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Li L, Huang J, Liu Y. The extracellular matrix glycoprotein fibrillin-1 in health and disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 11:1302285. [PMID: 38269088 PMCID: PMC10806136 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1302285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibrillin-1 (FBN1) is a large, cysteine-rich, calcium binding extracellular matrix glycoprotein encoded by FBN1 gene. It serves as a structural component of microfibrils and provides force-bearing mechanical support in elastic and nonelastic connective tissue. As such, mutations in the FBN1 gene can cause a wide variety of genetic diseases such as Marfan syndrome, an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by ocular, skeletal and cardiovascular abnormalities. FBN1 also interacts with numerous microfibril-associated proteins, growth factors and cell membrane receptors, thereby mediating a wide range of biological processes such as cell survival, proliferation, migration and differentiation. Dysregulation of FBN1 is involved in the pathogenesis of many human diseases, such as cancers, cardiovascular disorders and kidney diseases. Paradoxically, both depletion and overexpression of FBN1 upregulate the bioavailability and signal transduction of TGF-β via distinct mechanisms in different settings. In this review, we summarize the structure and expression of FBN1 and present our current understanding of the functional role of FBN1 in various human diseases. This knowledge will allow to develop better strategies for therapeutic intervention of FBN1 related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junxin Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Youhua Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangzhou, China
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Cale JM, Ham KA, Li D, McIntosh CS, Watts GF, Wilton SD, Aung-Htut MT. Induced alternative splicing an opportunity to study PCSK9 protein isoforms at physiologically relevant concentrations. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19725. [PMID: 37957262 PMCID: PMC10643364 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47005-y] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Splice modulating antisense oligomers (AOs) are increasingly used to modulate RNA processing. While most are investigated for their use as therapeutics, AOs can also be used for basic research. This study examined their use to investigate internally and terminally truncated proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) protein isoforms. Previous studies have used plasmid or viral-vector-mediated protein overexpression to study different PCSK9 protein isoforms, creating an artificial environment within the cell. Here we designed and tested AOs to remove specific exons that encode for PCSK9 protein domains and produced protein isoforms at more physiologically relevant levels. We evaluated the isoforms' expression, secretion, and subsequent impact on the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor and its activity in Huh-7 cells. We found that modifying the Cis-His-rich domain by targeting exons 10 or 11 negatively affected LDL receptor activity and hence did not enhance LDL uptake although the levels of LDL receptor were increased. On the other hand, removing the hinge region encoded by exon 8, or a portion of the prodomain encoded by exon 2, have the potential as therapeutics for hypercholesterolemia. Our findings expand the understanding of PCSK9 isoforms and their impact on the LDL receptor and its activity at physiologically relevant concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Cale
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Kristin A Ham
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Dunhui Li
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Craig S McIntosh
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Gerald F Watts
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
- Cardiometabolic Clinic, Departments of Cardiology and Internal Medicine, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, WA, 6000, Australia
| | - Steve D Wilton
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - May T Aung-Htut
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia.
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia.
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Redhead C, Taye N, Hubmacher D. En route towards a personalized medicine approach: Innovative therapeutic modalities for connective tissue disorders. Matrix Biol 2023; 122:46-54. [PMID: 37657665 PMCID: PMC10529529 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2023.08.005] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Connective tissue disorders can be caused by pathogenic variants (mutations) in genes encoding extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Such disorders typically manifest during development or postnatal growth and result in significant morbidity and mortality. The development of curative treatments for connective tissue disorders is hampered in part by the inability of many mature connective tissues to efficiently regenerate. To be most effective, therapeutic strategies designed to preserve or restore tissue function will likely need to be initiated during phases of significant endogenous connective tissue remodeling and organ sculpting postnatally and directly target the underlying ECM protein mutations. With recent advances in whole exome sequencing, in-vitro and in-vivo disease modeling, and the development of mutation-specific molecular therapeutic modalities, it is now feasible to directly correct disease-causing mutations underlying connective tissue disorders and ameliorate their pathogenic consequences. These technological advances may lead to potentially curative personalized medicine approaches for connective tissue disorders that have previously been considered incurable. In this review, we highlight innovative therapeutic modalities including gene replacement, exon skipping, DNA/mRNA editing, and pharmacological approaches that were used to preserve or restore tissue function in the context of connective tissue disorders. Inherent to a successful application of these approaches is the need to deepen the understanding of mechanisms that regulate ECM formation and homeostasis, and to decipher how individual mutations in ECM proteins compromise ECM and connective tissue development and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlene Redhead
- Orthopedic Research Laboratories, Leni & Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Nandaraj Taye
- Orthopedic Research Laboratories, Leni & Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Dirk Hubmacher
- Orthopedic Research Laboratories, Leni & Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
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Lauffer P, Pals G, Zwinderman AH, Postema FAM, Baars MJH, Dulfer E, Hilhorst-Hofstee Y, Houweling AC, Kempers M, Krapels IPC, van de Laar IMBH, Loeys B, Spaans AMJ, Warnink-Kavelaars J, de Waard V, Wit JM, Menke LA. Growth charts for Marfan syndrome in the Netherlands and analysis of genotype-phenotype relationships. Am J Med Genet A 2023; 191:479-489. [PMID: 36380655 PMCID: PMC10099852 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
To optimize care for children with Marfan syndrome (MFS) in the Netherlands, Dutch MFS growth charts were constructed. Additionally, we aimed to investigate the effect of FBN1 variant type (haploinsufficiency [HI]/dominant negative [DN]) on growth, and compare MFS-related height increase across populations. Height and weight data of individuals with MFS aged 0-21 years were retrospectively collected. Generalized Additive Models for Location, Scale and Shape (GAMLSS) was used for growth chart modeling. To investigate genotype-phenotype relationships, FBN1 variant type was included as an independent variable in height-for-age and BMI-for-age models. MFS-related height increase was compared with that of previous MFS growth studies from the United States, Korea, and France. Height and weight data of 389 individuals with MFS were included (210 males). Height-for-age, BMI-for-age, and weight-for-height charts reflected the tall and slender MFS habitus throughout childhood. Mean increase in height of individuals with MFS compared with the general Dutch population was significantly lower than in the other three MFS populations compared to their reference populations. FBN1-HI variants were associated with taller height in both sexes, and decreased BMI in females (p-values <0.05). This Dutch MFS growth study broadens the notion that genetic background and MFS variant type (HI/DN) influence tall and slender stature in MFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Lauffer
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gerard Pals
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aeilko H Zwinderman
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Floor A M Postema
- Department of Pediatrics, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke J H Baars
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eelco Dulfer
- Department of Clinical Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Arjan C Houweling
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marlies Kempers
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ingrid P C Krapels
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Bart Loeys
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Center of Medical Genetics, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | | | - Jessica Warnink-Kavelaars
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Rehabilitation and Development, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vivian de Waard
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan M Wit
- Department of Pediatrics, Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Leonie A Menke
- Department of Pediatrics, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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