Heme and erythropoieis: more than a structural role

Elucidating the Role of Human ALAS2 C-terminal Mutations Resulting in Loss of Function and Disease

The conserved enzyme aminolevulinic acid synthase (ALAS) initiates heme biosynthesis in certain bacteria and eukaryotes by catalyzing the condensation of glycine and succinyl-CoA to yield aminolevulinic acid. In humans, the ALAS isoform responsible for heme production during red blood cell development is the erythroid-specific ALAS2 isoform. Owing to its essential role in erythropoiesis, changes in human ALAS2 (hALAS2) function can lead to two different blood disorders. X-linked sideroblastic anemia results from loss of ALAS2 function, while X-linked protoporphyria results from gain of ALAS2 function. Interestingly, mutations in the ALAS2 C-terminal extension can be implicated in both diseases. Here, we investigate the molecular basis for enzyme dysfunction mediated by two previously reported C-terminal loss-of-function variants, hALAS2 V562A and M567I. We show that the mutations do not result in gross structural perturbations, but the enzyme stability for V562A is decreased. Additionally, we show that enzyme stability moderately increases with the addition of the pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) cofactor for both variants. The variants display differential binding to PLP and the individual substrates compared to wild-type hALAS2. Although hALAS2 V562A is a more active enzyme in vitro, it is less efficient concerning succinyl-CoA binding. In contrast, the M567I mutation significantly alters the cooperativity of substrate binding. In combination with previously reported cell-based studies, our work reveals the molecular basis by which hALAS2 C-terminal mutations negatively affect ALA production necessary for proper heme biosynthesis.

Progresses in overcoming the limitations of in vitro erythropoiesis using human induced pluripotent stem cells

Researchers have attempted to generate transfusable oxygen carriers to mitigate RBC supply shortages. In vitro generation of RBCs using stem cells such as hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), embryonic stem cells (ESCs), and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has shown promise. Specifically, the limited supplies of HSPCs and ethical issues with ESCs make iPSCs the most promising candidate for in vitro RBC generation. However, researchers have encountered some major challenges when using iPSCs to produce transfusable RBC products, such as enucleation and RBC maturation. In addition, it has proven difficult to manufacture these products on a large scale. In this review, we provide a brief overview of erythropoiesis and examine endeavors to recapitulate erythropoiesis in vitro using various cell sources. Furthermore, we explore the current obstacles and potential solutions aimed at enabling the large-scale production of transfusable RBCs in vitro.

Heme metabolism in nonerythroid cells

Heme is an iron-containing prosthetic group necessary for the function of several proteins termed "hemoproteins." Erythrocytes contain most of the body's heme in the form of hemoglobin and contain high concentrations of free heme. In nonerythroid cells, where cytosolic heme concentrations are 2 to 3 orders of magnitude lower, heme plays an essential and often overlooked role in a variety of cellular processes. Indeed, hemoproteins are found in almost every subcellular compartment and are integral in cellular operations such as oxidative phosphorylation, amino acid metabolism, xenobiotic metabolism, and transcriptional regulation. Growing evidence reveals the participation of heme in dynamic processes such as circadian rhythms, NO signaling, and the modulation of enzyme activity. This dynamic view of heme biology uncovers exciting possibilities as to how hemoproteins may participate in a range of physiologic systems. Here, we discuss how heme is regulated at the level of its synthesis, availability, redox state, transport, and degradation and highlight the implications for cellular function and whole organism physiology.

Novel mutations in FLVCR1 cause tremors, sensory neuropathy with retinitis pigmentosa

The mutations of the feline leukemia virus subgroup C receptor-related protein 1 (FLVCR1) cause ataxia with retinitis pigmentosa. Recent studies indicated a large variation in the phenotype of FLVCR1-associated diseases. In this report, we describe an adult male who manifested first with tremors in his third decade, followed by retinitis pigmentosa, sensory ataxia, and sensory neuropathy in his fourth decade. While retinitis pigmentosa and sensory ataxia are well-recognized features of FLVCR1-associated disease, tremor is rarely described. Whole-exome sequencing revealed novel compound heterozygous pathogenic FLVCR1 variants: c.498 G > A; p.(Trp166*) and c.369 T > G; p.(Phe123Leu). In addition, we have highlighted the ultrastructural abnormalities of the sural biopsy in this patient.

Blood cytopenias as manifestations of inherited metabolic diseases: a narrative review

Inherited Metabolic Diseases (IMD) encompass a diverse group of rare genetic conditions that, despite their individual rarity, collectively affect a substantial proportion, estimated at as much as 1 in 784 live births. Among their wide-ranging clinical manifestations, cytopenia stands out as a prominent feature. Consequently, IMD should be considered a potential diagnosis when evaluating patients presenting with cytopenia. However, it is essential to note that the existing scientific literature pertaining to the link between IMD and cytopenia is limited, primarily comprising case reports and case series. This paucity of data may contribute to the inadequate recognition of the association between IMD and cytopenia, potentially leading to underdiagnosis. In this review, we synthesize our findings from a literature analysis along with our clinical expertise to offer a comprehensive insight into the clinical presentation of IMD cases associated with cytopenia. Furthermore, we introduce a structured diagnostic approach underpinned by decision-making algorithms, with the aim of enhancing the early identification and management of IMD-related cytopenia.

Nonlinear optical response of heme solutions

Heme is the prosthetic group for cytochrome that exists in nearly all living organisms and serves as a vital component of human red blood cells (RBCs). Tunable optical nonlinearity in suspensions of RBCs has been demonstrated previously, however, the nonlinear optical response of a pure heme (without membrane structure) solution has not been studied to our knowledge. In this work, we show optical nonlinearity in two common kinds of heme (i.e., hemin and hematin) solutions by a series of experiments and numerical simulations. We find that the mechanism of nonlinearity in heme solutions is distinct from that observed in the RBC suspensions where the nonlinearity can be easily tuned through optical power, concentration, and the solution properties. In particular, we observe an unusual phenomenon wherein the heme solution exhibits negative optical nonlinearity and render self-collimation of a focused beam at specific optical powers, enabling shape-preserving propagation of light to long distances. Our results may have potential applications in optical imaging and medical diagnosis through blood.

Differential peripheral immune signatures elicited by vegan versus ketogenic diets in humans

Nutrition has broad impacts on all physiological processes. However, how nutrition affects human immunity remains largely unknown. Here we explored the impact of a dietary intervention on both immunity and the microbiota by performing a post hoc analysis of a clinical trial in which each of the 20 participants sequentially consumed vegan or ketogenic diets for 2 weeks ( NCT03878108 ). Using a multiomics approach including multidimensional flow cytometry, transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomic and metagenomic datasets, we assessed the impact of each diet, and dietary switch, on host immunity and the microbiota. Our data revealed that overall, a ketogenic diet was associated with a significant upregulation of pathways and enrichment in cells associated with the adaptive immune system. In contrast, a vegan diet had a significant impact on the innate immune system, including upregulation of pathways associated with antiviral immunity. Both diets significantly and differentially impacted the microbiome and host-associated amino acid metabolism, with a strong downregulation of most microbial pathways following ketogenic diet compared with baseline and vegan diet. Despite the diversity of participants, we also observed a tightly connected network between datasets driven by compounds associated with amino acids, lipids and the immune system. Collectively, this work demonstrates that in diverse participants 2 weeks of controlled dietary intervention is sufficient to significantly and divergently impact host immunity, which could have implications for precision nutritional interventions. ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT03878108 .

Toxic, genotoxic, mutagenic, and bioaccumulative effects of metal mixture from settleable particulate matter on American bullfrog tadpoles (Lithobates catesbeianus)

Amphibians are more susceptible to environmental stressors than other vertebrates due to their semipermeable skin and physiological adaptations to living in very specific microhabitats. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of a metal mixture from settleable particulate matter (SePM) released from metallurgical industries on Lithobates catesbeianus tadpoles. Endpoints analyzed included metal bioconcentration, morphological (biometrical indices), hematological parameters (hemoglobin and blood cell count), and erythrocyte DNA damage (genotoxicity and mutagenicity). American bullfrog tadpoles (Gosner's stage 25) were kept under control condition (no contaminant addition) or exposed to a sub-lethal and environmentally relevant concentration (1 g.L-1) of SePM for 96 h. Tadpoles exposed to SePM exhibited elevated whole blood levels of Fe56, AL, Sn, Pb, Zn, Cr, Cu, Ti, Rb, V, Ce, La, Ag, As. SePM-exposed tadpoles showed a significant decrease in condition factor (12%) and increases in hepatosomatic index (25%), hemoglobin concentration (17%), and total leukocytes (82%), thrombocytes (90%), and monocytes (78%) abundance. In addition, exposed tadpoles showed higher MN and ENAs (340 and 140%, respectively) frequencies, and erythrocyte DNA damage with approximately 1.2- to 1.8-fold increases in comet parameters. Taken together, these results suggest that the multimetal mixture found in SePM is potentially genotoxic and mutagenic to L. catesbeianus tadpoles, induces stress associated with hematological changes, and negatively affects growth. Although such contamination occurs at sublethal levels, regulatory standards are needed to control the emission of SePM and protect amphibian populations.

Cimetidine Does Not Inhibit 5-Aminolevulinic Acid Synthase or Heme Oxygenase Activity: Implications for Treatment of Acute Intermittent Porphyria and Erythropoietic Protoporphyria

Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is characterized by acute neurovisceral attacks that are precipitated by the induction of hepatic 5-aminolevulinic acid synthase 1 (ALAS1). In erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), sun exposure leads to skin photosensitivity due to the overproduction of photoreactive porphyrins in bone marrow erythroid cells, where heme synthesis is primarily driven by the ALAS2 isozyme. Cimetidine has been suggested to be effective for the treatment of both AIP and EPP based on limited case reports. It has been proposed that cimetidine acts by inhibiting ALAS activity in liver and bone marrow for AIP and EPP, respectively, while it may also inhibit the hepatic activity of the heme catabolism enzyme, heme oxygenase (HO). Here, we show that cimetidine did not significantly modulate the activity or expression of endogenous ALAS or HO in wildtype mouse livers or bone marrow. Further, cimetidine did not effectively decrease hepatic ALAS activity or expression or plasma concentrations of the putative neurotoxic porphyrin precursors 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and porphobilinogen (PBG), which were all markedly elevated during an induced acute attack in an AIP mouse model. These results show that cimetidine is not an efficacious treatment for acute attacks and suggest that its potential clinical benefit for EPP is not via ALAS inhibition.

Single-cell multi-omics defines the cell-type-specific impact of splicing aberrations in human hematopoietic clonal outgrowths

RNA splicing factors are recurrently mutated in clonal blood disorders, but the impact of dysregulated splicing in hematopoiesis remains unclear. To overcome technical limitations, we integrated genotyping of transcriptomes (GoT) with long-read single-cell transcriptomics and proteogenomics for single-cell profiling of transcriptomes, surface proteins, somatic mutations, and RNA splicing (GoT-Splice). We applied GoT-Splice to hematopoietic progenitors from myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients with mutations in the core splicing factor SF3B1. SF3B1mut cells were enriched in the megakaryocytic-erythroid lineage, with expansion of SF3B1mut erythroid progenitor cells. We uncovered distinct cryptic 3' splice site usage in different progenitor populations and stage-specific aberrant splicing during erythroid differentiation. Profiling SF3B1-mutated clonal hematopoiesis samples revealed that erythroid bias and cell-type-specific cryptic 3' splice site usage in SF3B1mut cells precede overt MDS. Collectively, GoT-Splice defines the cell-type-specific impact of somatic mutations on RNA splicing, from early clonal outgrowths to overt neoplasia, directly in human samples.

Effect of Moringa oleifera Leaf Powder on Hematological Profile of Male Wistar Rats

Background

Indonesia is a country with high biodiversity of more than 20,000 plant species, and 35% of them are identified as having health benefits. Moringa oleifera is one plant that almost all of its parts have been used as nutritional supplements and traditional medicines. Moringa leaves contain nutrients, antioxidants, and bioactive substances that have anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and anti-anemia properties.

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the hematological effect of Moringa leaf powder in male Wistar rats under normal conditions.

Methods

Twenty-four male Wistar rats strain (Rattus norvegicus) 9-10 weeks old and 250-275 grams were divided into four groups (n=6), normal as a control group and three other groups were given Moringa leaf powder at doses 200, 400, and 800 mg/kgBW during 12 weeks. Blood samples at week 12 were administered to determine blood count.

Results

The results of this study showed differences between the various doses of Moringa leaf powder for each hematological profile. These differences were more significant for MCH parameters that indicated a decrease in the D800 group compared with the control group.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study revealed that the consumption of Moringa leaf powder for 12 weeks did not have a significant change in the hematological profile, except for the MCH value that revealed a modification.

Cooperative contributions of the klf1 and klf17 genes in zebrafish primitive erythropoiesis

Krüppel-like transcription factors (Klfs), which are characterized by the three conserved C-terminal zinc fingers, are involved in various biological processes, such as haematopoiesis and angiogenesis. However, how the Klf family of transcription factors cooperate in organogenesis remains elusive. During zebrafish embryogenesis, both klf1 and klf17 are expressed in the intermediate cell mass (ICM), where primitive erythroid cells are produced. Using CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technology, we established klf1-klf17 double mutant zebrafish to investigate the functionally interactive roles of the klf1 and klf17 genes. The klf1-klf17 mutant exhibited a diminished number of circulating primitive erythroid cells at 2 days postfertilization (dpf), while klf1 or klf17 single mutants and wild-type embryos produced comparable numbers of primitive erythroid cells. Circulating erythroid cells from the klf1-klf17 mutant possessed larger nuclei at 2 dpf than wild-type cells, suggesting the impairment of primitive erythroid cell maturation. The expression of the erythroid cell maturation markers band3 and mitoferrin, but not the haematopoietic progenitor markers c-myb and scl, was decreased in the klf1-klf17 mutant at 1 dpf. Thus, these results illustrate the cooperative function of klf1 and klf17 in the maturation processes of zebrafish primitive erythroid cells.

Localized Leishmania major infection disrupts systemic iron homeostasis that can be controlled by oral iron supplementation

Leishmania parasites are heavily dependent on efficient iron acquisition from a tightly regulated host iron pool for survival and virulence. Prior studies uncovered multiple strategies adopted by the parasite to hijack the iron-regulatory network of macrophages. Despite these extensive studies with infected macrophages, there is limited knowledge of the effect of Leishmania infection on systemic iron homeostasis. This issue is particularly relevant for Leishmania major, which causes localized skin infection with minimal lymphatic spread. We show for the first time that L. major infection in the mouse footpad induced influx of iron at the site of infection through blood with simultaneous upregulation of transferrin receptor 1 and downregulation of phagolysosomal iron exporter Nramp1 expression in the footpad tissue. Interestingly, localized L. major infection had far-reaching effects beyond the infection site triggering anemia-like symptoms. This was evident from depleted physiological iron stores from the liver and bone marrow as well as reduced hemoglobin levels and deformed erythrocytes. The infected mice also developed splenomegaly with signs of splenic stress erythropoiesis as indicated by upregulation of several erythroid-related genes. These observations prompted us to provide oral iron supplementations to the L. major-infected mice, which resulted in a drastic reduction of the parasite load and restoration of iron homeostasis.

Blood biomarkers as potential malnutrition screening alternatives among adult patients with cancer on treatment in oncology unit of jimma tertiary hospital: A cross-sectional analysis

BACKGROUND

Cancer is becoming the most common global public health concern. Early malnutrition detection and treatment in patients with cancer is an important aspect of cancer management. Although Subjective global assessment (SGA) is a gold standard nutritional assessment tool, it is not routinely utilized due to it is tedious and needs patient literacy. Thus, early detection of malnutrition necessitates alternative parameters comparable with SGA. Therefore this study aims to evaluate serum albumin, Total Protein (TP), and Hemoglobin (Hgb) and their correlation with malnutrition in patients with cancer at Jimma Medical Center (JMC).

METHODS

Facility based cross-sectional study was conducted from October 15 to December 15, 2021 G.C at JMC among a total of 176 adult patients with cancer selected via a systematic sampling technique. Nutritional status and behavioural data were collected using the SGA tool and a structured questionnaire. Five ml of venous blood was collected and the level of serum albumin, TP and Hgb were measured using Cobas®6000 chemistry analyzer and hematology analyzer UniCel DxH 800. Descriptive statistics, independent t-test, Pearson's correlation coefficient (r), and logistic regression analysis were implemented for analysis.

RESULT

From the total of 176 study participants, 69.3% were females and the mean age was 50.1 ± 13.7 years. Based on SGA, 61.4% of the patients were malnourished. There was a significant decrease in the mean level of serum albumin, TP and Hgb in malnourished as compared to well-nourished patients. Serum albumin(r=-0.491), TP(r=-0.270), and Hgb (r=-0.451) had a significant correlation with SGA tool. Stage IV cancer AOR = 4.98 (1.23-20.07), Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer AOR = 3.39(1.29-8.88) and malnutrition AOR = 3.9(1.81-8.4) were significantly associated with hypoalbuminemia. Similarly, age of > 64 years AOR = 6.44(1.55-26.67), GI cancer AOR = 2.92(1.01-6.29) and malnutrition AOR = 3.14(1.43-6.94) were significantly associated with hypoproteinemia; and stage-IV cancer AOR = 3.94(1.11-13.35) and malnutrition AOR = 3.8(1.82-8.2) were significantly associated with low Hgb level.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Altered level of serum albumin, TP and Hgb was correlated with the SGA tool of malnutrition. Therefore, it is suggested to be used as an alternative or additional screening tool for prompt detection of malnutrition in adult patients with cancer.

Effects of rifampicin on porphyrin metabolism in healthy volunteers

Pregnane X receptor (PXR) is known to stimulate haem synthesis, but detailed knowledge on the effects of PXR activation on porphyrin metabolism in humans is lacking. We utilized a randomized, crossover, open (blinded laboratory) and placebo-controlled trial with 600-mg rifampicin or placebo dosed for a week to investigate the effects of PXR activation on erythrocyte, plasma, faecal and urine porphyrins. Sixteen healthy volunteers participated on the trial, but the number of volunteers for blood and urine porphyrin analyses was 15 while the number of samples for faecal analyses was 14. Rifampicin increased urine pentaporphyrin concentration 3.7-fold (mean 1.80 ± 0.6 vs. 6.73 ± 4.4 nmol/L, p = 0.003) in comparison with placebo. Urine coproporphyrin I increased 23% (p = 0.036). Faecal protoporphyrin IX decreased (mean 31.6 ± 23.5 vs. 19.2 ± 27.8 nmol/g, p = 0.023). The number of blood erythrocytes was slightly elevated, and plasma bilirubin, catabolic metabolite of haem, was decreased. In conclusion, rifampicin dosing elevated the excretion of certain urinary porphyrin metabolites and decreased faecal protoporphyrin IX excretion. As urine pentaporphyrin and coproporphyrin I are not precursors in haem biosynthesis, increased excretion may serve as a hepatoprotective shunt when haem synthesis or porphyrin levels are increased.

How to Best Protect Kidneys for Transplantation-Mechanistic Target

The increasing number of patients on the kidney transplant waiting list underlines the need to expand the donor pool and improve kidney graft utilization. By protecting kidney grafts adequately from the initial ischemic and subsequent reperfusion injury occurring during transplantation, both the number and quality of kidney grafts could be improved. The last few years have seen the emergence of many new technologies to abrogate ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, including dynamic organ preservation through machine perfusion and organ reconditioning therapies. Although machine perfusion is gradually making the transition to clinical practice, reconditioning therapies have not yet progressed from the experimental setting, pointing towards a translational gap. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge on the biological processes implicated in I/R injury and explore the strategies and interventions that are being proposed to either prevent I/R injury, treat its deleterious consequences, or support the reparative response of the kidney. Prospects to improve the clinical translation of these therapies are discussed with a particular focus on the need to address multiple aspects of I/R injury to achieve robust and long-lasting protective effects on the kidney graft.

Proteomic Analysis of Ferrochelatase Interactome in Erythroid and Non-Erythroid Cells

Heme is an essential cofactor for multiple cellular processes in most organisms. In developing erythroid cells, the demand for heme synthesis is high, but is significantly lower in non-erythroid cells. While the biosynthesis of heme in metazoans is well understood, the tissue-specific regulation of the pathway is less explored. To better understand this, we analyzed the mitochondrial heme metabolon in erythroid and non-erythroid cell lines from the perspective of ferrochelatase (FECH), the terminal enzyme in the heme biosynthetic pathway. Affinity purification of FLAG-tagged-FECH, together with mass spectrometric analysis, was carried out to identify putative protein partners in human and murine cell lines. Proteins involved in the heme biosynthetic process and mitochondrial organization were identified as the core components of the FECH interactome. Interestingly, in non-erythroid cell lines, the FECH interactome is highly enriched with proteins associated with the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Overall, our study shows that the mitochondrial heme metabolon in erythroid and non-erythroid cells has similarities and differences, and suggests new roles for the mitochondrial heme metabolon and heme in regulating metabolic flux and key cellular processes.

TLR7 modulates extramedullary splenic erythropoiesis in P. yoelii NSM-infected mice through the regulation of iron metabolism of macrophages with IFN-γ

Splenomegaly is a prominent clinical manifestation of malaria and the causes remain incompletely clear. Anemia is induced in malaria and extramedullary splenic erythropoiesis is compensation for the loss of erythrocytes. However, the regulation of extramedullary splenic erythropoiesis in malaria is unknown. An inflammatory response could facilitate extramedullary splenic erythropoiesis in the settings of infection and inflammation. Here, when mice were infected with rodent parasites, Plasmodium yoelii NSM, TLR7 expression in splenocytes was increased. To explore the roles of TLR7 in splenic erythropoiesis, we infected wild-type and TLR7 ^-/- C57BL/6 mice with P. yoelii NSM and found that the development of splenic erythroid progenitor cells was impeded in TLR7 ^-/- mice. Contrarily, the treatment of the TLR7 agonist, R848, promoted extramedullary splenic erythropoiesis in wild-type infected mice, which highlights the implication of TLR7 on splenic erythropoiesis. Then, we found that TLR7 promoted the production of IFN-γ that could enhance phagocytosis of infected erythrocytes by RAW264.7. After phagocytosis of infected erythrocytes, the iron metabolism of RAW264.7 was upregulated, evidenced by higher iron content and expression of Hmox1 and Slc40a1. Additionally, the neutralization of IFN-γ impeded the extramedullary splenic erythropoiesis modestly and reduced the iron accumulation in the spleen of infected mice. In conclusion, TLR7 promoted extramedullary splenic erythropoiesis in P. yoelii NSM-infected mice. TLR7 enhanced the production of IFN-γ, and IFN-γ promoted phagocytosis of infected erythrocytes and the iron metabolism of macrophages in vitro, which may be related to the regulation of extramedullary splenic erythropoiesis by TLR7.

Ferroptosis: a potential therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease

The most prevalent dementia-causing neurodegenerative condition is Alzheimer's disease (AD). The aberrant buildup of amyloid β and tau hyperphosphorylation are the two most well-known theories about the mechanisms underlying AD development. However, a significant number of pharmacological clinical studies conducted around the world based on the two aforementioned theories have not shown promising outcomes, and AD is still not effectively treated. Ferroptosis, a non-apoptotic programmed cell death defined by the buildup of deadly amounts of iron-dependent lipid peroxides, has received more attention in recent years. A wealth of data is emerging to support the role of iron in the pathophysiology of AD. Cell line and animal studies applying ferroptosis modulators to the treatment of AD have shown encouraging results. Based on these studies, we describe in this review the underlying mechanisms of ferroptosis; the role that ferroptosis plays in AD pathology; and summarise some of the research advances in the treatment of AD with ferroptosis modulators. We hope to contribute to the clinical management of AD.

Elucidation of the Role of FAM210B in Mitochondrial Metabolism and Erythropoiesis

Mitochondria play essential and specific roles during erythroid differentiation. Recently, FAM210B, encoding a mitochondrial inner membrane protein, has been identified as a novel target of GATA-1, as well as an erythropoietin-inducible gene. While FAM210B protein is involved in regulate mitochondrial metabolism and heme biosynthesis, its detailed function remains unknown. Here, we generated both knockout and knockdown of endogenous FAM210B in human induced pluripotent stem-derived erythroid progenitor (HiDEP) cells using CRISPR/Cas9 methodology. Intriguingly, erythroid differentiation was more pronounced in the FAM210B-depleted cells, and this resulted in increased frequency of orthochromatic erythroblasts and decreased frequencies of basophilic/polychromatic erythroblasts. Comprehensive metabolite analysis and functional analysis indicated that oxygen consumption rates and the NAD (NAD⁺)/NADH ratio were significantly decreased, while lactate production was significantly increased in FAM210B deletion HiDEP cells, indicating involvement of FAM210B in mitochondrial energy metabolism in erythroblasts. Finally, we purified FAM210B-interacting protein from K562 cells that stably expressed His/biotin-tagged FAM210B. Mass spectrometry analysis of the His/biotin-purified material indicated interactions with multiple subunits of mitochondrial ATP synthases, such as subunit alpha (ATP5A) and beta (ATP5B). Our results suggested that FAM210B contributes prominently to erythroid differentiation by regulating mitochondrial energy metabolism. Our results provide insights into the pathophysiology of dysregulated hematopoiesis.

Zebrafish cox17 modulates primitive erythropoiesis via regulation of mitochondrial metabolism to facilitate hypoxia tolerance

Cox17 is required in the assembly of mitochondrial intermembrane space (IMS) and Cu metallization of cytochrome C oxidase (CcO) in mitochondria as well as Cu homeostasis in cells. Cox deficiency is associated with hematopoietic diseases such as tubulopathy and leukodystrophy, but whether and how cox17 functions in hematopoiesis are still unknown. Here, we report the effects of zebrafish cox17 deficiency on primitive erythropoiesis, mitochondrial metabolism, and hypoxia tolerance. Cox17^-/- larvae were sensitive to hypoxia stress, with reduced primitive erythropoiesis. Meanwhile, cox17^-/- mutants showed a significant reduction in the expression of pivotal transcriptional regulators in erythropoiesis, such as scl, lmo2, and gata1a at 14 h post fertilization (hpf), with expression remaining downregulated for scl but upregulated for lmo2 and gata1a at 24 hpf. Mechanistically, cox17^-/- mutants showed impaired mitochondrial metabolism, coupled with a significant decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP and SAM content, and the ratio of SAM and SAH. Additionally, disrupting mitochondrial metabolism in wild type (WT) larvae treated with carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) could mimic the primitive erythropoiesis defects observed in cox17^-/- mutants. Moreover, cox17^-/- mutants exhibited significantly downregulated WNT signaling and upregulated ER stress, with a significant reduction of beta-Catenin in gata1a⁺ cells and of binding enrichment in both scl and lmo2 promoters of the WNT transcriptional factor TCF4. This is the first report on the novel linkage of cox17 deficiency with defective primitive erythropoiesis and reduced hypoxia tolerance. This study has shed light on the potential mechanism by which Cox deficiency, especially cox17 deficiency, induces Cu homeostasis imbalance, leading to hematopoietic diseases.

The accumulation of miR-125b-5p is indispensable for efficient erythroblast enucleation

Erythroblast enucleation is a precisely regulated but not clearly understood process. Polycythemia shows pathological erythroblast enucleation, and we discovered a low miR-125b-5p level in terminal erythroblasts of patients with polycythemia vera (PV) compared to those of healthy controls. Exogenous upregulation of miR-125b-5p levels restored the enucleation rate to normal levels. Direct downregulation of miR-125b-5p in mouse erythroblasts simulated the enucleation issue found in patients with PV, and miR-125b-5p accumulation was found in enucleating erythroblasts, collectively suggesting the importance of miR-125b-5p accumulation for erythroblast enucleation. To elucidate the role of miR-125b-5p in enucleation, gain- and loss-of-function studies were performed. Overexpression of miR-125b-5p improved the enucleation of erythroleukemia cells and primary erythroblasts. Infused erythroblasts with higher levels of miR-125b-5p also exhibited accelerated enucleation. In contrast, miR-125b-5p inhibitors significantly suppressed erythrocyte enucleation. Intracellular imaging revealed that in addition to cytoskeletal assembly and nuclear condensation, miR-125b-5p overexpression resulted in mitochondrial reduction and depolarization. Real-time PCR, western blot analysis, luciferase reporter assays, small molecule inhibitor supplementation and gene rescue assays revealed that Bcl-2, as a direct target of miR-125b-5p, was one of the key mediators of miR-125b-5p during enucleation. Following suppression of Bcl-2, the activation of caspase-3 and subsequent activation of ROCK-1 resulted in cytoskeletal rearrangement and enucleation. In conclusion, this study is the first to reveal the pivotal role of miR-125b-5p in erythroblast enucleation.

Glutathione-Hemin/Hematin Adduct Formation to Disintegrate Cytotoxic Oxidant Hemin/Hematin in Human K562 Cells and Red Blood Cells' Hemolysates: Impact of Glutathione on the Hemolytic Disorders and Homeostasis

Hemin, an oxidized form of heme, acts as potent oxidant to regulate glutathione (GSH) content in pro-erythroid K562 nucleated cells, via activation of the KEAP1/NRF2 defensive signaling pathway. Moreover, GSH, as an essential metabolite, is involved in the regulation of cell-redox homeostasis and proposed to scavenge cytotoxic free heme, which is released from hemoglobin of damaged red blood cells (RBCs) during different hemolytic disorders. In the present study, we aimed to uncover the molecular mechanism by which GSH inhibits hemin-induced cytotoxicity (HIC) by affecting hemin’s structural integrity in K562 cells and in RBC hemolysates. GSH, along with other thiols (cysteine, thioglycolic acid, and mercaptoethanol) altered the spectrum of hemin, while each of them co-added with hemin in cultures of K562 cells prevented HIC and growth arrest and markedly reduced the intracellular level of hemin. In addition, GSH endogenous levels served as a barrier to HIC in K562 cells, as shown by the depletion in GSH. LC-MS/MS analysis of the in vitro reaction between hemin and GSH revealed at least five different isomers of GSH–hemin adducts, as well as hydroxy derivatives as reaction products, which are characterized by unique mass spectra (MS). The latter allowed the detection of adducts in human RBC hemolysates. Based on these findings, we proposed a molecular mechanism via which GSH prevents HIC and structurally disintegrates heme. An analogous reaction was observed in RBC hemolysates via direct inter-reaction between hematin (ferric and hydroxide heme) released from hemoglobin and GSH. Overall, GSH–hematin adducts could be considered as novel entities of the human metabolome of RBCs in hemolytic disorders.

Endocytosis of the thrombopoietin receptor Mpl regulates megakaryocyte and erythroid maturation in mice

Dnm2fl/fl Pf4-Cre (Dnm2Plt-/- ) mice lacking the endocytic GTPase dynamin 2 (DNM2) in platelets and megakaryocytes (MKs) develop hallmarks of myelofibrosis. At the cellular level, the tyrosine kinase JAK2 is constitutively active but decreased in expression in Dnm2Plt-/- platelets. Additionally, Dnm2Plt-/- platelets cannot endocytose the thrombopoietin (TPO) receptor Mpl, leading to elevated circulating TPO levels. Here, we assessed whether the hyperproliferative phenotype of Dnm2Plt-/- mice was due to JAK2 constitutive activation or to elevated circulating TPO levels. In unstimulated Dnm2Plt-/- platelets, STAT3 and, to a lower extent, STAT5 were phosphorylated, but their phosphorylation was slowed and diminished upon TPO stimulation. We further crossed Dnm2Plt-/- mice in the Mpl-/- background to generate Mpl-/-Dnm2Plt-/- mice lacking Mpl ubiquitously and DNM2 in platelets and MKs. Mpl-/- Dnm2Plt-/- platelets had severely reduced JAK2 and STAT3 but normal STAT5 expression. Mpl-/- Dnm2Plt-/- mice had severely reduced bone marrow MK and hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell numbers. Additionally, Mpl-/- Dnm2Plt-/- mice had severe erythroblast (EB) maturation defects, decreased expression of hemoglobin and heme homeostasis genes and increased expression of ribosome biogenesis and protein translation genes in spleen EBs, and developed anemia with grossly elevated plasma erythropoietin (EPO) levels, leading to early fatality by postnatal day 25. Mpl-/- Dnm2Plt+/+ mice had impaired EB development at three weeks of age, which normalized with adulthood. Together, the data shows that DNM2-dependent Mpl-mediated endocytosis in platelets and MKs is required for steady-state hematopoiesis and provides novel insights into a developmentally controlled role for Mpl in normal erythropoiesis, regulating hemoglobin and heme production.

When Ring Sideroblasts on Bone Marrow Smears Are Inconsistent with the Diagnosis of Myelodysplastic Neoplasms

Ring sideroblasts are commonly seen in myelodysplastic neoplasms and are a key condition for identifying distinct entities of myelodysplastic neoplasms according to the WHO classification. However, the presence of ring sideroblasts is not exclusive to myelodysplastic neoplasms. Ring sideroblasts are as well either encountered in non-clonal secondary acquired disorders, such as exposure to toxic substances, drug/medicine, copper deficiency, zinc overload, lead poison, or hereditary sideroblastic anemias related to X-linked, autosomal, or mitochondrial mutations. This review article will discuss diseases associated with ring sideroblasts outside the context of myelodysplastic neoplasms. Knowledge of the differential diagnoses characterized by the presence of ring sideroblasts in bone marrow is essential to prevent any misdiagnosis, which leads to delayed diagnosis and subsequent management of patients that differ in the different forms of sideroblastic anemia.

Heme Biosynthetic Gene Expression Analysis With dPCR in Erythropoietic Protoporphyria Patients

Background: The heme biosynthesis (HB) involves eight subsequent enzymatic steps. Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the ferrochelatase (FECH) gene, which in the last HB step inserts ferrous iron into protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) to form heme.

Aim and method: The aim of this work was to for the first time analyze the mRNA expression of all HB genes in peripheral blood samples of patients with EPP having the same genotype FECH c.[215dupT]; [315-48T > C] as compared to healthy controls by highly sensitive and specific digital PCR assays (dPCR).

Results: We confirmed a decreased FECH mRNA expression in patients with EPP. Further, we found increased ALAS2 and decreased ALAS1, CPOX, PPOX and HMBS mRNA expression in patients with EPP compared to healthy controls. ALAS2 correlated with FECH mRNA expression (EPP: r = 0.63, p = 0.03 and controls: r = 0.68, p = 0.02) and blood parameters like PPIX (EPP: r = 0.58 p = 0.06).

Conclusion: Our method is the first that accurately quantifies HB mRNA from blood samples with potential applications in the monitoring of treatment effects of mRNA modifying therapies in vivo, or investigation of the HB pathway and its regulation. However, our findings should be studied in separated blood cell fractions and on the enzymatic level.

The Effects of Free Heme on Functional and Molecular Changes During Ex Vivo Normothermic Machine Perfusion of Human Kidneys

Normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) is a technique of kidney preservation designed to restore cellular metabolism after cold ischemia. Kidneys are perfused with an oxygenated banked red blood cell (RBC) based solution for 1h at 36°C. During NMP, RBCs can become damaged, releasing free heme into the perfusate. This can act as a damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) activating inflammatory signalling pathways. The aim of this study was to measure the levels of free heme during NMP, assess the effect on kidney function and determine any association with inflammatory and stress related gene expression. Levels of free heme were measured in perfusate samples from a series of donation after circulatory death (DCD) kidneys undergoing NMP as part of a randomised controlled trial (RCT). The age of RBCs and levels of free heme were correlated with perfusion parameters. Changes in gene expression were analysed in a series of kidneys declined for transplantation using the NanoString nCounter Organ Transplant Panel and qRT-PCR. Older units of RBCs were associated with higher levels of free heme and levels increased significantly during NMP (Pre 8.56 ± 7.19µM vs 26.29 ± 15.18µM, P<0.0001). There was no association with levels of free heme and perfusion parameters during NMP (P > 0.05). Transcriptional and qPCR analysis demonstrated the upregulation of differentially expressed genes associated with apoptosis (FOS and JUN), inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, SOCS3, ATF3), chemokines (CXCL8, CXCL2, CC3/L1) and oxidative stress (KLF4) after NMP. However, these did not correlate with levels of free heme (P >0.05). A significant amount of free heme can be detected in the perfusate before and after NMP particularly when older units of red cells are used. Although transcriptional analysis demonstrated significant upregulation of genes involved with apoptotic, inflammatory and oxidative pathways these were not associated with high levels of free heme.

Translational control by heme-regulated elF2α kinase during erythropoiesis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

HRI is the heme-regulated elF2α kinase that phosphorylates the α-subunit of elF2. Although the role of HRI in inhibiting globin synthesis in erythroid cells is well established, broader roles of HRI in translation have been uncovered recently. This review is to summarize the new discoveries of HRI in stress erythropoiesis and in fetal γ-globin expression.

RECENT FINDINGS

HRI and activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) mRNAs are highly expressed in early erythroblasts. Inhibition of protein synthesis by HRI-phosphorylated elF2α (elF2αP) is necessary to maintain protein homeostasis in both the cytoplasm and mitochondria. In addition, HRI-elF2αP specifically enhances translation of ATF4 mRNA leading to the repression of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling. ATF4-target genes are most highly activated during iron deficiency to maintain mitochondrial function, redox homeostasis, and to enable erythroid differentiation. HRI is therefore a master translation regulator of erythropoiesis sensing intracellular heme concentrations and oxidative stress for effective erythropoiesis. Intriguingly, HRI-elF2αP-ATF4 signaling also inhibits fetal hemoglobin production in human erythroid cells.

SUMMARY

The primary function of HRI is to maintain protein homeostasis accompanied by the induction of ATF4 to mitigate stress. Role of HRI-ATF4 in γ-globin expression raises the potential of HRI as a therapeutic target for hemoglobinopathy.

Crosstalk between Heme Oxygenase-1 and Iron Metabolism in Macrophages: Implications for the Modulation of Inflammation and Immunity

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is an enzyme that catalyzes the degradation of heme, releasing equimolar amounts of carbon monoxide (CO), biliverdin (BV), and iron. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of HO-1 activity are conferred in part by the release of CO and BV and are extensively characterized. However, iron constitutes an important product of HO-1 activity involved in the regulation of several cellular biological processes. The macrophage-mediated recycling of heme molecules, in particular those contained in hemoglobin, constitutes the major mechanism through which living organisms acquire iron. This process is finely regulated by the activities of HO-1 and of the iron exporter protein ferroportin. The expression of both proteins can be induced or suppressed in response to pro- and anti-inflammatory stimuli in macrophages from different tissues, which alters the intracellular iron concentrations of these cells. As we discuss in this review article, changes in intracellular iron levels play important roles in the regulation of cellular oxidation reactions as well as in the transcriptional and translational regulation of the expression of proteins related to inflammation and immune responses, and therefore, iron metabolism represents a potential target for the development of novel therapeutic strategies focused on the modulation of immunity and inflammation.

Hemogen /BRG1 cooperativity modulates promoter and enhancer activation during erythropoiesis

Hemogen, also known as EDAG, is a hematopoietic tissue-specific gene that regulates the proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic cells. However, the mechanism underlying hemogen function in erythropoiesis is unknown. We found that depletion of hemogen in human CD34+ erythroid progenitor cells and HUDEP2 cells significantly reduced the expression of genes associated with heme and hemoglobin synthesis, supporting a positive role of hemogen in erythroid maturation. In human K562 cells, hemogen antagonized the occupancy of co-repressors NuRD complex and facilitated LDB1 complex-mediated chromatin looping. Hemogen recruited SWI/SNF complex ATPase BRG1 as a co-activator to regulate nucleosome accessibility and H3K27ac enrichment for promoter and enhancer activity. To ask if hemogen/BRG1 cooperativity is conserved in mammalian systems, we generated hemogen KO/KI mice and investigated hemogen/BRG1 function in murine erythropoiesis. Loss of hemogen in E12.5-E16.5 fetal liver cells impeded erythroid differentiation through reducing the production of mature erythroblasts. ChIP-seq in WT and hemogen KO animal revealed BRG1 is largely dependent on hemogen to regulate chromatin accessibility at erythroid gene promoters and enhancers. In summary, hemogen/BRG1 interaction in mammals is essential for fetal erythroid maturation and hemoglobin production through its active role in promoter and enhancer activity and chromatin organization.

Inhibition of Heme Export and/or Heme Synthesis Potentiates Metformin Anti-Proliferative Effect on Cancer Cell Lines

Simple Summary

Tumor initiation and progression are sustained by the ability of the cancer cell to reshape its metabolism in a way that favors cell proliferation and survival. Recently, it was shown that heme metabolism contributes to metabolic adaptation of tumor cell and that interfering with heme homeostasis reduces tumor cell growth. Here, we show that the alteration of heme metabolism, either by RNA-interference or pharmacological approaches, increases the sensitivity of tumor cell lines to the antitumor agent metformin. These findings strengthen the concept of targeting heme metabolism to counteract tumor progression.

Abstract

Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Beyond standard therapeutic options, whose effectiveness is often reduced by drug resistance, repurposing of the antidiabetic drug metformin appears promising. Heme metabolism plays a pivotal role in the control of metabolic adaptations that sustain cancer cell proliferation. Recently, we demonstrated the existence of a functional axis between the heme synthetic enzyme ALAS1 and the heme exporter FLVCR1a exploited by cancer cells to down-modulate oxidative metabolism. In colorectal cancer cell lines, the inhibition of heme synthesis-export system was associated with reduced proliferation and survival. Here, we aim to assess whether the inhibition of the heme synthesis-export system affects the sensitivity of colorectal cancer cells to metformin. Our data demonstrate that the inhibition of this system, either by blocking heme efflux with a FLVCR1a specific shRNA or by inhibiting heme synthesis with 5-aminolevulinic acid, improves metformin anti-proliferative effect on colorectal cancer cell lines. In addition, we demonstrated that the same effect can be obtained in other kinds of cancer cell lines. Our study provides an in vitro proof of concept of the possibility to target heme metabolism in association with metformin to counteract cancer cell growth.

Avian eggshell coloration predicts shell-matrix protoporphyrin content

Avian eggshell pigmentation may provide information about a female's physiological condition, in particular her state of oxidative balance. Previously we found that female house wrens (Troglodytes aedon Vieillot, 1809) with lighter, less-maculated, and redder ground-colored shells were older and produced heavier offspring than females laying darker, browner eggs. The strong pro-oxidant protoporphyrin is responsible for this species' eggshell pigmentation, so differences in pigmentary coloration may be related to eggshell protoporphyrin content and reflect female oxidative balance and condition during egg-formation. Therefore, we tested the assumption that egg-surface coloration is related to the amount of protoporphyrin in the shell matrix. We analyzed digital photographs of eggs to determine maculation coverage as a measure of the overall ground coloration of the egg and its red-, green-, and blue-channel pixel values. Pigments were then extracted from these same eggs and analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. There was a strong, positive relationship between eggshell redness and protoporphyrin content of eggshells, but no relationship between percent maculation and protoporphyrin content. Thus, when older, larger females deposit more protoporphyrin in their eggshells, this may reflect a tolerance for high levels of circulating protoporphyrin or an effective mechanism for off-loading protoporphyrin into the eggshell matrix.

Structural basis for dysregulation of aminolevulinic acid synthase in human disease

Heme is a critical biomolecule that is synthesized in vivo by several organisms such as plants, animals, and bacteria. Reflecting the importance of this molecule, defects in heme biosynthesis underlie several blood disorders in humans. Aminolevulinic acid synthase (ALAS) initiates heme biosynthesis in α-proteobacteria and nonplant eukaryotes. Debilitating and painful diseases such as X-linked sideroblastic anemia and X-linked protoporphyria can result from one of more than 91 genetic mutations in the human erythroid-specific enzyme ALAS2. This review will focus on recent structure-based insights into human ALAS2 function in health and how it dysfunctions in disease. We will also discuss how certain genetic mutations potentially result in disease-causing structural perturbations. Furthermore, we use thermodynamic and structural information to hypothesize how the mutations affect the human ALAS2 structure and categorize some of the unique human ALAS2 mutations that do not respond to typical treatments, that have paradoxical in vitro activity, or that are highly intolerable to changes. Finally, we will examine where future structure-based insights into the family of ALA synthases are needed to develop additional enzyme therapeutics.

Triad role of hepcidin, ferroportin, and Nrf2 in cardiac iron metabolism: From health to disease

Iron is an essential trace element required for several vital physiological and developmental processes, including erythropoiesis, bone, and neuronal development. Iron metabolism and oxygen homeostasis are interlinked to perform a vital role in the functionality of the heart. The metabolic machinery of the heart utilizes almost 90 % of oxygen through the electron transport chain. To handle this tremendous level of oxygen, the iron metabolism in the heart is utmost crucial. Iron availability to the heart is therefore tightly regulated by (i) the hepcidin/ferroportin axis, which controls dietary iron absorption, storage, and recycling, and (ii) iron regulatory proteins 1 and 2 (IRP1/2) via hypoxia inducible factor 1 (HIF1) pathway. Despite iron being vital to the heart, recent investigations have demonstrated that iron imbalance is a common manifestation in conditions of heart failure (HF), since free iron readily transforms between Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺via the Fenton reaction, leading to reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and oxidative damage. Therefore, to combat iron-mediated oxidative stress, targeting Nrf2/ARE antioxidant signaling is rational. The involvement of Nrf2 in regulating several genes engaged in heme synthesis, iron storage, and iron export is beginning to be uncovered. Consequently, it is possible that Nrf2/hepcidin/ferroportin might act as an epicenter connecting iron metabolism to redox alterations. However, the mechanism bridging the two remains obscure. In this review, we tried to summarize the contemporary insight of how cardiomyocytes regulate intracellular iron levels and discussed the mechanisms linking cardiac dysfunction with iron imbalance. Further, we emphasized the impact of Nrf2 on the interplay between systemic/cardiac iron control in the context of heart disease, particularly in myocardial ischemia and HF.

GAPDH is involved in the heme-maturation of myoglobin and hemoglobin

GAPDH, a heme chaperone, has been previously implicated in the incorporation of heme into iNOS and soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC). Since sGC is critical for myoglobin (Mb) heme-maturation, we investigated the role of GAPDH in the maturation of this globin, as well as hemoglobins α, β, and γ. Utilizing cell culture systems, we found that overexpression of wild-type GAPDH increased, whereas GAPDH mutants H53A and K227A decreased, the heme content of Mb and Hbα and Hbβ. Overexpression of wild-type GAPDH fully recovered the heme-maturation inhibition observed with the GAPDH mutants. Partial rescue was observed by overexpression of sGCβ1 but not by overexpression of a sGCΔβ1 deletion mutant, which is unable to bind the sGCα1 subunit required to form the active sGCα1β1 complex. Wild type and mutant GAPDH was found to be associated in a complex with each of the globins and Hsp90. GAPDH at endogenous levels was found to be associated with Mb in differentiating C2C12 myoblasts, and with Hbγ or Hbα in differentiating HiDEP-1 erythroid progenitor cells. Knockdown of GAPDH in C2C12 cells suppressed Mb heme-maturation. GAPDH knockdown in K562 erythroleukemia cells suppressed Hbα and Hbγ heme-maturation as well as Hb dimerization. Globin heme incorporation was not only dependent on elevated sGCα1β1 heterodimer formation, but also influenced by iron provision and magnitude of expression of GAPDH, d-aminolevulinic acid, and FLVCR1b. Together, our data support an important role for GAPDH in the maturation of myoglobin and γ, β, and α hemoglobins.

Heme oxygenase-2 (HO-2) binds and buffers labile ferric heme in human embryonic kidney cells

Heme oxygenases (HOs) detoxify heme by oxidatively degrading it into carbon monoxide, iron, and biliverdin, which is reduced to bilirubin and excreted. Humans express two isoforms of HO: the inducible HO-1, which is upregulated in response to excess heme and other stressors, and the constitutive HO-2. Much is known about the regulation and physiological function of HO-1, whereas comparatively little is known about the role of HO-2 in regulating heme homeostasis. The biochemical necessity for expressing constitutive HO-2 is dependent on whether heme is sufficiently abundant and accessible as a substrate under conditions in which HO-1 is not induced. By measuring labile heme, total heme, and bilirubin in human embryonic kidney HEK293 cells with silenced or overexpressed HO-2, as well as various HO-2 mutant alleles, we found that endogenous heme is too limiting a substrate to observe HO-2-dependent heme degradation. Rather, we discovered a novel role for HO-2 in the binding and buffering of heme. Taken together, in the absence of excess heme, we propose that HO-2 regulates heme homeostasis by acting as a heme buffering factor that controls heme bioavailability. When heme is in excess, HO-1 is induced, and both HO-2 and HO-1 can provide protection from heme toxicity via enzymatic degradation. Our results explain why catalytically inactive mutants of HO-2 are cytoprotective against oxidative stress. Moreover, the change in bioavailable heme due to HO-2 overexpression, which selectively binds ferric over ferrous heme, is consistent with labile heme being oxidized, thereby providing new insights into heme trafficking and signaling.

The Seroprevalence of Dengue Virus Infection and Its Association With Iron (Fe) Level in Pregnant Women in Guangzhou, China

Dengue fever is regarded as the most prevalent mosquito-borne viral disease in humans. However, information of dengue virus (DENV) infection in pregnant women and the influence factors remain unclear. In this study, we extracted information of 2,076 pregnant women from the Prenatal Environment and Offspring Health (PEOH) birth cohort conducted since 2016 in Guangzhou, China. Peripheral blood and clean midstream urine samples of participants were collected during their hospitalization for childbirth. Indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies of DENV in serum samples, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was applied to determine the Fe concentrations in the urine samples, which were then adjusted for by urine creatinine and transformed by natural logarithm (ln-Fe). The seroprevalence of DENV IgG antibody in all included participants was 2.22% (46/2,076). We observed higher seroprevalence of IgG antibody in women aged ≥35 years (2.9%), education ≤ 12 years (2.5%), yearly income per capita <100,000 yuan (2.4%), no use of air-conditioner (2.4%), no use of mosquito coils (2.3%), and no exercise during pregnancy (4.1%). A U-shaped relationship was found between ln-Fe concentration and the risk of positive IgG antibody. Compared with women with ln-Fe concentration of 2.0–2.9 μg/g creatinine, slightly higher risks of positive IgG antibody were found among women with ≤2.0 (RR = 4.16, 95% CI: 0.78, 19.91), 3.0–3.9 (RR = 1.93, 95% CI: 0.65, 7.08), 4.0–4.9 (RR = 2.19, 95% CI: 0.65, 8.51), and ≥5.0 μg/g creatinine of ln-Fe (RR = 2.42, 95% CI: 0.46, 11.33). Our findings suggested that the seroprevalence of dengue IgG antibody in pregnant women was comparable to the general population in Guangzhou, China. The risk of DENV infection may be associated with maternal demographic characteristics and behaviors. Both maternal low and high Fe concentrations may be positively associated with the risk of DENV infection.

Progress in the photodynamic therapy treatment of Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis is a serious and endemic infectious disease that has been reported in more than 90 countries and territories. The classical treatment presents a series of problems ranging from difficulty in administration, development of resistance, and a series of side effects. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has already shown great potential for use as a treatment for leishmaniasis that is effective and non-invasive, with very minor side effects. PDT can also be inexpensive and easy to administer. In this review, we will report the most recent developments in the field, starting with the chemical diversity of photosensitizers, highlighting important mechanistic aspects, and noting information that may assist in designing and developing new and promising photosensitizer molecules.

The roles of free iron, heme, haemoglobin, and the scavenger proteins haemopexin and alpha-1-microglobulin in preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction

BACKGROUND

Preeclampsia (PE) is a complex pregnancy syndrome characterised by maternal hypertension and organ damage after 20 weeks of gestation and is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease later in life. Extracellular haemoglobin (Hb) and its metabolites heme and iron are highly toxic molecules and several defence mechanisms have evolved to protect the tissue.

OBJECTIVES

We will discuss the roles of free iron, heme, Hb, and the scavenger proteins haemopexin and alpha-1-microglobulin in pregnancies complicated by PE and fetal growth restriction (FGR).

CONCLUSION

In PE, oxidative stress causes syncytiotrophoblast (STB) stress and increased shedding of placental STB-derived extracellular vesicles (STBEV). The level in maternal circulation correlates with the severity of hypertension and supports the involvement of STBEVs in causing maternal symptoms in PE. In PE and FGR, iron homeostasis is changed, and iron levels significantly correlate with the severity of the disease. The normal increase in plasma volume taking place during pregnancy is less for PE and FGR and therefore have a different impact on, for example, iron concentration, compared to normal pregnancy. Excess iron promotes ferroptosis is suggested to play a role in trophoblast stress and lipotoxicity. Non-erythroid α-globin regulates vasodilation through the endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway, and hypoxia-induced α-globin expression in STBs in PE placentas is suggested to contribute to hypertension in PE. Underlying placental pathology in PE with and without FGR might be amplified by iron and heme overload causing oxidative stress and ferroptosis. As the placenta becomes stressed, the release of STBEVs increases and affects the maternal vasculature.

Heme-dependent recognition of 5-aminolevulinate synthase by the human mitochondrial molecular chaperone ClpX

The caseinolytic mitochondrial matrix peptidase chaperone subunit (ClpX) plays an important role in the heme-dependent regulation of 5-aminolevulinate synthase (ALAS1), a key enzyme in heme biosynthesis. However, the mechanisms underlying the role of ClpX in this process remain unclear. In this in vitro study, we confirmed the direct binding between ALAS1 and ClpX in a heme-dependent manner. The substitution of C¹⁰⁸ P¹⁰⁹ [CP motif 3 (CP3)] with A¹⁰⁸ A¹⁰⁹ in ALAS1 resulted in a loss of ability to bind ClpX. Computational disorder analyses revealed that CP3 was located in a potential intrinsically disordered protein region (IDPR). Thus, we propose that conditional disorder-to-order transitions in the IDPRs of ALAS1 may represent key mechanisms underlying the heme-dependent recognition of ALAS1 by ClpX.

Hemin accumulation and identification of a heme-binding protein clan in K562 cells by proteomic and computational analysis

Heme (iron protoporphyrin IX) is an essential regulator conserved in all known organisms. We investigated the kinetics of intracellular accumulation of hemin (oxidized form) in human transformed proerythroid K562 cells using [¹⁴ C]-hemin and observed that it is time and temperature-dependent, affected by the presence of serum proteins, as well as the amphipathic/hydrophobic properties of hemin. Hemin-uptake exhibited saturation kinetics as a function of the concentration added, suggesting the involvement of a carrier-cell surface receptor-mediated process. The majority of intracellular hemin accumulated in the cytoplasm, while a substantial portion entered the nucleus. Cytosolic proteins isolated by hemin-agarose affinity column chromatography (HACC) were found to form stable complexes with [⁵⁹ Fe]-hemin. The HACC fractionation and Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of cytosolic, mitochondrial, and nuclear protein isolates from K562 cell extracts revealed the presence of a large number of hemin-binding proteins (HeBPs) of diverse ontologies, including heat shock proteins, cytoskeletal proteins, enzymes, and signaling proteins such as actinin a4, mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 as well as several others. The subsequent computational analysis of the identified HeBPs using HemoQuest confirmed the presence of various hemin/heme-binding motifs [C(X)nC, H, Y] in their primary structures and conformations. The possibility that these HeBPs contribute to a heme intracellular trafficking protein network involved in the homeostatic regulation of the pool and overall functions of heme is discussed.

New Insights into the Pivotal Role of Iron/Heme Metabolism in TLR4/NF-κB Signaling-Mediated Inflammatory Responses in Human Monocytes

Iron metabolism and heme biosynthesis are essential processes in cells during the energy cycle. Alteration in these processes could create an inflammatory condition, which results in tumorigenesis. Studies are conducted on the exact role of iron/heme metabolism in induced inflammatory conditions. This study used lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- or high-glucose-induced inflammation conditions in THP-1 cells to study how iron/heme metabolism participates in inflammatory responses. Here, we used iron and heme assays for measuring total iron and heme. We also used flow cytometry and Western blotting to analyze molecular responses. Our results demonstrated that adding LPS or high-glucose induced iron formation and heme synthesis and elevated the expression levels of proteins responsible for iron metabolism and heme synthesis. We then found that further addition of heme or 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) increased heme biosynthesis and promoted inflammatory responses by upregulating TLR4/NF-κB and inflammatory cytokine expressions. We also demonstrated the inhibition of heme synthesis using succinylacetone (SA). Moreover, N-MMP inhibited LPS- or high-glucose-induced inflammatory responses by inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB signaling. Hence, iron/heme metabolism checkpoints could be considered a target for treating inflammatory conditions.

Temporal omics analysis in Syrian hamsters unravel cellular effector responses to moderate COVID-19

In COVID-19, immune responses are key in determining disease severity. However, cellular mechanisms at the onset of inflammatory lung injury in SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly involving endothelial cells, remain ill-defined. Using Syrian hamsters as a model for moderate COVID-19, we conduct a detailed longitudinal analysis of systemic and pulmonary cellular responses, and corroborate it with datasets from COVID-19 patients. Monocyte-derived macrophages in lungs exert the earliest and strongest transcriptional response to infection, including induction of pro-inflammatory genes, while epithelial cells show weak alterations. Without evidence for productive infection, endothelial cells react, depending on cell subtypes, by strong and early expression of anti-viral, pro-inflammatory, and T cell recruiting genes. Recruitment of cytotoxic T cells as well as emergence of IgM antibodies precede viral clearance at day 5 post infection. Investigating SARS-CoV-2 infected Syrian hamsters thus identifies cell type-specific effector functions, providing detailed insights into pathomechanisms of COVID-19 and informing therapeutic strategies.

The Interaction of Hemin, a Porphyrin Derivative, with the Purified Rat Brain 2-Oxoglutarate Carrier

The mitochondrial 2-oxoglutarate carrier (OGC), isolated and purified from rat brain mitochondria, was reconstituted into proteoliposomes to study the interaction with hemin, a porphyrin derivative, which may result from the breakdown of heme-containing proteins and plays a key role in several metabolic pathways. By kinetic approaches, on the basis of the single binding centre gated pore mechanism, we analyzed the effect of hemin on the transport rate of OGC in uptake and efflux experiments in proteoliposomes reconstituted in the presence of the substrate 2-oxoglutarate. Overall, our experimental data fit the hypothesis that hemin operates a competitive inhibition in the 0.5-10 µM concentration range. As a consequence of the OGC inhibition, the malate/aspartate shuttle might be impaired, causing an alteration of mitochondrial function. Hence, considering that the metabolism of porphyrins implies both cytoplasmic and mitochondrial processes, OGC may participate in the regulation of porphyrin derivatives availability and the related metabolic pathways that depend on them (such as oxidative phosphorylation and apoptosis). For the sake of clarity, a simplified model based on induced-fit molecular docking supported the in vitro transport assays findings that hemin was as good as 2-oxoglutarate to bind the carrier by engaging specific ionic hydrogen bond interactions with a number of key residues known for participating in the similarly located mitochondrial carrier substrate binding site.

Use of dual-electron probes reveals the role of ferritin as an iron depot in ex vivo erythropoiesis

In the finely regulated process of mammalian erythropoiesis, the path of the labile iron pool into mitochondria for heme production is not well understood. Existing models for erythropoiesis do not include a central role for the ubiquitous iron storage protein ferritin; one model proposes that incoming endosomal Fe³⁺ bound to transferrin enters the cytoplasm through an ion transporter after reduction to Fe²⁺ and is taken up into mitochondria through mitoferrin-1 transporter. Here, we apply a dual three-dimensional imaging and spectroscopic technique, based on scanned electron probes, to measure Fe³⁺ in ex vivo human hematopoietic stem cells. After seven days in culture, we observe cells displaying a highly specialized architecture with anchored clustering of mitochondria and massive accumulation of nanoparticles containing high iron concentrations localized to lysosomal storage depots, identified as ferritin. We hypothesize that lysosomal ferritin iron depots enable continued heme production after expulsion of most of the cellular machinery.

The use of RNA-based 5'-aminolevulinate synthase 2 biomarkers in dried blood spots to detect recombinant human erythropoietin microdoses

The hematological module of the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) is used for indirect detection of blood manipulations; however, the use of this method to detect doping, such as with microdoses of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO), is problematic. For this reason, the sensitivity of ABP must be enhanced by implementing novel biomarkers. Here, we show that 5'-aminolevulinate synthase 2 (ALAS2) mRNAs are useful transcriptomic biomarkers to improve the indirect detection of rhEPO microdosing. Moreover, the sensitivity was sufficient to distinguish rhEPO administration from exposure to hypoxic conditions. Levels of mRNAs encoding carbonate anhydrase 1 (CA1) and solute carrier family 4 member 1 (SLC4A1) RNA, as well as the linear (L) and linear + circular (LC) forms of ALAS2 mRNA, were monitored for 16 days after rhEPO microdosing and during exposure to hypoxic conditions. ALAS2 mRNAs increased by 300% compared with the baseline values after rhEPO microdosing. Moreover, ALAS2 mRNAs were not significantly increased under hypoxic conditions. By contrast, CA1 mRNA was increased after both rhEPO microdosing and hypoxia, whereas SLC4A1 mRNA did not significantly increase under either condition. Furthermore, the analyses described here were performed using dried blood spots (DBSs), which provide advantages in terms of the sample collection, transport, and storage logistics. This study demonstrates that ALAS2 mRNA levels are sensitive and specific transcriptomic biomarkers for the detection of rhEPO microdosing using the hematological module of the ABP, and this method is compatible with the use of DBSs for anti-doping analyses.

Dual role of heme iron in cancer; promotor of carcinogenesis and an inducer of tumour suppression

PURPOSE

Heme is a crucial compound for cell survival but is also equipped with the potential to be toxic and carcinogenic to cells. However, with the recent advancement of knowledge regarding ferroptosis, the iron mediated cell death, heme can be postulated to induce tumour suppression through ferroptosis. This review summarizes the literature on the carcinogenic and anticarcinogenic properties of heme with specific emphasis on the alterations observed on heme synthesis, metabolism and transport in tumour cells.

METHODS

Literature search was performed in PubMed data base using the MeSH terms 'heme iron or heme', 'cancer or carcinogenesis' and 'tumour suppression' or 'anticarcinogenic properties. Out of 189 results, 166 were relevant to the current review.

RESULTS

Heme supports carcinogenesis via modulation of immune cell function, promoting inflammation and gut dysbiosis, impeding tumour suppressive potential of P53 gene, promoting cellular cytotoxicity and reactive oxygen species generation and modulating Nfr2 /HO-1 axis. The carcinogenic and anticarcinogenic properties of heme are both dose and oxygen concentration dependant. At low doses, heme is harmless and even helpful in maintaining the much-needed redox balance within the cell. However, when heme exceeds physiological concentrations, it could initiate and propagate carcinogenesis, due to its ability to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). The same phenomenon of heme mediated ROS generation could be manipulated to initiate tumour suppression via ferroptosis, but the therapeutic doses are yet to be determined.

CONCLUSION

Heme iron possesses powerful carcinogenic and anticarcinogenic properties which are dosage and oxygen availability dependant.

Cell-type and fetal-sex-specific targets of prenatal alcohol exposure in developing mouse cerebral cortex

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) results in cerebral cortical dysgenesis. Single-cell RNA sequencing was performed on murine fetal cerebral cortical cells from six timed pregnancies, to decipher persistent cell- and sex-specific effects of an episode of PAE during early neurogenesis. We found, in an analysis of 38 distinct neural subpopulations across 8 lineage subtypes, that PAE altered neural maturation and cell cycle and disrupted gene co-expression networks. Whereas most differentially regulated genes were inhibited, particularly in females, PAE also induced sex-independent neural expression of fetal hemoglobin, a presumptive epigenetic stress adaptation. PAE inhibited Bcl11a, Htt, Ctnnb1, and other upstream regulators of differentially expressed genes and inhibited several autism-linked genes, suggesting that neurodevelopmental disorders share underlying mechanisms. PAE females exhibited neural loss of X-inactivation, with correlated activation of autosomal genes and evidence for spliceosome dysfunction. Thus, episodic PAE persistently alters the developing neural transcriptome, contributing to sex- and cell-type-specific teratology.

•

The neurogenic murine fetal cortex contains about 33 distinct cell subtypes

•

Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (PAE) resulted in sex-specific alterations in developmental trajectory and cell cycle

•

PAE females exhibited neural loss of X-inactivation and spliceosomal dysfunction

•

PAE induced sex-independent neural expression of fetal hemoglobin gene transcripts

Hypoxia-Induced Alpha-Globin Expression in Syncytiotrophoblasts Mimics the Pattern Observed in Preeclamptic Placentas

Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy disorder associated with placental dysfunction and elevated fetal hemoglobin (HbF). Early in pregnancy the placenta harbors hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) and is an extramedullary source of erythropoiesis. However, globin expression is not unique to erythroid cells and can be triggered by hypoxia. To investigate the role of the placenta in increasing globin levels previously reported in PE, flow cytometry, histological and immunostaining and in situ analyses were used on placenta samples and ex vivo explant cultures. Our results indicated that in PE pregnancies, placental HSPC homing and erythropoiesis were not affected. Non-erythroid alpha-globin mRNA and protein, but not gamma-globin, were detected in syncytiotrophoblasts and stroma of PE placenta samples. Similarly, alpha-globin protein and mRNA were upregulated in normal placenta explants cultured in hypoxia. The upregulation was independent of HIF1 and NRF2, the two main candidates of globin transcription in non-erythroid cells. Our study is the first to demonstrate alpha-globin mRNA expression in syncytiotrophoblasts in PE, induced by hypoxia. However, gamma-globin was only expressed in erythrocytes. We conclude that alpha-globin, but not HbF, is expressed in placental syncytiotrophoblasts in PE and may contribute to the pathology of the disease.