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M Souri

Publications and source records attributed to M Souri.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Impaired protein folding, dimer formation, and heterotetramer assembly cause intra- and extracellular instability of a Y283C mutant of the A subunit for coagulation factor XIII.

Factor XIII (XIII) is a heterotetramer consisting of two catalytic A subunits (XIIIA) and two noncatalytic B subunits (XIIIB). We examined the molecular mechanisms of a Y283C mutation which had previously been identified in a patient with XIIIA deficiency. The recombinant Y283C protein was labile when expressed in MEG-01 cells, which can endogenously synthesize XIIIA. We also included two other mutants, G562R and I464stop, previously characterized in a non-XIIIA-producing cell line. All these mutants exhibited decreased thermostability and resistance against proteolytic digestion when compared with the wild-type. Gel-filtration analysis revealed that the mutants were in monomer form, while the wild-type formed a dimer. These results were consistent with the prediction by molecular modeling that the mutant molecules would be misfolded. Although assembly of a heterotetramer with XIIIB was demonstrated for Y283C, its binding ability was 10% that of the wild-type. No complex formation was observed for the G562R or I464stop mutants. The wild-type was stabilized in plasma by complex formation with XIIIB, resulting in an increased resistance against proteolytic digestion. In contrast, the mutants were unstable in plasma even in the presence of XIIIB. Thus, impaired folding, dimer formation, and heterotetramer assembly of the mutant XIIIAs lead to both intra- and extracellular instability, which must be responsible for XIIIA deficiency in the patient.

Amino Acid Substitution↗

Truncated mutant B subunit for factor XIII causes its deficiency due to impaired intracellular transportation.

Two Japanese patients were newly diagnosed as having B subunit (XIIIB) deficiency of factor XIII (former type I deficiency). Both patients have a previously described one-base deletion at the boundary between intron A/exon II in the XIIIB gene, heterozygously or homozygously. A founder effect was proposed for this mutation because 3 unrelated patients with XIIIB deficiency also share 2 3'-polymorphisms. In one patient heterozygous for the above mutation, a novel mutation was also identified: a deletion of guanosine in exon IX (delG) of the XIIIB gene. To understand the molecular and cellular pathology of the delG mutation, expression studies were performed using a cultured mammalian cell line. Pulse-chase experiments showed that a resultant truncated XIIIB remained inside the cells and could not be secreted into the culture medium. Furthermore, immunocytochemical examinations by epifluorescence, confocal, and electron microscopes indicated impaired intracellular transportation of the truncated XIIIB from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi apparatus. No mutations in the gene for the A subunit (XIIIA) were identified in this patient. Therefore, secretion of the truncated XIIIB must also be impaired in vivo, leading to a secondary XIIIA deficiency. These results support a previous conclusion that genetic defects of XIIIB are the basis for the former type I factor XIII deficiency.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Novel Y283C mutation of the A subunit for coagulation factor XIII: molecular modelling predicts its impaired protein folding and dimer formation.

In an Italian patient with severe factor XIII deficiency, a novel mutation, Y283C (TAT to TGT), was identified heterozygously by nucleotide sequencing analysis in exon VII of the gene for the A subunit. The presence of this mutation was confirmed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis in the proband and his brother. Molecular modelling predicts that the mutant molecule would be misfolded. It is probable that the impaired folding of the mutant Y283C A subunit led to its instability, which is at least in part responsible for the factor XIII deficiency of this patient.

Child↗

Molecular and genetic mechanisms of factor XIII A subunit deficiency.

Factor XIII is a proenzyme for a plasma transglutaminase. Factor XIII in plasma is a tetramer (A2B2) held together by noncovalent bonds, and the A subunit contains the active site. Recently, the three-dimensional structure of the A subunit has been determined by x-ray crystallography. To understand the structure-function relationships of the factor XIII molecule and its clinical implications in factor XIII deficiency, we characterized its genetic defects and closely examined its gene products, including mRNA and protein levels. A variety of missense and nonsense mutations (Arg260-Cys, Tyr283-Cys, Gly562-Arg) and deletions/insertions with or without out-of-frame shift/premature termination and splicing abnormalities (4-bp deletion with 464Stop, T insertion at the exon IV/intron D boundary with exon IV-skipping, 20-bp deletion at the exon I/intron A boundary) has been identified in cases demonstrating A subunit deficiency. In some cases, the A subunit mRNA levels were severely reduced. Their molecular and cellular bases have also been explored by expression experiments in mammalian cells and by molecular modeling. In most cases, impaired folding and/or conformational changes of the mutant A subunits lead to both intra- and extracellular instability, which is responsible for the A subunit deficiency in the patients.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Genes for the human mitochondrial trifunctional protein alpha- and beta-subunits are divergently transcribed from a common promoter region.

Human HADHA and HADHB genes encode the subunits of an enzyme complex, the trifunctional protein, involved in mitochondrial beta-oxidation of fatty acids. Both genes are located in the same region of chromosome 2p23. We isolated genomic clones, including 5' flanking regions, for HADHA and HADHB. Sequencing revealed that both of these genes are linked in a head-to-head arrangement on opposite strands and have in common a 350-bp 5' flanking region. The 5' flanking region has bidirectional promoter activity within this region; two cis elements proved critical for the activity. Transcription factor Sp1 functions as an activator for the bidirectional promoter by binding to both elements. Therefore, expression of trifunctional protein subunits are probably coordinately regulated by a common promoter and by Sp1.

Base Sequence↗

Transcriptional regulation of cell type-specific expression of the TATA-less A subunit gene for human coagulation factor XIII.

To study the mechanism of gene regulation for coagulation factor XIII A subunit (FXIIIA), we characterized its 5'-flanking region using a monocytoid (U937), a megakaryocytoid (MEG-01), and other cells. Our results confirmed that U937 and MEG-01 contained FXIIIA mRNA. A tentative transcription start site was determined to be 76 bases upstream from the first exon/intron boundary. Reporter gene assays revealed that a 5'-fragment (-2331 to +75) was sufficient to support basal expression in U937 and MEG-01 but not in the other cells. Deletion analysis confined a minimal promoter sequence from -114 to +75. DNase footprinting, electrophoretic mobility shift, and reporter gene assays demonstrated that promoter elements for a myeloid-enriched transcription factor (MZF-1-like protein) and two ubiquitous transcription factors (NF-1 and SP-1) in this region were important for the basal FXIII expression. It was also revealed that an upstream region (-806 to -290) had enhancer activity in MEG-01 but silencer activity in U937. DNA sequences for binding of myeloid-enriched factors (GATA-1 and Ets-1) were recognized in this region, and the GATA-1 element was found to be responsible for the enhancer activity. These transcription factors play a major role in the cell type-specific expression of FXIIIA, which differs from other transglutaminases.

Base Sequence↗

Relationship between structure and substrate-chain-length specificity of mitochondrial very-long-chain acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase.

Very-long-chain acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase (VLCAD) is one of four enzymes which catalyze the initial step of the mitochondrial beta-oxidation with different but overlapping substrate-chain-length specificities. A450P, a variant of VLCAD identified in a patient with VLCAD deficiency, showed abnormal substrate-chain-length specificity. Based on this mutation, we studied the relationship between the structure and substrate-chain-length specificity of VLCAD. When VLCAD was treated with trypsin, a homodimer protein of a 48-kDa polypeptide deprived of both the amino-terminal 22 amino acids and the carboxyl-terminal 145 amino acids of VLCAD was obtained. Six Ala450 variants and tryptic-VLCAD exhibited similar substrate specificities. Effects of long-chain acyl-CoA on the tryptic cleavage and changes in the catalytic properties by deprivation of the carboxyl-terminal region suggest that this region interacts with the fatty acyl moiety of long-chain acyl-CoA. Thus, both Ala450 and the carboxyl-terminal region, which are not shared by other acyl-CoA dehydrogenases, are likely to be the determinating factors in the substrate-chain-length specificity of VLCAD.

Acyl Coenzyme A↗

Very-long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase subunit assembles to the dimer form on mitochondrial inner membrane.

This paper describes the process of dimer assembly of mitochondrial very-long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (VLCAD) subunit. Mature VLCAD is a homodimer of a 70-kDa protein associated with the mitochondrial membrane. Newly synthesized VLCAD was present as a monomer and the major fraction was associated with the mitochondrial inner membrane. The association of VLCAD subunit with the mitochondrial membrane was observed early during dimer formation. In contrast, a VLCAD monomeric mutant S583W, a novel mutation identified from a patient with VLCAD deficiency, did not associate with the mitochondrial membrane after import and the major fraction remained in the mitochondrial matrix. These results suggest that association of VLCAD protein with mitochondrial inner membrane is necessary for dimer assembly and formation of mature VLCAD.

Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase, Long-Chain↗

Catalytic and FAD-binding residues of mitochondrial very long chain acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase.

Very long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (VLCAD) is one of four flavoproteins which catalyze the initial step of the mitochondrial beta-oxidation spiral. By sequence comparison with other acyl-CoA dehydrogenases, Glu-422 of VLCAD has been presumed to be the catalytic residue that abstracts the alpha-proton in the alphabeta-dehydrogenation reaction. Replacing Glu-422 with glutamine (E422Q) caused a loss of enzyme activity by preventing the formation of a charge transfer complex between VLCAD and palmitoyl-CoA. This result provides further evidence for Glu-422 being part of the active site of VLCAD. F418L is a disease-causing mutation in human VLCAD deficiency. Unlike wild-type VLCAD, F418L and F418V contained no bound FAD when expressed at extremely high levels in the baculovirus expression system. Although F418T and F418Y bound FAD at a level similar to that of wild-type VLCAD, both showed reduced Vmax values toward palmitoyl-CoA, most likely due to a decrease in the rate of enzyme-bound FAD reduction. These data suggest that Phe-418 is involved in the binding and subsequent reduction of FAD. FAD-deficient VLCADs (F418L, F418V, and apo-VLCAD) showed increased sensitivity to trypsinization. Loss of FAD may change the folding of VLCAD subunit.

Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase, Long-Chain↗

Reversal of severe hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and excellent neuropsychologic outcome in very-long-chain acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency.

Very-long-chain acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase (VLCAD) deficiency is a disorder of fatty acid beta oxidation that reportedly has high rates of morbidity and mortality. We describe the outcome of a 5-year-old girl with VLCAD deficiency who was first seen at 5 months of age with severe hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, hepatomegaly, encephalopathy, and hypotonia. Biochemical studies indicated VLCAD deficiency caused by a stable yet inactive enzyme. Molecular genetic analysis of her VLCAD gene revealed a T1372C (F458L) missense mutation and a 1668 ACAG 1669 splice site mutation. After initial treatment with intravenous glucose and carnitine, the patient has thrived on a low-fat diet supplemented with medium-chain triglyceride oil and carnitine and avoidance of fasting. Her ventricular hypertrophy resolved significantly over 1 year, and cognitively, she is in the superior range for age. Clinical recognition of VLCAD deficiency is important because it is one of the few directly treatable causes of cardiomyopathy in children.

Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase, Long-Chain↗

Multiple novel transcripts for apolipoprotein(a)-related gene II generated by alternative splicing in tissue- and cell type-specific manners.

Various Kringle 4 (K4) sequences were identified in human genomic clones and genomic DNAs amplified by PCR. These K4s were homologous to those found in the apo(a) gene and thus termed apo(a)-related genes (ARGs). The same sequences were obtained when human peripheral leukocytes were analyzed by reverse transcription-PCR in order to study the expression mode of the ARGs. It was of note that multiple transcripts with three optional exons for an ARG (ARGII) were detected in leukocytes, indicating that they were generated by alternative splicing. All these transcripts possessed the first half of the second K4 sequence, which had been reported to be skipped. The variant products of ARGII are expected to contain an additional region of either 44, 66, or 100 unique amino acids at the C-terminus of a single K4 unit. When normal human tissues and cultured tumor cells were analyzed, the multiple ARGII transcripts were detected at varying levels. The presence of the cellular state-specific alternative splicing machinery may provide not only redundancy but also diversity in the structure/function of ARGII.

Alternative Splicing↗

A founder effect is proposed for factor XIII B subunit deficiency caused by the insertion of triplet AAC in exon III encoding the second Sushi domain.

We previously concluded that genetic defects in the B subunit of factor XIII were the basis for former Type I deficiency (i.e. factor XIII B subunit deficiency). When we examined an Italian patient with the disease at the DNA level, restriction digestion and sequencing analyses of amplified DNAs revealed that the proband and her family members possessed an AAC insertion within the codon for Tyr-80 in exon III in the gene for the B subunit. a nucleotide polymorphism (A-G) in its 3'-noncoding region in exon XII, and a short tandem repeat polymorphism of (TTTA9, in the 3'-flanking region. These mutations and 3'-polymorphisms were also identified in another Italian family reported in a previous study (10). suggesting that a founder effect is responsible for factor XIII B subunit deficiency in Italians.

DNA Transposable Elements↗

D-3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydratase/D-3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase bifunctional protein deficiency: a newly identified peroxisomal disorder.

Peroxisomal beta-oxidation proceeds from enoyl-CoA through D-3-hydroxyacyl-CoA to 3-ketoacyl-CoA by the D-3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydratase/D-3-hydroxy-acyl-CoA dehydrogenase bifunctional protein (d-bifunctional protein), and the oxidation of bile-acid precursors also has been suggested as being catalyzed by the d-bifunctional protein. Because of the important roles of this protein, we reinvestigated two Japanese patients previously diagnosed as having enoyl-CoA hydratase/L-3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase bifunctional protein (L-bifunctional protein) deficiency, in complementation studies. We found that both the protein and the enzyme activity of the d-bifunctional protein were hardly detectable in these patients but that the active L-bifunctional protein was present. The mRNA level in patient 1 was very low, and, for patient 2, mRNA was of a smaller size. Sequencing analysis of the cDNA revealed a 52-bp deletion in patient 1 and a 237-bp deletion in patient 2. This seems to be the first report of D-bifunctional protein deficiency. Patients previously diagnosed as cases of L-bifunctional protein deficiency probably should be reexamined for a possible d-bifunctional protein deficiency.

17-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

Structure of D-3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydratase/D-3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase bifunctional protein.

When D-3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydratase/D-3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase bifunctional protein was purified from human liver, two preparations were obtained. One contained a 77-kDa polypeptides as the main and minor smaller polypeptides including a 46-kDa polypeptide, and this preparation showed both the dehydratase and dehydrogenase activities. The other preparation was a homodimer of the 46-kDa polypeptide and showed only the dehydratase activity. Further analysis indicated that the native enzyme is a homodimer of 77-kDa polypeptide, which was proteolytically modified during purification. The cDNA for the human 77-kDa polypeptide was cloned. The amino acid sequences of the peptides derived from the components of the enzyme preparations were located in the deduced amino acid sequence of the cDNA. The preparation containing the 77-kDa polypeptide was treated with a protease, and two monofunctional fragments were separated. The dehydrogenase and dehydratase fragments were located on the amino- and carboxyl-terminal sides, respectively, of the deduced amino acid sequence of the cDNA. The protein expressed by the cDNA with the entire coding region exhibited both the dehydratase and dehydrogenase activities, and that expressed by a truncated version covering the carboxyl-terminal side exhibited only the dehydratase activity. The cloned cDNA was identical to the human 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase IV cDNA.

17-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

Medium chain 3-ketoacyl-coenzyme A thiolase deficiency: a new disorder of mitochondrial fatty acid beta-oxidation.

A Japanese male neonate died at 13 d of age after presenting at 2 d of age with vomiting, dehydration, metabolic acidosis, liver dysfunction, and terminal rhabdomyolysis with myoglobinuria. Multiple urine organic acid analyses consistently revealed a markedly elevated excretion of lactic acid, 3-hydroxybutyric acid, and saturated and unsaturated C6-C16 dicarboxylic acids, with predominant C12-C16 species. Oxidation of [1-14C]octanoic acid in cultured skin fibroblasts was significantly reduced (0.59 nmol/h/mg of protein; controls, 1.93 +/- 0.65), [1-14C]palmitic acid oxidation was 1.11 nmol/h/mg of protein (controls, 1.63 +/- 0.41). A systematic study of the catalytic activities of nine enzymes of the beta-oxidation cycle using the respective optimal substrate revealed a deficiency of a single enzyme not previously associated with a metabolic disorder, medium chain 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase (patient, 3.9 nmol/min/mg protein; controls (n = 6), 10.2 +/- 2.3). Immunoprecipitation with antibodies raised against medium chain 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase revealed a 60% decrease compared with controls.

Acetyl-CoA C-Acyltransferase↗

Formation of the enzyme complex in mitochondria is required for function of trifunctional beta-oxidation protein.

The first Japanese patient with mitochondrial trifunctional protein deficiency has been identified. The patient's alpha and beta-subunits were synthesized, transported into the mitochondria, and converted to the mature size, but rapidly disappeared. The newly synthesized mature alpha and beta-subunits in the control cells were incorporated into the enzyme complex, alpha4beta4, whereas those in the patient's cells were present as monomers. We propose that formation of the enzyme complex is required for stabilization of trifunctional protein.

Autoradiography↗