology, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Tatiana Soldà
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, UniversitàdellaSvizzeraItaliana (USI), Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Charlie J. Hitchman
- Leicester Institute of Chemical and Structural Biology and Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Henry Wellcome Building, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 7HR, England, United Kingdom
| | - Johan C. Hill
- Institute of Glycobiology, Department of Biochemistry, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RQ, United Kingdom
| | - Snežana Vasiljević
- Institute of Glycobiology, Department of Biochemistry, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RQ, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Lia
- Leicester Institute of Chemical and Structural Biology and Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Henry Wellcome Building, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 7HR, England, United Kingdom
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, ISPA-CNR Unit of Lecce, via Monteroni, I-73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Carlos P. Modenutti
- Departamento de QuímicaBiológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires (FCEyN-UBA) e Instituto de QuímicaBiológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN) CONICET, Pabellón 2 de Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de Buenos Aires C1428EHA, Argentina
| | - Kees R. Straatman
- Core Biotechnology Services, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, England, United Kingdom
| | - Angelo Santino
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, ISPA-CNR Unit of Lecce, via Monteroni, I-73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Maurizio Molinari
- Institute of Glycobiology, Department of Biochemistry, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RQ, United Kingdom
- School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Zitzmann
- Institute of Glycobiology, Department of Biochemistry, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RQ, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel N. Hebert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, United States
| | - Pietro Roversi
- Leicester Institute of Chemical and Structural Biology and Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Henry Wellcome Building, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 7HR, England, United Kingdom
- Institute of AgriculturalBiology and Biotecnology, IBBA-CNR Unit of Milano, via Bassini 15, I-20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Marco Trerotola
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Italy; Laboratory of Cancer Pathology, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Italy
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2
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Dalla Barba F, Soardi M, Mouhib L, Risato G, Akyürek EE, Lucon-Xiccato T, Scano M, Benetollo A, Sacchetto R, Richard I, Argenton F, Bertolucci C, Carotti M, Sandonà D. Modeling Sarcoglycanopathy in Danio rerio. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12707. [PMID: 37628888 PMCID: PMC10454440 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612707] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Sarcoglycanopathies, also known as limb girdle muscular dystrophy 3-6, are rare muscular dystrophies characterized, although heterogeneous, by high disability, with patients often wheelchair-bound by late adolescence and frequently developing respiratory and cardiac problems. These diseases are currently incurable, emphasizing the importance of effective treatment strategies and the necessity of animal models for drug screening and therapeutic verification. Using the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technique, we generated and characterized δ-sarcoglycan and β-sarcoglycan knockout zebrafish lines, which presented a progressive disease phenotype that worsened from a mild larval stage to distinct myopathic features in adulthood. By subjecting the knockout larvae to a viscous swimming medium, we were able to anticipate disease onset. The δ-SG knockout line was further exploited to demonstrate that a δ-SG missense mutant is a substrate for endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD), indicating premature degradation due to protein folding defects. In conclusion, our study underscores the utility of zebrafish in modeling sarcoglycanopathies through either gene knockout or future knock-in techniques. These novel zebrafish lines will not only enhance our understanding of the disease's pathogenic mechanisms, but will also serve as powerful tools for phenotype-based drug screening, ultimately contributing to the development of a cure for sarcoglycanopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Dalla Barba
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/b, 35131 Padova, Italy; (F.D.B.)
| | - Michela Soardi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/b, 35131 Padova, Italy; (F.D.B.)
| | - Leila Mouhib
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/b, 35131 Padova, Italy; (F.D.B.)
- Randall Center for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK
| | - Giovanni Risato
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/b, 35131 Padova, Italy
- Department of Cardiac-Thoracic-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Eylem Emek Akyürek
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Agripolis, Legnaro, 35020 Padova, Italy
| | - Tyrone Lucon-Xiccato
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Martina Scano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/b, 35131 Padova, Italy; (F.D.B.)
| | - Alberto Benetollo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/b, 35131 Padova, Italy; (F.D.B.)
| | - Roberta Sacchetto
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Agripolis, Legnaro, 35020 Padova, Italy
| | - Isabelle Richard
- Genethon, F-91002 Evry, France
- INSERM, U951, INTEGRARE Research Unit, F-91002 Evry, France
| | - Francesco Argenton
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/b, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Cristiano Bertolucci
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marcello Carotti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/b, 35131 Padova, Italy; (F.D.B.)
| | - Dorianna Sandonà
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/b, 35131 Padova, Italy; (F.D.B.)
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3
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Tax G, Guay KP, Soldà T, Hitchman CJ, Hill JC, Vasiljević S, Lia A, Modenutti CP, Straatman KR, Santino A, Molinari M, Zitzmann N, Hebert DN, Roversi P, Trerotola M. Rescue of secretion of a rare-disease associated mis-folded mutant glycoprotein in UGGT1 knock-out mammalian cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.30.542711. [PMID: 37398215 PMCID: PMC10312515 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.30.542711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retention of mis-folded glycoproteins is mediated by the ERlocalised eukaryotic glycoprotein secretion checkpoint, UDP-glucose glycoprotein glucosyl-transferase (UGGT). The enzyme recognises a mis-folded glycoprotein and flags it for ER retention by reglucosylating one of its N-linked glycans. In the background of a congenital mutation in a secreted glycoprotein gene, UGGT-mediated ER retention can cause rare disease even if the mutant glycoprotein retains activity ("responsive mutant"). Here, we investigated the subcellular localisation of the human Trop-2 Q118E variant, which causes gelatinous droplike corneal dystrophy (GDLD). Compared with the wild type Trop-2, which is correctly localised at the plasma membrane, the Trop-2-Q118E variant is found to be heavily retained in the ER. Using Trop-2-Q118E, we tested UGGT modulation as a rescue-of-secretion therapeutic strategy for congenital rare disease caused by responsive mutations in genes encoding secreted glycoproteins. We investigated secretion of a EYFP-fusion of Trop-2-Q118E by confocal laser scanning microscopy. As a limiting case of UGGT inhibition, mammalian cells harbouring CRISPR/Cas9-mediated inhibition of the UGGT1 and/or UGGT2 gene expressions were used. The membrane localisation of the Trop-2-Q118E-EYFP mutant was successfully rescued in UGGT1-/- and UGGT1/2-/- cells. UGGT1 also efficiently reglucosylated Trop-2-Q118E-EYFP in cellula. The study supports the hypothesis that UGGT1 modulation constitutes a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of Trop-2-Q118E associated GDLD, and it encourages the testing of modulators of ER glycoprotein folding Quality Control (ERQC) as broad-spectrum rescueof-secretion drugs in rare diseases caused by responsive secreted glycoprotein mutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Tax
- Leicester Institute of Chemical and Structural Biology and Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Henry Wellcome Building, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 7HR, England, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin P. Guay
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, United States
| | - Tatiana Soldà
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI), Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Charlie J. Hitchman
- Leicester Institute of Chemical and Structural Biology and Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Henry Wellcome Building, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 7HR, England, United Kingdom
| | - Johan C. Hill
- Institute of Glycobiology, Department of Biochemistry, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RQ, United Kingdom
| | - Snežana Vasiljević
- Institute of Glycobiology, Department of Biochemistry, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RQ, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Lia
- Leicester Institute of Chemical and Structural Biology and Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Henry Wellcome Building, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 7HR, England, United Kingdom
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, ISPA-CNR Unit of Lecce, via Monteroni, I-73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Carlos P. Modenutti
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires (FCEyN-UBA) e Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN) CONICET, Pabellón 2 de Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de Buenos Aires C1428EHA, Argentina
| | - Kees R. Straatman
- Leicester Institute of Chemical and Structural Biology and Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Henry Wellcome Building, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 7HR, England, United Kingdom
- Core Biotechnology Services, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, England, United Kingdom
| | - Angelo Santino
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, ISPA-CNR Unit of Lecce, via Monteroni, I-73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Maurizio Molinari
- Institute of Glycobiology, Department of Biochemistry, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RQ, United Kingdom
- School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Zitzmann
- Institute of Glycobiology, Department of Biochemistry, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RQ, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel N. Hebert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, United States
| | - Pietro Roversi
- Leicester Institute of Chemical and Structural Biology and Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Henry Wellcome Building, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 7HR, England, United Kingdom
- Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotecnology, IBBACNR Unit of Milano, via Bassini 15, I-20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Marco Trerotola
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Italy; Laboratory of Cancer Pathology, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Italy
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4
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Scano M, Benetollo A, Nogara L, Bondì M, Barba FD, Soardi M, Furlan S, Akyurek EE, Caccin P, Carotti M, Sacchetto R, Blaauw B, Sandonà D. CFTR corrector C17 is effective in muscular dystrophy, in vivo proof of concept in LGMDR3. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 31:499-509. [PMID: 34505136 PMCID: PMC8863415 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy R3 (LGMDR3) is caused by mutations in the SGCA gene coding for α-sarcoglycan (SG). Together with β- γ- and δ-SG, α-SG forms a tetramer embedded in the dystrophin associated protein complex crucial for protecting the sarcolemma from mechanical stresses elicited by muscle contraction. Most LGMDR3 cases are due to missense mutations, which result in non-properly folded, even though potentially functional α-SG. These mutants are prematurely discarded by the cell quality control. Lacking one subunit, the SG-complex is disrupted. The resulting loss of function leads to sarcolemma instability, muscle fiber damage and progressive limb muscle weakness. LGMDR3 is severely disabling and, unfortunately, still incurable. Here, we propose the use of small molecules, belonging to the class of cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) correctors, for recovering mutants of α-SG defective in folding and trafficking. Specifically, CFTR corrector C17 successfully rerouted the SG-complex containing the human R98H-α-SG to the sarcolemma of hind-limb muscles of a novel LGMDR3 murine model. Notably, the muscle force of the treated model animals was fully recovered. To our knowledge, this is the first time that a compound designated for cystic fibrosis is successfully tested in a muscular dystrophy and may represent a novel paradigm of treatment for LGMDR3 as well as different other indications in which a potentially functional protein is prematurely discarded as folding-defective. Furthermore, the use of small molecules for recovering the endogenous mutated SG has an evident advantage over complex procedures such as gene or cell transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Scano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Italy
| | | | - Leonardo Nogara
- Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Michela Bondì
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Italy
| | | | - Michela Soardi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Sandra Furlan
- Neuroscience Institute - Italian National Research Council (CNR), Italy
| | - Eylem Emek Akyurek
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Paola Caccin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Italy
| | | | - Roberta Sacchetto
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Bert Blaauw
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Italy.,Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Italy
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5
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Abstract
The limb-girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMD) are a collection of genetic diseases united in their phenotypical expression of pelvic and shoulder area weakness and wasting. More than 30 subtypes have been identified, five dominant and 26 recessive. The increase in the characterization of new genotypes in the family of LGMDs further adds to the heterogeneity of the disease. Meanwhile, better understanding of the phenotype led to the reconsideration of the disease definition, which resulted in eight old subtypes to be no longer recognized officially as LGMD and five new diseases to be added to the LGMD family. The unique variabilities of LGMD stem from genetic mutations, which then lead to protein and ultimately muscle dysfunction. Herein, we review the LGMD pathway, starting with the genetic mutations that encode proteins involved in muscle maintenance and repair, and including the genotype–phenotype relationship of the disease, the epidemiology, disease progression, burden of illness, and emerging treatments.
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6
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Carraro U, Yablonka-Reuveni Z. Translational research on Myology and Mobility Medicine: 2021 semi-virtual PDM3 from Thermae of Euganean Hills, May 26 - 29, 2021. Eur J Transl Myol 2021; 31:9743. [PMID: 33733717 PMCID: PMC8056169 DOI: 10.4081/ejtm.2021.9743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
On 19-21 November 2020, the meeting of the 30 years of the Padova Muscle Days was virtually held while the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic was hitting the world after a seemingly quiet summer. During the 2020-2021 winter, the epidemic is still active, despite the start of vaccinations. The organizers hope to hold the 2021 Padua Days on Myology and Mobility Medicine in a semi-virtual form (2021 S-V PDM3) from May 26 to May 29 at the Thermae of Euganean Hills, Padova, Italy. Here the program and the Collection of Abstracts are presented. Despite numerous world problems, the number of submitted/selected presentations (lectures and oral presentations) has increased, prompting the organizers to extend the program to four dense days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugo Carraro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of the University of Padova, Italy; CIR-Myo - Myology Centre, University of Padova, Italy; A-C Mioni-Carraro Foundation for Translational Myology, Padova.
| | - Zipora Yablonka-Reuveni
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA.
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Brown SC, Fernandez-Fuente M, Muntoni F, Vissing J. Phenotypic Spectrum of α-Dystroglycanopathies Associated With the c.919T>a Variant in the FKRP Gene in Humans and Mice. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2021; 79:1257-1264. [PMID: 33051673 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlaa120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the fukutin-related protein gene, FKRP, are the most frequent single cause of α-dystroglycanopathy. Rare FKRP mutations are clinically not well characterized. Here, we review the phenotype associated with the rare c.919T>A mutation in FKRP in humans and mice. We describe clinical and paraclinical findings in 6 patients, 2 homozygous, and 4-compound heterozygous for c.919T>A, and compare findings with a mouse model we generated, which is homozygous for the same mutation. In patients, the mutation at the homozygous state is associated with a severe congenital muscular dystrophy phenotype invariably characterized by severe multisystem disease and early death. Compound heterozygous patients have a severe limb-girdle muscular dystrophy phenotype, loss of ambulation before age 20 and respiratory insufficiency. In contrast, mice homozygous for the same mutation show no symptoms or signs of muscle disease. Evidence therefore defines the FKRP c.919T>A as a very severe mutation in humans. The huge discrepancy between phenotypes in humans and mice suggests that differences in protein folding/processing exist between human and mouse Fkrp. This emphasizes the need for more detailed structural analyses of FKRP and shows the challenges of developing appropriate animal models of dystroglycanopathies that mimic the disease course in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan C Brown
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
| | | | - Francesco Muntoni
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health & Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK and National Institute for Health Research Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London
| | - John Vissing
- Copenhagen Neuromuscular Center, Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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8
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Muscle Diversity, Heterogeneity, and Gradients: Learning from Sarcoglycanopathies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052502. [PMID: 33801487 PMCID: PMC7958856 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle, the most abundant tissue in the body, is heterogeneous. This heterogeneity forms the basis of muscle diversity, which is reflected in the specialized functions of muscles in different parts of the body. However, these different parts are not always clearly delimitated, and this often gives rise to gradients within the same muscle and even across the body. During the last decade, several studies on muscular disorders both in mice and in humans have observed particular distribution patterns of muscle weakness during disease, indicating that the same mutation can affect muscles differently. Moreover, these phenotypical differences reveal gradients of severity, existing alongside other architectural gradients. These two factors are especially prominent in sarcoglycanopathies. Nevertheless, very little is known about the mechanism(s) driving the phenotypic diversity of the muscles affected by these diseases. Here, we will review the available literature on sarcoglycanopathies, focusing on phenotypic differences among affected muscles and gradients, characterization techniques, molecular signatures, and cell population heterogeneity, highlighting the possibilities opened up by new technologies. This review aims to revive research interest in the diverse disease phenotype affecting different muscles, in order to pave the way for new therapeutic interventions.
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9
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Draper ACE, Wilson Z, Maile C, Faccenda D, Campanella M, Piercy RJ. Species-specific consequences of an E40K missense mutation in superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1). FASEB J 2019; 34:458-473. [PMID: 31914665 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201901455r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
A glutamic acid to lysine (E40K) residue substitution in superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) is associated with canine degenerative myelopathy: the only naturally occurring large animal model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The E40 residue is highly conserved across mammals, except the horse, which naturally carries the (dog mutant) K40 residue. Here we hypothesized that in vitro expression of mutant dog SOD1 would recapitulate features of human ALS (ie, SOD1 protein aggregation, reduced cell viability, perturbations in mitochondrial morphology and membrane potential, reduced ATP production, and increased superoxide ion levels); further, we hypothesized that an equivalent equine SOD1 variant would share similar perturbations in vitro, thereby explain horses' susceptibility to certain neurodegenerative diseases. As in human ALS, expression of mutant dog SOD1 was associated with statistically significant increased aggregate formation, raised superoxide levels (ROS), and altered mitochondrial morphology (increased branching (form factor)), when compared to wild-type dog SOD1-expressing cells. Similar deficits were not detected in cells expressing the equivalent horse SOD1 variant. Our data helps explain the ALS-associated cellular phenotype of dogs expressing the mutant SOD1 protein and reveals that species-specific sequence conservation does not necessarily predict pathogenicity. The work improves understanding of the etiopathogenesis of canine degenerative myelopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra C E Draper
- Comparative Neuromuscular Disease Laboratory, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, UK
| | - Zoe Wilson
- Comparative Neuromuscular Disease Laboratory, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, UK
| | - Charlotte Maile
- Comparative Neuromuscular Disease Laboratory, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, UK
| | - Danilo Faccenda
- Mitochondrial Cell Biology and Pharmaceutical Research Unit, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, UK
| | - Michelangelo Campanella
- Mitochondrial Cell Biology and Pharmaceutical Research Unit, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, UK.,University College London Consortium for Mitochondrial Research, University College London, University of London, London, UK
| | - Richard J Piercy
- Comparative Neuromuscular Disease Laboratory, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, UK
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10
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Exon Skipping in a Dysf-Missense Mutant Mouse Model. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2018; 13:198-207. [PMID: 30292141 PMCID: PMC6172476 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2018.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Limb girdle muscular dystrophy 2B (LGMD2B) is without treatment and caused by mutations in the dysferlin gene (DYSF). One-third is missense mutations leading to dysferlin aggregation and amyloid formation, in addition to defects in sarcolemmal repair and progressive muscle wasting. Dysferlin-null mouse models do not allow study of the consequences of missense mutations. We generated a new mouse model (MMex38) carrying a missense mutation in exon 38 in analogy to a clinically relevant human DYSF variant (DYSF p.Leu1341Pro). The targeted mutation induces all characteristics of missense mutant dysferlinopathy, including a progressive dystrophic pattern, amyloid formation, and defects in membrane repair. We chose U7 small nuclear RNA (snRNA)-based splice switching to demonstrate a possible exon-skipping strategy in this new animal model. We show that Dysf exons 37 and 38 can successfully be skipped in vivo. Overall, the MMex38 mouse model provides an ideal tool for preclinical development of treatment strategies for dysferlinopathy.
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Mesa-Torres N, Betancor-Fernández I, Oppici E, Cellini B, Salido E, Pey AL. Evolutionary Divergent Suppressor Mutations in Conformational Diseases. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:E352. [PMID: 30011855 PMCID: PMC6071075 DOI: 10.3390/genes9070352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Neutral and adaptive mutations are key players in the evolutionary dynamics of proteins at molecular, cellular and organismal levels. Conversely, largely destabilizing mutations are rarely tolerated by evolution, although their occurrence in diverse human populations has important roles in the pathogenesis of conformational diseases. We have recently proposed that divergence at certain sites from the consensus (amino acid) state during mammalian evolution may have rendered some human proteins more vulnerable towards disease-associated mutations, primarily by decreasing their conformational stability. We herein extend and refine this hypothesis discussing results from phylogenetic and structural analyses, structure-based energy calculations and structure-function studies at molecular and cellular levels. As proof-of-principle, we focus on different mammalian orthologues of the NQO1 (NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1) and AGT (alanine:glyoxylate aminotransferase) proteins. We discuss the different loss-of-function pathogenic mechanisms associated with diseases involving the two enzymes, including enzyme inactivation, accelerated degradation, intracellular mistargeting, and aggregation. Last, we take into account the potentially higher robustness of mammalian orthologues containing certain consensus amino acids as suppressors of human disease, and their relation with different intracellular post-translational modifications and protein quality control capacities, to be discussed as sources of phenotypic variability between human and mammalian models of disease and as tools for improving current therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noel Mesa-Torres
- Department of Physical Chemistry, University of Granada, 18010 Granada, Spain.
| | - Isabel Betancor-Fernández
- Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Center for Rare Diseases (CIBERER), University of La Laguna, 38320 Tenerife, Spain.
| | - Elisa Oppici
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biological Chemistry, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy.
| | - Barbara Cellini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Eduardo Salido
- Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Center for Rare Diseases (CIBERER), University of La Laguna, 38320 Tenerife, Spain.
| | - Angel L Pey
- Department of Physical Chemistry, University of Granada, 18010 Granada, Spain.
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