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Al-Salameh A. KCNJ5 mutations in familial and non-familial primary aldosteronism. Eur J Endocrinol 2024; 190:L9-L10. [PMID: 38781451 DOI: 10.1093/ejendo/lvae056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Abdallah Al-Salameh
- Department of Endocrinology-Diabetes Mellitus and Nutrition, Amiens University Hospital, 80054 Amiens, France
- PériTox, UMR-I 01, University of Picardie Jules Verne, 80025 Amiens, France
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2
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Stratakis CA. O tempora, o mores: The Age We Live In, Machine Learning, Hypertension, and Primary Aldosteronism. JACC. ASIA 2023; 3:676-677. [PMID: 37614549 PMCID: PMC10442877 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacasi.2023.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Constantine A. Stratakis
- Hormones, International Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Athens, Greece
- Human Genetics & Precision Medicine, IMBB, FORTH, Heraklion, Greece
- Medical Genetics, H. Dunant Hospital, Athens, Greece
- ELPEN Research Institute, Athens, Greece
- NIH Clinical Center, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Mourtzi N, Sertedaki A, Markou A, Piaditis GP, Katsanis N, Traeger-Synodinos J, Tsigos C, Charmandari E. Genetic screening of hypertensive patients with aldosterone hypersecretion under conditions of stress. Hormones (Athens) 2022; 21:525-536. [PMID: 36044182 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-022-00394-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Although ACTH is considered a secondary regulator of aldosterone production, patients with apparent essential hypertension have been treated with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs). In this study, we aimed to identify potentially damaging variants that might be implicated in the phenotype of a well-characterized cohort of 21 hypertensive patients without PA but with stress-induced aldosterone hypersecretion. The patients' blood pressure was normalized though MRA administration. METHODS Genetic screening was performed through whole-exome sequencing (WES), and variants in PA-associated or in ion-channels of aldosterone-regulating genes were prioritized. Variants with population frequency < 0.01, predicted to alter protein structure and classified as likely pathogenic by in silico tools, were retained. RESULTS Qualifying variants were identified in nine of the 21 patients screened. Seven patients were carriers of six potentially damaging variants in six genes associated with PA (KCNK9, KCNK5, ATP13A3, SLC26A2, CACNA1H, and CACNA1D). A novel variant in the KCNK9 gene (p.V221M) is reported. Our analysis revealed two variants in two novel susceptibility genes for aldosterone hypersecretion, namely, KCNK16 (p.P255H) and CACNA2D3 (p.V557I). CONCLUSION WES revealed potentially damaging germline variants in genes participating in aldosterone synthesis/regulating pathways in 9/21 patients of our cohort. The variants identified might play a role in aldosterone hypersecretion under conditions of stress. The potential pathogenicity of these variants should be examined in future functional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niki Mourtzi
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Aghia Sophia' Children's Hospital, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Amalia Sertedaki
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Aghia Sophia' Children's Hospital, 11527, Athens, Greece.
| | - Athina Markou
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, G. Gennimatas General Hospital, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - George P Piaditis
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, G. Gennimatas General Hospital, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Nicholas Katsanis
- Department of Cell Biology and Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Rescindo Therapeutics, Northwestern University, Chicago, USA
| | - Joanne Traeger-Synodinos
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Choremeio Research Laboratory, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 'Aghia Sophia' Children's Hospital, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Constantine Tsigos
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Science and Education, Harokopio University, 17671, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelia Charmandari
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Aghia Sophia' Children's Hospital, 11527, Athens, Greece
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center of Clinical, Biomedical Research Foundation, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Academy of Athens, 11527, Athens, Greece
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4
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Pitsava G, Faucz FR, Stratakis CA, Hannah-Shmouni F. Update on the Genetics of Primary Aldosteronism and Aldosterone-Producing Adenomas. Curr Cardiol Rep 2022; 24:1189-1195. [PMID: 35841527 PMCID: PMC9667367 DOI: 10.1007/s11886-022-01735-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the leading cause of secondary hypertension, accounting for over 10% of patients with high blood pressure. It is characterized by autonomous production of aldosterone from the adrenal glands leading to low-renin levels. The two most common forms arise from bilateral adrenocortical hyperplasia (BAH) and aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA). We discuss recent discoveries in the genetics of PA. RECENT FINDINGS Most APAs harbor variants in the KCNJ5, CACNA1D, ATP1A1, ATP2B3, and CTNNB1 genes. With the exception of β-catenin (CTNNB1), all other causative genes encode ion channels; pathogenic variants found in PA lead to altered ion transportation, cell membrane depolarization, and consequently aldosterone overproduction. Some of these genes are found mutated in the germline state (CYP11B2, CLCN2, KCNJ5, CACNA1H, and CACNA1D), leading then to familial hyperaldosteronism, and often BAH rather than single APAs. Several genetic defects in the germline or somatic state have been identified in PA. Understanding how these molecular abnormalities lead to excess aldosterone contributes significantly to the elucidation of the pathophysiology of low-renin hypertension. It may also lead to new and more effective therapies for this disease acting at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Pitsava
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Section On Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Fabio R Faucz
- Section On Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Constantine A Stratakis
- Section On Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- ELPEN Pharmaceuticals, Pikermi, Athens, Greece
- Human Genetics & Precision Medicine, IMBB, FORTH, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Fady Hannah-Shmouni
- Section On Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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5
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Tatsi C, Maria AG, Malloy C, Lin L, London E, Settas N, Flippo C, Keil M, Hannah-Shmouni F, Hoffman DA, Stratakis CA. Cushing Syndrome in a Pediatric Patient With a KCNJ5 Variant and Successful Treatment With Low-dose Ketoconazole. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:1606-1616. [PMID: 33630995 PMCID: PMC8118581 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Pathogenic variants in KCNJ5, encoding the GIRK4 (Kir3.4) potassium channel, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of familial hyperaldosteronism type-III (FH-III) and sporadic primary aldosteronism (PA). In addition to aldosterone, glucocorticoids are often found elevated in PA in association with KCNJ5 pathogenic variants, albeit at subclinical levels. However, to date no GIRK4 defects have been linked to Cushing syndrome (CS). PATIENT We present the case of a 10-year-old child who presented with CS at an early age due to bilateral adrenocortical hyperplasia (BAH). The patient was placed on low-dose ketoconazole (KZL), which controlled hypercortisolemia and CS-related signs. Discontinuation of KZL for even 6 weeks led to recurrent CS. RESULTS Screening for known genes causing cortisol-producing BAHs (PRKAR1A, PRKACA, PRKACB, PDE11A, PDE8B, ARMC5) failed to identify any gene defects. Whole-exome sequencing showed a novel KCNJ5 pathogenic variant (c.506T>C, p.L169S) inherited from her father. In vitro studies showed that the p.L169S variant affects conductance of the Kir3.4 channel without affecting its expression or membrane localization. Although there were no effects on steroidogenesis in vitro, there were modest changes in protein kinase A activity. In silico analysis of the mutant channel proposed mechanisms for the altered conductance. CONCLUSION We present a pediatric patient with CS due to BAH and a germline defect in KCNJ5. Molecular investigations of this KCNJ5 variant failed to show a definite cause of her CS. However, this KCNJ5 variant differed in its function from KCNJ5 defects leading to PA. We speculate that GIRK4 (Kir3.4) may play a role in early human adrenocortical development and zonation and participate in the pathogenesis of pediatric BAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Tatsi
- Section on Endocrinology & Genetics (SEGEN), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892,USA
- Internal medicine and Pediatric Endocrinology Inter-institute Training Programs, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892,USA
- Correspondence: Christina Tatsi MD, MHSc, PhD, 10 Center Drive, Building 10, NIH-Clinical Research Center, Room 1-3330, MSC1103, Bethesda, MD 20892,USA.
| | - Andrea G Maria
- Section on Endocrinology & Genetics (SEGEN), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892,USA
| | - Cole Malloy
- Section on Molecular Neurophysiology and Biophysics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892,USA
| | - Lin Lin
- Section on Molecular Neurophysiology and Biophysics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892,USA
| | - Edra London
- Section on Endocrinology & Genetics (SEGEN), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892,USA
| | - Nick Settas
- Section on Endocrinology & Genetics (SEGEN), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892,USA
| | - Chelsi Flippo
- Section on Endocrinology & Genetics (SEGEN), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892,USA
- Internal medicine and Pediatric Endocrinology Inter-institute Training Programs, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892,USA
| | - Meg Keil
- Section on Endocrinology & Genetics (SEGEN), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892,USA
- Internal medicine and Pediatric Endocrinology Inter-institute Training Programs, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892,USA
| | - Fady Hannah-Shmouni
- Section on Endocrinology & Genetics (SEGEN), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892,USA
- Internal medicine and Pediatric Endocrinology Inter-institute Training Programs, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892,USA
| | - Dax A Hoffman
- Section on Molecular Neurophysiology and Biophysics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892,USA
| | - Constantine A Stratakis
- Section on Endocrinology & Genetics (SEGEN), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892,USA
- Internal medicine and Pediatric Endocrinology Inter-institute Training Programs, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892,USA
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Unravelling the Genetic Basis of Primary Aldosteronism. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13030875. [PMID: 33800142 PMCID: PMC7999899 DOI: 10.3390/nu13030875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary aldosteronism (PA), a condition characterized by autonomous aldosterone hypersecretion, constitutes the most common cause of secondary hypertension. Over the last decade, major breakthroughs have been made in the field of genetics underpinning PA. The advent and wide application of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology led to the identification of several somatic and germline mutations associated with sporadic and familial forms of PA. Somatic mutations in ion-channel genes that participate in aldosterone biosynthesis, including KCNJ5, CACNA1D, ATP1A1, and ATP2B3, have been implicated in the development of aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs). On the other hand, germline variants in CLCN2, KCNJ5, CACNA1H, and CACNA1D genes have been implicated in the pathogenesis of the familial forms of PA, FH-II, FH-III, and F-IV, as well as PA associated with seizures and neurological abnormalities. However, recent studies have shown that the prevalence of PA is higher than previously thought, indicating the need for an improvement of our diagnostic tools. Further research is required to recognize mild forms of PA and to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms.
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7
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He X, Modi Z, Else T. Hereditary causes of primary aldosteronism and other disorders of apparent excess mineralocorticoid activity. Gland Surg 2020; 9:150-158. [PMID: 32206607 DOI: 10.21037/gs.2019.11.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Secondary hypertension is a common condition with a broad differential diagnosis. Identification of the true cause of hypertension can be critical for guiding appropriate management. Here, we review hereditary conditions underlying the most common cause of secondary hypertension, primary aldosteronism, as well as other disorders impacting various levels of mineralocorticoid action. Recently, several pathogenic variants of ion channels have been described as etiologies of familial aldosteronism. Defects in steroid hormone synthesis cause hypertension in 11β-hydroxylase deficiency and 17α-hydroxylase deficiency, two types of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Inappropriate activation of mineralocorticoid receptors underlies the syndrome of apparent mineralocorticoid excess and constitutive activation of the mineralocorticoid receptor. Finally, Liddle syndrome and pseudohypoaldosteronism type 2 are disorders impacting the function of renal sodium channels, the endpoint of mineralocorticoid action. We discuss the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and management of these low renin hypertension states that ultimately result in apparent excess mineralocorticoid activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin He
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Zubin Modi
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Susan B. Meister Child Health Evaluation and Research (CHEAR) Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Tobias Else
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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8
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Papageorgiou L, Papakonstantinou E, Salis C, Polychronidou E, Hagidimitriou M, Maroulis D, Eliopoulos E, Vlachakis D. Drugena: A Fully Automated Immunoinformatics Platform for the Design of Antibody-Drug Conjugates Against Neurodegenerative Diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1194:203-215. [PMID: 32468536 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-32622-7_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Antibodies are proteins that are the first line of defense in the adaptive immune response of vertebrates. Thereby, they are involved in a multitude of biochemical mechanisms and clinical manifestations with significant medical interest, such as autoimmunity, the regulation of infection, and cancer. An emerging field in antibody science that is of huge medicinal interest is the development of novel antibody-interacting drugs. Such entities are the antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), which are a new type of targeted therapy, which consist of an antibody linked to a payload drug. Overall, the underlying principle of ADCs is the discerning delivery of a drug to a target, hoping to increase the potency of the original drug. Drugena suite is a pioneering platform that employs state-of-the-art computational biology methods in the fight against neurodegenerative diseases using ADCs. Drugena encompasses an up-to-date structural database of specialized antibodies for neurological disorders and the NCI database with over 96 million entities for the in silico development of ADCs. The pipeline of the Drugena suite has been divided into several steps and modules that are closely related with a synergistic fashion under a user-friendly graphical user interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Papageorgiou
- Genetics and Computational Biology Group, Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Department of Informatics and Telecommunications, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Papakonstantinou
- Genetics and Computational Biology Group, Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Constantinos Salis
- Genetics and Computational Biology Group, Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Marianna Hagidimitriou
- Genetics and Computational Biology Group, Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitris Maroulis
- Department of Informatics and Telecommunications, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Elias Eliopoulos
- Genetics and Computational Biology Group, Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Vlachakis
- Genetics and Computational Biology Group, Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece. .,Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece.
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9
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Papageorgiou L, Maroulis D, Chrousos GP, Eliopoulos E, Vlachakis D. Antibody Clustering Using a Machine Learning Pipeline that Fuses Genetic, Structural, and Physicochemical Properties. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1194:41-58. [PMID: 32468522 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-32622-7_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Antibody V domain clustering is of paramount importance to a repertoire of immunology-related areas. Although several approaches have been proposed for antibody clustering, still no consensus has been reached. Numerous attempts use information from genes, protein sequences, 3D structures, and 3D surfaces in an effort to elucidate unknown action mechanisms directly related to their function and to either link them directly to diseases or drive the discovery of new medicines, such as antibody drug conjugates (ADC). Herein, we describe a new V domain antibody clustering method based on the comparison of the interaction sites between each antibody and its antigen. A more specific clustering analysis of the antibody's V domain was provided using deep learning and data mining techniques. The multidimensional information was extracted from the structural resolved antibodies when they were captured to interact with other proteins. The available 3D structures of protein antigen-antibody (Ag-Ab) interfaces contain information about how antibody V domains recognize antigens as well as about which amino acids are involved in the recognition. As such, the antibody surface holds information about antigens' folding that reside with the Ab-Ag interface residues and how they interact. In order to gain insight into the nature of such interactions, we propose a new simple philosophy to transform the conserved framework (fragment regions, complementarity-determining regions) of antibody V domain in a binary form using structural features of antibody-antigen interactions, toward identifying new antibody signatures in V domain binding activity. Finally, an advanced three-level hybrid classification scheme has been set for clustering antibodies in subgroups, which can combine the information from the protein sequences, the three-dimensional structures, and specific "key patterns" of recognized interactions. The clusters provide multilevel information about antibodies and antibody-antigen complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Papageorgiou
- Department of Informatics and Telecommunications, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Genetics and Computational Biology Group, Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitris Maroulis
- Department of Informatics and Telecommunications, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George P Chrousos
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece.,Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Elias Eliopoulos
- Genetics and Computational Biology Group, Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Vlachakis
- Genetics and Computational Biology Group, Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece. .,Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece.
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10
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Raftopoulou S, Nicolaides NC, Papageorgiou L, Amfilochiou A, Zakinthinos SG, George P, Eliopoulos E, Chrousos GP, Vlachakis D. Structural Study of the DNA: Clock/Bmal1 Complex Provides Insights for the Role of Cortisol, hGR, and HPA Axis in Stress Management and Sleep Disorders. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1195:59-71. [PMID: 32468460 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-32633-3_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Herein, we deploy an in silico pipeline of structural bioinformatics, thermodynamics, and molecular dynamics to investigate the role of cortisol in circadian rhythms, biorhythms, stress response, and even sleep disorders. Our study shows that high concentrations of cortisol intercalate in the minor groove of DNA. This phenomenon widens the adjacent major grooves and provides the Clock/Bmal1 complex with more space to dock and interact with DNA. Then, the strong charges of cortisol pull the alpha helices of the Clock/Bmal1 complex and bend it inward, thus establishing stronger interactions and prolonged signaling. Our results indicate that elevated cortisol levels play an important role in stress, inflammation, and sleep disorders as a result of prolonged and stronger dsDNA - Clock/Bmal1 interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Raftopoulou
- Genetics and Computational Biology Group, Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Affidea Healthcare Company, Athens, Greece
| | - Nicolas C Nicolaides
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Louis Papageorgiou
- Genetics and Computational Biology Group, Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasia Amfilochiou
- Sismanoglio General Hospital of Attica, Respiratory Function & Sleep Study Unit, Marousi, Greece
| | - Spyros G Zakinthinos
- Critical Care and Pulmonary Services, Evangelismos Hospital, Medical School of Athens University, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Elias Eliopoulos
- Genetics and Computational Biology Group, Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George P Chrousos
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Vlachakis
- Genetics and Computational Biology Group, Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece. .,Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece.
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11
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Olive Oil Polyphenols in Neurodegenerative Pathologies. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1195:77-91. [PMID: 32468462 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-32633-3_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases lead to the death of nerve cells in the brain or the spinal cord. A wide range of diseases are included within the group of neurodegenerative disorders, with the most common ones being dementia, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's diseases. Millions of older people are suffering from such pathologies. The global increase of life expectancy unavoidably leads to a consequent increase in the number of people who will be at some degree affected by neurodegenerative-related diseases. At this moment, there is no effective therapy or treatment that can reverse the loss of neurons. A growing number of studies highlight the value of the consumption of medical foods, and in particular olive oil, as one of the most important components of the Mediterranean diet. A diet based on extra virgin olive oil seems to contribute toward the lowering of risk of age-related pathologies due to high phenol concentration. The link of a polyphenol found in extra virgin olive oil, namely, tyrosol, with the protein tyrosinase, associated to Parkinson's disease is underlined as a paradigm of affiliation between polyphenols and neurodegenerative disorders.
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12
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Kamilaris CDC, Stratakis CA. An update on adrenal endocrinology: significant discoveries in the last 10 years and where the field is heading in the next decade. Hormones (Athens) 2018; 17:479-490. [PMID: 30456751 PMCID: PMC6294814 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-018-0072-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The last 10 years have produced an amazing number of significant discoveries in the field of adrenal endocrinology. The development of the adrenal gland was linked to specific molecules. Cortisol-producing lesions were associated mostly with defects of the cyclic AMP (cAMP) signaling pathway, whereas aldosterone-producing lesions were found to be the result of defects in aldosterone biosynthesis or the potassium channel KCNJ5 and related molecules. Macronodular adrenal hyperplasia was linked to ARMC5 defects and new genes were found to be involved in adrenocortical cancer (ACC). The succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) enzyme was proven to be the most important molecular pathway involved in pheochromocytomas, along with several other genes. Adrenomedullary tumors are now largely molecularly elucidated. Unfortunately, most of these important discoveries have yet to produce new therapeutic tools for our patients with adrenal diseases: ACC in its advanced stages remains largely an untreatable disorder and malignant pheochromocytomas are equally hard to treat. Thus, the challenge for the next 10 years is to translate the important discoveries of the previous decade into substantial advances in the treatment of adrenal disorders and tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal D C Kamilaris
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics & Inter-Institute Endocrinology Training Program, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), NIH-Clinical Research Center, 10 Center Drive, Building 10, Room 1-3330, MSC1103, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Constantine A Stratakis
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics & Inter-Institute Endocrinology Training Program, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), NIH-Clinical Research Center, 10 Center Drive, Building 10, Room 1-3330, MSC1103, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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13
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Regulation of aldosterone production by ion channels: From basal secretion to primary aldosteronism. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2018; 1864:871-881. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2017.12.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Revised: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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14
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Bandulik S. Of channels and pumps: different ways to boost the aldosterone? Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2017; 220:332-360. [PMID: 27862984 DOI: 10.1111/apha.12832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Revised: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 11/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The mineralocorticoid aldosterone is a major factor controlling the salt and water balance and thereby also the arterial blood pressure. Accordingly, primary aldosteronism (PA) characterized by an inappropriately high aldosterone secretion is the most common form of secondary hypertension. The physiological stimulation of aldosterone synthesis in adrenocortical glomerulosa cells by angiotensin II and an increased plasma K+ concentration depends on a membrane depolarization and an increase in the cytosolic Ca2+ activity. Recurrent gain-of-function mutations of ion channels and transporters have been identified in a majority of cases of aldosterone-producing adenomas and in familial forms of PA. In this review, the physiological role of these genes in the regulation of aldosterone synthesis and the altered function of the mutant proteins as well are described. The specific changes of the membrane potential and the cellular ion homoeostasis in adrenal cells expressing the different mutants are compared, and their impact on autonomous aldosterone production and proliferation is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Bandulik
- Medical Cell Biology; University of Regensburg; Regensburg Germany
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15
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Abstract
Studies involving adoptive families and twins have demonstrated the genetic basis of hypertension and shown that genetic factors account for about 40% of the variance in blood pressure among individuals. Arterial hypertension is genetically complex: multiple genes influence the blood pressure phenotype through allelic effects from single genes and gene-gene interactions. Moreover, environmental factors also modify the blood pressure phenotype. This complexity explains why the identification of the underlying genes has not been as successful in hypertension as in other diseases (such as type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus). The identification of the genetic determinants of hypertension has been most successful in endocrine forms of hypertension, which have well-defined phenotypes that permit a precise patient stratification into homogeneous cohorts. A promising area for the application of genetic testing to personalized medicine is the prediction of responses and adverse reactions to antihypertensive drugs. The identification of genetic markers of drug response will enable the design of randomized controlled trials in much smaller series of patients than is currently possible, decreasing the costs and times from drug design to clinical use and ultimately providing patients and doctors with a larger number of tools to combat hypertension, the most important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. This Review focuses on the rapidly developing field of genetic testing in patients with arterial hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gian Paolo Rossi
- Clinica dell'Ipertensione Arteriosa, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Via Giustiniani 2, 35126 Padua, Italy
| | - Giulio Ceolotto
- Clinica dell'Ipertensione Arteriosa, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Via Giustiniani 2, 35126 Padua, Italy
| | - Brasilina Caroccia
- Clinica dell'Ipertensione Arteriosa, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Via Giustiniani 2, 35126 Padua, Italy
| | - Livia Lenzini
- Clinica dell'Ipertensione Arteriosa, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Via Giustiniani 2, 35126 Padua, Italy
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16
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Familial hyperaldosteronism type III. J Hum Hypertens 2017; 31:776-781. [PMID: 28447626 DOI: 10.1038/jhh.2017.34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Revised: 01/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Primary aldosteronism is the most common form of endocrine hypertension. This disorder comprises both sporadic and familial forms. Four familial forms of primary aldosteronism (FH-I to FH-IV) have been described. FH-III is caused by germline mutations in KCNJ5, encoding the potassium channel Kir3.4 (also called GIRK4). These mutations alter the selectivity filter of the channel and lead to abnormal ion currents with loss of potassium selectivity, sodium influx and consequent increased intracellular calcium that causes excessive aldosterone biosynthesis. To date, eleven families have been reported, carrying six different mutations. Although the clinical features are variable, FH-III patients often display severe hyperaldosteronism with an early onset, associated with hypokalemia and diabetes insipidus-like symptoms. In most cases FH-III patients are resistant to pharmacological therapy and require bilateral adrenalectomy to control symptoms. In the present manuscript, we review the genetics and pathological basis of FH-III, the diagnostic work-up, clinical features and therapeutic management. Finally, we will describe a new case of FH-III of an Italian patient carrying a Gly151Arg mutation.
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