1
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Planinić A, Begovac J, Rokić F, Šimičić P, Oroz M, Jakovac K, Vugrek O, Zidovec-Lepej S. Characterization of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 Transmission Clusters and Transmitted Drug-Resistant Mutations in Croatia from 2019 to 2022. Viruses 2023; 15:2408. [PMID: 38140649 PMCID: PMC10747707 DOI: 10.3390/v15122408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular epidemiology of HIV-1 infection is challenging due to the highly diverse HIV-genome. We investigated the genetic diversity and prevalence of transmitted drug resistance (TDR) followed by phylogenetic analysis in 270 HIV-1 infected, treatment-naïve individuals from Croatia in the period 2019-2022. The results of this research confirmed a high overall prevalence of TDR of 16.7%. Resistance to nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), non-nucleoside RTIs (NNRTIs), and protease inhibitors (PIs) was found in 9.6%, 7.4%, and 1.5% of persons, respectively. No resistance to integrase strand-transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) was found. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that 173/229 sequences (75.5%) were part of transmission clusters, and the largest identified was T215S, consisting of 45 sequences. Forward transmission was confirmed in several clusters. We compared deep sequencing (DS) with Sanger sequencing (SS) on 60 randomly selected samples and identified additional surveillance drug resistance mutations (SDRMs) in 49 of them. Our data highlight the need for baseline resistance testing in treatment-naïve persons. Although no major INSTIs were found, monitoring of SDRMs to INSTIs should be continued due to the extensive use of first- and second-generation INSTIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Planinić
- Department of Immunological and Molecular Diagnostics, University Hospital for Infectious Diseases Dr. Fran Mihaljević, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Josip Begovac
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Filip Rokić
- Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (F.R.); (K.J.); (O.V.)
| | - Petra Šimičić
- Department of Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital Center, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Maja Oroz
- Cytogenetic Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Hospital Sveti Duh, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Katja Jakovac
- Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (F.R.); (K.J.); (O.V.)
| | - Oliver Vugrek
- Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (F.R.); (K.J.); (O.V.)
| | - Snjezana Zidovec-Lepej
- Department of Immunological and Molecular Diagnostics, University Hospital for Infectious Diseases Dr. Fran Mihaljević, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
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2
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Pavičić I, Rokić F, Vugrek O. Effects of S-Adenosylhomocysteine Hydrolase Downregulation on Wnt Signaling Pathway in SW480 Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16102. [PMID: 38003292 PMCID: PMC10671441 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (AHCY) deficiency results mainly in hypermethioninemia, developmental delay, and is potentially fatal. In order to shed new light on molecular aspects of AHCY deficiency, in particular any changes at transcriptome level, we enabled knockdown of AHCY expression in the colon cancer cell line SW480 to simulate the environment occurring in AHCY deficient individuals. The SW480 cell line is well known for elevated AHCY expression, and thereby represents a suitable model system, in particular as AHCY expression is regulated by MYC, which, on the other hand, is involved in Wnt signaling and the regulation of Wnt-related genes, such as the β-catenin co-transcription factor LEF1 (lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1). We selected LEF1 as a potential target to investigate its association with S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase deficiency. This decision was prompted by our analysis of RNA-Seq data, which revealed significant changes in the expression of genes related to the Wnt signaling pathway and genes involved in processes responsible for epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell proliferation. Notably, LEF1 emerged as a common factor in these processes, showing increased expression both on mRNA and protein levels. Additionally, we show alterations in interconnected signaling pathways linked to LEF1, causing gene expression changes with broad effects on cell cycle regulation, tumor microenvironment, and implications to cell invasion and metastasis. In summary, we provide a new link between AHCY deficiency and LEF1 serving as a mediator of changes to the Wnt signaling pathway, thereby indicating potential connections of AHCY expression and cancer cell phenotype, as Wnt signaling is frequently associated with cancer development, including colorectal cancer (CRC).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Oliver Vugrek
- Laboratory for Advanced Genomics, Divison of Molecular Medicine, Institute Ruđer Bošković, Bijenička Cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (I.P.); (F.R.)
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3
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Zubković A, Gomes C, Parchure A, Cesarec M, Ferenčić A, Rokić F, Jakovac H, Whitford AL, Dochnal SA, Cliffe AR, Cuculić D, Gallo A, Vugrek O, Hackenberg M, Jurak I. HSV-1 miRNAs are post-transcriptionally edited in latently infected human ganglia. J Virol 2023; 97:e0073023. [PMID: 37712701 PMCID: PMC10617394 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00730-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Herpes simplex virus 1 is an important human pathogen that has been intensively studied for many decades. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms regulating its establishment, maintenance, and reactivation from latency are poorly understood. Here, we show that HSV-1-encoded miR-H2 is post-transcriptionally edited in latently infected human tissues. Hyperediting of viral miRNAs increases the targeting potential of these miRNAs and may play an important role in regulating latency. We show that the edited miR-H2 can target ICP4, an essential viral protein. Interestingly, we found no evidence of hyperediting of its homolog, miR-H2, which is expressed by the closely related virus HSV-2. The discovery of post-translational modifications of viral miRNA in the latency phase suggests that these processes may also be important for other non-coding viral RNA in the latency phase, including the intron LAT, which in turn may be crucial for understanding the biology of this virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreja Zubković
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Cristina Gomes
- Genetics Department and Biotechnology Institute, Biomedical Research Center (CIBM), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Adwait Parchure
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Mia Cesarec
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Antun Ferenčić
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Filip Rokić
- Laboratory for Advanced Genomics, Institute Ruđer Bošković, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Hrvoje Jakovac
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Abigail L. Whitford
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Sara A. Dochnal
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Anna R. Cliffe
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Dražen Cuculić
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Angela Gallo
- Department of Onco-Haematology and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Oliver Vugrek
- Laboratory for Advanced Genomics, Institute Ruđer Bošković, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Michael Hackenberg
- Genetics Department and Biotechnology Institute, Biomedical Research Center (CIBM), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Igor Jurak
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
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4
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Lukšić F, Mijakovac A, Josipović G, Vičić Bočkor V, Krištić J, Cindrić A, Vinicki M, Rokić F, Vugrek O, Lauc G, Zoldoš V. Long-Term Culturing of FreeStyle 293-F Cells Affects Immunoglobulin G Glycome Composition. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1245. [PMID: 37627310 PMCID: PMC10452533 DOI: 10.3390/biom13081245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycosylation of IgG regulates the effector function of this antibody in the immune response. Glycosylated IgG is a potent therapeutic used for both research and clinical purposes. While there is ample research on how different cell culture conditions affect IgG glycosylation, the data are missing on the stability of IgG glycome during long cell passaging, i.e., cell "aging". To test this, we performed three independent time course experiments in FreeStyle 293-F cells, which secrete IgG with a human-like glycosylation pattern and are frequently used to generate defined IgG glycoforms. During long-term cell culturing, IgG glycome stayed fairly stable except for galactosylation, which appeared extremely variable. Cell transcriptome analysis revealed no correlation in galactosyltransferase B4GALT1 expression with galactosylation change, but with expression of EEF1A1 and SLC38A10, genes previously associated with IgG galactosylation through GWAS. The FreeStyle 293-F cell-based system for IgG production is a good model for studies of mechanisms underlying IgG glycosylation, but results from the present study point to the utmost importance of the need to control IgG galactosylation in both in vitro and in vivo systems. This is especially important for improving the production of precisely glycosylated IgG for therapeutic purposes, since IgG galactosylation affects the inflammatory potential of IgG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fran Lukšić
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Anika Mijakovac
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Genos Glycoscience Research Laboratory, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Goran Josipović
- Genos Glycoscience Research Laboratory, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Vedrana Vičić Bočkor
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Genos Glycoscience Research Laboratory, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Ana Cindrić
- Genos Glycoscience Research Laboratory, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Martina Vinicki
- Genos Glycoscience Research Laboratory, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Filip Rokić
- Laboratory for Advanced Genomics, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Oliver Vugrek
- Laboratory for Advanced Genomics, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Gordan Lauc
- Genos Glycoscience Research Laboratory, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Vlatka Zoldoš
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Genos Glycoscience Research Laboratory, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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5
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Rokić F, Trgovec-Greif L, Sučić N, Čemeljić N, Grbeša ĐC, Svedružić Ž, Rukavina T, Vugrek O, Jurak I. Diverse SARS-CoV-2 variants preceded the initial COVID-19 outbreak in Croatia. Arch Virol 2021; 166:1735-1739. [PMID: 33761008 PMCID: PMC7988246 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-021-05029-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
We developed a next-generation SARS-CoV-2 sequencing platform and obtained the first SARS-CoV-2 sequences from patients in Croatia at the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak in the spring of 2020. Integrating the sequencing and the epidemiological data, we show that patients were infected with different SARS-CoV-2 variants belonging to different clades (mostly G and GH). This result confirms that there was widespread virus transmission early in 2020. Interestingly, we identified a unique mutation resulting in a V13I substitution in Nsp5A, the main viral protease, in a patient who had not received antiviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Rokić
- Laboratory for Advanced Genomics, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Neven Sučić
- Teaching Institute for Public Health, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Noa Čemeljić
- Master's Programme in Biomedicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Đurđica Cekinović Grbeša
- Faculty of Medicine in Rijeka, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Željko Svedružić
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Tomislav Rukavina
- Teaching Institute for Public Health, Rijeka, Croatia.,Faculty of Medicine in Rijeka, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Oliver Vugrek
- Laboratory for Advanced Genomics, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Igor Jurak
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia.
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Dumic KK, Anticevic D, Petrinovic-Doresic J, Zigman T, Zarković K, Rokic F, Vugrek O. Lowe syndrome - Old and new evidence of secondary mitochondrial dysfunction. Eur J Med Genet 2020; 63:104022. [PMID: 32712215 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2020.104022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The oculocerebrorenal syndrome of Lowe (LS) is a rare, progressive, multisystemic X-linked disorder caused by mutations in OCRL gene. Patients classically present with ocular abnormalities including bilateral congenital cataracts and glaucoma, intellectual delay, severe generalized hypotonia with absent tendon reflexes, and proximal renal tubular dysfunction. Congenital bilateral cataracts and hypotonia are present at birth in almost all patients, while other classical symptoms develop gradually with variable severity. Consequently, differential diagnosis in infant period in these patients can be broad including other rare metabolic and neurologic disorders. Herein we present a 4.5 year old boy with Lowe syndrome caused by mutation of OCRL gene, NM_000276.4:c.643C > T; p.(Gln215*), initially diagnosed as having mitochondriopathy due to alteration of mitochondria on electron microscopic examination in different tissues and decreased values of mitochondrial energy metabolism measurements in muscle. No pathogenic mutations in mitochondrial DNA were found on whole exome sequencing. This patient recall historical hypothesis of secondary mitochondrial dysfunction in Lowe syndrome, that may be caused/intensified by some of disease symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja K Dumic
- Department of Pediatrics, Division for Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, University of Zagreb Medical School, Croatia.
| | - Darko Anticevic
- Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Specialty Hospital 'St. Catherine', Zabok, Croatia
| | | | - Tamara Zigman
- Department of Pediatrics, Division for Genetics and Inherited Metabolic Diseases, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Kamelija Zarković
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, University of Zagreb Medical School, Croatia
| | - Filip Rokic
- Laboratory for Advanced Genomics, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Oliver Vugrek
- Laboratory for Advanced Genomics, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
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7
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8
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Šutić M, Motzek A, Bubanović G, Linke M, Sabol I, Vugrek O, Ozretić P, Brčić L, Seiwerth S, Debeljak Ž, Jakovčević A, Janevski Z, Stančić-Rokotov D, Vukić-Dugac A, Jakopović M, Samaržija M, Zechner U, Knežević J. Promoter methylation status of ASC/TMS1/PYCARD is associated with decreased overall survival and TNM status in patients with early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Transl Lung Cancer Res 2019; 8:1000-1015. [PMID: 32010578 PMCID: PMC6976376 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr.2019.12.08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, with 5-year overall survival less than 15%. Therefore, it is essential to find biomarkers for early detection and prognosis. Aberrant DNA methylation is a common feature of human cancers and its utility is already recognized in cancer management. The aim of this study was to explore the diagnostic and prognostic value of the promoter methylation status of the ASC/TMS1/PYCARD and MyD88 genes, key adaptor molecules in the activation of the innate immune response and apoptosis pathways. METHODS A total of 50 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients were enrolled in the study. Methylation of bisulphite converted DNA was quantified by pyrosequencing in fresh frozen malignant tissues and adjacent non-malignant tissues. Associations between methylation and lung function, tumor grade and overall survival were evaluated using receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) analysis and statistical tests of hypothesis. RESULTS Methylation level of tested genes is generally low but significantly decreased in tumor tissues (ASC/TMS1/PYCARD, P<0.0001; MyD88, P<0.0002), which correlates with increased protein expression. Three CpG sites were identified as promising diagnostic marker candidates; CpG11 (-63 position) in ASC/TMS1/PYCARD and CpG1 (-253 position) and 2 (-265 position) in MyD88. The association study showed that the methylation status of the ASC/TMS1 CpG4 site (-34 position) in malignant and non-malignant tissues is associated with the overall survival (P=0.019) and the methylation status of CpG8 site (-92 position) is associated with TNM-stage (P=0.011). CONCLUSIONS The methylation status of the ASC/TMS1/PYCARD and MyD88 promoters are promising prognostic biomarker candidates. However, presented results should be considered as a preliminary and should be confirmed on the larger number of the samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Šutić
- Ruđer Bošković Institute, Division for Molecular Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Antje Motzek
- Institute for Human Genetics, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Gordana Bubanović
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Matthias Linke
- Institute for Human Genetics, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ivan Sabol
- Ruđer Bošković Institute, Division for Molecular Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Oliver Vugrek
- Ruđer Bošković Institute, Division for Molecular Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Petar Ozretić
- Ruđer Bošković Institute, Division for Molecular Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Luka Brčić
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sven Seiwerth
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Željko Debeljak
- Institute of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, University Hospital Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, JJ Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Antonija Jakovčević
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Zoran Janevski
- Department of Thoracic Surgery Jordanovac, Clinical Hospital Centre Zagreb, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Dinko Stančić-Rokotov
- Department of Thoracic Surgery Jordanovac, Clinical Hospital Centre Zagreb, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Andrea Vukić-Dugac
- Department for Respiratory Diseases, Clinic for Respiratory Diseases Jordanovac, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marko Jakopović
- Department for Respiratory Diseases, Clinic for Respiratory Diseases Jordanovac, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Miroslav Samaržija
- Department for Respiratory Diseases, Clinic for Respiratory Diseases Jordanovac, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ulrich Zechner
- Institute for Human Genetics, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jelena Knežević
- Ruđer Bošković Institute, Division for Molecular Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
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9
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Ozretić P, da Silva Filho MI, Catalano C, Sokolović I, Vukić-Dugac A, Šutić M, Kurtović M, Bubanović G, Popović-Grle S, Skrinjarić-Cincar S, Vugrek O, Jukić I, Rumora L, Bosnar M, Samaržija M, Bals R, Jakopović M, Försti A, Knežević J. Association of NLRP1 Coding Polymorphism with Lung Function and Serum IL-1β Concentration in Patients Diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10100783. [PMID: 31601004 PMCID: PMC6826440 DOI: 10.3390/genes10100783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic disease characterized by a progressive decline in lung function due to airflow limitation, mainly related to IL-1β-induced inflammation. We have hypothesized that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in NLRP genes, coding for key regulators of IL-1β, are associated with pathogenesis and clinical phenotypes of COPD. We recruited 704 COPD individuals and 1238 healthy controls for this study. Twenty non-synonymous SNPs in 10 different NLRP genes were genotyped. Genetic associations were estimated using logistic regression, adjusting for age, gender, and smoking history. The impact of genotypes on patients' overall survival was analyzed with the Kaplan-Meier method with the log-rank test. Serum IL-1β concentration was determined by high sensitivity assay and expression analysis was done by RT-PCR. Decreased lung function, measured by a forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1% predicted), was significantly associated with the minor allele genotypes (AT + TT) of NLRP1 rs12150220 (p = 0.0002). The same rs12150220 genotypes exhibited a higher level of serum IL-1β compared to the AA genotype (p = 0.027) in COPD patients. NLRP8 rs306481 minor allele genotypes (AG + AA) were more common in the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) definition of group A (p = 0.0083). Polymorphisms in NLRP1 (rs12150220; OR = 0.55, p = 0.03) and NLRP4 (rs12462372; OR = 0.36, p = 0.03) were only nominally associated with COPD risk. In conclusion, coding polymorphisms in NLRP1 rs12150220 show an association with COPD disease severity, indicating that the fine-tuning of the NLRP1 inflammasome could be important in maintaining lung tissue integrity and treating the chronic inflammation of airways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petar Ozretić
- Ruđer Bošković Institute, Division of Molecular Medicine, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | | | - Calogerina Catalano
- Division of Molecular Genetic Epidemiology, DKFZ, 69 120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Irena Sokolović
- Department for Respiratory Diseases Jordanovac, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Andrea Vukić-Dugac
- Department for Respiratory Diseases Jordanovac, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Maja Šutić
- Ruđer Bošković Institute, Division of Molecular Medicine, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Matea Kurtović
- Ruđer Bošković Institute, Division of Molecular Medicine, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Gordana Bubanović
- Department for Respiratory Diseases Jordanovac, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Sanja Popović-Grle
- Department for Respiratory Diseases Jordanovac, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Sanda Skrinjarić-Cincar
- Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, School of Medicine, 31 000 Osijek, Croatia.
- Department of Pulmology, Universitiy Hospital Center Osijek, 31 000 Osijek, Croatia.
| | - Oliver Vugrek
- Ruđer Bošković Institute, Division of Molecular Medicine, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Irena Jukić
- Croatian Institute of Transfusion Medicine, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Lada Rumora
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Hematology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Martina Bosnar
- Fidelta d.o.o., Prilaz baruna Filipovića 29, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Miroslav Samaržija
- Department for Respiratory Diseases Jordanovac, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Robert Bals
- Department of Internal Medicine V-Pulmonology, Allergology, Intensive Care Medicine, Saarland University, 66 424 Homburg, Germany.
| | - Marko Jakopović
- Department for Respiratory Diseases Jordanovac, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Asta Försti
- Division of Molecular Genetic Epidemiology, DKFZ, 69 120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Jelena Knežević
- Ruđer Bošković Institute, Division of Molecular Medicine, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia.
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10
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Mikačić I, Belužić R, Vugrek O, Plavljanić Đ. A Proximity Extension Assay (PEA)-based method for quantification of bevacizumab. J Pharmacol Toxicol Methods 2018; 92:20-23. [PMID: 29462667 DOI: 10.1016/j.vascn.2018.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Revised: 01/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Proximity Extension Assay (PEA) is a direct one-step protein quantification method using a pair of DNA oligonucleotides linked to antibodies against the target molecule. It requires polyclonal or two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that bind to target epitopes close enough to form a DNA duplex which is quantified by real-time PCR. Bevacizumab, an anti-cancer drug, is a mAb against vascular endothelial growth factor with common cardiovascular adverse effects. It is widely used off-label to treat neovascular eye disorders by intravitreal application of small doses. Even then, certain amount reaches systemic circulation which is considered relevant regarding safety. We aimed to set-up a PEA-based assay for bevacizumab in human plasma and to preliminary evaluate it in patients treated intravitreally. METHODS We tested (PEA, quantitative PCR) several combinations of commercial mAbs and a Fab fragment against bevacizumab. The best combination was used to quantify bevacizumab in three patients donating plasma before and 24 h after the first intravitreal injection. RESULTS A combination of a mAb and a Fab fragment (HCA184 and HCA182, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.) performed best: standard curve R2 0.98, linear dynamic range 1-1000 pM, lower limit of quantification 1 pM (149 pg/mL) and a satisfactory precision (coefficient of variation 12%). All pre-dose patient concentrations were zero, while post-dose concentrations were 10.94, 13.73 and 55.49 ng/mL, in line with previous reports. DISCUSSION This is the first set-up of a PEA-based assay for quantification of bevacizumab in human plasma. Its good performance and high sensitivity support further evaluation for potential uses particularly when the expected concentrations are low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Mikačić
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Pharmacology Unit, University Hospital "Sveti Duh", Sveti Duh 64, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Robert Belužić
- Laboratory for Advanced Genomics, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Oliver Vugrek
- Laboratory for Advanced Genomics, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Đuro Plavljanić
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Pharmacology Unit, University Hospital "Sveti Duh", Sveti Duh 64, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Grbeša I, Kalo A, Belužić R, Kovačević L, Lepur A, Rokić F, Hochberg H, Kanter I, Simunović V, Muńoz-Torres PM, Shav-Tal Y, Vugrek O. Mutations in S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (AHCY) affect its nucleocytoplasmic distribution and capability to interact with S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase-like 1 protein. Eur J Cell Biol 2017. [PMID: 28647132 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2017.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (AHCY) is thought to be located at the sites of ongoing AdoMet-dependent methylation, presumably in the cell nucleus. Endogenous AHCY is located both in cytoplasm and the nucleus. Little is known regarding mechanisms that drive its subcellular distribution, and even less is known on how mutations causing AHCY deficiency affect its intracellular dynamics. Using fluorescence microscopy and GFP-tagged AHCY constructs we show significant differences in the intensity ratio between nuclei and cytoplasm for mutant proteins when compared with wild type AHCY. Interestingly, nuclear export of AHCY is not affected by leptomycin B. Systematic deletions showed that AHCY has two regions, located at both sides of the protein, that contribute to its nuclear localization, implying the interaction with various proteins. In order to evaluate protein interactions in vivo we engaged in bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) based studies. We investigated previously assumed interaction with AHCY-like-1 protein (AHCYL1), a paralog of AHCY. Indeed, significant interaction between both proteins exists. Additionally, silencing AHCYL1 leads to moderate inhibition of nuclear export of endogenous AHCY.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Grbeša
- Laboratory for Advanced Genomics, Department of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and Institute of Nanotechnology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Alon Kalo
- The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and Institute of Nanotechnology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Robert Belužić
- Laboratory for Advanced Genomics, Department of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lucija Kovačević
- Laboratory for Advanced Genomics, Department of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Adriana Lepur
- Laboratory for Advanced Genomics, Department of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Filip Rokić
- Laboratory for Advanced Genomics, Department of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Hodaya Hochberg
- The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and Institute of Nanotechnology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Itamar Kanter
- The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and Institute of Nanotechnology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Vesna Simunović
- Laboratory for Advanced Genomics, Department of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Pau Marc Muńoz-Torres
- Laboratory for Advanced Genomics, Department of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Yaron Shav-Tal
- The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and Institute of Nanotechnology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Oliver Vugrek
- Laboratory for Advanced Genomics, Department of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
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Teofilović NK, Bihi M, Stojković MR, Tumir LM, Ester K, Kralj M, Majhen D, Oršolić N, Lepur A, Vrbanec D, Markotić A, Dembić Z, Weber ANR, Piantanida I, Vugrek O, Diken M, Knežević J. 1-ethyl-3-(6-methylphenanthridine-8-il) urea modulates TLR3/9 activation and induces selective pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in vitro. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2017; 27:1530-1537. [PMID: 28254484 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2017.02.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Revised: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
We have previously demonstrated the nucleic acid binding capacity of phenanthridine derivatives (PHTs). Because nucleic acids are potent inducers of innate immune response through Toll-like receptors (TLRs), and because PTHs bear a structural resemblance to commonly used synthetic ligands for TLR7/8, we hypothesized that PHTs could modulate/activate immune response. We found that compound M199 induces secretion of IL-6, IL-8 and TNFα in human PBMCs and inhibits TLR3/9 activation in different cellular systems (PBMCs, HEK293 and THP-1 cell lines).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Damir Vrbanec
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Alemka Markotić
- University Hospital for Infectious Diseases "Dr. Fran Mihaljevic", Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Zlatko Dembić
- Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | | | - Mustafa Diken
- TRON-Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University GmbH, Mainz, Germany
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13
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Lepur A, Kovačević L, Belužić R, Vugrek O. Combining Unique Multiplex Gateway Cloning and Bimolecular Fluorescence Complementation (BiFC) for High-Throughput Screening of Protein-Protein Interactions. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 21:1100-1111. [PMID: 27455993 DOI: 10.1177/1087057116659438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Protein interaction networks are the basis for human metabolic and signaling systems. Interaction studies often use bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) to reveal the formation and cellular localization of protein complexes. However, large-scale studies were either far from native conditions in human cells or limited by laborious restriction/ligation cloning techniques. Here, we describe a new tool for protein interaction screening based on Gateway-compatible BiFC vectors. We made a set of four new vectors that permit fusion of candidate proteins to the N or C fragment of Venus in all fusion positions. We have validated the vectors and confirmed self-association of AHCY, AHCYL1, and galectin-3. In a high-throughput BiFC screen, we identified new AHCY interaction partners: galectin-3 and PUS7L. We also describe additional steps in protein interaction analysis, applied for AHCY-galectin-3 interaction. First, we classified the interaction in intracellular vesicles using CellCognition, machine learning free software. Then we identified the vesicles as endosomal pathway compartments, in line with known galectin-3 trafficking route. This offers a platform to rapidly identify and localize new protein interactions inside living cells, a prerequisite to validate in silico interactome data, and ultimately decode complex protein networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Lepur
- 1 Department for Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lucija Kovačević
- 1 Department for Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Robert Belužić
- 1 Department for Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Oliver Vugrek
- 1 Department for Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
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14
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Štimac A, Cvitaš JT, Frkanec L, Vugrek O, Frkanec R. Design and syntheses of mono and multivalent mannosyl-lipoconjugates for targeted liposomal drug delivery. Int J Pharm 2016; 511:44-56. [PMID: 27363934 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2016.06.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2016] [Revised: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Multivalent mannosyl-lipoconjugates may be of interest for glycosylation of liposomes and targeted drug delivery because the mannose specifically binds to C-type lectin receptors on the particular cells. In this paper syntheses of two types of novel O-mannosides are presented. Conjugates 1 and 2 with a COOH- and NH2-functionalized spacer and the connection to a lysine and FmocNH-PEG-COOH, are described. The coupling reactions of prepared intermediates 6 and 4 with a PEGylated-DSPE or palmitic acid, respectively, are presented. Compounds 5, mono-, 8, di- and 12, tetravalent mannosyl-lipoconjugates, were synthesized. The synthesized compounds were incorporated into liposomes and liposomal preparations featuring exposed mannose units were characterized. Carbohydrate liposomal quartz crystal microbalance based assay has been established for studying carbohydrate-lectin binding. It was demonstrated that liposomes with incorporated mannosyl-lipoconjugates were effectively recognized by Con A and have great potential to be used for targeted liposomal drug delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adela Štimac
- University of Zagreb, Centre for Research and Knowledge Transfer in Biotechnology, Rockefellerova 10, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Leo Frkanec
- Institute Rudjer BoškoviĿ, BijeniĿka cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Oliver Vugrek
- Institute Rudjer BoškoviĿ, BijeniĿka cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ruža Frkanec
- University of Zagreb, Centre for Research and Knowledge Transfer in Biotechnology, Rockefellerova 10, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
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15
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Motzek A, Knežević J, Switzeny OJ, Cooper A, Barić I, Beluzić R, Strauss KA, Puffenberger EG, Mudd SH, Vugrek O, Zechner U. Abnormal Hypermethylation at Imprinting Control Regions in Patients with S-Adenosylhomocysteine Hydrolase (AHCY) Deficiency. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0151261. [PMID: 26974671 PMCID: PMC4790936 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (AHCY) deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive disorder in methionine metabolism caused by mutations in the AHCY gene. Main characteristics are psychomotor delay including delayed myelination and myopathy (hypotonia, absent tendon reflexes etc.) from birth, mostly associated with hypermethioninaemia, elevated serum creatine kinase levels and increased genome wide DNA methylation. The prime function of AHCY is to hydrolyse and efficiently remove S-adenosylhomocysteine, the by-product of transmethylation reactions and one of the most potent methyltransferase inhibitors. In this study, we set out to more specifically characterize DNA methylation changes in blood samples from patients with AHCY deficiency. Global DNA methylation was increased in two of three analysed patients. In addition, we analysed the DNA methylation levels at differentially methylated regions (DMRs) of six imprinted genes (MEST, SNRPN, LIT1, H19, GTL2 and PEG3) as well as Alu and LINE1 repetitive elements in seven patients. Three patients showed a hypermethylation in up to five imprinted gene DMRs. Abnormal methylation in Alu and LINE1 repetitive elements was not observed. We conclude that DNA hypermethylation seems to be a frequent but not a constant feature associated with AHCY deficiency that affects different genomic regions to different degrees. Thus AHCY deficiency may represent an ideal model disease for studying the molecular origins and biological consequences of DNA hypermethylation due to impaired cellular methylation status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antje Motzek
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jelena Knežević
- Institute Ruđer Bošković, Division of Molecular Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Olivier J. Switzeny
- Institute for Toxicology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Alexis Cooper
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ivo Barić
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Center Zagreb & University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Robert Beluzić
- Institute Ruđer Bošković, Division of Molecular Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Kevin A. Strauss
- Clinic for Special Children, Strasburg, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Erik G. Puffenberger
- Clinic for Special Children, Strasburg, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - S. Harvey Mudd
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Oliver Vugrek
- Institute Ruđer Bošković, Division of Molecular Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
- * E-mail: (OV); (UZ)
| | - Ulrich Zechner
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- * E-mail: (OV); (UZ)
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16
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Strauss KA, Ferreira C, Bottiglieri T, Zhao X, Arning E, Zhang S, Zeisel SH, Escolar ML, Presnick N, Puffenberger EG, Vugrek O, Kovacevic L, Wagner C, Mazariegos GV, Mudd SH, Soltys K. Liver transplantation for treatment of severe S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase deficiency. Mol Genet Metab 2015; 116:44-52. [PMID: 26095522 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2015.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2015] [Accepted: 06/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A child with severe S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (AHCY) deficiency (AHCY c.428A>G, p.Tyr143Cys; c.982T>G, p.Tyr328Asp) presented at 8 months of age with growth failure, microcephaly, global developmental delay, myopathy, hepatopathy, and factor VII deficiency. Plasma methionine, S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet), and S-adenosylhomocysteine (AdoHcy) were markedly elevated and the molar concentration ratio of AdoMet:AdoHcy, believed to regulate a myriad of methyltransferase reactions, was 15% of the control mean. Dietary therapy failed to normalize biochemical markers or alter the AdoMet to AdoHcy molar concentration ratio. At 40 months of age, the proband received a liver segment from a healthy, unrelated living donor. Mean AdoHcy decreased 96% and the AdoMet:AdoHcy concentration ratio improved from 0.52±0.19 to 1.48±0.79 mol:mol (control 4.10±2.11 mol:mol). Blood methionine and AdoMet were normal and stable during 6 months of follow-up on an unrestricted diet. Average calculated tissue methyltransferase activity increased from 43±26% to 60±22%, accompanied by signs of increased transmethylation in vivo. Factor VII activity increased from 12% to 100%. During 6 postoperative months, head growth accelerated 4-fold and the patient made promising gains in gross motor, language, and social skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin A Strauss
- Clinic for Special Children, Strasburg, PA, USA; Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, PA, USA; Lancaster General Hospital, Lancaster, PA, USA.
| | - Carlos Ferreira
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Teodoro Bottiglieri
- Center of Metabolomics, Institute of Metabolic Disease, Baylor Research Institute, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Xueqing Zhao
- Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, NC, USA
| | - Erland Arning
- Center of Metabolomics, Institute of Metabolic Disease, Baylor Research Institute, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Shucha Zhang
- Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, NC, USA
| | - Steven H Zeisel
- Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, NC, USA
| | - Maria L Escolar
- Program for the Study of Neurodevelopment in Rare Disorders and Center for Rare Disease Therapy, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Erik G Puffenberger
- Clinic for Special Children, Strasburg, PA, USA; Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, PA, USA
| | - Oliver Vugrek
- Translational Medicine Group, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lucija Kovacevic
- Translational Medicine Group, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Conrad Wagner
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - George V Mazariegos
- Hillman Center for Pediatric Transplantation, Thomas E. Starzl Transplant Institute and Center for Rare Disease Therapy, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - S Harvey Mudd
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kyle Soltys
- Hillman Center for Pediatric Transplantation, Thomas E. Starzl Transplant Institute and Center for Rare Disease Therapy, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Crnolatac I, Tumir LM, Lesev NY, Vasilev AA, Deligeorgiev TG, Mišković K, Glavaš-Obrovac L, Vugrek O, Piantanida I. Probing the structural properties of DNA/RNA grooves with sterically restricted phosphonium dyes: screening of dye cytotoxicity and uptake. ChemMedChem 2013; 8:1093-103. [PMID: 23729313 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201300085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2013] [Revised: 04/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
To explore in greater detail the recently reported rare kinetic differentiation between homo-polymeric and alternating AT-DNA sequences by using sterically restricted phosphonium dyes that form dimers within the DNA minor groove, new analogues were prepared in which the quinolone phosphonium moiety was kept constant, while the size and hydrogen bonding properties of the rest of the molecule were varied. Structure-activity relationship studies revealed that a slight increase in length by an additional methylene unit results in loss of kinetic AT selectivity, but yielded an AT-selective fluorescence response. These DNA/RNA-groove-bound dyes combine very low cytotoxicity with efficient cellular uptake and intriguingly specific fluorescent marking of mitochondria. In contrast to longer analogues, a decrease in length (by methylene unit removal) and rearrangement of positive charge resulted in dyes that had switched to the intercalative binding mode to GC DNA/dsRNA but that still form dimers in the minor groove of AT sequences, consequently yielding a significantly different chiro-optical response. The latter dyes also revealed strongly selective antiproliferative activity toward HeLa cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivo Crnolatac
- Division of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, PO Box 180, 10002 Zagreb, Croatia
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Perin N, Martin-Kleiner I, Nhili R, Laine W, David-Cordonnier MH, Vugrek O, Karminski-Zamola G, Kralj M, Hranjec M. Biological activity and DNA binding studies of 2-substituted benzimidazo[1,2-a]quinolines bearing different amino side chains. Med Chem Commun 2013. [DOI: 10.1039/c3md00193h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Honzík T, Magner M, Krijt J, Sokolová J, Vugrek O, Belužić R, Barić I, Hansíkova H, Elleder M, Veselá K, Bauerová L, Ondrušková N, Ješina P, Zeman J, Kožich V. Clinical picture of S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase deficiency resembles phosphomannomutase 2 deficiency. Mol Genet Metab 2012; 107:611-3. [PMID: 22959829 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2012.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2012] [Revised: 08/14/2012] [Accepted: 08/14/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
We report on the seventh known patient with S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (SAHH) deficiency presenting at birth with features resembling phosphomannomutase 2 (PMM2-CDG Ia) deficiency. Plasma methionine and total homocysteine levels were normal at 2 months and increased only after the 8th month of age. SAHH deficiency was confirmed at 4.5 years of age by showing decreased SAHH activity (11% in both erythrocytes and fibroblasts), and compound heterozygosity for a known mutation c.145C>T (p.R49C) and a novel variant c.211G>A (p.G71S) in the AHCY gene. Retrospective analysis of clinical features revealed striking similarities between SAHH deficiency and the PMM2-CDG Ia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomáš Honzík
- First Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Inherited Metabolic Disorders, Charles University in Prague and General University Hospital in Prague, Czech Republic
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Taki H, Gomi T, Knuckley B, Thompson PR, Vugrek O, Hirata K, Miyahara T, Shinoda K, Hounoki H, Sugiyama E, Usui I, Urakaze M, Tobe K, Ishimoto T, Inoue R, Tanaka A, Mano H, Ogawa H, Mori H. Purification of enzymatically inactive peptidylarginine deiminase type 6 from mouse ovary that reveals hexameric structure different from other dimeric isoforms. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.4236/abb.2011.24044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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21
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Grubbs R, Vugrek O, Deisch J, Wagner C, Stabler S, Allen R, Barić I, Rados M, Mudd SH. S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase deficiency: two siblings with fetal hydrops and fatal outcomes. J Inherit Metab Dis 2010; 33:705-13. [PMID: 20852937 DOI: 10.1007/s10545-010-9171-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2010] [Revised: 06/17/2010] [Accepted: 07/05/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
This paper reports the clinical and metabolic findings in two sibling sisters born with fetal hydrops and eventually found to have deficient S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (AHCY) activity due to compound heterozygosity for two novel mutations, c.145C>T; p.Arg49Cys and c.257A>G; p.Asp86Gly. Clinically, the major abnormalities in addition to fetal hydrops (very likely due to impaired synthetic liver function) were severe hypotonia/myopathy, feeding problems, and respiratory failure. Metabolic abnormalities included elevated plasma S-adenosylhomocysteine, S-adenosylmethionine, and methionine, with hypoalbuminemia, coagulopathies, and serum transaminase elevation. The older sister died at age 25 days, but the definitive diagnosis was made only retrospectively. The underlying genetic abnormality was diagnosed in the second sister, but treatment by means of dietary methionine restriction and supplementation with phosphatidylcholine and creatine did not prevent her death at age 122 days. These cases extend the experience with AHCY deficiency in humans, based until now on only the four patients previously identified, and suggest that the deficiency in question may be a cause of fetal hydrops and developmental abnormalities of the brain.
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22
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Vugrek O, Beluzić R, Nakić N, Mudd SH. S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (AHCY) deficiency: two novel mutations with lethal outcome. Hum Mutat 2009; 30:E555-65. [PMID: 19177456 DOI: 10.1002/humu.20985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
This paper reports studies of two novel, allelic missense mutations found in the S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (AHCY) gene from a new case of AHCY deficiency in an infant girl who died at age four months. The mutations lead to replacement of arginine with cysteine (p.Arg49Cys) and aspartic acid with glycine (p.Asp86Gly). Functional analysis of recombinant proteins containing the mutations detected showed that both dramatically reduce AHCY activity. The p.Arg49Cys mutant protein forms intermolecular disulphide bonds, leading to macromolecular structures that can be prevented by reducing agent DTT. The p.Asp86Gly protein tends to form enzymatically inactive aggregates and the loss of a single negative charge as a result of the mutation is involved in enzyme inactivation. We show that replacing Gly86 with negatively charged Glu86 in mutant protein restores enzymatic activity to 70% of wild-type, whereas changing Gly86 to positively charged Lys86 or uncharged Leu86 does not improve enzyme activity, indicating that the negative charge is important for maintenance of such activity. These studies significantly extend knowledge about the importance of residue 86 for AHCY activity. Residue 86 has not been implicated before in this way and the results suggest that the present model of S- adenosylhomocysteine (AdoHcy) hydrolysis may need refinement. Our functional studies provide novel insight into the molecular defect underlying AHCY deficiency and reveal that both low enzyme activity and protein stability of AHCY contribute to the clinical phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Vugrek
- Institute Ruder Bosković, Division of Molecular Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia.
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23
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Beluzić R, Cuk M, Pavkov T, Barić I, Vugrek O. S-Adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (AdoHcyase) deficiency: enzymatic capabilities of human AdoHcyase are highly effected by changes to codon 89 and its surrounding residues. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2008; 368:30-6. [PMID: 18211827 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2008.01.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2007] [Accepted: 01/09/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Recently, S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase deficiency was confirmed for the first time in an adult. Two missense mutations in codons 89 (A>V) and 143 (Y>C) in the AdoHcyase gene were identified [N.R.M. Buist, B. Glenn, O. Vugrek, C. Wagner, S. Stabler, R.H. Allen, I. Pogribny, A. Schulze, S.H. Zeisel, I. Barić, S.H. Mudd, S-Adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase deficiency in a 26-year-old man, J. Inh. Metab. Dis. 29 (2006) 538-545]. Accordingly, we have proven the Y143C mutation to be highly inactivating [R. Beluzić, M. Cuk, T. Pavkov, K. Fumić, I. Barić, S.H. Mudd, I. Jurak, O. Vugrek, A single mutation at tyrosine 143 of human S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase renders the enzyme thermosensitive and effects the oxidation state of bound co-factor NAD, Biochem. J. 400 (2006) 245-253]. Now we report that the A89V exchange leads to a 70% loss of enzymatic activity, respectively. Circular dichroism analysis of recombinant p.A89V protein shows a significantly reduced unfolding temperature by 5.5 degrees C compared to wild-type. Gel filtration of mutant protein is almost identical to wild-type indicating assembly of subunits into the tetrameric complex. However, electrophoretic mobility of p.A89V is notably faster as shown by native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis implicating changes to the overall charge of the mutant complex. 'Bioinformatics' analysis indicates that Val(89) collides with Thr(84) causing sterical incompatibility. Performing site-directed mutagenesis changing Thr(84) to 'smaller' Ser(84) but preserving similar physico-chemical properties restores most of the catalytic capabilities of the mutant p.A89V enzyme. On the other hand, substitution of Thr(84) with Lys(84) or Gln(84), thereby introducing residues with higher volume in proximity to Ala(89) results in inactivation of wild-type protein. In view of our mutational analysis, we consider changes in charge and the sterical incompatibility in mutant p.A89V protein as main reason for enzyme malfunction with AdoHcyase deficiency as consequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Beluzić
- Institute Ruder Bosković, Division of Molecular Medicine, Bijenicka 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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24
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Fumić K, Beluzić R, Cuk M, Pavkov T, Kloor D, Barić I, Mijić I, Vugrek O. Functional analysis of human S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase isoforms SAHH-2 and SAHH-3. Eur J Hum Genet 2006; 15:347-51. [PMID: 17164794 DOI: 10.1038/sj.ejhg.5201757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (AdoHcyase) catalyzes the hydrolysis of AdoHcy to adenosine and homocysteine. Increased levels of AdoHcy may play a role in the development of cardiovascular diseases and numerous other conditions associated with hyperhomocysteinemia. Several polymorphic isoforms named SAHH-1 to 4 may be resolved by horizontal starch gel electrophoresis from red blood cells. We have identified the genetic background of isoforms SAHH-2 and SAHH-3. SAHH-2 represents the previously described polymorphism in exon 2 of the AdoHcyase gene (112 C>T; p.R38W). Isoform SAHH-3 is based on a new polymorphism in exon 3 (377 G>A), leading to the conversion of glycine to arginine at amino-acid position 123. To shed light on the effects of these polymorphisms on the molecular and catalytic properties of AdoHcyase, we made recombinant wild-type and polymorphic R38W and G123R enzymes for a comparative analysis. The amino-acid exchanges did not bring about major changes to the catalytic rates of the recombinant proteins. However, circular dichroism analysis showed that both polymorphisms effect the thermal stability of the recombinant protein in vitro, reducing the unfolding temperature by approximately 2.6 degrees C (R38W) and 1.5 degrees C (G123R) compared to wild-type protein. In view of the altered thermal stability, and slightly decreased enzymatic activity of polymorphic proteins (< or =6%), one may consider the analyzed AdoHcyase isoforms as risk markers for diseases caused by irregular AdoHcyase metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ksenija Fumić
- Clinical Institute of Laboratory Diagnosis, University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
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25
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Belužić R, Ćuk M, Pavkov T, Fumić K, Barić I, Mudd S, Jurak I, Vugrek O. A single mutation at Tyr143 of human S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase renders the enzyme thermosensitive and affects the oxidation state of bound cofactor nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide. Biochem J 2006; 400:245-53. [PMID: 16872278 PMCID: PMC1652816 DOI: 10.1042/bj20060749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Recently, we have described the first human case of AdoHcyase (S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase) deficiency. Two point mutations in the AdoHcyase gene, the missense mutation p.Y143C (AdoHcyase in which Tyr143 is replaced by cysteine) and the truncation mutation p.W112stop (AdoHcyase in which Trp112 is replaced by opal stop codon) were identified [Barić, Fumić, Glenn, Cuk, Schulze, Finkelstein, James, Mejaski-Bosnjak, Pazanin, Pogribny et al. (2004) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 101, 4234-4239]. To elucidate the molecular and catalytic properties of AdoHcyase, we have made recombinant wild-type and mutant p.Y143C (AdoHcyase in which Tyr143 is replaced by cysteine) enzymes for a comparative analysis. The catalytic rates of p.Y143C protein in the directions of S-adenosylhomocysteine synthesis or hydrolysis are decreased from 65% to 75%. Further, the oxidation states of coenzyme NAD differ between mutant and wild-type protein, with an increased NADH accumulation in the mutant p.Y143C enzyme of 88% NADH (wild-type contains 18% NADH). Quantitative binding of NAD is not affected. Native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed, that mutant p.Y143C subunits are able to form the tetrameric complex as is the wild-type enzyme. CD analysis showed that the p.Y143C mutation renders the recombinant protein thermosensitive, with an unfolding temperature significantly reduced by 7 degrees C compared with wild-type protein. Change of Glu115 to lysine in wild-type protein causes a change in thermosensitivity almost identical with that found in the p.Y143C enzyme, indicating that the thermosensitivity is due to a missing hydrogen bond between Tyr143 and Glu115. We emphasize involvement of this particular hydrogen bond for subunit folding and/or holoenyzme stability. In summary, a single mutation in the AdoHcyase affecting both the oxidation state of bound co-factor NAD and enzyme stability is present in a human with AdoHcyase deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Belužić
- *Division of Molecular Medicine, Institute Ruđer Bošković, Bijenička 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mario Ćuk
- †Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University Hospital Center, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tea Pavkov
- ‡Institute of Chemistry, Structural Biology, Karl-Franzens-University, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Ksenija Fumić
- §Clinical Institute of Laboratory Diagnosis, University Hospital Center, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Ivo Barić
- †Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University Hospital Center, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - S. Harvey Mudd
- ∥Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-9663, U.S.A
| | - Igor Jurak
- ¶Division of Viral Infections, Robert Koch Institute, D-10963 Berlin, Germany
| | - Oliver Vugrek
- *Division of Molecular Medicine, Institute Ruđer Bošković, Bijenička 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- To whom correspondence should be addressed (email )
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Buist NRM, Glenn B, Vugrek O, Wagner C, Stabler S, Allen RH, Pogribny I, Schulze A, Zeisel SH, Barić I, Mudd SH. S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase deficiency in a 26-year-old man. J Inherit Metab Dis 2006; 29:538-45. [PMID: 16736098 PMCID: PMC2430673 DOI: 10.1007/s10545-006-0240-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2005] [Accepted: 01/04/2006] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This paper reports the third proven human case of deficient S-adenosylhomocysteine (AdoHcy) hydrolase activity. The patient is similar to the only two previously reported cases with this disorder in having severe myopathy, developmental delay, elevated serum creatine kinase (CK) concentrations, and hypermethioninaemia. Although he has been followed from infancy, the basic enzyme deficiency was established only at age 26 years. The diagnosis was based on markedly elevated plasma concentrations of both AdoHcy and S-adenosylmethionine, some 20% of the mean control activity of AdoHcy hydrolase activity in haemolysates of his red-blood cells, and two missense mutations in his gene encoding AdoHcy hydrolase. He had low values of erythrocyte phosphatidylcholine and plasma free choline and marginally elevated excretion of guanidinoacetate, suggesting that the elevated AdoHcy may have been inhibiting methylation of phosphatidylethanolamine and guanidinoacetate. His leukocyte DNA was globally more methylated than the DNA's of his parents or the mean extent of methylation measured in age-matched control subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- N R M Buist
- Departments of Pediatrics and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, 8510 S.W. White Pine Lane, Portland, OR 97225, USA.
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27
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Barić I, Cuk M, Fumić K, Vugrek O, Allen RH, Glenn B, Maradin M, Pazanin L, Pogribny I, Rados M, Sarnavka V, Schulze A, Stabler S, Wagner C, Zeisel SH, Mudd SH. S-Adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase deficiency: a second patient, the younger brother of the index patient, and outcomes during therapy. J Inherit Metab Dis 2005; 28:885-902. [PMID: 16435181 PMCID: PMC2441944 DOI: 10.1007/s10545-005-0192-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2005] [Accepted: 09/02/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
S-Adenosylhomocysteine (AdoHcy) hydrolase deficiency has been proven in a human only once, in a recently described Croatian boy. Here we report the clinical course and biochemical abnormalities of the younger brother of this proband. This younger brother has the same two mutations in the gene encoding AdoHcy hydrolase, and has been monitored since birth. We report, as well, outcomes during therapy for both patients. The information obtained suggests that the disease starts in utero and is characterized primarily by neuromuscular symptomatology (hypotonia, sluggishness, psychomotor delay, absent tendon reflexes, delayed myelination). The laboratory abnormalities are markedly increased creatine kinase and elevated aminotransferases, as well as specific amino acid aberrations that pinpoint the aetiology. The latter include, most importantly, markedly elevated plasma AdoHcy. Plasma S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) is also elevated, as is methionine (although the hypermethioninaemia may be absent or nonsignificant in the first weeks of life). The disease seems to be at least to some extent treatable, as shown by improved myelination and psychomotor development during dietary methionine restriction and supplementation with creatine and phosphatidylcholine.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Barić
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Center and School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia.
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28
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Vugrek O, Sawitzky H, Menzel D. Class XIII myosins from the green alga Acetabularia: driving force in organelle transport and tip growth? J Muscle Res Cell Motil 2004; 24:87-97. [PMID: 12953839 DOI: 10.1023/a:1024898520419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The green alga Acetabularia cliftonii (Dasycladales) contains at least two myosin genes, which already have been assigned class XIII of the myosin superfamily (Cope et al., 1996, Structure 4: 969-987). Here we report a complete analysis of their gene structure and their corresponding transcripts Aclmyo1 and Aclmyo2. Despite promising Northern blot data no evidence for alternative splicing could be found. Dissecting the primary structure at complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA) level we found a myosin typical organization in head, neck and variable tail region. Most striking is the extremely short tail region of Aclmyo1 with only 18 residues and the maximum number of 7 IQ motifs in Aclmyo2. Probing Acetabularia protein extracts with an antibody raised to a synthetic peptide derived from the amino terminal region in Alcmyo1 showed cross-reactivity to a polypeptide with a molecular mass of approximately 100 kD. This corresponds to the predicted molecular weight of Aclmyo1, which is 106 kD as deduced from the amino acid sequence. Additionally, the same cross-reactive protein is capable of binding F-actin as indicated by a co-sedimentation assay. Confocal laser scanning microscopy with raised antibody revealed co-localization with organelles, the budding region of lateral whorls and the cell apex suggesting involvement of putative Acetabularia myosin in organelle transport and tip growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Vugrek
- Max-Planck-Institute for Cell Biology, Rosenhof, 68526 Ladenburg, Germany.
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29
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Baric I, Fumic K, Glenn B, Cuk M, Schulze A, Finkelstein JD, James SJ, Mejaski-Bosnjak V, Pazanin L, Pogribny IP, Rados M, Sarnavka V, Scukanec-Spoljar M, Allen RH, Stabler S, Uzelac L, Vugrek O, Wagner C, Zeisel S, Mudd SH. S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase deficiency in a human: a genetic disorder of methionine metabolism. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2004; 101:4234-9. [PMID: 15024124 PMCID: PMC384724 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0400658101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We report studies of a Croatian boy, a proven case of human S-adenosylhomocysteine (AdoHcy) hydrolase deficiency. Psychomotor development was slow until his fifth month; thereafter, virtually absent until treatment was started. He had marked hypotonia with elevated serum creatine kinase and transaminases, prolonged prothrombin time and low albumin. Electron microscopy of muscle showed numerous abnormal myelin figures; liver biopsy showed mild hepatitis with sparse rough endoplasmic reticulum. Brain MRI at 12.7 months revealed white matter atrophy and abnormally slow myelination. Hypermethioninemia was present in the initial metabolic study at age 8 months, and persisted (up to 784 microM) without tyrosine elevation. Plasma total homocysteine was very slightly elevated for an infant to 14.5-15.9 microM. In plasma, S-adenosylmethionine was 30-fold and AdoHcy 150-fold elevated. Activity of AdoHcy hydrolase was approximately equal to 3% of control in liver and was 5-10% of the control values in red blood cells and cultured fibroblasts. We found no evidence of a soluble inhibitor of the enzyme in extracts of the patient's cultured fibroblasts. Additional pretreatment abnormalities in plasma included low concentrations of phosphatidylcholine and choline, with elevations of guanidinoacetate, betaine, dimethylglycine, and cystathionine. Leukocyte DNA was hypermethylated. Gene analysis revealed two mutations in exon 4: a maternally derived stop codon, and a paternally derived missense mutation. We discuss reasons for biochemical abnormalities and pathophysiological aspects of AdoHcy hydrolase deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivo Baric
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Center, Kispatićeva 12, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
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Abstract
Hamy3, a novel type myosin heavy chain from sunflower is the smallest myosin described so far, with only 900 amino acid residues. One interesting finding in Hamy3 is the glycine to glutamine alteration at residue 741, which corresponds to chicken skeletal muscle myosin glycine 699 (G699). G699 is found in 125 out of 129 myosin sequences and is interpreted in terms of its role as a pivot point for motion in the myosin "lever arm hypothesis". Changes in this crucial part of myosin might indicate a role that is different from the generation of intracellular motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Vugrek
- Max-Planck-Institute for Cell Biology, Rosenhof, 68526 Ladenburg, Germany.
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Whittington AT, Vugrek O, Wei KJ, Hasenbein NG, Sugimoto K, Rashbrooke MC, Wasteneys GO. MOR1 is essential for organizing cortical microtubules in plants. Nature 2001; 411:610-3. [PMID: 11385579 DOI: 10.1038/35079128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 286] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Microtubules orchestrate cell division and morphogenesis, but how they disassemble and reappear at different subcellular locations is unknown. Microtubule organizing centres are thought to have an important role, but in higher plants microtubules assemble in ordered configurations even though microtubule organizing centres are inconspicuous or absent. Plant cells generate highly organized microtubule arrays that coordinate mitosis, cytokinesis and expansion. Inhibiting microtubule assembly prevents chromosome separation, blocks cell division and impairs growth polarity. Microtubules are essential for the formation of cell walls, through an array of plasma-membrane-associated cortical microtubules whose control mechanisms are unknown. Using a genetic strategy to identify microtubule organizing factors in Arabidopsis thaliana, we isolated temperature-sensitive mutant alleles of the MICROTUBULE ORGANIZATION 1 (MOR1) gene. Here we show that MOR1 is the plant version of an ancient family of microtubule-associated proteins. Point mutations that substitute single amino-acid residues in an amino-terminal HEAT repeat impart reversible temperature-dependent cortical microtubule disruption, showing that MOR1 is essential for cortical microtubule organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- A T Whittington
- Plant Cell Biology Group, Research School of Biological Sciences, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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33
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Menzel D, Vugrek O, Frank S, Elsner-Menzel C. Protein phosphatase 2A, a potential regulator of actin dynamics and actin-based organelle motility in the green alga Acetabularia. Eur J Cell Biol 1995; 67:179-87. [PMID: 7664759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The giant, unicellular alga Acetabularia is a well known experimental model for the study of actin-dependent intracellular organelle motility. In the cyst stage, however, which is equivalent to the gametophytic stage, organelles are immobile, even though an actin cytoskeleton is present. The reason for the lack of organelle motility at this stage has not been known. To test the hypothesis that organelle motility could be under the control of posttranslational modification by protein phosphorylation, we have treated cysts with submicromolar concentrations of okadaic acid or calyculin A, both potent inhibitors of serine/threonine protein phosphatases (ser/thr-PPases). The effects were dramatic: Instead of linear actin bundles typical for control cysts, circular arrays of actin bundles formed in the cortical cyst cytoplasm. Concomitant with the formation of these action rings, the cytoplasmic layers beneath the rings began to slowly rotate in a continuous and uniform counter-clockwise fashion. This effect suggests that protein phosphorylation acts on the actin cytoskeleton at two levels: (1) It changes the assembly properties of the actin filament system to the extent that novel cytoskeletal configurations are formed and (2) it raises the activity of putative motor proteins involved in the rotational movements to levels sufficiently high to support motility at a stage when organelle motility does not normally occur. Northern blot analysis of cyst stage-mRNA using probes specific to protein phosphatase type 1 (PP1) and type 2A (PP2A) reveals that PP2A is strongly expressed at this developmental stage whereas PP1 is not detectable, suggesting that PP2A is the likely target to the protein phosphatase inhibitors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Affiliation(s)
- D Menzel
- Max-Planck-Institut für Zellbiologie, Ladenburg/Germany
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