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Adla SK, Virtanen H, Thongsodsaeng T, Huttunen KM. Amino acid transporters in neurological disorders and neuroprotective effects of cysteine derivatives. Neurochem Int 2024; 177:105771. [PMID: 38761853 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2024.105771] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
For most diseases and disorders occurring in the brain, the full causes behind them are yet unknown, but many show signs of dysfunction of amino acid transporters or abnormalities in amino acid metabolism. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) plays a key role in supporting the function of the central nervous system (CNS). Because of its unique structure, the BBB can maintain the optimal environment for CNS by controlling the passage of hydrophilic molecules from blood to the brain. Nutrients, such as amino acids, can cross the BBB via specific transporters. Many amino acids are essential for CNS function, and dysfunction of these amino acid transporters can lead to abnormalities in amino acid levels. This has been linked to causes behind certain genetic brain diseases, such as schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, and Huntington's disease (HD). One example of crucial amino acids is L-Cys, the rate-limiting factor in the biosynthesis of an important antioxidant, glutathione (GSH). Deficiency of L-Cys and GSH has been linked to oxidative stress and has been shown as a plausible cause behind certain CNS diseases, like schizophrenia and HD. This review presents the current status of potential L-Cys therapies and gives future directions that can be taken to improve amino acid transportation related to distinct CNS diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santosh Kumar Adla
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Heinileena Virtanen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Thanavit Thongsodsaeng
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Kristiina M Huttunen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
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Giron LB, Peluso MJ, Ding J, Kenny G, Zilberstein NF, Koshy J, Hong KY, Rasmussen H, Miller GE, Bishehsari F, Balk RA, Moy JN, Hoh R, Lu S, Goldman AR, Tang HY, Yee BC, Chenna A, Winslow JW, Petropoulos CJ, Kelly JD, Wasse H, Martin JN, Liu Q, Keshavarzian A, Landay A, Deeks SG, Henrich TJ, Abdel-Mohsen M. Markers of fungal translocation are elevated during post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 and induce NF-κB signaling. JCI Insight 2022; 7:160989. [PMID: 35727635 PMCID: PMC9462470 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.160989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Long COVID, a type of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC), has been associated with sustained elevated levels of immune activation and inflammation. However, the mechanisms that drive this inflammation remain unknown. Inflammation during acute coronavirus disease 2019 could be exacerbated by microbial translocation (from the gut and/or lung) to blood. Whether microbial translocation contributes to inflammation during PASC is unknown. We did not observe a significant elevation in plasma markers of bacterial translocation during PASC. However, we observed higher levels of fungal translocation — measured as β-glucan, a fungal cell wall polysaccharide — in the plasma of individuals experiencing PASC compared with those without PASC or SARS-CoV-2–negative controls. The higher β-glucan correlated with higher inflammation and elevated levels of host metabolites involved in activating N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (such as metabolites within the tryptophan catabolism pathway) with established neurotoxic properties. Mechanistically, β-glucan can directly induce inflammation by binding to myeloid cells (via Dectin-1) and activating Syk/NF-κB signaling. Using a Dectin-1/NF-κB reporter model, we found that plasma from individuals experiencing PASC induced higher NF-κB signaling compared with plasma from negative controls. This higher NF-κB signaling was abrogated by piceatannol (Syk inhibitor). These data suggest a potential targetable mechanism linking fungal translocation and inflammation during PASC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila B Giron
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, United States of America
| | - Michael J Peluso
- The University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States of America
| | - Jianyi Ding
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, United States of America
| | - Grace Kenny
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Jane Koshy
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, United States of America
| | - Kai Ying Hong
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, United States of America
| | - Heather Rasmussen
- Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, United States of America
| | - Gregory E Miller
- Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, Chicago, United States of America
| | - Faraz Bishehsari
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University, Chicago, United States of America
| | - Robert A Balk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University, Chicago, United States of America
| | - James N Moy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University, Chicago, United States of America
| | - Rebecca Hoh
- Department of Medicine, The University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States of America
| | - Scott Lu
- Department of Medicine, The University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States of America
| | - Aaron R Goldman
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, United States of America
| | - Hsin-Yao Tang
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, United States of America
| | - Brandon C Yee
- Monogram Biosciences, South San Francisco, United States of America
| | - Ahmed Chenna
- Oncology Group, Monogram Biosciences, South San Francisco, United States of America
| | - John W Winslow
- Oncology Group, Monogram Biosciences, South San Francisco, United States of America
| | | | - J Daniel Kelly
- Department of Medicine, The University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States of America
| | - Haimanot Wasse
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University, Chicago, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey N Martin
- Department of Medicine, The University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States of America
| | - Qin Liu
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, United States of America
| | - Ali Keshavarzian
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Rush University, Chicago, United States of America
| | - Alan Landay
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University, Chicago, United States of America
| | - Steven G Deeks
- The University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States of America
| | - Timothy J Henrich
- Department of Medicine, The University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States of America
| | - Mohamed Abdel-Mohsen
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, United States of America
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Spiegel R, Schwahn BC, Squires L, Confer N. Molybdenum cofactor deficiency: A natural history. J Inherit Metab Dis 2022; 45:456-469. [PMID: 35192225 PMCID: PMC9313850 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Molybdenum cofactor deficiency (MoCD) includes three ultrarare autosomal recessive inborn errors of metabolism (MoCD type A [MoCD-A], MoCD-B, and MoCD-C) that cause sulfite intoxication disorders. This natural history study analyzed retrospective data for 58 living or deceased patients (MoCD-A, n = 41; MoCD-B, n = 17). MoCD genotype, survival, neuroimaging, and medical history were assessed retrospectively. Prospective biomarker data were collected for 21 living MoCD patients. The primary endpoint was survival to 1 year of age in MoCD-A patients. Of the 58 MoCD patients, 49 (MoCD-A, n = 36; MoCD-B, n = 13) had first presenting symptoms by Day 28 (neonatal onset; median: 2 and 4 days, respectively). One-year survival rates were 77.4% (overall), 71.8% (neonatal onset MoCD-A), and 76.9% (neonatal onset MoCD-B); median ages at death were 2.4, 2.4, and 2.2 years, respectively. The most common presenting symptoms in the overall population were seizures (60.3%) and feeding difficulties (53.4%). Sequelae included profound developmental delay, truncal hypotonia, limb hypertonia that evolved to spastic quadriplegia or diplegia, dysmorphic features, and acquired microcephaly. In MoCD-A and MoCD-B, plasma and urinary xanthine and S-sulfocysteine concentrations were high; urate remained below the normal reference range. MOCS1 mutation homozygosity was common. Six novel mutations were identified. MoCD is a severe neurodegenerative disorder that often manifests during the neonatal period with intractable seizures and feeding difficulties, with rapidly progressive significant neurologic disabilities and high 1-year mortality rates. Delineation of MoCD natural history supports evaluations of emerging replacement therapy with cPMP for MoCD-A, which may modify disease course for affected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronen Spiegel
- Emek Medical CenterAfulaIsrael
- Rappaport school of MedicineTechnionHaifaIsrael
| | - Bernd C. Schwahn
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St Mary's HospitalManchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Health Innovation ManchesterManchesterUK
- Division of Evolution & Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
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Abstract
Danio rerio (zebrafish) are a powerful experimental model for genetic and developmental studies. Adaptation of zebrafish to study seizures was initially established using the common convulsant agent pentylenetetrazole (PTZ). Larval PTZ-exposed zebrafish exhibit clear behavioral convulsions and abnormal electrographic activity, reminiscent of interictal and ictal epileptiform discharge. By using this model, our laboratory developed simple locomotion-based and electrophysiological assays to monitor and quantify seizures in larval zebrafish. Zebrafish also offer multiple advantages for rapid genetic manipulation and high-throughput phenotype-based drug screening. Combining these seizure assays with genetically modified zebrafish that represent Dravet syndrome, a rare genetic epilepsy, ultimately contributed to a phenotype-based screen of over 3500 drugs. Several drugs identified in these zebrafish screens are currently in clinical or compassionate-use trials. The emergence of this 'aquarium-to-bedside' approach suggests that broader efforts to adapt and improve upon this zebrafish-centric strategy can drive a variety of exciting new discoveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott C Baraban
- Department of Neurological Surgery and Weill Institute for Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco,CA 94143-0350, USA
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Tian Q, Cao Y, Shu L, Chen Y, Peng Y, Wang Y, Chen Y, Wang H, Mao X. Case Report: Compound Heterozygous Variants in MOCS3 Identified in a Chinese Infant With Molybdenum Cofactor Deficiency. Front Genet 2021; 12:651878. [PMID: 33897766 PMCID: PMC8060434 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.651878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The molybdenum cofactor (Moco) deficiency in humans results in the inactivity of molybdenum-dependent enzymes and is caused by pathogenic variants in MOCS1 (Molybdenum cofactor synthesis 1), MOCS2 (Molybdenum cofactor synthesis 2), and GPHN (Gephyrin). These genes along with MOCS3 (Molybdenum cofactor synthesis 3) are involved in Moco biosynthesis and providing cofactors to Moco-dependent enzymes. Until now, there was no study to confirm that MOCS3 is a causative gene of Moco deficiency. Methods: Detailed clinical information was collected in the pedigree. The Whole-exome sequencing (WES) accompanied with Sanger sequencing validation were performed. Results: We described the clinical presentations of an infant, born to a non-consanguineous healthy family, diagnosed as having MOCS3 variants caused Moco deficiency and showing typical features of Moco deficiency including severe neurologic symptoms and cystic encephalomalacia in the brain MRI, resulting in neonatal death. Compound heterozygous variants in the MOCS3 gene were identified by WES. Positive sulfite and decreased levels of uric acid in plasma and urine were detected. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first case of MOCS3 variants causing Moco deficiency. Our study may contribute to genetic diagnosis of Moco deficiency and future genetic counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Tian
- Department of Medical Genetics, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Yang Cao
- Department of Radiology, Chenzhou First People's Hospital, Chenzhou, China
| | - Li Shu
- Department of Medical Genetics, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha, China.,National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Birth Defects Research, Prevention and Treatment, Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, China.,Department of School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yongjun Chen
- Department of Neurology, Nanhua Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Ying Peng
- Department of Medical Genetics, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Yaqin Wang
- Health Management Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuanyuan Chen
- Reproductive Center of Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Medical Genetics, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha, China.,National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Birth Defects Research, Prevention and Treatment, Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Xiao Mao
- Department of Medical Genetics, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha, China.,National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Birth Defects Research, Prevention and Treatment, Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, China
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Kožich V, Majtan T. Inherited disorders of sulfur amino acid metabolism: recent advances in therapy. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care 2021; 24:62-70. [PMID: 33060459 DOI: 10.1097/mco.0000000000000705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Metabolism of sulfur amino acids (SAA) provides compounds important for many cellular functions. Inherited disorders of SAA metabolism are typically severe multisystemic diseases affecting brain, liver, connective tissue, or vasculature. The review summarizes the present therapeutic approaches and advances in identifying novel treatment targets, and provides an overview of new therapies. RECENT FINDINGS Current treatments of genetic disorders of SAA metabolism are primarily based on modulation of affected pathways by dietary measures and provision of lacking products or scavenging of toxic molecules. Recent studies identified additional therapeutic targets distant from the primary defects and explored ideas envisioning novel treatments, such as chaperone and gene therapy. Recombinant protein production and engineering resulted in development and clinical testing of enzyme therapies for cystathionine β-synthase deficiency, the most common inborn error of SAA metabolism. SUMMARY Complex regulation of pathways involved in SAA metabolism and cellular consequences of genetic defects in SAA metabolism are only partially understood. There is a pressing need to increase substantially our knowledge of the disease mechanisms to develop more effective therapies for patients suffering from these rare disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Kožich
- Department of Pediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, Charles University-First Faculty of Medicine and General University Hospital, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Majtan
- Section of Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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