1
|
Ranjan P, Sarma M, Dubey VK. Biochemical and biophysical characterization of Leishmania donovani citrate synthase. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 279:135400. [PMID: 39245106 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.135400] [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: 03/23/2024] [Revised: 08/25/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
Citrate synthase is a crucial enzyme in the TCA cycle and represents a potential therapeutic target. However, knowledge about this enzyme in Leishmania parasites remains limited. In this study, we have successfully cloned, expressed, and purified citrate synthase from Leishmania donovani (LdCS) using a bacterial system, and characterized it through various biophysical and biochemical methods. Circular dichroism analysis at physiological pH indicates that LdCS is properly folded. Further investigation into its tertiary structure using a quencher reveals that most tryptophan residues are located within the protein's hydrophobic core. Biochemical assays show that the recombinant enzyme is catalytically active, with optimal activity at pH 7.0. Kinetic studies provided parameters such as Km and Vmax. Enzyme inhibition assays revealed that LdCS activity is competitively inhibited by FDA-approved compounds-Abemaciclib, Bazedoxifene, Vorapaxar, and Imatinib-with Ki values ranging from 2 to 3 μM, demonstrating significant binding affinity. This research paves the way for exploring LdCS as a potential drug target for treating leishmaniasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Ranjan
- School of Biochemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology BHU, Varanasi, UP 221005, India
| | - Manash Sarma
- School of Biochemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology BHU, Varanasi, UP 221005, India
| | - Vikash Kumar Dubey
- School of Biochemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology BHU, Varanasi, UP 221005, India.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Riva D, Orlando M, Rabattoni V, Pollegioni L. On the quaternary structure of human D-3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase. Protein Sci 2024; 33:e5089. [PMID: 39012001 PMCID: PMC11250409 DOI: 10.1002/pro.5089] [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: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
D-3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH) catalyzes the NAD+-dependent conversion of D-3-phospho-glycerate to 3-phosphohydroxypyruvate, the first step in the phosphorylated pathway for L-serine (L-Ser) biosynthesis. L-Ser plays different relevant metabolic roles in eukaryotic cells: alterations in L-Ser metabolism have been linked to serious neurological disorders. The human PHGDH (hPHGDH), showing a homotetrameric state in solution, is made of four domains, among which there are two regulatory domains at the C-terminus: the aspartate kinase-chorismate mutase-tyrA prephenate dehydrogenase (ACT) and allosteric substrate-binding (ASB) domains. The structure of hPHGDH was solved only for a truncated, dimeric form harboring the N-terminal end containing the substrate and the cofactor binding domains. A model ensemble of the tetrameric hPHGDH was generated using AlphaFold coupled with molecular dynamics refinement. By analyzing the inter-subunit interactions at the tetrameric interface, the residues F418, L478, P479, R454, and Y495 were selected and their role was studied by the alanine-scanning mutagenesis approach. The F418A variant modifies the putative ASB, slightly alters the activity, the fraction of protein in the tetrameric state, and the protein stability; it seems relevant in dimers' recognition to yield the tetrameric oligomer. On the contrary, the R454A, L478A, P479A, and Y495A variants (ACT domain) determine a loss of the tetrameric assembly, resulting in low stability and misfolding, triggering the aggregation and hampering the activity. The predicted tetrameric interface seems mediated by residues at the ACT domain, and the tetramer formation seems crucial for proper folding of hPHGDH, which, in turn, is essential for both stability and functionality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Riva
- Department of Biotechnology and Life SciencesUniversity of InsubriaVareseItaly
| | - Marco Orlando
- Department of Biotechnology and Life SciencesUniversity of InsubriaVareseItaly
- Present address:
Department of Biotechnology and BiosciencesUniversity of Milano‐BicoccaMilanItaly
| | - Valentina Rabattoni
- Department of Biotechnology and Life SciencesUniversity of InsubriaVareseItaly
| | - Loredano Pollegioni
- Department of Biotechnology and Life SciencesUniversity of InsubriaVareseItaly
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pollegioni L, Campanini B, Good JM, Motta Z, Murtas G, Buoli Comani V, Pavlidou DC, Mercier N, Mittaz-Crettol L, Sacchi S, Marchesani F. L-serine deficiency: on the properties of the Asn133Ser variant of human phosphoserine phosphatase. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12463. [PMID: 38816452 PMCID: PMC11139964 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63164-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: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The non-essential amino acid L-serine is involved in a number of metabolic pathways and in the brain its level is largely due to the biosynthesis from the glycolytic intermediate D-3-phosphoglycerate by the phosphorylated pathway (PP). This cytosolic pathway is made by three enzymes proposed to generate a reversible metabolon named the "serinosome". Phosphoserine phosphatase (PSP) catalyses the last and irreversible step, representing the driving force pushing L-serine synthesis. Genetic defects of the PP enzymes result in strong neurological phenotypes. Recently, we identified the homozygous missense variant [NM_004577.4: c.398A > G p.(Asn133Ser)] in the PSPH, the PSP encoding gene, in two siblings with a neurodevelopmental syndrome and a myelopathy. The recombinant Asn133Ser enzyme does not show significant alterations in protein conformation and dimeric oligomerization state, as well as in enzymatic activity and functionality of the reconstructed PP. However, the Asn133Ser variant is less stable than wild-type PSP, a feature also apparent at cellular level. Studies on patients' fibroblasts also highlight a strong decrease in the level of the enzymes of the PP, a partial nuclear and perinuclear localization of variant PSP and a stronger perinuclear aggregates formation. We propose that these alterations contribute to the formation of a dysfunctional serinosome and thus to the observed reduction of L-serine, glycine and D-serine levels (the latter playing a crucial role in modulating NMDA receptors). The characterization of patients harbouring the Asn133Ser PSP substitution allows to go deep into the molecular mechanisms related to L-serine deficit and to suggest treatments to cope with the observed amino acids alterations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Loredano Pollegioni
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, via J.H. Dunant 3, 21100, Varese, Italy.
| | - Barbara Campanini
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Jean-Marc Good
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Zoraide Motta
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, via J.H. Dunant 3, 21100, Varese, Italy
| | - Giulia Murtas
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, via J.H. Dunant 3, 21100, Varese, Italy
| | | | - Despina-Christina Pavlidou
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Noëlle Mercier
- Department of Epileptology, Institution of Lavigny, Lavigny, Switzerland
| | - Laureane Mittaz-Crettol
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Silvia Sacchi
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, via J.H. Dunant 3, 21100, Varese, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Didiasova M, Cesaro S, Feldhoff S, Bettin I, Tiegel N, Füssgen V, Bertoldi M, Tikkanen R. Functional Characterization of a Spectrum of Genetic Variants in a Family with Succinic Semialdehyde Dehydrogenase Deficiency. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5237. [PMID: 38791277 PMCID: PMC11121183 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105237] [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: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH) is a mitochondrial enzyme involved in the catabolism of the neurotransmitter γ-amino butyric acid. Pathogenic variants in the gene encoding this enzyme cause SSADH deficiency, a developmental disease that manifests as hypotonia, autism, and epilepsy. SSADH deficiency patients usually have family-specific gene variants. Here, we describe a family exhibiting four different SSADH variants: Val90Ala, Cys93Phe, and His180Tyr/Asn255Asp (a double variant). We provide a structural and functional characterization of these variants and show that Cys93Phe and Asn255Asp are pathogenic variants that affect the stability of the SSADH protein. Due to the impairment of the cofactor NAD+ binding, these variants show a highly reduced enzyme activity. However, Val90Ala and His180Tyr exhibit normal activity and expression. The His180Tyr/Asn255Asp variant exhibits a highly reduced activity as a recombinant species, is inactive, and shows a very low expression in eukaryotic cells. A treatment with substances that support protein folding by either increasing chaperone protein expression or by chemical means did not increase the expression of the pathogenic variants of the SSADH deficiency patient. However, stabilization of the folding of pathogenic SSADH variants by other substances may provide a treatment option for this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miroslava Didiasova
- Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, University of Giessen, Friedrichstrasse 24, DE-35390 Giessen, Germany; (M.D.); (S.F.)
| | - Samuele Cesaro
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie, 8, 37134 Verona, Italy; (S.C.); (I.B.); (M.B.)
| | - Simon Feldhoff
- Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, University of Giessen, Friedrichstrasse 24, DE-35390 Giessen, Germany; (M.D.); (S.F.)
| | - Ilaria Bettin
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie, 8, 37134 Verona, Italy; (S.C.); (I.B.); (M.B.)
| | - Nana Tiegel
- Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, University of Giessen, Friedrichstrasse 24, DE-35390 Giessen, Germany; (M.D.); (S.F.)
| | - Vera Füssgen
- Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, University of Giessen, Friedrichstrasse 24, DE-35390 Giessen, Germany; (M.D.); (S.F.)
| | - Mariarita Bertoldi
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie, 8, 37134 Verona, Italy; (S.C.); (I.B.); (M.B.)
| | - Ritva Tikkanen
- Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, University of Giessen, Friedrichstrasse 24, DE-35390 Giessen, Germany; (M.D.); (S.F.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Marchesani F, Comani VB, Bruno S, Mozzarelli A, Carcelli M, Pollegioni L, Caldinelli L, Peracchi A, Campanini B. Effect of l-serine and magnesium ions on the functional properties of human phosphoserine phosphatase and its pathogenetic variants. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167034. [PMID: 38278334 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167034] [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: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
L-Ser supply in the central nervous system of mammals mostly relies on its endogenous biosynthesis by the phosphorylated pathway (PP). Defects in any of the three enzymes operating in the pathway result in a group of neurometabolic diseases collectively known as serine deficiency disorders (SDDs). Phosphoserine phosphatase (PSP) catalyzes the last, irreversible step of the PP. Here we investigated in detail the role of physiological modulators of human PSP activity and the properties of three natural PSP variants (A35T, D32N and M52T) associated with SDDs. Our results, partially contradicting previous reports, indicate that: i. PSP is almost fully saturated with Mg2+ under physiological conditions and fluctuations in Mg2+ and Ca2+ concentrations are unlikely to play a modulatory role on PSP activity; ii. Inhibition by L-Ser, albeit at play on the isolated PSP, does not exert any effect on the flux through the PP unless the enzyme activity is severely impaired by inactivating substitutions; iii. The so-far poorly investigated A35T substitution was the most detrimental, with a 50-fold reduction in catalytic efficiency, and a reduction in thermal stability (as well as an increase in the IC50 for L-Ser). The M52T substitution had similar, but milder effects, while the D32N variant behaved like the wild-type enzyme. iv. Predictions of the structural effects of the A35T and M52T substitutions with ColabFold suggest that they might affect the structure of the flexible helix-loop region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stefano Bruno
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy; Biopharmanet-TEC, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | | | - Mauro Carcelli
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Loredano Pollegioni
- The Protein Factory 2.0, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Laura Caldinelli
- The Protein Factory 2.0, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Alessio Peracchi
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy.
| | - Barbara Campanini
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy; Biopharmanet-TEC, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Imarisio A, Yahyavi I, Avenali M, Di Maio A, Buongarzone G, Galandra C, Picascia M, Filosa A, Gasparri C, Monti MC, Rondanelli M, Pacchetti C, Errico F, Valente EM, Usiello A. Blood D-serine levels correlate with aging and dopaminergic treatment in Parkinson's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 192:106413. [PMID: 38253208 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106413] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
We recently described increased D- and L-serine concentrations in the striatum of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-treated monkeys, the post-mortem caudate-putamen of human Parkinson's disease (PD) brains and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of de novo living PD patients. However, data regarding blood D- and L-serine levels in PD are scarce. Here, we investigated whether the serum profile of D- and L-serine, as well as the other glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate ionotropic receptor (NMDAR)-related amino acids, (i) differs between PD patients and healthy controls (HC) and (ii) correlates with clinical-demographic features and levodopa equivalent daily dose (LEDD) in PD. Eighty-three consecutive PD patients and forty-one HC were enrolled. PD cohort underwent an extensive clinical characterization. Serum levels of D- and L-serine, L-glutamate, L-glutamine, L-aspartate, L-asparagine and glycine were determined using High Performance Liquid Chromatography. In age- and sex-adjusted analyses, no differences emerged in the serum levels of D-serine, L-serine and other NMDAR-related amino acids between PD and HC. However, we found that D-serine and D-/Total serine ratio positively correlated with age in PD but not in HC, and also with PD age at onset. Moreover, we found that higher LEDD correlated with lower levels of D-serine and the other excitatory amino acids. Following these results, the addition of LEDD as covariate in the analyses disclosed a selective significant increase of D-serine in PD compared to HC (Δ ≈ 38%). Overall, these findings suggest that serum D-serine and D-/Total serine may represent a valuable biochemical signature of PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Imarisio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; Neurogenetics Research Centre, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Isar Yahyavi
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy; CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, Naples, Italy
| | - Micol Avenali
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Anna Di Maio
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy; CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriele Buongarzone
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Caterina Galandra
- Neurogenetics Research Centre, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Marta Picascia
- Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Asia Filosa
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Clara Gasparri
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Unit, Azienda di Servizi alla Persona "Istituto Santa Margherita", University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Monti
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Mariangela Rondanelli
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Claudio Pacchetti
- Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesco Errico
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, Naples, Italy; Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", 80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Enza Maria Valente
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; Neurogenetics Research Centre, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Usiello
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy; CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Murtas G, Zerbini E, Rabattoni V, Motta Z, Caldinelli L, Orlando M, Marchesani F, Campanini B, Sacchi S, Pollegioni L. Biochemical and cellular studies of three human 3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase variants responsible for pathological reduced L-serine levels. Biofactors 2024; 50:181-200. [PMID: 37650587 DOI: 10.1002/biof.2002] [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: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
In the brain, the non-essential amino acid L-serine is produced through the phosphorylated pathway (PP) starting from the glycolytic intermediate 3-phosphoglycerate: among the different roles played by this amino acid, it can be converted into D-serine and glycine, the two main co-agonists of NMDA receptors. In humans, the enzymes of the PP, namely phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (hPHGDH, which catalyzes the first and rate-limiting step of this pathway), 3-phosphoserine aminotransferase, and 3-phosphoserine phosphatase are likely organized in the cytosol as a metabolic assembly (a "serinosome"). The hPHGDH deficiency is a pathological condition biochemically characterized by reduced levels of L-serine in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid and clinically identified by severe neurological impairment. Here, three single-point variants responsible for hPHGDH deficiency and Neu-Laxova syndrome have been studied. Their biochemical characterization shows that V261M, V425M, and V490M substitutions alter either the kinetic (both maximal activity and Km for 3-phosphoglycerate in the physiological direction) and the structural properties (secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structure, favoring aggregation) of hPHGDH. All the three variants have been successfully ectopically expressed in U251 cells, thus the pathological effect is not due to hindered expression level. At the cellular level, mistargeting and aggregation phenomena have been observed in cells transiently expressing the pathological protein variants, as well as a reduced L-serine cellular level. Previous studies demonstrated that the pharmacological supplementation of L-serine in hPHGDH deficiencies could ameliorate some of the related symptoms: our results now suggest the use of additional and alternative therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Murtas
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Elena Zerbini
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Valentina Rabattoni
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Zoraide Motta
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Laura Caldinelli
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Marco Orlando
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Silvia Sacchi
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Loredano Pollegioni
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Marchesani F, Michielon A, Viale E, Bianchera A, Cavazzini D, Pollegioni L, Murtas G, Mozzarelli A, Bettati S, Peracchi A, Campanini B, Bruno S. Phosphoserine Aminotransferase Pathogenetic Variants in Serine Deficiency Disorders: A Functional Characterization. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1219. [PMID: 37627284 PMCID: PMC10452355 DOI: 10.3390/biom13081219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In humans, the phosphorylated pathway (PP) converts the glycolytic intermediate D-3-phosphoglycerate (3-PG) into L-serine through the enzymes 3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase, phosphoserine aminotransferase (PSAT) and phosphoserine phosphatase. From the pathogenic point of view, the PP in the brain is particularly relevant, as genetic defects of any of the three enzymes are associated with a group of neurometabolic disorders known as serine deficiency disorders (SDDs). We recombinantly expressed and characterized eight variants of PSAT associated with SDDs and two non-SDD associated variants. We show that the pathogenetic mechanisms in SDDs are extremely diverse, including low affinity of the cofactor pyridoxal 5'-phosphate and thermal instability for S179L and G79W PSAT, loss of activity of the holo form for R342W PSAT, aggregation for D100A PSAT, increased Km for one of the substrates with invariant kcats for S43R PSAT, and a combination of increased Km and decreased kcat for C245R PSAT. Finally, we show that the flux through the in vitro reconstructed PP at physiological concentrations of substrates and enzymes is extremely sensitive to alterations of the functional properties of PSAT variants, confirming PSAT dysfunctions as a cause of SSDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Davide Cavazzini
- Department of Chemistry/Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Loredano Pollegioni
- The Protein Factory 2.0, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Giulia Murtas
- The Protein Factory 2.0, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Bettati
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
- Biopharmanet-TEC, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
- Institute of Biophysics, CNR, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessio Peracchi
- Department of Chemistry/Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Barbara Campanini
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
- Biopharmanet-TEC, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Stefano Bruno
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
- Biopharmanet-TEC, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Serra M, Di Maio A, Bassareo V, Nuzzo T, Errico F, Servillo F, Capasso M, Parekh P, Li Q, Thiolat ML, Bezard E, Calabresi P, Sulzer D, Carta M, Morelli M, Usiello A. Perturbation of serine enantiomers homeostasis in the striatum of MPTP-lesioned monkeys and mice reflects the extent of dopaminergic midbrain degeneration. Neurobiol Dis 2023:106226. [PMID: 37451474 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Loss of dopaminergic midbrain neurons perturbs l-serine and d-serine homeostasis in the post-mortem caudate putamen (CPu) of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. However, it is unclear whether the severity of dopaminergic nigrostriatal degeneration plays a role in deregulating serine enantiomers' metabolism. Here, through high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), we measured the levels of these amino acids in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-treated monkeys and MPTP-plus-probenecid (MPTPp)-treated mice to determine whether and how dopaminergic midbrain degeneration affects the levels of serine enantiomers in various basal ganglia subregions. In addition, in the same brain regions, we measured the levels of key neuroactive amino acids modulating glutamatergic neurotransmission, including L-glutamate, glycine, l-aspartate, d-aspartate, and their precursors l-glutamine, L-asparagine. In monkeys, MPTP treatment produced severe denervation of nigrostriatal dopaminergic fibers (⁓75%) and increased the levels of serine enantiomers in the rostral putamen (rPut), but not in the subthalamic nucleus, and the lateral and medial portion of the globus pallidus. Moreover, this neurotoxin significantly reduced the protein expression of the astrocytic serine transporter ASCT1 and the glycolytic enzyme GAPDH in the rPut of monkeys. Conversely, concentrations of d-serine and l-serine, as well as ASCT1 and GAPDH expression were unaffected in the striatum of MPTPp-treated mice, which showed only mild dopaminergic degeneration (⁓30%). These findings unveil a link between the severity of dopaminergic nigrostriatal degeneration and striatal serine enantiomers concentration, ASCT1 and GAPDH expression. We hypothesize that the up-regulation of d-serine and l-serine levels occurs as a secondary response within a homeostatic loop to support the metabolic and neurotransmission demands imposed by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Serra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Anna Di Maio
- Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate Francesco Salvatore, Naples, Italy; Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Science and Technologies, Università Degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Valentina Bassareo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Tommaso Nuzzo
- Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate Francesco Salvatore, Naples, Italy; Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Science and Technologies, Università Degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Francesco Errico
- Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate Francesco Salvatore, Naples, Italy; Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Servillo
- Department of Neuroscience, Cattolica Sacro Cuore University, Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Capasso
- Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate Francesco Salvatore, Naples, Italy; Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Pansini, 5, Napoli 80131, Italy
| | - Pathik Parekh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Qin Li
- Motac Neuroscience, UKM15 6WE, Manchester, United Kingdom; Institute of Lab Animal Sciences, China Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Marie-Laure Thiolat
- Université de Bordeaux, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, Bordeaux, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Unité Mixte de Recherche 5293, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, Bordeaux, France
| | - Erwan Bezard
- Motac Neuroscience, UKM15 6WE, Manchester, United Kingdom; Institute of Lab Animal Sciences, China Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Université de Bordeaux, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, Bordeaux, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Unité Mixte de Recherche 5293, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, Bordeaux, France
| | - Paolo Calabresi
- Department of Neuroscience, Cattolica Sacro Cuore University, Rome, Italy; Neurologia, Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - David Sulzer
- Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology, Pharmacology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Manolo Carta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Micaela Morelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy; National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Neuroscience, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandro Usiello
- Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate Francesco Salvatore, Naples, Italy; Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Science and Technologies, Università Degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Di Maio A, Nuzzo T, Gilio L, Serra M, Buttari F, Errico F, De Rosa A, Bassi MS, Morelli M, Sasabe J, Sulzer D, Carta M, Centonze D, Usiello A. Homeostasis of serine enantiomers is disrupted in the post-mortem caudate putamen and cerebrospinal fluid of living Parkinson's disease patients. Neurobiol Dis 2023:106203. [PMID: 37336364 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
L-serine generated in astrocytes plays a pivotal role in modulating essential neurometabolic processes, while its enantiomer, D-serine, specifically regulates NMDA receptor (NMDAR) signalling. Despite their physiological relevance in modulating cerebral activity, serine enantiomers metabolism in Parkinson's disease (PD) remains elusive. Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), we measured D- and L-serine levels along with other amino acids known to modulate NMDAR function, such as L-glutamate, L-aspartate, D-aspartate, and glycine, in the post-mortem caudate putamen (CPu) and superior frontal gyrus (SFG) of PD patients. Moreover, we examined these amino acids in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of de novo living PD, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients versus subjects with other neurological disorders (OND), used as control. We found higher D-serine and L-serine levels in the CPu of PD patients but not in the SFG, a cerebral region that, in contrast to the CPu, is not innervated by nigral dopaminergic terminals. We also highlighted a significant elevation of both serine enantiomers in the CSF samples from PD but not in those of AD and ALS patients, compared with control subjects. By contrast, none or only minor changes were found in the amount of other neuroactive amino acids mentioned above. Our findings identify D-serine and L-serine level upregulation as a biochemical signature associated with nigrostriatal dopaminergic degeneration in PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Di Maio
- Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, Naples, Italy; Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Tommaso Nuzzo
- Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, Naples, Italy; Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Luana Gilio
- Unit of Neurology, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli (IS), Italy; Faculty of Psychology, Uninettuno Telematic International University, Rome, Italy; Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, Naples, Italy
| | - Marcello Serra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Fabio Buttari
- Unit of Neurology, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli (IS), Italy
| | - Francesco Errico
- Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, Naples, Italy; Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Portici, Italy
| | - Arianna De Rosa
- Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, Naples, Italy; Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | | | - Micaela Morelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy; National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Neuroscience, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Jumpei Sasabe
- Department of Pharmacology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - David Sulzer
- Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology, Pharmacology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Manolo Carta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Diego Centonze
- Unit of Neurology, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli (IS), Italy; Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Usiello
- Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, Naples, Italy; Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Marchesani F, Zangelmi E, Murtas G, Costanzi E, Ullah R, Peracchi A, Bruno S, Pollegioni L, Mozzarelli A, Storici P, Campanini B. L-Serine Biosynthesis in The Human Central Nervous System: Structure and Function of Phosphoserine Aminotransferase. Protein Sci 2023; 32:e4609. [PMID: 36851825 PMCID: PMC10031235 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Organisms from all kingdoms of life synthesize L-serine from 3-phosphoglycerate through the phosphorylated pathway, a three-step diversion of glycolysis. Phosphoserine aminotransferase (PSAT) catalyzes the intermediate step, the pyridoxal 5'-phosphate-dependent transamination of 3-phosphohydroxypyruvate and L-glutamate to O-phosphoserine and α-ketoglutarate. PSAT is particularly relevant in the central nervous system of mammals because L-serine is the metabolic precursor of D-serine, cysteine, phospholipids, and nucleotides. Several mutations in the human psat gene have been linked to serine deficiency disorders, characterized by severe neurological symptoms. Furthermore, PSAT is overexpressed in many tumors and this overexpression has been associated with poor clinical outcomes. Here, we report the detailed functional and structural characterization of the recombinant human PSAT. The reaction catalyzed by PSAT is reversible, with an equilibrium constant of about 10, and the enzyme is very efficient, with a kcat /Km of 5.9 × 106 M-1 s-1 , thus contributing in driving the pathway towards the products despite the extremely unfavorable first step catalyzed by 3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase. The three-dimensional X-ray crystal structure of PSAT was solved in the substrate-free as well as in the O-phosphoserine-bound forms. Both structures contain eight protein molecules in the asymmetric unit, arranged in four dimers, with a bound cofactor in each subunit. In the substrate-free form, the active site of PSAT contains a sulfate ion that, in the substrate-bound form, is replaced by the phosphate group of O-phosphoserine. Interestingly, fast crystal soaking used to produce the substrate-bound form allowed the trapping of different intermediates along the catalytic cycle. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Erika Zangelmi
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Giulia Murtas
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Elisa Costanzi
- Protein Facility, Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., Trieste, Italy
| | - Raheem Ullah
- Protein Facility, Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., Trieste, Italy
- Present address: Structural Biology Lab, NIBGE, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Alessio Peracchi
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Stefano Bruno
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Loredano Pollegioni
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | | | - Paola Storici
- Protein Facility, Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., Trieste, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Maffioli E, Murtas G, Rabattoni V, Badone B, Tripodi F, Iannuzzi F, Licastro D, Nonnis S, Rinaldi AM, Motta Z, Sacchi S, Canu N, Tedeschi G, Coccetti P, Pollegioni L. Insulin and serine metabolism as sex-specific hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease in the human hippocampus. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111271. [PMID: 36070700 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Healthy aging is an ambitious aspiration for humans, but neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), strongly affect quality of life. Using an integrated omics approach, we investigate alterations in the molecular composition of postmortem hippocampus samples of healthy persons and individuals with AD. Profound differences are apparent between control and AD male and female cohorts in terms of up- and downregulated metabolic pathways. A decrease in the insulin response is evident in AD when comparing the female with the male group. The serine metabolism (linked to the glycolytic pathway and generating the N-methyl-D-aspartate [NMDA] receptor coagonist D-serine) is also significantly modulated: the D-Ser/total serine ratio represents a way to counteract age-related cognitive decline in healthy men and during AD onset in women. These results show how AD changes and, in certain respects, almost reverses sex-specific proteomic and metabolomic profiles, highlighting how different pathophysiological mechanisms are active in men and women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Maffioli
- DIVAS, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Milano, 20121 Milano, Italy; CIMAINA, University of Milano, 20121 Milano, Italy
| | - Giulia Murtas
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Valentina Rabattoni
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Beatrice Badone
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Farida Tripodi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Filomena Iannuzzi
- Department of System Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata," 00133 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Simona Nonnis
- DIVAS, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Milano, 20121 Milano, Italy; CIMAINA, University of Milano, 20121 Milano, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Rinaldi
- Department of System Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata," 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Zoraide Motta
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Silvia Sacchi
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Nadia Canu
- Department of System Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata," 00133 Rome, Italy; Istituto di Biochimica e Biologia Cellulare (IBBC) CNR, 00015 Monterotondo Scalo, Italy.
| | - Gabriella Tedeschi
- DIVAS, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Milano, 20121 Milano, Italy; CIMAINA, University of Milano, 20121 Milano, Italy.
| | - Paola Coccetti
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milano, Italy.
| | - Loredano Pollegioni
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Revealing a New Family of D-2-Hydroxyglutarate Dehydrogenases in Escherichia coli and Pantoea ananatis Encoded by ydiJ. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10091766. [PMID: 36144368 PMCID: PMC9504171 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10091766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In E. coli and P. ananatis, L-serine biosynthesis is initiated by the action of D-3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (SerA), which converts D-3-phosphoglycerate into 3-phosphohydroxypyruvate. SerA can concomitantly catalyze the production of D-2-hydroxyglutarate (D-2-HGA) from 2-ketoglutarate by oxidizing NADH to NAD+. Several bacterial D-2-hydroxyglutarate dehydrogenases (D2HGDHs) have recently been identified, which convert D-2-HGA back to 2-ketoglutarate. However, knowledge about the enzymes that can metabolize D-2-HGA is lacking in bacteria belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family. We found that ydiJ encodes novel D2HGDHs in P. ananatis and E. coli, which were assigned as D2HGDHPa and D2HGDHEc, respectively. Inactivation of ydiJ in P. ananatis and E. coli led to the significant accumulation of D-2-HGA. Recombinant D2HGDHEc and D2HGDHPa were purified to homogeneity and characterized. D2HGDHEc and D2HGDHPa are homotetrameric with a subunit molecular mass of 110 kDa. The pH optimum was 7.5 for D2HGDHPa and 8.0 for D2HGDHEc. The Km for D-2-HGA was 208 μM for D2HGDHPa and 83 μM for D2HGDHEc. The enzymes have strict substrate specificity towards D-2-HGA and displayed maximal activity at 45 °C. Their activity was completely inhibited by 0.5 mM Mn2+, Ni2+ or Co2+. The discovery of a novel family of D2HGDHs may provide fundamental information for the metabolic engineering of microbial chassis with desired properties.
Collapse
|