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Sayed J, Gamal A, Theyab A, Algahtani M, Aldaadi BB. Neonatal rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata type 2 caused by a novel homozygous variant in the GNPAT gene. Clin Case Rep 2023; 11:e7504. [PMID: 37323250 PMCID: PMC10264737 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.7504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata (RCDP) is a rare disorder (~1 in 100,000 live births) of faulty plasmalogen biosynthesis and defective peroxisomal metabolism. RCDP type 2 is specifically caused by glyceronephosphate O-acyltransferase (GNPAT) gene mutations and is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. The disorder is characterized by skeletal abnormalities, distinctive facial features, intellectual disability, and respiratory distress. The case report describes a newborn baby with a dysmorphic facial appearance and skeletal abnormalities who was admitted to neonatal intensive care with respiratory distress. His parents were first cousins. The whole exome sequencing for this patient identified an interesting homozygous variant in the GNPAT gene [GNPAT (NM_014236.4):c.1602+1G>A (p.?), Chr1 (GRCh37):g.231408138G>A]. This case report aims to highlight the patient's clinical presentation with the variant and the whole exome sequencing, indicating the identification of a novel mutation in the GNPAT gene causing RCDP type 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamal Sayed
- Security Forces Hospital Makkah (SFHM)MakahSaudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Gamal
- College of MedicineAl‐Faisal UniversityRiyadhSaudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrahman Theyab
- College of MedicineAl‐Faisal UniversityRiyadhSaudi Arabia
- Department of Laboratory and Blood BankSecurity Forces Hospital MakkahMakahSaudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Algahtani
- Department of Laboratory and Blood BankSecurity Forces Hospital MakkahMakahSaudi Arabia
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2
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De Biase I, Yuzyuk T, Cui W, Zuromski LM, Moser AB, Braverman NE. Quantitative analysis of ethanolamine plasmalogen species in red blood cells using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry for diagnosing peroxisome biogenesis disorders. Clin Chim Acta 2023; 542:117295. [PMID: 36914043 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2023.117295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
Plasmalogens are glycerophospholipids characterized by a vinyl-ether bond with a fatty alcohol at the sn-1 position, a polyunsaturated fatty acid at the sn-2 position, and a polar head at the sn-3 position, commonly phosphoethanolamine. Plasmalogens play crucial roles in several cellular processes. Reduced levels have been associated with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease progression. Markedly reduced plasmalogens are a classic feature of peroxisome biogenesis disorders (PBD) because plasmalogen synthesis requires functional peroxisomes. Particularly, severe plasmalogen deficiency is the biochemical hallmark of rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata (RCDP). Traditionally, plasmalogens are evaluated in red blood cells (RBCs) by gas-chromatography/mass-spectrometry (GC-MS), which cannot distinguish individual species. We developed a liquid-chromatography/tandem mass-spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method to quantify eighteen phosphoethanolamine plasmalogens in RBCs to diagnose PBD patients, especially RCDP. Validation results showed a specific, robust, and precise method with broad analytical range. Age-specific reference intervals were established; control medians were used to assess plasmalogen deficiency in patients' RBCs. Clinical utility was also confirmed in Pex7 deficient mouse models recapitulating severe and milder RCDP clinical phenotypes. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to replace the GC-MS method in the clinical laboratory. In addition to diagnosing PBDs, structure-specific plasmalogen quantitation could help understand disease pathogenesis and monitor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene De Biase
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; ARUP Institute for Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Tatiana Yuzyuk
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; ARUP Institute for Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Wei Cui
- Child Health and Human Development Program, Research Institute of the McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Lauren M Zuromski
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Ann B Moser
- Hugo W Moser Research Institute, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nancy E Braverman
- Child Health and Human Development Program, Research Institute of the McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Human Genetics and Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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3
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İli EG, Gezdirici A, Di Pietro E, Yergeau C, Braverman N. Expanding the genotypic and phenotypic landscapes of rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata type 3 (RCDP3) with two novel families, and a review of the literature. Am J Med Genet A 2022; 188:3229-3235. [PMID: 35986576 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.62959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata (RCDP) are a group of peroxisomal disorders caused by plasmalogen synthesis defects. Patients with RCDP present with rhizomelic short stature, characteristic punctate epiphyseal calcifications, congenital cataracts, severe intellectual disability, seizures, and facial dysmorphism. Pathogenic variants in AGPS result in RCDP type 3 (RCDP3) which is an extremely rare disorder characterized by isolated ADHAPS deficiency. Six patients with RCDP3 have been identified, upto-date. We report two new patients with RCDP3 and their novel variants, c.154dupG (p.Ala52GlyfsTer6) and c.637+1G>A, in the AGPS gene. We also present a review of previously reported RCDP3 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezgi Gökpınar İli
- Genetic Diseases Center, Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Alper Gezdirici
- Genetic Diseases Center, Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Erminia Di Pietro
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Christine Yergeau
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nancy Braverman
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics and Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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4
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Dorninger F, Werner ER, Berger J, Watschinger K. Regulation of plasmalogen metabolism and traffic in mammals: The fog begins to lift. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:946393. [PMID: 36120579 PMCID: PMC9471318 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.946393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to their unique chemical structure, plasmalogens do not only exhibit distinct biophysical and biochemical features, but require specialized pathways of biosynthesis and metabolization. Recently, major advances have been made in our understanding of these processes, for example by the attribution of the gene encoding the enzyme, which catalyzes the final desaturation step in plasmalogen biosynthesis, or by the identification of cytochrome C as plasmalogenase, which allows for the degradation of plasmalogens. Also, models have been presented that plausibly explain the maintenance of adequate cellular levels of plasmalogens. However, despite the progress, many aspects around the questions of how plasmalogen metabolism is regulated and how plasmalogens are distributed among organs and tissues in more complex organisms like mammals, remain unresolved. Here, we summarize and interpret current evidence on the regulation of the enzymes involved in plasmalogen biosynthesis and degradation as well as the turnover of plasmalogens. Finally, we focus on plasmalogen traffic across the mammalian body - a topic of major importance, when considering plasmalogen replacement therapies in human disorders, where deficiencies in these lipids have been reported. These involve not only inborn errors in plasmalogen metabolism, but also more common diseases including Alzheimer's disease and neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Dorninger
- Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria,*Correspondence: Fabian Dorninger, ; Katrin Watschinger,
| | - Ernst R. Werner
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Johannes Berger
- Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katrin Watschinger
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria,*Correspondence: Fabian Dorninger, ; Katrin Watschinger,
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Dorninger F, Vaz FM, Waterham HR, Klinken JBV, Zeitler G, Forss-Petter S, Berger J, Wiesinger C. Ether lipid transfer across the blood-brain and placental barriers does not improve by inactivation of the most abundant ABC transporters. Brain Res Bull 2022; 189:69-79. [PMID: 35981629 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2022.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Phospholipid transport from the periphery to the brain is an understudied topic. When certain lipid species are deficient due to impaired synthesis, though, transfer across the blood-brain barrier is essential for replenishing lipids in the brain. For example, the deficiency in plasmalogens, the most abundant ether lipids in mammals, has detrimental effects on the brain, which is a major issue in inherited peroxisomal disorders but also contributes to more common disorders like Alzheimer's disease. Oral administration of alkylglycerols like batyl alcohol, which carry a pre-formed ether bond, enables replenishment of ether lipids in various peripheral tissues. However, plasmalogen deficiency in the brain cannot be overcome by this approach. Here, we tried to increase cerebral plasmalogen uptake by modulating the efflux transport across the blood-brain barrier. We hypothesized, based on previous literature, that at least some ether lipid species readily enter endothelial cells of the barrier through the transporter MFSD2A but are re-exported by ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters. By crossbreeding Mdr1a-/-/Mdr1b-/-/Bcrp-/- and ether lipid-deficient Gnpat-/- mice as well as pharmacological inhibition with MK-571 to inactivate the major ABC transporters at the blood-brain barrier, we evaluated the potential of combined ABC transporter inhibition and oral batyl alcohol administration for the treatment of plasmalogen deficiency. We found that even in the absence of the most abundant ABC transporters, batyl alcohol supplementation did not restore plasmalogen levels in the brain, despite the presence of a wide spectrum of ether lipid subspecies in the plasma as demonstrated by lipidomic analysis. Surprisingly, batyl alcohol treatment of pregnant Gnpat+/- dams had beneficial effects on the plasmalogen levels of Gnpat-/- offspring with defective ether lipid biosynthesis, independently of ABC transporter status at the placental barrier. Our results underline the autonomy of brain lipid homeostasis and indicate that peripheral supplementation of ether lipids is not sufficient to supply the brain with larger amounts of plasmalogens. Yet, the findings suggest that alkylglycerol treatment during pregnancy may pose a viable option to ameliorate some of the severe developmental defects of inborn ether lipid deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Dorninger
- Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 4, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Frédéric M Vaz
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Clinical Chemistry and Pediatrics, Laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Emma Children's Hospital, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Inborn errors of metabolism, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Core Facility Metabolomics, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hans R Waterham
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Clinical Chemistry and Pediatrics, Laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Emma Children's Hospital, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Inborn errors of metabolism, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; United for Metabolic Diseases, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jan B van Klinken
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Clinical Chemistry and Pediatrics, Laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Emma Children's Hospital, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Core Facility Metabolomics, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Gerhard Zeitler
- Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 4, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sonja Forss-Petter
- Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 4, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes Berger
- Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 4, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Christoph Wiesinger
- Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 4, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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Fallatah W, Cui W, Di Pietro E, Carter GT, Pounder B, Dorninger F, Pifl C, Moser AB, Berger J, Braverman NE. A Pex7 Deficient Mouse Series Correlates Biochemical and Neurobehavioral Markers to Genotype Severity—Implications for the Disease Spectrum of Rhizomelic Chondrodysplasia Punctata Type 1. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:886316. [PMID: 35898397 PMCID: PMC9310236 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.886316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata type 1 (RCDP1) is a peroxisome biogenesis disorder caused by defects in PEX7 leading to impairment in plasmalogen (Pls) biosynthesis and phytanic acid (PA) oxidation. Pls deficiency is the main pathogenic factor that determines the severity of RCDP. Severe (classic) RCDP patients have negligible Pls levels, congenital cataracts, skeletal dysplasia, growth and neurodevelopmental deficits, and cerebral hypomyelination and cerebellar atrophy on brain MRI. Individuals with milder or nonclassic RCDP have higher Pls levels, better growth and cognitive outcomes. To better understand the pathophysiology of RCDP disorders, we generated an allelic series of Pex7 mice either homozygous for the hypomorphic allele, compound heterozygous for the hypomorphic and null alleles or homozygous for the null allele. Pex7 transcript and protein were almost undetectable in the hypomorphic model, and negligible in the compound heterozygous and null mice. Pex7 deficient mice showed a graded reduction in Pls and increases in C26:0-LPC and PA in plasma and brain according to genotype. Neuropathological evaluation showed significant loss of cerebellar Purkinje cells over time and a decrease in brain myelin basic protein (MBP) content in Pex7 deficient models, with more severe effects correlating with Pex7 genotype. All Pex7 deficient mice exhibited a hyperactive behavior in the open field environment. Brain neurotransmitters analysis of Pex7 deficient mice showed a significant reduction in levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin and GABA. Also, a significant correlation was found between brain neurotransmitter levels, the hyperactivity phenotype, Pls level and the severity of Pex7 genotype. In conclusion, our study showed evidence of a genotype-phenotype correlation between the severity of Pex7 deficiency and several clinical and neurobiochemical phenotypes in RCDP1 mouse models. We propose that PA accumulation may underlie the cerebellar atrophy seen in older RCDP1 patients, as even relatively low tissue levels were strongly associated with Purkinje cells loss over time in the murine models. Also, our data demonstrate the interrelation between Pls, brain neurotransmitter deficiencies and the neurobehavioral phenotype, which could be further used as a valuable clinical endpoint for therapeutic interventions. Finally, these models show that incremental increases in Pex7 levels result in dramatic improvements in phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wedad Fallatah
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, King Abdul-Aziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- *Correspondence: Wedad Fallatah, ; Nancy E. Braverman,
| | - Wei Cui
- Child Health and Human Development Program, Peroxisome Disease Laboratory, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Erminia Di Pietro
- Child Health and Human Development Program, Peroxisome Disease Laboratory, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Grace T. Carter
- Child Health and Human Development Program, Peroxisome Disease Laboratory, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Brittany Pounder
- Child Health and Human Development Program, Peroxisome Disease Laboratory, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Fabian Dorninger
- Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Pifl
- Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ann B. Moser
- Hugo W Moser Research Institute, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Johannes Berger
- Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nancy E. Braverman
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Child Health and Human Development Program, Peroxisome Disease Laboratory, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Wedad Fallatah, ; Nancy E. Braverman,
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Luisman T, Smith T, Ritchie S, Malone KE. Genetic epidemiology approach to estimating birth incidence and current disease prevalence for rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2021; 16:300. [PMID: 34229749 PMCID: PMC8258949 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-021-01889-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata (RCDP) is an inherited ultra-rare disease which results in severely impaired physical and mental development. Mutations in one of five genes involved in plasmalogen biosynthesis have been reported to drive disease pathology. Estimates of disease incidence have been extremely challenging due to the rarity of the disorder, preventing an understanding of the unmet medical need. To address this, we have prepared a disease incidence and prevalence model based on genetic epidemiology approaches to estimate the total number of RCDP patients affected, and their demographic characteristics. Results Extraction of allelic frequencies for known and predicted pathogenic variants in PEX7, GNPAT, AGPS, FAR1, PEX5 (limited to the PTS2 domain encoding region) genes, from large-scale human genetic diversity datasets (TopMed and gnomAD) revealed the mutational landscape contributing to the RCDP patient population in the US and Europe. We computed genetic prevalence to derive birth incidence for RCDP and modeled the impact to life expectancy to obtain high confidence estimates of disease prevalence. Our population genetics-based model indicates PEX7 variants are expected to contribute to the majority of RCDP cases in both the US and Europe; closely aligning with clinical reports. Furthermore, this model provides estimates for RCDP subtypes due to mutations in other genes, including exceedingly rare subtypes. Conclusion In total, the estimated number of RCDP patients in the US and the five largest European countries (UK, Germany, France, Italy and Spain) is between 516 and 847 patients, all under the age of 35 years old. This model provides a quantitative framework for better understanding the unmet medical need in RCDP, to help guide disease awareness and diagnosis efforts for this specific patient group. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13023-021-01889-z.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tara Smith
- Med-Life Discoveries, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
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Fallatah W, Schouten M, Yergeau C, Di Pietro E, Engelen M, Waterham HR, Poll-The BT, Braverman N. Clinical, biochemical, and molecular characterization of mild (nonclassic) rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata. J Inherit Metab Dis 2021; 44:1021-1038. [PMID: 33337545 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata (RCDP) is a heterogenous group of disorders due to defects in genes encoding peroxisomal proteins required for plasmalogen (PL) biosynthesis, specifically PEX7 and PEX5 receptors, or GNPAT, AGPS and FAR1 enzymes. Most patients have congenital cataract and skeletal dysplasia. In the classic form, there is profound growth restriction and psychomotor delays, with most patients not advancing past infantile developmental milestones. Disease severity correlates to erythrocyte PL levels, which are almost undetectable in severe (classic) RCDP. In milder (nonclassic) forms, residual PL levels are associated with improved growth and development. However, the clinical course of this milder group remains largely unknown as only a few cases were reported. Using as inclusion criteria the ability to communicate and walk, we identified 16 individuals from five countries, ages 5-37 years, and describe their clinical, biochemical and molecular profiles. The average age at diagnosis was 2.6 years and most had cataract, growth deficiency, joint contractures, and developmental delays. Other major symptoms were learning disability (87%), behavioral issues (56%), seizures (43%), and cardiac defects (31%). All patients had decreased C16:0 PL levels that were higher than in classic RCDP, and up to 43% of average controls. Plasma phytanic acid levels were elevated in most patients. There were several common, and four novel, PEX7, and GNPAT hypomorphic alleles in this cohort. These results can be used to support earlier diagnosis and improve management in patients with mild RCDP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wedad Fallatah
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, King Abdul-Aziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Monica Schouten
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC - location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Christine Yergeau
- Child Health and Human Development Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Erminia Di Pietro
- Child Health and Human Development Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Marc Engelen
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC - location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hans R Waterham
- Laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Amsterdam UMC - location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bwee Tien Poll-The
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC - location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nancy Braverman
- Department of Human Genetics and Pediatrics, Child Health and Human Development Program, McGill University, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Québec, Canada
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Dorninger F, Forss-Petter S, Wimmer I, Berger J. Plasmalogens, platelet-activating factor and beyond - Ether lipids in signaling and neurodegeneration. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 145:105061. [PMID: 32861763 PMCID: PMC7116601 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.105061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycerol-based ether lipids including ether phospholipids form a specialized branch of lipids that in mammals require peroxisomes for their biosynthesis. They are major components of biological membranes and one particular subgroup, the plasmalogens, is widely regarded as a cellular antioxidant. Their vast potential to influence signal transduction pathways is less well known. Here, we summarize the literature showing associations with essential signaling cascades for a wide variety of ether lipids, including platelet-activating factor, alkylglycerols, ether-linked lysophosphatidic acid and plasmalogen-derived polyunsaturated fatty acids. The available experimental evidence demonstrates links to several common players like protein kinase C, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors or mitogen-activated protein kinases. Furthermore, ether lipid levels have repeatedly been connected to some of the most abundant neurological diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s disease and more recently also neurodevelopmental disorders like autism. Thus, we critically discuss the potential role of these compounds in the etiology and pathophysiology of these diseases with an emphasis on signaling processes. Finally, we review the emerging interest in plasmalogens as treatment target in neurological diseases, assessing available data and highlighting future perspectives. Although many aspects of ether lipid involvement in cellular signaling identified in vitro still have to be confirmed in vivo, the compiled data show many intriguing properties and contributions of these lipids to health and disease that will trigger further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Dorninger
- Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 4, Vienna 1090, Austria.
| | - Sonja Forss-Petter
- Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 4, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Isabella Wimmer
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Johannes Berger
- Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 4, Vienna 1090, Austria.
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