Genetics
Abstract
We investigated the role of cAMP-responsive element–binding protein (CREB) in genetic predisposition to anxiety and alcohol-drinking behaviors using alcohol-preferring (P) and -nonpreferring (NP) rats. The levels of CREB, phosphorylated CREB, and neuropeptide Y (NPY) were innately lower in the central amygdala (CeA) and medial amygdala (MeA), but not in the basolateral amygdala (BLA), of P rats compared with NP rats. P rats displayed higher baseline anxiety-like behaviors and consumed higher amounts of alcohol compared with NP rats. Ethanol injection or voluntary intake reduced the higher anxiety levels in P rats. Ethanol also increased CREB function in the CeA and MeA, but not in the BLA, of P rats. Infusion of the PKA activator Sp-cAMP or NPY into the CeA decreased the alcohol intake and anxiety-like behaviors of P rats. PKA activator infusion also increased CREB function in the CeA of P rats. On the other hand, ethanol injection or voluntary intake did not produce any changes either in anxiety levels or on CREB function in the amygdaloid structures of NP rats. Interestingly, infusion of the PKA inhibitor Rp-cAMP into the CeA provoked anxiety-like behaviors and increased alcohol intake in NP rats. PKA inhibitor decreased CREB function in the CeA of NP rats. These novel results provide the first evidence to our knowledge that decreased CREB function in the CeA may be operative in maintaining the high anxiety and excessive alcohol-drinking behaviors of P rats.
Authors
Subhash C. Pandey, Huaibo Zhang, Adip Roy, Tiejun Xu
Abstract
NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I) deficiency is a common cause of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation disease. It is associated with a wide range of clinical phenotypes in infants, including Leigh syndrome, cardiomyopathy, and encephalomyopathy. In at least half of patients, enzyme deficiency results from a failure to assemble the holoenzyme complex; however, the molecular chaperones required for assembly of the mammalian enzyme remain unknown. Using whole genome subtraction of yeasts with and without a complex I to generate candidate assembly factors, we identified a paralogue (B17.2L) of the B17.2 structural subunit. We found a null mutation in B17.2L in a patient with a progressive encephalopathy and showed that the associated complex I assembly defect could be completely rescued by retroviral expression of B17.2L in patient fibroblasts. An anti-B17.2L antibody did not associate with the holoenzyme complex but specifically recognized an 830-kDa subassembly in several patients with complex I assembly defects and coimmunoprecipitated a subset of complex I structural subunits from normal human heart mitochondria. These results demonstrate that B17.2L is a bona fide molecular chaperone that is essential for the assembly of complex I and for the normal function of the nervous system.
Authors
Isla Ogilvie, Nancy G. Kennaway, Eric A. Shoubridge
Abstract
X-linked recessive hypoparathyroidism, due to parathyroid agenesis, has been mapped to a 906-kb region on Xq27 that contains 3 genes (ATP11C, U7snRNA, and SOX3), and analyses have not revealed mutations. We therefore characterized this region by combined analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms and sequence-tagged sites. This identified a 23- to 25-kb deletion, which did not contain genes. However, DNA fiber–FISH and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis revealed an approximately 340-kb insertion that replaced the deleted fragment. Use of flow-sorted X chromosome–specific libraries and DNA sequence analyses revealed that the telomeric and centromeric breakpoints on X were, respectively, approximately 67 kb downstream of SOX3 and within a repetitive sequence. Use of a monochromosomal somatic cell hybrid panel and metaphase-FISH mapping demonstrated that the insertion originated from 2p25 and contained a segment of the SNTG2 gene that lacked an open reading frame. However, the deletion-insertion [del(X)(q27.1) inv ins (X;2)(q27.1;p25.3)], which represents a novel abnormality causing hypoparathyroidism, could result in a position effect on SOX3 expression. Indeed, SOX3 expression was demonstrated, by in situ hybridization, in the developing parathyroid tissue of mouse embryos between 10.5 and 15.5 days post coitum. Thus, our results indicate a likely new role for SOX3 in the embryonic development of the parathyroid glands.
Authors
Michael R. Bowl, M. Andrew Nesbit, Brian Harding, Elaine Levy, Andrew Jefferson, Emanuela Volpi, Karine Rizzoti, Robin Lovell-Badge, David Schlessinger, Michael P. Whyte, Rajesh V. Thakker
Abstract
Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are potent inhibitors of hepatic glycolysis and lipogenesis. Recently, carbohydrate-responsive element–binding protein (ChREBP) was implicated in the regulation by glucose of glycolytic and lipogenic genes, including those encoding L-pyruvate kinase (L-PK) and fatty acid synthase (FAS). The aim of our study was to assess the role of ChREBP in the control of L-PK and FAS gene expression by PUFAs. We demonstrated in mice, both in vivo and in vitro, that PUFAs [linoleate (C18:2), eicosapentanoic acid (C20:5), and docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6)] suppressed ChREBP activity by increasing ChREBP mRNA decay and by altering ChREBP translocation from the cytosol to the nucleus, independently of an activation of the AMP-activated protein kinase, previously shown to regulate ChREBP activity. In contrast, saturated [stearate (C18)] and monounsaturated fatty acids [oleate (C18:1)] had no effect. Since glucose metabolism via the pentose phosphate pathway is determinant for ChREBP nuclear translocation, the decrease in xylulose 5-phosphate concentrations caused by a PUFA diet favors a PUFA-mediated inhibition of ChREBP translocation. In addition, overexpression of a constitutive nuclear ChREBP isoform in cultured hepatocytes significantly reduced the PUFA inhibition of both L-PK and FAS gene expression. Our results demonstrate that the suppressive effect of PUFAs on these genes is primarily caused by an alteration of ChREBP nuclear translocation. In conclusion, we describe a novel mechanism to explain the inhibitory effect of PUFAs on the genes encoding L-PK and FAS and demonstrate that ChREBP is a pivotal transcription factor responsible for coordinating the PUFA suppression of glycolytic and lipogenic genes.
Authors
Renaud Dentin, Fadila Benhamed, Jean-Paul Pégorier, Fabienne Foufelle, Benoit Viollet, Sophie Vaulont, Jean Girard, Catherine Postic
Abstract
While type 1 hyperlipidemia is associated with lipoprotein lipase or apoCII deficiencies, the etiology of type 5 hyperlipidemia remains largely unknown. We explored a new candidate gene, APOA5, for possible causative mutations in a pedigree of late-onset, vertically transmitted hyperchylomicronemia. A heterozygous Q139X mutation in APOA5 was present in both the proband and his affected son but was absent in 200 controls. It was subsequently found in 2 of 140 cases of hyperchylomicronemia. Haplotype analysis suggested the new Q139X as a founder mutation. Family studies showed that 5 of 9 total Q139X carriers had hyperchylomicronemia, 1 patient being homozygote. Severe hypertriglyceridemia in 8 heterozygotes was strictly associated with the presence on the second allele of 1 of 2 previously described triglyceride-raising minor APOA5 haplotypes. Furthermore, ultracentrifugation fraction analysis indicated in carriers an altered association of Apoa5 truncated and WT proteins to lipoproteins, whereas in normal plasma, Apoa5 associated with VLDL and HDL/LDL fractions. APOB100 kinetic studies in 3 severely dyslipidemic patients with Q139X revealed a major impairment of VLDL catabolism. Lipoprotein lipase activity and mass were dramatically reduced in dyslipidemic carriers, leading to severe lipolysis defect. Our observations strongly support in humans a role for APOA5 in lipolysis regulation and in familial hyperchylomicronemia.
Authors
Christophe Marçais, Bruno Verges, Sybil Charrière, Valérie Pruneta, Micheline Merlin, Stéphane Billon, Laurence Perrot, Jocelyne Drai, Agnès Sassolas, Len A. Pennacchio, Jamila Fruchart-Najib, Jean-Charles Fruchart, Vincent Durlach, Philippe Moulin
Abstract
Here we describe 2 mutations in growth and differentiation factor 5 (GDF5) that alter receptor-binding affinities. They cause brachydactyly type A2 (L441P) and symphalangism (R438L), conditions previously associated with mutations in the GDF5 receptor bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 1b (BMPR1B) and the BMP antagonist NOGGIN, respectively. We expressed the mutant proteins in limb bud micromass culture and treated ATDC5 and C2C12 cells with recombinant GDF5. Our results indicated that the L441P mutant is almost inactive. The R438L mutant, in contrast, showed increased biological activity when compared with WT GDF5. Biosensor interaction analyses revealed loss of binding to BMPR1A and BMPR1B ectodomains for the L441P mutant, whereas the R438L mutant showed normal binding to BMPR1B but increased binding to BMPR1A, the receptor normally activated by BMP2. The binding to NOGGIN was normal for both mutants. Thus, the brachydactyly type A2 phenotype (L441P) is caused by inhibition of the ligand-receptor interaction, whereas the symphalangism phenotype (R438L) is caused by a loss of receptor-binding specificity, resulting in a gain of function by the acquisition of BMP2-like properties. The presented experiments have identified some of the main determinants of GDF5 receptor-binding specificity in vivo and open new prospects for generating antagonists and superagonists of GDF5.
Authors
Petra Seemann, Raphaela Schwappacher, Klaus W. Kjaer, Deborah Krakow, Katarina Lehmann, Katherine Dawson, Sigmar Stricker, Jens Pohl, Frank Plöger, Eike Staub, Joachim Nickel, Walter Sebald, Petra Knaus, Stefan Mundlos
Abstract
Iron homeostasis plays a critical role in many physiological processes, notably synthesis of heme proteins. Dietary iron sensing and inflammation converge in the control of iron absorption and retention by regulating the expression of hepcidin, a regulator of the iron exporter ferroportin. Human mutations in the glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored protein hemojuvelin (HJV; also known as RGMc and HFE2) cause juvenile hemochromatosis, a severe iron overload disease, but the way in which HJV intersects with the iron regulatory network has been unclear. Here we show that, within the liver, mouse Hjv is selectively expressed by periportal hepatocytes and also that Hjv-mutant mice exhibit iron overload as well as a dramatic decrease in hepcidin expression. Our findings define a key role for Hjv in dietary iron sensing and also reveal that cytokine-induced inflammation regulates hepcidin expression through an Hjv-independent pathway.
Authors
Vera Niederkofler, Rishard Salie, Silvia Arber
Abstract
Hereditary hemochromatosis is an iron-overload disorder resulting from mutations in proteins presumed to be involved in the maintenance of iron homeostasis. Mutations in hemojuvelin (HJV) cause severe, early-onset juvenile hemochromatosis. The normal function of HJV is unknown. Juvenile hemochromatosis patients have decreased urinary levels of hepcidin, a peptide hormone that binds to the cellular iron exporter ferroportin, causing its internalization and degradation. We have disrupted the murine Hjv gene and shown that Hjv–/– mice have markedly increased iron deposition in liver, pancreas, and heart but decreased iron levels in tissue macrophages. Hepcidin mRNA expression was decreased in Hjv–/– mice. Accordingly, ferroportin expression detected by immunohistochemistry was markedly increased in both intestinal epithelial cells and macrophages. We propose that excess, unregulated ferroportin activity in these cell types leads to the increased intestinal iron absorption and plasma iron levels characteristic of the juvenile hemochromatosis phenotype.
Authors
Franklin W. Huang, Jack L. Pinkus, Geraldine S. Pinkus, Mark D. Fleming, Nancy C. Andrews
Abstract
SCID patients have been successfully treated by administration of ex vivo gene-corrected stem cells. However, despite its proven efficacy, such treatment carries specific risks and difficulties. We hypothesized that some of these drawbacks may be overcome by in situ gene correction of T lymphoid progenitors in the thymus. Indeed, in vivo intrathymic transfer of a gene that provides a selective advantage for transduced prothymocytes should result in the generation of functional T lymphocyte progeny, allowing long-term immune reconstitution. We assessed the feasibility of this approach in a murine model of ZAP-70–deficient SCID. A T cell–specific ZAP-70–expressing lentiviral vector was injected into thymi of adult ZAP-70–/– mice without prior conditioning. This resulted in the long-term differentiation of mature TCR-αβ+ thymocytes, indicating that the vector had integrated into progenitor cells. Moreover, peripheral ZAP-70–expressing T cells demonstrated a partially diversified receptor repertoire and were responsive to alloantigens in vitro and in vivo. Improved treatment efficacy was achieved in infant ZAP-70–/– mice, in which the thymus is proportionately larger and a higher percentage of prothymocytes are in cycle. Thus, intrathymic injection of a lentiviral vector could represent a simplified and potentially safer alternative to ex vivo gene-modified hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for gene therapy of T cell immunodeficiencies.
Authors
Oumeya Adjali, Gilles Marodon, Marcos Steinberg, Cédric Mongellaz, Véronique Thomas-Vaslin, Chantal Jacquet, Naomi Taylor, David Klatzmann
The secreted glycoprotein lubricin protects cartilage surfaces and inhibits synovial cell overgrowth
Abstract
The long-term integrity of an articulating joint is dependent upon the nourishment of its cartilage component and the protection of the cartilage surface from friction-induced wear. Loss-of-function mutations in lubricin (a secreted glycoprotein encoded by the gene PRG4) cause the human autosomal recessive disorder camptodactyly-arthropathy-coxa vara-pericarditis syndrome (CACP). A major feature of CACP is precocious joint failure. In order to delineate the mechanism by which lubricin protects joints, we studied the expression of Prg4 mRNA during mouse joint development, and we created lubricin-mutant mice. Prg4 began to be expressed in surface chondrocytes and synoviocytes after joint cavitation had occurred and remained strongly expressed by these cells postnatally. Mice lacking lubricin were viable and fertile. In the newborn period, their joints appeared normal. As the mice aged, we observed abnormal protein deposits on the cartilage surface and disappearance of underlying superficial zone chondrocytes. In addition to cartilage surface changes and subsequent cartilage deterioration, intimal cells in the synovium surrounding the joint space became hyperplastic, which further contributed to joint failure. Purified or recombinant lubricin inhibited the growth of these synoviocytes in vitro. Tendon and tendon sheath involvement was present in the ankle joints, where morphologic changes and abnormal calcification of these structures were observed. We conclude that lubricin has multiple functions in articulating joints and tendons that include the protection of surfaces and the control of synovial cell growth.
Authors
David K. Rhee, Jose Marcelino, MacArthur Baker, Yaoqin Gong, Patrick Smits, Véronique Lefebvre, Gregory D. Jay, Matthew Stewart, Hongwei Wang, Matthew L. Warman, John D. Carpten
Copyright © 2025 American Society for Clinical Investigation
ISSN: 0021-9738 (print), 1558-8238 (online)