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Zurlo M, Zuccato C, Cosenza LC, Gamberini MR, Finotti A, Gambari R. Increased Expression of α-Hemoglobin Stabilizing Protein (AHSP) mRNA in Erythroid Precursor Cells Isolated from β-Thalassemia Patients Treated with Sirolimus (Rapamycin). J Clin Med 2024; 13:2479. [PMID: 38731008 PMCID: PMC11084795 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13092479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/Objectives: in β-thalassemia, important clinical complications are caused by the presence of free α-globin chains in the erythroid cells of β-thalassemia patients. These free α-globin chains are present in excess as a result of the lack of β-globin chains to bind with; they tend to aggregate and precipitate, causing deleterious effects and overall cytotoxicity, maturation arrest of the erythroid cells and, ultimately, ineffective erythropoiesis. The chaperone protein α-hemoglobin-stabilizing protein (AHSP) reversibly binds with free α-globin; the resulting AHSP-αHb complex prevents aggregation and precipitation. Sirolimus (rapamycin) has been previously demonstrated to induce expression of fetal hemoglobin and decrease the excess of free α-globin chain in the erythroid cells of β-thalassemia patients. The objective of this study was to verify whether sirolimus is also able to upregulate AHSP expression in erythroid precursor cells (ErPCs) isolated from β-thalassemia patients. Methods: the expression of AHSP genes was analyzed by measuring the AHSP mRNA content by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and the AHSP protein production by Western blotting. Results: AHSP gene expression was found to be higher in ErPCs of β-thalassemia patients in comparison to ErPCs isolated from healthy subjects. In addition, AHSP expression was further induced by treatment of β-thalassemia ErPCs with sirolimus. Finally, AHSP mRNA was expressed at an increased level in ErPCs of sirolimus-treated β-thalassemia patients participating in the NCT03877809 Sirthalaclin clinical trial. Conclusions: this exploratory study suggests that AHSP expression should be considered as an endpoint in clinical trials based on sirolimus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Zurlo
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.Z.); (C.Z.); (L.C.C.)
| | - Cristina Zuccato
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.Z.); (C.Z.); (L.C.C.)
- Center “Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago” for the Research on Thalassemia, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Lucia Carmela Cosenza
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.Z.); (C.Z.); (L.C.C.)
| | - Maria Rita Gamberini
- Center “Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago” for the Research on Thalassemia, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.Z.); (C.Z.); (L.C.C.)
- Center “Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago” for the Research on Thalassemia, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.Z.); (C.Z.); (L.C.C.)
- Center “Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago” for the Research on Thalassemia, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
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Ali S, Mumtaz S, Shakir HA, Khan M, Tahir HM, Mumtaz S, Mughal TA, Hassan A, Kazmi SAR, Sadia, Irfan M, Khan MA. Current status of beta-thalassemia and its treatment strategies. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2021; 9:e1788. [PMID: 34738740 PMCID: PMC8683628 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Thalassemia is an inherited hematological disorder categorized by a decrease or absence of one or more of the globin chains synthesis. Beta‐thalassemia is caused by one or more mutations in the beta‐globin gene. The absence or reduced amount of beta‐globin chains causes ineffective erythropoiesis which leads to anemia. Methods Beta‐thalassemia has been further divided into three main forms: thalassemia major, intermedia, and minor/silent carrier. A more severe form among these is thalassemia major in which individuals depend upon blood transfusion for survival. The high level of iron deposition occurs due to regular blood transfusion therapy. Results Overloaded iron raises the synthesis of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are noxious and prompting the injury to the hepatic, endocrine, and vascular system. Thalassemia can be analyzed and diagnosed via prenatal testing (genetic testing of amniotic fluid), blood smear, complete blood count, and DNA analysis (genetic testing). Treatment of thalassemia intermediate is symptomatic; however; it can also be accomplished by folic supplementation and splenectomy. Conclusion Thalassemia major can be cured through regular transfusion of blood, transplantation of bone marrow, iron chelation management, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, stimulation of fetal hemoglobin production, and gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaukat Ali
- Applied Entomology and Medical Toxicology, Department of Zoology, Government College University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Shumaila Mumtaz
- Applied Entomology and Medical Toxicology, Department of Zoology, Government College University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Muhammad Khan
- Department of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Hafiz Muhammad Tahir
- Applied Entomology and Medical Toxicology, Department of Zoology, Government College University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Samaira Mumtaz
- Applied Entomology and Medical Toxicology, Department of Zoology, Government College University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Tafail Akbar Mughal
- Applied Entomology and Medical Toxicology, Department of Zoology, Government College University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ali Hassan
- Applied Entomology and Medical Toxicology, Department of Zoology, Government College University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Sadia
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Muzaffarabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Irfan
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Adeeb Khan
- Department of Zoology, University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Muzaffarabad, Pakistan
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Che Yaacob NS, Islam MA, Alsaleh H, Ibrahim IK, Hassan R. Alpha-hemoglobin-stabilizing protein (AHSP): a modulatory factor in β-thalassemia. Int J Hematol 2020; 111:352-359. [PMID: 31894534 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-019-02806-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Hemoglobin (Hb) is an iron-containing metalloprotein that transports oxygen molecules from the lungs to the rest of the human body. Among the different variants of Hb, HbA1 is the most common and is composed of two alpha (αHb) and two beta globin chains (βHb) constructing a heterotetrameric protein complex (α2β2). Due to the higher number of AHSP genes, there is a tendency to produce approximately twice as much of α subunit as β subunit. Therefore, there is a chance of presenting excess α subunit leftover in human blood plasma; excess subunits subsequently bind with each other and aggregates β-thalassemia occurs due to lack of or reduced numbers of βHb subunit. Alpha-hemoglobin-stabilizing protein (AHSP) is a scavenger protein which acts as a molecular chaperon by reversibly binding with free αHb forming a complex (AHSP-αHb) that prevents aggregation and precipitation preventing deleterious effects towards developing serious human diseases including β-thalassemia. Clinical severity worsens if mutations in AHSP gene co-occur in patients with β-thalassemia. Considering the mechanism of action of AHSP and its contribution to ameliorating β-thalassemia severity, it could potentially be used as a modulatory agent in the treatment of β-thalassemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Suraya Che Yaacob
- Department of Haematology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Md Asiful Islam
- Department of Haematology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Heba Alsaleh
- Department of Haematology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Ibrahim Khidir Ibrahim
- Department of Haematology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.,Department of Haematology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Al-Neelain University, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Rosline Hassan
- Department of Haematology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.
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Vasseur C, Domingues-Hamdi E, Ledudal K, Le Corvoisier P, Barau C, Ghaleh B, Rialland A, Pissard S, Galactéros F, Baudin-Creuza V. Red blood cells free α-haemoglobin pool: a biomarker to monitor the β-thalassemia intermedia variability. The ALPHAPOOL study. Br J Haematol 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/bjh.14800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Corinne Vasseur
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm)-U955; équipe 2 : Transfusion et Maladies du Globule Rouge; Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale (IMRB); Université de Paris Est Créteil (UPEC); Créteil France
- Laboratory of Excellence GR-Ex; Paris France
| | - Elisa Domingues-Hamdi
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm)-U955; équipe 2 : Transfusion et Maladies du Globule Rouge; Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale (IMRB); Université de Paris Est Créteil (UPEC); Créteil France
- Laboratory of Excellence GR-Ex; Paris France
| | - Katia Ledudal
- Inserm; Centre d'Investigation Clinique 1430; Hôpital Universitaire Henri Mondor Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP); Créteil France
| | - Philippe Le Corvoisier
- Inserm; Centre d'Investigation Clinique 1430; Hôpital Universitaire Henri Mondor Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP); Créteil France
| | - Caroline Barau
- Plateforme de Ressources Biologiques; Hôpital Universitaire Henri Mondor (AP-HP); Créteil France
| | - Bijan Ghaleh
- Plateforme de Ressources Biologiques; Hôpital Universitaire Henri Mondor (AP-HP); Créteil France
| | - Amandine Rialland
- Unité de Recherche Clinique; Hôpital Universitaire Henri Mondor (AP-HP); Créteil France
| | - Serge Pissard
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm)-U955; équipe 2 : Transfusion et Maladies du Globule Rouge; Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale (IMRB); Université de Paris Est Créteil (UPEC); Créteil France
- Laboratory of Excellence GR-Ex; Paris France
- Laboratoire de Génétique; Hôpital Universitaire Henri Mondor (AP-HP); Créteil France
| | - Frédéric Galactéros
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm)-U955; équipe 2 : Transfusion et Maladies du Globule Rouge; Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale (IMRB); Université de Paris Est Créteil (UPEC); Créteil France
- Laboratory of Excellence GR-Ex; Paris France
- Unité des Maladies Génétiques du Globule Rouge; Hôpital Universitaire Henri Mondor (AP-HP); Créteil France
| | - Véronique Baudin-Creuza
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm)-U955; équipe 2 : Transfusion et Maladies du Globule Rouge; Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale (IMRB); Université de Paris Est Créteil (UPEC); Créteil France
- Laboratory of Excellence GR-Ex; Paris France
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Miri-Moghaddam E, Bahrami S, Naderi M, Bazi A, Karimipoor M. Molecular Characterization of β-Thalassemia Intermedia in Southeast Iran. Hemoglobin 2017; 40:173-8. [PMID: 27117567 DOI: 10.3109/03630269.2016.1167735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Inheritance of mild mutations within the β-globin gene and coinheritance of α-thalassemia (α-thal) are known as two important genetic modifiers in β-thalassemia (β-thal) intermedia (β-TI). We aimed to evaluate the spectrum of β- and α-thal mutations in β-TI patients in Southeast Iran. Common β- and α-globin gene mutations were detected by amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) and multiplex gap-PCR, respectively. There were 26 male (57.8%) and 19 female (42.2%) patients. HBB: c.92 + 5T > C [IVS-I-5 (G > C)] and HBB: c.-138C + 1G > A [IVS-II-I (G > A)] represented the prevalent alleles with respective frequencies of 60.0 and 10.0%. Other β-globin mutations included HBB: c.-138C > T [-88 (C > T)], HBB: c.27_28insG [frameshift codons (FSC) 8/9 (+G)], HBB: c.46delT [codon 15 (-T)], HBB: c.93-22_95del (IVS-I, 25 del), and the 619 bp deletion (NG_000007.3: g.71609_72227del619). The predominant genotypic combinations were β(0)/β(0) (68.9%), β(0)/β(+ )(8.9%) and β(+)/β(+ )(2.2%). Coinheritance of α-thal was observed in 33.0% of the patients, with the -α(3.7) (rightward) (NG_000006.1: g.34164_37967del3804) as the most common deletion (86.0%). One patient was diagnosed with the -α(4.2) (leftward) (AF221717) and one with the - -(MED) (g.24664_41064del16401) deletions, while no patients carried the -(α)(20.5) (g.15164_37864del22701), α(-5 nt) (HBA2: c.95 + 2_95_6delTGAGG) or codon 19 (-G) (HBA2: c.56delG) mutations. The alleviating molecular mechanism was not explainable by β(+ )or concurrent α-thal in more than half of our β-TI patients. This encourages conducting more studies to identify other contributing factors, especially Hb F-inducing genetic modifiers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebrahim Miri-Moghaddam
- a Genetics of Non-Communicable Disease Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences , Zahedan , Iran.,b Department of Genetics , Faculty of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences , Zahedan , Iran
| | - Sara Bahrami
- c Department of Biology , Payame Noor University , Zahedan , Iran
| | - Majid Naderi
- d Genetics of Non-Communicable Disease Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences , Zahedan , Iran.,e Department of Pediatric Hematology & Oncology , Faculty of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences , Zahedan , Iran
| | - Ali Bazi
- f Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences , Zabol University of Medical Sciences , Zabol , Iran
| | - Morteza Karimipoor
- g Molecular Medicine Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran , Tehran , Iran
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