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Zhao P, Wang C, Sun S, Wang X, Balch WE. Tracing genetic diversity captures the molecular basis of misfolding disease. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3333. [PMID: 38637533 PMCID: PMC11026414 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47520-0] [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: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Genetic variation in human populations can result in the misfolding and aggregation of proteins, giving rise to systemic and neurodegenerative diseases that require management by proteostasis. Here, we define the role of GRP94, the endoplasmic reticulum Hsp90 chaperone paralog, in managing alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency on a residue-by-residue basis using Gaussian process regression-based machine learning to profile the spatial covariance relationships that dictate protein folding arising from sequence variants in the population. Covariance analysis suggests a role for the ATPase activity of GRP94 in controlling the N- to C-terminal cooperative folding of alpha-1-antitrypsin responsible for the correction of liver aggregation and lung-disease phenotypes of alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency. Gaussian process-based spatial covariance profiling provides a standard model built on covariant principles to evaluate the role of proteostasis components in guiding information flow from genome to proteome in response to genetic variation, potentially allowing us to intervene in the onset and progression of complex multi-system human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Zhao
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Institute of Systems and Physical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Shuhong Sun
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Institute for Brain Tumors, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, and Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - William E Balch
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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2
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Sun S, Wang C, Zhao P, Kline GM, Grandjean JMD, Jiang X, Labaudiniere R, Wiseman RL, Kelly JW, Balch WE. Capturing the conversion of the pathogenic alpha-1-antitrypsin fold by ATF6 enhanced proteostasis. Cell Chem Biol 2023; 30:22-42.e5. [PMID: 36630963 PMCID: PMC9930901 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2022.12.004] [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: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Genetic variation in alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) causes AAT deficiency (AATD) through liver aggregation-associated gain-of-toxic pathology and/or insufficient AAT activity in the lung manifesting as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Here, we utilize 71 AATD-associated variants as input through Gaussian process (GP)-based machine learning to study the correction of AAT folding and function at a residue-by-residue level by pharmacological activation of the ATF6 arm of the unfolded protein response (UPR). We show that ATF6 activators increase AAT neutrophil elastase (NE) inhibitory activity, while reducing polymer accumulation for the majority of AATD variants, including the prominent Z variant. GP-based profiling of the residue-by-residue response to ATF6 activators captures an unexpected role of the "gate" area in managing AAT-specific activity. Our work establishes a new spatial covariant (SCV) understanding of the convertible state of the protein fold in response to genetic perturbation and active environmental management by proteostasis enhancement for precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhong Sun
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Pei Zhao
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Gabe M Kline
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Xin Jiang
- Protego Biopharma, 10945 Vista Sorrento Parkway, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - R Luke Wiseman
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jeffery W Kelly
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - William E Balch
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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3
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Tiensuu H, Haapalainen AM, Tissarinen P, Pasanen A, Määttä TA, Huusko JM, Ohlmeier S, Bergmann U, Ojaniemi M, Muglia LJ, Hallman M, Rämet M. Human placental proteomics and exon variant studies link AAT/SERPINA1 with spontaneous preterm birth. BMC Med 2022; 20:141. [PMID: 35477570 PMCID: PMC9047282 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-022-02339-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preterm birth is defined as live birth before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy, and it is a major problem worldwide. The molecular mechanisms that lead to onset of spontaneous preterm birth are incompletely understood. Prediction and evaluation of the risk of preterm birth is challenging as there is a lack of accurate biomarkers. In this study, our aim was to identify placental proteins that associate with spontaneous preterm birth. METHODS We analyzed the proteomes from placentas to identify proteins that associate with both gestational age and spontaneous labor. Next, rare and potentially damaging gene variants of the identified protein candidates were sought for from our whole exome sequencing data. Further experiments we performed on placental samples and placenta-associated cells to explore the location and function of the spontaneous preterm labor-associated proteins in placentas. RESULTS Exome sequencing data revealed rare damaging variants in SERPINA1 in families with recurrent spontaneous preterm deliveries. Protein and mRNA levels of alpha-1 antitrypsin/SERPINA1 from the maternal side of the placenta were downregulated in spontaneous preterm births. Alpha-1 antitrypsin was expressed by villous trophoblasts in the placenta, and immunoelectron microscopy showed localization in decidual fibrinoid deposits in association with specific extracellular proteins. siRNA knockdown in trophoblast-derived HTR8/SVneo cells revealed that SERPINA1 had a marked effect on regulation of the actin cytoskeleton pathway, Slit-Robo signaling, and extracellular matrix organization. CONCLUSIONS Alpha-1 antitrypsin is a protease inhibitor. We propose that loss of the protease inhibition effects of alpha-1 antitrypsin renders structures critical to maintaining pregnancy susceptible to proteases and inflammatory activation. This may lead to spontaneous premature birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heli Tiensuu
- PEDEGO Research Unit and Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu, PO Box 5000, 90014, Oulu, Finland.,Department of Children and Adolescents, Oulu University Hospital, 90014, Oulu, Finland
| | - Antti M Haapalainen
- PEDEGO Research Unit and Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu, PO Box 5000, 90014, Oulu, Finland.,Department of Children and Adolescents, Oulu University Hospital, 90014, Oulu, Finland
| | - Pinja Tissarinen
- PEDEGO Research Unit and Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu, PO Box 5000, 90014, Oulu, Finland.,Department of Children and Adolescents, Oulu University Hospital, 90014, Oulu, Finland
| | - Anu Pasanen
- PEDEGO Research Unit and Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu, PO Box 5000, 90014, Oulu, Finland.,Department of Children and Adolescents, Oulu University Hospital, 90014, Oulu, Finland
| | - Tomi A Määttä
- PEDEGO Research Unit and Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu, PO Box 5000, 90014, Oulu, Finland.,Department of Children and Adolescents, Oulu University Hospital, 90014, Oulu, Finland
| | - Johanna M Huusko
- PEDEGO Research Unit and Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu, PO Box 5000, 90014, Oulu, Finland.,Department of Children and Adolescents, Oulu University Hospital, 90014, Oulu, Finland.,Division of Human Genetics, Center for Prevention of Preterm Birth, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center Ohio Collaborative, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
| | - Steffen Ohlmeier
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Core Facilities, Biocenter Oulu, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, 90014, Oulu, Finland
| | - Ulrich Bergmann
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Core Facilities, Biocenter Oulu, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, 90014, Oulu, Finland
| | - Marja Ojaniemi
- PEDEGO Research Unit and Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu, PO Box 5000, 90014, Oulu, Finland.,Department of Children and Adolescents, Oulu University Hospital, 90014, Oulu, Finland
| | - Louis J Muglia
- Division of Human Genetics, Center for Prevention of Preterm Birth, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center Ohio Collaborative, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA.,Burroughs Wellcome Fund, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, 27709, USA
| | - Mikko Hallman
- PEDEGO Research Unit and Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu, PO Box 5000, 90014, Oulu, Finland. .,Department of Children and Adolescents, Oulu University Hospital, 90014, Oulu, Finland.
| | - Mika Rämet
- PEDEGO Research Unit and Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu, PO Box 5000, 90014, Oulu, Finland. .,Department of Children and Adolescents, Oulu University Hospital, 90014, Oulu, Finland. .,Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33014, Tampere, Finland.
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Padilla-Godínez FJ, Ramos-Acevedo R, Martínez-Becerril HA, Bernal-Conde LD, Garrido-Figueroa JF, Hiriart M, Hernández-López A, Argüero-Sánchez R, Callea F, Guerra-Crespo M. Protein Misfolding and Aggregation: The Relatedness between Parkinson's Disease and Hepatic Endoplasmic Reticulum Storage Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212467. [PMID: 34830348 PMCID: PMC8619695 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysfunction of cellular homeostasis can lead to misfolding of proteins thus acquiring conformations prone to polymerization into pathological aggregates. This process is associated with several disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease (PD), and endoplasmic reticulum storage disorders (ERSDs), like alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) and hereditary hypofibrinogenemia with hepatic storage (HHHS). Given the shared pathophysiological mechanisms involved in such conditions, it is necessary to deepen our understanding of the basic principles of misfolding and aggregation akin to these diseases which, although heterogeneous in symptomatology, present similarities that could lead to potential mutual treatments. Here, we review: (i) the pathological bases leading to misfolding and aggregation of proteins involved in PD, AATD, and HHHS: alpha-synuclein, alpha-1-antitrypsin, and fibrinogen, respectively, (ii) the evidence linking each protein aggregation to the stress mechanisms occurring in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of each pathology, (iii) a comparison of the mechanisms related to dysfunction of proteostasis and regulation of homeostasis between the diseases (such as the unfolded protein response and/or autophagy), (iv) and clinical perspectives regarding possible common treatments focused on improving the defensive responses to protein aggregation for diseases as different as PD, and ERSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J. Padilla-Godínez
- Neurosciences Division, Cell Physiology Institute, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (F.J.P.-G.); (R.R.-A.); (H.A.M.-B.); (L.D.B.-C.); (J.F.G.-F.); (M.H.)
- Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (A.H.-L.); (R.A.-S.)
| | - Rodrigo Ramos-Acevedo
- Neurosciences Division, Cell Physiology Institute, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (F.J.P.-G.); (R.R.-A.); (H.A.M.-B.); (L.D.B.-C.); (J.F.G.-F.); (M.H.)
- Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (A.H.-L.); (R.A.-S.)
| | - Hilda Angélica Martínez-Becerril
- Neurosciences Division, Cell Physiology Institute, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (F.J.P.-G.); (R.R.-A.); (H.A.M.-B.); (L.D.B.-C.); (J.F.G.-F.); (M.H.)
- Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (A.H.-L.); (R.A.-S.)
| | - Luis D. Bernal-Conde
- Neurosciences Division, Cell Physiology Institute, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (F.J.P.-G.); (R.R.-A.); (H.A.M.-B.); (L.D.B.-C.); (J.F.G.-F.); (M.H.)
- Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (A.H.-L.); (R.A.-S.)
| | - Jerónimo F. Garrido-Figueroa
- Neurosciences Division, Cell Physiology Institute, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (F.J.P.-G.); (R.R.-A.); (H.A.M.-B.); (L.D.B.-C.); (J.F.G.-F.); (M.H.)
- Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (A.H.-L.); (R.A.-S.)
| | - Marcia Hiriart
- Neurosciences Division, Cell Physiology Institute, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (F.J.P.-G.); (R.R.-A.); (H.A.M.-B.); (L.D.B.-C.); (J.F.G.-F.); (M.H.)
| | - Adriana Hernández-López
- Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (A.H.-L.); (R.A.-S.)
| | - Rubén Argüero-Sánchez
- Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (A.H.-L.); (R.A.-S.)
| | - Francesco Callea
- Department of Histopathology, Bugando Medical Centre, Catholic University of Healthy and Allied Sciences, Mwanza 1464, Tanzania;
| | - Magdalena Guerra-Crespo
- Neurosciences Division, Cell Physiology Institute, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (F.J.P.-G.); (R.R.-A.); (H.A.M.-B.); (L.D.B.-C.); (J.F.G.-F.); (M.H.)
- Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (A.H.-L.); (R.A.-S.)
- Correspondence:
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Callea F, Tomà P, Bellacchio E. The Recruitment-Secretory Block ("R-SB") Phenomenon and Endoplasmic Reticulum Storage Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22136807. [PMID: 34202771 PMCID: PMC8269287 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In this article, we review the biological and clinical implication of the Recruitment-Secretory Block (“R-SB”) phenomenon. The phenomenon refers to the reaction of the liver with regard to protein secretion in conditions of clinical stimulation. Our basic knowledge of the process is due to the experimental work in animal models. Under basal conditions, the protein synthesis is mainly carried out by periportal (zone 1) hepatocytes that are considered the “professional” synthesizing protein cells. Under stimulation, midlobular and centrolobular (zones 2 and 3) hepatocytes, are progressively recruited according to lobular gradients and contribute to the increase of synthesis and secretion. The block of secretion, operated by exogenous agents, causes intracellular retention of all secretory proteins. The Pi MZ phenotype of Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) has turned out to be the key for in vivo studies of the reaction of the liver, as synthesis and block of secretion are concomitant. Indeed, the M fraction of AAT is stimulated for synthesis and regularly exported while the Z fraction is mostly retained within the cell. For that reason, the phenomenon has been designated “Recruitment-Secretory Block” (“R-SB”). The “R-SB” phenomenon explains why: (a) the MZ individuals can correct the serum deficiency; (b) the resulting immonohistochemical and electron microscopic (EM) patterns are very peculiar and specific for the diagnosis of the Z mutation in tissue sections in the absence of genotyping; (c) the term carrier is no longer applicable for the heterozygous condition as all Pi MZ individuals undergo storage and the storage predisposes to liver damage. The storage represents the true elementary lesion and consequently reflects the phenotype-genotype correlation; (d) the site and function of the extrahepatic AAT and the relationship between intra and extracellular AAT; (e) last but not least, the concept of Endoplasmic Reticulum Storage Disease (ERSD) and of a new disease, hereditary hypofibrinogenemia with hepatic storage (HHHS). In the light of the emerging phenomenon, described in vitro, namely that M and Z AAT can form heteropolymers within hepatocytes as well as in circulation, we have reviewed the whole clinical and experimental material collected during forty years, in order to evaluate to what extent the polymerization phenomenon occurs in vivo. The paper summarizes similarities and differences between AAT and Fibrinogen as well as between the related diseases, AATD and HHHS. Indeed, fibrinogen gamma chain mutations undergo an aggregation process within the RER of hepatocytes similar to AATD. In addition, this work has clarified the intriguing phenomenon underlying a new syndrome, hereditary hypofibrinogenemia and hypo-APO-B-lipoproteinemia with hepatic storage of fibrinogen and APO-B lipoproteins. It is hoped that these studies could contribute to future research and select strategies aimed to simultaneously correct the hepatocytic storage, thus preventing the liver damage and the plasma deficiency of the two proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Callea
- Department of Histopathology, Bugando Medical Centre, Catholic University of Healthy and Allied Sciences, Mwanza P.O. Box 1464, Tanzania
- Correspondence: (F.C.); (E.B.); Tel.: +255-7543343938 (F.C.); +39-0668594291 (E.B.)
| | - Paolo Tomà
- Dipartimento Diagnostica Immagini, Bambino Gesù Childrens’ Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza S. Onofrio 4, 00165 Roma, Italy;
| | - Emanuele Bellacchio
- Area di Ricerca Genetica e Malattie Rare Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza S. Onofrio 4, 00165 Roma, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.C.); (E.B.); Tel.: +255-7543343938 (F.C.); +39-0668594291 (E.B.)
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Callea F, Francalanci P, Giovannoni I. Hepatic and Extrahepatic Sources and Manifestations in Endoplasmic Reticulum Storage Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115778. [PMID: 34071368 PMCID: PMC8198767 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) and fibrinogen are secretory acute phase reactant proteins. Circulating AAT and fibrinogen are synthesized exclusively in the liver. Mutations in the encoding genes result in conformational abnormalities of the two molecules that aggregate within the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) instead of being regularly exported. That results in AAT-deficiency (AATD) and in hereditary hypofibrinogenemia with hepatic storage (HHHS). The association of plasma deficiency and liver storage identifies a new group of pathologies: endoplasmic reticulum storage disease (ERSD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Callea
- Bugando Medical Centre, Department of Molecular Histopathology, Catholic University Health Allied Sciences, Mwanza P.O. Box 1464, Tanzania
- Correspondence: (F.C.); (P.F.); Tel.: +255-754-334-3938 (F.C.)
| | - Paola Francalanci
- Department of Pathology, Childrens’ Hospital Bambino Gesù IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence: (F.C.); (P.F.); Tel.: +255-754-334-3938 (F.C.)
| | - Isabella Giovannoni
- Department of Pathology, Childrens’ Hospital Bambino Gesù IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy;
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Bianchera A, Alomari E, Bruno S. Augmentation therapy with alpha 1-antitrypsin: present and future of production, formulation, and delivery. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:385-410. [PMID: 34036902 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210525161942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Alpha 1-antitrypsin is one of the first protein therapeutics introduced on the market - more than 30 years ago - and, to date, it is indicated only for the treatment of the severe forms of a genetic condition known as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. The only approved preparations are derived from plasma, posing potential problems associated with its limited supply and high processing costs. Moreover, augmentation therapy with alpha 1-antitrypsin is still limited to intravenous infusions, a cumbersome regimen for patients. Here, we review the recent literature on its possible future developments, focusing on i) the recombinant alternatives to the plasma-derived protein, ii) novel formulations, and iii) novel administration routes. Regulatory issues and the still unclear noncanonical functions of alpha 1-antitrypsin - possibly associated with the glycosylation pattern found only in the plasma-derived protein - have hindered the introduction of new products. However, potentially new therapeutic indications other than the treatment of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency might open the way to new sources and new formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Bianchera
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Esraa Alomari
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Stefano Bruno
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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The Discovery of Endoplasmic Reticulum Storage Disease. The Connection between an H&E Slide and the Brain. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22062899. [PMID: 33809321 PMCID: PMC8001541 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22062899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The revolutionary evolution in science and technology over the last few decades has made it possible to face more adequately three main challenges of modern medicine: changes in old diseases, the appearance of new diseases, and diseases that are unknown (mostly genetic), despite research efforts. In this paper we review the road travelled by pathologists in search of a method based upon the use of routine instruments and techniques which once were available for research only. The application to tissue studies of techniques from immunology, molecular biology, and genetics has allowed dynamic interpretations of biological phenomena with special regard to gene regulation and expression. That implies stepwise investigations, including light microscopy, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, electron microscopy, molecular histopathology, protein crystallography, and gene sequencing, in order to progress from suggestive features detectable in routinely stained preparations to more characteristic, specific, and finally, pathognomonic features. Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E)-stained preparations and appropriate immunohistochemical stains have enabled the recognition of phenotypic changes which may reflect genotypic alterations. That has been the case with hepatocytic inclusions detected in H&E-stained preparations, which appeared to correspond to secretory proteins that, due to genetic mutations, were retained within the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and were deficient in plasma. The identification of this phenomenon affecting the molecules alpha-1-antitrypsin and fibrinogen has led to the discovery of a new field of cell organelle pathology, endoplasmic reticulum storage disease(s) (ERSD). Over fifty years, pathologists have wandered through a dark forest of complicated molecules with strange conformations, and by detailed observations in simple histopathological sections, accompanied by a growing background of molecular techniques and revelations, have been able to recognize and identify arrays of grotesque polypeptide arrangements.
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Structural Characteristics in the γ Chain Variants Associated with Fibrinogen Storage Disease Suggest the Underlying Pathogenic Mechanism. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21145139. [PMID: 32698516 PMCID: PMC7404023 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21145139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Particular fibrinogen γ chain mutations occurring in the γ-module induce changes that hamper γ-γ dimerization and provoke intracellular aggregation of the mutant fibrinogen, defective export and plasma deficiency. The hepatic storage predisposes to the development of liver disease. This condition has been termed hereditary hypofibrinogenemia with hepatic storage (HHHS). So far, seven of such mutations in the fibrinogen γ chain have been detected. We are reporting on an additional mutation occurring in a 3.5-year-old Turkish child undergoing a needle liver biopsy because of the concomitance of transaminase elevation of unknown origin and low plasma fibrinogen level. The liver biopsy showed an intra-hepatocytic storage of fibrinogen. The molecular analysis of the three fibrinogen genes revealed a mutation (Fibrinogen Trabzon Thr371Ile) at exon 9 of the γ chain in the child and his father, while the mother and the brother were normal. Fibrinogen Trabzon represents a new fibrinogen γ chain mutation fulfilling the criteria for HHHS. Its occurrence in a Turkish child confirms that HHHS can present in early childhood and provides relevant epidemiological information on the worldwide distribution of the fibrinogen γ chain mutations causing this disease. By analyzing fibrinogen crystal structures and calculating the folding free energy change (ΔΔG) to infer how the variants can affect the conformation and function, we propose a mechanism for the intracellular aggregation of Fibrinogen Trabzon and other γ-module mutations causing HHHS.
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