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Romov IM, Nowzari RA, Page CP, Benes MR, Borzok MA, Wright NT. Prevention of Protease-Induced Degradation of Desmoplakin via Small Molecule Binding. J Pers Med 2024; 14:163. [PMID: 38392596 PMCID: PMC10890502 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14020163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Desmoplakin (DSP) is a large (~260 kDa) protein found in the desmosome, the subcellular structure that links the intermediate filament network of one cell to its neighbor. A mutation "hot-spot" within the NH2-terminal of the DSP protein (residues 299-515) is associated with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. In a subset of DSP variants, disease is linked to calpain hypersensitivity. Previous studies show that calpain hypersensitivity can be corrected in vitro through the addition of a bulky residue neighboring the cleavage site, suggesting that physically blocking calpain accessibility is a viable strategy to restore DSP levels. Here, we aim to find drug-like molecules that also block calpain-dependent degradation of DSP. To do this, we screened ~2500 small molecules to identify compounds that specifically rescue DSP protein levels in the presence of proteases. We find that several molecules, including sodium dodecyl sulfate, palmitoylethanolamide, GW0742, salirasib, eprosarten mesylate, and GSK1838705A prevent wildtype and disease-variant-carrying DSP protein degradation in the presence of both trypsin and calpain without altering protease function. Computational screenings did not predict which molecules would protect DSP, likely due to a lack of specific DSP-drug interactions. Molecular dynamic simulations of DSP-drug complexes suggest that some long hydrophobic molecules can bind in a shallow hydrophobic groove that runs alongside the protease cleavage site. Identification of these compounds lays the groundwork for pharmacological treatment for individuals harboring these hypersensitive DSP variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel M Romov
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, USA
| | - Roujon A Nowzari
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, USA
| | - Clay P Page
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, USA
| | - Madeleine R Benes
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, USA
| | - Maegen A Borzok
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry, Engineering and Physics, Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, Mansfield, PA 16933, USA
| | - Nathan T Wright
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, USA
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2
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Stevens TL, Coles S, Sturm AC, Hoover CA, Borzok MA, Mohler PJ, El Refaey M. Molecular Pathways and Animal Models of Arrhythmias. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1441:1057-1090. [PMID: 38884769 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-44087-8_67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Arrhythmias account for over 300,000 annual deaths in the United States, and approximately half of all deaths are associated with heart disease. Mechanisms underlying arrhythmia risk are complex; however, work in humans and animal models over the past 25 years has identified a host of molecular pathways linked with both arrhythmia substrates and triggers. This chapter will focus on select arrhythmia pathways solved by linking human clinical and genetic data with animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler L Stevens
- The Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Sara Coles
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Amy C Sturm
- Genomic Medicine Institute, 23andMe, Sunnyvale, CA, USA
| | - Catherine A Hoover
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry, Engineering and Physics, Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, Mansfield, PA, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Maegen A Borzok
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry, Engineering and Physics, Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, Mansfield, PA, USA
| | - Peter J Mohler
- The Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Mona El Refaey
- The Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
- Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiac Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
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3
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Moccia F, Brunetti V, Soda T, Faris P, Scarpellino G, Berra-Romani R. Store-Operated Ca 2+ Entry as a Putative Target of Flecainide for the Treatment of Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5295. [PMID: 37629337 PMCID: PMC10455538 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12165295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is a genetic disorder that may lead patients to sudden cell death through the occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias. ACM is characterised by the progressive substitution of cardiomyocytes with fibrofatty scar tissue that predisposes the heart to life-threatening arrhythmic events. Cardiac mesenchymal stromal cells (C-MSCs) contribute to the ACM by differentiating into fibroblasts and adipocytes, thereby supporting aberrant remodelling of the cardiac structure. Flecainide is an Ic antiarrhythmic drug that can be administered in combination with β-adrenergic blockers to treat ACM due to its ability to target both Nav1.5 and type 2 ryanodine receptors (RyR2). However, a recent study showed that flecainide may also prevent fibro-adipogenic differentiation by inhibiting store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) and thereby suppressing spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations in C-MSCs isolated from human ACM patients (ACM C-hMSCs). Herein, we briefly survey ACM pathogenesis and therapies and then recapitulate the main molecular mechanisms targeted by flecainide to mitigate arrhythmic events, including Nav1.5 and RyR2. Subsequently, we describe the role of spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations in determining MSC fate. Next, we discuss recent work showing that spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations in ACM C-hMSCs are accelerated to stimulate their fibro-adipogenic differentiation. Finally, we describe the evidence that flecainide suppresses spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations and fibro-adipogenic differentiation in ACM C-hMSCs by inhibiting constitutive SOCE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Moccia
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Lazzaro Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (V.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Valentina Brunetti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Lazzaro Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (V.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Teresa Soda
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Magna Graecia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Pawan Faris
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Giorgia Scarpellino
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Lazzaro Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (V.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Roberto Berra-Romani
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla 72410, Mexico;
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4
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Thiene G, Basso C, Pilichou K, Bueno Marinas M. Desmosomal Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy: The Story Telling of a Genetically Determined Heart Muscle Disease. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2018. [PMID: 37509658 PMCID: PMC10377062 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11072018] [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: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The history of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (AC) as a genetically determined desmosomal disease started since the original discovery by Lancisi in a four-generation family, published in 1728. Contemporary history at the University of Padua started with Dalla Volta, who haemodynamically investigated patients with "auricularization" of the right ventricle, and with Nava, who confirmed familiarity. The contemporary knowledge advances consisted of (a) AC as a heart muscle disease with peculiar electrical instability of the right ventricle; (b) the finding of pathological substrates, in keeping with a myocardial dystrophy; (c) the inclusion of AC in the cardiomyopathies classification; (d) AC as the main cause of sudden death in athletes; (e) the discovery of the culprit genes coding proteins of the intercalated disc (desmosome); (f) progression in clinical diagnosis with specific ECG abnormalities, angiocardiography, endomyocardial biopsy, 2D echocardiography, electron anatomic mapping and cardiac magnetic resonance; (g) the discovery of left ventricular AC; (h) prevention of SCD with the invention and application of the lifesaving implantable cardioverter defibrillator and external defibrillator scattered in public places and playgrounds as well as the ineligibility for competitive sport activity for AC patients; (i) genetic screening of the proband family to unmask asymptomatic carriers. Nondesmosomal ACs, with a phenotype overlapping desmosomal AC, are also treated, including genetics: Transmembrane protein 43, SCN5A, Desmin, Phospholamban, Lamin A/C, Filamin C, Cadherin 2, Tight junction protein 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaetano Thiene
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Medical School, University of Padua, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Cristina Basso
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Medical School, University of Padua, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Kalliopi Pilichou
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Medical School, University of Padua, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Maria Bueno Marinas
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Medical School, University of Padua, 35121 Padova, Italy
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Sykora M, Andelova K, Szeiffova Bacova B, Egan Benova T, Martiskova A, Knezl V, Tribulova N. Hypertension Induces Pro-arrhythmic Cardiac Connexome Disorders: Protective Effects of Treatment. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13020330. [PMID: 36830700 PMCID: PMC9953310 DOI: 10.3390/biom13020330] [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: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Prolonged population aging and unhealthy lifestyles contribute to the progressive prevalence of arterial hypertension. This is accompanied by low-grade inflammation and over time results in heart dysfunction and failure. Hypertension-induced myocardial structural and ion channel remodeling facilitates the development of both atrial and ventricular fibrillation, and these increase the risk of stroke and sudden death. Herein, we elucidate hypertension-induced impairment of "connexome" cardiomyocyte junctions. This complex ensures cell-to-cell adhesion and coupling for electrical and molecular signal propagation. Connexome dysfunction can be a key factor in promoting the occurrence of both cardiac arrhythmias and heart failure. However, the available literature indicates that arterial hypertension treatment can hamper myocardial structural remodeling, hypertrophy and/or fibrosis, and preserve connexome function. This suggests the pleiotropic effects of antihypertensive agents, including anti-inflammatory. Therefore, further research is required to identify specific molecular targets and pathways that will protect connexomes, and it is also necessary to develop new approaches to maintain heart function in patients suffering from primary or pulmonary arterial hypertension.
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6
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Ko S, Ju MS, Ahn HM, Na JH, Ko WH, Jo M, Kyung M, Lim CS, Ko BJ, Lee WK, Kim YJ, Jung ST. Engineered Human Antibody with Improved Endothelin Receptor Type A Binding Affinity, Developability, and Serum Persistence Exhibits Excellent Antitumor Potency. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:1247-1255. [PMID: 36563318 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Endothelin receptor A (ETA), a class A G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), is a promising tumor-associated antigen due to its close association with the progression and metastasis of many types of cancer, such as colorectal, breast, lung, ovarian, and prostate cancer. However, only small-molecule drugs have been developed as ETA antagonists with anticancer effects. In a previous study, we identified an antibody (AG8) with highly selective binding to human ETA through screening of a human naïve immune antibody library. Although both in vitro and in vivo experiments indicated that the identified AG8 had anticancer effects, there is a need for improvement in biochemical and physicochemical properties such as the ETA binding affinity, thermostability, and productivity. In this study, we engineered the framework regions of AG8 and isolated an anti-ETA antibody (MJF1) exhibiting significantly improved thermostability and ETA binding affinity. Subsequently, our previously isolated PFc29, an Fc variant with an enhanced pH-dependent human FcRn binding profile, was introduced to MJF1, and the resulting Fc-engineered anti-ETA antibody (MJF1-PFc29) inhibited the proliferation of tumor cells comparably to MJF1 and showed a 4.2-fold increased serum half-life in human FcRn transgenic mice. Moreover, MJF1-PFc29 elicited higher tumor growth inhibition in colorectal cancer xenograft mice compared to MJF1. Our results demonstrate that the engineered human anti-ETA antibody MJF1-PFc29 has great therapeutic potential and high antitumor potency against various types of cancers including colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanghwan Ko
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Human Genetics, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Man-Seok Ju
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Human Genetics, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Mi Ahn
- Targeted Therapy Branch, Division of Rare and Refractory Cancer, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Gyeonggi-do 10408, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hyun Na
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Sangji University, Wonju, Gangwon-do 26339, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo Hyung Ko
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea.,BK21 Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Migyeong Jo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea.,BK21 Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Munsu Kyung
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea.,BK21 Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Chung Su Lim
- New Drug Development Center, Osong Medical Innovation Foundation, Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Byoung Joon Ko
- School of Biopharmaceutical and Medical Sciences, Sungshin Women's University, Seoul 02844, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Kyu Lee
- New Drug Development Center, Osong Medical Innovation Foundation, Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Youn-Jae Kim
- Targeted Therapy Branch, Division of Rare and Refractory Cancer, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Gyeonggi-do 10408, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Taek Jung
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Human Genetics, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea.,BK21 Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
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7
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Ni B, Sun M, Zhao J, Wang J, Cao Z. The role of β-catenin in cardiac diseases. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1157043. [PMID: 37033656 PMCID: PMC10073558 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1157043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is a classical Wnt pathway that regulates the stability and nuclear localization of β-catenin and plays an important role in adult heart development and cardiac tissue homeostasis. In recent years, an increasing number of researchers have implicated the dysregulation of this signaling pathway in a variety of cardiac diseases, such as myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, diabetic cardiomyopathies, and myocardial hypertrophy. The morbidity and mortality of cardiac diseases are increasing, which brings great challenges to clinical treatment and seriously affects patient health. Thus, understanding the biological roles of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in these diseases may be essential for cardiac disease treatment and diagnosis to improve patient quality of life. In this review, we summarize current research on the roles of β-catenin in human cardiac diseases and potential inhibitors of Wnt/β-catenin, which may provide new strategies for cardiac disease therapies.
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8
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Piquer-Gil M, Domenech-Dauder S, Sepúlveda-Gómez M, Machí-Camacho C, Braza-Boïls A, Zorio E. Non Coding RNAs as Regulators of Wnt/β-Catenin and Hippo Pathways in Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy. Biomedicines 2022; 10:2619. [PMID: 36289882 PMCID: PMC9599412 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is an inherited cardiomyopathy histologically characterized by the replacement of myocardium by fibrofatty infiltration, cardiomyocyte loss, and inflammation. ACM has been defined as a desmosomal disease because most of the mutations causing the disease are located in genes encoding desmosomal proteins. Interestingly, the instable structures of these intercellular junctions in this disease are closely related to a perturbed Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Imbalance in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling and also in the crosslinked Hippo pathway leads to the transcription of proadipogenic and profibrotic genes. Aiming to shed light on the mechanisms by which Wnt/β-catenin and Hippo pathways modulate the progression of the pathological ACM phenotype, the study of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) has emerged as a potential source of actionable targets. ncRNAs comprise a wide range of RNA species (short, large, linear, circular) which are able to finely tune gene expression and determine the final phenotype. Some share recognition sites, thus referred to as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs), and ensure a coordinating action. Recent cancer research studies regarding the key role of ceRNAs in Wnt/β-catenin and Hippo pathways modulation pave the way to better understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying ACM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Piquer-Gil
- Unit of Inherited Cardiomyopathies and Sudden Death (CaFaMuSMe), Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Sofía Domenech-Dauder
- Unit of Inherited Cardiomyopathies and Sudden Death (CaFaMuSMe), Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Marta Sepúlveda-Gómez
- Unit of Inherited Cardiomyopathies and Sudden Death (CaFaMuSMe), Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Carla Machí-Camacho
- Unit of Inherited Cardiomyopathies and Sudden Death (CaFaMuSMe), Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Aitana Braza-Boïls
- Unit of Inherited Cardiomyopathies and Sudden Death (CaFaMuSMe), Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cardiovascular Diseases (CIBERCV), 28015 Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther Zorio
- Unit of Inherited Cardiomyopathies and Sudden Death (CaFaMuSMe), Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cardiovascular Diseases (CIBERCV), 28015 Madrid, Spain
- Cardiology Department, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
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9
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Mazzaccara C, Lombardi R, Mirra B, Barretta F, Esposito MV, Uomo F, Caiazza M, Monda E, Losi MA, Limongelli G, D’Argenio V, Frisso G. Next-Generation Sequencing Gene Panels in Inheritable Cardiomyopathies and Channelopathies: Prevalence of Pathogenic Variants and Variants of Unknown Significance in Uncommon Genes. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1417. [PMID: 36291626 PMCID: PMC9599286 DOI: 10.3390/biom12101417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The diffusion of next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based approaches allows for the identification of pathogenic mutations of cardiomyopathies and channelopathies in more than 200 different genes. Since genes considered uncommon for a clinical phenotype are also now included in molecular testing, the detection rate of disease-causing variants has increased. Here, we report the prevalence of genetic variants detected by using a NGS custom panel in a cohort of 133 patients with inherited cardiomyopathies (n = 77) or channelopathies (n = 56). We identified 82 variants, of which 50 (61%) were identified in genes without a strong or definitive evidence of disease association according to the NIH-funded Clinical Genome Resource (ClinGen; "uncommon genes"). Among these, 35 (70%) were variants of unknown significance (VUSs), 13 (26%) were pathogenic (P) or likely pathogenic (LP) mutations, and 2 (4%) benign (B) or likely benign (LB) variants according to American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) classifications. These data reinforce the need for the screening of uncommon genes in order to increase the diagnostic sensitivity of the genetic testing of inherited cardiomyopathies and channelopathies by allowing for the identification of mutations in genes that are not usually explored due to a currently poor association with the clinical phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Mazzaccara
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145 Napoli, Italy
| | - Raffaella Lombardi
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Bruno Mirra
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145 Napoli, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Barretta
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145 Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Fabiana Uomo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145 Napoli, Italy
| | - Martina Caiazza
- Monaldi Hospital, AO Colli, 80131 Napoli, Italy
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Emanuele Monda
- Monaldi Hospital, AO Colli, 80131 Napoli, Italy
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Maria Angela Losi
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Limongelli
- Monaldi Hospital, AO Colli, 80131 Napoli, Italy
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Valeria D’Argenio
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145 Napoli, Italy
- Department of Human Sciences and Quality of Life Promotion, San Raffaele Open University, 00166 Roma, Italy
| | - Giulia Frisso
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145 Napoli, Italy
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10
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Stevens TL, Manring HR, Wallace MJ, Argall A, Dew T, Papaioannou P, Antwi-Boasiako S, Xu X, Campbell SG, Akar FG, Borzok MA, Hund TJ, Mohler PJ, Koenig SN, El Refaey M. Humanized Dsp ACM Mouse Model Displays Stress-Induced Cardiac Electrical and Structural Phenotypes. Cells 2022; 11:3049. [PMID: 36231013 PMCID: PMC9562631 DOI: 10.3390/cells11193049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is an inherited disorder characterized by fibro-fatty infiltration with an increased propensity for ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death. Genetic variants in desmosomal genes are associated with ACM. Incomplete penetrance is a common feature in ACM families, complicating the understanding of how external stressors contribute towards disease development. To analyze the dual role of genetics and external stressors on ACM progression, we developed one of the first mouse models of ACM that recapitulates a human variant by introducing the murine equivalent of the human R451G variant into endogenous desmoplakin (DspR451G/+). Mice homozygous for this variant displayed embryonic lethality. While DspR451G/+ mice were viable with reduced expression of DSP, no presentable arrhythmogenic or structural phenotypes were identified at baseline. However, increased afterload resulted in reduced cardiac performance, increased chamber dilation, and accelerated progression to heart failure. In addition, following catecholaminergic challenge, DspR451G/+ mice displayed frequent and prolonged arrhythmic events. Finally, aberrant localization of connexin-43 was noted in the DspR451G/+ mice at baseline, becoming more apparent following cardiac stress via pressure overload. In summary, cardiovascular stress is a key trigger for unmasking both electrical and structural phenotypes in one of the first humanized ACM mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler L. Stevens
- Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia Research, The Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Heather R. Manring
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Michael J. Wallace
- Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia Research, The Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Aaron Argall
- Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia Research, The Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Trevor Dew
- Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia Research, The Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Peter Papaioannou
- Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia Research, The Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiac Surgery, The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Steve Antwi-Boasiako
- Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia Research, The Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Xianyao Xu
- Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia Research, The Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Stuart G. Campbell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Fadi G. Akar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Maegen A. Borzok
- Biochemistry, Chemistry, Engineering, and Physics Department, Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, Mansfield, PA 16933, USA
| | - Thomas J. Hund
- Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia Research, The Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Peter J. Mohler
- Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia Research, The Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Sara N. Koenig
- Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia Research, The Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Mona El Refaey
- Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia Research, The Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiac Surgery, The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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11
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Coscarella IL, Landim-Vieira M, Pinto JR, Chelko SP. Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy: Exercise Pitfalls, Role of Connexin-43, and Moving beyond Antiarrhythmics. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158753. [PMID: 35955883 PMCID: PMC9369094 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy (ACM), a Mendelian disorder that can affect both left and right ventricles, is most often associated with pathogenic desmosomal variants that can lead to fibrofatty replacement of the myocardium, a pathological hallmark of this disease. Current therapies are aimed to prevent the worsening of disease phenotypes and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Despite the use of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) there is no present therapy that would mitigate the loss in electrical signal and propagation by these fibrofatty barriers. Recent studies have shown the influence of forced vs. voluntary exercise in a variety of healthy and diseased mice; more specifically, that exercised mice show increased Connexin-43 (Cx43) expression levels. Fascinatingly, increased Cx43 expression ameliorated the abnormal electrical signal conduction in the myocardium of diseased mice. These findings point to a major translational pitfall in current therapeutics for ACM patients, who are advised to completely cease exercising and already demonstrate reduced Cx43 levels at the myocyte intercalated disc. Considering cardiac dysfunction in ACM arises from the loss of cardiomyocytes and electrical signal conduction abnormalities, an increase in Cx43 expression-promoted by low to moderate intensity exercise and/or gene therapy-could very well improve cardiac function in ACM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Leite Coscarella
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL 32303, USA
| | - Maicon Landim-Vieira
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL 32303, USA
| | - José Renato Pinto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL 32303, USA
| | - Stephen P. Chelko
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL 32303, USA
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21215, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-850-644-2215
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12
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Aziz HM, Zarzecki MP, Garcia-Zamora S, Kim MS, Bijak P, Tse G, Won HH, Matusik PT. Pathogenesis and Management of Brugada Syndrome: Recent Advances and Protocol for Umbrella Reviews of Meta-Analyses in Major Arrhythmic Events Risk Stratification. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11071912. [PMID: 35407520 PMCID: PMC8999897 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11071912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Brugada syndrome (BrS) is a primary electrical disease associated with life-threatening arrhythmias. It is estimated to cause at least 20% of sudden cardiac deaths (SCDs) in patients with normal cardiac anatomy. In this review paper, we discuss recent advances in complex BrS pathogenesis, diagnostics, and current standard approaches to major arrhythmic events (MAEs) risk stratification. Additionally, we describe a protocol for umbrella reviews to systematically investigate clinical, electrocardiographic, electrophysiological study, programmed ventricular stimulation, and genetic factors associated with BrS, and the risk of MAEs. Our evaluation will include MAEs such as sustained ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, appropriate implantable cardioverter–defibrillator therapy, sudden cardiac arrest, and SCDs from previous meta-analytical studies. The protocol was written following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines. We plan to extensively search PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases for meta-analyses concerning risk-stratification in BrS. Data will be synthesized integratively with transparency and accuracy. Heterogeneity patterns across studies will be reported. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology, A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR 2), and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) are planned to be applied for design and execution of our evidence-based research. To the best of our knowledge, these will be the first umbrella reviews to critically evaluate the current state of knowledge in BrS risk stratification for life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, and will potentially contribute towards evidence-based guidance to enhance clinical decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasina Masha Aziz
- Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-530 Kraków, Poland;
| | - Michał P. Zarzecki
- Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-034 Kraków, Poland;
| | | | - Min Seo Kim
- Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences & Technology (SAIHST), Sungkyunkwan University, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul 06351, Korea;
| | - Piotr Bijak
- John Paul II Hospital, 31-202 Kraków, Poland;
| | - Gary Tse
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Unit, Cardiovascular Analytics Group, Hong Kong, China;
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ionic-Molecular Function of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Institute of Cardiology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
- Kent and Medway Medical School, University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury CT2 7FS, UK
| | - Hong-Hee Won
- Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences & Technology (SAIHST), Samsung Genome Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul 06351, Korea;
| | - Paweł T. Matusik
- Department of Electrocardiology, Institute of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-202 Kraków, Poland
- Department of Electrocardiology, The John Paul II Hospital, 31-202 Kraków, Poland
- Correspondence:
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13
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Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) Applications in Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073700. [PMID: 35409059 PMCID: PMC8998711 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is an inherited heart muscle disorder characterized by progressive replacement of cardiomyocytes by fibrofatty tissue, ventricular dilatation, cardiac dysfunction, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death. Interest in molecular biomechanics for these disorders is constantly growing. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a well-established technic to study the mechanobiology of biological samples under physiological and pathological conditions at the cellular scale. However, a review which described all the different data that can be obtained using the AFM (cell elasticity, adhesion behavior, viscoelasticity, beating force, and frequency) is still missing. In this review, we will discuss several techniques that highlight the potential of AFM to be used as a tool for assessing the biomechanics involved in ACM. Indeed, analysis of genetically mutated cells with AFM reveal abnormalities of the cytoskeleton, cell membrane structures, and defects of contractility. The higher the Young’s modulus, the stiffer the cell, and it is well known that abnormal tissue stiffness is symptomatic of a range of diseases. The cell beating force and frequency provide information during the depolarization and repolarization phases, complementary to cell electrophysiology (calcium imaging, MEA, patch clamp). In addition, original data is also presented to emphasize the unique potential of AFM as a tool to assess fibrosis in cardiac tissue.
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14
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Bang ML, Bogomolovas J, Chen J. Understanding the molecular basis of cardiomyopathy. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2022; 322:H181-H233. [PMID: 34797172 PMCID: PMC8759964 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00562.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Inherited cardiomyopathies are a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide and can be caused by mutations in a wide range of proteins located in different cellular compartments. The present review is based on Dr. Ju Chen's 2021 Robert M. Berne Distinguished Lectureship of the American Physiological Society Cardiovascular Section, in which he provided an overview of the current knowledge on the cardiomyopathy-associated proteins that have been studied in his laboratory. The review provides a general summary of the proteins in different compartments of cardiomyocytes associated with cardiomyopathies, with specific focus on the proteins that have been studied in Dr. Chen's laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Louise Bang
- Institute of Genetic and Biomedical Research (IRGB), National Research Council (CNR), Milan Unit, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano (Milan), Italy
| | - Julius Bogomolovas
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine Cardiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Ju Chen
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine Cardiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
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15
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A human antibody against human endothelin receptor type A that exhibits antitumor potency. Exp Mol Med 2021; 53:1437-1448. [PMID: 34588605 PMCID: PMC8492878 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-021-00678-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelin receptor A (ETA), a class A G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), is involved in the progression and metastasis of colorectal, breast, lung, ovarian, and prostate cancer. We overexpressed and purified human endothelin receptor type A in Escherichia coli and reconstituted it with lipid and membrane scaffold proteins to prepare an ETA nanodisc as a functional antigen with a structure similar to that of native GPCR. By screening a human naive immune single-chain variable fragment phage library constructed in-house, we successfully isolated a human anti-ETA antibody (AG8) exhibiting high specificity for ETA in the β-arrestin Tango assay and effective inhibitory activity against the ET-1-induced signaling cascade via ETA using either a CHO-K1 cell line stably expressing human ETA or HT-29 colorectal cancer cells, in which AG8 exhibited IC50 values of 56 and 51 nM, respectively. In addition, AG8 treatment repressed the transcription of inhibin βA and reduced the ETA-induced phosphorylation of protein kinase B and extracellular regulated kinase. Furthermore, tumor growth was effectively inhibited by AG8 in a colorectal cancer mouse xenograft model. The human anti-ETA antibody isolated in this study could be used as a potential therapeutic for cancers, including colorectal cancer. A therapeutic antibody that targets a receptor involved in cancer progression shows significant anti-cancer effects in trials in mice. Endothelin receptor A (ETA) promotes the progression and metastasis of several cancers, and patients with high ETA expression often have poor survival rates. Several small molecule drugs that target ETA are currently undergoing trials. Now, Sang Taek Jung at the Korea University in Seoul, together with scientists across South Korea, have identified and isolated a human antibody that specifically binds to ETA. The team developed an antigen that mimics ETA, and identified and isolated the antibody it bound to. The antibody exhibited potent anti-tumor effects in cell cultures and trials in mice. Such therapeutic antibodies show higher affinity for their targets than other drugs, resulting in fewer side effects and higher efficacy.
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16
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Pagiatakis C, Di Mauro V. The Emerging Role of Epigenetics in Therapeutic Targeting of Cardiomyopathies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168721. [PMID: 34445422 PMCID: PMC8395924 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiomyopathies (CMPs) are a heterogeneous group of myocardial diseases accountable for the majority of cases of heart failure (HF) and/or sudden cardiac death (SCD) worldwide. With the recent advances in genomics, the original classification of CMPs on the basis of morphological and functional criteria (dilated (DCM), hypertrophic (HCM), restrictive (RCM), and arrhythmogenic ventricular cardiomyopathy (AVC)) was further refined into genetic (inherited or familial) and acquired (non-inherited or secondary) forms. Despite substantial progress in the identification of novel CMP-associated genetic variations, as well as improved clinical recognition diagnoses, the functional consequences of these mutations and the exact details of the signaling pathways leading to hypertrophy, dilation, and/or contractile impairment remain elusive. To date, global research has mainly focused on the genetic factors underlying CMP pathogenesis. However, growing evidence shows that alterations in molecular mediators associated with the diagnosis of CMPs are not always correlated with genetic mutations, suggesting that additional mechanisms, such as epigenetics, may play a role in the onset or progression of CMPs. This review summarizes published findings of inherited CMPs with a specific focus on the potential role of epigenetic mechanisms in regulating these cardiac disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Pagiatakis
- IRCCS-Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Italy
- Correspondence: (C.P.); (V.D.M.)
| | - Vittoria Di Mauro
- IRCCS-Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Italy
- Institute of Genetic and Biomedical Research (IRGB), Milan Unit, National Research Council, Via Fantoli 16/15, 20138 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: (C.P.); (V.D.M.)
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17
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Hoover CA, Ott KL, Manring HR, Dew T, Borzok MA, Wright NT. Creating a 'Molecular Band-Aid'; Blocking an Exposed Protease Target Site in Desmoplakin. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11050401. [PMID: 34065787 PMCID: PMC8151963 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11050401] [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: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Desmoplakin (DSP) is a large (~260 kDa) protein found in the desmosome, a subcellular complex that links the cytoskeleton of one cell to its neighbor. A mutation ‘hot-spot’ within the NH2-terminal third of the DSP protein (specifically, residues 299–515) is associated with both cardiomyopathies and skin defects. In select DSP variants, disease is linked specifically to the uncovering of a previously-occluded calpain target site (residues 447–451). Here, we partially stabilize these calpain-sensitive DSP clinical variants through the addition of a secondary single point mutation—tyrosine for leucine at amino acid position 518 (L518Y). Molecular dynamic (MD) simulations and enzymatic assays reveal that this stabilizing mutation partially blocks access to the calpain target site, resulting in restored DSP protein levels. This ‘molecular band-aid’ provides a novel way to maintain DSP protein levels, which may lead to new strategies for treating this subset of DSP-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A. Hoover
- Department of Natural Sciences, Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, Mansfield, PA 16933, USA;
| | - Kendahl L. Ott
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, USA;
| | - Heather R. Manring
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Wexner Medical Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (H.R.M.); (T.D.)
| | - Trevor Dew
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Wexner Medical Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (H.R.M.); (T.D.)
| | - Maegen A. Borzok
- Department of Natural Sciences, Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, Mansfield, PA 16933, USA;
- Correspondence: (M.A.B.); (N.T.W.)
| | - Nathan T. Wright
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, USA;
- Correspondence: (M.A.B.); (N.T.W.)
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18
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Azim N, Ahmad J, Iqbal N, Siddiqa A, Majid A, Ashraf J, Jalil F. Petri Net modelling approach for analysing the behaviour of Wnt/[inline-formula removed] -catenin and Wnt/Ca2+ signalling pathways in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. IET Syst Biol 2021; 14:350-367. [PMID: 33399099 DOI: 10.1049/iet-syb.2020.0038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is an inherited heart muscle disease that may result in arrhythmia, heart failure and sudden death. The hallmark pathological findings are progressive myocyte loss and fibro fatty replacement, with a predilection for the right ventricle. This study focuses on the adipose tissue formation in cardiomyocyte by considering the signal transduction pathways including Wnt/[inline-formula removed]-catenin and Wnt/Ca2+ regulation system. These pathways are modelled and analysed using stochastic petri nets (SPN) in order to increase our comprehension of ARVC and in turn its treatment regimen. The Wnt/[inline-formula removed]-catenin model predicts that the dysregulation or absence of Wnt signalling, inhibition of dishevelled and elevation of glycogen synthase kinase 3 along with casein kinase I are key cytotoxic events resulting in apoptosis. Moreover, the Wnt/Ca2+ SPN model demonstrates that the Bcl2 gene inhibited by c-Jun N-terminal kinase protein in the event of endoplasmic reticulum stress due to action potential and increased amount of intracellular Ca2+ which recovers the Ca2+ homeostasis by phospholipase C, this event positively regulates the Bcl2 to suppress the mitochondrial apoptosis which causes ARVC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazia Azim
- Department of Computer Science, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Jamil Ahmad
- Department of Computer Science and Information Technology, University of Malakand, Chakdara, Pakistan.
| | - Nadeem Iqbal
- Department of Computer Science, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Amnah Siddiqa
- Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Abdul Majid
- Department of Computer Science, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Javaria Ashraf
- Research Centre for modeling and Simulation, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad Pakistan
| | - Fazal Jalil
- Department of Biotechnology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
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