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Bezerra F, Saraiva MJ, Almeida MR. Modulation of the Mechanisms Driving Transthyretin Amyloidosis. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:592644. [PMID: 33362465 PMCID: PMC7759661 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.592644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Transthyretin (TTR) amyloidoses are systemic diseases associated with TTR aggregation and extracellular deposition in tissues as amyloid. The most frequent and severe forms of the disease are hereditary and associated with amino acid substitutions in the protein due to single point mutations in the TTR gene (ATTRv amyloidosis). However, the wild type TTR (TTR wt) has an intrinsic amyloidogenic potential that, in particular altered physiologic conditions and aging, leads to TTR aggregation in people over 80 years old being responsible for the non-hereditary ATTRwt amyloidosis. In normal physiologic conditions TTR wt occurs as a tetramer of identical subunits forming a central hydrophobic channel where small molecules can bind as is the case of the natural ligand thyroxine (T4). However, the TTR amyloidogenic variants present decreased stability, and in particular conditions, dissociate into partially misfolded monomers that aggregate and polymerize as amyloid fibrils. Therefore, therapeutic strategies for these amyloidoses may target different steps in the disease process such as decrease of variant TTR (TTRv) in plasma, stabilization of TTR, inhibition of TTR aggregation and polymerization or disruption of the preformed fibrils. While strategies aiming decrease of the mutated TTR involve mainly genetic approaches, either by liver transplant or the more recent technologies using specific oligonucleotides or silencing RNA, the other steps of the amyloidogenic cascade might be impaired by pharmacologic compounds, namely, TTR stabilizers, inhibitors of aggregation and amyloid disruptors. Modulation of different steps involved in the mechanism of ATTR amyloidosis and compounds proposed as pharmacologic agents to treat TTR amyloidosis will be reviewed and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipa Bezerra
- Molecular Neurobiology Group, IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Molecular Biology, ICBAS-Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria João Saraiva
- Molecular Neurobiology Group, IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Molecular Biology, ICBAS-Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Rosário Almeida
- Molecular Neurobiology Group, IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Molecular Biology, ICBAS-Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Fedders R, Muenzner M, Weber P, Sommerfeld M, Knauer M, Kedziora S, Kast N, Heidenreich S, Raila J, Weger S, Henze A, Schupp M. Liver-secreted RBP4 does not impair glucose homeostasis in mice. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:15269-15276. [PMID: 30126844 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.004294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) is the major transport protein for retinol in blood. Recent evidence from genetic mouse models shows that circulating RBP4 derives exclusively from hepatocytes. Because RBP4 is elevated in obesity and associates with the development of glucose intolerance and insulin resistance, we tested whether a liver-specific overexpression of RBP4 in mice impairs glucose homeostasis. We used adeno-associated viruses (AAV) that contain a highly liver-specific promoter to drive expression of murine RBP4 in livers of adult mice. The resulting increase in serum RBP4 levels in these mice was comparable with elevated levels that were reported in obesity. Surprisingly, we found that increasing circulating RBP4 had no effect on glucose homeostasis. Also during a high-fat diet challenge, elevated levels of RBP4 in the circulation failed to aggravate the worsening of systemic parameters of glucose and energy homeostasis. These findings show that liver-secreted RBP4 does not impair glucose homeostasis. We conclude that a modest increase of its circulating levels in mice, as observed in the obese, insulin-resistant state, is unlikely to be a causative factor for impaired glucose homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronja Fedders
- From the Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Pharmacology, 10115 Berlin
| | - Matthias Muenzner
- From the Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Pharmacology, 10115 Berlin
| | - Pamela Weber
- From the Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Pharmacology, 10115 Berlin
| | - Manuela Sommerfeld
- From the Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Pharmacology, 10115 Berlin
| | - Miriam Knauer
- From the Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Pharmacology, 10115 Berlin
| | - Sarah Kedziora
- From the Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Pharmacology, 10115 Berlin
| | - Naomi Kast
- From the Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Pharmacology, 10115 Berlin
| | - Steffi Heidenreich
- From the Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Pharmacology, 10115 Berlin
| | - Jens Raila
- the Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, 14558 Nuthetal, and
| | - Stefan Weger
- the Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Virology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, 12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrea Henze
- the Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, 14558 Nuthetal, and
| | - Michael Schupp
- From the Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Pharmacology, 10115 Berlin,
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Cassoli JS, Guest PC, Santana AG, Martins-de-Souza D. Employing proteomics to unravel the molecular effects of antipsychotics and their role in schizophrenia. Proteomics Clin Appl 2016; 10:442-55. [PMID: 26679983 DOI: 10.1002/prca.201500109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Revised: 11/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is an incurable neuropsychiatric disorder managed mostly by treatment of the patients with antipsychotics. However, the efficacy of these drugs has remained only low to moderate despite intensive research efforts since the early 1950s when chlorpromazine, the first antipsychotic, was synthesized. In addition, antipsychotic treatment can produce often undesired severe side effects in the patients and addressing these remains a large unmet clinical need. One of the reasons for the low effectiveness of these drugs is the limited knowledge about the molecular mechanisms of schizophrenia, which impairs the development of new and more effective treatments. Recently, proteomic studies of clinical and preclinical samples have identified changes in the levels of specific proteins in response to antipsychotic treatment, which have converged on molecular pathways such as cell communication and signaling, inflammation and cellular growth, and maintenance. The findings of these studies are summarized and discussed in this review and we suggest that this provides validation of proteomics as a useful tool for mining drug mechanisms of action and potentially for pinpointing novel molecular targets that may enable development of more effective medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana S Cassoli
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics, Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paul C Guest
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics, Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Aline G Santana
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics, Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniel Martins-de-Souza
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics, Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.,UNICAMP Neurobiology Center, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
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4
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Alshehri B, D'Souza DG, Lee JY, Petratos S, Richardson SJ. The diversity of mechanisms influenced by transthyretin in neurobiology: development, disease and endocrine disruption. J Neuroendocrinol 2015; 27:303-23. [PMID: 25737004 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2014] [Revised: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 02/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Transthyretin (TTR) is a protein that binds and distributes thyroid hormones (THs). TTR synthesised in the liver is secreted into the bloodstream and distributes THs around the body, whereas TTR synthesised in the choroid plexus is involved in movement of thyroxine from the blood into the cerebrospinal fluid and the distribution of THs in the brain. This is important because an adequate amount of TH is required for normal development of the brain. Nevertheless, there has been heated debate on the role of TTR synthesised by the choroid plexus during the past 20 years. We present both sides of the debate and how they can be reconciled by the discovery of TH transporters. New roles for TTR have been suggested, including the promotion of neuroregeneration, protection against neurodegeneration, and involvement in schizophrenia, behaviour, memory and learning. Recently, TTR synthesis was revealed in neurones and peripheral Schwann cells. Thus, the synthesis of TTR in the central nervous system (CNS) is more extensive than previously considered and bolsters the hypothesis that TTR may play wide roles in neurobiological function. Given the high conservation of TTR structure, function and tissue specificity and timing of gene expression, this implies that TTR has a fundamental role, during development and in the adult, across vertebrates. An alarming number of 'unnatural' chemicals can bind to TTR, thus potentially interfering with its functions in the brain. One role of TTR is delivery of THs throughout the CNS. Reduced TH availability during brain development results in a reduced IQ. The combination of the newly discovered sites of TTR synthesis in the CNS, the increasing number of neurological diseases being associated with TTR, the newly discovered functions of TTR and the awareness of the chemicals that can interfere with TTR biology render this a timely review on TTR in neurobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Alshehri
- School of Medical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
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Fruscalzo A, Biasioli A, Londero AP, Ceraudo M, Stel G, Bertozzi S, Marchesoni D, Driul L, Curcio F. Retinol binding protein as early marker of fetal growth restriction in first trimester maternal serum. Gynecol Endocrinol 2013; 29:323-6. [PMID: 23350588 DOI: 10.3109/09513590.2012.743013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serum retinol binding protein (RBP4) is the binding protein for retinol, being delivered into the circulation through the carrier protein transthyretin (TTR) together with thyroxin (T4). RBP4 has also been recently indicated as a new adipokine implicated in insulin resistance and metabolism regulation. OBJECTIVE To investigate the role of RBP4 as early markers of fetal growth restriction (FGR) and preeclampsia (PE) in maternal serum during the first trimester of pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS Retrospective case control study in patients between the 12th and the 14th week of gestation. RBP4, TTR and T4 concentration was assessed in maternal serum of three groups of women: 15 and 14 patients later developing respectively FGR and PE were compared with 11 patients having a normal pregnancy. RESULTS All women were Caucasian and the mean maternal age was 33.62 years (±5.50). RBP4 resulted lower in the FGR than in the control group (11.00 versus 16.00 µg/ml, p < 0.05) and than in the PE group (15.00 µg/ml, p = 0.075), both in bivariate and multivariate analysis. No difference was observed in TTR and T4 concentration. CONCLUSIONS RBP4 seems to play a role as early marker of FGR but not PE in first trimester maternal serum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arrigo Fruscalzo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Franziskus-Hospital, Muenster, Germany.
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Shirakami Y, Lee SA, Clugston RD, Blaner WS. Hepatic metabolism of retinoids and disease associations. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2012; 1821:124-36. [PMID: 21763780 PMCID: PMC3488285 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2011.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2011] [Revised: 06/14/2011] [Accepted: 06/21/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The liver is the most important tissue site in the body for uptake of postprandial retinoid, as well as for retinoid storage. Within the liver, both hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are importantly involved in retinoid metabolism. Hepatocytes play an indispensable role in uptake and processing of dietary retinoid into the liver, and in synthesis and secretion of retinol-binding protein (RBP), which is required for mobilizing hepatic retinoid stores. HSCs are the central cellular site for retinoid storage in the healthy animal, accounting for as much as 50-60% of the total retinoid present in the entire body. The liver is also an important target organ for retinoid actions. Retinoic acid is synthesized in the liver and can interact with retinoid receptors which control expression of a large number of genes involved in hepatic processes. Altered retinoid metabolism and the accompanying dysregulation of retinoid signaling in the liver contribute to hepatic disease. This is related to HSCs, which contribute significantly to the development of hepatic disease when they undergo a process of cellular activation. HSC activation results in the loss of HSC retinoid stores and changes in extracellular matrix deposition leading to the onset of liver fibrosis. An association between hepatic disease progression and decreased hepatic retinoid storage has been demonstrated. In this review article, we summarize the essential role of the liver in retinoid metabolism and consider briefly associations between hepatic retinoid metabolism and disease. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Retinoid and Lipid Metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohei Shirakami
- Department of Medicine, College of Physcians and Surgeons, Columbia University, 630 W, 168th St, New York, NY 10032, USA
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Ahn K, Choi E, Kim J, Lee J, Lee K, Bang D, Cho S. Increased retinol‐binding protein (RBP) 4 and anti‐RBP4 antibody in alopecia areata. Br J Dermatol 2011; 165:837-44. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2011.10482.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- K.J. Ahn
- Specialization Research Center, Hallym University Hangang Sacred Heart Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - E.A. Choi
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 250 Seongsanno, Seodaemun‐gu, 120‐752 Seoul, Korea
| | - J. Kim
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 250 Seongsanno, Seodaemun‐gu, 120‐752 Seoul, Korea
| | - J.H. Lee
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 250 Seongsanno, Seodaemun‐gu, 120‐752 Seoul, Korea
| | - K.H. Lee
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 250 Seongsanno, Seodaemun‐gu, 120‐752 Seoul, Korea
| | - D. Bang
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 250 Seongsanno, Seodaemun‐gu, 120‐752 Seoul, Korea
| | - S.B. Cho
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 250 Seongsanno, Seodaemun‐gu, 120‐752 Seoul, Korea
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8
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Adly MA. Analysis of the expression pattern of the carrier protein transthyretin and its receptor megalin in the human scalp skin and hair follicles: hair cycle-associated changes. Histochem Cell Biol 2010; 134:591-602. [PMID: 21104416 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-010-0763-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/27/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Transthyretin is a serum and cerebrospinal fluid protein synthesized early in development by the liver, choroid plexus and several other tissues. It is a carrier protein for the antioxidant vitamins, retinol, and thyroid hormones. Transthyretin helps internalize thyroxine and retinol-binding protein into cells by binding to megalin, which is a multi-ligand receptor expressed on the luminal surface of various epithelia. We investigated the expression of transthyretin and its receptor megalin in the human skin; however, their expression pattern in the hair follicle is still to be elucidated. This study addresses this issue and tests the hypothesis that "the expression of transthyretin and megalin undergoes hair follicle cycle-dependent changes." A total of 50 normal human scalp skin biopsies were examined (healthy females, 53-62 years) using immunofluorescence staining methods and real-time PCR. In each case, 50 hair follicles were analyzed (35, 10, and 5 follicles in anagen, catagen, and telogen, respectively). Transthyretin and megalin were prominently expressed in the human scalp skin and hair follicles, on both gene and protein levels. The concentrations of transthyretin and megalin were 0.12 and 0.03 Ul/ml, respectively, as indicated by PCR. The expression showed hair follicle cycle-associated changes i.e., strong expression during early and mature anagen, very weak expression during catagen and moderate expression during telogen. The expression values of these proteins in the anagen were statistically significantly higher than those of either catagen or telogen hair follicles (P ≤ 0.001). This study provides the first morphologic indication that transthyretin and megalin are variably expressed in the human scalp skin and hair follicles. It also reports variations in the expression of these proteins during hair follicle cycling. The clinical ramifications of these findings are open for further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Adly
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt.
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Mancone C, Conti B, Amicone L, Bordoni V, Cicchini C, Calvo L, Perdomo AB, Fimia GM, Tripodi M, Alonzi T. Proteomic analysis reveals a major role for contact inhibition in the terminal differentiation of hepatocytes. J Hepatol 2010; 52:234-43. [PMID: 20031246 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2009.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2009] [Accepted: 09/15/2009] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatocytes are considered an exception of the paradigmatic inverse correlation between cell proliferation and terminal differentiation. In fact, hepatic vital functions are guaranteed by proliferating parenchymal cells during liver regeneration. However, a fine molecular characterization of the relationship between proliferation and differentiation in hepatocytes has been hampered by the lack of reliable in vivo or in vitro models. METHODS The hepatocyte terminal differentiation program was characterized in the immortalized, untransformed and differentiated hepatocytic cell line MMH, using several techniques. Particularly, two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis combined to tandem mass spectrometry proteomic approach was used. Cell cycle and cell adhesion properties of MMH have been altered using either myc-overexpression and MEK1/2 inhibition or a constitutive active beta-catenin mutant, respectively. RESULTS The hepatocyte terminal differentiation program is stimulated by the exit from the cell cycle induced by cell-cell contact. Comparative proteomic analysis of proliferating versus quiescent hepatocytes validated the importance of contact inhibition, identifying 68 differently expressed gene products, representing 49 unique proteins. Notably, enzymes involved in important liver functions such as detoxification processes, lipid metabolism, iron and vitamin A storage and secretion, anti-inflammatory response and exocytosis were found significantly up-regulated in quiescent hepatocytes. Finally, we found that: (i) cell cycle arrest induced by MEK1/2 inhibition is not sufficient to induce hepatic product expression; (ii) constitutive activation of beta-catenin counteracts the contact inhibition-induced terminal differentiation. CONCLUSION The hepatocyte terminal differentiation program requires a quiescent state maintained by cell-cell contact through the E-cadherin/beta-catenin pathway, rather than the inhibition of proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmine Mancone
- Laboratory of Gene Expression, National Institute for Infectious Diseases L. Spallanzani IRCCS, Via Portuense 292, Rome, Italy
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Henze A, Frey SK, Raila J, Scholze A, Spranger J, Weickert MO, Tepel M, Zidek W, Schweigert FJ. Alterations of retinol-binding protein 4 species in patients with different stages of chronic kidney disease and their relation to lipid parameters. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2010; 393:79-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2010.01.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2010] [Accepted: 01/20/2010] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Adly MA. Expression of the carrier protein transthyretin and its receptor megalin in human skin: preliminary findings. Br J Dermatol 2009; 162:213-5. [PMID: 19886883 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2009.09519.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Greco M, Mitri MD, Chiriacò F, Leo G, Brienza E, Maffia M. Serum proteomic profile of cutaneous malignant melanoma and relation to cancer progression: association to tumor derived alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase activity. Cancer Lett 2009; 283:222-9. [PMID: 19394758 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2009.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2008] [Revised: 03/11/2009] [Accepted: 04/01/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Currently clinical outcome in melanoma is not predictable by known serum biomarkers. The only reliable tool for the diagnosis of this tumor is the histopathological assay after surgical removing. We used a proteomic approach in order to identify novel non-invasive serum biomarkers of melanoma. Serum proteomic maps showed different patterns in relation to the presence and progression of the tumor in five regions of the map. Differently expressed spots were identified by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Significant increases of expression were found for transthyretin (TTR) and angiotensinogen (AGT) while vitamin D binding protein (DBP) expression was decreased in presence of melanoma. Interestingly, protein expression came back to control values in stages I and II of the disease after 1 month since surgical removal of suspected melanoma. We related the decrease of DBP spot to the impaired immune response of cancer patients. In fact cancer cells release the alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase that can deglycosylate DBP thus interfering with the immune cascade response in which DBP is involved, leading to immunosuppression in melanoma patients. Specific enzymatic activity of serum alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase was significantly increased in stage III melanoma patients, but not in early stages. This enzymatic assay may provide a non-invasive way of evaluation of melanoma severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilena Greco
- Oncological Centre of V. Fazzi Hospital, ASL LE, Lecce, Italy.
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13
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Mizuguchi M, Hayashi A, Takeuchi M, Dobashi M, Mori Y, Shinoda H, Aizawa T, Demura M, Kawano K. Unfolding and aggregation of transthyretin by the truncation of 50 N-terminal amino acids. Proteins 2008; 72:261-9. [PMID: 18214980 DOI: 10.1002/prot.21919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Senile systemic amyloidosis (SSA) is caused by amyloid deposits of wild-type transthyretin in various organs. Amyloid deposits from SSA contain large amounts of the C-terminal fragments starting near amino acid residue 50 as well as full-length transthyretin. Although a number of previous studies suggest the importance of the C-terminal fragments in the pathogenesis of SSA, little is known about the structure and aggregation properties of the C-terminal fragments of transthyretin. To understand the role of C-terminal fragments in SSA, we examined the effects of the truncation of the N-terminal portions on the structure and aggregation properties of wild-type transthyretin. The deletion mutant lacking 50 N-terminal residues was largely unfolded in terms of secondary and tertiary structure, leading to self-assembly into spherical aggregations under nearly physiological conditions. By contrast, the deletion mutant lacking 37 N-terminal residues did not have a strong tendency to aggregate, although it also adopted a largely unfolded conformation. These results suggest that global unfolding of transthyretin by proteolysis near amino acid residue 50 is an important step of self-assembly into aggregations in SSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mineyuki Mizuguchi
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama 930-0194, Japan. Mineyuki Mizuguchi
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14
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Müller K, Voigt CC, Raila J, Hurtienne A, Vater M, Brunnberg L, Schweigert FJ. Concentration of carotenoids, retinol and α-tocopherol in plasma of six microchiroptera species. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2007; 147:492-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2007.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2006] [Revised: 03/02/2007] [Accepted: 03/06/2007] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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15
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Lavoie JC, Chessex P, Rouleau T, Tsopmo A, Friel J. Shielding parenteral multivitamins from light increases vitamin A and E concentration in lung of newborn guinea pigs. Clin Nutr 2007; 26:341-7. [PMID: 17306907 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2006.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2006] [Revised: 11/10/2006] [Accepted: 12/22/2006] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Exposure of parenteral multivitamin preparation (MVP) to light generates peroxides. Light-exposed MVP induces an oxidant stress in lung but not in liver. This discrepancy suggests differences in handling of infused antioxidant vitamins between the two organs. HYPOTHESIS antioxidant capacity of lung depends on the MVP concentration and light protection of infused solutions. METHODS Protocol 1: four groups of three-day old guinea pigs received the base solution (5% dextrose + 0.45% NaCl) enriched with 0%, 1%, 2% and 3% MVP. Protocol 2: three further groups received the base solution + 2% MVP either light-exposed or light-protected or light-protected + 300 microM H2O2. After 4 days, lung and liver were sampled for vitamin determinations. Data were analyzed by ANOVA. RESULTS In lung, vitamins A-C-E reached a plateau with 1% MVP. In liver, vitamin A and E increased according to their concentration in solutions. Light exposure and added-H2O2 were associated with lower vitamin E in lung and liver. Retinol was higher in lung and lower in liver of animals receiving light-protected compared to light-exposed solutions. CONCLUSIONS Light protection of 1% MVP is a better way to improve the pulmonary oxidant-antioxidant balance than to increase MVP (>1%) in parenteral nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Claude Lavoie
- Department of Paediatrics, CHU Sainte-Justine, University of Montréal, Montréal, Que., Canada H3T 1C5.
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Abstract
Familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP) is an inherited autosomal dominant disease that is commonly caused by accumulation of deposits of transthyretin (TTR) amyloid around peripheral nerves. The only effective treatment for FAP is liver transplantation. However, recent studies on TTR aggregation provide clues to the mechanism of the molecular pathogenesis of FAP and suggest new avenues for therapeutic intervention. It is increasingly recognized that there are common features of a number of protein-misfolding diseases that can lead to neurodegeneration. As for other amyloidogenic proteins, the most toxic forms of aggregated TTR are likely to be the low-molecular-mass diffusible species, and there is increasing evidence that this toxicity is mediated by disturbances in calcium homeostasis. This article reviews what is already known about the mechanism of TTR aggregation in FAP and describes how recent discoveries in other areas of amyloid research, particularly Alzheimer's disease, provide clues to the molecular pathogenesis of FAP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Hou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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17
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Morand JPF, Macri J, Adeli K. Proteomic Profiling of Hepatic Endoplasmic Reticulum-associated Proteins in an Animal Model of Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Dyslipidemia. J Biol Chem 2005; 280:17626-33. [PMID: 15760893 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m413343200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic insulin resistance and lipoprotein overproduction are common features of the metabolic syndrome and insulin-resistant states. A fructose-fed, insulin-resistant hamster model was recently developed to investigate mechanisms linking the development of hepatic insulin resistance and overproduction of atherogenic lipoproteins. Here we report a systematic analysis of protein expression profiles in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) fractions isolated from livers of fructose-fed hamsters with the intention of identifying new candidate proteins involved in hepatic complications of insulin resistance and lipoprotein dysregulation. We have profiled hepatic ER-associated proteins from chow-fed (control) and fructose-fed (insulin-resistant) hamsters using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. A total of 26 large scale two-dimensional gels of hepatic ER were used to identify 34 differentially expressed hepatic ER protein spots observed to be at least 2-fold differentially expressed with fructose feeding and the onset of insulin resistance. Differentially expressed proteins were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-quadrupole time of flight (MALDI-Q-TOF), MALDI-TOF-postsource decay, and database mining using ProteinProspector MS-fit and MS-tag or the PROWL ProFound search engine using a focused rodent or mammalian search. Hepatic ER proteins ER60, ERp46, ERp29, glutamate dehydrogenase, and TAP1 were shown to be more than 2-fold down-regulated, whereas alpha-glucosidase, P-glycoprotein, fibrinogen, protein disulfide isomerase, GRP94, and apolipoprotein E were all found to be up-regulated in the hepatic ER of the fructose-fed hamster. Seven isoforms of ER60 in the hepatic ER were all shown to be down-regulated at least 2-fold in hepatocytes from fructosefed/insulin-resistant hamsters. Implications of the differential expression of positively identified protein factors in the development of hepatic insulin resistance and lipoprotein abnormalities are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Paul F Morand
- Division of Clinical Biochemistry, and Structural Biology and Biochemistry, Department of Pediatric Laboratory Medicine, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children and the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Schweigert FJ, Wirth K, Raila J. Characterization of the microheterogeneity of transthyretin in plasma and urine using SELDI-TOF-MS immunoassay. Proteome Sci 2004; 2:5. [PMID: 15341658 PMCID: PMC517953 DOI: 10.1186/1477-5956-2-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2004] [Accepted: 09/01/2004] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It has been shown that transthyretin (TTR) exists in different molecular variants. Besides point mutations associated with different diseases such as amyloidosis, other posttranslational modifications occur that might be of diagnostic interest. Results TTR levels as determined by ELISA in plasma and urine of healthy individuals were 489 ± 155 μg/ml plasma and 46 ± 24 ng/g creatinine, respectively. Average levels in urine of pregnant women were 45 ± 65 μg/g creatinine. The molecular heterogeneity of TTR was analyzed using a high-throughput mass spectrometric immunoassay system. TTR was extracted from plasma or urine onto an antibody-coated (via protein A) affinity chip surface (PS20) using the surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization (SELDI) technique. Subsequently samples were subjected to time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF-MS). In healthy individuals, TTR in plasma occurred rather consistently in two variants of 13732 ± 12 and 13851 ± 9 Da for the native and S-cysteinylated forms and at a smaller signal of 14043 ± 17 Da for the S-glutathionylated form. In urine of pregnant women, various signals were observed with a dominant signal at 13736 ± 10 Da and a varying number of smaller immunoreactive fragments. These fragments are possibly the consequence of metabolism in plasma or kidney. Conclusion This chip-based approach represents a rapid and accurate method to characterize the molecular variants of TTR including protein or peptide fragments which are either related to TTR or have resulted from its catabolism. These molecular variants may be of diagnostic importance as alternative or novel biomarkers due to their predominant relation to the TTR metabolism both in healthy and diseased individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian J Schweigert
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, A.- Scheunert-Allee 114-116; D-14558 Potsdam-Rehbrücke, Germany
| | - Kerstin Wirth
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, A.- Scheunert-Allee 114-116; D-14558 Potsdam-Rehbrücke, Germany
| | - Jens Raila
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, A.- Scheunert-Allee 114-116; D-14558 Potsdam-Rehbrücke, Germany
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Quadro L, Hamberger L, Colantuoni V, Gottesman ME, Blaner WS. Understanding the physiological role of retinol-binding protein in vitamin A metabolism using transgenic and knockout mouse models. Mol Aspects Med 2004; 24:421-30. [PMID: 14585313 DOI: 10.1016/s0098-2997(03)00038-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Retinoids (vitamin A and its derivatives) play an essential role in many biological functions. However mammals are incapable of de novo synthesis of vitamin A and must acquire it from the diet. In the intestine, dietary retinoids are incorporated in chylomicrons as retinyl esters, along with other dietary lipids. The majority of dietary retinoid is cleared by and stored within the liver. To meet vitamin A requirements of tissues, the liver secretes retinol (vitamin A alcohol) into the circulation bound to its sole specific carrier protein, retinol-binding protein (RBP). The single known function of this protein is to transport retinol from the hepatic stores to target tissues. Over the last few years, the generation of knockout and transgenic mouse models has significantly contributed to our understanding of RBP function in the metabolism of vitamin A. We discuss below the role of RBP in maintaining normal vision and a steady flux of retinol throughout the body in times of need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loredana Quadro
- Institute of Cancer Research, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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Bellovino D, Apreda M, Gragnoli S, Massimi M, Gaetani S. Vitamin A transport: in vitro models for the study of RBP secretion. Mol Aspects Med 2003; 24:411-20. [PMID: 14585312 DOI: 10.1016/s0098-2997(03)00037-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Retinol-binding protein (RBP) is the specific plasma carrier of retinol, encharged of the vitamin transport from the liver to target cells. Ligand binding influences the RBP affinity for transthyretin (TTR), a homotetrameric protein involved in the RBP/TTR circulating complex, and the secretion rate of RBP. In fact, in vitamin A deficiency, the RBP release from the hepatocytes dramatically decreases and the protein accumulates in the cells, until retinol is available again. The mechanism is still not clear and new cellular models are needed to understand in detail how the soluble RBP can be retained inside the cell. In fish, a vitamin A transport system similar to that of higher vertebrates is emerging, although with significant differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Bellovino
- Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca per gli Alimenti e la Nutrizione (INRAN), Rome, Italy.
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