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Shen G, Liu J, Yang H, Xie N, Yang Y. mRNA therapies: Pioneering a new era in rare genetic disease treatment. J Control Release 2024; 369:696-721. [PMID: 38580137 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.03.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Rare genetic diseases, often referred to as orphan diseases due to their low prevalence and limited treatment options, have long posed significant challenges to our medical system. In recent years, Messenger RNA (mRNA) therapy has emerged as a highly promising treatment approach for various diseases caused by genetic mutations. Chemically modified mRNA is introduced into cells using carriers like lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs), producing functional proteins that compensate for genetic deficiencies. Given the advantages of precise dosing, biocompatibility, transient expression, and minimal risk of genomic integration, mRNA therapies can safely and effectively correct genetic defects in rare diseases and improve symptoms. Currently, dozens of mRNA drugs targeting rare diseases are undergoing clinical trials. This comprehensive review summarizes the progress of mRNA therapy in treating rare genetic diseases. It introduces the development, molecular design, and delivery systems of mRNA therapy, highlighting their research progress in rare genetic diseases based on protein replacement and gene editing. The review also summarizes research progress in various rare disease models and clinical trials. Additionally, it discusses the challenges and future prospects of mRNA therapy. Researchers are encouraged to join this field and collaborate to advance the clinical translation of mRNA therapy, bringing hope to patients with rare genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guobo Shen
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Hanmei Yang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Na Xie
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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Singh RH, Bourdages MH, Kurtz A, MacLoed E, Norman C, Ratko S, van Calcar SC, Kenneson A. The efficacy of Carbamylglutamate impacts the nutritional management of patients with N-Acetylglutamate synthase deficiency. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2024; 19:168. [PMID: 38637895 PMCID: PMC11027358 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-024-03167-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The autosomal recessive disorder N-acetylglutamate synthase (NAGS) deficiency is the rarest defect of the urea cycle, with an incidence of less than one in 2,000,000 live births. Hyperammonemic crises can be avoided in individuals with NAGS deficiency by the administration of carbamylglutamate (also known as carglumic acid), which activates carbamoyl phosphatase synthetase 1 (CPS1). The aim of this case series was to introduce additional cases of NAGS deficiency to the literature as well as to assess the role of nutrition management in conjunction with carbamylglutamate therapy across new and existing cases. METHODS We conducted retrospective chart reviews of seven cases of NAGS deficiency in the US and Canada, focusing on presentation, diagnosis, medication management, nutrition management, and outcomes. RESULTS Five new and two previously published cases were included. Presenting symptoms were consistent with previous reports. Diagnostic confirmation via molecular testing varied in protocol across cases, with consecutive single gene tests leading to long delays in diagnosis in some cases. All patients responded well to carbamylglutamate therapy, as indicated by normalization of plasma ammonia and citrulline, as well as urine orotic acid in patients with abnormal levels at baseline. Although protein restriction was not prescribed in any cases after carbamylglutamate initiation, two patients continued to self-restrict protein intake. One patient experienced two episodes of hyperammonemia that resulted in poor long-term outcomes. Both episodes occurred after a disruption in access to carbamylglutamate, once due to insurance prior authorization requirements and language barriers and once due to seizure activity limiting the family's ability to administer carbamylglutamate. CONCLUSIONS Follow-up of patients with NAGS deficiency should include plans for illness and for disruption of carbamylglutamate access, including nutrition management strategies such as protein restriction. Carbamylglutamate can help patients with NAGS deficiency to liberalize their diets, but the maximum safe level of protein intake to prevent hyperammonemia is not yet known. Patients using this medication should still monitor their diet closely and be prepared for any disruptions in medication access, which might require immediate dietary adjustments or medical intervention to prevent hyperammonemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rani H Singh
- Emory University School of Medicine, 101 Woodruff Circle, 7th Floor Suite 7130, 30322, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | | | | | - Erin MacLoed
- Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | | | | | - Aileen Kenneson
- Emory University School of Medicine, 101 Woodruff Circle, 7th Floor Suite 7130, 30322, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Moedas MF, Simões RJM, Silva MFB. Mitochondrial targets in hyperammonemia: Addressing urea cycle function to improve drug therapies. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 222:116034. [PMID: 38307136 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
The urea cycle (UC) is a critically important metabolic process for the disposal of nitrogen (ammonia) produced by amino acids catabolism. The impairment of this liver-specific pathway induced either by primary genetic defects or by secondary causes, namely those associated with hepatic disease or drug administration, may result in serious clinical consequences. Urea cycle disorders (UCD) and certain organic acidurias are the major groups of inherited rare diseases manifested with hyperammonemia (HA) with UC dysregulation. Importantly, several commonly prescribed drugs, including antiepileptics in monotherapy or polytherapy from carbamazepine to valproic acid or specific antineoplastic agents such as asparaginase or 5-fluorouracil may be associated with HA by mechanisms not fully elucidated. HA, disclosing an imbalance between ammoniagenesis and ammonia disposal via the UC, can evolve to encephalopathy which may lead to significant morbidity and central nervous system damage. This review will focus on biochemical mechanisms related with HA emphasizing some poorly understood perspectives behind the disruption of the UC and mitochondrial energy metabolism, namely: i) changes in acetyl-CoA or NAD+ levels in subcellular compartments; ii) post-translational modifications of key UC-related enzymes, namely acetylation, potentially affecting their catalytic activity; iii) the mitochondrial sirtuins-mediated role in ureagenesis. Moreover, the main UCD associated with HA will be summarized to highlight the relevance of investigating possible genetic mutations to account for unexpected HA during certain pharmacological therapies. The ammonia-induced effects should be avoided or overcome as part of safer therapeutic strategies to protect patients under treatment with drugs that may be potentially associated with HA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco F Moedas
- Research Institute for Medicines-iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; Centre for Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ricardo J M Simões
- Research Institute for Medicines-iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Margarida F B Silva
- Research Institute for Medicines-iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal.
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Yap S, Lamireau D, Feillet F, Ruiz Gomez A, Davison J, Tangeraas T, Giordano V. Real-World Experience of Carglumic Acid for Methylmalonic and Propionic Acidurias: An Interim Analysis of the Multicentre Observational PROTECT Study. Drugs R D 2024; 24:69-80. [PMID: 38198106 PMCID: PMC11035519 DOI: 10.1007/s40268-023-00449-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Methylmalonic aciduria (MMA) and propionic aciduria (PA) are organic acidurias characterised by the accumulation of toxic metabolites and hyperammonaemia related to secondary N-acetylglutamate deficiency. Carglumic acid, a synthetic analogue of N-acetylglutamate, decreases ammonia levels by restoring the functioning of the urea cycle. However, there are limited data available on the long-term safety and effectiveness of carglumic acid. Here, we present an interim analysis of the ongoing, long-term, prospective, observational PROTECT study (NCT04176523), which is investigating the long-term use of carglumic acid in children and adults with MMA and PA. METHODS Individuals with MMA or PA from France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the UK who have received at least 1 year of carglumic acid treatment as part of their usual care are eligible for inclusion. The primary objective is the number and duration of acute metabolic decompensation events with hyperammonaemia (ammonia level >159 µmol/L during a patient's first month of life or >60 µmol/L thereafter, with an increased lactate level [> 1.8 mmol/L] and/or acidosis [pH < 7.35]) before and after treatment with carglumic acid. Peak plasma ammonia levels during the last decompensation event before and the first decompensation event after carglumic acid initiation, and the annualised rate of decompensation events before and after treatment initiation are also being assessed. Secondary objectives include the duration of hospital stay associated with decompensation events. Data are being collected at approximately 12 months' and 18 months' follow-up. RESULTS Of the patients currently enrolled in the PROTECT study, data from ten available patients with MMA (n = 4) and PA (n = 6) were analysed. The patients had received carglumic acid for 14-77 (mean 36) months. Carglumic acid reduced the median peak ammonia level of the total patient population from 250 µmol/L (range 97-2569) before treatment to 103 µmol/L (range 97-171) after treatment. The annualised rate of acute metabolic decompensations with hyperammonaemia was reduced by a median of - 41% (range - 100% to + 60%) after treatment with carglumic acid. Of the five patients who experienced a decompensation event before treatment and for whom a post-treatment rate could be calculated, the annualised decompensation event rate was lower after carglumic acid treatment in four patients. The mean duration of hospital inpatient stay during decompensation events was shorter after than before carglumic acid treatment initiation in four of five patients for whom length of stay could be calculated. CONCLUSIONS In this group of patients with MMA and PA, treatment with carglumic acid for at least 1 year reduced peak plasma ammonia levels in the total patient population and reduced the frequency of metabolic decompensation events, as well as the duration of inpatient stay due to metabolic decompensations in a subset of patients. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04176523. Registered 25 November, 2019, retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04176523 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Sufin Yap
- Department of Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Sheffield Children's Hospital, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TH, UK.
| | - Delphine Lamireau
- Hopital Des Enfants, CHU de Bordeaux-GH Pellegrin, Bordeaux Cedex, France
| | - Francois Feillet
- CHU de Nancy, Hopitaux de Brabois, Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy Cedex, France
| | | | | | - Trine Tangeraas
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Zheng K, Lin S, Gao J, Chen S, Su J, Liu Z, Duan S. Novel compound heterozygous MYO15A splicing variants in autosomal recessive non-syndromic hearing loss. BMC Med Genomics 2024; 17:4. [PMID: 38167320 PMCID: PMC10763153 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-023-01777-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hereditary hearing loss is a highly heterogeneous disorder. This study aimed to identify the genetic cause of a Chinese family with autosomal recessive non-syndromic sensorineural hearing loss (ARNSHL). METHODS Clinical information and peripheral blood samples were collected from the proband and its parents. Two-step high-throughput next-generation sequencing on the Ion Torrent platform was applied to detect variants as follows. First, long-range PCR was performed to amplify all the regions of the GJB2, GJB3, SLC26A4, and MT-RNR1 genes, followed by next-generation sequencing. If no candidate pathogenetic variants were found, the targeted exon sequencing with AmpliSeq technology was employed to examine another 64 deafness-associated genes. Sanger sequencing was used to identify variants and the lineage co-segregation. The splicing of the MYO15A gene was assessed by in silico bioinformatics prediction and minigene assays. RESULTS Two candidate MYO15A gene (OMIM, #602,666) heterozygous splicing variants, NG_011634.2 (NM_016239.3): c.6177 + 1G > T and c.9690 + 1G > A, were identified in the proband, and these two variants were both annotated as pathogenic according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines. Further bioinformatic analysis predicted that the c.6177 + 1G > T variant might cause exon skipping and that the c.9690 + 1G > A variant might activate a cryptic splicing donor site in the downstream intronic region. An in vitro minigene assay confirmed the above predictions. CONCLUSIONS We identified a compound heterozygous splicing variant in the MYO15A gene in a Han Chinese family with ARNSHL. Our results broaden the spectrum of MYO15A variants, potentially benefiting the early diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaifeng Zheng
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Maternal and Child Medicine, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Sheng Lin
- Shenzhen Health Development Research and Data Management Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jian Gao
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Maternal and Child Medicine, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shiguo Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Maternal and Child Medicine, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jindi Su
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Maternal and Child Medicine, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhiqiang Liu
- Shenzhen Health Development Research and Data Management Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shan Duan
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Maternal and Child Medicine, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China.
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Zhang Y, Peng C, Wang L, Chen S, Wang J, Tian Z, Wang C, Chen X, Zhu S, Zhang GF, Wang Y. Prevalence of propionic acidemia in China. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2023; 18:281. [PMID: 37689673 PMCID: PMC10493020 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-023-02898-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Propionic acidemia (PA) is a rare autosomal recessive congenital disease caused by mutations in the PCCA or PCCB genes. Elevated propionylcarnitine, 2-methylcitric acid (2MCA), propionylglycine, glycine and 3-hydroxypropionate can be used to diagnose PA. Early-onset PA can lead to acute deterioration, metabolic acidosis, and hyperammonemia shortly after birth, which can result in high mortality and disability. Late-onset cases of PA have a more heterogeneous clinical spectra, including growth retardation, intellectual disability, seizures, basal ganglia lesions, pancreatitis, cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, adaptive immune defects, rhabdomyolysis, optic atrophy, hearing loss, premature ovarian failure, and chronic kidney disease. Timely and accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial to saving patients' lives and improving their prognosis. Recently, the number of reported PA cases in China has increased due to advanced diagnostic techniques and increased research attention. However, an overview of PA prevalence in China is lacking. Therefore, this review provides an overview of recent advances in the pathogenesis, diagnostic strategies, and treatment of PA, including epidemiological data on PA in China. The most frequent variants among Chinese PA patients are c.2002G > A in PCCA and c.1301C > T in PCCB, which are often associated with severe clinical symptoms. At present, liver transplantation from a living (heterozygous parental) donor is a better option for treating PA in China, especially for those exhibiting a severe metabolic phenotype and/or end-organ dysfunction. However, a comprehensive risk-benefit analysis should be conducted as an integral part of the decision-making process. This review will provide valuable information for the medical care of Chinese patients with PA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixing Zhang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Jining Medical University, Shandong, 272067, China
| | - Chuwen Peng
- School of Clinical Medicine, Jining Medical University, Shandong, 272067, China
| | - Lifang Wang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Jining Medical University, Shandong, 272067, China
| | - Sitong Chen
- School of Clinical Medicine, Jining Medical University, Shandong, 272067, China
| | - Junwei Wang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Jining Medical University, Shandong, 272067, China
| | - Ziheng Tian
- School of Clinical Medicine, Jining Medical University, Shandong, 272067, China
| | - Chuangong Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, 133 Hehua Road, Shandong, 272067, China
- Jining Key Laboratory of Pharmacology, Jining Medical University, Shandong, 272067, China
| | - Xiaoxin Chen
- Surgical Research Lab, Department of Surgery, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA
- Coriell Institute for Medical Research, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA
- MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA
| | - Suhong Zhu
- School of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, 133 Hehua Road, Shandong, 272067, China.
- Jining Key Laboratory of Pharmacology, Jining Medical University, Shandong, 272067, China.
| | - Guo-Fang Zhang
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute and Sarah W. Stedman Nutrition and Metabolism Center, Duke University Medical Center, Carmichael Building 48-203, 300 North Duke Street, Durham, NC, 27701, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism Nutrition, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27701, USA.
| | - You Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, 133 Hehua Road, Shandong, 272067, China.
- Jining Key Laboratory of Pharmacology, Jining Medical University, Shandong, 272067, China.
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Marchuk H, Wang Y, Ladd ZA, Chen X, Zhang GF. Pathophysiological mechanisms of complications associated with propionic acidemia. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 249:108501. [PMID: 37482098 PMCID: PMC10529999 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Propionic acidemia (PA) is a genetic metabolic disorder caused by mutations in the mitochondrial enzyme, propionyl-CoA carboxylase (PCC), which is responsible for converting propionyl-CoA to methylmalonyl-CoA for further metabolism in the tricarboxylic acid cycle. When this process is disrupted, propionyl-CoA and its metabolites accumulate, leading to a variety of complications including life-threatening cardiac diseases and other metabolic strokes. While the clinical symptoms and diagnosis of PA are well established, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of PA-induced diseases are not fully understood. As a result, there are currently few effective therapies for PA beyond dietary restriction. This review focuses on the pathophysiological mechanisms of the various complications associated with PA, drawing on extensive research and clinical reports. Most research suggests that propionyl-CoA and its metabolites can impair mitochondrial energy metabolism and cause cellular damage by inducing oxidative stress. However, direct evidence from in vivo studies is still lacking. Additionally, elevated levels of ammonia can be toxic, although not all PA patients develop hyperammonemia. The discovery of pathophysiological mechanisms underlying various complications associated with PA can aid in the development of more effective therapeutic treatments. The consequences of elevated odd-chain fatty acids in lipid metabolism and potential gene expression changes mediated by histone propionylation also warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Marchuk
- Sarah W. Stedman Nutrition and Metabolism Center & Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27701, USA
| | - You Wang
- Jining Key Laboratory of Pharmacology, Jining Medical University, Shandong 272067, China.; School of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, Shandong 272067, China
| | - Zachary Alec Ladd
- Surgical Research Lab, Department of Surgery, Cooper University Healthcare and Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103, USA
| | - Xiaoxin Chen
- Surgical Research Lab, Department of Surgery, Cooper University Healthcare and Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103, USA; Coriell Institute for Medical Research, Camden, NJ 08103, USA; MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper, Camden, NJ 08103, USA.
| | - Guo-Fang Zhang
- Sarah W. Stedman Nutrition and Metabolism Center & Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27701, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, and Metabolism Nutrition, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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Nawaz H, Khan SA, Bibi F, Waqas A, Bari A, Khan N, Muhammad N, Khan A, Paracha SA, Alam Q, Kamal MA, Rafeeq MM, Muhammad N, Haq FU, Khan S, Mahmood A, Khan S, Umair M. Biallelic Variants in Seven Different Genes Associated with Clinically Suspected Bardet-Biedl Syndrome. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14051113. [PMID: 37239474 DOI: 10.3390/genes14051113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a rare clinically and genetically heterogeneous autosomal recessive multi-systemic disorder with 22 known genes. The primary clinical and diagnostic features include six different hallmarks, such as rod-cone dystrophy, learning difficulties, renal abnormalities, male hypogonadism, post-axial polydactyly, and obesity. Here, we report nine consanguineous families and a non-consanguineous family with several affected individuals presenting typical clinical features of BBS. In the present study, 10 BBS Pakistani families were subjected to whole exome sequencing (WES), which revealed novel/recurrent gene variants, including a homozygous nonsense mutation (c.94C>T; p.Gln32Ter) in the IFT27 (NM_006860.5) gene in family A, a homozygous nonsense mutation (c.160A>T; p.Lys54Ter) in the BBIP1 (NM_001195306.1) gene in family B, a homozygous nonsense variant (c.720C>A; p.Cys240Ter) in the WDPCP (NM_015910.7) in family C, a homozygous nonsense variant (c.505A>T; p.Lys169Ter) in the LZTFL1 (NM_020347.4) in family D, pathogenic homozygous 1 bp deletion (c.775delA; p.Thr259Leufs*21) in the MKKS/BBS5 (NM_170784.3) gene in family E, a pathogenic homozygous missense variant (c.1339G>A; p.Ala447Thr) in BBS1 (NM_024649.4) in families F and G, a pathogenic homozygous donor splice site variant (c.951+1G>A; p?) in BBS1 (NM_024649.4) in family H, a pathogenic bi-allelic nonsense variant in MKKS (NM_170784.3) (c.119C>G; p.Ser40*) in family I, and homozygous pathogenic frameshift variants (c.196delA; p.Arg66Glufs*12) in BBS5 (NM_152384.3) in family J. Our findings extend the mutation and phenotypic spectrum of four different types of ciliopathies causing BBS and also support the importance of these genes in the development of multi-systemic human genetic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Nawaz
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Kohat University of Science & Technology (KUST), Kohat 26000, Pakistan
| | - Sher Alam Khan
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Kohat University of Science & Technology (KUST), Kohat 26000, Pakistan
| | - Farhana Bibi
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Kohat University of Science & Technology (KUST), Kohat 26000, Pakistan
| | - Ahmed Waqas
- Department Zoology, Division of Science and Technology, University of Education, Lahore 54782, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Bari
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Kohat University of Science & Technology (KUST), Kohat 26000, Pakistan
| | - Niamatullah Khan
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Kohat University of Science & Technology (KUST), Kohat 26000, Pakistan
| | - Nazif Muhammad
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Kohat University of Science & Technology (KUST), Kohat 26000, Pakistan
| | - Amjad Khan
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biological Sciences (Zoology), University of Lakki Marwat, Lakki Marwat 28420, Pakistan
| | - Sohail Aziz Paracha
- Department of Anatomy, KMU Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Kohat 26000, Pakistan
| | - Qamre Alam
- Molecular Genomics and Precision Medicine, ExpressMed Laboratories, Block Zinj, Manama 359, Bahrain
| | - Mohammad Azhar Kamal
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Misbahuddin M Rafeeq
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Noor Muhammad
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Kohat University of Science & Technology (KUST), Kohat 26000, Pakistan
| | - Fayaz Ul Haq
- Department of Radiological Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 12271, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shazia Khan
- Hafeez Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
- Department of Biological Sciences, International Islamic University Islamabad, H-10, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Arif Mahmood
- Center for Medical Genetics, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Saadullah Khan
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Kohat University of Science & Technology (KUST), Kohat 26000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Umair
- Medical Genomics Research Department, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGH), Riyadh 12271, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Science, University of Management and Technology (UMT), Lahore 14611, Pakistan
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Shakerdi LA, Gillman B, Corcoran E, McNulty J, Treacy EP. Organic Aciduria Disorders in Pregnancy: An Overview of Metabolic Considerations. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13040518. [PMID: 37110176 PMCID: PMC10146379 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13040518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Organic acidurias are a heterogeneous group of rare inherited metabolic disorders (IMDs) caused by a deficiency of an enzyme or a transport protein involved in the intermediary metabolic pathways. These enzymatic defects lead to an accumulation of organic acids in different tissues and their subsequent excretion in urine. Organic acidurias include maple syrup urine disease, propionic aciduria, methylmalonic aciduria, isovaleric aciduria, and glutaric aciduria type 1. Clinical features vary between different organic acid disorders and may present with severe complications. An increasing number of women with rare IMDs are reporting successful pregnancy outcomes. Normal pregnancy causes profound anatomical, biochemical and physiological changes. Significant changes in metabolism and nutritional requirements take place during different stages of pregnancy in IMDs. Foetal demands increase with the progression of pregnancy, representing a challenging biological stressor in patients with organic acidurias as well as catabolic states post-delivery. In this work, we present an overview of metabolic considerations for pregnancy in patients with organic acidurias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loai A. Shakerdi
- National Centre for Inherited Metabolic Disorders, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, D07 R2WY Dublin, Ireland
| | - Barbara Gillman
- National Centre for Inherited Metabolic Disorders, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, D07 R2WY Dublin, Ireland
| | - Emma Corcoran
- National Centre for Inherited Metabolic Disorders, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, D07 R2WY Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jenny McNulty
- National Centre for Inherited Metabolic Disorders (NCIMD), Childrens Health Ireland at Temple Street, Temple Street, D01 XD99 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eileen P. Treacy
- The Irish National Rare Disease Office, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, D07 R2WY Dublin, Ireland
- Discipline of Medicine, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
- University College Dublin (UCD) School of Medicine, Belfield, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
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10
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Chouery E, Karam R, Mrad YN, Mehawej C, Dib El Jalbout N, Bleik J, Mahfoud D, Megarbane A. Spondyloocular Syndrome: A Report of an Additional Family and Phenotypic Spectrum Delineation. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:497. [PMID: 36833424 PMCID: PMC9957273 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Spondyloocular syndrome (SOS, OMIM # 605822) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by osseous and ocular manifestations, including generalized osteoporosis, multiple long bones fractures, platyspondyly, dense cataracts and retinal detachment, and dysmorphic facial features, with or without short stature, cardiopathy, hearing impairment, and intellectual disability. Biallelic mutations in the XYLT2 gene (OMIM * 608125), encoding the xylosyltransferase II, were shown to be responsible for this disease. To date, 22 cases with SOS have been described, with varying clinical presentations and a yet-to-be-established genotypic-phenotypic correlation. Two patients from a consanguineous Lebanese family that presented with SOS were included in this study. Whole exome sequencing revealed a novel homozygous nonsense mutation in XYLT2 (p.Tyr414*) in these patients. We review all previously reported cases with SOS, describe the second nonsense mutation in XYLT2, and contribute to a better delineation of the phenotypic spectrum of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliane Chouery
- Department of Human Genetics, Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos P.O. Box 13-5053, Lebanon
| | - Rim Karam
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos P.O. Box 13-5053, Lebanon
| | - Yves Najm Mrad
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos P.O. Box 13-5053, Lebanon
| | - Cybel Mehawej
- Department of Human Genetics, Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos P.O. Box 13-5053, Lebanon
| | - Nahia Dib El Jalbout
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lebanese American University Medical Center, Rizk Hospital, Beirut P.O. Box 13-5053, Lebanon
| | - Jamal Bleik
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lebanese American University Medical Center, Rizk Hospital, Beirut P.O. Box 13-5053, Lebanon
| | - Daniel Mahfoud
- Department of Radiology, Gilbert and Rose-Marie Ghagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos P.O. Box 13-5053, Lebanon
| | - Andre Megarbane
- Department of Human Genetics, Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos P.O. Box 13-5053, Lebanon
- Institut Jérôme Lejeune, 75015 Paris, France
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11
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Kühn S, Williams ME, Dercksen M, Sass JO, van der Sluis R. The glycine N-acyltransferases, GLYAT and GLYATL1, contribute to the detoxification of isovaleryl-CoA - an in-silico and in vitro validation. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:1236-1248. [PMID: 36817957 PMCID: PMC9932296 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.01.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Isovaleric acidemia (IVA), due to isovaleryl-CoA dehydrogenase (IVD) deficiency, results in the accumulation of isovaleryl-CoA, isovaleric acid and secondary metabolites. The increase in these metabolites decreases mitochondrial energy production and increases oxidative stress. This contributes to the neuropathological features of IVA. A general assumption in the literature exists that glycine N-acyltransferase (GLYAT) plays a role in alleviating the symptoms experienced by IVA patients through the formation of N-isovalerylglycine. GLYAT forms part of the phase II glycine conjugation pathway in the liver and detoxifies excess acyl-CoA's namely benzoyl-CoA. However, very few studies support GLYAT as the enzyme that conjugates isovaleryl-CoA to glycine. Furthermore, GLYATL1, a paralogue of GLYAT, conjugates phenylacetyl-CoA to glutamine. Therefore, GLYATL1 might also be a candidate for the formation of N-isovalerylglycine. Based on the findings from the literature review, we proposed that GLYAT or GLYATL1 can form N-isovalerylglycine in IVA patients. To test this hypothesis, we performed an in-silico analysis to determine which enzyme is more likely to conjugate isovaleryl-CoA with glycine using AutoDock Vina. Thereafter, we performed in vitro validation using purified enzyme preparations. The in-silico and in vitro findings suggested that both enzymes could form N-isovaleryglycine albeit at lower affinities than their preferred substrates. Furthermore, an increase in glycine concentration does not result in an increase in N-isovalerylglycine formation. The results from the critical literature appraisal, in-silico, and in vitro validation, suggest the importance of further investigating the reaction kinetics and binding behaviors between these substrates and enzymes in understanding the pathophysiology of IVA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Kühn
- Focus Area for Human Metabolomics, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
| | - Monray E. Williams
- Focus Area for Human Metabolomics, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
| | - Marli Dercksen
- Focus Area for Human Metabolomics, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
| | - Jörn Oliver Sass
- Research Group Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Institute for Functional Gene Analytics, Department of Natural Sciences, Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, von-Liebig-Str. 20, 53359 Rheinbach, Germany
| | - Rencia van der Sluis
- Focus Area for Human Metabolomics, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa,Corresponding author.
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12
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Gorini F, Santoro M, Pierini A, Mezzasalma L, Baldacci S, Bargagli E, Boncristiano A, Brunetto MR, Cameli P, Cappelli F, Castaman G, Coco B, Donati MA, Guerrini R, Linari S, Murro V, Olivotto I, Parronchi P, Pochiero F, Rossi O, Scappini B, Sodi A, Vannucchi AM, Coi A. Orphan Drug Use in Patients With Rare Diseases: A Population-Based Cohort Study. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:869842. [PMID: 35652051 PMCID: PMC9148958 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.869842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Orphan drugs are used for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of rare diseases that, in the European Union, are defined as disorders affecting no more than 5 persons in 10,000. So far, a total of around 800 orphan medicinal products have been approved by the European Medicines Agency, however the utilization profile of orphan drugs has yet to be explored. This study aimed at assessing the utilization profile of orphan drugs authorized for marketing by the Italian Medicines Agency using population-based data. Methods: A total of 21 orphan drugs used in outpatient settings, approved in the European Union before or during the 2008–2018 period and involving 15 rare diseases, were included in the study. The monitored population included patients with one of the conditions surveilled by the population-based Tuscany Registry of Rare Diseases and diagnosed between 2000–2018. A multi-database approach was applied, by linking data from the registry with information collected in drug prescriptions databases. The prevalence and intensity of use were estimated for the selected orphan drugs and other non-orphan medications, used to treat the same rare disease and for which a change in the prevalence of use was hypothesized after authorization of the orphan drug. Results: For some diseases (acquired aplastic anemia, tuberous sclerosis complex, most metabolic diseases) a low prevalence of orphan drugs use was observed (range between 1.1–12.5%). Conversely, orphan drugs were frequently used in hemophilia B, Wilson disease and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (maximum of 78.3, 47.6 and 41.8%, respectively). For hemophilia B and Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy, there are currently no other medications used in clinical practice in addition to orphan drugs. Six orphan drugs were used for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension, appearing the elective therapy for this disease, albeit with different utilization profiles (range of prevalence 1.7–55.6%). Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study investigating the utilization profile of orphan drugs prescribed in a defined geographical area, and providing relevant information to monitor over time potential changes in the prevalence of these medications as well as in the health care decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gorini
- Unit of Epidemiology of Rare Diseases and Congenital Anomalies, Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
- *Correspondence: Francesca Gorini,
| | - Michele Santoro
- Unit of Epidemiology of Rare Diseases and Congenital Anomalies, Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | - Anna Pierini
- Unit of Epidemiology of Rare Diseases and Congenital Anomalies, Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | - Lorena Mezzasalma
- Unit of Epidemiology of Rare Diseases and Congenital Anomalies, Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | - Silvia Baldacci
- Unit of Epidemiology of Rare Diseases and Congenital Anomalies, Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | - Elena Bargagli
- Respiratory Diseases Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | | | - Paolo Cameli
- Respiratory Diseases Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Francesco Cappelli
- Cardiomyopathy Unit, Careggi University Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Castaman
- Center for Bleeding Disorders and Coagulation, Department of Oncology, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Barbara Coco
- Hepatology Unit, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Alice Donati
- Metabolic and Muscular Unit, A. Meyer Children Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Renzo Guerrini
- Neuroscience Department, A. Meyer Children Hospital-University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Linari
- Center for Bleeding Disorders and Coagulation, Department of Oncology, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Vittoria Murro
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Iacopo Olivotto
- Cardiomyopathy Unit, Careggi University Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Paola Parronchi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, SOD Immunologia e Terapie Cellulari, Careggi University Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Pochiero
- Metabolic and Muscular Unit, A. Meyer Children Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Oliviero Rossi
- Immunuallergology Unit, SOD Immunoallergologia, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Sodi
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandro Maria Vannucchi
- Center Research and Innovation of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (CRIMM), Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Careggi University Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessio Coi
- Unit of Epidemiology of Rare Diseases and Congenital Anomalies, Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
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