1
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Dasari AKR, Coats MF, Ali AB, Lim KH. Identification of the interfacial regions in misfolded transthyretin oligomers. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2024; 1872:141027. [PMID: 38796131 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2024.141027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
Misfolding and aggregation of transthyretin (TTR) is associated with numerous ATTR amyloidosis. TTR aggregates extracted from ATTR patients consist of not only full-length TTR, but also N-terminally truncated TTR fragments that can be produced by proteolytic cleavage, suggesting the presence of multiple misfolding pathways. Here, we report mechanistic studies of an early stage of TTR aggregation to probe the oligomerization process for the full-length as well as N-terminally truncated TTR. Our kinetic analyses using size exclusion chromatography revealed that amyloidogenic monomers dissociated from wild-type (WT) as well as pathogenic variants (V30M and L55P) form misfolded dimers, which self-assemble into oligomers, precursors of fibril formation. Dimeric interfaces in the full-length misfolded oligomers were investigated by examining the effect of single-point mutations on the two β-strands (F and H). The single-point mutations on the two β-strands (E92P on strand F and T119W on strand H) inhibited the dimerization of misfolded monomers, while the TTR variants can still form native dimers through the same F and H strands. These results suggest that the two strands are involved in intermolecular associations for both native and misfolded dimers, but detailed intermolecular interactions are different in the two forms of dimers. In the presence of a proteolytic enzyme, TTR aggregation is greatly accelerated. The two mutations on the two β-strands, however, inhibited TTR aggregation even in the presence of a proteolytic enzyme, trypsin. These results suggest that the two β-strands (F and H) play a critical role in aggregation of the N-terminally truncated TTR as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anvesh K R Dasari
- Department of Chemistry, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Matthew F Coats
- Department of Chemistry, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | | | - Kwang Hun Lim
- Department of Chemistry, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA.
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2
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Mizuguchi M, Nakagawa Y, Yokoyama T, Okada T, Fujii K, Takahashi K, Luan NNT, Nabeshima Y, Kanamitsu K, Nakagawa S, Yamakawa S, Ueda M, Ando Y, Toyooka N. Development of Benziodarone Analogues with Enhanced Potency for Selective Binding to Transthyretin in Human Plasma. J Med Chem 2024; 67:6987-7005. [PMID: 38670538 PMCID: PMC11089511 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Transthyretin amyloidosis is a fatal disorder caused by transthyretin amyloid aggregation. Stabilizing the native structure of transthyretin is an effective approach to inhibit amyloid aggregation. To develop kinetic stabilizers of transthyretin, it is crucial to explore compounds that selectively bind to transthyretin in plasma. Our recent findings demonstrated that the uricosuric agent benziodarone selectively binds to transthyretin in plasma. Here, we report the development of benziodarone analogues with enhanced potency for selective binding to transthyretin in plasma compared to benziodarone. These analogues featured substituents of chlorine, bromine, iodine, a methyl group, or a trifluoromethyl group, at the 4-position of the benzofuran ring. X-ray crystal structure analysis revealed that CH···O hydrogen bonds and a halogen bond are important for the binding of the compounds to the thyroxine-binding sites. The bioavailability of benziodarone analogues with 4-Br, 4-Cl, or 4-CH3 was comparable to that of tafamidis, a current therapeutic agent for transthyretin amyloidosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mineyuki Mizuguchi
- Faculty
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Yusuke Nakagawa
- Graduate
School of Innovative Life Science, University
of Toyama, Toyama 930-8555, Japan
| | - Takeshi Yokoyama
- Faculty
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Takuya Okada
- Graduate
School of Innovative Life Science, University
of Toyama, Toyama 930-8555, Japan
- Faculty
of Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-8555, Japan
| | - Kanako Fujii
- Graduate
School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Kanoko Takahashi
- Graduate
School of Pharma-Medical Sciences, University
of Toyama, Toyama 930-8555, Japan
| | - Nguyen Ngoc Thanh Luan
- Graduate
School of Innovative Life Science, University
of Toyama, Toyama 930-8555, Japan
| | - Yuko Nabeshima
- Faculty
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Kayoko Kanamitsu
- Graduate
School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, the University
of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Shinsaku Nakagawa
- Graduate
School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka
University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Shiori Yamakawa
- Department
of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Mitsuharu Ueda
- Department
of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Yukio Ando
- Faculty
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagasaki International
University, Sasebo 859-3298, Japan
| | - Naoki Toyooka
- Graduate
School of Innovative Life Science, University
of Toyama, Toyama 930-8555, Japan
- Faculty
of Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-8555, Japan
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3
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Mizuguchi M, Obita T, Yamada S, Nabeshima Y. Trypsin-induced aggregation of transthyretin Valine 30 variants associated with hereditary amyloidosis. FEBS J 2024; 291:1732-1743. [PMID: 38273457 DOI: 10.1111/febs.17070] [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: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Amyloid fibrils of transthyretin (TTR) consist of full-length TTR and C-terminal fragments starting near residue 50. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the production of the C-terminal fragment remains unclear. Here, we investigated trypsin-induced aggregation and urea-induced unfolding of TTR variants associated with hereditary amyloidosis. Trypsin strongly induced aggregation of variants V30G and V30A, in each of which Val30 in the hydrophobic core of the monomer was mutated to less-bulky amino acids. Variants V30L and V30M, in each of which Val30 was mutated to bulky amino acids, also exhibited trypsin-induced aggregation. On the other hand, pathogenic variant I68L as well as the nonpathogenic V30I did not exhibit trypsin-induced aggregation. The V30G variant was extremely unstable compared with the other variants. The V30G mutation caused the formation of a cavity and the rearrangement of Leu55 in the hydrophobic core of the monomer. These results suggest that highly destabilized transthyretin variants are more susceptible to trypsin digestion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Takayuki Obita
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Japan
| | - Seiya Yamada
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Japan
| | - Yuko Nabeshima
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Japan
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4
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Toppeta A, Dell'Era A, Molteni P, Ardizzone S. Severe chronic diarrhoea caused by hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis. BMJ Case Rep 2023; 16:e256673. [PMID: 37844979 PMCID: PMC10583022 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2023-256673] [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] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloidosis includes a heterogeneous group of diseases caused by the extracellular deposition of insoluble fibrillar proteins, leading to multiple organ dysfunction and a poor life expectancy. In the early stages of amyloidosis, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are uncommon. We describe a rare case of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv) with involvement of the heart, nervous system and GI tract. A man in his 60s was hospitalised due to chronic diarrhoea, orthostatic hypotension, malabsorption and weight loss. An organic origin for the diarrhoea was suspected, but the most common causes were ruled out. The review of GI biopsies and an abdominal fat aspirate confirmed the diagnosis of amyloidosis. The diagnosis of ATTRv amyloidosis with GI presentation is challenging, especially in the early stages, and misdiagnosis is common. The recent approval of therapies emphasises the importance of early diagnosis to prevent irreversible organ damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica Toppeta
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandra Dell'Era
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milano, Italy
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Milano, Lombardia, Italy
| | - Paola Molteni
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Milano, Lombardia, Italy
| | - Sandro Ardizzone
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Milano, Lombardia, Italy
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Ruiz-Solaní N, Salguero-Linares J, Armengot L, Santos J, Pallarès I, van Midden KP, Phukkan UJ, Koyuncu S, Borràs-Bisa J, Li L, Popa C, Eisele F, Eisele-Bürger AM, Hill SM, Gutiérrez-Beltrán E, Nyström T, Valls M, Llamas E, Vilchez D, Klemenčič M, Ventura S, Coll NS. Arabidopsis metacaspase MC1 localizes in stress granules, clears protein aggregates, and delays senescence. THE PLANT CELL 2023; 35:3325-3344. [PMID: 37401663 PMCID: PMC10473220 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koad172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Stress granules (SGs) are highly conserved cytoplasmic condensates that assemble in response to stress and contribute to maintaining protein homeostasis. These membraneless organelles are dynamic, disassembling once the stress is no longer present. Persistence of SGs due to mutations or chronic stress has been often related to age-dependent protein-misfolding diseases in animals. Here, we find that the metacaspase MC1 is dynamically recruited into SGs upon proteotoxic stress in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Two predicted disordered regions, the prodomain and the 360 loop, mediate MC1 recruitment to and release from SGs. Importantly, we show that MC1 has the capacity to clear toxic protein aggregates in vivo and in vitro, acting as a disaggregase. Finally, we demonstrate that overexpressing MC1 delays senescence and this phenotype is dependent on the presence of the 360 loop and an intact catalytic domain. Together, our data indicate that MC1 regulates senescence through its recruitment into SGs and this function could potentially be linked to its remarkable protein aggregate-clearing activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nerea Ruiz-Solaní
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Bellaterra 08193, Spain
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Jose Salguero-Linares
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Bellaterra 08193, Spain
| | - Laia Armengot
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Bellaterra 08193, Spain
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Jaime Santos
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona 08193, Spain
| | - Irantzu Pallarès
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona 08193, Spain
| | - Katarina P van Midden
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Ujjal J Phukkan
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Bellaterra 08193, Spain
| | - Seda Koyuncu
- Cologne Excellence Cluster for Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne 50931, Germany
| | - Júlia Borràs-Bisa
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Bellaterra 08193, Spain
| | - Liang Li
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Bellaterra 08193, Spain
| | - Crina Popa
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Bellaterra 08193, Spain
| | - Frederik Eisele
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg 41390, Sweden
| | - Anna Maria Eisele-Bürger
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg 41390, Sweden
| | - Sandra Malgrem Hill
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg 41390, Sweden
| | - Emilio Gutiérrez-Beltrán
- Instituto de Bioquímica Vegetal y Fotosíntesis (Universidad de Sevilla and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas), 41092 Seville, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica Vegetal y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla 41012, Spain
| | - Thomas Nyström
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg 41390, Sweden
| | - Marc Valls
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Bellaterra 08193, Spain
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Ernesto Llamas
- Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS), Institute for Plant Sciences, University of Cologne, Cologne D-50674, Germany
| | - David Vilchez
- Cologne Excellence Cluster for Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne 50931, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne 50931, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne 50931, Germany
| | - Marina Klemenčič
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Salvador Ventura
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona 08193, Spain
| | - Nuria S Coll
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Bellaterra 08193, Spain
- Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Barcelona 08001, Spain
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6
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Mizuguchi M, Yokoyama T, Okada T, Nakagawa Y, Fujii K, Nabeshima Y, Toyooka N. Benziodarone and 6-hydroxybenziodarone are potent and selective inhibitors of transthyretin amyloidogenesis. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 90:117370. [PMID: 37311373 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117370] [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: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Transthyretin amyloidosis is a progressive systemic disorder that is caused by the amyloid deposition of transthyretin in various organs. Stabilization of the native transthyretin is an effective strategy for the treatment of transthyretin amyloidosis. In this study we demonstrate that the clinically used uricosuric agent benziodarone is highly effective to stabilize the tetrameric structure of transthyretin. An acid-induced aggregation assay showed that benziodarone had strong inhibitory activity similar to that of tafamidis, which is currently used as a therapeutic agent for transthyretin amyloidosis. Moreover, a possible metabolite, 6-hydroxybenziodarone, retained the strong amyloid inhibitory activity of benziodarone. An ex vivo competitive binding assay using a fluorogenic probe showed that benziodarone and 6-hydroxybenziodarone were highly potent for selective binding to transthyretin in human plasma. An X-ray crystal structure analysis revealed that the halogenated hydroxyphenyl ring was located at the entrance of the thyroxine binding channel of transthyretin and that the benzofuran ring was located in the inner channel. These studies suggest that benziodarone and 6-hydroxybenziodarone would potentially be effective against transthyretin amyloidosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mineyuki Mizuguchi
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan.
| | - Takeshi Yokoyama
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Takuya Okada
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-8555, Japan; Graduate School of Innovative Life Science, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-8555, Japan
| | - Yusuke Nakagawa
- Graduate School of Innovative Life Science, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-8555, Japan
| | - Kanako Fujii
- Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Yuko Nabeshima
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Naoki Toyooka
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-8555, Japan; Graduate School of Innovative Life Science, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-8555, Japan
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7
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Chatterjee S, Salimi A, Lee JY. Histidine tautomerism-mediated transthyretin amyloidogenesis: A molecular insight. Arch Biochem Biophys 2023; 742:109618. [PMID: 37172673 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2023.109618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Characterization of the conformational alterations involved in monomer misfolding is essential for elucidating the molecular basis of the initial stage of protein accumulation. Here, we report the first structural analyses of transthyretin (TTR) (26-57) fragments with two histidine tautomeric states (δ; Nδ1H and ε; Nε2H) using replica-exchange molecular dynamics (REMD) simulations. Explaining the organizational properties and misfolding procedure is challenging because the δ and ε configurations can occur in the free neutral state. REMD revealed that β-sheet generation is favored for the δδ (16.8%) and εδ (6.7%) tautomeric isomers, showing frequent main-chain contacts between the stable regions near the head (N-terminus) and central (middle) part compared to the εε (4.8%) and δε (2.8%) isomers. The presence of smaller and wider local energy minima may be related to the structural stability and toxicity of δδ/εδ and εε/δε. Histidines31 and 56 were the parts of regular (such as β-strand) and nonregular (such as coil) secondary structures within the highly toxic TTR isomer. For TTR amyloidosis, focusing on hazardous isomeric forms with high sheet contents may be a potent treatment strategy. Overall, our findings support the tautomerism concept and aid in our comprehension of the basic tautomeric actions of neutral histidine throughout the misfolding process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sompriya Chatterjee
- Department of Chemistry, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 440-746, South Korea
| | - Abbas Salimi
- Department of Chemistry, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 440-746, South Korea
| | - Jin Yong Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 440-746, South Korea.
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8
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Teixeira AC, Saraiva MJ. Selective recognition of human small transthyretin aggregates by a novel monoclonal antibody. Amyloid 2023; 30:74-80. [PMID: 36111397 DOI: 10.1080/13506129.2022.2122034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Biochemical characterisation of transthyretin variant TTR Y78F showed that this variant adopts a tetrameric conformation as normal TTR but exhibits some of the characteristics of an intermediate structure in the fibrillogenesis pathway. It was hypothesised that native Y78F might represent an early event in TTR amyloidogenesis. We immunised TTR knock out mice with recombinant variant TTR Y78F. One stable hybridoma named CE11, of the IgM isotype, was tested for reactivity towards several soluble recombinant TTR variants both amyloidogenic and non-amyloidogenic. CE11 only recognises the highly amyloidogenic TTR variants L55P, S52P, A97S, Y78F or acidified TTR wt preparations. At the same time, this clone was negative for TTR V30M, soluble wild type protein or TTR T119M. The reactivity increased with oligomer formation and decreased as mature fibrils grow. After size exclusion chromatography (SEC) followed by sandwich ELISA and native immunoblotting, the mAb recognised two peaks (i) peak 1 present in acidified and in soluble variant proteins preparations with material above 146 KDa (ii) peak 2 only present in soluble L55P and S52P TTR preparations with material between 66 and 146 KDa. mAb CE11 may be a potential tool to survey therapeutical agents against TTR aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A C Teixeira
- Molecular Neurobiology Department, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, i3S, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, IBMC, Porto, Portugal
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Duan G, Li Y, Ye M, Liu H, Wang N, Luo S. The Regulatory Mechanism of Transthyretin Irreversible Aggregation through Liquid-to-Solid Phase Transition. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043729. [PMID: 36835140 PMCID: PMC9960511 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Transthyretin (TTR) aggregation and amyloid formation are associated with several ATTR diseases, such as senile systemic amyloidosis (SSA) and familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP). However, the mechanism that triggers the initial pathologic aggregation process of TTR remains largely elusive. Lately, increasing evidence has suggested that many proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases undergo liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and subsequent liquid-to-solid phase transition before the formation of amyloid fibrils. Here, we demonstrate that electrostatic interactions mediate LLPS of TTR, followed by a liquid-solid phase transition, and eventually the formation of amyloid fibrils under a mildly acidic pH in vitro. Furthermore, pathogenic mutations (V30M, R34T, and K35T) of TTR and heparin promote the process of phase transition and facilitate the formation of fibrillar aggregates. In addition, S-cysteinylation, which is a kind of post-translational modification of TTR, reduces the kinetic stability of TTR and increases the propensity for aggregation, while another modification, S-sulfonation, stabilizes the TTR tetramer and reduces the aggregation rate. Once TTR was S-cysteinylated or S-sulfonated, they dramatically underwent the process of phase transition, providing a foundation for post-translational modifications that could modulate TTR LLPS in the context of pathological interactions. These novel findings reveal molecular insights into the mechanism of TTR from initial LLPS and subsequent liquid-to-solid phase transition to amyloid fibrils, providing a new dimension for ATTR therapy.
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10
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Omega-3 PUFAs as a Dietary Supplement in Senile Systemic Amyloidosis. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15030749. [PMID: 36771455 PMCID: PMC9921273 DOI: 10.3390/nu15030749] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6), two omega-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), are the main components in oil derived from fish and other marine organisms. EPA and DHA are commercially available as dietary supplements and are considered to be very safe and contribute to guaranteeing human health. Studies report that PUFAs have a role in contrasting neurodegenerative processes related to amyloidogenic proteins, such as β-amyloid for AD, α-synuclein in PD, and transthyretin (TTR) in TTR amyloidosis. In this context, we investigated if EPA and DHA can interact directly with TTR, binding inside the thyroxin-binding pockets (T4BP) that contribute to the tetramer stabilization. The data obtained showed that EPA and DHA can contribute to stabilizing the TTR tetramer through interactions with T4BP.
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11
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Wollenweber T, Kretschmer-Chott E, Wurm R, Rasul S, Kulterer O, Rettl R, Duca F, Bonderman D, Sühs KW, Hacker M, Traub-Weidinger T. Does [99mTc]-3,3-diphosphono-1,2-propanodicarboxylic acid (DPD) soft tissue uptake allow the identification of patients with the diagnosis of cardiac transthyretin-related (ATTR) amyloidosis with higher risk for polyneuropathy? J Nucl Cardiol 2023; 30:357-367. [PMID: 35817943 PMCID: PMC9984356 DOI: 10.1007/s12350-022-02986-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the introduction of several drugs for the therapy of transthyretin-related amyloidosis (ATTR) which slow down the disease, early detection of polyneuropathy (PNP) is becoming increasingly of interest. [99mTc]-3,3-Diphosphono-1,2-Propanodicarboxylic Acid (DPD) bone scintigraphy, which is used for the diagnosis of cardiac (c)ATTR, can possibly make an important contribution in the identification of patients at risk for PNP. METHODS Fifty patients with cATTR, who underwent both planar whole-body DPD scintigraphy and nerve conduction studies (NCS) were retrospectively evaluated. A subgroup of 22 patients also underwent quantitative SPECT/CT of the thorax from which Standardized Uptake Values (SUVpeak) in the subcutaneous fat tissue of the left axillar region were evaluated. RESULTS The Perugini score was significantly increased in patients with cATTR and additional diagnosis of PNP compared to patients without (2.51 ± 0.51 vs 2.13 ± 0.52; P = 0.03). Quantitative SPECT/CT revealed that DPD uptake in the subcutaneous fat of the left axillar region was significantly increased in cATTR patients with compared to patients without (1.36 ± 0.60 vs 0.74 ± 0.52; P = 0.04). CONCLUSION This study suggests that DPD bone scintigraphy is a useful tool for identification of patients with cATTR and a risk for PNP due to increased DPD soft tissue uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Wollenweber
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Elisabeth Kretschmer-Chott
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Raphael Wurm
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sazan Rasul
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Oana Kulterer
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rene Rettl
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Franz Duca
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Diana Bonderman
- 5th Medical Department with Cardiology, Clinic Favoriten, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Marcus Hacker
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tatjana Traub-Weidinger
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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12
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Almeida ZL, Brito RMM. Amyloid Disassembly: What Can We Learn from Chaperones? Biomedicines 2022; 10:3276. [PMID: 36552032 PMCID: PMC9776232 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein aggregation and subsequent accumulation of insoluble amyloid fibrils with cross-β structure is an intrinsic characteristic of amyloid diseases, i.e., amyloidoses. Amyloid formation involves a series of on-pathway and off-pathway protein aggregation events, leading to mature insoluble fibrils that eventually accumulate in multiple tissues. In this cascade of events, soluble oligomeric species are formed, which are among the most cytotoxic molecular entities along the amyloid cascade. The direct or indirect action of these amyloid soluble oligomers and amyloid protofibrils and fibrils in several tissues and organs lead to cell death in some cases and organ disfunction in general. There are dozens of different proteins and peptides causing multiple amyloid pathologies, chief among them Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, and several other neurodegenerative diseases. Amyloid fibril disassembly is among the disease-modifying therapeutic strategies being pursued to overcome amyloid pathologies. The clearance of preformed amyloids and consequently the arresting of the progression of organ deterioration may increase patient survival and quality of life. In this review, we compiled from the literature many examples of chemical and biochemical agents able to disaggregate preformed amyloids, which have been classified as molecular chaperones, chemical chaperones, and pharmacological chaperones. We focused on their mode of action, chemical structure, interactions with the fibrillar structures, morphology and toxicity of the disaggregation products, and the potential use of disaggregation agents as a treatment option in amyloidosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rui M. M. Brito
- Chemistry Department and Coimbra Chemistry Centre—Institute of Molecular Sciences (CQC-IMS), University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
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13
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Dasari AKR, Yi S, Coats MF, Wi S, Lim KH. Toxic Misfolded Transthyretin Oligomers with Different Molecular Conformations Formed through Distinct Oligomerization Pathways. Biochemistry 2022; 61:2358-2365. [PMID: 36219173 PMCID: PMC9665167 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.2c00390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Protein aggregation is initiated by structural changes from native polypeptides to cytotoxic oligomers, which form cross-β structured amyloid. Identification and characterization of oligomeric intermediates are critically important for understanding not only the molecular mechanism of aggregation but also the cytotoxic nature of amyloid oligomers. Preparation of misfolded oligomers for structural characterization is, however, challenging because of their transient, heterogeneous nature. Here, we report two distinct misfolded transthyretin (TTR) oligomers formed through different oligomerization pathways. A pathogenic TTR variant with a strong aggregation propensity (L55P) was used to prepare misfolded oligomers at physiological pH. Our mechanistic studies showed that the full-length TTR initially forms small oligomers, which self-assemble into short protofibrils at later stages. Enzymatic cleavage of the CD loop was also used to induce the formation of N-terminally truncated oligomers, which was detected in ex vivo cardiac TTR aggregates extracted from the tissues of patients. Structural characterization of the oligomers using solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance and circular dichroism revealed that the two TTR misfolded oligomers have distinct molecular conformations. In addition, the proteolytically cleaved TTR oligomers exhibit a higher surface hydrophobicity, suggesting the presence of distinct oligomerization pathways for TTR oligomer formation. Cytotoxicity assays also revealed that the cytotoxicity of cleaved oligomers is stronger than that of the full-length TTR oligomers, indicating that hydrophobicity might be an important property of toxic oligomers. These comparative biophysical analyses suggest that the toxic cleaved TTR oligomers formed through a different misfoling pathway may adopt distinct structural features that produce higher surface hydrophobicity, leading to the stronger cytotoxic activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anvesh K. R. Dasari
- Department of Chemistry, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Sujung Yi
- Department of Chemistry, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Matthew F. Coats
- Department of Chemistry, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Sungsool Wi
- Interdisciplinary Magnetic Resonance (CIMAR), National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (NHMFL), 1800 East, Paul Dirac Dr., Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA
| | - Kwang Hun Lim
- Department of Chemistry, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
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14
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Deep blue autofluorescence reflects the oxidation state of human transthyretin. Redox Biol 2022; 56:102434. [PMID: 35987087 PMCID: PMC9411673 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2022.102434] [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: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Human transthyretin (TTR) is a tetrameric protein transporting thyroid hormones and retinol. TTR is a neuroprotective factor and sensor of oxidative stress which stability is diminished due to mutations and aging, leading to amyloid deposition. Adverse environmental conditions, such as redox and metal ion imbalances, induce destabilization of the TTR structure. We have previously shown that the stability of TTR was disturbed by Ca2+ and other factors, including DTT, and led to the formation of an intrinsic fluorophore(s) emitting blue light, termed deep blue autofluorescence (dbAF). Here, we show that the redox state of TTR affects the formation dynamics and properties of dbAF. Free thiols lead to highly unstable subpopulations of TTR and the frequent ocurrence of dbAF. Oxidative conditions counteracted the destabilizing effects of free thiols to some extent. However, strong oxidative conditions led to modifications of TTR, which altered the stability of TTR and resulted in unique dbAF spectra. Riboflavin and/or riboflavin photoproducts bound to TTR and crosslinked TTR subunits. Riboflavin-sensitized photooxidation increased TTR unfolding, while photooxidation, either in the absence or presence of riboflavin, increased proteolysis and resulted in multiple oxidative modifications and dityrosine formation in TTR molecules. Therefore, oxidation can switch the role of TTR from a protective to pathogenic factor.
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15
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Sanguinetti C, Minniti M, Susini V, Caponi L, Panichella G, Castiglione V, Aimo A, Emdin M, Vergaro G, Franzini M. The Journey of Human Transthyretin: Synthesis, Structure Stability, and Catabolism. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081906. [PMID: 36009453 PMCID: PMC9405911 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Transthyretin (TTR) is a homotetrameric protein mainly synthesised by the liver and the choroid plexus whose function is to carry the thyroid hormone thyroxine and the retinol-binding protein bound to retinol in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid. When the stability of the tetrameric structure is lost, it breaks down, paving the way for the aggregation of TTR monomers into insoluble fibrils leading to transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis, a progressive disorder mainly affecting the heart and nervous system. Several TTR gene mutations have been characterised as destabilisers of TTR structure and are associated with hereditary forms of ATTR amyloidosis. The reason why also the wild-type TTR is intrinsically amyloidogenic in some subjects is largely unknown. The aim of the review is to give an overview of the TTR biological life cycle which is largely unknown. For this purpose, the current knowledge on TTR physiological metabolism, from its synthesis to its catabolism, is described. Furthermore, a large section of the review is dedicated to examining in depth the role of mutations and physiological ligands on the stability of TTR tetramers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Sanguinetti
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marianna Minniti
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Vanessa Susini
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Caponi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giorgia Panichella
- “Health Science” Interdisciplinary Research Center, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Castiglione
- “Health Science” Interdisciplinary Research Center, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alberto Aimo
- “Health Science” Interdisciplinary Research Center, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy
- Cardiology Division, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Michele Emdin
- “Health Science” Interdisciplinary Research Center, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy
- Cardiology Division, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Vergaro
- “Health Science” Interdisciplinary Research Center, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy
- Cardiology Division, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Franzini
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence:
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16
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Grether NB, Napravnik F, Imhof T, Linke RP, Bräsen JH, Schmitz J, Dohrn M, Schneider C, Svačina MKR, Stetefeld J, Koch M, Lehmann HC. Amyloidogenicity assessment of transthyretin gene variants. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2022; 9:1252-1263. [PMID: 35903975 PMCID: PMC9380149 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51626] [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: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Hereditary transthyretin‐mediated amyloidosis is a treatable condition caused by amyloidogenic variants in the transthyretin‐gene resulting in severe peripheral neuropathy or cardiomyopathy. Only about a third of over 130 known variants are clearly pathogenic, most are classified as variants of uncertain significance. A clear delineation of these into pathogenic or non‐pathogenic is highly desirable but hampered by low frequency and penetrance. We thus sought to characterize their amylogenic potential by an unbiased in vitro approach. Methods Thioflavin T and turbidity assays were used to compare the potential of mammalian cell expressed wt‐transthyretin and 12 variant proteins (either variants of uncertain significance, benign, pathogenic) to aggregate and produce amyloid fibrils in vitro. As proof of principle, the assays were applied to transthyretin‐Ala65Val, a variant that was newly detected in a family with peripheral neuropathy and amyloid deposits in biopsies. In silico analysis was performed to compare the position of the benign and pathogenic variants. Results Transthyretin‐Ala65Val showed a significantly higher amyloidogenic potential than wt‐transthyretin, in both turbidity‐ and Thioflavin T‐assays, comparable to known pathogenic variants. The other eight tested variants did not show an increased amyloidogenic potential. In silico structural analysis further confirmed differences between pathogenic and benign variants in position and interactions. Interpretation We propose a biochemical approach to assess amyloidogenic potential of transthyretin variants. As exemplified by transthyretin‐Ala65Val, data of three assays together with histopathology clearly demonstrates its amyloidogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolai B Grether
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Felix Napravnik
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Thomas Imhof
- Institute for Dental Research and Oral Musculoskeletal Biology and Center for Biochemistry, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Jan H Bräsen
- Nephropathology Unit, Institute of Pathology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jessica Schmitz
- Nephropathology Unit, Institute of Pathology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Maike Dohrn
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty of the RWTH Aachen University Aachen, Germany.,Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation, Department of Human Genetics and John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Christian Schneider
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Martin K R Svačina
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jörg Stetefeld
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Manuel Koch
- Institute for Dental Research and Oral Musculoskeletal Biology and Center for Biochemistry, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Helmar C Lehmann
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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17
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Matsushita H, Misumi Y, Masuda T, Okada M, Inoue F, Ueda M, Ando Y. Urinary Transthyretin as a Biomarker in ATTRv Val50Met Amyloidosis. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 2022; 29:333-343. [PMID: 35893595 PMCID: PMC9326616 DOI: 10.3390/pathophysiology29030025] [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: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Transthyretin (TTR), the precursor protein for amyloidogenic TTR (ATTR) amyloidosis, forms tetramers and escapes glomerular filtration by binding with thyroxine and retinol-binding protein. However, variant TTRs are unstable as tetramers, so monomeric TTR has become the precursor protein of amyloid deposits, via protein misfolding. The aim of the study was to evaluate the utility of urinary TTR in the diagnosis of ATTRv amyloidosis. Urinary samples from healthy volunteers, ATTRv V50M amyloidosis patients, and asymptomatic carriers of the ATTRv V50M gene were analysed using ELISA. To analyse the different forms of TTR secreted to the urine, we performed Western blotting and mass spectrometry. Urinary TTR concentrations were significantly higher in the ATTRv V50M amyloidosis patients than they were in the healthy volunteers and asymptomatic carriers of the gene. Although the TTR concentrations were negligible in the healthy volunteers, they were correlated with disease progression and urinary albumin concentrations in the ATTRv V50M amyloidosis patients. The Western blotting and mass spectrometry revealed the presence of monomeric wild-type and variant TTRs in the urine. Urinary TTR concentrations may become a more sensitive biomarker of ATTRv progression than albumin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Matsushita
- Department of Amyloidosis Research, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagasaki International University, 2825-7 Huis Ten Bosch, Nagasaki 859-3298, Japan; (F.I.); (Y.A.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Yohei Misumi
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan; (Y.M.); (T.M.); (M.O.); (M.U.)
| | - Teruaki Masuda
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan; (Y.M.); (T.M.); (M.O.); (M.U.)
| | - Masamitsu Okada
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan; (Y.M.); (T.M.); (M.O.); (M.U.)
| | - Fumika Inoue
- Department of Amyloidosis Research, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagasaki International University, 2825-7 Huis Ten Bosch, Nagasaki 859-3298, Japan; (F.I.); (Y.A.)
| | - Mitsuharu Ueda
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan; (Y.M.); (T.M.); (M.O.); (M.U.)
| | - Yukio Ando
- Department of Amyloidosis Research, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagasaki International University, 2825-7 Huis Ten Bosch, Nagasaki 859-3298, Japan; (F.I.); (Y.A.)
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan; (Y.M.); (T.M.); (M.O.); (M.U.)
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18
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Bhagavatula H, Sarkar A, Santra B, Das A. Scan-Find-Scan-Model: Discrete Site-Targeted Suppressor Design Strategy for Amyloid-β. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:2191-2208. [PMID: 35767676 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is undoubtedly the most well-studied neurodegenerative disease. Consequently, the amyloid-β (Aβ) protein ranks at the top in terms of getting attention from the scientific community for structural property-based characterization. Even after decades of extensive research, there is existing volatility in terms of understanding and hence the effective tackling procedures against the disease that arises due to the lack of knowledge of both specific target- and site-specific drugs. Here, we develop a multidimensional approach based on the characterization of the common static-dynamic-thermodynamic trait of the monomeric protein, which efficiently identifies a small target sequence that contains an inherent tendency to misfold and consequently aggregate. The robustness of the identification of the target sequence comes with an abundance of a priori knowledge about the length and sequence of the target and hence guides toward effective designing of the target-specific drug with a very low probability of bottleneck and failure. Based on the target sequence information, we further identified a specific mutant that showed the maximum potential to act as a destabilizer of the monomeric protein as well as enormous success as an aggregation suppressor. We eventually tested the drug efficacy by estimating the extent of modulation of binding affinity existing within the fibrillar form of the Aβ protein due to a single-point mutation and hence provided a proof of concept of the entire protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasathi Bhagavatula
- Department of Biotechnology, Progressive Education Society's Modern College of Arts Science and Commerce, Shivajinagar, Pune 411005, India
| | - Archishman Sarkar
- School of Applied and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, 2A & 2B, Raja Subodh Chandra Mallick Road, Kolkata, West Bengal 700032, India
| | - Binit Santra
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kalyanpur, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208016, India
| | - Atanu Das
- Physical and Materials Chemistry Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune, Maharashtra 411008, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
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19
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Sun X, Ferguson JA, Dyson HJ, Wright PE. A transthyretin monomer intermediate undergoes local unfolding and transient interaction with oligomers in a kinetically concerted aggregation pathway. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102162. [PMID: 35724960 PMCID: PMC9293765 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis is associated with tissue deposition of TTR aggregates. TTR aggregation is initiated by dissociation of the native tetramer to form a monomeric intermediate, which locally unfolds and assembles into soluble oligomers and higher-order aggregates. However, a detailed mechanistic understanding requires kinetic and structural characterization of the low-population intermediates formed. Here we show that the monomeric intermediate exchanges with an ensemble of oligomers on the millisecond timescale. This transient and reversible exchange causes broadening of the 19F resonance of a trifluoromethyl probe coupled to the monomeric intermediate at S85C. We show the 19F linewidth and R2 relaxation rate increase in a linear manner with increasing concentration of the oligomer. Furthermore, introduction of 19F probes at additional TTR sites yielded distinct 19F chemical shifts for the TTR tetramer and monomer when the trifluoromethyl probe was attached at S100C, located near the same subunit interface as S85C, but not with probes attached at S46C or E63C, which are distant from any interfaces. The 19F probe at E63C shows that part of the DE loop, which is solvent-accessible in the tetramer, becomes more buried in the NMR-visible oligomers. Finally, using backbone amides as probes, we show that parts of the EF helix and H strand become highly flexible in the otherwise structured monomeric intermediate at acidic pH. We further find that TTR aggregation can be reversed by increasing pH. Taken together, this work provides insights into location-dependent conformational changes in the reversible early steps of a kinetically-concerted TTR aggregation pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xun Sun
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology and Skaggs Institute of Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - James A Ferguson
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology and Skaggs Institute of Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - H Jane Dyson
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology and Skaggs Institute of Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Peter E Wright
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology and Skaggs Institute of Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA.
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20
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Lee K, Kuczera K. Modulation of human transthyretin stability by the mutations at histidine 88 studied by free energy simulation. Proteins 2022; 90:1825-1836. [DOI: 10.1002/prot.26353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kyung‐Hoon Lee
- Department of Biology Chowan University Murfreesboro North Carolina USA
| | - Krzysztof Kuczera
- Department of Chemistry and Department of Molecular Biosciences University of Kansas Lawrence Kansas USA
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21
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Abstract
Amyloids are organized suprastructural polypeptide arrangements. The prevalence of amyloid-related processes of pathophysiological relevance has been linked to aging-related degenerative diseases. Besides the role of genetic polymorphisms on the relative risk of amyloid diseases, the contributions of nongenetic ontogenic cluster of factors remain elusive. In recent decades, mounting evidences have been suggesting the role of essential micronutrients, in particular transition metals, in the regulation of amyloidogenic processes, both directly (such as binding to amyloid proteins) or indirectly (such as regulating regulatory partners, processing enzymes, and membrane transporters). The features of transition metals as regulatory cofactors of amyloid proteins and the consequences of metal dyshomeostasis in triggering amyloidogenic processes, as well as the evidences showing amelioration of symptoms by dietary supplementation, suggest an exaptative role of metals in regulating amyloid pathways. The self- and cross-talk replicative nature of these amyloid processes along with their systemic distribution support the concept of their metastatic nature. The role of amyloidosis as nutrient sensors would act as intra- and transgenerational epigenetic metabolic programming factors determining health span and life span, viability, which could participate as an evolutive selective pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Maurício T R Lima
- Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology - pbiotech, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratory for Macromolecules (LAMAC-DIMAV), National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology - INMETRO, Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Tháyna Sisnande
- Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology - pbiotech, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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22
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Schilling M. [Gene therapy options for hereditary transthyretin-related amyloidosis]. DER NERVENARZT 2022; 93:557-565. [PMID: 35419654 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-022-01288-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Hereditary transthyretin-related amyloidosis (ATTRv) is a rare autosomal dominant disease and is fatal if left untreated. It is caused by mutations in the transthyretin gene. All known mutations induce misfolding of the tetrameric transthyretin molecule and protein deposits in multiple organs. In peripheral nerves this result in sensorimotor and autonomic polyneuropathy and in cardiac muscle it causes cardiomyopathy. Untreated ATTRv is characterized by an irreversible and progressive course and death 7-11 years after symptom onset. Treatment options consist of TTR stabilizing drugs, such as tafamidis and active agents that selectively interfere at the mRNA level, the so-called gene silencers patisiran and inotersen. All forms of treatment aim to prevent amyloid tissue deposition in tissues and organ dysfunction. Patisiran works by RNA interference on endogenous mechanisms of gene expression. It results in the cleavage of TTR-mRNA using the cytoplasmatic RNA-induced silencing complex. Inotersen, an antisense oligonucleotide, degrades TTR-mRNA via activation of nuclear RNase H. Both mechanisms result in a significant reduction of TTR protein serum levels. The efficacy could be demonstrated by slowing or improving neuropathy progression in the phase III study APOLLO (patisiran) or the NEURO-TTR study (inotersen). Furthermore, the use of both agents led to an improvement in the quality of life in patients with ATTRv. Both forms of treatment are approved in Germany since August 2018 for polyneuropathy stages 1 and 2 according to Coutinho. The choice of treatment should be carried out individually considering drug formulation, contraindications and the necessary safety monitoring controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Schilling
- Klinik für Neurologie mit Institut für Translationale Neurologie, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149, Münster, Deutschland.
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23
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Gao L, Xie X, Liu P, Jin J. High-avidity binding drives nucleation of amyloidogenic transthyretin monomer. JCI Insight 2022; 7:150131. [PMID: 35393947 PMCID: PMC9057628 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.150131] [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: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyloidosis involves stepwise growth of fibrils assembled from soluble precursors. Transthyretin (TTR) naturally folds into a stable tetramer, whereas conditions and mutations that foster aberrant monomer formations facilitate TTR oligomeric aggregation and subsequent fibril extension. We investigated the early assembly of oligomers by WT TTR compared with its V30M and V122I variants. We monitored time-dependent redistribution among monomer, dimer, tetramer, and oligomer contents in the presence and absence of multimeric TTR seeds. The seeds were artificially constructed recombinant multimers that contained 20–40 TTR subunits via engineered biotin-streptavidin (SA) interactions. As expected, these multimer seeds rapidly nucleated TTR monomers into larger complexes, while having less effect on dimers and tetramers. In vivo, SA-induced multimers formed TTR-like deposits in the heart and the kidney following i.v. injection in mice. While all 3 variants prominently deposited glomerulus in the kidney, only V30M resulted in extensive deposition in the heart. The cardiac TTR deposits varied in size and shape and were localized in the intermyofibrillar space along the capillaries. These results are consistent with the notion of monomeric TTR engaging in high-avidity interactions with tissue amyloids. Our multimeric induction approach provides a model for studying the initiation of TTR deposition in the heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Gao
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Department of Cardiology, and
| | - Xinfang Xie
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Pan Liu
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jing Jin
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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The Transthyretin/Oleuropein Aglycone Complex: A New Tool against TTR Amyloidosis. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15030277. [PMID: 35337074 PMCID: PMC8953266 DOI: 10.3390/ph15030277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The release of monomers from the homotetrameric protein transthyretin (TTR) is the first event of a cascade, eventually leading to sporadic or familial TTR amyloidoses. Thus, ligands able to stabilize TTR and inhibit monomer release are subject of intense scrutiny as potential treatments against these pathologies. Here, we investigated the interaction between TTR and a non-glycated derivative of the main olive polyphenol, oleuropein (OleA), known to interfere with TTR aggregation. We coupled fluorescence studies with molecular docking to investigate the OleA/TTR interaction using wild-type TTR, a monomeric variant, and the L55P cardiotoxic mutant. We characterized a fluorescence band emitted by OleA upon formation of the OleA/TTR complex. Exploiting this signal, we found that a poorly specific non-stoichiometric interaction occurs on the surface of the protein and a more specific stabilizing interaction takes place in the ligand binding pocket of TTR, exhibiting a KD of 3.23 ± 0.32 µM, with two distinct binding sites. OleA interacts with TTR in different modes, stabilizing it and preventing its dissociation into monomers, with subsequent misfolding. This result paves the way to the possible use of OleA to prevent degenerative diseases associated with TTR misfolding.
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25
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Searching for the Best Transthyretin Aggregation Protocol to Study Amyloid Fibril Disruption. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010391. [PMID: 35008816 PMCID: PMC8745744 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010391] [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: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Several degenerative amyloid diseases, with no fully effective treatment, affect millions of people worldwide. These pathologies—amyloidoses—are known to be associated with the formation of ordered protein aggregates and highly stable and insoluble amyloid fibrils, which are deposited in multiple tissues and organs. The disruption of preformed amyloid aggregates and fibrils is one possible therapeutic strategy against amyloidosis; however, only a few compounds have been identified as possible fibril disruptors in vivo to date. To properly identify chemical compounds as potential fibril disruptors, a reliable, fast, and economic screening protocol must be developed. For this purpose, three amyloid fibril formation protocols using transthyretin (TTR), a plasma protein involved in several amyloidoses, were studied using thioflavin-T fluorescence assays, circular dichroism (CD), turbidity, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), in order to characterize and select the most appropriate fibril formation protocol. Saturation transfer difference nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (STD NMR) was successfully used to study the interaction of doxycycline, a known amyloid fibril disruptor, with preformed wild-type TTR (TTRwt) aggregates and fibrils. DLS and TEM were also used to characterize the effect of doxycycline on TTRwt amyloid species disaggregation. A comparison of the TTR amyloid morphology formed in different experimental conditions is also presented.
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26
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Iakovleva I, Hall M, Oelker M, Sandblad L, Anan I, Sauer-Eriksson AE. Structural basis for transthyretin amyloid formation in vitreous body of the eye. Nat Commun 2021; 12:7141. [PMID: 34880242 PMCID: PMC8654999 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27481-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyloid transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis is characterized by the abnormal accumulation of ATTR fibrils in multiple organs. However, the structure of ATTR fibrils from the eye is poorly understood. Here, we used cryo-EM to structurally characterize vitreous body ATTR fibrils. These structures were distinct from previously characterized heart fibrils, even though both have the same mutation and type A pathology. Differences were observed at several structural levels: in both the number and arrangement of protofilaments, and the conformation of the protein fibril in each layer of protofilaments. Thus, our results show that ATTR protein structure and its assembly into protofilaments in the type A fibrils can vary between patients carrying the same mutation. By analyzing and matching the interfaces between the amino acids in the ATTR fibril with those in the natively folded TTR, we are able to propose a mechanism for the structural conversion of TTR into a fibrillar form.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Iakovleva
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, SE-901 87, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Michael Hall
- grid.12650.300000 0001 1034 3451Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Melanie Oelker
- grid.12650.300000 0001 1034 3451Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Linda Sandblad
- grid.12650.300000 0001 1034 3451Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Intissar Anan
- grid.12650.300000 0001 1034 3451Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden ,grid.12650.300000 0001 1034 3451Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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27
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Olsson M, Hellman U, Wixner J, Anan I. Metabolomics analysis for diagnosis and biomarker discovery of transthyretin amyloidosis. Amyloid 2021; 28:234-242. [PMID: 34319177 DOI: 10.1080/13506129.2021.1958775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Untargeted metabolomics is a well-established technique and a powerful tool to find potential plasma biomarkers for early diagnosing hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis. Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv) is a disabling and fatal disease with different clinical features such as polyneuropathy, cardiomyopathy, different gastrointestinal symptoms and renal failure. Plasma specimens collected from 27 patients with ATTRv (ATTRV30M), 26 asymptomatic TTRV30M carriers and 26 control individuals were subjected to gas chromatography (GC)- and liquid chromatography (LC)-mass spectrometry (MS)-based metabolomics analysis. Partial least squares discriminant and univariate analysis was used to analyse the data. The models constructed by Partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) could clearly discriminate ATTRV30M patients from controls and asymptomatic TTRV30M carriers. In total, 24 plasma metabolites (VIP > 1.0 and p < .05) were significantly altered in ATTRV30M patient group (6 increased and 18 decreased). Eleven of these distinguished the ATTRV30M group from both controls and TTRV30M carriers. Plasma metabolomics analysis revealed marked changes in several pathways in patients with ATTRV30M amyloidosis. Statistical analysis identified a panel of biomarkers that could effectively separate controls/TTRV30M carriers from ATTRV30M patients. These biomarkers can potentially be used to diagnose patients at an early stage of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malin Olsson
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.,Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Urban Hellman
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jonas Wixner
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Intissar Anan
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.,Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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28
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Wieczorek E, Bezara P, Ożyhar A. Deep blue autofluorescence reveals the instability of human transthyretin. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 191:492-499. [PMID: 34562536 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.09.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Wild-type human transthyretin (TTR) is a tetrameric protein that transports thyroxine and retinol in the blood and brain. However, a number of mutations or aging leads to destabilization of the quaternary structure of TTR, which results in dissociation of TTR tetramers to monomers, followed by oligomerization and subsequent amyloid formation. TTR amyloid is a pathogenic factor underlying several diseases. It has recently been documented that destabilization of the structure of TTR is driven by Ca2+. The present work shows that the in vitro redox conditions contribute to the destabilization and formation of the highly unstable substoichiometric population(s) of TTR molecules. Importantly, destabilized TTR forms acquire the ability to emit fluorescence in the blue range of the light spectrum. Dithiothreitol (DTT), in the presence of Ca2+, enhances the formation of complex autofluorophore which displays maxima at 417 nm and 438 nm in the emission spectrum of TTR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elżbieta Wieczorek
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Patrycja Bezara
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Andrzej Ożyhar
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland
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29
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Pacini L, Lesieur C. A computational methodology to diagnose sequence-variant dynamic perturbations by comparing atomic protein structures. Bioinformatics 2021; 38:703-709. [PMID: 34694373 PMCID: PMC8574318 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btab736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION The objective is to diagnose dynamics perturbations caused by amino-acid mutations as prerequisite to assess protein functional health or drug failure, simply using network models of protein X-ray structures. RESULTS We find that the differences in the allocation of the atomic interactions of each amino acid to 1D, 2D, 3D, 4D structural levels between variants structurally robust, recover experimental dynamic perturbations. The allocation measure validated on two B-pentamers variants of AB5 toxins having 17 mutations, also distinguishes dynamic perturbations of pathogenic and non-pathogenic Transthyretin single-mutants. Finally, the main proteases of the coronaviruses SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 exhibit changes in the allocation measure, raising the possibility of drug failure despite the main proteases structural similarity. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION The Python code used for the production of the results is available at github.com/lorpac/protein_partitioning_atomic_contacts. The authors will run the analysis on any PDB structures of protein variants upon request. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenza Pacini
- AMPERE, CNRS, Université de Lyon, Lyon, 69622, France,Institut Rhônalpin des systèmes complexes (IXXI), École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Lyon, 69007, France
| | - Claire Lesieur
- AMPERE, CNRS, Université de Lyon, Lyon, 69622, France,Institut Rhônalpin des systèmes complexes (IXXI), École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Lyon, 69007, France,To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
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30
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Chandrasekhar G, Srinivasan E, Sekar PC, Venkataramanan S, Rajasekaran R. Molecular simulation probes the potency of resveratrol in regulating the toxic aggregation of mutant V30M TTR fibrils in Transthyretin mediated amyloidosis. J Mol Graph Model 2021; 110:108055. [PMID: 34688163 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2021.108055] [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: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Transthyretin (TTR) mediated amyloidosis is a highly ruinous illness that affects various organs by aggravating the deposition of misfolded or mutated TTR protein aggregates in tissues. Hence, hindering the formation of TTR amyloid aggregates could be a key strategy in finding an effective cure towards the aggravating disorder. In this analysis, we examined the subversive nature of point mutation, V30M, in TTR that promotes amyloidogenicity using discrete molecular dynamics (DMD) simulations. Besides, we probed the association of naturally occurring polyphenols: EGCG (a proven anti TTR aggregation agent as positive control), resveratrol and curcumin in mitigating the pathogenic repercussions of mutant TTR. Results from the computational studies endorsed that the resveratrol constitutes a restorative potential to subjugate TTR mediated amyloidosis, besides EGCG. Hence, this study could be a reminiscent aspect in understanding the inhibitory role of key polyphenols against the mutant TTR aggregates, which could be an aid towards structure-based drug design in the upcoming research era on familial amyloid disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Chandrasekhar
- Bioinformatics Lab, Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (Deemed to be University), Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - E Srinivasan
- Bioinformatics Lab, Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (Deemed to be University), Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India; Department of Bioinformatics, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - P Chandra Sekar
- Bioinformatics Lab, Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (Deemed to be University), Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - S Venkataramanan
- Department of Diagnostic and Allied Health Science, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Management and Science University, Shah Alam, Malaysia
| | - R Rajasekaran
- Bioinformatics Lab, Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (Deemed to be University), Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India.
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31
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Obici L, Mussinelli R. Current and Emerging Therapies for Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloidosis: Strides Towards a Brighter Future. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:2286-2302. [PMID: 34850359 PMCID: PMC8804119 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-021-01154-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The past few years have witnessed an unprecedented acceleration in the clinical development of novel therapeutic options for hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis. Recently approved agents and drugs currently under investigation not only represent a major breakthrough in this field but also provide validation of the therapeutic potential of innovative approaches, like RNA interference and CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene editing, in rare inherited disorders. In this review, we describe the evolving therapeutic landscape for hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis and discuss how this highly disabling and fatal condition is turning into a treatable disease. We also provide an overview of the molecular mechanisms involved in transthyretin (TTR) amyloid formation and regression, to highlight how a deeper understanding of these processes has contributed to the identification of novel treatment targets. Finally, we focus on major areas of uncertainty and unmet needs that deserve further efforts to improve long-term patients' outcomes and allow for a brighter future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Obici
- Amyloidosis Research and Treatment Centre, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico San Matteo, Viale Golgi, 19, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Roberta Mussinelli
- Amyloidosis Research and Treatment Centre, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico San Matteo, Viale Golgi, 19, 27100, Pavia, Italy
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32
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Batista AR, Flotte TR. In vivo gene editing works in humans: Results of a phase 1 clinical trial for TTR amyloidosis. Mol Ther 2021; 29:2633-2634. [PMID: 34433081 PMCID: PMC8417911 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rita Batista
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Terence R Flotte
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
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In Vitro and In Vivo Effects of SerpinA1 on the Modulation of Transthyretin Proteolysis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179488. [PMID: 34502397 PMCID: PMC8430710 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179488] [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: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Transthyretin (TTR) proteolysis has been recognized as a complementary mechanism contributing to transthyretin-related amyloidosis (ATTR amyloidosis). Accordingly, amyloid deposits can be composed mainly of full-length TTR or contain a mixture of both cleaved and full-length TTR, particularly in the heart. The fragmentation pattern at Lys48 suggests the involvement of a serine protease, such as plasmin. The most common TTR variant, TTR V30M, is susceptible to plasmin-mediated proteolysis, and the presence of TTR fragments facilitates TTR amyloidogenesis. Recent studies revealed that the serine protease inhibitor, SerpinA1, was differentially expressed in hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) from ATTR patients. In this work, we evaluated the effects of SerpinA1 on in vitro and in vivo modulation of TTR V30M proteolysis, aggregation, and deposition. We found that plasmin-mediated TTR proteolysis and aggregation are partially inhibited by SerpinA1. Furthermore, in vivo downregulation of SerpinA1 increased TTR levels in mice plasma and deposition in the cardiac tissue of older animals. The presence of TTR fragments was observed in the heart of young and old mice but not in other tissues following SerpinA1 knockdown. Increased proteolytic activity, particularly plasmin activity, was detected in mice plasmas. Overall, our results indicate that SerpinA1 modulates TTR proteolysis and aggregation in vitro and in vivo.
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34
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Wieczorek E, Ożyhar A. Transthyretin: From Structural Stability to Osteoarticular and Cardiovascular Diseases. Cells 2021; 10:1768. [PMID: 34359938 PMCID: PMC8307983 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Transthyretin (TTR) is a tetrameric protein transporting hormones in the plasma and brain, which has many other activities that have not been fully acknowledged. TTR is a positive indicator of nutrition status and is negatively correlated with inflammation. TTR is a neuroprotective and oxidative-stress-suppressing factor. The TTR structure is destabilized by mutations, oxidative modifications, aging, proteolysis, and metal cations, including Ca2+. Destabilized TTR molecules form amyloid deposits, resulting in senile and familial amyloidopathies. This review links structural stability of TTR with the environmental factors, particularly oxidative stress and Ca2+, and the processes involved in the pathogenesis of TTR-related diseases. The roles of TTR in biomineralization, calcification, and osteoarticular and cardiovascular diseases are broadly discussed. The association of TTR-related diseases and vascular and ligament tissue calcification with TTR levels and TTR structure is presented. It is indicated that unaggregated TTR and TTR amyloid are bound by vicious cycles, and that TTR may have an as yet undetermined role(s) at the crossroads of calcification, blood coagulation, and immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elżbieta Wieczorek
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland;
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35
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Transthyretin Misfolding, A Fatal Structural Pathogenesis Mechanism. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094429. [PMID: 33922648 PMCID: PMC8122960 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Transthyretin (TTR) is an essential transporter of a thyroid hormone and a holo-retinol binding protein, found abundantly in human plasma and cerebrospinal fluid. In addition, this protein is infamous for its amyloidogenic propensity, causing various amyloidoses in humans, such as senile systemic amyloidosis, familial amyloid polyneuropathy, and familial amyloid cardiomyopathy. It has been known for over two decades that decreased stability of the native tetrameric conformation of TTR is the main cause of these diseases. Yet, mechanistic details on the amyloidogenic transformation of TTR were not clear until recent multidisciplinary investigations on various structural states of TTR. In this review, we discuss recent advancements in the structural understanding of TTR misfolding and amyloidosis processes. Special emphasis has been laid on the observations of novel structural features in various amyloidogenic species of TTR. In addition, proteolysis-induced fragmentation of TTR, a recently proposed mechanism facilitating TTR amyloidosis, has been discussed in light of its structural consequences and relevance to acknowledge the amyloidogenicity of TTR.
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36
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Divergence Entropy-Based Evaluation of Hydrophobic Core in Aggressive and Resistant Forms of Transthyretin. ENTROPY 2021; 23:e23040458. [PMID: 33924717 PMCID: PMC8070611 DOI: 10.3390/e23040458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The two forms of transthyretin differing slightly in the tertiary structure, despite the presence of five mutations, show radically different properties in terms of susceptibility to the amyloid transformation process. These two forms of transthyretin are the object of analysis. The search for the sources of these differences was carried out by means of a comparative analysis of the structure of these molecules in their native and early intermediate stage forms in the folding process. The criterion for assessing the degree of similarity and differences is the status of the hydrophobic core. The comparison of the level of arrangement of the hydrophobic core and its initial stages is possible thanks to the application of divergence entropy for the early intermediate stage and for the final forms. It was shown that the minimal differences observed in the structure of the hydrophobic core of the forms available in PDB, turned out to be significantly different in the early stage (ES) structure in folding process. The determined values of divergence entropy for both ES forms indicate the presence of the seed of hydrophobic core only in the form resistant to amyloid transformation. In the form of aggressively undergoing amyloid transformation, the structure lacking such a seed is revealed, being a stretched one with a high content of β-type structure. In the discussed case, the active presence of water in the structural transformation of proteins expressed in the fuzzy oil drop model (FOD) is of decisive importance for the generation of the final protein structure. It has been shown that the resistant form tends to generate a centric hydrophobic core with the possibility of creating a globular structure, i.e., a spherical micelle-like form. The aggressively transforming form reveals in the structure of its early intermediate, a tendency to form the ribbon-like micelle as observed in amyloid.
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37
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Thiagasorupan P, Barreau E, Gendron G, Frau E, Cauquil C, Adams D, Labetoulle M, Rousseau A. Specific postoperative complications of vitrectomy in hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis. Eur J Ophthalmol 2021; 32:11206721211006569. [PMID: 33781115 DOI: 10.1177/11206721211006569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vitrectomy may improve visual acuity of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv) patients presenting with vitreous opacities but is associated with severe complications. The objective of this study is to report visual outcomes, early and late complications of a series of ATTRv patients who underwent vitrectomy in the French ATTRv reference center. METHODS This retrospective, single-center study, included all ATTRv patients who underwent vitrectomy between 2002 and 2017. Data were collected on pre and postoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and early and late postoperative complications. RESULTS A total of 21 eyes from 15 patients were included. The mean postoperative follow-up was 40 ± 20 months (6-160 months). BCVA increased from 0.7 ± 0.4 LogMAR preoperatively to 0.3 ± 0.4 LogMAR (p = 0.003) at last postoperative visit. During follow-up, all initially glaucomatous eyes worsened, with three eyes (37%) requiring filtering surgery and two eyes (25%) had further vision loss. Among non-glaucomatous patients, four eyes (31%) developed glaucoma with two requiring trabeculectomy and one eye (8%) had further vision loss. Three eyes (three patients) presented with complications of amyloid angiopathy. Three eyes (three patients) experienced recurrence of vitreous deposits requiring surgical revision. CONCLUSION Due to the potential complications, vitrectomy in ATTRv requires specific perioperative management and life-long postoperative monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pathma Thiagasorupan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bicêtre Hospital, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris-Saclay University, French Reference Center for Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloidosis (NNERF), French Reference Network for Rare Ophthalmic diseases (OPHTARA), Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Emmanuel Barreau
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bicêtre Hospital, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris-Saclay University, French Reference Center for Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloidosis (NNERF), French Reference Network for Rare Ophthalmic diseases (OPHTARA), Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Gaël Gendron
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bicêtre Hospital, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris-Saclay University, French Reference Center for Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloidosis (NNERF), French Reference Network for Rare Ophthalmic diseases (OPHTARA), Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centre Hospitalier National Ophtalmologique des XV-XX, Paris, France
| | - Eric Frau
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bicêtre Hospital, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris-Saclay University, French Reference Center for Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloidosis (NNERF), French Reference Network for Rare Ophthalmic diseases (OPHTARA), Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Centre Ophtalmologique Saint-Sulpice, Paris, France
| | - Cécile Cauquil
- Department of Neurology, Bicêtre Hospital, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris-Saclay University, French Reference Center for Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloidosis (NNERF), Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - David Adams
- Department of Neurology, Bicêtre Hospital, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris-Saclay University, French Reference Center for Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloidosis (NNERF), Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Marc Labetoulle
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bicêtre Hospital, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris-Saclay University, French Reference Center for Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloidosis (NNERF), French Reference Network for Rare Ophthalmic diseases (OPHTARA), Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Antoine Rousseau
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bicêtre Hospital, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris-Saclay University, French Reference Center for Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloidosis (NNERF), French Reference Network for Rare Ophthalmic diseases (OPHTARA), Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
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Yamauchi K. The interaction of zinc with the multi-functional plasma thyroid hormone distributor protein, transthyretin: evolutionary and cross-species comparative aspects. Biometals 2021; 34:423-437. [PMID: 33686575 DOI: 10.1007/s10534-021-00294-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A considerable body of evidence has been accumulated showing the interrelationship between zinc and the plasma thyroid hormone (TH) distributor protein, transthyretin (TTR). TTR is a multi-functional protein, which emerged from 5-hydroxyisourate hydrolase (HIUHase) by neo-functionalization after gene duplication during early chordate evolution. HIUHase is also a zinc-binding protein. Most biochemical and molecular biological findings have been obtained from mammalian studies. However, in the past two decades, it has become clear that fish TTR displays zinc-dependent TH binding. After a brief introduction on plasma zinc, THs and their binding proteins, this review will focus on the role of zinc in TTR functions of various vertebrates. In particular primitive fish TTR has an extremely high zinc content, with an increased number of histidine residues which are involved in TH binding. However, zinc-dependent TH binding may have been gradually lost from TTRs during higher vertebrate evolution. Although human TTR has a low zinc content, zinc plays an essential role in TTR functions other than TH binding: the stability of TTR-holo retinol binding protein 4 (holoRBP4) complex, TTR amyloidogenesis, the sequestration of amyloid β (Aβ) fibrils and cryptic proteolytic activity. The interaction of TTR with metallothioneins may be a critical step in the exertion of some of these functions. Evolutionary and physiological insights on zinc-dependent functions of TTRs are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyoshi Yamauchi
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan.
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Ferguson JA, Sun X, Dyson HJ, Wright PE. Thermodynamic Stability and Aggregation Kinetics of EF Helix and EF Loop Variants of Transthyretin. Biochemistry 2021; 60:756-764. [PMID: 33645214 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.1c00073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Misfolding and aggregation of transthyretin (TTR) are linked to amyloid disease. Amyloidosis occurs when the TTR homotetramer dissociates into aggregation-prone monomers that self-assemble into amyloid. In familial transthyretin amyloidosis, hereditary amino acid substitutions destabilize TTR and promote aggregation. In this work, we used 19F nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to determine the effect of mutations in the EF helix (Y78F, K80D, K80E, and A81T) and EF loop (G83R and I84S) on the aggregation kinetics and stability of the TTR tetramer and monomer. The EF region acts as a scaffold that stabilizes interactions in both the strong and weak dimer interfaces of the tetramer and is the site of a cluster of pathogenic mutations. K80D and K80E are non-natural mutants that destabilize the EF helix and yield an equilibrium mixture of tetramer and monomer at neutral pH, providing a unique opportunity to determine the thermodynamic parameters for tetramer assembly under nondenaturing conditions. Of the pathogenic mutants studied, only A81T formed appreciable monomer at neutral pH. Real-time 19F NMR measurements showed that the pathogenic Y78F mutation accelerates aggregation by destabilizing both the tetrameric and monomeric species. The pathogenic mutations A81T, G83R, and I84S destabilize the monomer and increase its aggregation rate by disrupting a Schellman helix C-capping motif. These studies provide new insights into the mechanism by which relatively subtle mutations that affect tetramer or monomer stability promote entry of TTR into the dissociation-aggregation pathway.
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Design and Rationale of the Global Phase 3 NEURO-TTRansform Study of Antisense Oligonucleotide AKCEA-TTR-L Rx (ION-682884-CS3) in Hereditary Transthyretin-Mediated Amyloid Polyneuropathy. Neurol Ther 2021; 10:375-389. [PMID: 33638113 PMCID: PMC8140170 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-021-00235-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction AKCEA-TTR-LRx is a ligand-conjugated antisense (LICA) drug in development for the treatment of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (hATTR), a fatal disease caused by mutations in the transthyretin (TTR) gene. AKCEA-TTR-LRx shares the same nucleotide sequence as inotersen, an antisense medicine approved for use in hATTR polyneuropathy (hATTR-PN). Unlike inotersen, AKCEA-TTR-LRx is conjugated to a triantennary N-acetylgalactosamine moiety that supports receptor-mediated uptake by hepatocytes, the primary source of circulating TTR. This advanced design increases drug potency to allow for lower and less frequent dosing. The NEURO-TTRansform study will investigate whether AKCEA-TTR-LRx is safe and efficacious, with the aim of improving neurologic function and quality of life in hATTR-PN patients. Methods/Design Approximately 140 adults with stage 1 (independent ambulation) or 2 (requires ambulatory support) hATTR-PN are anticipated to enroll in this multicenter, open-label, randomized, phase 3 study. Patients will be assigned 6:1 to AKCEA-TTR-LRx 45 mg subcutaneously every 4 weeks or inotersen 300 mg once weekly until the prespecified week 35 interim efficacy analysis, after which patients receiving inotersen will receive AKCEA-TTR-LRx 45 mg subcutaneously every 4 weeks. All patients will then receive AKCEA-TTR-LRx through the remainder of the study treatment period. The final efficacy analysis at week 66 will compare the AKCEA-TTR-LRx arm with the historical placebo arm from the phase 3 trial of inotersen (NEURO-TTR). The primary outcome measures are between-group differences in the change from baseline in serum TTR, modified Neuropathy Impairment Score + 7, and Norfolk Quality of Life—Diabetic Neuropathy questionnaire. Conclusion NEURO-TTRansform is designed to determine whether targeted delivery of AKCEA-TTR-LRx to hepatocytes with lower and less frequent doses will translate into clinical and quality-of-life benefits for patients with hATTR-PN. Trial Registration The study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04136184) and EudraCT (2019-001698-10). Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40120-021-00235-6. Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis with peripheral neuropathy (hATTR-PN for short) is a rare inherited condition.In hATTR-PN, a protein called transthyretin (TTR for short) builds up and damages nerves throughout the body. This neuropathy causes symptoms such as weakness, loss of sensation, and pain.
Currently available medicines can slow disease progression, but researchers are looking for more effective treatments with fewer side effects. AKCEA-TTR-LRx is an investigational treatment for hATTR-PN.AKCEA-TTR-LRx prevents the liver from making TTR, reducing the amount that causes disease progression. It is similar to an existing treatment called inotersen, but designed for better delivery to the liver and is more potent.
This article describes the NEURO-TTRansform study that will evaluate how effective AKCEA-TTR-LRx is for treating hATTR-PN.Around 140 adults with hATTR-PN from the USA, Canada, and Europe will be able to take part in this study. The study treatment period will be 85 weeks long. People will receive injections underneath the skin of either:AKCEA-TTR-LRx every 4 weeks, or Inotersen once a week for 35 weeks, followed by a switch to AKCEA-TTR-LRx every 4 weeks.
People may continue to receive AKCEA-TTR-LRx after the study treatment period ends.
In this study, researchers will compare results from people who received AKCEA-TTR-LRx to results from people who received no active ingredients (called placebo) in a similar study (called NEURO-TTR). Researchers will measure the differences in peoples’:Neuropathy symptoms. Quality of life. TTR protein levels in the blood.
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Huh Y, Riley S, Harnisch L, Nicholas T. Population pharmacokinetic modelling and simulation of tafamidis in healthy subjects and patients with transthyretin amyloidosis. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2021; 87:3574-3587. [PMID: 33586186 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.14773] [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: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Since the first approval for transthyretin amyloid polyneuropathy patients, new formulations and different strength of tafamidis have been developed and tested in a different population (transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy). The objective of this analysis was to develop a unified population pharmacokinetic (PK) model of tafamidis, which can describe the PK of various different formulations in healthy subjects as well as patients with TTR amyloidosis, and to understand effects of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on the PK variability. METHODS Pooled data from 23 clinical studies (17 Phase 1 and 6 Phase 2/3 studies) were used for the analysis. The plasma concentration-time data were analysed using a nonlinear mixed effects modelling methodology. Covariate analysis was performed using a stepwise covariate model building procedure. RESULTS The final model was a 2-compartment model with first-order absorption and elimination coupled with an absorption lag time for nonsolution formations. Body weight, food and tafamidis formulations were incorporated as structural covariates on PK parameters. Covariate analysis further identified age ≥65 years (14.5% decrease) and moderate hepatic impairment effects (57.6% increase) on apparent clearance and transthyretin amyloid polyneuropathy effect (17.3% decrease) on F. However, model-based clinical trial simulation results indicated that tafamidis steady-state exposure changes were not clinically meaningful under the tested conditions. CONCLUSIONS The unified population PK model of tafamidis was developed based on 23 studies. Subsequent clinical trial simulations indicated that no significant changes in tafamidis exposure necessitating a dose modification are expected due to either extrinsic or intrinsic factors. The model was used to support labelling statements for dose recommendations in special populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeamin Huh
- Global Product Development, Pfizer Inc, Groton, CT, USA
| | - Steve Riley
- Global Product Development, Pfizer Inc, Groton, CT, USA
| | - Lutz Harnisch
- Global Product Development, Pfizer Inc, Sandwich, Kent, UK
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Ferreira C, Couceiro J, Tenreiro S, Quintas A. A biophysical perspective on the unexplored mechanisms driving Parkinson's disease by amphetamine-like stimulants. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:2213-2214. [PMID: 33818498 PMCID: PMC8354119 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.310675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Carla Ferreira
- Molecular Pathology and Forensic Biochemistry Laboratory, Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz; Laboratório de Ciências Forenses e Psicológicas Egas Moniz, Campus Universitário-Quinta da Granja, Monte de Caparica, P-2825-084 Caparica; Faculty of Medicine of Porto University, Al. Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, P-4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana Couceiro
- Molecular Pathology and Forensic Biochemistry Laboratory, Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz; Laboratório de Ciências Forenses e Psicológicas Egas Moniz, Campus Universitário-Quinta da Granja, Monte de Caparica, P-2825-084 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Sandra Tenreiro
- iNOVA4Health, CEDOC, NOVA Medical School, NMS, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Alexandre Quintas
- Molecular Pathology and Forensic Biochemistry Laboratory, Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz; Laboratório de Ciências Forenses e Psicológicas Egas Moniz, Campus Universitário-Quinta da Granja, Monte de Caparica, P-2825-084 Caparica, Portugal
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43
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Bezerra F, Saraiva MJ, Almeida MR. Modulation of the Mechanisms Driving Transthyretin Amyloidosis. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:592644. [PMID: 33362465 PMCID: PMC7759661 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.592644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Transthyretin (TTR) amyloidoses are systemic diseases associated with TTR aggregation and extracellular deposition in tissues as amyloid. The most frequent and severe forms of the disease are hereditary and associated with amino acid substitutions in the protein due to single point mutations in the TTR gene (ATTRv amyloidosis). However, the wild type TTR (TTR wt) has an intrinsic amyloidogenic potential that, in particular altered physiologic conditions and aging, leads to TTR aggregation in people over 80 years old being responsible for the non-hereditary ATTRwt amyloidosis. In normal physiologic conditions TTR wt occurs as a tetramer of identical subunits forming a central hydrophobic channel where small molecules can bind as is the case of the natural ligand thyroxine (T4). However, the TTR amyloidogenic variants present decreased stability, and in particular conditions, dissociate into partially misfolded monomers that aggregate and polymerize as amyloid fibrils. Therefore, therapeutic strategies for these amyloidoses may target different steps in the disease process such as decrease of variant TTR (TTRv) in plasma, stabilization of TTR, inhibition of TTR aggregation and polymerization or disruption of the preformed fibrils. While strategies aiming decrease of the mutated TTR involve mainly genetic approaches, either by liver transplant or the more recent technologies using specific oligonucleotides or silencing RNA, the other steps of the amyloidogenic cascade might be impaired by pharmacologic compounds, namely, TTR stabilizers, inhibitors of aggregation and amyloid disruptors. Modulation of different steps involved in the mechanism of ATTR amyloidosis and compounds proposed as pharmacologic agents to treat TTR amyloidosis will be reviewed and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipa Bezerra
- Molecular Neurobiology Group, IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Molecular Biology, ICBAS-Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria João Saraiva
- Molecular Neurobiology Group, IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Molecular Biology, ICBAS-Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Rosário Almeida
- Molecular Neurobiology Group, IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Molecular Biology, ICBAS-Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Oligomerization Profile of Human Transthyretin Variants with Distinct Amyloidogenicity. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25235698. [PMID: 33287192 PMCID: PMC7730986 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25235698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the molecular hallmarks of amyloidoses is ordered protein aggregation involving the initial formation of soluble protein oligomers that eventually grow into insoluble fibrils. The identification and characterization of molecular species critical for amyloid fibril formation and disease development have been the focus of intense analysis in the literature. Here, using photo-induced cross-linking of unmodified proteins (PICUP), we studied the early stages of oligomerization of human transthyretin (TTR), a plasma protein involved in amyloid diseases (ATTR amyloidosis) with multiple clinical manifestations. Upon comparison, the oligomerization processes of wild-type TTR (TTRwt) and several TTR variants (TTRV30M, TTRL55P, and TTRT119M) clearly show distinct oligomerization kinetics for the amyloidogenic variants but a similar oligomerization mechanism. The oligomerization kinetics of the TTR amyloidogenic variants under analysis showed a good correlation with their amyloidogenic potential, with the most amyloidogenic variants aggregating faster (TTRL55P > TTRV30M > TTRwt). Moreover, the early stage oligomerization mechanism for these variants involves stepwise addition of monomeric units to the growing oligomer. A completely different behavior was observed for the nonamyloidogenic TTRT119M variant, which does not form oligomers in the same acidic conditions and even for longer incubation times. Thorough characterization of the initial steps of TTR oligomerization is critical for better understanding the origin of ATTR cytotoxicity and developing novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of ATTR amyloidosis.
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Criddle RS, Lin HJL, James I, Park JS, Hansen LD, Price JC. Proposing a minimal set of metrics and methods to predict probabilities of amyloidosis disease and onset age in individuals. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:22356-22369. [PMID: 33203794 PMCID: PMC7746394 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Many amyloid-driven pathologies have both genetic and stochastic components where assessing risk of disease development requires a multifactorial assessment where many of the variables are poorly understood. Risk of transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis is enhanced by age and mutation of the transthyretin (TTR) gene, but amyloidosis is not directly initiated by mutated TTR proteins. Nearly all of the 150+ known mutations increase dissociation of the homotetrameric protein structure and increase the probability of an individual developing a TTR amyloid disease late in life. TTR amyloidosis is caused by dissociated monomers that are destabilized and refold into an amyloidogenic form. Therefore, monomer concentration, monomer proteolysis rate, and structural stability are key variables that may determine the rate of development of amyloidosis. Here we develop a unifying biophysical model that quantifies the relationships among these variables in plasma and suggest the probability of an individual developing a TTR amyloid disease can be estimated. This may allow quantification of risk for amyloidosis and provide the information necessary for development of methods for early diagnosis and prevention. Given the similar observation of genetic and sporadic amyloidoses for other diseases, this model and the measurements to assess risk may be applicable to more proteins than just TTR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard S. Criddle
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Hsien-Jung L. Lin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Isabella James
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Ji Sun Park
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Lee D. Hansen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - John C. Price
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
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Destabilisation of the structure of transthyretin is driven by Ca 2. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 166:409-423. [PMID: 33129902 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.10.199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Tetrameric transthyretin (TTR) transports thyroid hormones and retinol in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid and performs protective functions under stress conditions. Ageing and mutations result in TTR destabilisation and the formation of the amyloid deposits that dysregulate Ca2+ homeostasis. Our aim was to determine whether Ca2+ affects the structural stability of TTR. We show, using multiple techniques, that Ca2+ does not induce prevalent TTR dissociation and/or oligomerisation. However, in the presence of Ca2+, TTR exhibits altered conformational flexibility and different interactions with the solvent molecules. These structural changes lead to the formation of the sub-populations of non-native TTR conformers and to the destabilisation of the structure of TTR. Moreover, the sub-population of TTR molecules undergoes fragmentation that is augmented by Ca2+. We postulate that Ca2+ constitutes the structural and functional switch between the native and non-native forms of TTR, and therefore tip the balance towards age-dependent pathological calcification.
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Paulsson Rokke H, Sadat Gousheh N, Westermark P, Suhr OB, Anan I, Ihse E, Pilebro B, Wixner J. Abdominal fat pad biopsies exhibit good diagnostic accuracy in patients with suspected transthyretin amyloidosis. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2020; 15:278. [PMID: 33032630 PMCID: PMC7545559 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-020-01565-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The diagnostic accuracy of histopathological detection of transthyretin amyloid (ATTR) by Congo red staining of abdominal fat samples has been questioned since low sensitivity has been reported, especially for patients with ATTR cardiomyopathy. However, the outcome of surgically obtained fat pad biopsies has not yet been evaluated. The aim was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of skin punch biopsies from abdominal fat in patients with suspected ATTR amyloidosis. Material and methods Data were evaluated from patients who had undergone abdominal fat pad biopsies using a skin punch due to suspected amyloidosis from 2006 to 2015. The biopsies had been analysed using Congo red staining to determine the presence of amyloid, and immunohistochemistry or Western blot to determine the type of amyloidosis. The final diagnosis was based on the clinical picture, biopsy results and DNA sequencing. Minimum follow-up after the initial biopsy was 3 years. Results Two hundred seventy-four patients (61% males) were identified, and in 132 (48%), a final diagnosis of amyloidosis had been settled. The majority (93%) had been diagnosed with hereditary transthyretin (ATTRv) amyloidosis, and therefore subsequent analyses were focused on these patients. Overall, our data showed a test specificity of 99% and a sensitivity of 91%. Ninety-eight (94%) of the patients had neuropathic symptoms at diagnosis, whereas 57 (55%) had signs of amyloid cardiomyopathy. Subgroup analyses showed that patients with merely neuropathic symptoms displayed the highest test sensitivity of 91%, whereas patients with pure cardiomyopathy displayed the lowest sensitivity of 83%. However, no significant differences in sensitivity were found between patients with or without cardiomyopathy or between the sexes. Conclusions Abdominal fat pad biopsies exhibit good diagnostic accuracy in patients with suspect ATTRv amyloidosis, including patients presenting with cardiomyopathy. In addition, the method enables typing not only of the precursor protein but also of the amyloid fibril type, which is related to the phenotype and to the outcome of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hedvig Paulsson Rokke
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, 901 87, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Nima Sadat Gousheh
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, 901 87, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Per Westermark
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ole B Suhr
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, 901 87, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Intissar Anan
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, 901 87, Umeå, Sweden.,Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Elisabet Ihse
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Björn Pilebro
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, 901 87, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jonas Wixner
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, 901 87, Umeå, Sweden.
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Zhou S, Ge S, Zhang W, Zhang Q, Yuan S, Lo GV, Dou Y. Conventional Molecular Dynamics and Metadynamics Simulation Studies of the Binding and Unbinding Mechanism of TTR Stabilizers AG10 and Tafamidis. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:3025-3035. [PMID: 32915538 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyloid transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis is a widespread and fatal systemic amyloidosis characterized by the misfolding and amyloid aggregation of transthyretin (TTR). Studies suggest that dissociation of the TTR tetramer is the key step for its misfolding. Because of the importance of tetramer dissociation on ATTR amyloidosis, many TTR stabilizers have been discovered to stabilize the tetramer structure. This paper describes the application conventional molecular dynamics and metadynamics simulations to investigate the binding and unbinding mechanisms of two TTR stabilizers, including AG10 and tafamidis. AG10 has been granted an orphan drug designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and tafamidis was the first FDA-approved treatment for ATTR cardiomyopathy. The conventional molecular dynamics simulations reveal that both AG10 and tafamidis can stabilize the TTR tetramer through different mechanisms. AG10 stabilizes TTR tetramer by forming H-bonds with S117 to mimic the protective effect of T119M. Tafamidis stabilizes the tetramer by forming H-bond with S52 in the flexible CD loop to increase its structural stability. Despite the strong binding affinity of tafamidis, the free-energy surface constructed from metadynamics simulation suggests that tafamidis unbinds more readily than AG10 with lower free-energy barriers between the binding state and other intermediates. Finally, by performing pharmacophore analysis, we found two common important moieties of the studied compounds for their binding on the pockets, which can provide valuable guidance for future lead compounds' optimization in designing drugs for ATTR amyloidosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangyan Zhou
- Chongqing Key Laboratory on Big Data for Bio Intelligence, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing 400065, China
| | - Siyu Ge
- Chongqing Key Laboratory on Big Data for Bio Intelligence, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing 400065, China
| | - Wenying Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory on Big Data for Bio Intelligence, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing 400065, China
| | - Qiyuan Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory on Big Data for Bio Intelligence, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing 400065, China
| | - Shuai Yuan
- Chongqing Key Laboratory on Big Data for Bio Intelligence, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing 400065, China
| | - Glenn V. Lo
- Department of Chemistry and Physical Sciences, Nicholls State University, P.O. Box 2022, Thibodaux, Louisiana 70310, United States
| | - Yusheng Dou
- Department of Chemistry and Physical Sciences, Nicholls State University, P.O. Box 2022, Thibodaux, Louisiana 70310, United States
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Yu RZ, Wang Y, Norris DA, Kim TW, Narayanan P, Geary RS, Monia BP, Henry SP. Immunogenicity Assessment of Inotersen, a 2′-O-(2-Methoxyethyl) Antisense Oligonucleotide in Animals and Humans: Effect on Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Safety. Nucleic Acid Ther 2020; 30:265-275. [DOI: 10.1089/nat.2020.0867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rosie Z. Yu
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, California, USA
| | - Yanfeng Wang
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, California, USA
| | - Dan A. Norris
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, California, USA
| | - Tae-Won Kim
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, California, USA
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50
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Murakami T, Yokoyama T, Mizuguchi M, Toné S, Takaku S, Sango K, Nishimura H, Watabe K, Sunada Y. A low amyloidogenic E61K transthyretin mutation may cause familial amyloid polyneuropathy. J Neurochem 2020; 156:957-966. [PMID: 32852783 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Patients with transthyretin (TTR)-type familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) typically exhibit sensory dominant polyneuropathy and autonomic neuropathy. However, the molecular pathogenesis of the neuropathy remains unclear. In this study, we characterize the features of FAP TTR the substitution of lysine for glutamic acid at position 61 (E61K). This FAP was late-onset, with sensory dominant polyneuropathy, autonomic neuropathy, and cardiac amyloidosis. Interestingly, no amyloid deposits were found in the endoneurium of the four nerve specimens examined. Therefore, we examined the amyloidogenic properties of E61K TTR in vitro. Recombinant wild-type TTR, the substitution of methionine for valine at position 30 (V30M) TTR, and E61K TTR proteins were incubated at 37°C for 72 hr, and amyloid fibril formation was assessed using the thioflavin-T binding assay. Amyloid fibril formation by E61K TTR was less than that by V30M TTR, and similar to that by wild-type TTR. E61K TTR did not have an inhibitory effect on neurite outgrowth from adult rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, but V30M TTR did. Furthermore, we studied the sural nerve of our patient by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling and electron microscopy. A number of apoptotic cells were observed in the endoneurium of the nerve by transferase dUTP nick end labeling. Chromatin condensation was confirmed in the nucleus of non-myelinating Schwann cells by electron microscopy. These findings suggest that E61K TTR is low amyloidogenic, in vitro and in vivo. However, TTR aggregates and amyloid fibrils in the DRG may cause sensory impairments in FAP because the DRG has no blood-nerve barrier. Moreover, Schwann cell apoptosis may contribute to the neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Takeshi Yokoyama
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | | | - Shigenobu Toné
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Tokyo Denki University, Hatoyama, Saitama, Japan
| | - Shizuka Takaku
- Diabetic Neuropathy Project, Department of Diseases and Infection, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazunori Sango
- Diabetic Neuropathy Project, Department of Diseases and Infection, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Kazuhiko Watabe
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kyorin University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshihide Sunada
- Department of Neurology, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki, Japan
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