Proteomic insights into modifiable risk of venous thromboembolism and cardiovascular comorbidities

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) has been associated with several modifiable factors (MFs) and cardiovascular comorbidities. However, the mechanisms are largely unknown.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to decipher proteomic pathways underlying the associations of VTE with MFs and cardiovascular comorbidities.

METHODS

A 2-stage network Mendelian randomization analysis was conducted to explore the associations between 15 MFs, 1151 blood proteins, and VTE using data from a genome-wide meta-analysis including 81 190 cases of VTE. We used protein data from 35 559 individuals as the discovery analysis, and from 2 independent studies including 10 708 and 54 219 participants as the replication analyses. Based on the identified proteins, we assessed the druggability and examined the cardiovascular pleiotropy.

RESULTS

The network Mendelian randomization analyses identified 10 MF-VTE, 86 MF-protein, and 34 protein-VTE associations. These associations were overall consistent in the replication analyses. Thirty-eight pathways with directionally consistent direct and indirect effects in the MF-protein-VTE pathway were identified. Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 12 (LRP12: 34.3%-58.1%) and coagulation factor (F)XI (20.6%-39.6%) mediated most of the associations between 3 obesity indicators and VTE. Likewise, coagulation FXI mediated most of the smoking-VTE association (40%; 95% CI, 20%-60%) and insomnia-VTE association (27%; 95% CI, 5%-49%). Many VTE-associated proteins were highly druggable for thrombotic conditions. Five proteins (interleukin-6 receptor subunit alpha, LRP12, prothrombin, angiopoietin-1, and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4) were associated with VTE and its cardiovascular comorbidities.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that coagulation FXI, a druggable target, is an important mediator of the associations of obesity, smoking, and insomnia with VTE risk.

TGF-β and BMP Signaling Pathways in Skeletal Dysplasia with Short and Tall Stature

The transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathways play a pivotal role in bone development and skeletal health. More than 30 different types of skeletal dysplasia are now known to be caused by pathogenic variants in genes that belong to the TGF-β superfamily and/or regulate TGF-β/BMP bioavailability. This review describes the latest advances in skeletal dysplasia that is due to impaired TGF-β/BMP signaling and results in short stature (acromelic dysplasia and cardiospondylocarpofacial syndrome) or tall stature (Marfan syndrome). We thoroughly describe the clinical features of the patients, the underlying genetic findings, and the pathomolecular mechanisms leading to disease, which have been investigated mainly using patient-derived skin fibroblasts and mouse models. Although no pharmacological treatment is yet available for skeletal dysplasia due to impaired TGF-β/BMP signaling, in recent years advances in the use of drugs targeting TGF-β have been made, and we also discuss these advances.

ADAMTS Proteases: Importance in Animal Reproduction

Many reproductive physiological processes, such as folliculogenesis, ovulation, implantation, and fertilization, require the synthesis, remodeling, and degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The ADAMTS (A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase with Thrombospondin Motifs) family genes code for key metalloproteinases in the remodeling process of different ECM. Several genes of this family encode for proteins with important functions in reproductive processes; in particular, ADAMTS1, 4, 5 and 9 are genes that are differentially expressed in cell types and the physiological stages of reproductive tissues. ADAMTS enzymes degrade proteoglycans in the ECM of the follicles so that the oocytes can be released and regulate follicle development during folliculogenesis, favoring the action of essential growth factors, such as FGF-2, FGF-7 and GDF-9. The transcriptional regulation of ADAMTS1 and 9 in preovulatory follicles occurs because of the gonadotropin surge in preovulatory follicles, via the progesterone/progesterone receptor complex. In addition, in the case of ADAMTS1, pathways involving protein kinase A (PKA), extracellular signal regulated protein kinase (ERK1/2) and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) might contribute to ECM regulation. Different Omic studies indicate the importance of genes of the ADAMTS family from a reproductive aspect. ADAMTS genes could serve as biomarkers for genetic improvement and contribute to enhance fertility and animal reproduction; however, more research related to these genes, the synthesis of proteins encoded by these genes, and regulation in farm animals is needed.

Dysregulation of metalloproteinases in spinal ligament degeneration

PURPOSE

Degenerative changes in the spinal ligaments, such as hypertrophy or ossification, are important pathophysiological mechanisms of secondary spinal stenosis and neurological compression. Extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling is one of the major pathological changes in ligament degeneration, and in this remodeling, ECM proteinase-mediated degradation of elastin and collagen plays a vital role. Zinc-dependent endopeptidases, including matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a disintegrin and metalloproteinases (ADAMs), and ADAMs with thrombospondin-1 motifs (ADAMTSs) are key factors in ECM remodeling. This review aims to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of these metalloproteinases in the initiation and progression of spinal ligament degeneration.

METHODS

We clarify current literature on the dysregulation of MMPs/ADAMs/ADAMTS and their endogenous inhibitors in degenerative spinal ligament diseases. In addition, some instructive information was excavated from the raw data of the relevant high-throughput analysis.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The dysregulation of metalloproteinases and their endogenous inhibitors may affect ligament degeneration by involving several interrelated processes, represented by ECM degradation, fibroblast proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation. Antagonists of the key targets of the processes may in turn ease ligament degeneration.

Genes associated with diagnosis and prognosis of Burkitt lymphoma

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is one of the most aggressive forms of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas that affect children and young adults. The expression of genes and other molecular markers during carcinogenesis can be the basis for diagnosis, prognosis and the design of new and effective drugs for the management of cancers. The aim of this study was to identify genes that can serve as prognostic and therapeutic targets for BL. We analysed RNA-seq data of BL transcriptome sequencing projects in Africa using standard RNA-seq analyses pipeline. We performed pathway enrichment analyses, protein-protein interaction networks, gene co-expression and survival analyses. Gene and pathway enrichment analyses showed that the differentially expressed genes are involved in tube development, signalling receptor binding, viral protein interaction, cell migration, external stimuli response, serine hydrolase activity and PI3K-Akt signalling pathway. Protein-protein interaction network analyses revealed the genes to be highly interconnected, whereas module analyses revealed 25 genes to possess the highest interaction score. Overall survival analyses delineated six genes (ADAMTSL4, SEMA5B, ADAMTS15, THBS2, SPON1 and THBS1) that can serve as biomarkers for prognosis for BL management.

ADAMTS10 inhibits aggressiveness via JAK/STAT/c-MYC pathway and reprograms macrophage to create an anti-malignant microenvironment in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 10 (ADAMTS10) plays a role in extracellular matrix and correlates with Weill-Marchesani syndrome. However, its role in gastric cancer remains unknown. Thus, we started this research to unveil the role of ADAMTS10 in gastric cancer (GC).

METHODS

The expression of ADAMTS10 in GC was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining and quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). The effects of ADAMTS10 inhibiting GC cell progression were conducted by functional experiments in vitro and in vivo. Flow cytometry was used to discover changing of cell cycle, apoptosis and ROS by ADAMTS10 in GC cell. Western blot was applied to identify targets of ADAMTS10. Western blot, qRT-PCR and flow cytometry were applied to discover the effect of ADAMT10 on THP1.

RESULTS

ADAMTS10 expression was downregulated in GC tissue and patients with low ADAMTS10 levels had poorer overall survival. ADAMTS10 overexpression altered cell cycle, promoted apoptosis, and inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro and in vivo. ADAMTS10 regulated TXNIP and ROS through the JAK/STAT/c-MYC pathway. Decreasing TXNIP and ROS reversed the inhibitory effect of ADAMTS10 on cell migration and invasion in vitro. ADAMTS10 secreted by GC cells was absorbed by THP1 and regulated TXNIP and ROS in THP1. ADAMTS10 secreted by GC cells inhibited macrophage M2 polarization.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that ADAMTS10 targets TXNIP and ROS via the JAK/STAT/c-MYC pathway and that may play important roles in GC progression and macrophage polarization which indicates that ADAMTS10 can be a potential survival marker for gastric cancer.

Advances in ADAMTS biomarkers

A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase with Thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS) are major mediators in extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover and have gained increasing interest over the last years as major players in ECM remodeling during tissue homeostasis and the development of diseases. Although, ADAMTSs are recognized in playing important roles during tissue remodeling, and loss of function in various member of the ADAMTS family could be associated with the development of numerous diseases, limited knowledge is available about their specific substrates and mechanism of action. In this chapter, we will review current knowledge about ADAMTSs and their use as disease biomarkers.

ADAMTS Proteins and Vascular Remodeling in Aortic Aneurysms

Extracellular matrix (ECM) in the vascular wall is a highly dynamic structure composed of a set of different molecules such as elastins, collagens, fibronectin (Fn), laminins, proteoglycans, and polysaccharides. ECM undergoes remodeling processes to regulate vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells' proliferation, differentiation, and adhesion. Abnormalities affecting the ECM can lead to alteration in cellular behavior and from this, this can conduce to the development of pathologies. Metalloproteases play a key role in maintaining the homeostasis of ECM by mediating the cleavage of different ECM components. There are different types of metalloproteases: matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), disintegrin and metalloproteinases (ADAMs), and ADAMs with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTSs). ADAMTSs have been found to participate in cardiovascular physiology and diseases and specifically in aortic aneurysms. This review aims to decipher the potential role of ADAMTS proteins in the physiopathologic development of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms (TAA) and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAA). This review will focus on what is known on the ADAMTS family involved in human aneurysms from human tissues to mouse models. The recent findings on THSD4 (encoding ADAMTSL6) mutations in TAA give a new insight on the involvement of the ADAMTS family in TAA.

Cooperative Mechanism of ADAMTS/ ADAMTSL and Fibrillin-1 in the Marfan Syndrome and Acromelic Dysplasias

The term “fibrillinopathies” gathers various diseases with a wide spectrum of clinical features and severity but all share mutations in the fibrillin genes. The first described fibrillinopathy, Marfan syndrome (MFS), is a multisystem disease with a unique combination of skeletal, thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) and ocular features. The numerous FBN1 mutations identified in MFS are located all along the gene, leading to the same pathogenic mechanism. The geleophysic/acromicric dysplasias (GD/AD), characterized by short stature, short extremities, and joint limitation are described as “the mirror image” of MFS. Previously, in GD/AD patients, we identified heterozygous FBN1 mutations all affecting TGFβ-binding protein-like domain 5 (TB5). ADAMTS10, ADAMTS17 and, ADAMTSL2 are also involved in the pathogenic mechanism of acromelic dysplasia. More recently, in TAA patients, we identified mutations in THSD4, encoding ADAMTSL6, a protein belonging to the ADAMTSL family suggesting that ADAMTSL proteins are also involved in the Marfanoid spectrum. Together with human genetic data and generated knockout mouse models targeting the involved genes, we provide herein an overview of the role of fibrillin-1 in opposite phenotypes. Finally, we will decipher the potential biological cooperation of ADAMTS-fibrillin-1 involved in these opposite phenotypes.

The potential prognostic values of the ADAMTS-like protein family: an integrative pan-cancer analysis

Background

A disintegrin-like and metalloproteinase domain with thrombospondin type 1 motifs (ADAMTS)-like proteins, including ADAMTSL1-6 and papilin, which are part of the mammalian ADAMTS superfamily, appear to be relevant to extracellular matrix function and the regulation of ADAMTS protease activity. Their roles in tumor initiation and progression and regulating the tumor microenvironment (TME) are now recognized.

Methods

In the present study, a comprehensive investigation of the pan-cancer effects of ADAMTSLs and their associations with patient survival, drug responses, and the TME was performed by integrating The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data and annotated data resources.

Results

The expression of ADAMTSL family members was found to be dysregulated in many cancer types. More importantly, their expression was frequently associated with patients’ overall survival (OS), drug responses, and the TME. ADAMTSL1, ADAMTSL4, and ADAMTSL5 were primarily associated with aggressive phenotypes, while PAPLN was more frequently associated with a favorable prognosis. In a non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cohort, Thrombospondin Type 1 Domain Containing 4 (THSD4) (ADAMTSL6) and Papilin (PAPLN) were associated with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) sensitivity in samples from the Gene Expression Omnibus repository (GSE135222). Twenty and 30 proteins related to THSD4 and PAPLN, respectively, were identified through a proteomic analysis of 18 Chinese lung adenocarcinoma patients.

Conclusions

Our findings extend understandings of the role of the ADAMTSL family in cancers and are a valuable resource on their clinical utility. This article provides insight into the clinical importance of next-generation sequencing technology to identify novel biomarkers for prognosis and investigate therapeutic strategy for clinical benefit.

Biomechanics of the optic nerve head and sclera in canine glaucoma: A brief review

Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness, a progressive optic neuropathy with retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death beginning in the optic nerve head (ONH). A primary risk factor for developing glaucoma is elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Reducing IOP is the only treatment proven to be effective at delaying disease progression. Nevertheless, even when patients have their IOP reduced, the majority of them continue to lose vision. There are, in both humans and dogs, significant interindividual variabilities in susceptibilities to IOP-induced optic nerve damage. Vision loss progresses much more slowly in Beagles with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) caused by ADAMTS10 mutation. This can be attributed to the mutation-related altered ocular biomechanical properties. The principal site of optic nerve (ON) damage in glaucoma is the ONH. It is suggested that the biomechanical properties of the ONH and the surrounding peripapillary sclera (PPS) contribute to glaucoma development and progression. As far as the beneficial biomechanical properties of the ONH and PPS for a decreased susceptibility and slow progression of glaucoma, data are inconsistent and conflicting. Recent biomechanical studies on beagles with ADAMTS10 mutation demonstrated that the mutant dogs have mechanically weak posterior sclera. This weakness was associated with a reduced collagen density and a lower proportion of insoluble collagen. These changes, observed before glaucoma development, were considered intrinsic characteristics caused by the mutation rather than a secondary effect of IOP elevation. Further studies of ADAMTS10-OAG may elucidate the effects of altered biomechanical properties of ONH and PPS in determining the glaucoma progression.

Controlling BMP growth factor bioavailability: The extracellular matrix as multi skilled platform

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) belong to the TGF-β superfamily of signaling ligands which comprise a family of pluripotent cytokines regulating a multitude of cellular events. Although BMPs were originally discovered as potent factors extractable from bone matrix that are capable to induce ectopic bone formation in soft tissues, their mode of action has been mostly studied as soluble ligands in absence of the physiologically relevant cellular microenvironment. This micro milieu is defined by supramolecular networks of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins that specifically target BMP ligands, present them to their cellular receptors, and allow their controlled release. Here we focus on functional interactions and mechanisms that were described to control BMP bioavailability in a spatio-temporal manner within the respective tissue context. Structural disturbance of the ECM architecture due to mutations in ECM proteins leads to dysregulated BMP signaling as underlying cause for connective tissue disease pathways. We will provide an overview about current mechanistic concepts of how aberrant BMP signaling drives connective tissue destruction in inherited and chronic diseases.

miR-29c&b2 encourage extramedullary infiltration resulting in the poor prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia

Extramedullary infiltration (EMI), as a concomitant symptom of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), is associated with low complete remission and poor prognosis in AML. However, the mechanism of EMI remains indistinct. Clinical trials showed that increased miR-29s were associated with a poor overall survival in AML [14]. Nevertheless, they were proved to work as tumor suppressor genes by encouraging apoptosis and inhibiting proliferation in vitro. These contradictory results led us to the hypothesis that miR-29s may play a notable role in the prognosis of AML rather than leukemogenesis. Thus, we explored the specimens of AML patients and addressed this issue into miR-29c&b2 knockout mice. As a result, a poor overall survival and invasive blast cells were observed in high miR-29c&b2-expression patients, and the wildtype mice presented a shorter survival with heavier leukemia infiltration in extramedullary organs. Subsequently, we found that the miR-29c&b2 inside leukemia cells promoted EMI, but not the one in the microenvironment. The analysis of signal pathway revealed that miR-29c&b2 could target HMG-box transcription factor 1 (Hbp1) directly, then reduced Hbp1 bound to the promoter of non-muscle myosin IIB (Myh10) as a transcript inhibitor. Thus, increased Myh10 encouraged the migration of leukemia cells. Accordingly, AML patients with EMI were confirmed to have high miR-29c&b2 and MYH10 with low HBP1. Therefore, we identify that miR-29c&b2 contribute to the poor prognosis of AML patients by promoting EMI, and related genes analyses are prospectively feasible in assessment of AML outcome.

ADAM and ADAMTS Proteins, New Players in the Regulation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Microenvironment

Simple Summary

Members of the adamalysin family are multi-domain proteins involved in many cancer-related functions. In this review, we will examine the literature on the involvement of adamalysins in hepatocellular carcinoma progression and their importance in the tumor microenvironment where they regulate the inflammatory response and the epithelial–mesenchymal transition. We complete this review with an analysis of adamalysin expression in a large cohort of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. These original results give a new insight into the involvement of all adamalysins in the primary liver cancer.

Abstract

The tumor microenvironment plays a major role in tumor growth, invasion and resistance to chemotherapy, however understanding how all actors from microenvironment interact together remains a complex issue. The tumor microenvironment is classically represented as three closely connected components including the stromal cells such as immune cells, fibroblasts, adipocytes and endothelial cells, the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the cytokine/growth factors. Within this space, proteins of the adamalysin family (ADAM for a disintegrin and metalloproteinase; ADAMTS for ADAM with thrombospondin motifs; ADAMTSL for ADAMTS-like) play critical roles by modulating cell–cell and cell–ECM communication. During last decade, the implication of adamalysins in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been supported by numerous studies however the functional characterization of most of them remain unsettled. In the present review we propose both an overview of the literature and a meta-analysis of adamalysins expression in HCC using data generated by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Research Network.

Silencing CDCA8 Suppresses Hepatocellular Carcinoma Growth and Stemness via Restoration of ATF3 Tumor Suppressor and Inactivation of AKT/β-Catenin Signaling

Simple Summary

Although the overexpression of CDCA8 is frequently observed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues, the functions of CDCA8 during HCC development remain to be clarified. The aim of our study was to investigate if targeting CDCA8 could affect liver tumor phenotypes in vitro and in vivo and to identify underlying molecular mechanisms to exert its therapeutic effect. We found that silencing of CDCA8 by siRNA inhibits the growth of parental cancer cell culture and mice tumors and suppresses stemness of CD133⁺ cancer stem cell population through the common responses of the upregulation of the tumor suppressive ATF3/GADD34 functional pathway and inactivation of the Akt/β–catenin signaling axis. These findings suggest CDCA8 as a novel therapeutic target for both primary HCC treatment and the prevention of metastasis or recurrence providing mode of action performed by a CDCA8 inhibitor.

Abstract

Big data analysis has revealed the upregulation of cell division cycle associated 8 (CDCA8) in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its poorer survival outcome. However, the functions of CDCA8 during HCC development remain unknown. Here, we demonstrate in vitro that CDCA8 silencing inhibits HCC cell growth and long-term colony formation and migration through the accumulation of the G2/M phase cell population. Conversely, CDCA8 overexpression increases the ability to undergo long-term colony formation and migration. RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis revealed that CDCA8 knockdown led to the same directional regulation in 50 genes (25 down- and 25 upregulated). It was affirmed based on protein levels that CDCA8 silencing downregulates the levels of cyclin B1 and p-cdc2 and explains how it could induce G2/M arrest. The same condition increased the protein levels of tumor-suppressive ATF3 and GADD34 and inactivated AKT/β–catenin signaling, which plays an important role in cell growth and stemness, reflecting a reduction in sphere-forming capacity. Importantly, it was demonstrated that the extent of CDCA8 expression is much greater in CD133⁺ cancer stem cells than in CD133⁻ cancer cells, and that CDCA8 knockdown decreases levels of CD133, p-Akt and β-catenin and increases levels of ATF3 and GADD34 in the CD133⁺ cancer stem cell (CSC) population. These molecular changes led to the inhibition of cell growth and sphere formation in the CD133⁺ cell population. Targeting CDCA8 also effectively suppressed tumor growth in a murine xenograft model, showing consistent molecular alterations in tumors injected with CDCA8siRNA. Taken together, these findings indicate that silencing CDCA8 suppresses HCC growth and stemness via restoring the ATF3 tumor suppressor and inactivating oncogenic AKT/β–catenin signaling, and that targeting CDCA8 may be the next molecular strategy for both primary HCC treatment and the prevention of metastasis or recurrence.

Identification of critical genetic variants associated with metabolic phenotypes of the Japanese population

We performed a metabolome genome-wide association study for the Japanese population in the prospective cohort study of Tohoku Medical Megabank. By combining whole-genome sequencing and nontarget metabolome analyses, we identified a large number of novel associations between genetic variants and plasma metabolites. Of the identified metabolite-associated genes, approximately half have already been shown to be involved in various diseases. We identified metabolite-associated genes involved in the metabolism of xenobiotics, some of which are from intestinal microorganisms, indicating that the identified genetic variants also markedly influence the interaction between the host and symbiotic bacteria. We also identified five associations that appeared to be female-specific. A number of rare variants that influence metabolite levels were also found, and combinations of common and rare variants influenced the metabolite levels more profoundly. These results support our contention that metabolic phenotyping provides important insights into how genetic and environmental factors provoke human diseases.

The quest for substrates and binding partners: A critical barrier for understanding the role of ADAMTS proteases in musculoskeletal development and disease

Secreted ADAMTS metalloproteases are involved in the sculpting, remodeling, and erosion of connective tissues throughout the body, including in the musculoskeletal system. ADAMTS proteases contribute to musculoskeletal development, pathological tissue destruction, and are mutated in congenital musculoskeletal disorders. Examples include versican cleavage by ADAMTS9 which is required for interdigital web regression during limb development, ADAMTS5-mediated aggrecan degradation in osteoarthritis resulting in joint erosion, and mutations in ADAMTS10 or ADAMTS17 that cause Weill-Marchesani syndrome, a short stature syndrome with bone, joint, muscle, cardiac, and eye involvement. Since the function of ADAMTS proteases and proteases in general is primarily defined by the molecular consequences of proteolysis of their respective substrates, it is paramount to identify all physiological substrates for each individual ADAMTS protease. Here, we review the current knowledge of ADAMTS proteases and their involvement in musculoskeletal development and disease, focusing on some of their known physiological substrates and the consequences of substrate cleavage. We further emphasize the critical need for the identification and validation of novel ADAMTS substrates and binding partners by describing the principles of mass spectrometry-based approaches and by emphasizing strategies that need to be considered for validating the physiological relevance for ADAMTS-mediated proteolysis of novel putative substrates.

The ADAMTS/Fibrillin Connection: Insights into the Biological Functions of ADAMTS10 and ADAMTS17 and Their Respective Sister Proteases

Secreted adisintegrin-like and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type 1 motif (ADAMTS) proteases play crucial roles in tissue development and homeostasis. The biological and pathological functions of ADAMTS proteases are determined broadly by their respective substrates and their interactions with proteins in the pericellular and extracellular matrix. For some ADAMTS proteases, substrates have been identified and substrate cleavage has been implicated in tissue development and in disease. For other ADAMTS proteases, substrates were discovered in vitro, but the role of these proteases and the consequences of substrate cleavage in vivo remains to be established. Mutations in ADAMTS10 and ADAMTS17 cause Weill–Marchesani syndrome (WMS), a congenital syndromic disorder that affects the musculoskeletal system (short stature, pseudomuscular build, tight skin), the eyes (lens dislocation), and the heart (heart valve abnormalities). WMS can also be caused by mutations in fibrillin-1 (FBN1), which suggests that ADAMTS10 and ADAMTS17 cooperate with fibrillin-1 in a common biological pathway during tissue development and homeostasis. Here, we compare and contrast the biochemical properties of ADAMTS10 and ADAMTS17 and we summarize recent findings indicating potential biological functions in connection with fibrillin microfibrils. We also compare ADAMTS10 and ADAMTS17 with their respective sister proteases, ADAMTS6 and ADAMTS19; both were recently linked to human disorders distinct from WMS. Finally, we propose a model for the interactions and roles of these four ADAMTS proteases in the extracellular matrix.

Matrix Metalloproteinases: How Much Can They Do?

Zinc-dependent matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) belong to metzincins that comprise not only 23 human MMPs but also other metalloproteinases, such as 21 human ADAMs (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain) and 19 secreted ADAMTSs (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase thrombospondin domain). The many setbacks from the clinical trials of broad-spectrum MMP inhibitors for cancer indications in the late 1990s emphasized the extreme complexity of the participation of these proteolytic enzymes in biology. This editorial mini-review summarizes the Special Issue, which includes four review articles and 10 original articles that highlight the versatile roles of MMPs, ADAMs, and ADAMTSs, in normal physiology as well as in neoplastic and destructive processes in tissue. In addition, we briefly discuss the unambiguous involvement of MMPs in wound healing.

Exome sequencing of extreme phenotypes in bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is the most common chronic respiratory disease in premature infants with growing evidence that genetic factors contribute largely to moderate and severe cases. We assessed by exome sequencing if rare genetic variants could account for extremely severe phenotypes. We selected 6 infants born very preterm with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia and 8 very preterm born controls for exome sequencing. We filtered whole exome sequencing results to include only rare variants and selected variants and/or genes with variants that were present in at least 2 cases and absent in controls. We selected variants, all heterozygous, in 9 candidate genes, 7 with a putative role in lung development and 2 that displayed 3 variations in 3 different cases, independently of their potential role in lung development. Sequencing of 5 other severe cases for these variants did not replicate our results.Conclusion: In selected preterm born infants with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia and controls, we failed to find any rare variant shared by several infants with an extremely severe phenotype. Our results are not consistent with the role of rare causative variants in bronchopulmonary dysplasia's development and argue for the highly polygenic nature of susceptibility of this disorder.What is Known:• Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is a multifactorial disease resulting from complex environmental and genetic interactions occurring in an immature lung.• It is not known whether rare genetic variants in coding regions could account for extreme phenotypes of the disease.What is New:• In a group of infants with an extreme phenotype of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and in comparison to controls, no common genetic variants were found, nor did variants that were select in other exome studies in this setting.• These results argue for the highly polygenic nature of susceptibility of bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Genomic Landscape and Mutational Spectrum of ADAMTS Family Genes in Mendelian Disorders Based on Gene Evidence Review for Variant Interpretation

ADAMTS (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs) are a family of multidomain extracellular protease enzymes with 19 members. A growing number of ADAMTS family gene variants have been identified in patients with various hereditary diseases. To understand the genomic landscape and mutational spectrum of ADAMTS family genes, we evaluated all reported variants in the ClinVar database and Human Gene Mutation Database (HGMD), as well as recent literature on Mendelian hereditary disorders associated with ADAMTS family genes. Among 1089 variants in 14 genes reported in public databases, 307 variants previously suggested for pathogenicity in Mendelian diseases were comprehensively re-evaluated using the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) 2015 guideline. A total of eight autosomal recessive genes were annotated as being strongly associated with specific Mendelian diseases, including two recently discovered genes (ADAMTS9 and ADAMTS19) for their causality in congenital diseases (nephronophthisis-related ciliopathy and nonsyndromic heart valve disease, respectively). Clinical symptoms and affected organs were extremely heterogeneous among hereditary diseases caused by ADAMTS family genes, indicating phenotypic heterogeneity despite their structural and functional similarity. ADAMTS6 was suggested as presenting undiscovered pathogenic mutations responsible for novel Mendelian disorders. Our study is the first to highlight the genomic landscape of ADAMTS family genes, providing an appropriate genetic approach for clinical use.

Decreased Cytoplasmic Expression of ADAMTS14 Is Correlated with Reduced Survival Rates in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients

A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motif 14 (ADAMTS14) is a member of the zinc-dependent protease family that is implicated in the occurrence and progression of tumors. Oral cancer (OC) is a common cancer worldwide, but it is particularly prevalent in Taiwan. However, whether the expression of ADAMTS14 is correlated with the carcinogenesis and progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has not yet been investigated. In this study, we used immunohistochemistry (IHC) to examine 250 OSCC specimens in order to identify correlations between the cytoplasmic expression of ADAMTS14 and (1) clinicopathological features of OSCC as well as (2) clinical outcomes of OSCC. Our results indicate that cytoplasmic expression of ADAMTS14 was lower in OSCC tissues than in normal tissues. In analyzing correlations between ADAMTS14 expression and clinicopathological features, we found that negative cytoplasmic expression of ADAMTS14 was significantly associated with higher frequencies of lymph node metastasis and more advanced AJCC stages (III/IV). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that negative cytoplasmic expression of ADAMTS14 was also associated with significantly worse OSCC survival. Univariate and multivariate analyses confirmed that cytoplasmic expression of ADAMTS14 was associated with lymph node metastasis, tumor stage, and tumor grade and also indicated that cytoplasmic ADAMTS14 expression may be an independent prognostic factor for OSCC. This is the first study to report that the cytoplasmic expression level of ADAMTS14 is associated with OSCC prognosis and tumor progression. Our data indicate that ADAMTS14 can serve as a prognostic marker and a potential therapeutic target for OSCC.

A 13-gene risk score system and a nomogram survival model for predicting the prognosis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the second common malignant tumor in the urinary system, and 85% of RCC cases are clear cell RCC (ccRCC). This study is designed to build a risk score system for ccRCC.

METHODS

The gene methylation and expression data of ccRCC samples were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database (training set) and ArrayExpress database (validation set). The differentially methylated genes (DMGs) and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by limma package, and their intersecting genes with negative Pearson correlation coefficients were remained using cor.test function. Prognosis-associated genes were identified by survival package, and the optimal DMGs were obtained using penalized package. After risk score system was built, nomogram survival model was constructed using rms package. Additionally, pathways were enriched for the DEGs between high- and low-risk groups using Gene Set Enrichment Analysis.

RESULTS

There were 3,638 DMGs and 2,702 DEGs between tumor and normal samples. Among the 312 intersecting genes, 43 prognosis-associated genes were identified. A total of 13 optimal DMGs (BTBD19, ADAM8, BGLAP, TNFRSF13C, JPH4, BEST1, GNRH2, UBE2QL1, CHODL, GDF9, UPB1, KCNH3; and ADAMTSL4) were obtained for building the risk score system. After pathological M, pathological T, platelet qualitative, and RS status were revealed to be independent prognostic factors, a nomogram survival model was constructed. For the 920 DEGs between the high- and low-risk samples, 6 significant pathways were enriched.

CONCLUSION

The 13-gene risk score system and the nomogram survival model might be used for prognostic prediction of ccRCC patients.

A novel ADAMTS17 variant that causes Weill-Marchesani syndrome 4 alters fibrillin-1 and collagen type I deposition in the extracellular matrix

Weill-Marchesani syndrome (WMS) is a rare genetic disorder that affects the musculoskeletal system, the eye, and the cardiovascular system. Individuals with WMS present with short stature, joint contractures, thick skin, microspherophakia, small and dislocated lenses, and cardiac valve anomalies. WMS can be caused by recessive mutations in ADAMTS10 (WMS 1), ADAMTS17 (WMS 4), or LTBP2 (WMS 3), or by dominant mutations in fibrillin-1 (FBN1) (WMS 2); all genes encode secreted extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Individuals with WMS 4 due to ADAMTS17 mutations appear to have less severe cardiac involvement and present predominantly with the musculoskeletal and ocular features of WMS. ADAMTS17 is a member of the ADAMTS family of secreted proteases and directly binds to fibrillins. Here we report a novel pathogenic variant in ADAMTS17 that causes WMS 4 in an individual with short stature, brachydactyly, and small, spherical, and dislocated lenses. We provide biochemical and cell biological insights in the pathomechanisms of WMS 4, which also suggest potential biological functions for ADAMTS17. We show that the variant in ADAMTS17 prevents its secretion and we found intracellular accumulation of fibrillin-1 and collagen type I in patient-derived skin fibroblasts. In accordance, transmission electron microscopy revealed elastic fiber abnormalities, decreased collagen fibril diameters, and intracellular collagen accumulation in the dermis of the proband. Together, the data indicate a possible role for ADAMTS17 in the secretion of fibrillin-1 and collagen type I or in their early assembly in the pericellular matrix or the ECM.

Biophysical Techniques to Analyze Elastic Tissue Extracellular Matrix Proteins Interacting with ADAMTS Proteins

Multidomain matrix-associated zinc extracellular proteases ADAMTS and ADAMTS-like proteins have important biological activities in cells and tissues. Beyond their traditional role in procollagen and von Willebrand factor processing and proteoglycan cleavage, ADAMTS/ADAMTSL likely participate in or at least have some role in ECM assembly as some of these proteins bind ECM proteins including fibrillins, fibronectin, and LTBPs. In this chapter, we present four biophysical techniques largely used for the characterization, multimerization, and interaction of proteins: surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, atomic force microscopy, and circular dichroism spectroscopy.

ADAMTS Sol narae cleaves extracellular Wingless to generate a novel active form that regulates cell proliferation in Drosophila

Wnt/ Wingless (Wg) is essential for embryonic development and adult homeostasis in all metazoans, but the mechanisms by which secreted Wnt/Wg is processed remain largely unknown. A Drosophila Sol narae (Sona) is a member of ADisintegrin And Metalloprotease with ThromboSpondin motif (ADAMTS) family, and positively regulates Wg signaling by promoting Wg secretion. Here we report that Sona and Wg are secreted by both conventional Golgi and exosomal transports, and Sona cleaves extracellular Wg at the two specific sites, leading to the generation of N-terminal domain (NTD) and C-terminal domain (CTD) fragments. The cleaved forms of extracellular Wg were detected in the extracellular region of fly wing discs, and its level was substantially reduced in sona mutants. Transient overexpression of Wg-CTD increased wing size while prolonged overexpression caused lethality and developmental defects. In contrast, Wg-NTD did not induce any phenotype. Moreover, the wing defects and lethality induced by sona RNAi were considerably rescued by Wg-CTD, indicating that a main function of extracellular Sona is the generation of Wg-CTD. Wg-CTD stabilized cytoplasmic Armadillo (Arm) and had genetic interactions with components of canonical Wg signaling. Wg-CTD also induced Wg downstream targets such as Distal-less (Dll) and Vestigial (Vg). Most importantly, Cyclin D (Cyc D) was induced by Wg-CTD but not by full-length Wg. Because Sona also induces Cyc D in a cell non-autonomous manner, Wg-CTD generated by Sona in the extracellular region activates a subset of Wg signaling whose major function is the regulation of cell proliferation.

Identification of genomic regions and candidate genes of functional importance for gastrointestinal parasite resistance traits in Djallonké sheep of Burkina Faso

A total of 184 Djallonké lambs from Burkina Faso with phenotypes for packed-cell volume (PCV), log-transformed fecal egg count (lnFEC), and FAffa MAlan CHArt (FAMACHA©) eye scores were typed with the OvineSNP50 BeadChip of Illumina to contribute to the knowledge of the genetic basis of gastrointestinal (GIN) parasite resistance in sheep. Association analysis identified a total of 22 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related with PCV (6 SNPs), lnFEC (7), and FAMACHA scores (9) distributed among 14 Ovis aries chromosomes (OAR). The identified SNPs accounted for 18.76 % of the phenotypic variance for PCV, 21.24 % for lnFEC, and 34.38 % for FAMACHA scores. Analyses pointed out the importance of OAR2 for PCV, OAR3 for FAMACHA scores, and OAR6 for lnFEC. The 125 kb regions surrounding the identified SNPs overlapped with seven previously reported quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for the traits analyzed in the current work. The only chromosome harboring markers associated with the three traits studied was OAR2. In agreement with the literature, two different chromosomal areas on OAR2 can play a major role in the traits studied. Gene-annotation enrichment analysis allowed us to identify a total of 34 potential candidate genes for PCV (6 genes), lnFEC (4), and FAMACHA scores (24). Annotation analysis allowed us to identify one functional term cluster with a significant enrichment score (1.302). The cluster included five genes (TRIB3, CDK4, CSNK2A1, MARK1, and SPATA5) involved in immunity-related and cell-proliferation processes. Furthermore, this research suggests that the MBL2 gene can underlie a previously reported QTL for immunoglobulin A levels on OAR22 and confirms the importance of genes involved in growth and size (such as the ADAMTS17 gene on OAR18) for GIN resistance traits. Since association studies for the ascertainment of the genetic basis of GIN resistance may be affected by genotype-environment interactions, obtaining information from local sheep populations managed in harsh environments contributes to the identification of novel genomic areas of functional importance for GIN resistance for that trait.

Disruption of the Extracellular Matrix Progressively Impairs Central Nervous System Vascular Maturation Downstream of β-Catenin Signaling

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Objective—

The Wnt/β-catenin pathway orchestrates development of the blood-brain barrier, but the downstream mechanisms involved at different developmental windows and in different central nervous system (CNS) tissues have remained elusive.

Approach and Results—

Here, we create a new mouse model allowing spatiotemporal investigations of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by induced overexpression of Axin1, an inhibitor of β-catenin signaling, specifically in endothelial cells (Axin1^iEC−^OE). AOE (Axin1 overexpression) in Axin1^iEC−^OE mice at stages following the initial vascular invasion of the CNS did not impair angiogenesis but led to premature vascular regression followed by progressive dilation and inhibition of vascular maturation resulting in forebrain-specific hemorrhage 4 days post-AOE. Analysis of the temporal Wnt/β-catenin driven CNS vascular development in zebrafish also suggested that Axin1^iEC−^OE led to CNS vascular regression and impaired maturation but not inhibition of ongoing angiogenesis within the CNS. Transcriptomic profiling of isolated, β-catenin signaling-deficient endothelial cells during early blood-brain barrier–development (E11.5) revealed ECM (extracellular matrix) proteins as one of the most severely deregulated clusters. Among the 20 genes constituting the forebrain endothelial cell-specific response signature, 8 (Adamtsl2, Apod, Ctsw, Htra3, Pglyrp1, Spock2, Ttyh2, and Wfdc1) encoded bona fide ECM proteins. This specific β-catenin-responsive ECM signature was also repressed in Axin1^iEC−^OE and endothelial cell-specific β-catenin–knockout mice (Ctnnb1-KO^iEC) during initial blood-brain barrier maturation (E14.5), consistent with an important role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in orchestrating the development of the forebrain vascular ECM.

Conclusions—

These results suggest a novel mechanism of establishing a CNS endothelium-specific ECM signature downstream of Wnt-β-catenin that impact spatiotemporally on blood-brain barrier differentiation during forebrain vessel development.

ADAMTS proteins in human disorders

ADAMTS proteins are a superfamily of 26 secreted molecules comprising two related, but distinct families. ADAMTS proteases are zinc metalloendopeptidases, most of whose substrates are extracellular matrix (ECM) components, whereas ADAMTS-like proteins lack a metalloprotease domain, reside in the ECM and have regulatory roles vis-à-vis ECM assembly and/or ADAMTS activity. Evolutionary conservation and expansion of ADAMTS proteins in mammals is suggestive of crucial embryologic or physiological roles in humans. Indeed, Mendelian disorders or birth defects resulting from naturally occurring ADAMTS2, ADAMTS3, ADAMTS10, ADAMTS13, ADAMTS17, ADAMTS20, ADAMTSL2 and ADAMTSL4 mutations as well as numerous phenotypes identified in genetically engineered mice have revealed ADAMTS participation in major biological pathways. Important roles have been identified in a few acquired conditions. ADAMTS5 is unequivocally implicated in pathogenesis of osteoarthritis via degradation of aggrecan, a major structural proteoglycan in cartilage. ADAMTS7 is strongly associated with coronary artery disease and promotes atherosclerosis. Autoantibodies to ADAMTS13 lead to a platelet coagulopathy, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, which is similar to that resulting from ADAMTS13 mutations. ADAMTS proteins have numerous potential connections to other human disorders that were identified by genome-wide association studies. Here, we review inherited and acquired human disorders in which ADAMTS proteins participate, and discuss progress and prospects in therapeutics.

Interactions between lysyl oxidases and ADAMTS proteins suggest a novel crosstalk between two extracellular matrix families

The extracellular matrix (ECM) regulates numerous cellular events in addition to providing structural integrity. Among several protein and enzyme families implicated in functions of the ECM, the lysyl oxidases and ADAMTS proteins are known to participate in microfibril and elastic fiber formation as well as ECM-associated signaling. A yeast two-hybrid screen to identify lysyl oxidase (LOX) binding proteins identified ADAMTSL4 as a potential interactor. We demonstrate here that several members of the LOX and ADAMTS families interact with one another. Upon investigating the interaction between LOX and ADAMTSL2 we found that the absence or inhibition of Lox affected ADAMTSL2 molecular forms and reduced its tissue levels. Thus, ADAMTSL2 stability and inter-molecular complexes may depend on the activity of lysyl oxidases.

Next-generation sequencing reveals a new mutation in the LTBP2 gene associated with microspherophakia in a Spanish family

Background

Microspherophakia is a rare autosomal recessive eye disorder characterized by small spherical lens. It may present as an isolated finding or in association with other ocular and/or systemic disorders. This clinical and genetic heterogeneity requires the study of large genes (ADAMTSL4, FBN1, LTBP2, ADAMTSL-10 and ADAMTSL17). The purpose of the present study is to identify the genetic cause of this pathology in a consanguineous Spanish family.

Methods

A clinical exome sequencing experiment was executed by the TruSight One® Sequencing Panel (TSO) from Illumina©. Sanger sequencing was used to validate the NGS results.

Results

Only the insertion of an adenine in exon 36 of the LTBP2 gene (c.5439_5440insA) was associated with pathogenicity. This new mutation was validated by Sanger sequencing and segregation analysis was also performed. Haplotype analyses using the polymorphic markers D14S1025, D14S43 and D14S999 close to the LTBP2 gene indicated identity by descent in this family.

Conclusion

We describe the first case of a microspherophakia phenotype associated with a novel homozygous mutation in the LTBP2 gene in a consanguineous Caucasian family by means of NGS technology.

Correlation of five secretory proteins with the nasopharyngeal carcinoma metastasis and the clinical applications

In our previous study, five different secretory proteins, including GSN, ADAMTSL4, CALR, PPIA and TXN, have been identified to be associated with the nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) metastasis. In this work, the 5 proteins were further investigated. Bioinformatics analysis suggested that they might play an important role in the process of NPC development. Western blotting analysis showed that all of these 5 targets could be secreted into extracellular by both high metastatic NPC 5-8F cells and non-metastatic NPC 6-10B cells. Except for GSN, the expressions of ADAMTSL4, CALR, PPIA and TXN proteins in extracts of the 5-8F and 6-10B cells were significantly different (P < 0.05). Thus, the expressions of these 4 differentially expressed proteins were further tested in a cohort of NPC tissue specimens. The results indicated that the expression levels of ADAMTSL4 and TXN were highly correlated with the lymph node and distant metastasis (P<0.05) in NPC patients. Moreover, Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to investigate the concentrations of the ADAMTSL4 and TXN in serum specimens of NPC patients. The results revealed that serum ADAMTSL4 expression level was closely correlated with lymph node metastasis and clinical stage (P<0.05) in NPC patients, and it was able to discriminate metastasis NPC from non-metastasis NPC with a sensitivity of 75.6% and a specificity of 64.7%. The present data show for the first time that the ADAMTSL4 and TXN may be novel and potential biomarkers for predicting the NPC metastasis.Furthermore, the serum ADAMTSL4 could be a potential serum tumor biomarker for prognosis of NPC.

The metalloproteinase-proteoglycans ADAMTS7 and ADAMTS12 provide an innate, tendon-specific protective mechanism against heterotopic ossification

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a significant clinical problem with incompletely resolved mechanisms. Here, the secreted metalloproteinases ADAMTS7 and ADAMTS12 are shown to comprise a unique proteoglycan class that protects against a tendency toward HO in mouse hindlimb tendons, menisci, and ligaments. Adamts7 and Adamts12 mRNAs were sparsely expressed in murine forelimbs but strongly coexpressed in hindlimb tendons, skeletal muscle, ligaments, and meniscal fibrocartilage. Adamts7-/- Adamts12-/- mice, but not corresponding single-gene mutants, which demonstrated compensatory upregulation of the intact homolog mRNA, developed progressive HO in these tissues after 4 months of age. Adamts7-/- Adamts12-/- tendons had abnormal collagen fibrils, accompanied by reduced levels of the small leucine-rich proteoglycans (SLRPs) biglycan, fibromodulin, and decorin, which regulate collagen fibrillogenesis. Bgn-/0 Fmod-/- mice are known to have a strikingly similar hindlimb HO to that of Adamts7-/- Adamts12-/- mice, implicating fibromodulin and biglycan reduction as a likely mechanism underlying HO in Adamts7-/- Adamts12-/- mice. Interestingly, degenerated human biceps tendons had reduced ADAMTS7 mRNA compared with healthy biceps tendons, which expressed both ADAMTS7 and ADAMTS12. These results suggest that ADAMTS7 and ADAMTS12 drive an innate pathway protective against hindlimb HO in mice and may be essential for human tendon health.

Exploration of differentially expressed plasma proteins in patients with lung adenocarcinoma using iTRAQ-coupled 2D LC-MS/MS

BACKGROUND

Lung adenocarcinoma is characterized by early asymptomatic progression and metastasis. Appearance of respiratory symptoms usually means the disease is aggravated. The aim of this study was to identify the protein profile in plasma of lung adenocarcinoma of stages I-IV, and look for novel diagnostic biomarkers.

METHODS

Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) coupled with two dimensional liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry technology (2D LC-MS/MS) was applied to separate and identify differential expression of proteins in plasma specimens from 10 healthy individuals, 10 patients with pneumonia, 7 patients with lung adenocarcinoma of stages I-II, respectively, and 10 patients with lung adenocarcinoma of stages III-IV, then analyze the functions of the differential expression of proteins by bioinformatics.

RESULTS

ADAMTS-like protein 4, Fibrinogen-like protein 1 precursor, secretoglobin family 3A member 2 and haptoglobin were up-regulated in patients with lung adenocarcinoma by proteomics analysis, and the expression levels of SCGB3A2 and Hp by ELISA were consistent. Pathway analysis of identified differential expression of proteins showed they were mainly involved in chemokine/p53/TGF-beta signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma SCGB3A2 is a potential maker for diagnosis of primary pulmonary adenocarcinoma. Abnormal post-translational protein modification may be associated with the progression of lung cancer.

A novel gene signature based on five glioblastoma stem-like cell relevant genes predicts the survival of primary glioblastoma

PURPOSE

Primary glioblastoma (pGBM) is the most common and lethal type of neoplasms in the central nervous system, while the existing biomarkers, lacking consideration on the stemness changes of GBM cells, are not specific enough to predict the complex prognosis respectively. We aimed to build a high-efficiency prediction gene signature related to GBM cell stemness and investigate its prognostic value in primary glioblastoma.

METHODS

Differentially expressed genes were screened in GSE23806 database. The selected genes were then verified by univariate Cox regression in 591 patients from four enormous independent databases, including the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA), TCGA, REMBRANDT and GSE16011. Finally, the intersected genes were included to build the gene signature. GO analysis and GSEA were carried out to explore the bioinformatic implication.

RESULTS

The novel five-gene signature was used to identify high- and low-risk groups in the four databases, and the high-risk group showed notably poorer prognosis (P < 0.05). Gene ontology (GO) terms including "immune response", "apoptotic process", and "angiogenesis" were picked out by GO analysis and GSEA, which revealed that the gene signature was highly possibly related to the stemness of GSCs and predicting the prognosis of GBM effectively.

CONCLUSION

We built a gene signature with five glioblastoma stem-like cell (GSC) relevant genes, and predicted the survival in four independent databases effectively, which is possibly related to the stemness of GSCs in pGBM. Several GO terms were investigated to be correlated to the signature. The signature can predict the prognosis of glioblastoma efficiently.

Structural modeling of osteoarthritis ADAMTS4 complex with its cognate inhibitory protein TIMP3 and rational derivation of cyclic peptide inhibitors from the complex interface to target ADAMTS4

The ADAMTS4 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 4) enzyme is a matrix-associated zinc metalloendopeptidase that plays an essential role in the degradation of cartilage aggrecan in arthritic diseases and has been recognized as one of the most primary targets for therapeutic intervention in osteoarthritis (OA). Here, we reported computational modeling of the atomic-level complex structure of ADAMTS4 with its cognate inhibitory protein TIMP3 based on high-resolution crystal template. By systematically examining the modeled complex structure we successfully identified a short inhibitory loop (⁶²EASESLC⁶⁸) in TIMP3 N-terminal inhibitory domain (NID) that directly participates in blocking the enzyme's active site, which, and its extended versions, were then broken from the full-length protein to serve as the peptide inhibitor candidates of ADAMTS4. Atomistic molecular dynamics simulation, binding energetic analysis, and fluorescence-based assay revealed that the TIMP3-derived linear peptides can only bind weakly to the enzyme (K_d = 74 ± 8 μM), which would incur a considerable entropy penalty due to the high conformational flexibility and intrinsic disorder of these linear peptides. In this respect, we proposed a cyclization strategy to improve enzyme-peptide binding affinity by, instead of traditionally maximizing enthalpy contribution, minimizing entropy cost of the binding, where a disulfide bond was added across the two terminal residues of linear peptides, resulting in a number of TIMP3-derived cyclic peptides. Our studies confirmed that the cyclization, as might be expected, can promote peptide binding capability against ADAMTS4 substantially, with affinity increase by 3-fold, 9-fold and 7-fold for cyclic peptides , and , respectively.

Functional characterization of zebrafish orthologs of the human Beta 3-Glucosyltransferase B3GLCT gene mutated in Peters Plus Syndrome

Peters Plus Syndrome (PPS) is a rare autosomal recessive disease characterized by ocular defects, short stature, brachydactyly, characteristic facial features, developmental delay and other highly variable systemic defects. Classic PPS is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the B3GLCT gene encoding for a β3-glucosyltransferase that catalyzes the attachment of glucose via a β1–3 glycosidic linkage to O-linked fucose on thrombospondin type 1 repeats (TSRs). B3GLCT was shown to participate in a non-canonical ER quality control mechanism; however, the exact molecular processes affected in PPS are not well understood. Here we report the identification and characterization of two zebrafish orthologs of the human B3GLCT gene, b3glcta and b3glctb. The b3glcta and b3glctb genes encode for 496-aa and 493-aa proteins with 65% and 57% identity to human B3GLCT, respectively. Expression studies demonstrate that both orthologs are widely expressed with strong presence in embryonic tissues affected in PPS. In vitro glucosylation assays demonstrated that extracts from wildtype embryos contain active b3glct enzyme capable of transferring glucose from UDP-glucose to an O-fucosylated TSR, indicating functional conservation with human B3GLCT. To determine the developmental role of the zebrafish genes, single and double b3glct knockouts were generated using TALEN-induced genome editing. Extracts from double homozygous b3glct^-/- embryos demonstrated complete loss of in vitro b3glct activity. Surprisingly, b3glct^-/- homozygous fish developed normally. Transcriptome analyses of head and trunk tissues of b3glct^-/- 24-hpf embryos identified 483 shared differentially regulated transcripts that may be involved in compensation for b3glct function in these embryos. The presented data show that both sequence and function of B3GLCT/b3glct genes is conserved in vertebrates. At the same time, complete b3glct deficiency in zebrafish appears to be inconsequential and possibly compensated for by a yet unknown mechanism.

Identification and functional analysis of an ADAMTSL1 variant associated with a complex phenotype including congenital glaucoma, craniofacial, and other systemic features in a three-generation human pedigree

Developmental glaucoma can occur as an isolated or syndromic condition and is genetically heterogeneous. We describe a three-generation family affected with developmental glaucoma, myopia, and/or retinal defects associated with variable craniofacial/dental, auditory, brain, renal, and limb anomalies. Whole-exome sequencing identified a heterozygous c.124T> C, p.(Trp42Arg) allele in ADAMTSL1; cosegregation analysis confirmed the presence of this allele in four affected family members. The mutation affects a highly conserved residue and is strongly predicted to have a deleterious effect on protein function. Trp42 is normally modified by protein C-mannosylation, an unusual post-translational modification. Comparison of ADAMTSL1-WT (also known as punctin-1) and ADAMTSL1-p.Trp42Arg in vitro demonstrated that the latter was not secreted from transfected cells but retained intracellularly. Moreover, ADAMTSL1-p.Trp42Arg reduced secretion of cotransfected wild-type ADAMTSL1, suggesting a dominant negative effect for this mutation. These data imply a multisystem role for ADAMTSL1 and present the first disease-associated variant affecting a C-mannosylation motif.

Role of ADAMTS13 in diet-induced liver steatosis

Previous studies, predominantly based on increased or decreased plasma levels, have reported conflicting data on a potential functional role of ADAMTS13 in the pathogenesis of liver diseases, including non‑alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The aim of the current study was to evaluate whether ADAMTS13 deficiency affects development of NASH. Therefore, male wild‑type (WT) and Adamts13 deficient (Adamts13‑/‑) mice were kept on a steatosis‑inducing diet devoid of methionine and choline (MCD) or a control diet (MCC) for 4 weeks. Induction of NASH did not affect plasma ADAMTS13 antigen levels of WT mice. MCD as compared with MCC feeding resulted in reduced body and liver weight with no differences between the genotypes. Plasma levels of the liver enzymes AST and ALT were significantly higher for MCD vs. MCC fed Adamts13‑/‑ and WT mice, however were not different between the genotypes. Liver triglyceride levels were also higher after MCD feeding, but were not different between WT and Adamts13‑/‑ mice. Adamts13‑/‑ mice on the two diets exhibited higher insulin sensitivity when compared with WT mice. On the MCC diet, the genotype did not show clear histological abnormalities in the liver, whereas severe steatosis and fibrosis were observed on MCD diet, however were comparable for both genotypes. This was supported by comparably enhanced hepatic expression in the two genotypes on MCD diet of the steatosis marker CD36 and of the fibrosis marker tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1. Thus, the results of the current study do not support a functional role of ADAMTS13 in this murine model of NASH.

The ADAMTS hyalectanase family: biological insights from diverse species

The a disintegrin-like and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type-1 motifs (ADAMTS) family of metzincins are complex secreted proteins that have diverse functions during development. The hyalectanases (ADAMTS1, 4, 5, 8, 9, 15 and 20) are a subset of this family that have enzymatic activity against hyalectan proteoglycans, the processing of which has important implications during development. This review explores the evolution, expression and developmental functions of the ADAMTS family, focusing on the ADAMTS hyalectanases and their substrates in diverse species. This review gives an overview of how the family and their substrates evolved from non-vertebrates to mammals, the expression of the hyalectanases and substrates in different species and their functions during development, and how these functions are conserved across species.

Unusual life cycle and impact on microfibril assembly of ADAMTS17, a secreted metalloprotease mutated in genetic eye disease

Secreted metalloproteases have diverse roles in the formation, remodeling, and the destruction of extracellular matrix. Recessive mutations in the secreted metalloprotease ADAMTS17 cause ectopia lentis and short stature in humans with Weill-Marchesani-like syndrome and primary open angle glaucoma and ectopia lentis in dogs. Little is known about this protease or its connection to fibrillin microfibrils, whose major component, fibrillin-1, is genetically associated with ectopia lentis and alterations in height. Fibrillin microfibrils form the ocular zonule and are present in the drainage apparatus of the eye. We show that recombinant ADAMTS17 has unique characteristics and an unusual life cycle. It undergoes rapid autocatalytic processing in trans after its secretion from cells. Secretion of ADAMTS17 requires O-fucosylation and its autocatalytic activity does not depend on propeptide processing by furin. ADAMTS17 binds recombinant fibrillin-2 but not fibrillin-1 and does not cleave either. It colocalizes to fibrillin-1 containing microfibrils in cultured fibroblasts and suppresses fibrillin-2 (FBN2) incorporation in microfibrils, in part by transcriptional downregulation of Fbn2 mRNA expression. RNA in situ hybridization detected Adamts17 expression in specific structures in the eye, skeleton and other organs, where it may regulate the fibrillin isoform composition of microfibrils.

Nitric oxide mediates aortic disease in mice deficient in the metalloprotease Adamts1 and in a mouse model of Marfan syndrome

Heritable thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections (TAAD), including Marfan syndrome (MFS), currently lack a cure, and causative mutations have been identified for only a fraction of affected families. Here we identify the metalloproteinase ADAMTS1 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2) as therapeutic targets in individuals with TAAD. We show that Adamts1 is a major mediator of vascular homeostasis, given that genetic haploinsufficiency of Adamts1 in mice causes TAAD similar to MFS. Aortic nitric oxide and Nos2 levels were higher in Adamts1-deficient mice and in a mouse model of MFS (hereafter referred to as MFS mice), and Nos2 inactivation protected both types of mice from aortic pathology. Pharmacological inhibition of Nos2 rapidly reversed aortic dilation and medial degeneration in young Adamts1-deficient mice and in young or old MFS mice. Patients with MFS showed elevated NOS2 and decreased ADAMTS1 protein levels in the aorta. These findings uncover a possible causative role for the ADAMTS1-NOS2 axis in human TAAD and warrant evaluation of NOS2 inhibitors for therapy.

ADAMTS14 Gene Polymorphism and Environmental Risk in the Development of Oral Cancer

Background

Oral cancer is a common malignancy that is shown to be causally associated with hereditary and acquired factors. ADAMTS14 is a member of the ADAMTS (a disintegrin-like and metalloproteinase domain with thrombospondin motifs) metalloproteinase family that plays an important role in extracellular matrix (ECM) assembly and degradation. Elevation or deficiency of certain ADAMTS proteinases has been known to be implicated in a wide range of pathological processes including atherosclerosis, arthritis, and cancer. The present study aimed to explore the impact of ADAMTS14 gene polymorphisms, combined with environmental risks on the susceptibility to oral tumorigenesis.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Four single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the ADAMTS14 gene, including rs10823607, rs12774070, rs4747096, and rs61573157 were evaluated from 1200 normal controls and 850 patients with oral cancer. We failed to detect a significant association of four individual SNPs with oral cancer between case and control group. However, while considering behavioral exposure of environmental carcinogens, the presence of four ADAMTS14 SNPs, combined with betel nut chewing and/or smoking, profoundly leveraged the risk of oral cancer. Moreover, we observed a significant association of rs12774070, which is predicted to alter the expression and function of ADAMTS14 by in silico and bioinformatics analyses, with poor tumor cell differentiation (AOR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.38–0.92; p = 0.02) in patients who chewed betel nuts.

Conclusions

These results implicate the interaction between ADAMTS14 gene polymorphisms and environmental mutagens as a risk factor of oral tumorigenesis and suggest a correlation of rs12774070 with the degree of oral tumor cell differentiation.

Identification of Loci Modulating the Cardiovascular and Skeletal Phenotypes of Marfan Syndrome in Mice

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is an autosomal dominant disease of the connective tissue, affecting mostly the skeletal, ocular and cardiovascular systems, caused by mutations in the FBN1 gene. The existence of modifier genes has been postulated based on the wide clinical variability of manifestations in patients, even among those with the same FBN1 mutation. Although isogenic mouse models of the disease were fundamental in dissecting the molecular mechanism of pathogenesis, they do not address the effect of genetic background on the disease phenotype. Here, we use a new mouse model, mg^ΔloxPneo, which presents different phenotype severity dependent on the genetic backgrounds, to identify genes involved in modulating MFS phenotype. F2 heterozygotes showed wide phenotypic variability, with no correlations between phenotypic severities of the different affected systems, indicating that each has its specific set of modifier genes. Individual analysis of the phenotypes, with SNP microarrays, identified two suggestive QTL each to the cardiovascular and skeletal, and one significant QTL to the skeletal phenotype. Epistatic interactions between the QTL account for 47.4% and 53.5% of variation in the skeletal and cardiovascular phenotypes, respectively. This is the first study that maps modifier loci for MFS, showing the complex genetic architecture underlying the disease.

Systematic data-querying of large pediatric biorepository identifies novel Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome variant

BACKGROUND

Ehlers Danlos Syndrome is a rare form of inherited connective tissue disorder, which primarily affects skin, joints, muscle, and blood cells. The current study aimed at finding the mutation that causing EDS type VII C also known as "Dermatosparaxis" in this family.

METHODS

Through systematic data querying of the electronic medical records (EMRs) of over 80,000 individuals, we recently identified an EDS family that indicate an autosomal dominant inheritance. The family was consented for genomic analysis of their de-identified data. After a negative screen for known mutations, we performed whole genome sequencing on the male proband, his affected father, and unaffected mother. We filtered the list of non-synonymous variants that are common between the affected individuals.

RESULTS

The analysis of non-synonymous variants lead to identifying a novel mutation in the ADAMTSL2 (p. Gly421Ser) gene in the affected individuals. Sanger sequencing confirmed the mutation.

CONCLUSION

Our work is significant not only because it sheds new light on the pathophysiology of EDS for the affected family and the field at large, but also because it demonstrates the utility of unbiased large-scale clinical recruitment in deciphering the genetic etiology of rare mendelian diseases. With unbiased large-scale clinical recruitment we strive to sequence as many rare mendelian diseases as possible, and this work in EDS serves as a successful proof of concept to that effect.

ADAMTS genes and the risk of cerebral aneurysm

OBJECTIVE Cerebral aneurysms (CAs) affect 2%-5% of the population, and familial predisposition plays a significant role in CA pathogenesis. Several lines of evidence suggest that genetic variations in matrix metalloproteinase genes (MMP) are involved in the etiopathology of CAs. The authors performed a case-control study to investigate the effect of 4 MMP variants from the ADAMTS family on the pathogenesis of CAs. METHODS To identify susceptible genetic variants, the authors investigated 8 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 4 genes from the ADAMTS family (ADAMTS2, -7, -12, and -13) known to be associated with vascular diseases. The study included 353 patients with CAs and 1055 healthy adults. RESULTS The authors found significant associations between CA susceptibility and genetic variations in 3 members of the ADAMTS family. The largest risk for CA (OR 1.32, p = 0.006) was observed in carriers of the ADAMTS2 variant rs11750568, which has been previously associated with pediatric stroke. Three SNPs under investigation are associated with a protective effect in CA pathogenesis (ADAMTS12 variant rs1364044: OR 0.65, p = 0.0001; and ADAMTS13 variants rs739469 and rs4962153: OR 0.77 and 0.63, p = 0.02 and 0.0006, respectively), while 2 other ADAMTS13 variants may confer a significant risk (rs2301612: OR 1.26, p = 0.011; rs2285489: OR 1.24, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that reduced integrity of the endothelial wall, as conferred by ADAMTS variants, together with inflammatory processes and defective vascular remodeling plays an important role in CA pathogenesis, although the mechanism of action remains unknown. The authors' findings may lead to specific screening of at-risk populations in the future.

[Inhibitory effect of von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease on angiogenesis]

目的

观察血管性血友病因子裂解酶（ADAMTS13）对血管内皮细胞生长因子（VEGF）介导的血管新生的抑制作用。

方法

以不同浓度的ADAMTS13（1、5、25、50、100 nmol/L）处理脐带静脉内皮细胞（HUVEC），采用MTT法检测ADAMTS13对HUVEC增殖的影响，通过管腔形成实验观察ADAMTS13对HUVEC分化的影响，通过刮伤愈合实验观察ADAMTS13对HUVEC迁移的影响，利用鸡胚绒毛尿囊膜实验和基质胶塞实验观察ADAMTS13在体内对血管新生的影响。

结果

与对照组相比，25、50、100 nmol/L ADAMTS13对HUVEC增殖均有明显的抑制作用（P值均<0.01）。在刮伤愈合实验中，制造损伤8 h后，对照组HUVEC的迁移距离为（79±22）µm, VEGF处理组为（250±8）µm，VEGF+ADAMTS13处理组为（170±23）µm，组间差异均有统计学意义（P值均<0.05）。在管腔形成试验中，VEGF处理组、VEGF+ADAMTS13处理组HUVEC培养16 h后形成的管状结构长度分别是对照组的（450.6±16.6）%、（235.3±19.0）%，VEGF+ADAMTS13处理组管状结构少于VEGF处理组（P< 0.001）。鸡胚绒毛尿囊膜实验中，VEGF（20 ng/ml）、ADAMTS13（100 nmol/L）、ADAMTS13（100 nmol/L）+VEGF(20 ng/ml)处理组的血管形成数量分别为对照组的（228.2±10.8）%、（69.2±21.1）%、（184.6±15.2）%。基质胶塞实验结果显示VEGF+ADAMTS13处理组小鼠体内的血管数量为VEGF组的43.5%。

结论

体外实验结果表明ADAMTS13对HUVEC增殖、分化、迁移能力均有抑制作用；体内实验结果提示ADAMTS13对血管新生有抑制作用。

Genetics of Canine Primary Glaucomas

Primary glaucomas are a leading cause of incurable vision loss in dogs. Based on their specific breed predilection, a genetic cause is suspected to be responsible, and affected dogs should be excluded from breeding. Despite the high prevalence of primary glaucomas in dogs, their genetics have been studied in only a small number of breeds. The identification of canine glaucoma disease genes, and the development of genetic tests, will help to avoid the breeding of affected dogs in the future and will allow for earlier diagnosis and potentially more effective therapy.