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Wang L, Baek S, Prasad G, Wildenthal J, Guo K, Sturgill D, Truongvo T, Char E, Pegoraro G, McKinnon K, Hoskins JW, Amundadottir LT, Arda HE. Predictive Prioritization of Enhancers Associated with Pancreas Disease Risk. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.09.07.611794. [PMID: 39314336 PMCID: PMC11418953 DOI: 10.1101/2024.09.07.611794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
Genetic and epigenetic variations in regulatory enhancer elements increase susceptibility to a range of pathologies. Despite recent advances, linking enhancer elements to target genes and predicting transcriptional outcomes of enhancer dysfunction remain significant challenges. Using 3D chromatin conformation assays, we generated an extensive enhancer interaction dataset for the human pancreas, encompassing more than 20 donors and five major cell types, including both exocrine and endocrine compartments. We employed a network approach to parse chromatin interactions into enhancer-promoter tree models, facilitating a quantitative, genome-wide analysis of enhancer connectivity. With these tree models, we developed a machine learning algorithm to estimate the impact of enhancer perturbations on cell type-specific gene expression in the human pancreas. Orthogonal to our computational approach, we perturbed enhancer function in primary human pancreas cells using CRISPR interference and quantified the effects at the single-cell level through RNA FISH coupled with high-throughput imaging. Our enhancer tree models enabled the annotation of common germline risk variants associated with pancreas diseases, linking them to putative target genes in specific cell types. For pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, we found a stronger enrichment of disease susceptibility variants within acinar cell regulatory elements, despite ductal cells historically being assumed as the primary cell-of-origin. Our integrative approach-combining cell type-specific enhancer-promoter interaction mapping, computational models, and single-cell enhancer perturbation assays-produced a robust resource for studying the genetic basis of pancreas disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Songjoon Baek
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Gauri Prasad
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Division of Cancer Epidemiology & Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - John Wildenthal
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Konnie Guo
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - David Sturgill
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Thucnhi Truongvo
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Erin Char
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Division of Cancer Epidemiology & Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Gianluca Pegoraro
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Katherine McKinnon
- Vaccine Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | | | - Jason W. Hoskins
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Division of Cancer Epidemiology & Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Laufey T. Amundadottir
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Division of Cancer Epidemiology & Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - H. Efsun Arda
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Wu L, Bian W, Abubakar YS, Lin J, Yan H, Zhang H, Wang Z, Wu C, Shim W, Lu GD. FvKex2 is required for development, virulence, and mycotoxin production in Fusarium verticillioides. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:228. [PMID: 38386129 PMCID: PMC10884074 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-024-13022-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Fusarium verticillioides is one of the most important fungal pathogens causing maize ear and stalk rots, thereby undermining global food security. Infected seeds are usually unhealthy for consumption due to contamination with fumonisin B1 (FB1) mycotoxin produced by the fungus as a virulence factor. Unveiling the molecular factors that determine fungal development and pathogenesis will help in the control and management of the diseases. Kex2 is a kexin-like Golgi-resident proprotein convertase that is involved in the activation of some important proproteins. Herein, we identified and functionally characterized FvKex2 in relation to F. verticillioides development and virulence by bioinformatics and functional genomics approaches. We found that FvKex2 is required for the fungal normal vegetative growth, because the growth of the ∆Fvkex2 mutant was significantly reduced on culture media compared to the wild-type and complemented strains. The mutant also produced very few conidia with morphologically abnormal shapes when compared with those from the wild type. However, the kexin-like protein was dispensable for the male role in sexual reproduction in F. verticillioides. In contrast, pathogenicity was nearly abolished on wounded maize stalks and sugarcane leaves in the absence of FvKEX2 gene, suggesting an essential role of Fvkex2 in the virulence of F. verticillioides. Furthermore, high-performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed that the ∆Fvkex2 mutant produced a significantly lower level of FB1 mycotoxin compared to the wild-type and complemented strains, consistent with the loss of virulence observed in the mutant. Taken together, our results indicate that FvKex2 is critical for vegetative growth, FB1 biosynthesis, and virulence, but dispensable for sexual reproduction in F. verticillioides. The study presents the kexin-like protein as a potential drug target for the management of the devastating maize ear and stalk rot diseases. Further studies should aim at uncovering the link between FvKex2 activity and FB1 biosynthesis genes. KEY POINTS: •The kexin-like protein FvKex2 contributes significantly to the vegetative growth of Fusarium verticillioides. •The conserved protein is required for fungal conidiation and conidial morphology, but dispensable for sexual reproduction. •Deletion of FvKEX2 greatly attenuates the virulence and mycotoxin production potential of F. verticillioides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limin Wu
- Fujian Vocational College of Bioengineering, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Wenyin Bian
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fujian, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Yakubu Saddeeq Abubakar
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fujian, Fuzhou, 350002, China
- Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, 810281, Nigeria
| | - Jiayi Lin
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Huijuan Yan
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-2132, USA
| | - Huan Zhang
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-2132, USA
| | - Zonghua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fujian, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Changbiao Wu
- Fujian Vocational College of Bioengineering, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - WonBo Shim
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-2132, USA.
| | - Guo-Dong Lu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fujian, Fuzhou, 350002, China.
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Lee SN, Yoon JH. The Role of Proprotein Convertases in Upper Airway Remodeling. Mol Cells 2022; 45:353-361. [PMID: 35611689 PMCID: PMC9200660 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2022.0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a multifactorial, heterogeneous disease characterized by persistent inflammation of the sinonasal mucosa and tissue remodeling, which can include basal/progenitor cell hyperplasia, goblet cell hyperplasia, squamous cell metaplasia, loss or dysfunction of ciliated cells, and increased matrix deposition. Repeated injuries can stimulate airway epithelial cells to produce inflammatory mediators that activate epithelial cells, immune cells, or the epithelial-mesenchymal trophic unit. This persistent inflammation can consequently induce aberrant tissue remodeling. However, the molecular mechanisms driving disease within the different molecular CRS subtypes remain inadequately characterized. Numerous secreted and cell surface proteins relevant to airway inflammation and remodeling are initially synthesized as inactive precursor proteins, including growth/differentiation factors and their associated receptors, enzymes, adhesion molecules, neuropeptides, and peptide hormones. Therefore, these precursor proteins require post-translational cleavage by proprotein convertases (PCs) to become fully functional. In this review, we summarize the roles of PCs in CRS-associated tissue remodeling and discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting PCs for CRS treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Nam Lee
- The Airway Mucus Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Joo-Heon Yoon
- The Airway Mucus Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
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Proteins and Proteases of Prader-Willi Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review and Perspectives. Biosci Rep 2022; 42:231361. [PMID: 35621394 PMCID: PMC9208313 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20220610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Prader–Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a rare complex genetic disease that is associated with pathological disorders that include endocrine disruption, developmental, neurological, and physical problems as well as intellectual, and behavioral dysfunction. In early stage, PWS is characterized by respiratory distress, hypotonia, and poor sucking ability, causing feeding concern and poor weight gain. Additional features of the disease evolve over time. These include hyperphagia, obesity, developmental, cognitive delay, skin picking, high pain threshold, short stature, growth hormone deficiency, hypogonadism, strabismus, scoliosis, joint laxity, or hip dysplasia. The disease is associated with a shortened life expectancy. There is no cure for PWS, although interventions are available for symptoms management. PWS is caused by genetic defects in chromosome 15q11.2-q13, and categorized into three groups, namely Paternal deletion, Maternal uniparental disomy, and Imprinting defect. PWS is confirmed through genetic testing and DNA-methylation analysis. Studies revealed that at least two key proteins namely MAGEL-2 and NECDIN along with two proteases PCSK1 and PCSK2 are linked to PWS. Herein, we summarize our current understanding and knowledge about the role of these proteins and enzymes in various biological processes associated with PWS. The review also describes how loss and/or impairment of functional activity of these macromolecules can lead to hormonal disbalance by promoting degradation of secretory granules and via inhibition of proteolytic maturation of precursor-proteins. The present review will draw attention of researchers, scientists, and academicians engaged in PWS study and will help to identify potential targets and molecular pathways for PWS intervention and treatment.
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Conte M, Giuliani C, Chiariello A, Iannuzzi V, Franceschi C, Salvioli S. GDF15, an emerging key player in human aging. Ageing Res Rev 2022; 75:101569. [PMID: 35051643 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2022.101569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is recently emerging not only as a stress-related mitokine, but also as a key player in the aging process, being one of the most up-regulated protein with age and associated with a variety of age-related diseases (ARDs). Many data indicate that GDF15 has protective roles in several tissues during different stress and aging, thus playing a beneficial role in apparent contrast with the observed association with many ARDs. A possible detrimental role for this protein is then hypothesized to emerge with age. Therefore, GDF15 can be considered as a pleiotropic factor with beneficial activities that can turn detrimental in old age possibly when it is chronically elevated. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the biology of GDF15 during aging. We also propose GDF15 as a part of a dormancy program, where it may play a role as a mediator of defense processes aimed to protect from inflammatory damage and other stresses, according to the life history theory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Conte
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Interdepartmental Centre "Alma Mater Research Institute on Global Challenges and Climate Change (Alma Climate)", University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Cristina Giuliani
- Interdepartmental Centre "Alma Mater Research Institute on Global Challenges and Climate Change (Alma Climate)", University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Laboratory of Molecular Anthropology & Centre for Genome Biology, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonio Chiariello
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Iannuzzi
- Laboratory of Molecular Anthropology & Centre for Genome Biology, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudio Franceschi
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Institute of Information Technologies, Mathematics and Mechanics, Lobachevsky University, Nizhniy Novgorod, Russia
| | - Stefano Salvioli
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Interdepartmental Centre "Alma Mater Research Institute on Global Challenges and Climate Change (Alma Climate)", University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Järvelä-Stölting M, Vesala L, Maasdorp MK, Ciantar J, Rämet M, Valanne S. Proteasome α6 Subunit Negatively Regulates the JAK/STAT Pathway and Blood Cell Activation in Drosophila melanogaster. Front Immunol 2021; 12:729631. [PMID: 35003057 PMCID: PMC8727353 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.729631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
JAK/STAT signaling regulates central biological functions such as development, cell differentiation and immune responses. In Drosophila, misregulated JAK/STAT signaling in blood cells (hemocytes) induces their aberrant activation. Using mass spectrometry to analyze proteins associated with a negative regulator of the JAK/STAT pathway, and by performing a genome-wide RNAi screen, we identified several components of the proteasome complex as negative regulators of JAK/STAT signaling in Drosophila. A selected proteasome component, Prosα6, was studied further. In S2 cells, Prosα6 silencing decreased the amount of the known negative regulator of the pathway, ET, leading to enhanced expression of a JAK/STAT pathway reporter gene. Silencing of Prosα6 in vivo resulted in activation of the JAK/STAT pathway, leading to the formation of lamellocytes, a specific hemocyte type indicative of hemocyte activation. This hemocyte phenotype could be partially rescued by simultaneous knockdown of either the Drosophila STAT transcription factor, or MAPKK in the JNK-pathway. Our results suggest a role for the proteasome complex components in the JAK/STAT pathway in Drosophila blood cells both in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirva Järvelä-Stölting
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Laura Vesala
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Matthew K. Maasdorp
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Joanna Ciantar
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Mika Rämet
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Research Unit for Pediatrics, Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric Surgery, Child Psychiatry, Dermatology, Clinical Genetics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Otorhinolaryngology and Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Department of Children and Adolescents, Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Susanna Valanne
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- *Correspondence: Susanna Valanne,
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Duclaux-Loras R, Bourgeois P, Lavrut PM, Charbit-Henrion F, Bonniaud-Blot P, Maudinas R, Bournez M, Faure M, Cerf-Bensussan N, Lachaux A, Peretti N, Fabre A. A novel mutation of PCSK1 responsible for PC1/3 deficiency in two siblings. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2021; 45:101640. [PMID: 33662777 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2021.101640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Proprotein convertase 1 (PCSK1, PC1/3) deficiency is an uncommon cause of neonatal malabsorptive diarrhoea associated with endocrinopathies that are due to the disrupted processing of a large number of prohormones, including proinsulin. To date, only 26 cases have been reported. Herein, we describe two siblings with typical features including severe congenital diarrhoea, central diabetes insipidus, growth hormone deficiency, and hypoadrenalism. Next generation sequencing found a homozygous missense mutation in exon 5 of PCSK1 gene, c.500A>C (p.Asp167Ala), located within the catalytic domain. Both patients presented a high level of proinsulin. In the first years of life they required parenteral nutrition and hormone replacement therapy. The patients, aged 3 and 1.5 years, experienced several infectious episodes associated with septic shocks. While the mechanism underlying intestinal failure remains poorly investigated, parenteral nutrition is essential in order to ensure normal growth in early childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rémi Duclaux-Loras
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital Femme Mère Enfant, Service de Gastroentérologie, Hépathologie et Nutrition Pédiatrique, Bron, France; INSERM U1111, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Lyon, France.
| | - Patrice Bourgeois
- Aix Marseille Univ, Inserm, MMG, U1251, Marseille Medical Genetics, 13385 Marseille, France
| | - Pierre-Marie Lavrut
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital Femme Mère Enfant, Service d'Anatomopathologie, Bron, France
| | - Fabienne Charbit-Henrion
- Service de Génétique Moléculaire, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Université de Paris et Institut Imagine, Inserm UMR1163 Intestinal Immunity, Paris, France
| | | | | | | | - Mathias Faure
- INSERM U1111, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Lyon, France
| | - Nadine Cerf-Bensussan
- Université de Paris et Institut Imagine, Inserm UMR1163 Intestinal Immunity, Paris, France
| | - Alain Lachaux
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital Femme Mère Enfant, Service de Gastroentérologie, Hépathologie et Nutrition Pédiatrique, Bron, France
| | - Noel Peretti
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital Femme Mère Enfant, Service de Gastroentérologie, Hépathologie et Nutrition Pédiatrique, Bron, France
| | - Alexandre Fabre
- Service de Pédiatrie Multidisciplinaire, Hôpital de la Timone Enfants, APHM, 13385 Marseille, France
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Furuhashi M, Kataoka Y, Nishikawa R, Koyama M, Sakai A, Higashiura Y, Tanaka M, Saitoh S, Shimamoto K, Ohnishi H. Circulating PCSK7 Level is Independently Associated with Obesity, Triglycerides Level and Fatty Liver Index in a General Population without Medication. J Atheroscler Thromb 2021; 29:1275-1284. [PMID: 34565765 PMCID: PMC9444688 DOI: 10.5551/jat.63159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Dyslipidemia and altered iron metabolism are typical features of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 7 (PCSK7), a transmembrane-anchored endonuclease, is associated with triglycerides level and processing of transferrin receptor 1. However, the significance of circulating PCSK7 has not been fully addressed, though prosegment PCSK7 is secreted from cells. We investigated the associations of plasma PCSK7 level with several parameters. METHODS Plasma PCSK7 concentration was measured in 282 subjects (male/female: 126/156) without medication of the Tanno-Sobetsu Study, a population-based cohort study. RESULTS There was no significant sex difference in PCSK7 level. Current smoking habit, but not alcohol drinking habit, was associated with increased PCSK7 level. PCSK7 concentration was negatively correlated with age and blood urea nitrogen and was positively correlated with body mass index (BMI) and levels of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γGTP), triglycerides and fatty liver index (FLI), which is calculated by BMI, waist circumference and levels of γGTP and triglycerides, as a noninvasive and simple predictor of NAFLD. There were no significant correlations of PCSK7 level with levels of iron and plasma PCSK9, a secreted PCSK family member and a regulator of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level. Multivariable regression analyses after adjustment of age, sex and current smoking habit showed that PCSK7 concentration was independently associated with BMI (β=0.130, P=0.035), triglycerides (β=0.141, P=0.027) or FLI (β=0.139, P=0.030). CONCLUSIONS Plasma PCSK7 concentration is independently associated with chronic liver disease including obesity and elevated triglycerides level in a general population of individuals who had not regularly taken any medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masato Furuhashi
- Department of Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine
| | - Yu Kataoka
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center
| | - Ryo Nishikawa
- Department of Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine
| | - Masayuki Koyama
- Department of Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine.,Department of Public Health, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine
| | - Akiko Sakai
- Department of Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine
| | - Yukimura Higashiura
- Department of Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine
| | - Marenao Tanaka
- Department of Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine
| | - Shigeyuki Saitoh
- Department of Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine.,Department of Nursing, Division of Medical and Behavioral Subjects, Sapporo Medical University School of Health Sciences
| | | | - Hirofumi Ohnishi
- Department of Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine.,Department of Public Health, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine
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Bentz AB, Niederhuth CE, Carruth LL, Navara KJ. Prenatal testosterone triggers long-term behavioral changes in male zebra finches: unravelling the neurogenomic mechanisms. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:158. [PMID: 33676394 PMCID: PMC7937265 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07466-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal hormones, like testosterone, can strongly influence developing offspring, even generating long-term organizational effects on adult behavior; yet, the mechanisms facilitating these effects are still unclear. Here, we experimentally elevated prenatal testosterone in the eggs of zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) and measured male aggression in adulthood along with patterns of neural gene expression (RNA-seq) and DNA methylation (MethylC-Seq) in two socially relevant brain regions (hypothalamus and nucleus taenia of the amygdala). We used enrichment analyses and protein-protein interaction networks to find candidate processes and hub genes potentially affected by the treatment. We additionally identified differentially expressed genes that contained differentially methylated regions. RESULTS We found that males from testosterone-injected eggs displayed more aggressive behaviors compared to males from control eggs. Hundreds of genes were differentially expressed, particularly in the hypothalamus, including potential aggression-related hub genes (e.g., brain derived neurotrophic factor). There were also enriched processes with well-established links to aggressive phenotypes (e.g., somatostatin and glutamate signaling). Furthermore, several highly connected genes identified in protein-protein interaction networks also showed differential methylation, including adenylate cyclase 2 and proprotein convertase 2. CONCLUSIONS These results highlight genes and processes that may play an important role in mediating the effects of prenatal testosterone on long-term phenotypic outcomes, thereby providing insights into the molecular mechanisms that facilitate hormone-mediated maternal effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra B Bentz
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA.
- Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA.
- Poultry Science Department, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA.
| | - Chad E Niederhuth
- Department of Plant Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48823, USA
| | - Laura L Carruth
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Kristen J Navara
- Poultry Science Department, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
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10
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Tong J, Zhang M, Li X, Ren G. MicroRNA‑338‑3p regulates age‑associated osteoporosis via targeting PCSK5. Mol Med Rep 2021; 23:136. [PMID: 33313955 PMCID: PMC7751475 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone loss is a disease that is highly associated with aging. This deleterious health condition has become a public concern worldwide, and there is an urgent need to discover more novel therapeutic strategies for the development of age‑associated osteoporosis. The present study aimed to explore the association between proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 5 (PCSK5) and microRNA(miR)‑338‑3p in bone‑formation and bone‑loss processes. Western blotting assay and reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR were employed to analyze PCSK5 and miR‑338‑3p expression levels in bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Dual‑luciferase reporter and RNA pull‑down assays were used to determine the target. For osteoblastic differentiation verification, alkaline phosphatase activity, osteocalcin secretion detection, bone formation‑related indicators (osterix, runt‑related gene 2, osteopontin and bone sialoprotein), hematoxylin and eosin staining and Alizarin Red S staining were performed. The findings of the present study indicated that the expression level of PCSK5 was higher in BMSCs from young rat samples, whereas the expression level of miR‑338‑3p was higher in BMSCs from samples of old rats. Experimental results also revealed that unlike miR‑338‑3p, downregulation of PCSK5 inhibited osteoblastic differentiation and osteogenesis by inhibiting alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, osterix, runt‑related transcription factor 2, osteopontin, bone sialoprotein and mineralized nodule formation. Overall, the results suggested that miR‑338‑3p could suppress age‑associated osteoporosis by regulating PCSK5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Tong
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Jianghan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430015, P.R. China
| | - Min Zhang
- Emergency Department, Wuhan Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Xia Li
- Department of Ophthalmology and Otorhinolaryngology, Affiliated Hospital of Jianghan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430015, P.R. China
| | - Guohai Ren
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Jianghan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430015, P.R. China
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11
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Kluge S, Schubert M, Börmel L, Lorkowski S. The vitamin E long-chain metabolite α-13'-COOH affects macrophage foam cell formation via modulation of the lipoprotein lipase system. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2021; 1866:158875. [PMID: 33421592 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2021.158875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The α-tocopherol-derived long-chain metabolite (α-LCM) α-13'-carboxychromanol (α-13'-COOH) is formed via enzymatic degradation of α-tocopherol (α-TOH) in the liver. In the last decade, α-13'-COOH has emerged as a new regulatory metabolite revealing more potent or even different effects compared with its vitamin precursor α-TOH. The detection of α-13'-COOH in human serum has further strengthened the concept of its physiological relevance as a potential regulatory molecule. Here, we present a new facet on the interaction of α-13'-COOH with macrophage foam cell formation. We found that α-13'-COOH (5 μM) increases angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) mRNA expression in human THP-1 macrophages in a time- and dose-dependent manner, while α-TOH (100 μM) showed no effects. Interestingly, the mRNA level of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) was not influenced by α-13'-COOH, but α-TOH treatment led to a reduction of LPL mRNA expression. Both compounds also revealed different effects on protein level: while α-13'-COOH reduced the secreted amount of LPL protein via induction of ANGPTL4 cleavage, i.e. activation, the secreted amount of LPL in the α-TOH-treated samples was diminished due to the inhibition of mRNA expression. In line with this, both compounds reduced the catalytic activity of LPL. However, α-13'-COOH but not α-TOH attenuated VLDL-induced lipid accumulation by 35%. In conclusion, only α-13'-COOH revealed possible antiatherogenic effects due to the reduction of VLDL-induced foam cell formation in THP-1 macrophages. Our results provide further evidence for the role of α-13'-COOH as a functional metabolite of its vitamin E precursor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Kluge
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Martin Schubert
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Lisa Börmel
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Stefan Lorkowski
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany; Competence Cluster for Nutrition and Cardiovascular Health (nutriCARD) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Germany.
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12
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Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9, Angiopoietin-Like Protein 8, Sortilin, and Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein-Friends of Foes for Psoriatic Patients at the Risk of Developing Cardiometabolic Syndrome? Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21103682. [PMID: 32456228 PMCID: PMC7279158 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Psoriasis is a systemic, immune-metabolic disease with strong genetic predispositions and autoimmune pathogenic traits. During psoriasis progression, a wide spectrum of comorbidities comes into play with the leading role of the cardio-metabolic syndrome (CMS) that occurs with the frequency of 30–50% amongst the psoriatic patients. Both conditions—psoriasis and CMS—have numerous common pathways, mainly related to proinflammatory pathways and cytokine profiles. Surprisingly, despite the years of research, the exact pathways linking the occurrence of CMS in the psoriasis population are still not fully understood. Recently published papers, both clinical and based on the basic science, shed new light into this relationship providing an insight into novel key-players proteins with plausible effects on above-mentioned interplay. Taking into account recent advances in this important medical matter, this review aims to discuss comprehensively the role of four proteins: proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type-9 (PSCK9), angiopoietin-like protein 8 (ANGPLT8), sortilin (SORT1), and cholesteryl ester transfer proteins (CEPT) as plausible links between psoriasis and CMS.
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13
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Altered pathways in methylome and transcriptome longitudinal analysis of normal weight and bariatric surgery women. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6515. [PMID: 32296077 PMCID: PMC7160100 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-60814-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation could provide a link between environmental, genetic factors and weight control and can modify gene expression pattern. This study aimed to identify genes, which are differentially expressed and methylated depending on adiposity state by evaluating normal weight women and obese women before and after bariatric surgery (BS). We enrolled 24 normal weight (BMI: 22.5 ± 1.6 kg/m2) and 24 obese women (BMI: 43.3 ± 5.7 kg/m2) submitted to BS. Genome-wide methylation analysis was conducted using Infinium Human Methylation 450 BeadChip (threshold for significant CpG sites based on delta methylation level with a minimum value of 5%, a false discovery rate correction (FDR) of q < 0.05 was applied). Expression levels were measured using HumanHT-12v4 Expression BeadChip (cutoff of p ≤ 0.05 and fold change ≥2.0 was used to detect differentially expressed probes). The integrative analysis of both array data identified four genes (i.e. TPP2, PSMG6, ARL6IP1 and FAM49B) with higher methylation and lower expression level in pre-surgery women compared to normal weight women: and two genes (i.e. ZFP36L1 and USP32) that were differentially methylated after BS. These methylation changes were in promoter region and gene body. All genes are related to MAPK cascade, NIK/NF-kappaB signaling, cellular response to insulin stimulus, proteolysis and others. Integrating analysis of DNA methylation and gene expression evidenced that there is a set of genes relevant to obesity that changed after BS. A gene ontology analysis showed that these genes were enriched in biological functions related to adipogenesis, orexigenic, oxidative stress and insulin metabolism pathways. Also, our results suggest that although methylation plays a role in gene silencing, the majority of effects were not correlated.
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14
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Krahel JA, Baran A, Kamiński TW, Maciaszek M, Flisiak I. Methotrexate Decreases the Level of PCSK9-A Novel Indicator of the Risk of Proatherogenic Lipid Profile in Psoriasis. The Preliminary Data. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9040910. [PMID: 32225075 PMCID: PMC7230388 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9040910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) exerts an important role in inflammatory processes, lipids homeostasis, and cardiometabolic disorders that are closely associated with psoriasis. The aim of the study was to analyze the clinical and diagnostic value of serum PCSK9 concentrations and their connections with disease severity, inflammation, metabolic syndrome, and impact of systemic therapies in psoriatic patients. The study enrolled thirty-five patients with active plaque-type psoriasis and eighteen healthy volunteers served as controls. Blood samples were obtained before and after 12 weeks of treatment with methotrexate or acitretin. Serum PCSK9 concentrations were measured by the ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) commercial kits. Morphological and biochemical parameters were assayed using routine laboratory techniques. Psoriatic patients showed significantly elevated levels of PCSK9 compared to controls (p < 0.01), mostly in patients with a mild and moderate course of psoriasis. PCSK9 concentrations correlated positively with BMI and triglyceride levels (p < 0.05). Interestingly, PCSK9 had a strong negative correlation with low-density lipoprotein levels and total cholesterol (p < 0.05). Three months of monotherapy with methotrexate significantly reduced PCSK9 level (p < 0.05), on the contrary, the acitretin group showed a further increase of PCSK9 levels (p < 0.05). PCSK9 seems to be a novel marker of psoriasis and a putative explanation of lipid disturbances, which are common in patients with psoriasis and are vital for the further developing of metabolic syndrome. Methotrexate should be considered as a treatment of choice in patients with an elevated PCSK9 concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julita Anna Krahel
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Medical University of Bialystok, Zurawia 14 St., 15-540 Bialystok, Poland; (A.B.); (I.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel. & Fax: +48-8-5740-9570
| | - Anna Baran
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Medical University of Bialystok, Zurawia 14 St., 15-540 Bialystok, Poland; (A.B.); (I.F.)
| | - Tomasz W. Kamiński
- Department of Farmacodynamics, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2c St., 15-222 Bialystok, Poland;
- Pittsburgh Heart, Lung and Blood Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Magdalena Maciaszek
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Medical University of Bialystok, Zurawia 14 St., 15-540 Bialystok, Poland;
| | - Iwona Flisiak
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Medical University of Bialystok, Zurawia 14 St., 15-540 Bialystok, Poland; (A.B.); (I.F.)
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15
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Muhsin NIA, Bentley L, Bai Y, Goldsworthy M, Cox RD. A novel mutation in the mouse Pcsk1 gene showing obesity and diabetes. Mamm Genome 2020; 31:17-29. [PMID: 31974728 PMCID: PMC7060156 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-020-09826-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The proprotein convertase subtilisin/Kexin type 1 (PCSK1/PC1) protein processes inactive pro-hormone precursors into biologically active hormones in a number of neuroendocrine and endocrine cell types. Patients with recessive mutations in PCSK1 exhibit a complex spectrum of traits including obesity, diarrhoea and endocrine disorders. We describe here a new mouse model with a point mutation in the Pcsk1 gene that exhibits obesity, hyperphagia, transient diarrhoea and hyperproinsulinaemia, phenotypes consistent with human patient traits. The mutation results in a pV96L amino acid substitution and changes the first nucleotide of mouse exon 3 leading to skipping of that exon and in homozygotes very little full-length transcript. Overexpression of the exon 3 deleted protein or the 96L protein results in ER retention in Neuro2a cells. This is the second Pcsk1 mouse model to display obesity phenotypes, contrasting knockout mouse alleles. This model will be useful in investigating the basis of endocrine disease resulting from prohormone processing defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nor I A Muhsin
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, MRC Harwell Institute, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire, OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Liz Bentley
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, MRC Harwell Institute, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire, OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Ying Bai
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, MRC Harwell Institute, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire, OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Michelle Goldsworthy
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, MRC Harwell Institute, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire, OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Roger D Cox
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, MRC Harwell Institute, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire, OX11 0RD, UK.
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16
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Rannikko J, Jacome Sanz D, Ortutay Z, Seiskari T, Aittoniemi J, Huttunen R, Syrjänen J, Pesu M. Reduced plasma PCSK9 response in patients with bacteraemia is associated with mortality. J Intern Med 2019; 286:553-561. [PMID: 31166632 DOI: 10.1111/joim.12946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) enzyme controls blood cholesterol levels by downregulating the expression of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR). Pathogenic lipids (e.g. lipopolysaccharide) are removed from the circulation by an LDLR/PCSK9-dependent mechanism; thus, it has been suggested that PCSK9 inhibitors may be beneficial in the treatment of infections. We measured plasma PCSK9 levels in patients with culture-positive bacteraemia and explored pathogen-dependent and infection site-dependent effects as well as correlations between patient characteristics and outcome. METHODS Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 in the plasma was measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay from 481 patients with blood culture-positive infection on days 0 to 4 after admission to the emergency department. Patient outcome and clinical and laboratory data were gathered retrospectively from patient records. RESULTS The plasma PCSK9 level was elevated equally in patients with Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacterial infections; particularly high levels were seen in patients with a lower respiratory tract infection and Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteraemia. PCSK9 levels showed a significant positive correlation with C-reactive protein (CRP) level. Bacteraemia patients with liver disease or a history of alcohol abuse had significantly lower levels of plasma PCSK9. Reduced PCSK9 plasma responses in patients were significantly associated with mortality at days 7, 28 and 90. CONCLUSION Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 is upregulated in blood culture-positive infections. Plasma PCSK9 resembles acute-phase proteins; its expression is induced during an infection, reduced in liver disease and correlates positively with CRP level. We have shown that PCSK9 levels are lower in patients with a fatal prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Rannikko
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - D Jacome Sanz
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Z Ortutay
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - T Seiskari
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Fimlab Laboratories Ltd, Tampere, Finland
| | - J Aittoniemi
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Fimlab Laboratories Ltd, Tampere, Finland
| | - R Huttunen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - J Syrjänen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - M Pesu
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.,Department of Dermatology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
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17
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Abstract
Inflammation of the blood vessels that serve the central nervous system has been increasingly identified as an early and possibly initiating event among neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. However, the causal relevance of vascular inflammation to major retinal degenerative diseases is unresolved. Here, we describe how genetics, aging-associated changes, and environmental factors contribute to vascular inflammation in age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. We highlight the importance of mouse models in studying the underlying mechanisms and possible treatments for these diseases. We conclude that data support vascular inflammation playing a central if not primary role in retinal degenerative diseases, and this association should be a focus of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ileana Soto
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, New Jersey 08028, USA;
| | - Mark P Krebs
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609, USA;
| | | | - Gareth R Howell
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609, USA; .,Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA.,Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, Maine 04469, USA
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18
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Safaeian L, Vaseghi G, Jabari H, Dana N. Evolocumab, a proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitor, promotes angiogenesis in vitro. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2019; 97:352-358. [DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2018-0542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The proprotein convertases family is involved in several physiological processes such as cell growth, migration, and angiogenesis, and also in different pathological conditions. Evolocumab, an inhibitor of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), has recently been approved for treatment of hypercholesterolemia. This study aimed to investigate the effect of evolocumab on angiogenesis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Cell proliferation and migration were evaluated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and Transwell methods. In vitro angiogenesis was assessed by tube formation assay. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion by HUVECs was also determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Evolocumab significantly increased HUVECs viability at 100 μg/mL. Significant enhancement in cell migration, and mean tubules length and size was observed at the concentrations of 10 and 100 μg/mL and also in mean number of junctions at the concentration of 100 μg/mL. Administration of evolocumab at the concentration of 10 μg/mL increased VEGF release into supernatants of HUVECs. Findings of this investigation provided in vitro evidence for pro-angiogenic activity of evolocumab through promoting cell proliferation, migration, tubulogenesis, and VEGF secretion in HUVECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Safaeian
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Research and Development Office, Vice Chancellery for Food and Drugs, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Golnaz Vaseghi
- Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hedieh Jabari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Nasim Dana
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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19
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Brown M, Ahmed S. Emerging role of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type-9 (PCSK-9) in inflammation and diseases. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2019; 370:170-177. [PMID: 30914377 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2019.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2018] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type-9 (PCSK9) is most recognized serine protease for its role in cardiovascular diseases (CVD). PCSK9 regulates plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels by selectively targeting hepatic LDL receptors (LDLR) for degradation, thereby serving as a potential therapeutic target for CVD. New pharmacological agents under development aim to lower the risk of CVD by inhibiting PCSK9 extracellularly, although secondary effects of this approach are not yet studied. Here we review the history of PCSK9 and rationale behind developing inhibitors for CVD. Importantly, we summarized the studies investigating the role and impact of modulated PCSK9 levels in inflammation, specifically in sepsis, rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic inflammatory conditions. Furthermore, we summarized studies that investigated the interactions of PCSK9 with pro-inflammatory pathways, such as scavenger receptor CD36 and thrombospondin 1 (TSP-1) in inflammatory diseases. This review highlights the conflicting role that PCSK9 plays in different inflammatory disease states and postulates that any unwanted effects of PCSK9 inhibition in early clinical testing should critically be examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madalyn Brown
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University College of Pharmacy, Spokane, WA, USA
| | - Salahuddin Ahmed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University College of Pharmacy, Spokane, WA, USA; Division of Rheumatology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
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20
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Valli A, Ranta N, Grönholm A, Silvennoinen O, Pesu M, Isomäki P. Increased expression of the proprotein convertase enzyme FURIN in rheumatoid arthritis. Scand J Rheumatol 2018; 48:173-177. [PMID: 30474480 DOI: 10.1080/03009742.2018.1520294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE FURIN is a proprotein convertase enzyme that inhibits the proinflammatory function of T cells and myeloid cells. Elevated FURIN expression levels have been reported in immune-mediated diseases, such as primary Sjögren's syndrome. Here, we investigated the levels of FURIN in peripheral blood (PB) and synovial fluid (SF) leucocytes from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHOD FURIN mRNA expression in PB and SF cells was determined by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and FURIN plasma levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Associations between FURIN levels and demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were determined. RESULTS FURIN levels were significantly elevated in PB and SF mononuclear cells, T cells, and monocytes from RA patients compared to healthy controls. High FURIN levels were significantly associated with the prevailing prednisolone treatment, higher prednisolone doses, and increased C-reactive protein levels and Health Assessment Questionnaire values. CONCLUSION FURIN is significantly upregulated in RA PB and SF leucocytes, suggesting that it may have a role in the pathogenesis of RA. In addition, our results suggest that elevated FURIN expression is associated with the indicators of more severe RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Valli
- a Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences , University of Tampere , Tampere , Finland
| | - N Ranta
- a Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences , University of Tampere , Tampere , Finland.,b BioMediTech , Tampere , Finland
| | - A Grönholm
- a Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences , University of Tampere , Tampere , Finland.,b BioMediTech , Tampere , Finland
| | - O Silvennoinen
- a Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences , University of Tampere , Tampere , Finland.,c Fimlab Laboratories , Tampere , Finland
| | - M Pesu
- a Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences , University of Tampere , Tampere , Finland.,b BioMediTech , Tampere , Finland.,d Department of Dermatology , Tampere University Hospital , Tampere , Finland
| | - P Isomäki
- a Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences , University of Tampere , Tampere , Finland.,e Department of Internal Medicine, Centre for Rheumatic Diseases , Tampere University Hospital , Tampere , Finland
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21
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Kowalczyk-Quintas C, Chevalley D, Willen L, Jandus C, Vigolo M, Schneider P. Inhibition of Membrane-Bound BAFF by the Anti-BAFF Antibody Belimumab. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2698. [PMID: 30524439 PMCID: PMC6256835 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
B cell activating factor of the TNF family (BAFF, also known as BLyS), a cytokine that regulates homeostasis of peripheral B cells, is elevated in the circulation of patients with autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). BAFF is synthetized as a membrane-bound protein that can be processed to a soluble form after cleavage at a furin consensus sequence, a site that in principle can be recognized by any of the several proteases of the pro-protein convertase family. Belimumab is a human antibody approved for the treatment of SLE, often cited as specific for the soluble form of BAFF. Here we show in different experimental systems, including in a monocytic cell line (U937) that naturally expresses BAFF, that belimumab binds to membrane-bound BAFF with similar EC50 as the positive control atacicept, which is a decoy receptor for both BAFF and the related cytokine APRIL (a proliferation inducing ligand). In U937 cells, binding of both reagents was only detectable in furin-deficient U937 cells, showing that furin is the main BAFF processing protease in these cells. In CHO cells expressing membrane-bound BAFF lacking the stalk region, belimumab inhibited the activity of membrane-bound BAFF less efficiently than atacicept, while in furin-deficient U937 cells, belimumab inhibited membrane-bound BAFF and residual soluble BAFF as efficiently as atacicept. These reagents did not activate complement or antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity upon binding to membrane-bound BAFF in vitro. In conclusion, our data show that belimumab can inhibit membrane-bound BAFF, and that BAFF in U937 cells is processed by furin.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dehlia Chevalley
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Laure Willen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Camilla Jandus
- Department of Oncology UNIL CHUV, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michele Vigolo
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Schneider
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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22
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Dijk W, Ruppert PMM, Oost LJ, Kersten S. Angiopoietin-like 4 promotes the intracellular cleavage of lipoprotein lipase by PCSK3/furin in adipocytes. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:14134-14145. [PMID: 30021841 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.002426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) catalyzes the breakdown of circulating triglycerides in muscle and fat. LPL is inhibited by several proteins, including angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4), and may be cleaved by members of the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin (PCSK) family. Here, we aimed to investigate the cleavage of LPL in adipocytes by PCSKs and study the potential involvement of ANGPTL4. A substantial portion of LPL in mouse and human adipose tissue was cleaved into N- and C-terminal fragments. Treatment of different adipocytes with the PCSK inhibitor decanoyl-RVKR-chloromethyl ketone markedly decreased LPL cleavage, indicating that LPL is cleaved by PCSKs. Silencing of Pcsk3/furin significantly decreased LPL cleavage in cell culture medium and lysates of 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Remarkably, PCSK-mediated cleavage of LPL in adipocytes was diminished by Angptl4 silencing and was decreased in adipocytes and adipose tissue of Angptl4-/- mice. Differences in LPL cleavage between Angptl4-/- and WT mice were abrogated by treatment with decanoyl-RVKR-chloromethyl ketone. Induction of ANGPTL4 in adipose tissue during fasting enhanced PCSK-mediated LPL cleavage, concurrent with decreased LPL activity, in WT but not Angptl4-/- mice. In adipocytes, after removal of cell surface LPL by heparin, levels of N-terminal LPL were still markedly higher in WT compared with Angptl4-/- adipocytes, suggesting that stimulation of PCSK-mediated LPL cleavage by ANGPTL4 occurs intracellularly. Finally, treating adipocytes with insulin increased full-length LPL and decreased N-terminal LPL in an ANGPTL4-dependent manner. In conclusion, ANGPTL4 promotes PCSK-mediated intracellular cleavage of LPL in adipocytes, likely contributing to regulation of LPL in adipose tissue. Our data provide further support for an intracellular action of ANGPTL4 in adipocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wieneke Dijk
- From the Nutrition, Metabolism, and Genomics Group, Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Philip M M Ruppert
- From the Nutrition, Metabolism, and Genomics Group, Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Lynette J Oost
- From the Nutrition, Metabolism, and Genomics Group, Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sander Kersten
- From the Nutrition, Metabolism, and Genomics Group, Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands
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23
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Fu S, Ping P, Zhu Q, Ye P, Luo L. Brain Natriuretic Peptide and Its Biochemical, Analytical, and Clinical Issues in Heart Failure: A Narrative Review. Front Physiol 2018; 9:692. [PMID: 29922182 PMCID: PMC5996066 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Heart failure (HF) is a primary cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. As the most widely studied and commonly applied natriuretic peptide (NP), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) has the effects of diuresis, natriuresis, vasodilation, anti-hypertrophy, and anti-fibrosis and it inhibits the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone and sympathetic nervous systems to maintain cardiorenal homeostasis and counteract the effects of HF. Both BNP and N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) are applied as diagnostic, managing, and prognostic tools for HF. However, due to the complexity of BNP system, the diversity of BNP forms and the heterogeneity of HF status, there are biochemical, analytical, and clinical issues on BNP not fully understood. Current immunoassays cross-react to varying degrees with pro B-type natriuretic peptide (proBNP), NT-proBNP and various BNP forms and cannot effectively differentiate between these forms. Moreover, current immunoassays have different results and may not accurately reflect cardiac function. It is essential to design assays that can recognize specific forms of BNP, NT-proBNP, and proBNP to obtain more clinical information. Not only the processing of proBNP (corin/furin) and BNP (neprilysin), but also the effects of glycosylation on proBNP processing and BNP assays, should be targeted in future studies to enhance their diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihui Fu
- Department of Geriatric Cardiology, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Department of Cardiology and Hainan Branch, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Ping
- Department of Pharmaceutical Care, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qiwei Zhu
- Department of Geriatric Cardiology, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Ye
- Department of Geriatric Cardiology, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Leiming Luo
- Department of Geriatric Cardiology, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
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24
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Shi LY, Ma Y, Zhu GY, Liu JW, Zhou CX, Chen LJ, Wang Y, Li RC, Yang ZX, Zhang D. Placenta‐specific 1 regulates oocyte meiosis and fertilization through furin. FASEB J 2018; 32:5483-5494. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.201700922rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ya Shi
- State Key Lab of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yang Ma
- State Key Lab of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Gang-Yi Zhu
- State Key Lab of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Jin-Wei Liu
- Department of GynecologyZhejiang Provincial People's HospitalHangzhouChina
| | - Chun-Xiang Zhou
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center of Jiangsu ProvinceAffiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical SchoolNanjingChina
| | - Liang-Jian Chen
- State Key Lab of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yang Wang
- State Key Lab of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | | | - Zhi-Xia Yang
- State Key Lab of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Dong Zhang
- State Key Lab of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
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25
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Chen S, Wang H, Li H, Zhang Y, Wu Q. Functional analysis of corin protein domains required for PCSK6-mediated activation. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2017; 94:31-39. [PMID: 29180304 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2017.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Revised: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is a cardiac hormone essential for normal blood pressure and cardiac function. Corin is a transmembrane serine protease that activates ANP. Recently, we identified proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin-6 (PCSK6), also called PACE4, as the long-sought corin activator. Both corin and PCSK6 are expressed in cardiomyocytes, but corin activation occurs only on the cell surface. It remains unknown if cell membrane association is needed for PCSK6 to activate corin. Here we expressed corin deletion mutants in HEK293 cells to analyze the domain structures required for PCSK6-mediated activation. Our results show that soluble corin lacking the transmembrane domain was activated by PCSK6 in the conditioned medium but not intracellularly. Recombinant PCSK6 also activated the soluble corin under cell-free conditions. Moreover, PCSK6-mediated corin activation was not enhanced by cell membrane fractions. These results indicate that cell membrane association is unnecessary for PCSK6 to activate corin. Experiments with monensin that blocks PCSK6 secretion and immunostaining indicated that the soluble corin and PCSK6 were secreted via different intracellular pathways, which may explain the lack of corin activation inside the cell. We also found that the protein domains in the corin pro-peptide region were dispensable for PCSK6-mediated activation and that addition of heparan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate or treatment with heparinase or chondroitinase did not alter corin activation by PCSK6 in HEK293 cells. Together, our results provide important insights into the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying PCSK6-mediated corin activation that is critical for cardiovascular homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenghan Chen
- From the Human Aging Research Institute and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China; The Department of Molecular Cardiology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Hao Wang
- The Department of Molecular Cardiology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Heng Li
- From the Human Aging Research Institute and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- The Cyrus Tang Hematology Center, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Qingyu Wu
- The Department of Molecular Cardiology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA; The Cyrus Tang Hematology Center, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
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26
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Vähätupa M, Cordova ZM, Barker H, Aittomäki S, Uusitalo H, Järvinen TAH, Pesu M, Uusitalo-Järvinen H. Furin deficiency in myeloid cells leads to attenuated revascularization in a mouse-model of oxygen-induced retinopathy. Exp Eye Res 2017; 166:160-167. [PMID: 29031855 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2017.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Revised: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Ischemic retinopathy is a vision-threatening disease associated with chronic retinal inflammation and hypoxia leading to abnormal angiogenesis. Furin, a member of the proprotein convertase family of proteins, has been implicated in the regulation of angiogenesis due to its essential role in the activation of several angiogenic growth factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C), VEGF-D and transforming growth factor - β (TGF- β). In the present study, we evaluated expression of furin in the retina and its role in retinal angiogenesis. As both inflammation and hypoxia contribute to angiogenesis, the role of furin was evaluated using myeloid-cell specific furin knockout (KO) mice (designated LysMCre-fur(fl/fl)) both in developmental retinal angiogenesis as well as in hypoxia-driven angiogenesis using the oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model. In the retina, furin expression was detected in endothelial cells, macrophages and, to some extent, in neurons. The rate of angiogenesis was not different in LysMCre-fur(fl/fl) mice when compared to their wild-type littermates during development. In the OIR model, the revascularization of retina was significantly delayed in LysMCre-fur(fl/fl) mice compared to their wild-type littermates, while there was no compensatory increase in the preretinal neovascularization in LysMCre-fur(fl/fl) mice. These results demonstrate that furin expression in myeloid cells plays a significant role in hypoxia-induced angiogenesis in retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Vähätupa
- Faculty of Medicine & Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Zuzet Martinez Cordova
- Faculty of Medicine & Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland; Immunoregulation, Institute of Biosciences and Medical Technology (BioMediTech), University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Harlan Barker
- Faculty of Medicine & Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Saara Aittomäki
- Faculty of Medicine & Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland; Immunoregulation, Institute of Biosciences and Medical Technology (BioMediTech), University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Hannu Uusitalo
- Faculty of Medicine & Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland; Eye Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Tero A H Järvinen
- Faculty of Medicine & Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland; Departments of Musculoskeletal Disorders, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Marko Pesu
- Faculty of Medicine & Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland; Immunoregulation, Institute of Biosciences and Medical Technology (BioMediTech), University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland; Departments of Dermatology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Hannele Uusitalo-Järvinen
- Faculty of Medicine & Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland; Eye Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland.
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Aittomäki S, Valanne S, Lehtinen T, Matikainen S, Nyman TA, Rämet M, Pesu M. Proprotein convertase Furin1 expression in the Drosophila fat body is essential for a normal antimicrobial peptide response and bacterial host defense. FASEB J 2017; 31:4770-4782. [PMID: 28705811 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201700296r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Invading pathogens provoke robust innate immune responses in Dipteran insects, such as Drosophila melanogaster In a systemic bacterial infection, a humoral response is induced in the fat body. Gram-positive bacteria trigger the Toll signaling pathway, whereas gram-negative bacterial infections are signaled via the immune deficiency (IMD) pathway. We show here that the RNA interference-mediated silencing of Furin1-a member of the proprotein convertase enzyme family-specifically in the fat body, results in a reduction in the expression of antimicrobial peptides. This, in turn, compromises the survival of adult fruit flies in systemic infections that are caused by both gram-positive and -negative bacteria. Furin1 plays a nonredundant role in the regulation of immune responses, as silencing of Furin2, the other member of the enzyme family, had no effect on survival or the expression of antimicrobial peptides upon a systemic infection. Furin1 does not directly affect the Toll or IMD signaling pathways, but the reduced expression of Furin1 up-regulates stress response factors in the fat body. We also demonstrate that Furin1 is a negative regulator of the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling pathway, which is implicated in stress responses in the fly. In summary, our data identify Furin1 as a novel regulator of humoral immunity and cellular stress responses in Drosophila-Aittomäki, S., Valanne, S., Lehtinen, T., Matikainen, S., Nyman, T. A., Rämet, M., Pesu, M. Proprotein convertase Furin1 expression in the Drosophila fat body is essential for a normal antimicrobial peptide response and bacterial host defense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saara Aittomäki
- Immunoregulation Group, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.,BioMediTech Institute, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Susanna Valanne
- BioMediTech Institute, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.,Experimental Immunology Group, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Tapio Lehtinen
- Immunoregulation Group, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.,BioMediTech Institute, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | | | - Tuula A Nyman
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mika Rämet
- BioMediTech Institute, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.,Experimental Immunology Group, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.,PEDEGO Research Unit, Medical Research Center Oulu, and.,Department of Children and Adolescents, Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Marko Pesu
- Immunoregulation Group, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland .,BioMediTech Institute, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.,Department of Dermatology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
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28
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Seidah NG, Abifadel M, Prost S, Boileau C, Prat A. The Proprotein Convertases in Hypercholesterolemia and Cardiovascular Diseases: Emphasis on Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin 9. Pharmacol Rev 2016; 69:33-52. [DOI: 10.1124/pr.116.012989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
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29
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Vähätupa M, Aittomäki S, Martinez Cordova Z, May U, Prince S, Uusitalo-Järvinen H, Järvinen TA, Pesu M. T-cell-expressed proprotein convertase FURIN inhibits DMBA/TPA-induced skin cancer development. Oncoimmunology 2016; 5:e1245266. [PMID: 28123881 PMCID: PMC5214164 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2016.1245266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Revised: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Proprotein convertases (PCSK) have a critical role in the body homeostasis as enzymes responsible for processing precursor proteins into their mature forms. FURIN, the first characterized member of the mammalian PCSK family, is overexpressed in multiple malignancies and the inhibition of its activity has been considered potential cancer treatment. FURIN has also an important function in the adaptive immunity, since its deficiency in T cells causes an impaired peripheral immune tolerance and accelerates immune responses. We addressed whether deleting FURIN from the immune cells would strengthen anticancer responses by subjecting mouse strains lacking FURIN from either T cells or macrophages and granulocytes to the DMBA/TPA two-stage skin carcinogenesis protocol. Unexpectedly, deficiency of FURIN in T cells resulted in enhanced and accelerated development of tumors, whereas FURIN deletion in macrophages and granulocytes had no effect. The epidermises of T-cell-specific FURIN deficient mice were significantly thicker with more proliferating Ki67+ cells. In contrast, there were no differences in the numbers of the T cells. The flow cytometric analyses of T-cell populations in skin draining lymph nodes showed that FURIN T-cell KO mice have an inherent upregulation of early activation marker CD69 as well as more CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ positive T regulatory cells. In the early phase of tumor promotion, T cells from the T-cell-specific FURIN knockout animals produced more interferon gamma, whereas at later stage the production of Th2- and Th17-type cytokines was more prominent than in wild-type controls. In conclusion, while PCSK inhibitors are promising therapeutics in cancer treatment, our results show that inhibiting FURIN specifically in T cells may promote squamous skin cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Vähätupa
- School of Medicine, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Tampere , Tampere, Finland
| | - Saara Aittomäki
- Immunoregulation, BioMediTech, University of Tampere , Tampere, Finland
| | | | - Ulrike May
- School of Medicine, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Tampere , Tampere, Finland
| | - Stuart Prince
- School of Medicine, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Tampere , Tampere, Finland
| | | | - Tero A Järvinen
- School of Medicine, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland; Department of Orthopedics & Traumatology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Marko Pesu
- Immunoregulation, BioMediTech, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland; Department of Dermatology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
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30
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Abstract
Reducing plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) remains the cornerstone in the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. However, lack of efficacy and adverse effects mean that a substantial proportion of patients fail to achieve acceptable LDL-C levels with currently available lipid-lowering drugs. Over the last decade, inhibition of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy to reduce residual cardiovascular disease risk. Binding of PCSK9 to the LDL receptor targets the receptor for lysosomal degradation. The recognition that inhibition of PCSK9 increases LDL receptor activity has led to the development of a number of approaches to directly target PCSK9. Numerous monoclonal antibodies against PCSK9 are currently being evaluated in phase 3 trials, involving various patient categories on different background lipid-lowering therapies. Current evidence shows reductions in LDL-C levels of up to 70 % may be achieved with PCSK9 inhibition, independent of background statin therapy. This review examines the most recent evidence and future prospects for the use of PCSK9 inhibitors in the prevention of cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Latimer
- Institute of Cellular Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, M3.131, 3rd Floor William Leech Building, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Jonathan A Batty
- Institute of Cellular Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, M3.131, 3rd Floor William Leech Building, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
- Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - R Dermot G Neely
- Institute of Cellular Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, M3.131, 3rd Floor William Leech Building, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
- Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Vijay Kunadian
- Institute of Cellular Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, M3.131, 3rd Floor William Leech Building, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK.
- Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
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31
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Ranta N, Turpeinen H, Oksanen A, Hämäläinen S, Huttunen R, Uusitalo-Seppälä R, Rintala E, Aittoniemi J, Pesu M. The Plasma Level of Proprotein Convertase FURIN in Patients with Suspected Infection in the Emergency Room: A Prospective Cohort Study. Scand J Immunol 2016; 82:539-46. [PMID: 26346780 DOI: 10.1111/sji.12386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 08/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
There is an increasing need for novel biomarkers that enable better diagnostic and prognostic stratification of patients with suspected infection. A proprotein convertase enzyme FURIN is upregulated upon immune cell activation, and it promotes infectivity by cleaving and activating pathogens. In this study, we determined FURIN levels in plasma using ELISA from 537 patients that were admitted to emergency room with suspected infection. Patients were sorted to high- and low-level FURIN groups with a cut-off level of 370 pg/ml. The study cohort included five diagnostic groups: Group 1, no systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS, n = 59 patients); Group 2, bacterial infection without SIRS (n = 67); Group 3, SIRS, but no bacterial infection (n = 308); Group 4, sepsis without organ failure (n = 308); and Group 5, severe sepsis (n = 49). Statistically significant associations were not found between the plasma level of FURIN and the prevalence of sepsis (P = 0.957), diagnostic group of a patient (P = 0.737) or the bacteria in blood culture (P = 0.499). Additionally, the concentration of FURIN did not predict the severity or case fatality of the infectious disease. However, statistically significant associations were found between high plasma level of FURIN and diagnosed rheumatic disease (P < 0.001) as well as with the prevalence of non-smokers (P = 0.034). Thus, albeit the plasma level of FURIN does not predict the severity of infectious disease, it may be of use in the diagnostics of autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Ranta
- Immunoregulation, BioMediTech, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.,School of Medicine, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - H Turpeinen
- Immunoregulation, BioMediTech, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - A Oksanen
- Immunoregulation, BioMediTech, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - S Hämäläinen
- Immunoregulation, BioMediTech, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - R Huttunen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - R Uusitalo-Seppälä
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Satakunta Central Hospital, Pori, Finland
| | - E Rintala
- Department of Hospital Hygiene & Infection Control, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | | | - M Pesu
- Immunoregulation, BioMediTech, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.,Fimlab Laboratories, Tampere, Finland.,Department of Dermatology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
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32
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Bergeron N, Phan BAP, Ding Y, Fong A, Krauss RM. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibition: a new therapeutic mechanism for reducing cardiovascular disease risk. Circulation 2016; 132:1648-66. [PMID: 26503748 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.115.016080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) plays an important role in the regulation of cholesterol homeostasis. By binding to hepatic low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors and promoting their lysosomal degradation, PCSK9 reduces LDL uptake, leading to an increase in LDL cholesterol concentrations. Gain-of-function mutations in PCSK9 associated with high LDL cholesterol and premature cardiovascular disease have been causally implicated in the pathophysiology of autosomal-dominant familial hypercholesterolemia. In contrast, the more commonly expressed loss-of-function mutations in PCSK9 are associated with reduced LDL cholesterol and cardiovascular disease risk. The development of therapeutic approaches that inhibit PCSK9 function has therefore attracted considerable attention from clinicians and the pharmaceutical industry for the management of hypercholesterolemia and its associated cardiovascular disease risk. This review summarizes the effects of PCSK9 on hepatic and intestinal lipid metabolism and the more recently explored functions of PCSK9 in extrahepatic tissues. Therapeutic approaches that prevent interaction of PCSK9 with hepatic LDL receptors (monoclonal antibodies, mimetic peptides), inhibit PCSK9 synthesis in the endoplasmic reticulum (antisense oligonucleotides, siRNAs), and interfere with PCSK9 function (small molecules) are also described. Finally, clinical trials testing the safety and efficacy of monoclonal antibodies to PCSK9 are reviewed. These have shown dose-dependent decreases in LDL cholesterol (44%-65%), apolipoprotein B (48%-59%), and lipoprotein(a) (27%-50%) without major adverse effects in various high-risk patient categories, including those with statin intolerance. Initial reports from 2 of these trials have indicated the expected reduction in cardiovascular events. Hence, inhibition of PCSK9 holds considerable promise as a therapeutic option for decreasing cardiovascular disease risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Bergeron
- From Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, CA (N.B., R.M.K.); Touro University, College of Pharmacy, Vallejo, CA (N.B., Y.D., A.F.); and University of California, San Francisco (B.A.P.P., R.M.K.).
| | - Binh An P Phan
- From Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, CA (N.B., R.M.K.); Touro University, College of Pharmacy, Vallejo, CA (N.B., Y.D., A.F.); and University of California, San Francisco (B.A.P.P., R.M.K.)
| | - Yunchen Ding
- From Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, CA (N.B., R.M.K.); Touro University, College of Pharmacy, Vallejo, CA (N.B., Y.D., A.F.); and University of California, San Francisco (B.A.P.P., R.M.K.)
| | - Aleyna Fong
- From Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, CA (N.B., R.M.K.); Touro University, College of Pharmacy, Vallejo, CA (N.B., Y.D., A.F.); and University of California, San Francisco (B.A.P.P., R.M.K.)
| | - Ronald M Krauss
- From Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, CA (N.B., R.M.K.); Touro University, College of Pharmacy, Vallejo, CA (N.B., Y.D., A.F.); and University of California, San Francisco (B.A.P.P., R.M.K.).
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Ramos-Molina B, Martin MG, Lindberg I. PCSK1 Variants and Human Obesity. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2016; 140:47-74. [PMID: 27288825 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2015.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PCSK1, encoding prohormone convertase 1/3 (PC1/3), was one of the first genes linked to monogenic early-onset obesity. PC1/3 is a protease involved in the biosynthetic processing of a variety of neuropeptides and prohormones in endocrine tissues. PC1/3 activity is essential for the activating cleavage of many peptide hormone precursors implicated in the regulation of food ingestion, glucose homeostasis, and energy homeostasis, for example, proopiomelanocortin, proinsulin, proglucagon, and proghrelin. A large number of genome-wide association studies in a variety of different populations have now firmly established a link between three PCSK1 polymorphisms frequent in the population and increased risk of obesity. Human subjects with PC1/3 deficiency, a rare autosomal-recessive disorder caused by the presence of loss-of-function mutations in both alleles, are obese and display a complex set of endocrinopathies. Increasing numbers of genetic diagnoses of infants with persistent diarrhea has recently led to the finding of many novel PCSK1 mutations. PCSK1-deficient infants experience severe intestinal malabsorption during the first years of life, requiring controlled nutrition; these children then become hyperphagic, with associated obesity. The biochemical characterization of novel loss-of-function PCSK1 mutations has resulted in the discovery of new pathological mechanisms affecting the cell biology of the endocrine cell beyond simple loss of enzyme activity, for example, dominant-negative effects of certain mutants on wild-type PC1/3 protein, and activation of the cellular unfolded protein response by endoplasmic reticulum-retained mutants. A better understanding of these molecular and cellular pathologies may illuminate possible treatments for the complex endocrinopathy of PCSK1 deficiency, including obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Ramos-Molina
- Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - M G Martin
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Mattel Children's Hospital and the David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - I Lindberg
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States of America.
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34
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Volpe M, Rubattu S. Novel Insights Into the Mechanisms Regulating Pro-Atrial Natriuretic Peptide Cleavage in the Heart and Blood Pressure Regulation. Circ Res 2016; 118:196-8. [DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.115.307875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Volpe
- From the Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Psychology, University Sapienza of Rome, Ospedale S. Andrea, Rome; and IRCCS Neuromed, Angio-Cardio-Neurology Department, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Speranza Rubattu
- From the Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Psychology, University Sapienza of Rome, Ospedale S. Andrea, Rome; and IRCCS Neuromed, Angio-Cardio-Neurology Department, Pozzilli, Italy
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UEYAMA CHIKARA, HORIBE HIDEKI, YAMASE YUICHIRO, FUJIMAKI TETSUO, OGURI MITSUTOSHI, KATO KIMIHIKO, ARAI MASAZUMI, WATANABE SACHIRO, MUROHARA TOYOAKI, YAMADA YOSHIJI. Association of FURIN and ZPR1 polymorphisms with metabolic syndrome. Biomed Rep 2015; 3:641-647. [PMID: 26405538 PMCID: PMC4534873 DOI: 10.3892/br.2015.484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Although genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified various genes and loci in predisposition to metabolic syndrome (MetS) or each component of this condition, the genetic basis of MetS in individuals remains to be identified definitively. The aim of the present study was to examine the possible association of MetS in individuals with 29 polymorphisms that were previously identified as susceptibility loci for coronary artery disease or myocardial infarction by meta-analyses of GWASs. The study population comprised 1,822 subjects with MetS and 1,096 controls. Subjects with MetS had ≥3 of the 5 components of the diagnostic criteria for MetS, whereas control individuals had 0-1 of the 5 components. The genotypes for the 29 polymorphisms were determined by the multiplex bead-based Luminex assay. Comparisons of allele frequencies by the χ2 test revealed that rs17514846 (A→C) of the furin (paired basic amino acid-cleaving enzyme) gene (FURIN; P=0.0006), rs964184 (C→G) of the ZPR1 zinc finger gene (ZPR1; P=0.0078) and rs599839 (G→A) of the proline/serine-rich coiled-coil 1 gene (P=0.0486) were significantly (P<0.05) associated with the prevalence of MetS. Multivariable logistic regression analysis with adjustment for age, gender and smoking status revealed that rs17514846 of FURIN (P=0.0016; odds ratio, 0.76; dominant model) and rs964184 of ZPR1 (P=0.0164; odds ratio, 1.21; dominant model) were significantly associated with MetS. The minor A allele of rs17514846 of FURIN was significantly associated with a decrease in the serum concentration of triglycerides (P=0.0293) and to an increase in the serum concentration of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (P=0.0460). The minor G allele of rs964184 of ZPR1 was significantly associated with increases in the serum concentration of triglycerides (P=6.2×10-9) and fasting plasma glucose level (P=0.0028) and to a decrease in the serum concentration of HDL cholesterol (P=0.0105). FURIN and ZPR1 may thus be susceptibility loci for MetS.
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Affiliation(s)
- CHIKARA UEYAMA
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Gifu Prefectural Tajimi Hospital, Tajimi, Gifu 507-8522, Japan
| | - HIDEKI HORIBE
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Gifu Prefectural Tajimi Hospital, Tajimi, Gifu 507-8522, Japan
| | - YUICHIRO YAMASE
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Gifu Prefectural Tajimi Hospital, Tajimi, Gifu 507-8522, Japan
| | - TETSUO FUJIMAKI
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Inabe General Hospital, Inabe, Mie 511-0428, Japan
| | - MITSUTOSHI OGURI
- Department of Cardiology, Japanese Red Cross Nagoya First Hospital, Nagoya, Aichi 453-8511, Japan
| | - KIMIHIKO KATO
- Department of Internal Medicine, Meitoh Hospital, Nagoya, Aichi 465-0025, Japan
| | - MASAZUMI ARAI
- Department of Cardiology, Gifu Prefectural General Medical Center, Gifu 500-8717, Japan
| | - SACHIRO WATANABE
- Department of Cardiology, Gifu Prefectural General Medical Center, Gifu 500-8717, Japan
| | - TOYOAKI MUROHARA
- Department of Cardiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan
| | - YOSHIJI YAMADA
- Department of Human Functional Genomics, Life Science Research Center, Mie University, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
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Menale C, Piccolo MT, Cirillo G, Calogero RA, Papparella A, Mita L, Del Giudice EM, Diano N, Crispi S, Mita DG. Bisphenol A effects on gene expression in adipocytes from children: association with metabolic disorders. J Mol Endocrinol 2015; 54:289-303. [PMID: 25878060 DOI: 10.1530/jme-14-0282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a xenobiotic endocrine-disrupting chemical. In vitro and in vivo studies have indicated that BPA alters endocrine-metabolic pathways in adipose tissue, which increases the risk of metabolic disorders and obesity. BPA can affect adipose tissue and increase fat cell numbers or sizes by regulating the expression of the genes that are directly involved in metabolic homeostasis and obesity. Several studies performed in animal models have accounted for an obesogen role of BPA, but its effects on human adipocytes - especially in children - have been poorly investigated. The aim of this study is to understand the molecular mechanisms by which environmentally relevant doses of BPA can interfere with the canonical endocrine function that regulates metabolism in mature human adipocytes from prepubertal, non-obese children. BPA can act as an estrogen agonist or antagonist depending on the physiological context. To identify the molecular signatures associated with metabolism, transcriptional modifications of mature adipocytes from prepubertal children exposed to estrogen were evaluated by means of microarray analysis. The analysis of deregulated genes associated with metabolic disorders allowed us to identify a small group of genes that are expressed in an opposite manner from that of adipocytes treated with BPA. In particular, we found that BPA increases the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the expression of FABP4 and CD36, two genes involved in lipid metabolism. In addition, BPA decreases the expression of PCSK1, a gene involved in insulin production. These results indicate that exposure to BPA may be an important risk factor for developing metabolic disorders that are involved in childhood metabolism dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciro Menale
- Department of Experimental MedicineSecond University of Naples, Via S. Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, ItalyNational Laboratory of Endocrine DisruptorsINBB, Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, ItalyGene Expression and Molecular Genetics LaboratoryIBBR - CNR, UOS Napoli Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, ItalyDepartment of WomanChild and General and Specialized Surgery, Second University of Naples, Via Luigi De Crecchio 4, 80138 Naples, ItalyBioinformatics and Genomics UnitMBC Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, 10126 Turin, ItalyBiophysics LaboratoryIGB - CNR, Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy Department of Experimental MedicineSecond University of Naples, Via S. Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, ItalyNational Laboratory of Endocrine DisruptorsINBB, Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, ItalyGene Expression and Molecular Genetics LaboratoryIBBR - CNR, UOS Napoli Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, ItalyDepartment of WomanChild and General and Specialized Surgery, Second University of Naples, Via Luigi De Crecchio 4, 80138 Naples, ItalyBioinformatics and Genomics UnitMBC Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, 10126 Turin, ItalyBiophysics LaboratoryIGB - CNR, Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Piccolo
- Department of Experimental MedicineSecond University of Naples, Via S. Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, ItalyNational Laboratory of Endocrine DisruptorsINBB, Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, ItalyGene Expression and Molecular Genetics LaboratoryIBBR - CNR, UOS Napoli Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, ItalyDepartment of WomanChild and General and Specialized Surgery, Second University of Naples, Via Luigi De Crecchio 4, 80138 Naples, ItalyBioinformatics and Genomics UnitMBC Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, 10126 Turin, ItalyBiophysics LaboratoryIGB - CNR, Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy Department of Experimental MedicineSecond University of Naples, Via S. Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, ItalyNational Laboratory of Endocrine DisruptorsINBB, Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, ItalyGene Expression and Molecular Genetics LaboratoryIBBR - CNR, UOS Napoli Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, ItalyDepartment of WomanChild and General and Specialized Surgery, Second University of Naples, Via Luigi De Crecchio 4, 80138 Naples, ItalyBioinformatics and Genomics UnitMBC Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, 10126 Turin, ItalyBiophysics LaboratoryIGB - CNR, Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Grazia Cirillo
- Department of Experimental MedicineSecond University of Naples, Via S. Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, ItalyNational Laboratory of Endocrine DisruptorsINBB, Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, ItalyGene Expression and Molecular Genetics LaboratoryIBBR - CNR, UOS Napoli Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, ItalyDepartment of WomanChild and General and Specialized Surgery, Second University of Naples, Via Luigi De Crecchio 4, 80138 Naples, ItalyBioinformatics and Genomics UnitMBC Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, 10126 Turin, ItalyBiophysics LaboratoryIGB - CNR, Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaele A Calogero
- Department of Experimental MedicineSecond University of Naples, Via S. Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, ItalyNational Laboratory of Endocrine DisruptorsINBB, Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, ItalyGene Expression and Molecular Genetics LaboratoryIBBR - CNR, UOS Napoli Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, ItalyDepartment of WomanChild and General and Specialized Surgery, Second University of Naples, Via Luigi De Crecchio 4, 80138 Naples, ItalyBioinformatics and Genomics UnitMBC Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, 10126 Turin, ItalyBiophysics LaboratoryIGB - CNR, Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Alfonso Papparella
- Department of Experimental MedicineSecond University of Naples, Via S. Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, ItalyNational Laboratory of Endocrine DisruptorsINBB, Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, ItalyGene Expression and Molecular Genetics LaboratoryIBBR - CNR, UOS Napoli Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, ItalyDepartment of WomanChild and General and Specialized Surgery, Second University of Naples, Via Luigi De Crecchio 4, 80138 Naples, ItalyBioinformatics and Genomics UnitMBC Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, 10126 Turin, ItalyBiophysics LaboratoryIGB - CNR, Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Mita
- Department of Experimental MedicineSecond University of Naples, Via S. Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, ItalyNational Laboratory of Endocrine DisruptorsINBB, Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, ItalyGene Expression and Molecular Genetics LaboratoryIBBR - CNR, UOS Napoli Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, ItalyDepartment of WomanChild and General and Specialized Surgery, Second University of Naples, Via Luigi De Crecchio 4, 80138 Naples, ItalyBioinformatics and Genomics UnitMBC Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, 10126 Turin, ItalyBiophysics LaboratoryIGB - CNR, Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy Department of Experimental MedicineSecond University of Naples, Via S. Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, ItalyNational Laboratory of Endocrine DisruptorsINBB, Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, ItalyGene Expression and Molecular Genetics LaboratoryIBBR - CNR, UOS Napoli Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, ItalyDepartment of WomanChild and General and Specialized Surgery, Second University of Naples, Via Luigi De Crecchio 4, 80138 Naples, ItalyBioinformatics and Genomics UnitMBC Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, 10126 Turin, ItalyBiophysics LaboratoryIGB - CNR, Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Emanuele Miraglia Del Giudice
- Department of Experimental MedicineSecond University of Naples, Via S. Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, ItalyNational Laboratory of Endocrine DisruptorsINBB, Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, ItalyGene Expression and Molecular Genetics LaboratoryIBBR - CNR, UOS Napoli Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, ItalyDepartment of WomanChild and General and Specialized Surgery, Second University of Naples, Via Luigi De Crecchio 4, 80138 Naples, ItalyBioinformatics and Genomics UnitMBC Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, 10126 Turin, ItalyBiophysics LaboratoryIGB - CNR, Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Nadia Diano
- Department of Experimental MedicineSecond University of Naples, Via S. Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, ItalyNational Laboratory of Endocrine DisruptorsINBB, Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, ItalyGene Expression and Molecular Genetics LaboratoryIBBR - CNR, UOS Napoli Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, ItalyDepartment of WomanChild and General and Specialized Surgery, Second University of Naples, Via Luigi De Crecchio 4, 80138 Naples, ItalyBioinformatics and Genomics UnitMBC Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, 10126 Turin, ItalyBiophysics LaboratoryIGB - CNR, Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy Department of Experimental MedicineSecond University of Naples, Via S. Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, ItalyNational Laboratory of Endocrine DisruptorsINBB, Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, ItalyGene Expression and Molecular Genetics LaboratoryIBBR - CNR, UOS Napoli Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, ItalyDepartment of WomanChild and General and Specialized Surgery, Second University of Naples, Via Luigi De Crecchio 4, 80138 Naples, ItalyBioinformatics and Genomics UnitMBC Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, 10126 Turin, ItalyBiophysics LaboratoryIGB - CNR, Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Crispi
- Department of Experimental MedicineSecond University of Naples, Via S. Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, ItalyNational Laboratory of Endocrine DisruptorsINBB, Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, ItalyGene Expression and Molecular Genetics LaboratoryIBBR - CNR, UOS Napoli Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, ItalyDepartment of WomanChild and General and Specialized Surgery, Second University of Naples, Via Luigi De Crecchio 4, 80138 Naples, ItalyBioinformatics and Genomics UnitMBC Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, 10126 Turin, ItalyBiophysics LaboratoryIGB - CNR, Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy Department of Experimental MedicineSecond University of Naples, Via S. Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, ItalyNational Laboratory of Endocrine DisruptorsINBB, Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, ItalyGene Expression and Molecular Genetics LaboratoryIBBR - CNR, UOS Napoli Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, ItalyDepartment of WomanChild and General and Specialized Surgery, Second University of Naples, Via Luigi De Crecchio 4, 80138 Naples, ItalyBioinformatics and Genomics UnitMBC Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, 10126 Turin, ItalyBiophysics LaboratoryIGB - CNR, Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Damiano Gustavo Mita
- Department of Experimental MedicineSecond University of Naples, Via S. Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, ItalyNational Laboratory of Endocrine DisruptorsINBB, Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, ItalyGene Expression and Molecular Genetics LaboratoryIBBR - CNR, UOS Napoli Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, ItalyDepartment of WomanChild and General and Specialized Surgery, Second University of Naples, Via Luigi De Crecchio 4, 80138 Naples, ItalyBioinformatics and Genomics UnitMBC Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, 10126 Turin, ItalyBiophysics LaboratoryIGB - CNR, Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy Department of Experimental MedicineSecond University of Naples, Via S. Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, ItalyNational Laboratory of Endocrine DisruptorsINBB, Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, ItalyGene Expression and Molecular Genetics LaboratoryIBBR - CNR, UOS Napoli Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, ItalyDepartment of WomanChild and General and Specialized Surgery, Second University of Naples, Via Luigi De Crecchio 4, 80138 Naples, ItalyBioinformatics and Genomics UnitMBC Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, 10126 Turin, ItalyBiophysics LaboratoryIGB - CNR, Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
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Turpeinen H, Seppälä I, Lyytikäinen LP, Raitoharju E, Hutri-Kähönen N, Levula M, Oksala N, Waldenberger M, Klopp N, Illig T, Mononen N, Laaksonen R, Raitakari O, Kähönen M, Lehtimäki T, Pesu M. A genome-wide expression quantitative trait loci analysis of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin enzymes identifies a novel regulatory gene variant for FURIN expression and blood pressure. Hum Genet 2015; 134:627-36. [PMID: 25813623 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-015-1546-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2014] [Accepted: 03/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin (PCSK) enzymes cleave and convert their immature substrates into biologically active forms. Polymorphisms in the PCSK genes have been reported to associate with human diseases and phenotypes, including hypercholesterolemia and blood pressure (BP), and targeting PCSKs is considered a promising future form of drug therapy. PCSK processing is readily induced upon upregulation of the enzyme, but the genetic factors contributing to PCSK expression have not been thoroughly characterized. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the genetic regulation of PCSK expression, we performed, for the first time, a genome-wide expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis using mRNA expression in >1400 human peripheral blood samples from the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study and ca. ten million single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The expression data showed clear expression for FURIN, PCSK5, PCSK7 and MBTPS1 (membrane-bound transcription factor peptidase, site 1) mRNAs in virtually all tested samples. A discovery analysis demonstrated a genome-wide significant (p < 5 × 10(-8)) association with the selected PCSK probes for 1024 variants, which were located at ten independent loci. Of these loci, 5/10 could be confirmed to regulate PCSK expression in two additional and independent sample sets. Finally, a phenotypic analysis demonstrated that a novel cis-eQTL SNP rs4702 for FURIN is strongly associated with both diastolic (p = 0.012) and systolic (p = 0.035) BP levels, as well as peripheral vascular resistance (p = 0.003). These findings indicate that the expression of the PCSK enzymes is regulated by genetic factors, which have biological roles in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannu Turpeinen
- BioMediTech, University of Tampere, Biokatu 8, 33580, Tampere, Finland,
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Basak A, Goswami M, Rajkumar A, Mitra T, Majumdar S, O'Reilly P, Bdour HM, Trudeau VL, Basak A. Enediynyl peptides and iso-coumarinyl methyl sulfones as inhibitors of proprotein convertases PCSK8/SKI-1/S1P and PCSK4/PC4: Design, synthesis and biological evaluations. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2015; 25:2225-37. [PMID: 25881830 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2015.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2015] [Revised: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The proprotein convertases PCSK8 and PCSK4 are, respectively, the 8th and 4th members of Ca(+2)-dependent serine endoprotease of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin Kexin (PCSK) super family structurally related to the bacterial subtilisin and yeast kexin. The membrane bound PCSK8 (also called SKI-1 or S1P) is implicated in sterol regulation and lipid synthesis via its role in the maturation of human (h) SREBP-2. It also plays role in cartilage formation, bone mineralization, as well as viral pathogenesis. On the other hand, PCSK4 has been linked to mammalian fertilization and placenta growth. Owing to these findings, interest has grown to develop specific inhibitors against these enzymes for potential biochemical and therapeutic applications. In this study we developed two types of small molecule inhibitors of PCSK8 and PCSK4 and demonstrated their anti-proteolytic activities in vitro cell-free and in vitro cell culture systems. These are isocoumarinyl methyl sulfone derivatives and enediyne amino acid containing peptides. Our in vitro data suggested that one of the 7 sulfone derivatives (methyl phenyl sulfone) inhibited PCSK8 with inhibition constant Ki ∼255μM. It also blocked PCSK8-mediated processing of hSREBP-2 in HepG2 cell in a concentration-dependent manner. However all 7 iso-coumarinyl methyl sulfones inhibited htrypsin with IC50 ranging from 2 to 165μM. In contrast, all our designed enediynyl peptides inhibited PCSK8 and PCSK4 activity with Ki and IC50 in low μM or high nM ranges. All compounds exhibited competitive inhibition as indicated by their enzyme kinetic plots and observed dependence of IC50 value on substrate concentration. Our study confirmed that incorporation at the substrate cleavage site of 'Enediyne amino acid' generates potent inhibitors of PCSK8 and PCSK4. This represents a novel approach for future development of inhibitors of PCSK or other enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajoy Basak
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences Unit, Faculty of Health Science, U Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada; Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, U Ottawa, Canada.
| | - Mukunda Goswami
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences Unit, Faculty of Health Science, U Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada; Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, Department of Biology, U Ottawa, Canada
| | - Abishankari Rajkumar
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences Unit, Faculty of Health Science, U Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Tapobrata Mitra
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, W Bengal, India
| | - Swapan Majumdar
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences Unit, Faculty of Health Science, U Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada; Chemistry Department, Tripura University, Suryamaninagar 799022, India
| | - Paul O'Reilly
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences Unit, Faculty of Health Science, U Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | | | - Vance L Trudeau
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, Department of Biology, U Ottawa, Canada
| | - Amit Basak
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, W Bengal, India
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Wang J, Zhou H, Lu H, Du T, Luo Y, Wilson IBH, Jin C. Kexin-like endoprotease KexB is required for N-glycan processing, morphogenesis and virulence in Aspergillus fumigatus. Fungal Genet Biol 2015; 76:57-69. [PMID: 25687931 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2015.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2014] [Revised: 02/05/2015] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Kexin-like proteins belong to the subtilisin-like family of the proteinases that cleave secretory proproteins to their active forms. Several fungal kexin-like proteins have been investigated. The mutants lacking of kexin-like protein display strong phenotypes such as cell wall defect, abnormal polarity, and, in case of Candida albicans, diminished virulence. However, only several proteins have been confirmed as the substrates of kexin-like proteases in these fungal species. It still remains unclear how kexin-like proteins contribute to the morphogenesis in these fungal species. In this study, a kexB-null mutant of the human opportunistic fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus was constructed and analyzed. The ΔkexB mutant showed retarded growth, temperature-sensitive cell wall defect, reduced conidia formation, and abnormal polarity. Biochemical analyses revealed that deletion of the kexB gene resulted in impaired N-glycan processing, activation of the MpkA-dependent cell wall integrity signaling pathway, and ER-stress. Results from in vivo assays demonstrated that the mutant exhibited an attenuated virulence in immunecompromised mice. Based on our results, the kexin-like endoprotease KexB was involved in the N-glycan processing, which provides a novel insight to understand how kexin-like protein affects the cell-wall modifying enzymes and therefore morphogenesis in fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
| | - Hui Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Hua Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Ting Du
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yuanming Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Iain B H Wilson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna A-1190, Austria
| | - Cheng Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
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The proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin furinA regulates zebrafish host response against Mycobacterium marinum. Infect Immun 2015; 83:1431-42. [PMID: 25624351 DOI: 10.1128/iai.03135-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis is a chronic bacterial disease with a complex pathogenesis. An effective immunity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis requires both the innate and adaptive immune responses, including proper T helper (Th) type 1 cell function. FURIN is a proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin (PCSK) enzyme, which is highly expressed in Th1 type cells. FURIN expression in T cells is essential for maintaining peripheral immune tolerance, but its role in the innate immunity and infections has remained elusive. Here, we utilized Mycobacterium marinum infection models in zebrafish (Danio rerio) to investigate how furin regulates host responses against mycobacteria. In steady-state furinAtd204e/+ fish reduced furinA mRNA levels associated with low granulocyte counts and elevated Th cell transcription factor expressions. Silencing furin genes reduced the survival of M. marinum-infected zebrafish embryos. A mycobacterial infection upregulated furinA in adult zebrafish, and infected furinAtd204e/+ mutants exhibited a proinflammatory phenotype characterized by elevated tumor necrosis factor a (tnfa), lymphotoxin alpha (lta) and interleukin 17a/f3 (il17a/f3) expression levels. The enhanced innate immune response in the furinAtd204e/+ mutants correlated with a significantly decreased bacterial burden in a chronic M. marinum infection model. Our data show that upregulated furinA expression can serve as a marker for mycobacterial disease, since it inhibits early host responses and consequently promotes bacterial growth in a chronic infection.
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Alghamdi RH, O'Reilly P, Lu C, Gomes J, Lagace TA, Basak A. LDL-R promoting activity of peptides derived from human PCSK9 catalytic domain (153-421): design, synthesis and biochemical evaluation. Eur J Med Chem 2015; 92:890-907. [PMID: 25679794 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2015.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2014] [Revised: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High level of Low Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol (LDL-C) in circulation in the blood is associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and stroke. Currently the statin drugs which inhibit the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase responsible for cholesterol synthesis in the liver are very effective in lowering LDL-cholesterol. However these drugs are often associated with serious side effects particularly for ∼10-12% of cases. Therefore there is a need to develop non-statin based cholesterol reducing agents. Recently it was revealed that the secreted Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin Kexin 9 (PCSK9) binds with LDL-receptor (LDL-R) causing its degradation in the lysosome with the result of LDL-C accumulating in the blood. Thus PCSK9 has become an alternative target for development of non-statin cholesterol reducing agents. It is established that the catalytic domain of PCSK9 (aa153-421) and the EGF-A domain of LDL-R (aa314-355) are involved in the above bind leading to the reduction of LDL-R level and accumulation of LDL-C. OBJECTIVE The major goal of this study is to identify peptide/s from the catalytic domain of hPCSK9 that can block the binding of hPCSK9 and LDL-R and therefore can reduce LDL-R degradation leading to the clearance of LDL-C from the plasma. RESULTS Using 51 synthetic linear peptides (P1-P51) of 15aa long with 10 amino acids overlapping sequences spanning the entire catalytic segment of hPCSK9 (aa153-421), we identified two domains of hPCSK9 namely (aa323-358) and (aa365-384) that exhibited strong binding affinity towards synthetic EGF-A peptide. The results were based on mass spectrometry, fluorescence spectroscopy and native gel electrophoresis. Thus peptides containing the above segments in part (P35-P39 and P42-P47) exhibited LDL-R promoting activity when added exogenously to culture medium of growing human hepatic cells like HepG2 and HuH7. The effects were particularly significant with peptides P36, P37, P46 and P47. Interestingly, the first two peptides are present within the disulphide loop Cys(323)-Cys(358) and contain the key gain of function mutation D(374)/Y site while the last two peptides contain another disulphide bridge loop Cys(375)-Cys(378) and the second most potent gain of function mutation R(357)/H. Further studies revealed that S-S bridged cyclic loop peptide hPCSK9(365-384) exhibited the highest (∼3.5-fold) LDL-R promoting activity in both HepG2 and HuH7 when applied at 5 μM concentration level. This effect is completely abrogated when one of the Cys residues is substituted by Ala thereby preventing any S-S bond formation. This suggested its critical role in the bioactivity. It is proposed that LDL-R promoting activity of this and other selected PCSK9 catalytic peptides such as P36, P37, P46 and P47 are most likely mediated via intervention of PCSK9:LDL-R complex formation. Our findings may find useful application in future development of small molecule PCSK9 inhibitors for intervention of hypercholesterolemia and associated cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasha H Alghamdi
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences Unit, Faculty of Health Science, U Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Paul O'Reilly
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences Unit, Faculty of Health Science, U Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Chunyu Lu
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences Unit, Faculty of Health Science, U Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - James Gomes
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences Unit, Faculty of Health Science, U Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Thomas A Lagace
- Lipoprotein Receptor Biology Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 40 Ruskin Street, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4W7, Canada
| | - Ajoy Basak
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences Unit, Faculty of Health Science, U Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada; Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, U Ottawa, 725 Parkdale Ave, Ottawa, ON K1Y4E9, Canada.
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Chen M, Nguyen HT. Our "energy-Ca(2+) signaling deficits" hypothesis and its explanatory potential for key features of Alzheimer's disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2014; 6:329. [PMID: 25489296 PMCID: PMC4253736 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2014.00329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Sporadic Alzheimer's disease (sAD) has not been explained by any current theories, so new hypotheses are urgently needed. We proposed that "energy and Ca(2+) signaling deficits" are perhaps the earliest modifiable defects in brain aging underlying memory decline and tau deposits (by means of inactivating Ca(2+)-dependent protease calpain). Consistent with this hypothesis, we now notice that at least eight other known calpain substrates have also been reported to accumulate in aging and AD. Thus, protein accumulation or aggregation is not a "pathogenic" event, but occurs naturally and selectively to a peculiar family of proteins, and is best explained by calpain inactivation. Why are only calpain substrates accumulated and how can they stay for decades in the brain without being attacked by many other non-specific proteases there? We believe that these long-lasting puzzles can be explained by calpain's unique properties, especially its unusual specificity and exclusivity in substrate recognition, which can protect the substrates from other proteases' attacks after calpain inactivation. Interestingly, our model, in essence, may also explain tau phosphorylation and the formation of amyloid plaques. Our studies suggest that α-secretase is an energy-/Ca(2+)-dual dependent protease and is also the primary determinant for Aβ levels. Therefore, β- and γ-secretases can only play secondary roles and, by biological laws, they are unlikely to be "positively identified". This study thus raises serious questions for policymakers and researchers and these questions may help explain why sAD can remain an enigma today.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Chen
- Aging Research Laboratory, Research and Development Service, Bay Pines Veterans Affairs Healthcare System Bay Pines, FL, USA ; Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Huey T Nguyen
- Aging Research Laboratory, Research and Development Service, Bay Pines Veterans Affairs Healthcare System Bay Pines, FL, USA
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