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V Sorrentino

Publications and source records attributed to V Sorrentino.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2007

Unusually severe expression of craniofacial features in Aarskog-Scott syndrome due to a novel truncating mutation of the FGD1 gene.

Aarskog-Scott syndrome (AAS) is a rare, clinically and genetically heterogeneous condition characterized by facial dysmorphic features, short stature, brachydactyly, and genital anomalies. The X-linked form is caused by mutations of the FGD1 gene. Although clinical manifestations and diagnostic criteria are well established, diagnosis is not simple, as the spectrum of phenotypical features may be extremely variable. Here, we report on the clinical and genetic characterization of a family in which molecular analyses revealed the inheritance of a novel truncating mutation of the FDG1 gene (c.945insC) in two affected brothers, with one of them displaying unusually severe craniofacial abnormalities. This previously unreported combination of anomalies might be due to the occurrence of two distinct disorders (AAS and hemifacial microsomia) or may represent an extension of the AAS phenotypic spectrum. Our findings highlight the phenotypic heterogeneity of AAS, supporting the opinion that the FGD1 mutations result in a broad spectrum of severity and, in some cases, may express a clinical appearance very different than typically described.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

[Voluminous ectopic polycystic ovaries in Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome].

We report the case of a 20-year-old woman with primary amenorrhea, normally developed sexual characteristics, infantile external genitals and absence of vaginal orifice. Blood chemistry studies showed elevated serum levels of gonadotropin, estrogens, testosterone, 17OH-progesterone, prolactin and TSH and low concentrations of FT(3) and FT(4). Cytogenetic karyotyping and in situ fluorescence hybridization revealed a 46,XX karyotype and the presence of Barr chromatin body. Laparoscopy disclosed absence of a vagina, apparently normal, enlarged tubes, multifolicular ectopic gonads and symmetric bilateral uterine buds. Diagnostic work-up included skeletal radiography, renal ultrasonography, intravenous pyelography, pelvic echography, pelvic phlebography and magnetic resonance imaging studies to demonstrate possible associations between the genitourinary and skeletal anomalies. Based on the clinical and laboratory findings, a diagnosis of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome was established, associated with the presence of enlarged ectopic polycystic ovaries in the abdominal cavity.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗
PubMed2003

Recent advances in the diagnosis of malignant hyperthermia susceptibility: how confident can we be of genetic testing?

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a condition that manifests in susceptible individuals only on exposure to certain anaesthetic agents. Although genetically heterogeneous, mutations in the RYR1 gene (19q13.1) are associated with the majority of reported MH cases. Guidelines for the genetic diagnosis for MH susceptibility have recently been introduced by the European MH Group (EMHG). These are designed to supplement the muscle biopsy testing procedure, the in vitro contracture test (IVCT), which has been the only means of patient screening for the last 30 years and which remains the method for definitive diagnosis in suspected probands. Discordance observed in some families between IVCT phenotype and susceptibility locus genotype could limit the confidence in genetic diagnosis. We have therefore assessed the prevalence of 15 RYR1 mutations currently used in the genetic diagnosis of MH in a sample of over 500 unrelated European MH susceptible individuals and have recorded the frequency of RYR1 genotype/IVCT phenotype discordance. RYR1 mutations were detected in up to approximately 30% of families investigated. Phenotype/genotype discordance in a single individual was observed in 10 out of 196 mutation-positive families. In five families a mutation-positive/IVCT-negative individual was observed, and in the other five families a mutation-negative/IVCT-positive individual was observed. These data represent the most comprehensive assessment of RYR1 mutation prevalence and genotype/phenotype correlation analysis and highlight the possible limitations of MH screening methods. The implications for genetic diagnosis are discussed.

Chromosomes, Human, Pair 19↗
PubMed2002

Identification and function of ryanodine receptor subtype 3 in non-pregnant mouse myometrial cells.

Subtype 3 of the ryanodine receptor (RYR3) is a ubiquitous Ca2+ release channel which is predominantly expressed in smooth muscle tissues and certain regions of the brain. We show by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) that non-pregnant mouse myometrial cells expressed only RYR3 and therefore could be a good model for studying the role of endogenous RYR3. Expression of RYR3 was confirmed by Western blotting and immunostaining. Confocal Ca2+ measurements revealed that in 1.7 mM extracellular Ca2+, neither caffeine nor photolysis of caged Ca2+ were able to trigger any Ca2+ responses, whereas in the same cells oxytocin activated propagated Ca2+ waves. However, under conditions of increased sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ loading, brought about by superfusing myometrial cells in 10 mM extracellular Ca2+, all the myometrial cells responded to caffeine and photolysis of caged Ca2+, indicating that it was possible to activate RYR3. The caffeine-induced Ca2+ responses were inhibited by intracellular application of an anti-RYR3-specific antibody. Immunodetection of RYR3 with the same antibody revealed a rather homogeneous distribution of fluorescence in confocal cell sections. In agreement with these observations, spontaneous or triggered Ca2+ sparks were not detected. In conclusion, our results suggest that under conditions of increased SR Ca2+ loading, endogenous RYR3 may contribute to the Ca2+ responses of myometrial cells.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

A Rett syndrome MECP2 mutation that causes mental retardation in men.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the clinical features of a new type of X-linked mental retardation associated with MECP2 mutation in the index family. BACKGROUND: MECP2 mutations, originally described in a high percentage of patients with classic Rett syndrome, were considered lethal in men. The authors recently described a novel A140V MECP2 missense mutation in an Italian family with X-linked semidominant mental retardation. METHODS: The neurologic features of six symptomatic relatives (two women and four men) carrying the mutation were compiled. Laboratory investigations included EEG, EMG, conduction velocity (CV) of peripheral nerves, brain MRI, and (1)H-MR spectroscopy. RESULTS: Mental retardation and signs of neurologic impairment were present in all the affected members, but more pronounced in men. Neurologic features included slowly progressive spastic paraparesis/pyramidal signs (6/6), distal atrophy of the legs (6/6), ataxia (2/6), and postural tremor of the hands (3/6). Speech was preserved (6/6) but was dysarthric in the oldest brothers (2/6). Mild dysmorphic features were present in all cases. CONCLUSION: The neurologic disorder associated with A140V MECP2 mutation is not necessarily lethal in men, but they are more severely affected than women of the same family.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Mutations in the RYR1 gene in Italian patients at risk for malignant hyperthermia: evidence for a cluster of novel mutations in the C-terminal region.

Mutations in the ryanodine receptor type 1 (RYR1) gene are associated with Malignant Hyperthermia (MH) and Central Core Disease (CCD). We report here on the molecular analysis of the RYR1 gene in Italian families referred as potential cases of MH or in patients with CCD or multicore/minicore myopathy. Of a total of 20 individuals with mutations in the RYR1 gene, 14 were part of a group of 47 MH susceptible (MHS) patients, 4 of 34 individuals diagnosed as MH equivocal (MHE), and 2 were patients diagnosed with minicore myopathy and CCD, respectively. Mutations were found to segregate with the MHS or MHE phenotype within the families of the probands. A discordance between phenotype and genotype was observed in a family where a mutation detected in an MHS proband was also found in the father who had been diagnosed MH normal (MHN) at the IVCT. In addition to known mutations, seven novel mutations were found, five of which occurred in exons encoding the C-terminal region of RYR1. These results indicate that the C-terminal region of RYR1 represents an additional hot spot for mutations in patients with MH, similar to what has been reported for patients with CCD.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2002

Homer proteins and InsP(3) receptors co-localise in the longitudinal sarcoplasmic reticulum of skeletal muscle fibres.

Striated muscle represents one of the best models for studies on Ca(2+) signalling. However, although much is known on the localisation and molecular interactions of the ryanodine receptors (RyRs), far less is known on the localisation and on the molecular interactions of the inositol trisphosphate receptors (InsP(3)Rs) in striated muscle cells. Recently, members of the Homer protein family have been shown to cluster type 1 metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR1) in the plasma membrane and to interact with InsP(3)R in the endoplasmic reticulum of neurons. Thus, these scaffolding proteins are good candidates for organising plasma membrane receptors and intracellular effector proteins in signalosomes involved in intracellular Ca(2+) signalling. Homer proteins are also expressed in skeletal muscle, and the type 1 ryanodine receptor (RyR1) contains a specific Homer-binding motif. We report here on the relative sub-cellular localisation of InsP(3)Rs and Homer proteins in skeletal muscle cells with respect to the localisation of RyRs. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that both Homer and InsP(3)R proteins present a staining pattern indicative of a localisation at the Z-line, clearly distinct from that of RyR1. Consistent herewith, in sub-cellular fractionation experiments, Homer proteins and InsP(3)R were both found in the fractions enriched in longitudinal sarcoplasmic reticulum (LSR) but not in fractions of terminal cisternae that are enriched in RyRs. Thus, in skeletal muscle, Homer proteins may play a role in the organisation of a second Ca(2+) signalling compartment containing the InsP(3)R, but are apparently not involved in the organisation of RyRs at triads.

Antibodies↗
PubMed2001

Regulation of calcium sparks and spontaneous transient outward currents by RyR3 in arterial vascular smooth muscle cells.

Intracellular Ca(2+) levels control both contraction and relaxation in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Ca(2+)-dependent relaxation is mediated by discretely localized Ca(2+) release events through ryanodine receptor (RyR) channels in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). These local increases in Ca(2+) concentration, termed sparks, stimulate nearby Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (BK) channels causing BK currents (spontaneous transient outward currents or STOCs). STOCs are hyperpolarizing currents that oppose vasoconstriction. Several RyR isoforms are coexpressed in VSMCs; however, their role in Ca(2+) spark generation is unknown. To provide molecular information on RyR cluster function and assembly, we examined Ca(2+) sparks and STOCs in RyR3-deficient freshly isolated myocytes of resistance-sized cerebral arteries from knockout mice and compared them to Ca(2+) sparks in cells from wild-type mice. We used RT-PCR to identify RyR1, RyR2, and RyR3 mRNA in cerebral arteries. Ca(2+) sparks in RyR3-deficient cells were similar in peak amplitude (measured as F/F(0)), width at half-maximal amplitude, and duration compared with wild-type cell Ca(2+) sparks. However, the frequency of STOCs (between -60 mV and -20 mV) was significantly higher in RyR3-deficient cells than in wild-type cells. Ca(2+) sparks and STOCs in both RyR3-deficient and wild-type cells were inhibited by ryanodine (10 micromol/L), external Ca(2+) removal, and depletion of SR Ca(2+) stores by caffeine (1 mmol/L). Isolated, pressurized cerebral arteries of RyR3-deficient mice developed reduced myogenic tone. Our results suggest that RyR3 is part of the SR Ca(2+) spark release unit and plays a specific molecular role in the regulation of STOCs frequency in mouse cerebral artery VSMCs after decreased arterial tone.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Imperatoxin A (IpTx(a)) from Pandinus imperator stimulates [(3)H]ryanodine binding to RyR3 channels.

The effect of imperatoxin A (IpTx(a)) on the ryanodine receptor type 3 (RyR3) was studied. IpTx(a) stimulates [(3)H]ryanodine binding to RyR3-containing microsomes, but this effect requires toxin concentrations higher than those required to stimulate RyR1 channels. The effect of IpTx(a) on RyR3 channels was observed at calcium concentrations in the range 0.1 microM to 10 mM. By contrast, RyR2 channels were not significantly affected by IpTx(a) in the same calcium ranges. Single channel current measurements indicated that IpTx(a) induced subconductance state in RyR3 channels that was similar to those observed with RyR1 and RyR2 channels. These results indicate that IpTx(a) is capable of inducing similar subconductance states in all three RyR isoforms, while stimulation of [(3)H]ryanodine binding by this toxin results in isoform-specific responses, with RyR1 being the most sensitive channel, RyR3 displaying an intermediate response and RyR2 the least responsive ones.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Ca2+ release induced by cyclic ADP ribose in mice lacking type 3 ryanodine receptor.

The action of cyclic-ADP-ribose was studied on calcium release from sarcoplasmic reticulum of skeletal muscles of neonatal and adult wild-type and RyR3-deficient mice. cADPR increased calcium efflux from microsomes, enhanced caffeine-induced calcium release, and, in 20% of the tests, triggered calcium release in single muscle fibers. These responses occurred only in the diaphragm of adult RyR3-deficient mice. cADPR action was abolished by ryanodine, ruthenium red, and 8-brome-cADPR. These results strongly favor a specific action of cADPR on RyR1. The responsiveness of RyR1 appears in adult muscles when RyR3 is lacking.

Adenosine Diphosphate Ribose↗
PubMed2001

The conserved sites for the FK506-binding proteins in ryanodine receptors and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors are structurally and functionally different.

We compared the interaction of the FK506-binding protein (FKBP) with the type 3 ryanodine receptor (RyR3) and with the type 1 and type 3 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP(3)R1 and IP(3)R3), using a quantitative GST-FKBP12 and GST-FKBP12.6 affinity assay. We first characterized and mapped the interaction of the FKBPs with the RyR3. GST-FKBP12 as well as GST-FKBP12.6 were able to bind approximately 30% of the solubilized RyR3. The interaction was completely abolished by FK506, strengthened by the addition of Mg(2+), and weakened in the absence of Ca(2+) but was not affected by the addition of cyclic ADP-ribose. By using proteolytic mapping and site-directed mutagenesis, we pinpointed Val(2322), located in the central modulatory domain of the RyR3, as a critical residue for the interaction of RyR3 with FKBPs. Substitution of Val(2322) for leucine (as in IP(3)R1) or isoleucine (as in RyR2) decreased the binding efficiency and shifted the selectivity to FKBP12.6; substitution of Val(2322) for aspartate completely abolished the FKBP interaction. Importantly, the occurrence of the valylprolyl residue as alpha-helix breaker was an important determinant of FKBP binding. This secondary structure is conserved among the different RyR isoforms but not in the IP(3)R isoforms. A chimeric RyR3/IP(3)R1, containing the core of the FKBP12-binding site of IP(3)R1 in the RyR3 context, retained this secondary structure and was able to interact with FKBPs. In contrast, IP(3)Rs did not interact with the FKBP isoforms. This indicates that the primary sequence in combination with the local structural environment plays an important role in targeting the FKBPs to the intracellular Ca(2+)-release channels. Structural differences in the FKBP-binding site of RyRs and IP(3)Rs may contribute to the occurrence of a stable interaction between RyR isoforms and FKBPs and to the absence of such interaction with IP(3)Rs.

Adenosine Diphosphate Ribose↗
PubMed2001

FKBP12 associates tightly with the skeletal muscle type 1 ryanodine receptor, but not with other intracellular calcium release channels.

This study compared the relative levels of ryanodine receptor (RyR) isoforms, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP(3)R) isoforms, and calcineurin, plus their association with FKBP12 in brain, skeletal and cardiac tissue. FKBP12 demonstrated a very tight, high affinity association with skeletal muscle microsomes, which was displaced by FK506. In contrast, FKBP12 was not tightly associated with brain or cardiac microsomes and did not require FK506 for removal from these organelles. Furthermore, of the proteins solubilised from skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle and brain microsomes, only skeletal muscle RyR1 bound to an FKBP12-glutathione-S-transferase fusion protein, in a high affinity FK506 displaceable manner. These results suggest that RyR1 has distinctive FKBP12 binding properties when compared to RyR2, RyR3, all IP(3)R isoforms and calcineurin.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Characterization and mapping of the 12 kDa FK506-binding protein (FKBP12)-binding site on different isoforms of the ryanodine receptor and of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor.

We investigated the interaction of the 12 kDa FK506-binding protein (FKBP12) with two ryanodine-receptor isoforms (RyR1 and RyR3) and with two myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor isoforms (IP3R1 and IP3R3). Using glutathione S-transferase (GST)-FKBP12 affinity chromatography, we could efficiently extract RyR1 (42+/-7% of the solubilized RyR1) from terminal cisternae of skeletal muscle as well as RyR3 (32+/-4% of the solubilized RyR3) from RyR3-overexpressing HEK-293 cells. These interactions were completely abolished by FK506 (20 microM) but were largely unaffected by RyR-channel modulators. In contrast, neither IP3R1 nor IP3R3 from various sources, including rabbit cerebellum, A7r5 smooth-muscle cells and IP3R-overexpressing Sf9 insect cells from Spodoptera frugiperda, were retained on the GST-FKBP12 matrix. Moreover, immunoprecipitation experiments indicated a high-affinity interaction of FKBP12 with RyR1 but not with IP3R1. In order to determine the FKBP12-binding site, we fragmented both RyR1 and IP33R1 by limited proteolysis. We obtained a 45 kDa fragment of RyR1 that bound to the GST-FKBP12 matrix, indicating that it retained all requirements for FKBP12 binding. This fragment was identified by its interaction with antibody m34C and must therefore contain its epitope (amino acids 2756-2803). However, no fragment of IP3R1 was retained on the column. These molecular data are in agreement with the lack of correlation between FKBP12 and IP3R1 expression in various cell types. The observation that FKBP12 did not affect IP3-induced Ca2+ release but reduced caffeine-induced Ca2+ release also indicated that mature IP3R1 and IP3R3, in contrast to RyR1 and RyR3, did not display a specific, high-affinity interaction with FKBP12.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Mutations in the cardiac ryanodine receptor gene (hRyR2) underlie catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.

BACKGROUND: Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia is a genetic arrhythmogenic disorder characterized by stress-induced, bidirectional ventricular tachycardia that may degenerate into cardiac arrest and cause sudden death. The electrocardiographic pattern of this ventricular tachycardia closely resembles the arrhythmias associated with calcium overload and the delayed afterdepolarizations observed during digitalis toxicity. We speculated that a genetically determined abnormality of intracellular calcium handling might be the substrate of the disease; therefore, we considered the human cardiac ryanodine receptor gene (hRyR2) a likely candidate for this genetically transmitted arrhythmic disorder. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twelve patients presenting with typical catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia in the absence of structural heart abnormalities were identified. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood lymphocytes, and single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis was performed on polymerase chain reaction-amplified exons of the hRyR2 gene. Four single nucleotide substitutions leading to missense mutations were identified in 4 probands affected by the disease. Genetic analysis of the asymptomatic parents revealed that 3 probands carried de novo mutations. In 1 case, the identical twin of the proband died suddenly after having suffered syncopal episodes. The fourth mutation was identified in the proband, in 4 clinically affected family members, and in none of 3 nonaffected family members in a kindred with 2 sudden deaths that occurred at 16 and 14 years, respectively, in the sisters of the proband. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that, in agreement with our hypothesis, hRyR2 is a gene responsible for catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Molecular genetics of Ca(2+) stores and intracellular Ca(2+) signalling.

An increasing number of studies based on recombinant cells and on mouse models that express an altered repertoire of some of the key components of the intracellular Ca(2+) release stores are becoming available as a result of molecular genetics techniques. Information from these studies, together with results from studies of human diseases caused by mutations in genes that encode proteins of the intracellular Ca(2+) stores, are providing a significant advancement in understanding the interactive nature of the molecular machinery that underlies intracellular Ca(2+) signalling and how the different components of the Ca(2+) stores contribute to the regulation of cellular functions.

Animals↗