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Tavakolidakhrabadi N, Aulicino F, May CJ, Saleem MA, Berger I, Welsh GI. Genome editing and kidney health. Clin Kidney J 2024; 17:sfae119. [PMID: 38766272 PMCID: PMC11099665 DOI: 10.1093/ckj/sfae119] [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: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Genome editing technologies, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas in particular, have revolutionized the field of genetic engineering, providing promising avenues for treating various genetic diseases. Chronic kidney disease (CKD), a significant health concern affecting millions of individuals worldwide, can arise from either monogenic or polygenic mutations. With recent advancements in genomic sequencing, valuable insights into disease-causing mutations can be obtained, allowing for the development of new treatments for these genetic disorders. CRISPR-based treatments have emerged as potential therapies, especially for monogenic diseases, offering the ability to correct mutations and eliminate disease phenotypes. Innovations in genome editing have led to enhanced efficiency, specificity and ease of use, surpassing earlier editing tools such as zinc-finger nucleases and transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs). Two prominent advancements in CRISPR-based gene editing are prime editing and base editing. Prime editing allows precise and efficient genome modifications without inducing double-stranded DNA breaks (DSBs), while base editing enables targeted changes to individual nucleotides in both RNA and DNA, promising disease correction in the absence of DSBs. These technologies have the potential to treat genetic kidney diseases through specific correction of disease-causing mutations, such as somatic mutations in PKD1 and PKD2 for polycystic kidney disease; NPHS1, NPHS2 and TRPC6 for focal segmental glomerulosclerosis; COL4A3, COL4A4 and COL4A5 for Alport syndrome; SLC3A1 and SLC7A9 for cystinuria and even VHL for renal cell carcinoma. Apart from editing the DNA sequence, CRISPR-mediated epigenome editing offers a cost-effective method for targeted treatment providing new avenues for therapeutic development, given that epigenetic modifications are associated with the development of various kidney disorders. However, there are challenges to overcome, including developing efficient delivery methods, improving safety and reducing off-target effects. Efforts to improve CRISPR-Cas technologies involve optimizing delivery vectors, employing viral and non-viral approaches and minimizing immunogenicity. With research in animal models providing promising results in rescuing the expression of wild-type podocin in mouse models of nephrotic syndrome and successful clinical trials in the early stages of various disorders, including cancer immunotherapy, there is hope for successful translation of genome editing to kidney diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesco Aulicino
- BrisSynBio Bristol Synthetic Biology Centre, Biomedical Sciences, School of Biochemistry, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children
| | - Carl J May
- Bristol Renal, University of Bristol, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol, UK
| | - Moin A Saleem
- Bristol Renal, University of Bristol, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol, UK
- Department of Paediatric Nephrology, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, Bristol, UK
| | - Imre Berger
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Gavin I Welsh
- Bristol Renal, University of Bristol, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol, UK
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Koyama Y, Suico MA, Owaki A, Sato R, Kuwazuru J, Kaseda S, Sannomiya Y, Horizono J, Omachi K, Horinouchi T, Yamamura T, Tsuhako H, Nozu K, Shuto T, Kai H. Trimerization profile of type IV collagen COL4A5 exon deletion in X-linked Alport syndrome. Clin Exp Nephrol 2024:10.1007/s10157-024-02503-9. [PMID: 38658441 DOI: 10.1007/s10157-024-02503-9] [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: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alport syndrome (AS) is a genetic kidney disease caused by a mutation in type IV collagen α3, α4, and α5, which are normally secreted as heterotrimer α345(IV). Nonsense mutation in these genes causes severe AS phenotype. We previously revealed that the exon-skipping approach to remove a nonsense mutation in α5(IV) ameliorated the AS pathology. However, the effect of removing an exon on trimerization is unknown. Here, we assessed the impact of exon deletion on trimerization to evaluate their possible therapeutic applicability and to predict the severity of mutations associated with exon-skipping. METHODS We produced exon deletion constructs (ΔExon), nonsense, and missense mutants by mutagenesis and evaluated their trimer formation and secretion activities using a nanoluciferase-based assay that we previously developed. RESULTS Exon-skipping had differential effects on the trimer secretion of α345(IV). Some ΔExons could form and secrete α345(IV) trimers and had higher activity compared with nonsense mutants. Other ΔExons had low secretion activity, especially for those with exon deletion near the C-terminal end although the intracellular trimerization was normal. No difference was noted in the secretion of missense mutants and their ΔExon counterpart. CONCLUSION Exon skipping is advantageous for nonsense mutants in AS with severe phenotypes and early onset of renal failure but applications may be limited to ΔExons capable of normal trimerization and secretion. This study provides information on α5(IV) exon-skipping for possible therapeutic application and the prediction of the trimer behavior associated with exon-skipping in Alport syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuimi Koyama
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 5-1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, 862-0973, Japan
| | - Mary Ann Suico
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 5-1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, 862-0973, Japan
- Global Center for Natural Resources Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Aimi Owaki
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 5-1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, 862-0973, Japan
| | - Ryoichi Sato
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 5-1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, 862-0973, Japan
| | - Jun Kuwazuru
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 5-1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, 862-0973, Japan
| | - Shota Kaseda
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 5-1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, 862-0973, Japan
| | - Yuya Sannomiya
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 5-1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, 862-0973, Japan
| | - Jun Horizono
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 5-1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, 862-0973, Japan
| | - Kohei Omachi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 5-1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, 862-0973, Japan
| | - Tomoko Horinouchi
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Tomohiko Yamamura
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Haruki Tsuhako
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 5-1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, 862-0973, Japan
| | - Kandai Nozu
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Shuto
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 5-1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, 862-0973, Japan.
- Global Center for Natural Resources Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.
| | - Hirofumi Kai
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 5-1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, 862-0973, Japan.
- Global Center for Natural Resources Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.
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3
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Zheng Q, Gu X, He JC, Xie J. Progress in therapeutic targets on podocyte for Alport syndrome. J Transl Int Med 2024; 12:129-133. [PMID: 38812923 PMCID: PMC11135632 DOI: 10.2478/jtim-2024-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Qimin Zheng
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Nephrology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangchen Gu
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Nephrology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - John Cijiang He
- Department of Medicine, Barbara T. Murphy Division of Nephrology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Jingyuan Xie
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Nephrology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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4
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Uedono H, Mori K, Nakatani S, Watanabe K, Nakaya R, Morioka F, Sone K, Ono C, Hotta J, Tsuda A, Morisada N, Seto T, Nozu K, Emoto M. Novel Digenic Variants in COL4A4 and COL4A5 Causing X-Linked Alport Syndrome: A Case Report. Case Rep Nephrol Dial 2024; 14:1-9. [PMID: 38179179 PMCID: PMC10764090 DOI: 10.1159/000535493] [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: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Alport syndrome (AS) is a hereditary, progressive kidney disease characterized by structural abnormalities and dysfunction of the glomerular basement membrane (GBM). AS is classified as X-linked, autosomal, and digenic. The number of cases of digenic AS has increased, but the genotype-phenotype correlation of patient with digenic AS is still unclear. Here, we present a case of digenic AS with novel digenic missense variants in COL4A4 (c.827G>C, p.Gly276Ala) and COL4A5 (c.4369G>C, p.Gly1457Arg). Case Presentation The patient was a 29-year-old Japanese man suffering from persistent microscopic hematuria and proteinuria without kidney function impairment. Kidney biopsy showed focal interstitial foam cell infiltration, global and segmental glomerulosclerosis. Immunofluorescence staining for collagen IV α5 was almost negative in the GBM and Bowman's capsule. Electron microscopy revealed irregular thickening with lamellation and segmental thinning of the GBM. Clinical and pathological findings were consistent with AS. Comprehensive next-generation sequencing revealed a heterozygous missense variant in COL4A4 (c.827G>C, p.Gly276Ala) in exon 1 and a hemizygous missense variant in COL4A5 (c.4369G>C, p.Gly1457Arg) in exon 49 on the patient's paternal and maternal alleles, respectively. The same digenic variants were detected in his sister, and she also showed a similar phenotype. After treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, proteinuria decreased from 2.3 to 1.1 g/g creatinine, but occult blood persisted. During follow-up, kidney function has been preserved. Conclusion The novel genotype of our case provides more information on the genotype-phenotype correlation of digenic XLAS, although long-term follow-up is required. The findings in the present case also indicate the importance of genetic tests for family members of a patient diagnosed with digenic AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideki Uedono
- Department of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Molecular Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Katsuhito Mori
- Department of Nephrology, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shinya Nakatani
- Department of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Molecular Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kohei Watanabe
- Department of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Molecular Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Rino Nakaya
- Department of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Molecular Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Fumiyuki Morioka
- Department of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Molecular Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazuma Sone
- Department of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Molecular Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Chie Ono
- Department of Medical Genetics, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Junko Hotta
- Department of Medical Genetics, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Akihiro Tsuda
- Department of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Molecular Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Naoya Morisada
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Seto
- Department of Medical Genetics, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kandai Nozu
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Masanori Emoto
- Department of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Molecular Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Nephrology, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
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Redhead C, Taye N, Hubmacher D. En route towards a personalized medicine approach: Innovative therapeutic modalities for connective tissue disorders. Matrix Biol 2023; 122:46-54. [PMID: 37657665 PMCID: PMC10529529 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2023.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Connective tissue disorders can be caused by pathogenic variants (mutations) in genes encoding extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Such disorders typically manifest during development or postnatal growth and result in significant morbidity and mortality. The development of curative treatments for connective tissue disorders is hampered in part by the inability of many mature connective tissues to efficiently regenerate. To be most effective, therapeutic strategies designed to preserve or restore tissue function will likely need to be initiated during phases of significant endogenous connective tissue remodeling and organ sculpting postnatally and directly target the underlying ECM protein mutations. With recent advances in whole exome sequencing, in-vitro and in-vivo disease modeling, and the development of mutation-specific molecular therapeutic modalities, it is now feasible to directly correct disease-causing mutations underlying connective tissue disorders and ameliorate their pathogenic consequences. These technological advances may lead to potentially curative personalized medicine approaches for connective tissue disorders that have previously been considered incurable. In this review, we highlight innovative therapeutic modalities including gene replacement, exon skipping, DNA/mRNA editing, and pharmacological approaches that were used to preserve or restore tissue function in the context of connective tissue disorders. Inherent to a successful application of these approaches is the need to deepen the understanding of mechanisms that regulate ECM formation and homeostasis, and to decipher how individual mutations in ECM proteins compromise ECM and connective tissue development and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlene Redhead
- Orthopedic Research Laboratories, Leni & Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Nandaraj Taye
- Orthopedic Research Laboratories, Leni & Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Dirk Hubmacher
- Orthopedic Research Laboratories, Leni & Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
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Pan S, Yu R, Liang S. Case report: A case report of Alport syndrome caused by a novel mutation of COL4A5. Front Genet 2023; 14:1216809. [PMID: 37529776 PMCID: PMC10389043 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1216809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Alport syndrome (#308940) is an X-linked genetic disease with clinical manifestations, such as hematuria, proteinuria, renal insufficiency, and end-stage renal disease. The disease is characterized by the thinning of the glomerular basement membrane in the early stages and the thickening of the glomerular basement membrane in the late stages and may be associated with ocular lesions and varying degrees of sensorineural deafness. Herein, we report a case of Alport syndrome caused by a de novo mutation in COL4A5. The patient was a young male with clinical manifestations of hematuria and massive proteinuria who was diagnosed with Alport syndrome based on renal pathology and genetic testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujun Pan
- Clinical School of Medicine, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Rizhen Yu
- Urology & Nephrology Center, Department of Nephrology, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shikai Liang
- Urology & Nephrology Center, Department of Nephrology, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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7
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Boisson M, Arrondel C, Cagnard N, Morinière V, Arkoub ZA, Saei H, Heidet L, Kachmar J, Hummel A, Knebelmann B, Bonnet-Dupeyron MN, Isidor B, Izzedine H, Legrand E, Couarch P, Gribouval O, Bole-Feysot C, Parisot M, Nitschké P, Antignac C, Dorval G. A wave of deep intronic mutations in X-linked Alport Syndrome. Kidney Int 2023:S0085-2538(23)00376-9. [PMID: 37230224 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2023.05.006] [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: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
X-linked Alport syndrome (XLAS) is an inherited kidney disease caused exclusively by pathogenic variants in the COL4A5 gene. In 10-20% of cases, DNA sequencing of COL4A5 exons or flanking regions cannot identify molecular causes. Here, our objective was to use a transcriptomic approach to identify causative events in a group of 19 patients with XLAS without identified mutation by Alport gene panel sequencing. Bulk RNAseq and/or targeted RNAseq using a capture panel of kidney genes was performed. Alternative splicing events were compared to those of 15 controls by a developed bioinformatic score. When using targeted RNAseq, COL4A5 coverage was found to be 23-fold higher than with bulk RNASeq and revealed 30 significant alternative splicing events in 17 of the 19 patients. After computational scoring, a pathogenic transcript was found in all patients. A causative variant affecting COL4A5 splicing and absent in the general population was identified in all cases. Altogether, we developed a simple and robust method for identification of aberrant transcripts due to pathogenic deep-intronic COL4A5 variants. Thus, these variants, potentially targetable by specific antisense oligonucleotide therapies, were found in a high percentage of patients with XLAS in whom pathogenic variants were missed by conventional DNA sequencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Boisson
- Laboratoire des Maladies Rénales Héréditaires, Inserm UMR 1163, Institut Imagine, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France; Service de Médecine Génomique des Maladies Rares, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance publique, Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Christelle Arrondel
- Laboratoire des Maladies Rénales Héréditaires, Inserm UMR 1163, Institut Imagine, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Cagnard
- Plateforme Bio-informatique, Inserm UMR 1163, Institut Imagine, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Vincent Morinière
- Service de Médecine Génomique des Maladies Rares, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance publique, Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Zaïna Aït Arkoub
- Service de Médecine Génomique des Maladies Rares, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance publique, Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Hassan Saei
- Laboratoire des Maladies Rénales Héréditaires, Inserm UMR 1163, Institut Imagine, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Laurence Heidet
- Laboratoire des Maladies Rénales Héréditaires, Inserm UMR 1163, Institut Imagine, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France; Service de néphrologie pédiatrique Centre de Référence MARHEA, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance publique, Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Jessica Kachmar
- Laboratoire des Maladies Rénales Héréditaires, Inserm UMR 1163, Institut Imagine, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Aurélie Hummel
- Service de néphrologie adulte, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance publique, Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Bertrand Knebelmann
- Service de néphrologie adulte, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance publique, Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | | | - Bertrand Isidor
- Service de génétique médicale, CHU de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Hassane Izzedine
- Department of Nephrology, Peupliers Private Hospital, Ramsay Générale de Santé, Paris, France
| | - Eric Legrand
- Service de Néphrologie, Centre Hospitalier Ardèche Nord, Annonay, France
| | - Philippe Couarch
- Plateforme de Ressources Biologiques de l'hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Inserm UMR 1163, Institut Imagine, Université de Paris-Cité, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Gribouval
- Laboratoire des Maladies Rénales Héréditaires, Inserm UMR 1163, Institut Imagine, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Christine Bole-Feysot
- Plateforme de Génomique, Institut Imagine-Structure Fédérative de Recherche Necker, INSERM U1163 et INSERM US24/CNRS UAR3633, Paris Descartes Sorbonne Paris Cite University, Paris, France
| | - Mélanie Parisot
- Plateforme de Génomique, Institut Imagine-Structure Fédérative de Recherche Necker, INSERM U1163 et INSERM US24/CNRS UAR3633, Paris Descartes Sorbonne Paris Cite University, Paris, France
| | - Patrick Nitschké
- Plateforme Bio-informatique, Inserm UMR 1163, Institut Imagine, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Corinne Antignac
- Laboratoire des Maladies Rénales Héréditaires, Inserm UMR 1163, Institut Imagine, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France; Service de Médecine Génomique des Maladies Rares, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance publique, Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Dorval
- Laboratoire des Maladies Rénales Héréditaires, Inserm UMR 1163, Institut Imagine, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France; Service de Médecine Génomique des Maladies Rares, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance publique, Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France.
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Peek JL, Wilson MH. Cell and gene therapy for kidney disease. Nat Rev Nephrol 2023:10.1038/s41581-023-00702-3. [PMID: 36973494 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-023-00702-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Kidney disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality across the globe. Current interventions for kidney disease include dialysis and renal transplantation, which have limited efficacy or availability and are often associated with complications such as cardiovascular disease and immunosuppression. There is therefore a pressing need for novel therapies for kidney disease. Notably, as many as 30% of kidney disease cases are caused by monogenic disease and are thus potentially amenable to genetic medicine, such as cell and gene therapy. Systemic disease that affects the kidney, such as diabetes and hypertension, might also be targetable by cell and gene therapy. However, although there are now several approved gene and cell therapies for inherited diseases that affect other organs, none targets the kidney. Promising recent advances in cell and gene therapy have been made, including in the kidney research field, suggesting that this form of therapy might represent a potential solution for kidney disease in the future. In this Review, we describe the potential for cell and gene therapy in treating kidney disease, focusing on recent genetic studies, key advances and emerging technologies, and we describe several crucial considerations for renal genetic and cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Peek
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Matthew H Wilson
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Health Services, Nashville, TN, USA.
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9
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Reiterová J, Tesař V. Current and Future Therapeutical Options in Alport Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:5522. [PMID: 36982595 PMCID: PMC10056269 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Alport syndrome (AS) is a hereditary kidney disease caused by pathogenic variants in COL4A3 and COL4A4 genes with autosomal recessive or autosomal dominant transmission or in the COL4A5 gene with X-linked inheritance. Digenic inheritance was also described. Clinically it is associated with microscopic hematuria, followed by proteinuria and chronic renal insufficiency with end-stage renal disease in young adults. Nowadays, there is no curative treatment available. The inhibitors of RAS (renin-angiotensin system) since childhood slow the progression of the disease. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors seem to be promising drugs from DAPA-CKD (dapagliflozin-chronic kidney disease) study, but only a limited number of patients with Alport syndrome was included. Endothelin type A receptor and angiotensin II type 1 receptor combined inhibitors, and lipid-lowering agents are used in ongoing studies in patients with AS and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Hydroxychloroquine in AS is studied in a clinical trial in China. Molecular genetic diagnosis of AS is crucial not only for prognosis prediction but also for future therapeutic options. Different types of mutations will require various types of gene, RNA, or protein therapy to improve the function, the of final protein product.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Reiterová
- Department of Nephrology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, General University Hospital in Prague, 128 08 Prague, Czech Republic
- First Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, Charles University, General University Hospital in Prague, 128 08 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimír Tesař
- Department of Nephrology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, General University Hospital in Prague, 128 08 Prague, Czech Republic
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Gregorio VD, Caparali B, Shojaei A, Ricardo S, Barua M. Alport Syndrome: Clinical Spectrum and Therapeutic Advances. Kidney Med 2023; 5:100631. [PMID: 37122389 PMCID: PMC10131117 DOI: 10.1016/j.xkme.2023.100631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Alport syndrome is a hereditary disorder characterized by kidney disease, ocular abnormalities, and sensorineural hearing loss. Work in understanding the cause of Alport syndrome and the molecular composition of the glomerular basement membrane ultimately led to the identification of COL4A3, COL4A4 (both on chromosome 2q36), and COL4A5 (chromosome Xq22), encoding the α3, α4, and α5 chains of type IV collagen, as the responsible genes. Subsequent studies suggested that autosomal recessive Alport syndrome and males with X-linked Alport syndrome have more severe disease, whereas autosomal dominant Alport syndrome and females with X-linked Alport syndrome have more variability. Variant type is also influential-protein-truncating variants in autosomal recessive Alport syndrome or males with X-linked Alport syndrome often present with severe symptoms, characterized by kidney failure, extrarenal manifestations, and lack of the α3-α4-α5(IV) network. By contrast, mild-moderate forms from missense variants display α3-α4-α5(IV) in the glomerular basement membrane and are associated with protracted kidney involvement without extrarenal manifestations. Regardless of type, therapeutic intervention for kidney involvement is focused on early initiation of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. There are several therapies under investigation including sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, aminoglycoside analogs, endothelin type A antagonists, lipid-modifying drugs, and hydroxychloroquine, although targeting the underlying defect through gene therapy remains in preclinical stages.
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Abstract
Hundreds of different genetic causes of chronic kidney disease are now recognized, and while individually rare, taken together they are significant contributors to both adult and pediatric diseases. Traditional genetics approaches relied heavily on the identification of large families with multiple affected members and have been fundamental to the identification of genetic kidney diseases. With the increased utilization of massively parallel sequencing and improvements to genotype imputation, we can analyze rare variants in large cohorts of unrelated individuals, leading to personalized care for patients and significant research advancements. This review evaluates the contribution of rare disorders to patient care and the study of genetic kidney diseases and highlights key advancements that utilize new techniques to improve our ability to identify new gene-disease associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D Elliott
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA;
- Center for Precision Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hila Milo Rasouly
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA;
- Center for Precision Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ali G Gharavi
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA;
- Center for Precision Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
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Aberrant splicing caused by exonic single nucleotide variants positioned 2nd or 3rd to the last nucleotide in the COL4A5 gene. Clin Exp Nephrol 2023; 27:218-226. [PMID: 36371577 PMCID: PMC9950164 DOI: 10.1007/s10157-022-02294-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The evident genotype-phenotype correlation shown by the X-linked Alport syndrome warrants the assessment of the impact of identified gene variants on aberrant splicing. We previously reported that single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in the last nucleotide of exons in COL4A5 cause aberrant splicing. It is known that the nucleotides located 2nd and 3rd to the last nucleotides of exons can also play an essential role in the first step of the splicing process. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether SNVs positioned 2nd or 3rd to the last nucleotide of exons in COL4A5 resulted in aberrant splicing. METHODS We selected eight candidate variants: six from the Human Gene Variant Database Professional and two from our cohort. We performed an in-vitro splicing assay and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for messenger RNA obtained from patients, if available. RESULTS The candidate variants were initially classified into the following groups: three nonsense, two missense, and three synonymous variants. Splicing assays and RT-PCR for messenger RNA revealed that six of the eight variants caused aberrant splicing. Four variants, initially classified as non-truncating variants, were found to be truncating ones, which usually show relatively more severe phenotypes. CONCLUSION We revealed that exonic SNVs positioned 2nd or 3rd to the last nucleotide of exons in the COL4A5 were responsible for aberrant splicing. The results of our study suggest that attention should be paid when interpreting the pathogenicity of exonic SNVs near the 5' splice site.
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Li M, Qin Z, Yu Q, Huang Z, Cheng J, Zhong L, Liu Y, Xie J, Li Y, Chen J, Zhan R, Su Z. Anti-Inflammatory Activation of Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex is Mediated by Berberine Erythrocytes Self-Assembly Targeted Delivery System. Drug Des Devel Ther 2022; 16:4365-4383. [PMID: 36583113 PMCID: PMC9793729 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s385301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Berberine (BBR) is the primary active component of Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex (PCC), which has been traditionally used to treat inflammatory diseases. However, the discrepancy between its low bioavailability and significant therapeutic effect remains obscure. The purpose of this study was to explore the previously unsolved enigma of the low bioavailability of BBR and its appreciable anti-inflammatory effect to reveal the action mechanism of BBR and PCC. Methods The quantitative analysis of BBR and its metabolite oxyberberine (OBB) in blood and tissues was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography to investigate the conversion and distribution of BBR/OBB mediated by erythrocytes. Routine blood tests and immunohistochemical staining were used to explore the potential relationship between the amounts of monocyte/macrophage and the drug concentration in erythrocytes and tissues (liver, heart, spleen, lung, kidney, intestine, muscle, brain and pancreas). To comparatively explore the anti-inflammatory effects of BBR and OBB, the acetic acid-induced vascular permeability mice model and lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages were employed. Results Nearly 92% of BBR existed in the erythrocytes in rats. The partition coefficient of BBR between plasma and erythrocytes (Kp/b) decreased with time. OBB was found to be the oxidative metabolite of BBR in erythrocytes. Proportion of BBR/OBB in erythrocytes changed from 9.38% to 16.30% and from 13.50% to 46.24%, respectively. There was a significant relationship between the BBR/OBB concentration in blood and monocyte depletion after a single administration of BBR. BBR/OBB was transported via erythrocytes to various tissues (liver, kidney, spleen, lung, and heart, etc), with the liver achieving the highest concentration. OBB exhibited similar anti-inflammatory effect in vitro and in vivo as BBR with much smaller dosage. Conclusion BBR was prodominantly found in erythrocytes, which was critically participated in the biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, metabolism and target delivery of BBR and its metabolite. The anti-inflammatory activity of BBR and PCC was intimately associated with the metabolism into the active congener OBB and the targeted delivery to monocytes/macrophages mediated by the erythrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minhua Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zehui Qin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiuxia Yu
- The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ziwei Huang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chinese Medicine Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, People’s Republic of China
| | - Juanjuan Cheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Linjiang Zhong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuhong Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianhui Xie
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, People’s Republic of China,State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, People’s Republic of China,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangzhou, 510120, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yucui Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiannan Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ruoting Zhan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, People’s Republic of China,Correspondence: Ruoting Zhan; Ziren Su, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, no. 232, Waihuandong Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou, 510006, People’s Republic of China, Email ;
| | - Ziren Su
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, People’s Republic of China
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Takaoka Y, Sugano A, Morinaga Y, Ohta M, Miura K, Kataguchi H, Kumaoka M, Kimura S, Maniwa Y. Prediction of infectivity of SARS-CoV2: Mathematical model with analysis of docking simulation for spike proteins and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2. MICROBIAL RISK ANALYSIS 2022; 22:100227. [PMID: 35756961 PMCID: PMC9212987 DOI: 10.1016/j.mran.2022.100227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Variants of a coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) have been spreading in a global pandemic. Improved understanding of the infectivity of future new variants is important so that effective countermeasures against them can be quickly undertaken. In our research reported here, we aimed to predict the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 by using a mathematical model with molecular simulation analysis, and we used phylogenetic analysis to determine the evolutionary distance of the spike protein gene (S gene) of SARS-CoV-2. METHODS We subjected the six variants and the wild type of spike protein and human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) to molecular docking simulation analyses to understand the binding affinity of spike protein and ACE2. We then utilized regression analysis of the correlation coefficient of the mathematical model and the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 to predict infectivity. RESULTS The evolutionary distance of the S gene correlated with the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 variants. The calculated biding affinity for the mathematical model obtained with results of molecular docking simulation also correlated with the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 variants. These results suggest that the data from the docking simulation for the receptor binding domain of variant spike proteins and human ACE2 were valuable for prediction of SARS-CoV-2 infectivity. CONCLUSION We developed a mathematical model for prediction of SARS-CoV-2 variant infectivity by using binding affinity obtained via molecular docking and the evolutionary distance of the S gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaka Takaoka
- Department of Computational Drug Design and Mathematical Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
- Data Science Center for Medicine and Hospital Management, Toyama University Hospital, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
- Center for Advanced Antibody Drug Development, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
- Department of Medical Systems, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0017, Japan
- Life Science Institute, Kobe Tokiwa University, Kobe, Hyogo 653-0838, Japan
| | - Aki Sugano
- Department of Medical Systems, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0017, Japan
- Center for Clinical Research, Toyama University Hospital, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Yoshitomo Morinaga
- Department of Microbiology, Toyama University Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Mika Ohta
- Department of Computational Drug Design and Mathematical Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
- Data Science Center for Medicine and Hospital Management, Toyama University Hospital, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
- Department of Medical Systems, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0017, Japan
- Life Science Institute, Kobe Tokiwa University, Kobe, Hyogo 653-0838, Japan
| | - Kenji Miura
- Data Science Center for Medicine and Hospital Management, Toyama University Hospital, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Haruyuki Kataguchi
- Department of Computational Drug Design and Mathematical Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
- Data Science Center for Medicine and Hospital Management, Toyama University Hospital, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Minoru Kumaoka
- Data Science Center for Medicine and Hospital Management, Toyama University Hospital, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
- Department of Medical Systems, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0017, Japan
| | - Shigemi Kimura
- Department of Medical Systems, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0017, Japan
| | - Yoshimasa Maniwa
- Department of Medical Systems, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0017, Japan
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Ocular Manifestations and Potential Treatments of Alport Syndrome: A Systematic Review. J Ophthalmol 2022; 2022:9250367. [PMID: 36119140 PMCID: PMC9477629 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9250367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives. Alport syndrome (AS) is a severe, rare hereditary disorder that can lead to end-stage renal disease, auditory degeneration, and ocular abnormalities. Despite extensive research on AS in relation to auditory and renal disorders, more research is needed on the ocular presentations of AS. This systematic review aims to summarize the common ocular abnormalities in patients with AS and to explore the potential treatment options for these irregularities. Methods. The PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases were systematically searched from January 1977 to April 2022. Only papers that were published in the English language and explored the ocular abnormalities in AS patients were selected. We manually searched reference lists of included papers for additional studies. Results. A total of 23 articles involving 195 patients were included in this review. The common ocular manifestations in AS patients are lenticonus, macular holes, fleck retinopathy, and thinning of the macula. Although published literature has described the use of cataract surgeries and vitrectomies as standard surgical techniques to alleviate ocular abnormalities in non-AS patients, it must be noted that surgical techniques have not been evaluated in a large research study as a solution for AS abnormalities. Another prospective treatment for AS is gene therapy through the reversion of causative COL4 variants to wild type or exon-skipping therapy for X-linked AS with COL4A5 truncating mutations. Gene therapy, however, remains unable to treat alterations that occur in the fetal and early development phase of the disease. Conclusions. The review found no definitive conclusions regarding the efficacy and safety of surgical techniques and gene therapy in AS patients. Recognition of ocular abnormalities through an ophthalmic examination with an optical coherence tomography (OCT) and slit-lamp examination is critical to the medical field, as ophthalmologists can aid nephrologists and other physicians in diagnosing AS. Early diagnosis and care can minimize the risk of detrimental ocular outcomes, such as blindness and retinal detachment.
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Kumagai N, Matsumoto Y, Kondoh T, Ikezumi Y. A novel COL4A5 splicing variant causing X-linked Alport syndrome: A case report. Hum Genome Var 2022; 9:30. [PMID: 36045115 PMCID: PMC9433376 DOI: 10.1038/s41439-022-00209-6] [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: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Alport syndrome is a hereditary disorder characterized by renal impairment, hearing loss, and ocular symptoms and is caused by COL4A3, COL4A4, and COL4A5 mutations. Here, we report the case of 3-year-old boy with isolated hematuria detected in routine preventative urinary screening conducted in 3-year-old children. He carried a novel variant, NM_033380.3:c. 1032 + 1 G > A, which caused a splicing abnormality in COL4A5. He was diagnosed with X-linked Alport syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naonori Kumagai
- grid.256115.40000 0004 1761 798XDepartment of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Yuji Matsumoto
- grid.256115.40000 0004 1761 798XDepartment of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Tomomi Kondoh
- grid.256115.40000 0004 1761 798XDepartment of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Yohei Ikezumi
- grid.256115.40000 0004 1761 798XDepartment of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
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Shoji M, Fuchi Y, Osawa T, Kim H, Ito Y, Hari Y. Synthesis and Properties of Oligonucleotides Containing 2'- O,4'- C-Methyleneoxy-Bridged Pyrimidine Derivatives. J Org Chem 2022; 87:11743-11750. [PMID: 35960869 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.2c01409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In this study, 2'-O,4'-C-methyleneoxy-bridged nucleic acid, a unique consecutive three-acetal-containing nucleic acid (TaNA), was designed. Pyrimidine derivatives of methylated TaNA (Me-TaNA) were also synthesized and introduced into oligonucleotides via solid-phase synthesis. The Me-TaNA-modified oligonucleotides exhibited higher stabilities when forming duplexes with single-stranded RNA or triplexes with double-stranded DNA, relative to the natural oligonucleotides and modified oligonucleotides containing another 2',4'-bridged 5-methyluridine, such as 2',4'-BNA/LNA and 2',4'-ENA. Furthermore, Me-TaNA within oligonucleotides significantly enhanced nuclease resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misa Shoji
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Nishihama, Yamashiro-cho, Tokushima 770-8514, Japan
| | - Yasufumi Fuchi
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Nishihama, Yamashiro-cho, Tokushima 770-8514, Japan
| | - Takashi Osawa
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Nishihama, Yamashiro-cho, Tokushima 770-8514, Japan
| | - Han Kim
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Nishihama, Yamashiro-cho, Tokushima 770-8514, Japan
| | - Yuta Ito
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Nishihama, Yamashiro-cho, Tokushima 770-8514, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Hari
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Nishihama, Yamashiro-cho, Tokushima 770-8514, Japan
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Chakravarti S, Enzo E, de Barros MRM, Maffezzoni MBR, Pellegrini G. Genetic Disorders of the Extracellular Matrix: From Cell and Gene Therapy to Future Applications in Regenerative Medicine. Annu Rev Genomics Hum Genet 2022; 23:193-222. [PMID: 35537467 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genom-083117-021702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Metazoans have evolved to produce various types of extracellular matrix (ECM) that provide structural support, cell adhesion, cell-cell communication, and regulated exposure to external cues. Epithelial cells produce and adhere to a specialized sheet-like ECM, the basement membrane, that is critical for cellular homeostasis and tissue integrity. Mesenchymal cells, such as chondrocytes in cartilaginous tissues and keratocytes in the corneal stroma, produce a pericellular matrix that presents optimal levels of growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, and nutrients to the cell and regulates mechanosensory signals through specific cytoskeletal and cell surface receptor interactions. Here, we discuss laminins, collagen types IV and VII, and perlecan, which are major components of these two types of ECM. We examine genetic defects in these components that cause basement membrane pathologies such as epidermolysis bullosa, Alport syndrome, rare pericellular matrix-related chondrodysplasias, and corneal keratoconus and discuss recent advances in cell and gene therapies being developed for some of these disorders. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Genomics and Human Genetics, Volume 23 is October 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shukti Chakravarti
- Department of Ophthalmology and Department of Pathology, Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, USA; ,
| | - Elena Enzo
- Center for Regenerative Medicine "Stefano Ferrari," University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; , ,
| | - Maithê Rocha Monteiro de Barros
- Department of Ophthalmology and Department of Pathology, Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, USA; ,
| | | | - Graziella Pellegrini
- Center for Regenerative Medicine "Stefano Ferrari," University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; , ,
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Savige J, Huang M, Croos Dabrera MS, Shukla K, Gibson J. Genotype-Phenotype Correlations for Pathogenic COL4A3–COL4A5 Variants in X-Linked, Autosomal Recessive, and Autosomal Dominant Alport Syndrome. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:865034. [PMID: 35602506 PMCID: PMC9120524 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.865034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Alport syndrome is inherited as an X-linked (XL), autosomal recessive (AR), or autosomal dominant (AD) disease, where pathogenic COL4A3 – COL4A5 variants affect the basement membrane collagen IV α3α4α5 network. About 50% of pathogenic variants in each gene (major rearrangements and large deletions in 15%, truncating variants in 20%, splicing changes in 15%) are associated with “severe” disease with earlier onset kidney failure, and hearing loss and ocular abnormalities in males with XL inheritance and in males and females with AR disease. Severe variants are also associated with early proteinuria which is itself a risk factor for kidney failure. The other half of pathogenic variants are missense changes which are mainly Gly substitutions. These are generally associated with later onset kidney failure, hearing loss, and less often with major ocular abnormalities. Further determinants of severity for missense variants for XL disease in males, and in AD disease, include Gly versus non-Gly substitutions; increased distance from a non-collagenous interruption or terminus; and Gly substitutions with a more (Arg, Glu, Asp, Val, and Trp) or less disruptive (Ala, Ser, and Cys) residue. Understanding genotype-phenotype correlations in Alport syndrome is important because they help predict the likely age at kidney failure, and the need for early and aggressive management with renin-angiotensin system blockade and other therapies. Genotype-phenotype correlations also help standardize patients with Alport syndrome undergoing trials of clinical treatment. It is unclear whether severe variants predispose more often to kidney cysts or coincidental IgA glomerulonephritis which are recognized increasingly in COL4A3-, COL4A4 - and COL4A5-associated disease.
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Combination of Panel-based Next-Generation Sequencing and Clinical Findings in Congenital Ectopia Lentis Diagnosed in Chinese Patients. Am J Ophthalmol 2022; 237:278-289. [PMID: 34818515 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2021.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the diagnostic yield of congenital ectopia lentis (EL) in a Chinese cohort by combining panel-based next-generation sequencing with clinical findings. DESIGN A cohort study. METHODS In total, 175 patients with congenital EL and their available family members (n = 338) were enrolled. All patients with congenital EL underwent genetic testing. Genotype-phenotype analyses were conducted to assess the biometric and structural ocular manifestations of congenital EL. RESULTS In total, 175 patients with congenital EL and 338 of their relatives were included in this study. In these patients, 92.57% (162 of 175) of disease-related variants were detected in FBN1 (83.43%), CPAMD8 (1.71%), COL4A5 (0.57%), ADAMTSL4 (3.43%), LTBP2 (1.71%), and CBS (2.29%). Based on genetic and clinical findings, the primary diagnostic rate was increased to 40.57% from 19.43% with the exception of the 91 diagnoses of potential Marfan syndrome, with a new diagnostic strategy for congenital EL, thus having been developed. Within this group of patients harboring FBN1 mutations, 16.44% (19 of 141) probands were diagnosed with EL syndrome and 2.13% (3 of 141) were diagnosed with Marfan syndrome. CONCLUSIONS The results of this cohort study expand the genomic landscape associated with congenital EL in Chinese cohorts. FBN1 mutations represent the most common cause of congenital EL in this population, and we have developed a new diagnostic strategy for congenital EL subtypes via the use of a well-designed panel-based next-generation sequencing that can be used to efficiently and precisely diagnose patients with congenital EL in a cost-effective manner.
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Boudko SP, Pokidysheva E, Hudson BG. Prospective collagen IVα345 therapies for Alport syndrome. Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens 2022; 31:213-220. [PMID: 35283436 PMCID: PMC9159491 DOI: 10.1097/mnh.0000000000000789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW In Alport syndrome, over 1,700 genetic variants in the COL4A3, COL4A4, and COL4A5 genes cause the absence or malfunctioning of the collagen IVα345 scaffold - an essential component of the glomerular basement membrane (GBM). Therapies are limited to treatment with Angiotensin-Converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors to slow progression of the disease. Here, we review recent progress in therapy development to replace the scaffold or restore its function. RECENT FINDINGS Multiple approaches emerged recently for development of therapies that target different stages of production and assembly of the collagen IVα345 scaffold in the GBM. These approaches are based on (1) recent advances in technologies allowing to decipher pathogenic mechanisms that underlie scaffold assembly and dysfunction, (2) development of DNA editing tools for gene therapy, (3) RNA splicing interference, and (4) control of mRNA translation. SUMMARY There is a growing confidence that these approaches will ultimately provide cure for Alport patients. The development of therapy will be accelerated by studies that provide a deeper understanding of mechanisms that underlie folding, assembly, and function of the collagen IVα345 scaffold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergei P. Boudko
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Center for Matrix Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Elena Pokidysheva
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Center for Matrix Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Billy G. Hudson
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Center for Matrix Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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Wang S, Shao Y, Wang Y, Lu J, Shao L. Identification of Four Novel COL4A5 Variants and Detection of Splicing Abnormalities in Three Chinese X-Linked Alport Syndrome Families. Front Genet 2022; 13:847777. [PMID: 35368650 PMCID: PMC8968133 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.847777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic renal disease associated with X-linked Alport syndrome (XLAS) is relatively rare. However, due to the lack of specificity in the pathologic and clinical manifestations of the disease, it is easy to be misdiagnosed. In this study, we included three Chinese families with XLAS and used targeted NGS to find gene variants. In family X1, the 36-year-old male proband had hematuria, massive proteinuria, sensorineural deafness and ESRD at 33. In silico prediction showed the novel c.1424-4C > G variant reduced the score of the normal 3’ splice site from 0.47 to 0.00 (according to BDGP). Transcriptional analysis from his peripheral blood cells indicated that it caused the insertion of an amino acid [p.(Lys474_Gly475insVal)]. In family X2, the proband was a 32-year-old male, who had hematuria, proteinuria, hypertension, hearing loss and progressed into ESRD at 30 years. He carried a novel missense variant c.2777G > T p.(Gly926Val). In family X3, the proband, a 16-year-old male, had hematuria, massive proteinuria, sensorineural deafness and ESRD; the results of renal pathological findings were consistent with AS. He carried a novel variant c.4529-2A > T, so did his mother with ESRD and probable XLAS. Bioinformatic analysis with BDGP showed that it abolished the acceptor site from 0.83 to 0.00. RT-PCR analysis from his kidney tissue indicated that it caused exon 50 skipping and exon 50 skipping along with inserting a cryptic exon derived from intron 49 p.[Gly1510Aspfs*11, Gly1510Alafs*35]. Another novel missense variant c.1552G > A p.(Gly518Arg) was identified in his mother and his aunt. No skewed X-chromosome inactivation was involved in these two female patients. In conclusion, four novel variants in COL4A5 were identified and transcriptional analysis is essential to investigate the pathogenicity of intronic variants. Thus we found a rare event in a female patient with XLAS caused by two COL4A5 variants in trans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Wang
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Department of Dermatology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yingfei Shao
- Wenzhou Medical University Renji College, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yixiu Wang
- Darpartment of Hepatic Surgery, Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingru Lu
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Leping Shao
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- *Correspondence: Leping Shao,
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23
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Yamamura T, Horinouchi T, Aoto Y, Lennon R, Nozu K. The Contribution of COL4A5 Splicing Variants to the Pathogenesis of X-Linked Alport Syndrome. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:841391. [PMID: 35211492 PMCID: PMC8861460 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.841391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
X-linked Alport syndrome (XLAS) is caused by pathogenic variants in COL4A5 and is characterized by progressive kidney disease, hearing loss, and ocular abnormalities. Recent advances in genetic analysis and further understanding of genotype-phenotype correlations in affected male patients raises the importance of detecting splicing variants in COL4A5. Aberrant splicing of COL4A5 is caused not only by canonical splice site variants but also non-canonical splice site variants such as deep intronic changes or even substitutions in exons. Patients with splicing variants account for ~15% of all cases in XLAS. In addition, it has been shown that there is a significant difference in kidney survival depending on the aberrant splicing patterns of transcripts- in particular in-frame or out-of-frame nucleotide changes in transcripts. Therefore, cDNA analysis of patient mRNA is necessary to determine the impact of splice site variants and to confirm a diagnosis of XLAS and to predict the kidney prognosis. However, it is usually difficult to amplify COL4A5 transcripts extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes. For these cases, in vitro minigene assays or RNA sequence extracted from urine derived cells can confirm aberrant splicing patterns. Moreover, controlling aberrant splicing by nucleic acids or small molecular compounds in genetic diseases are attracting attention as a potential therapeutic strategy. Here, we review the frequency of splicing variants in COL4A5, the latest diagnostic strategies, and the prospects for new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiko Yamamura
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan.,Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Tomoko Horinouchi
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yuya Aoto
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Rachel Lennon
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Department of Paediatric Nephrology, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Kandai Nozu
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
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24
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Omachi K, Kai H, Roberge M, Miner JH. Full-length and split-NanoLuc reporters identify pathogenic COL4A5 nonsense mutations susceptible to premature termination codon readthrough. iScience 2022; 25:103891. [PMID: 35243249 PMCID: PMC8866893 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.103891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Alport syndrome, a disease of kidney, ear, and eye, is caused by pathogenic variants in the COL4A3, COL4A4, or COL4A5 genes encoding collagen α3α4α5(IV) of basement membranes. Collagen IV chains that are truncated due to nonsense variants/premature termination codons (PTCs) cannot assemble into heterotrimers or incorporate into basement membranes. To investigate the feasibility of PTC readthrough therapy for Alport syndrome, we utilized two NanoLuc reporters in transfected cells: full-length for monitoring translation, and a split version for assessing readthrough product function. Full-length assays of 49 COL4A5 nonsense variants identified eleven as susceptible to PTC readthrough using various readthrough drugs. In split-NanoLuc assays, the predicted missense α5(IV) readthrough products of five nonsense mutations could heterotrimerize with α3(IV) and α4(IV). Readthrough was also observed in kidney cells from an engineered Col4a5 PTC mouse model. These results suggest that readthrough therapy is a feasible approach for a fraction of patients with Alport syndrome. NanoLuc fusion constructs identified COL4A5 mutants susceptible to PTC readthrough Readthrough enhancer and “designer” compounds promoted PTC readthrough Split-NanoLuc fusion constructs identified functional missense readthrough products Cultured Col4a5 nonsense mutant mouse kidney cells were susceptible to readthrough
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25
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Morais MRPT, Tian P, Lawless C, Murtuza-Baker S, Hopkinson L, Woods S, Mironov A, Long DA, Gale DP, Zorn TMT, Kimber SJ, Zent R, Lennon R. Kidney organoids recapitulate human basement membrane assembly in health and disease. eLife 2022; 11:73486. [PMID: 35076391 PMCID: PMC8849328 DOI: 10.7554/elife.73486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Basement membranes (BMs) are complex macromolecular networks underlying all continuous layers of cells. Essential components include collagen IV and laminins, which are affected by human genetic variants leading to a range of debilitating conditions including kidney, muscle, and cerebrovascular phenotypes. We investigated the dynamics of BM assembly in human pluripotent stem cell-derived kidney organoids. We resolved their global BM composition and discovered a conserved temporal sequence in BM assembly that paralleled mammalian fetal kidneys. We identified the emergence of key BM isoforms, which were altered by a pathogenic variant in COL4A5. Integrating organoid, fetal, and adult kidney proteomes, we found dynamic regulation of BM composition through development to adulthood, and with single-cell transcriptomic analysis we mapped the cellular origins of BM components. Overall, we define the complex and dynamic nature of kidney organoid BM assembly and provide a platform for understanding its wider relevance in human development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mychel RPT Morais
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, University of ManchesterManchesterUnited Kingdom
| | - Pinyuan Tian
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, University of ManchesterManchesterUnited Kingdom
| | - Craig Lawless
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, University of ManchesterManchesterUnited Kingdom
| | - Syed Murtuza-Baker
- Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Sciences, University of ManchesterManchesterUnited Kingdom
| | - Louise Hopkinson
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, University of ManchesterManchesterUnited Kingdom
| | - Steven Woods
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, University of ManchesterManchesterUnited Kingdom
| | - Aleksandr Mironov
- Electron Microscopy Core Facility, University of ManchesterManchesterUnited Kingdom
| | - David A Long
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Daniel P Gale
- Department of Renal Medicine, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Telma MT Zorn
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of São PauloSão PauloBrazil
| | - Susan J Kimber
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, University of ManchesterManchesterUnited Kingdom
| | - Roy Zent
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleUnited States
| | - Rachel Lennon
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, University of ManchesterManchesterUnited Kingdom,Department of Paediatric Nephrology, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustManchesterUnited Kingdom
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26
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Kidney Cancer and Chronic Kidney Disease: Too Close for Comfort. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9121761. [PMID: 34944574 PMCID: PMC8699019 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Kidney cancer and chronic kidney disease are two renal pathologies with very different clinical management strategies and therapeutical options. Nonetheless, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying both conditions are closely related. Renal physiology is adapted to operate with a limited oxygen supply, making the kidney remarkably equipped to respond to hypoxia. This tightly regulated response mechanism is at the heart of kidney cancer, leading to the onset of malignant cellular phenotypes. Although elusive, the role of hypoxia in chronic kidney diseases is emerging as related to fibrosis, a pivotal factor in decaying renal function. The present review offers a perspective on the common biological traits shared between kidney cancer and chronic kidney disease and the available and prospective therapies for both conditions.
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Single, Double and Triple Blockade of RAAS in Alport Syndrome: Different Tools to Freeze the Evolution of the Disease. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10214946. [PMID: 34768466 PMCID: PMC8584724 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10214946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The goal of the treatment of Alport syndrome (AS) is to delay the progression of kidney damage. The current standard of care is the use of Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System (RAAS) blockers: angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition (ACEi), angiotensin receptor blockade, and, recently, spironolactone (SP). Aim of the study: the purpose of this retrospective study is to evaluate the efficacy (reduction of proteinuria and changes of glomerular function) and safety of a sequential introduction of RAAS blockers up to a triple RAAS blockade in pediatric proteinuric patients with AS. Methods: in this retrospective study (1995 to 2019), we evaluated proteinuria values in AS patients, during the 12 months following the beginning of a new RAAS blocker, up to a triple blockade. ACEi was always the first line of treatment; then ARB and SP were sequentially added if uPCR increased by 50% from the basal level in 2 consecutive samples during a 3-months observation period, or when uPCR ratio was >2 mg/mg. Results: 26 patients (mean age at treatment onset was 10.55 ± 5.02 years) were enrolled. All patients were on ACEi, 14/26 were started on a second drug (6/14 ARB, 8/14 SP) after a mean time of 2.2 ± 1.7 years, 7/26 were on triple RAAS blockade after a further period of 5.5 ± 2.3 years from the introduction of a second drug. Repeated Measure Anova analysis of log-transformed data shows that the reduction of uPCR values after Time 0 from the introduction of the first, second and third drug is highly significant in all three cases (p values = 0.0016, 0.003, and 0.014, respectively). No significant changes in eGFR were recorded in any group, apart from a 15-year-old boy with X-linked AS, who developed kidney failure. One patient developed mild hyperkaliemia, and one gynecomastia and symptomatic hypotension. No life-threatening events were recorded. Conclusions: double and triple RAAS blockade is an effective and safe strategy to reduce proteinuria in children with AS. Nevertheless, we suggest monitoring eGFR and Kaliemia during follow-up.
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Takafuji S, Mori T, Nishimura N, Yamamoto N, Uemura S, Nozu K, Terui K, Toki T, Ito E, Muramatsu H, Takahashi Y, Matsuo M, Yamamura T, Iijima K. Usefulness of functional splicing analysis to confirm precise disease pathogenesis in Diamond-Blackfan anemia caused by intronic variants in RPS19. Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2021; 38:515-527. [PMID: 33622161 DOI: 10.1080/08880018.2021.1887984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA) is mainly caused by pathogenic variants in ribosomal proteins and 22 responsible genes have been identified to date. The most common causative gene of DBA is RPS19 [NM_001022.4]. Nearly 180 RPS19 variants have been reported, including three deep intronic variants outside the splicing consensus sequence (c.72-92A > G, c.356 + 18G > C, and c.411 + 6G > C). We also identified one case with a c.412-3C > G intronic variant. Without conducting transcript analysis, the pathogenicity of these variants is unknown. However, it is difficult to assess transcripts because of their fragility. In such cases, in vitro functional splicing assays can be used to assess pathogenicity. Here, we report functional splicing analysis results of four RPS19 deep intronic variants identified in our case and in previously reported cases. One splicing consensus variant (c.411 + 1G > A) was also examined as a positive control. Aberrant splicing with a 2-bp insertion between exons 5 and 6 was identified in the patient samples and minigene assay results also identified exon 6 skipping in our case. The exon 6 skipping transcript was confirmed by further evaluation using quantitative RT-PCR. Additionally, minigene assay analysis of three reported deep intronic variants revealed that none of them showed aberrant splicing and that these variants were not considered to be pathogenic. In conclusion, the minigene assay is a useful method for functional splicing analysis of inherited disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoru Takafuji
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Takeshi Mori
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Nishimura
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Yamamoto
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Suguru Uemura
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Kandai Nozu
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Kiminori Terui
- Department of Pediatrics, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Toki
- Department of Pediatrics, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan
| | - Etsuro Ito
- Department of Pediatrics, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan
| | - Hideki Muramatsu
- Department of Pediatrics, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Takahashi
- Department of Pediatrics, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masafumi Matsuo
- Locomotion Biology Research Center, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Tomohiko Yamamura
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Kazumoto Iijima
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
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29
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Song M, Li J, Lan L, Xie L, Xiong F, Yu L, Shi W, Wang D, Guan J, Wang H, Wang Q. Clinical characteristics of patients with unilateral auditory neuropathy. Am J Otolaryngol 2021; 42:103143. [PMID: 34175691 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2021.103143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the clinical characteristics of patients with unilateral auditory neuropathy (UAN), and to provide guidance for future clinical diagnosis and research. METHODS Patients who were clinically diagnosed with UAN from 2004 to 2019 were included. Clinical characteristics, audiological features, imaging findings, genetic test results and management effect were summarized and followed. RESULTS A total of 44 patients [mean age, 4.35 ± 4.39 years; 22 (50.00%) males and 22 (50.00%) females] were enrolled for analyses. Among the 38 patients who were tested by pure-tone or behavioral audiometry, the degree of hearing loss of the affected ear was characterized as mild in 2 ears (5.26%), moderate in 5 (13.16%), severe in 9 (23.68%) and profound in 22 (57.89%). For the 44 contralateral ears, 33 (75.00%) showed normal hearing and 11 (25.00%) presented with sensorineural hearing loss. Auditory brainstem responses were absent or abnormal in all 44 affected ears, while otoacoustic emissions and/or cochlear microphonics were present. Among the 18 patients who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 7 (38.89%) presented cochlear nerve deficiency (CND). Nineteen candidate variants were found in 12 patients among the 15 UAN patients who were conducted targeted gene capture and next generation sequencing. Thirty patients were followed up by telephone to investigate their management effect. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates comprehensive audiological features of patients with UAN to improve the clinical understanding and diagnosis. Some patients with UAN could show ipsilateral CND and MRI is essential to evaluate if the nerve is deficient. No pathogenic variants that directly related to the pathogenesis of UAN have been found in this study currently.
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30
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Tian L, Wu F, Bai R, Ma S, Zheng H, Liu WJ, Wang Y. Generation of a COL4A5 heterozygous mutation human embryonic stem cell line (WAe009-A-58) using an episomal vector-based CRISPR/Cas9 system. Stem Cell Res 2021; 55:102481. [PMID: 34419749 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2021.102481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
X-linked Alport syndrome (XLAS) is the second most common inherited kidney disease which pathogenic variants related to a mutation in the COL4A5 gene encoding the type IV collagen α5 chain. Here, we have generated a COL4A5 heterozygous mutant human embryonic stem cell (hESC) line (H9-COL4A5+/-) by an episomal vector-based CRISPR/Cas9 system. The generated H9-COL4A5+/- maintained a normal stem cell morphology, stably expressed pluripotent markers, and could differentiate into all three germ layers in vivo. This cell line offers an in vitro efficient platform to explore pathogenic mechanisms in XLAS and provides a cell-based disease model for drug testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Tian
- Renal Research Institution of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, and Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education and Beijing, Dongzhimen Hospital Affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing ,100700 China
| | - Fujian Wu
- Translational Medicine Collaborative Innovation Center, The Second Clinical Medical College(Shenzhen People's Hospital), Jinan University, Shenzhen 518020, China; Post-doctoral Scientific Research Station of Basic Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Rui Bai
- Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 10029, China
| | - Shuhong Ma
- Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 10029, China
| | - Huijuan Zheng
- Renal Research Institution of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, and Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education and Beijing, Dongzhimen Hospital Affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing ,100700 China
| | - Wei Jing Liu
- Renal Research Institution of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, and Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education and Beijing, Dongzhimen Hospital Affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing ,100700 China.
| | - Yaoxian Wang
- Renal Research Institution of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, and Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education and Beijing, Dongzhimen Hospital Affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing ,100700 China.
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31
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Matsuo M. Antisense Oligonucleotide-Mediated Exon-skipping Therapies: Precision Medicine Spreading from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. JMA J 2021; 4:232-240. [PMID: 34414317 PMCID: PMC8355726 DOI: 10.31662/jmaj.2021-0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In 1995, we were the first to propose antisense oligonucleotide (ASO)-mediated exon-skipping therapy for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a noncurable, progressive muscle-wasting disease. DMD is caused by deletion mutations in one or more exons of the DMD gene that shift the translational reading frame and create a premature stop codon, thus prohibiting dystrophin production. The therapy aims to correct out-of-frame mRNAs to produce in-frame transcripts by removing an exon during splicing, with the resumption of dystrophin production. As this treatment is recognized as the most promising, many extensive studies have been performed to develop ASOs that induce the skipping of DMD exons. In 2016, an ASO designed to skip exon 51 was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration, which accelerated studies on the use of ASOs to treat other monogenic diseases. The ease of mRNA editing by ASO-mediated exon skipping has resulted in the further application of exon-skipping therapy to nonmonogenic diseases, such as diabetes mellites. Recently, this precision medicine strategy was drastically transformed for the emergent treatment of only one patient with one ASO, which represents a future aspect of ASO-mediated exon-skipping therapy for extremely rare diseases. Herein, the invention of ASO-mediated exon-skipping therapy for DMD and the current applications of ASO-mediated exon-skipping therapies are reviewed, and future perspectives on this therapeutic strategy are discussed. This overview will encourage studies on ASO-mediated exon-skipping therapy and will especially contribute to the development of treatments for noncurable diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masafumi Matsuo
- KNC Department of Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Department of Physical Rehabilitation and Research Center for Locomotion Biology, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe, Japan
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32
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Quinlan C, Rheault MN. Genetic Basis of Type IV Collagen Disorders of the Kidney. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2021; 16:1101-1109. [PMID: 33849932 PMCID: PMC8425620 DOI: 10.2215/cjn.19171220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The glomerular basement membrane is a vital component of the filtration barrier of the kidney and is primarily composed of a highly structured matrix of type IV collagen. Specific isoforms of type IV collagen, the α3(IV), α4(IV), and α5(IV) isoforms, assemble into trimers that are required for normal glomerular basement membrane function. Disruption or alteration in these isoforms leads to breakdown of the glomerular basement membrane structure and function and can lead to progressive CKD known as Alport syndrome. However, there is wide variability in phenotype among patients with mutations affecting type IV collagen that depends on a complex interplay of sex, genotype, and X-chromosome inactivation. This article reviews the genetic basis of collagen disorders of the kidney as well as potential treatments for these conditions, including direct alteration of the DNA, RNA therapies, and manipulation of collagen proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Quinlan
- Department of Nephrology, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia,Department of Kidney Regeneration, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michelle N. Rheault
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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33
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Molecular genetics of renal ciliopathies. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:1205-1220. [PMID: 33960378 DOI: 10.1042/bst20200791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Renal ciliopathies are a heterogenous group of inherited disorders leading to an array of phenotypes that include cystic kidney disease and renal interstitial fibrosis leading to progressive chronic kidney disease and end-stage kidney disease. The renal tubules are lined with epithelial cells that possess primary cilia that project into the lumen and act as sensory and signalling organelles. Mutations in genes encoding ciliary proteins involved in the structure and function of primary cilia cause ciliopathy syndromes and affect many organ systems including the kidney. Recognised disease phenotypes associated with primary ciliopathies that have a strong renal component include autosomal dominant and recessive polycystic kidney disease and their various mimics, including atypical polycystic kidney disease and nephronophthisis. The molecular investigation of inherited renal ciliopathies often allows a precise diagnosis to be reached where renal histology and other investigations have been unhelpful and can help in determining kidney prognosis. With increasing molecular insights, it is now apparent that renal ciliopathies form a continuum of clinical phenotypes with disease entities that have been classically described as dominant or recessive at both extremes of the spectrum. Gene-dosage effects, hypomorphic alleles, modifier genes and digenic inheritance further contribute to the genetic complexity of these disorders. This review will focus on recent molecular genetic advances in the renal ciliopathy field with a focus on cystic kidney disease phenotypes and the genotypes that lead to them. We discuss recent novel insights into underlying disease mechanisms of renal ciliopathies that might be amenable to therapeutic intervention.
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34
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Kashtan CE, Gross O. Clinical practice recommendations for the diagnosis and management of Alport syndrome in children, adolescents, and young adults-an update for 2020. Pediatr Nephrol 2021; 36:711-719. [PMID: 33159213 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-020-04819-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
In 2013, we published a set of clinical practice recommendations for the treatment of Alport syndrome in this journal. We recommended delaying the initiation of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition until the onset of overt proteinuria or, in some cases, microalbuminuria. Developments that have occurred over the past 7 years have prompted us to revise these recommendations. We now recommend the initiation of treatment at the time of diagnosis in males with X-linked Alport syndrome and in males and females with autosomal recessive Alport syndrome. We further recommend starting treatment at the onset of microalbuminuria in females with X-linked Alport syndrome and in males and females with autosomal dominant Alport syndrome. This article presents the rationale for these revisions as well as recommendations for diagnostic tactics intended to ensure the early diagnosis of Alport syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clifford E Kashtan
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Nephrology, University of Minnesota Medical School, 2450 Riverside Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, 55454, USA.
| | - Oliver Gross
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
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Nozu K, Takaoka Y, Kai H, Takasato M, Yabuuchi K, Yamamura T, Horinouchi T, Sakakibara N, Ninchoji T, Nagano C, Iijima K. Genetic background, recent advances in molecular biology, and development of novel therapy in Alport syndrome. Kidney Res Clin Pract 2020; 39:402-413. [PMID: 33214343 PMCID: PMC7771000 DOI: 10.23876/j.krcp.20.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Alport syndrome (AS) is a progressive inherited kidney disease characterized by hearing loss and ocular abnormalities. There are three forms of AS depending on inheritance mode: X-linked Alport syndrome (XLAS), autosomal recessive AS (ARAS), and autosomal dominant AS (ADAS). XLAS is caused by pathogenic variants in COL4A5, which encodes type IV collagen α5 chain, while ADAS and ARAS are caused by variants in COL4A3 or COL4A4, which encode type IV collagen α3 or α4 chain, respectively. In male XLAS or ARAS cases, end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) develops around a median age of 20 to 30 years old, while female XLAS or ADAS cases develop ESKD around a median age of 60 to 70 years old. The diagnosis of AS is dependent on either genetic or pathological findings. However, determining the pathogenicity of the variants detected by gene tests can be difficult. Recently, we applied the following molecular investigation tools to determine pathogenicity: 1) in silico and in vitro trimer formation assay of α345 chains to assess triple helix formation ability, 2) kidney organoids constructed from patients’ induced pluripotent stem cells to identify α5 chain expression on the glomerular basement membrane, and 3) in vitro splicing assay to detect aberrant splicing to determine the pathogenicity of variants. In this review article, we discuss the genetic background and novel assays for determining the pathogenicity of variants. We also discuss the current treatment approaches and introduce exon skipping therapy as one potential treatment option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kandai Nozu
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yutaka Takaoka
- Division of Medical Informatics and Bioinformatics, Kobe University Hospital, Kobe, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Kai
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Minoru Takasato
- Laboratory for Human Organogenesis, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan.,Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology and Development, Department of Animal Development and Physiology, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kensuke Yabuuchi
- Laboratory for Human Organogenesis, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan
| | - Tomohiko Yamamura
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Tomoko Horinouchi
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Nana Sakakibara
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Takeshi Ninchoji
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - China Nagano
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Kazumoto Iijima
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
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Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in patients with Alport syndrome: can all patients benefit? Kidney Int 2020; 98:1400-1402. [PMID: 33276866 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2020.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are prescribed to slow the progression of kidney disease in patients with Alport syndrome. In a recent publication by Yamamura et al. the authors showed an association of ACEi or ARB treatment with delay in ESKD, even for those patients with severe, truncating mutations. Despite these encouraging findings, there remain a number of clinical questions about the use of ACEi and ARBs in Alport syndrome.
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Fukushima S, Farea M, Maeta K, Rani AQM, Fujioka K, Nishio H, Matsuo M. Dual Fluorescence Splicing Reporter Minigene Identifies an Antisense Oligonucleotide to Skip Exon v8 of the CD44 Gene. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21239136. [PMID: 33266296 PMCID: PMC7729581 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Splicing reporter minigenes are used in cell-based in vitro splicing studies. Exon skippable antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) has been identified using minigene splicing assays, but these assays include a time- and cost-consuming step of reverse transcription PCR amplification. To make in vitro splicing assay easier, a ready-made minigene (FMv2) amenable to quantitative splicing analysis by fluorescence microscopy was constructed. FMv2 was designed to encode two fluorescence proteins namely, mCherry, a transfection marker and split eGFP, a marker of splicing reaction. The split eGFP was intervened by an artificial intron containing a multicloning site sequence. Expectedly, FMv2 transfected HeLa cells produced not only red mCherry but also green eGFP signals. Transfection of FMv2CD44v8, a modified clone of FMv2 carrying an insertion of CD44 exon v8 in the multicloning site, that was applied to screen exon v8 skippable ASO, produced only red signals. Among seven different ASOs tested against exon v8, ASO#14 produced the highest index of green signal positive cells. Hence, ASO#14 was the most efficient exon v8 skippable ASO. Notably, the well containing ASO#14 was clearly identified among the 96 wells containing randomly added ASOs, enabling high throughput screening. A ready-made FMv2 is expected to contribute to identify exon skippable ASOs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachiyo Fukushima
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; (S.F.); (K.F.)
- Research Center for Locomotion Biology, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe 651-2180, Japan; (M.F.); (K.M.); (A.Q.M.R.); (H.N.)
| | - Manal Farea
- Research Center for Locomotion Biology, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe 651-2180, Japan; (M.F.); (K.M.); (A.Q.M.R.); (H.N.)
| | - Kazuhiro Maeta
- Research Center for Locomotion Biology, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe 651-2180, Japan; (M.F.); (K.M.); (A.Q.M.R.); (H.N.)
- KNC Department of Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe 651-2180, Japan
| | - Abdul Qawee Mahyoob Rani
- Research Center for Locomotion Biology, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe 651-2180, Japan; (M.F.); (K.M.); (A.Q.M.R.); (H.N.)
- KNC Department of Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe 651-2180, Japan
| | - Kazumichi Fujioka
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; (S.F.); (K.F.)
| | - Hisahide Nishio
- Research Center for Locomotion Biology, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe 651-2180, Japan; (M.F.); (K.M.); (A.Q.M.R.); (H.N.)
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe 651-2180, Japan
| | - Masafumi Matsuo
- Research Center for Locomotion Biology, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe 651-2180, Japan; (M.F.); (K.M.); (A.Q.M.R.); (H.N.)
- KNC Department of Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe 651-2180, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-78-974-6194
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Bidirectional, non-necrotizing glomerular crescents are the critical pathology in X-linked Alport syndrome mouse model harboring nonsense mutation of human COL4A5. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18891. [PMID: 33144651 PMCID: PMC7642296 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76068-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
X-linked Alport syndrome (XLAS) is a progressive kidney disease caused by genetic abnormalities of COL4A5. Lack of collagen IV α5 chain staining and “basket-weave” by electron microscopy (EM) in glomerular basement membrane (GBM) are its typical pathology. However, the causal relationship between GBM defects and progressive nephropathy is unknown. We analyzed sequential pathology in a mouse model of XLAS harboring a human nonsense mutation of COL4A5. In mutant mice, nephropathy commenced from focal GBM irregularity by EM at 6 weeks of age, prior to exclusive crescents at 13 weeks of age. Low-vacuum scanning EM demonstrated substantial ragged features in GBM, and crescents were closely associated with fibrinoid exudate, despite lack of GBM break and podocyte depletion at 13 weeks of age. Crescents were derived from two sites by different cellular components. One was CD44 + cells, often with fibrinoid exudate in the urinary space, and the other was accumulation of α-SMA + cells in the thickened Bowman’s capsule. These changes finally coalesced, leading to global obliteration. In conclusion, vulnerability of glomerular and capsular barriers to the structural defect in collagen IV may cause non-necrotizing crescents via activation of PECs and migration of interstitial fibroblasts, promoting kidney disease in this model.
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Abstract
The glomerular basement membrane (GBM) is a key component of the glomerular capillary wall and is essential for kidney filtration. The major components of the GBM include laminins, type IV collagen, nidogens and heparan sulfate proteoglycans. In addition, the GBM harbours a number of other structural and regulatory components and provides a reservoir for growth factors. New technologies have improved our ability to study the composition and assembly of basement membranes. We now know that the GBM is a complex macromolecular structure that undergoes key transitions during glomerular development. Defects in GBM components are associated with a range of hereditary human diseases such as Alport syndrome, which is caused by defects in the genes COL4A3, COL4A4 and COL4A5, and Pierson syndrome, which is caused by variants in LAMB2. In addition, the GBM is affected by acquired autoimmune disorders and metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus. Current treatments for diseases associated with GBM involvement aim to reduce intraglomerular pressure and to treat the underlying cause where possible. As our understanding about the maintenance and turnover of the GBM improves, therapies to replace GBM components or to stimulate GBM repair could translate into new therapies for patients with GBM-associated disease.
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