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Ricard-Blum S, Vivès RR, Schaefer L, Götte M, Merline R, Passi A, Heldin P, Magalhães A, Reis CA, Skandalis SS, Karamanos NK, Perez S, Nikitovic D. A biological guide to glycosaminoglycans: current perspectives and pending questions. FEBS J 2024; 291:3331-3366. [PMID: 38500384 DOI: 10.1111/febs.17107] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Mammalian glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), except hyaluronan (HA), are sulfated polysaccharides that are covalently attached to core proteins to form proteoglycans (PGs). This article summarizes key biological findings for the most widespread GAGs, namely HA, chondroitin sulfate/dermatan sulfate (CS/DS), keratan sulfate (KS), and heparan sulfate (HS). It focuses on the major processes that remain to be deciphered to get a comprehensive view of the mechanisms mediating GAG biological functions. They include the regulation of GAG biosynthesis and postsynthetic modifications in heparin (HP) and HS, the composition, heterogeneity, and function of the tetrasaccharide linkage region and its role in disease, the functional characterization of the new PGs recently identified by glycoproteomics, the selectivity of interactions mediated by GAG chains, the display of GAG chains and PGs at the cell surface and their impact on the availability and activity of soluble ligands, and on their move through the glycocalyx layer to reach their receptors, the human GAG profile in health and disease, the roles of GAGs and particular PGs (syndecans, decorin, and biglycan) involved in cancer, inflammation, and fibrosis, the possible use of GAGs and PGs as disease biomarkers, and the design of inhibitors targeting GAG biosynthetic enzymes and GAG-protein interactions to develop novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Ricard-Blum
- Univ Lyon 1, ICBMS, UMR 5246 University Lyon 1 - CNRS, Villeurbanne cedex, France
| | | | - Liliana Schaefer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Martin Götte
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Münster University Hospital, Germany
| | - Rosetta Merline
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | | | - Paraskevi Heldin
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - Ana Magalhães
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Portugal
| | - Celso A Reis
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Portugal
| | - Spyros S Skandalis
- Biochemistry, Biochemical Analysis & Matrix Pathobiology Res. Group, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Greece
| | - Nikos K Karamanos
- Biochemistry, Biochemical Analysis & Matrix Pathobiology Res. Group, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Greece
| | - Serge Perez
- Centre de Recherche sur les Macromolécules Végétales, University of Grenoble-Alpes, CNRS, France
| | - Dragana Nikitovic
- Laboratory of Histology-Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
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2
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Abu Obaid A, Ivandic I, Korsching SI. Deciphering the function of the fifth class of Gα proteins: regulation of ionic homeostasis as unifying hypothesis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:213. [PMID: 38727814 PMCID: PMC11087313 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05228-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Trimeric G proteins transduce signals from a superfamily of receptors and each G protein controls a wide range of cellular and systemic functions. Their highly conserved alpha subunits fall in five classes, four of which have been well investigated (Gs, Gi, G12, Gq). In contrast, the function of the fifth class, Gv is completely unknown, despite its broad occurrence and evolutionary ancient origin (older than metazoans). Here we show a dynamic presence of Gv mRNA in several organs during early development of zebrafish, including the hatching gland, the pronephros and several cartilage anlagen, employing in situ hybridisation. Next, we generated a Gv frameshift mutation in zebrafish and observed distinct phenotypes such as reduced oviposition, premature hatching and craniofacial abnormalities in bone and cartilage of larval zebrafish. These phenotypes could suggest a disturbance in ionic homeostasis as a common denominator. Indeed, we find reduced levels of calcium, magnesium and potassium in the larvae and changes in expression levels of the sodium potassium pump atp1a1a.5 and the sodium/calcium exchanger ncx1b in larvae and in the adult kidney, a major osmoregulatory organ. Additionally, expression of sodium chloride cotransporter slc12a3 and the anion exchanger slc26a4 is altered in complementary ways in adult kidney. It appears that Gv may modulate ionic homeostasis in zebrafish during development and in adults. Our results constitute the first insight into the function of the fifth class of G alpha proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa Abu Obaid
- Institute of Genetics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences of the University at Cologne, Zülpicher Str. 47A, 50674, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Optometry, Faculty of Modern Sciences, The Arab American University, Yousef Asfour Street, Ramallah, Palestine
| | - Ivan Ivandic
- Institute of Genetics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences of the University at Cologne, Zülpicher Str. 47A, 50674, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sigrun I Korsching
- Institute of Genetics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences of the University at Cologne, Zülpicher Str. 47A, 50674, Cologne, Germany.
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3
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Bourgeais M, Fouladkar F, Weber M, Boeri-Erba E, Wild R. Chemo-enzymatic synthesis of tetrasaccharide linker peptides to study the divergent step in glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis. Glycobiology 2024; 34:cwae016. [PMID: 38401165 PMCID: PMC11031135 DOI: 10.1093/glycob/cwae016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Glycosaminoglycans are extended linear polysaccharides present on cell surfaces and within the extracellular matrix that play crucial roles in various biological processes. Two prominent glycosaminoglycans, heparan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate, are covalently linked to proteoglycan core proteins through a common tetrasaccharide linker comprising glucuronic acid, galactose, galactose, and xylose moities. This tetrasaccharide linker is meticulously assembled step by step by four Golgi-localized glycosyltransferases. The addition of the fifth sugar moiety, either N-acetylglucosamine or N-acetylgalactosamine, initiates further chain elongation, resulting in the formation of heparan sulfate or chondroitin sulfate, respectively. Despite the fundamental significance of this step in glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis, its regulatory mechanisms have remained elusive. In this study, we detail the expression and purification of the four linker-synthesizing glycosyltransferases and their utilization in the production of fluorescent peptides carrying the native tetrasaccharide linker. We generated five tetrasaccharide peptides, mimicking the core proteins of either heparan sulfate or chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans. These peptides were readily accepted as substrates by the EXTL3 enzyme, which adds an N-acetylglucosamine moiety, thereby initiating heparan sulfate biosynthesis. Importantly, EXTL3 showed a preference towards peptides mimicking the core proteins of heparan sulfate proteoglycans over the ones from chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans. This suggests that EXTL3 could play a role in the decision-making step during glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis. The innovative strategy for chemo-enzymatic synthesis of fluorescent-labeled linker-peptides promises to be instrumental in advancing future investigations into the initial steps and the divergent step of glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Bourgeais
- Institut de Biologie Structurale, UMR 5075, University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, 71, Avenue des Martyrs, 38044 Grenoble, France
| | - Farah Fouladkar
- Institut de Biologie Structurale, UMR 5075, University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, 71, Avenue des Martyrs, 38044 Grenoble, France
| | - Margot Weber
- Institut de Biologie Structurale, UMR 5075, University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, 71, Avenue des Martyrs, 38044 Grenoble, France
| | | | - Rebekka Wild
- Institut de Biologie Structurale, UMR 5075, University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, 71, Avenue des Martyrs, 38044 Grenoble, France
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4
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Sreekumar A, Lu M, Choudhury B, Pan TC, Pant DK, Lawrence-Paul MR, Sterner CJ, Belka GK, Toriumi T, Benz BA, Escobar-Aguirre M, Marino FE, Esko JD, Chodosh LA. B3GALT6 promotes dormant breast cancer cell survival and recurrence by enabling heparan sulfate-mediated FGF signaling. Cancer Cell 2024; 42:52-69.e7. [PMID: 38065100 PMCID: PMC10872305 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2023.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer mortality results from incurable recurrences thought to be seeded by dormant, therapy-refractory residual tumor cells (RTCs). Understanding the mechanisms enabling RTC survival is therefore essential for improving patient outcomes. Here, we derive a dormancy-associated RTC signature that mirrors the transcriptional response to neoadjuvant therapy in patients and is enriched for extracellular matrix-related pathways. In vivo CRISPR-Cas9 screening of dormancy-associated candidate genes identifies the galactosyltransferase B3GALT6 as a functional regulator of RTC fitness. B3GALT6 is required for glycosaminoglycan (GAG) linkage to proteins to generate proteoglycans, and its germline loss of function in patients causes skeletal dysplasias. We find that B3GALT6-mediated biosynthesis of heparan sulfate GAGs predicts poor patient outcomes and promotes tumor recurrence by enhancing dormant RTC survival in multiple contexts, and does so via a B3GALT6-heparan sulfate/HS6ST1-heparan 6-O-sulfation/FGF1-FGFR2 signaling axis. These findings implicate B3GALT6 in cancer and nominate FGFR2 inhibition as a promising approach to eradicate dormant RTCs and prevent recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amulya Sreekumar
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Michelle Lu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Biswa Choudhury
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Glycobiology Research and Training Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Tien-Chi Pan
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Dhruv K Pant
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Matthew R Lawrence-Paul
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Christopher J Sterner
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - George K Belka
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Takashi Toriumi
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Brian A Benz
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Matias Escobar-Aguirre
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Francesco E Marino
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Esko
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Glycobiology Research and Training Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Lewis A Chodosh
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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5
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Syx D, Delbaere S, Bui C, De Clercq A, Larson G, Mizumoto S, Kosho T, Fournel-Gigleux S, Malfait F. Alterations in glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis associated with the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2022; 323:C1843-C1859. [PMID: 35993517 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00127.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Proteoglycans consist of a core protein substituted with one or more glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains and execute versatile functions during many physiological and pathological processes. The biosynthesis of GAG chains is a complex process that depends on the concerted action of a variety of enzymes. Central to the biosynthesis of heparan sulfate (HS) and chondroitin sulfate/dermatan sulfate (CS/DS) GAG chains is the formation of a tetrasaccharide linker region followed by biosynthesis of HS or CS/DS-specific repeating disaccharide units, which then undergo modifications and epimerization. The importance of these biosynthetic enzymes is illustrated by several severe pleiotropic disorders that arise upon their deficiency. The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) constitute a special group among these disorders. Although most EDS types are caused by defects in fibrillar types I, III, or V collagen, or their modifying enzymes, a few rare EDS types have recently been linked to defects in GAG biosynthesis. Spondylodysplastic EDS (spEDS) is caused by defective formation of the tetrasaccharide linker region, either due to β4GalT7 or β3GalT6 deficiency, whereas musculocontractural EDS (mcEDS) results from deficiency of D4ST1 or DS-epi1, impairing DS formation. This narrative review highlights the consequences of GAG deficiency in these specific EDS types, summarizes the associated phenotypic features and the molecular spectrum of reported pathogenic variants, and defines the current knowledge on the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms based on studies in patient-derived material, in vitro analyses, and animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delfien Syx
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sarah Delbaere
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Adelbert De Clercq
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Ostend, Belgium
| | - Göran Larson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Shuji Mizumoto
- Department of Pathobiochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Meijo University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tomoki Kosho
- Center for Medical Genetics, Shinshu University Hospital, Matsumoto, Japan.,Department of Medical Genetics, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | | | - Fransiska Malfait
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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6
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Nikpour M, Noborn F, Nilsson J, Van Damme T, Kaye O, Syx D, Malfait F, Larson G. Glycosaminoglycan linkage region of urinary bikunin as a potentially useful biomarker for
β3GalT6
‐deficient spondylodysplastic
Ehlers–Danlos
syndrome. JIMD Rep 2022; 63:462-467. [PMID: 36101818 PMCID: PMC9458601 DOI: 10.1002/jmd2.12311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The spondylodysplastic type of Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (spEDS) is caused by genetic defects in the B4GALT7 or B3GALT6 genes both deranging the biosynthesis of the glycosaminoglycan linkage region of chondroitin/dermatan sulfate and heparan sulfate proteoglycans. In this study, we have analyzed the linkage regions of urinary chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans of three siblings, diagnosed with spEDS and carrying biallelic pathogenic variants of the B3GALT6 gene. Proteoglycans were digested with trypsin, glycopeptides enriched on anion‐exchange columns, depolymerized with chondroitinase ABC, and analyzed by nLC‐MS/MS. In urine of the unaffected mother, the dominating glycopeptide of bikunin/protein AMBP appeared as only one dominating (99.9%) peak with the canonical tetrasaccharide linkage region modification. In contrast, the samples of the three affected siblings contained two different glycopeptide peaks, corresponding to the canonical tetrasaccharide and to the non‐canonical trisaccharide linkage region modifications in individual ratios of 61/38, 73/27, and 59/41. We propose that the relative distribution of glycosaminoglycan linkage regions of urinary bikunin glycopeptides may serve as a phenotypic biomarker in a diagnostic test but also as a biomarker to follow the effect of future therapies in affected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahnaz Nikpour
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy University of Gothenburg Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Fredrik Noborn
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy University of Gothenburg Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Jonas Nilsson
- Proteomics Core Facility, Sahlgrenska Academy University of Gothenburg Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Tim Van Damme
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Center for Medical Genetics Ghent University Hospital Ghent Belgium
| | | | - Delfien Syx
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Center for Medical Genetics Ghent University Hospital Ghent Belgium
| | - Fransiska Malfait
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Center for Medical Genetics Ghent University Hospital Ghent Belgium
| | - Göran Larson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy University of Gothenburg Gothenburg Sweden
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry Sahlgrenska University Hospital Gothenburg Sweden
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7
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Habicher J, Varshney GK, Waldmann L, Snitting D, Allalou A, Zhang H, Ghanem A, Öhman Mägi C, Dierker T, Kjellén L, Burgess SM, Ledin J. Chondroitin/dermatan sulfate glycosyltransferase genes are essential for craniofacial development. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010067. [PMID: 35192612 PMCID: PMC8896900 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Chondroitin/dermatan sulfate (CS/DS) proteoglycans are indispensable for animal development and homeostasis but the large number of enzymes involved in their biosynthesis have made CS/DS function a challenging problem to study genetically. In our study, we generated loss-of-function alleles in zebrafish genes encoding CS/DS biosynthetic enzymes and characterized the effect on development in single and double mutants. Homozygous mutants in chsy1, csgalnact1a, csgalnat2, chpfa, ust and chst7, respectively, develop to adults. However, csgalnact1a-/- fish develop distinct craniofacial defects while the chsy1-/- skeletal phenotype is milder and the remaining mutants display no gross morphological abnormalities. These results suggest a high redundancy for the CS/DS biosynthetic enzymes and to further reduce CS/DS biosynthesis we combined mutant alleles. The craniofacial phenotype is further enhanced in csgalnact1a-/-;chsy1-/- adults and csgalnact1a-/-;csgalnact2-/- larvae. While csgalnact1a-/-;csgalnact2-/- was the most affected allele combination in our study, CS/DS is still not completely abolished. Transcriptome analysis of chsy1-/-, csgalnact1a-/-and csgalnact1a-/-;csgalnact2-/- larvae revealed that the expression had changed in a similar way in the three mutant lines but no differential expression was found in any of fifty GAG biosynthesis enzymes identified. Thus, zebrafish larvae do not increase transcription of GAG biosynthesis genes as a consequence of decreased CS/DS biosynthesis. The new zebrafish lines develop phenotypes similar to clinical characteristics of several human congenital disorders making the mutants potentially useful to study disease mechanisms and treatment. The components of the extracellular matrix are crucial for interactions and communication between cells during animal development and disease progression. One major component of the extracellular matrix is chondroitin sulfate/dermatan sulfate (CS/DS) proteoglycans, which support and modify cell functions and tissue homeostasis. The biosynthesis of CS/DS is complex and no genetic models have been developed to specifically reduce CS/DS in the zebrafish model organism. We have used CRISPR/Cas9 technology to knock out key CS/DS biosynthesis genes. We find that knocking out single genes rarely causes major effects on zebrafish morphology and viability, but by combining several knockout alleles we could observe malformations in the zebrafish craniofacial skeleton. In addition, one combination of alleles was embryonic lethal. Our findings describe the role of CS/DS in the development of the head skeleton and give insights in the regulation of genes involved in CS/DS biosynthesis. The zebrafish mutants generated in this study can be used as tools to further study human diseases caused by mutations in CS/DS biosynthesis enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Habicher
- Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
- * E-mail: (JH); (JL)
| | - Gaurav K. Varshney
- Genes & Human Disease Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Laura Waldmann
- Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Daniel Snitting
- Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Amin Allalou
- Department of Information Technology, and SciLifeLab BioImage Informatics Facility, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Hanqing Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Medical Genetics and Genomics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Abdurrahman Ghanem
- Department for Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Caroline Öhman Mägi
- Department for Engineering Sciences, Applied Materials Science, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Tabea Dierker
- Department for Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lena Kjellén
- Department for Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Shawn M. Burgess
- Translational and Functional Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Johan Ledin
- Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- * E-mail: (JH); (JL)
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8
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The Ehlers–Danlos Syndromes against the Backdrop of Inborn Errors of Metabolism. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13020265. [PMID: 35205310 PMCID: PMC8872221 DOI: 10.3390/genes13020265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The Ehlers–Danlos syndromes are a group of multisystemic heritable connective tissue disorders with clinical presentations that range from multiple congenital malformations, over adolescent-onset debilitating or even life-threatening complications of connective tissue fragility, to mild conditions that remain undiagnosed in adulthood. To date, thirteen different EDS types have been recognized, stemming from genetic defects in 20 different genes. While initial biochemical and molecular analyses mainly discovered defects in genes coding for the fibrillar collagens type I, III and V or their modifying enzymes, recent discoveries have linked EDS to defects in non-collagenous matrix glycoproteins, in proteoglycan biosynthesis and in the complement pathway. This genetic heterogeneity explains the important clinical heterogeneity among and within the different EDS types. Generalized joint hypermobility and skin hyperextensibility with cutaneous fragility, atrophic scarring and easy bruising are defining manifestations of EDS; however, other signs and symptoms of connective tissue fragility, such as complications of vascular and internal organ fragility, orocraniofacial abnormalities, neuromuscular involvement and ophthalmological complications are variably present in the different types of EDS. These features may help to differentiate between the different EDS types but also evoke a wide differential diagnosis, including different inborn errors of metabolism. In this narrative review, we will discuss the clinical presentation of EDS within the context of inborn errors of metabolism, give a brief overview of their underlying genetic defects and pathophysiological mechanisms and provide a guide for the diagnostic approach.
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9
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Malfait F, Colman M, Vroman R, De Wandele I, Rombaut L, Miller RE, Malfait AM, Syx D. Pain in the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes: Mechanisms, models, and challenges. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS. PART C, SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2021; 187:429-445. [PMID: 34797601 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pain is one of the most common, yet poorly studied, complaints in people suffering from Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS). This heterogeneous group of heritable connective tissue disorders is typically characterized by skin hyperextensibility, joint hypermobility, and generalized connective tissue fragility. Most EDS types are caused by genetic defects that affect connective tissue biosynthesis, thereby compromising collagen biosynthesis or fibrillogenesis and resulting in a disorganized extracellular matrix. Even though chronic pain is a major source of disability, functional impairment, and psychosocial suffering in EDS, currently used analgesics and other treatment strategies provide inadequate pain relief and thus represents an important unmet medical need. An important contributor to this is the lack of knowledge about the underlying mechanisms. In this narrative review, we summarize the current understanding of pain and the associated mechanisms in EDS based on clinical studies focusing on questionnaires and experimental pain testing as well as studies in animal models of EDS. In addition, we highlight the challenges, gaps, and opportunities in EDS-pain research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fransiska Malfait
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marlies Colman
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Robin Vroman
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Inge De Wandele
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lies Rombaut
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rachel E Miller
- Division of Rheumatology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Anne-Marie Malfait
- Division of Rheumatology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Delfien Syx
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Vroman R, Malfait AM, Miller RE, Malfait F, Syx D. Animal Models of Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes: Phenotype, Pathogenesis, and Translational Potential. Front Genet 2021; 12:726474. [PMID: 34712265 PMCID: PMC8547655 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.726474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of heritable connective tissues disorders mainly characterized by skin hyperextensibility, joint hypermobility and generalized tissue fragility. Currently, 14 EDS subtypes each with particular phenotypic features are recognized and are caused by genetic defects in 20 different genes. All of these genes are involved in the biosynthesis and/or fibrillogenesis of collagens at some level. Although great progress has been made in elucidating the molecular basis of different EDS subtypes, the pathogenic mechanisms underlying the observed phenotypes remain poorly understood, and consequentially, adequate treatment and management options for these conditions remain scarce. To date, several animal models, mainly mice and zebrafish, have been described with defects in 14 of the 20 hitherto known EDS-associated genes. These models have been instrumental in discerning the functions and roles of the corresponding proteins during development, maturation and repair and in portraying their roles during collagen biosynthesis and/or fibrillogenesis, for some even before their contribution to an EDS phenotype was elucidated. Additionally, extensive phenotypical characterization of these models has shown that they largely phenocopy their human counterparts, with recapitulation of several clinical hallmarks of the corresponding EDS subtype, including dermatological, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and ocular features, as well as biomechanical and ultrastructural similarities in tissues. In this narrative review, we provide a comprehensive overview of animal models manifesting phenotypes that mimic EDS with a focus on engineered mouse and zebrafish models, and their relevance in past and future EDS research. Additionally, we briefly discuss domestic animals with naturally occurring EDS phenotypes. Collectively, these animal models have only started to reveal glimpses into the pathophysiological aspects associated with EDS and will undoubtably continue to play critical roles in EDS research due to their tremendous potential for pinpointing (common) signaling pathways, unveiling possible therapeutic targets and providing opportunities for preclinical therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Vroman
- Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anne-Marie Malfait
- Division of Rheumatology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Rachel E. Miller
- Division of Rheumatology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Fransiska Malfait
- Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Delfien Syx
- Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Noborn F, Nikpour M, Persson A, Nilsson J, Larson G. Expanding the Chondroitin Sulfate Glycoproteome - But How Far? Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:695970. [PMID: 34490248 PMCID: PMC8418075 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.695970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) are found at cell surfaces and in connective tissues, where they interact with a multitude of proteins involved in various pathophysiological processes. From a methodological perspective, the identification of CSPGs is challenging, as the identification requires the combined sequencing of specific core proteins, together with the characterization of the CS polysaccharide modification(s). According to the current notion of CSPGs, they are often considered in relation to a functional role in which a given proteoglycan regulates a specific function in cellular physiology. Recent advances in glycoproteomic methods have, however, enabled the identification of numerous novel chondroitin sulfate core proteins, and their glycosaminoglycan attachment sites, in humans and in various animal models. In addition, these methods have revealed unexpected structural complexity even in the linkage regions. These findings indicate that the number and structural complexity of CSPGs are much greater than previously perceived. In light of these findings, the prospect of finding additional CSPGs, using improved methods for structural and functional characterizations, and studying novel sample matrices in humans and in animal models is discussed. Further, as many of the novel CSPGs are found in low abundance and with not yet assigned functions, these findings may challenge the traditional notion of defining proteoglycans. Therefore, the concept of proteoglycans is considered, discussing whether "a proteoglycan" should be defined mainly on the basis of an assigned function or on the structural evidence of its existence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredrik Noborn
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mahnaz Nikpour
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Andrea Persson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jonas Nilsson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Proteomics Core Facility, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Göran Larson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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