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Biomedical subjects

William J Craigen

Publications and source records attributed to William J Craigen.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Dominant negative ATP5F1A variants disrupt oxidative phosphorylation causing neurological disorders.

ATP5F1A encodes the α-subunit of complex V of the respiratory chain, which is responsible for mitochondrial ATP synthesis. We describe 6 probands with heterozygous de novo missense ATP5F1A variants that presented with developmental delay, intellectual disability, and movement disorders. All variants were located at the contact points between the α- and β-subunits. Functional studies in C. elegans revealed that the variants were damaging via a dominant negative genetic mechanism. Biochemical and proteomics studies of proband-derived cells showed a marked reduction in complex V abundance and activity. Mitochondrial physiology studies revealed increased oxygen consumption, yet decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP levels indicative of uncoupled oxidative phosphorylation as a pathophysiologic mechanism. Our findings contrast with the previously reported ATP5F1A variant, p.Arg207His, indicating a different pathological mechanism. This study expands the phenotypic and genotypic spectrum of ATP5F1A-associated conditions and highlights how functional studies can provide an understanding of the genetic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms of ATP5F1A variants of uncertain significance. With 12 heterozygous individuals now reported, ATP5F1A is the most frequent nuclear genome cause of complex V deficiency.

Humans↗

VDAC1 serves as a mitochondrial binding site for hexokinase in oxidative muscles.

Voltage-dependent anion channels (VDACs), also known as mitochondrial porins, are the main pathway for metabolites across the mitochondrial outer membrane and may serve as binding sites for kinases, including hexokinase. We determined that mitochondria-bound hexokinase activity is significantly reduced in oxidative muscles (heart and soleus) in vdac1(-/-) mice. The activity data were supported by western blot analysis using HK2 specific antibody. To gain more insight into the physiologic mean of the results with the activity data, VDAC deficient mice were subjected to glucose tolerance testing and exercise-induced stress, each of which involves tissue glucose uptake via different mechanisms. vdac1(-/-) mice exhibit impaired glucose tolerance whereas vdac3(-/-) mice have normal glucose tolerance and exercise capacity. Mice lacking both VDAC1 and VDAC3 (vdac1(-/-)/vdac3(-/-)) have reduced exercise capacity together with impaired glucose tolerance. Therefore, we demonstrated a link between VDAC1 mediated mitochondria-bound hexokinase activity and the capacity for glucose clearance.

Animals↗

Two familial cases of high blood galactose of unknown aetiology.

We report two male siblings presenting as newborns with increased blood galactose, urinary excretion of galactitol, and normal galactose 1-phosphate on a breast milk diet. A lactose-free diet led to normalization of all metabolites, while reintroduction of galactose in the diet resulted in an accumulation of metabolites. Potential causes of galactosaemia include: (1) activities of three enzymes of galactose metabolism: galactokinase (GALK), galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT), and uridine diphosphate galactose 4'-epimerase (GALE), (2) portosystemic shunting, (3) Fanconi-Bickel syndrome, (4) tyrosinaemia. Each was excluded with appropriate tests. These two familial cases may represent a novel autosomal or X-linked recessive disorder of galactose metabolism, possibly due to a novel defect in the transport of galactose across the plasma membrane.

Carbohydrate Metabolism, Inborn Errors↗

Properties of the permeability transition in VDAC1(-/-) mitochondria.

Opening of the permeability transition pore (PTP), a high-conductance mitochondrial channel, causes mitochondrial dysfunction with Ca2+ deregulation, ATP depletion, release of pyridine nucleotides and of mitochondrial apoptogenic proteins. Despite major efforts, the molecular nature of the PTP remains elusive. A compound library screening led to the identification of a novel high affinity PTP inhibitor (Ro 68-3400), which labeled a approximately 32 kDa protein that was identified as isoform 1 of the voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC1) [A.M. Cesura, E. Pinard, R. Schubenel, V. Goetschy, A. Friedlein, H. Langen, P. Polcic, M.A. Forte, P. Bernardi, J.A. Kemp, The voltage-dependent anion channel is the target for a new class of inhibitors of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. J. Biol. Chem. 278 (2003) 49812-49818]. In order to assess the role of VDAC1 in PTP formation and activity, we have studied the properties of mitochondria from VDAC1(-/-) mice. The basic properties of the PTP in VDAC1(-/-) mitochondria were indistinguishable from those of strain-matched mitochondria from wild-type CD1 mice, including inhibition by Ro 68-3400, which labeled identical proteins of 32 kDa in both wild-type and VDAC1(-/-) mitochondria. The labeled protein could be separated from all VDAC isoforms. While these results do not allow to exclude that VDAC is part of the PTP, they suggest that VDAC is not the target for PTP inhibition by Ro 68-3400.

Animals↗

Increased MECP2 gene copy number as the result of genomic duplication in neurodevelopmentally delayed males.

PURPOSE: Mutations in the MECP2 gene are associated with Rett syndrome, an X-linked mental retardation disorder in females. Mutations also cause variable neurodevelopmental phenotypes in rare affected males. Recent clinical testing for MECP2 gene rearrangements revealed that entire MECP2 gene duplication occurs in some males manifesting a progressive neurodevelopmental syndrome. METHODS: Clinical testing through quantitative DNA methods and chromosomal microarray analysis in our laboratories identified seven male patients with increased MECP2 gene copy number. RESULTS: Duplication of the entire MECP2 gene was found in six patients, and MECP2 triplication was found in one patient with the most severe phenotype. The Xq28 duplications observed in these males are unique and vary in size from approximately 200 kb to 2.2 Mb. Three of the mothers who were tested were asymptomatic duplication carriers with skewed X-inactivation. In silico analysis of the Xq28 flanking region showed numerous low-copy repeats with potential roles in recombination. CONCLUSIONS: These collective data suggest that increased MECP2 gene copy number is mainly responsible for the neurodevelopmental phenotypes in these males. These findings underscore the allelic and phenotypic heterogeneity associated with the MECP2 gene and highlight the value of molecular analysis for patient diagnosis, family members at risk, and genetic counseling.

Adolescent↗

Spectrum of CHD7 mutations in 110 individuals with CHARGE syndrome and genotype-phenotype correlation.

CHARGE syndrome is a well-established multiple-malformation syndrome with distinctive consensus diagnostic criteria. Characteristic associated anomalies include ocular coloboma, choanal atresia, cranial nerve defects, distinctive external and inner ear abnormalities, hearing loss, cardiovascular malformations, urogenital anomalies, and growth retardation. Recently, mutations of the chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein gene CHD7 were reported to be a major cause of CHARGE syndrome. We sequenced the CHD7 gene in 110 individuals who had received the clinical diagnosis of CHARGE syndrome, and we detected mutations in 64 (58%). Mutations were distributed throughout the coding exons and conserved splice sites of CHD7. Of the 64 mutations, 47 (73%) predicted premature truncation of the protein. These included nonsense and frameshift mutations, which most likely lead to haploinsufficiency. Phenotypically, the mutation-positive group was more likely to exhibit cardiovascular malformations (54 of 59 in the mutation-positive group vs. 30 of 42 in the mutation-negative group; P=.014), coloboma of the eye (55 of 62 in the mutation-positive group vs. 30 of 43 in the mutation-negative group; P=.022), and facial asymmetry, often caused by seventh cranial nerve abnormalities (36 of 56 in the mutation-positive group vs. 13 of 39 in the mutation-negative group; P=.004). Mouse embryo whole-mount and section in situ hybridization showed the expression of Chd7 in the outflow tract of the heart, optic vesicle, facio-acoustic preganglion complex, brain, olfactory pit, and mandibular component of the first branchial arch. Microarray gene-expression analysis showed a signature pattern of gene-expression differences that distinguished the individuals with CHARGE syndrome with CHD7 mutation from the controls. We conclude that cardiovascular malformations, coloboma, and facial asymmetry are common findings in CHARGE syndrome caused by CHD7 mutation.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

Genetic demonstration that the plasma membrane maxianion channel and voltage-dependent anion channels are unrelated proteins.

The maxianion channel is widely expressed in many cell types, where it fulfills a general physiological function as an ATP-conductive gate for cell-to-cell purinergic signaling. Establishing the molecular identity of this channel is crucial to understanding the mechanisms of regulated ATP release. A mitochondrial porin (voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC)) located in the plasma membrane has long been considered as the molecule underlying the maxianion channel activity, based upon similarities in the biophysical properties of these two channels and the purported presence of VDAC protein in the plasma membrane. We have deleted each of the three genes encoding the VDAC isoforms individually and collectively and demonstrate that maxianion channel (approximately 400 picosiemens) activity in VDAC-deficient mouse fibroblasts is unaltered. The channel activity is similar in VDAC1/VDAC3-double-deficient cells and in double-deficient cells with the VDAC2 protein depleted by RNA interference. VDAC deletion slightly down-regulated, but never abolished, the swelling-induced ATP release. The lack of correlation between VDAC protein expression and maxianion channel activity strongly argues against the long held hypothesis of plasmalemmal VDAC being the maxianion channel.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Genetic predictors and remodeling of dilated cardiomyopathy in muscular dystrophy.

BACKGROUND: Dystrophin gene mutations cause 2 common muscular dystrophies, Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD). Both are frequently associated with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and premature death. We hypothesized that early diagnosis and treatment of DCM in DMD/BMD patients would lead to ventricular remodeling and that specific dystrophin gene mutations would predict cardiac involvement. METHODS AND RESULTS: Sixty-nine boys with DMD (n=62) and BMD (n=7) (mean age, 12.9 and 13.7 years, respectively) were referred to our Cardiovascular Genetics Clinic for evaluation, including echocardiography and DNA analysis. Follow-up evaluations were scheduled yearly until the first abnormal echocardiogram indicative of DCM and quarterly thereafter. After the first abnormal echocardiogram, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or beta-blocker therapy was started. beta-Blockers were added if echocardiography showed no ventricular remodeling in angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor-treated patients after 3 months. DCM was diagnosed in 31 subjects (DMD, 27/62, 44%; BMD, 4/7, 57%) (mean age at onset, 15.4+/-2.8 years; range, 10.4 to 21.2 years). All 31 subjects were begun on pharmacological therapy after diagnosis. On follow-up (n=29), 2 subjects (both DMD) showed stable DCM, 8 subjects (all DMD) showed improvement, and 19 subjects (16 DMD; 3 BMD) showed normalization of left ventricular size and function (total improvement, 27/29 [93%]). DNA analysis in 47 cases (68%) revealed a significant association between DCM and exon 12 and 14 to 17 mutations, possible protection against DCM by exon 51 to 52 mutations, and a trend toward significant association between onset of DCM and exon 31 to 42 mutations. Statistical significance was based on nominal probability values. CONCLUSIONS: Early diagnosis and treatment of DCM may lead to ventricular remodeling in DMD/BMD patients. Specific dystrophin gene mutations appear to be predictive of cardiac involvement, while other mutations may protect against or inhibit development of DCM. Further studies evaluating the impact of early intervention strategies on left ventricular geometry and function in muscular dystrophy patients seem warranted.

Adolescent↗

New insights into the mechanism of permeation through large channels.

The mitochondrial channel, VDAC, regulates metabolite flux across the outer membrane. The open conformation has a higher conductance and anionic selectivity, whereas closed states prefer cations and exclude metabolites. In this study five mutations were introduced into mouse VDAC2 to neutralize the voltage sensor. Inserted into planar membranes, mutant channels lack voltage gating, have a lower conductance, demonstrate cationic selectivity, and, surprisingly, are still permeable to ATP. The estimated ATP flux through the mutant is comparable to that for wild-type VDAC2. The outer membranes of mitochondria containing the mutant are permeable to NADH and ADP/ATP. Both experiments support the counterintuitive conclusion that converting a channel from an anionic to a cationic preference does not substantially influence the flux of negatively charged metabolites. This finding supports our previous proposal that ATP translocation through VDAC is facilitated by a set of specific interactions between ATP and the channel wall.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

SNP genotyping to screen for a common deletion in CHARGE syndrome.

BACKGROUND: CHARGE syndrome is a complex of birth defects including coloboma, choanal atresia, ear malformations and deafness, cardiac defects, and growth delay. We have previously hypothesized that CHARGE syndrome could be caused by unidentified genomic microdeletion, but no such deletion was detected using short tandem repeat (STR) markers spaced an average of 5 cM apart. Recently, microdeletion at 8q12 locus was reported in two patients with CHARGE, although point mutation in CHD7 on chromosome 8 was the underlying etiology in most of the affected patients. METHODS: We have extended our previous study by employing a much higher density of SNP markers (3258) with an average spacing of approximately 800 kb. These SNP markers are diallelic and, therefore, have much different properties for detection of deletions than STRs. RESULTS: A global error rate estimate was produced based on Mendelian inconsistency. One marker, rs431722 exceeded the expected frequency of inconsistencies, but no deletion could be demonstrated after retesting the 4 inconsistent pedigrees with local flanking markers or by FISH with the corresponding BAC clone. Expected deletion detection (EDD) was used to assess the coverage of specific intervals over the genome by deriving the probability of detecting a common loss of heterozygosity event over each genomic interval. This analysis estimated the fraction of unobserved deletions, taking into account the allele frequencies at the SNPs, the known marker spacing and sample size. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our genotyping indicate that more than 35% of the genome is included in regions with very low probability of a deletion of at least 2 Mb.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

Tissue-dependent alterations in lipid mass in mice lacking glycerol kinase.

Glycerol kinase (ATP:glycerol-3-phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.30, glycerokinase) (Gyk) has a central role in plasma glycerol extraction and utilization by tissues for lipid biosynthesis. Gyk deficiency causes various phenotypic changes ranging from asymptomatic hyperglycerolemia to a severe metabolic disorder with growth and psychomotor retardation. To better understand the potential role of Gyk in tissue lipid metabolism, we determined phospholipid (PL), cholesterol (Chol), and triacylglycerol (TG) mass in a number of tissues from mice lacking Gyk. We report a tissue-dependent response to Gyk gene deletion. Tissues with elevated total PL mass (brain, kidney, muscle) were characterized by the increased mass of ethanolamine glycerophospholipids (EtnGpl), choline glycerophospholipids, and phosphatidylserine (PtdSer). In heart, lipid changes were characterized by a reduction in total PL, including decreased EtnGpl, phosphatidylinositol, and PtdSer mass and decreased TG and FFA mass. In parallel with tissue PL alterations, tissue Chol was also changed, maintaining a normal Chol/PL ratio. Under conditions of Gyk deficiency, we speculate that glycerol-3-phosphate and lipid production is maintained via alternative biosynthesis, including glycolysis, glyceroneogenesis, or by direct acylation of glycerol in brain, muscle, kidney, and liver, but not in heart.

Adipose Tissue↗

Mitochondrial voltage-dependent anion channel gene family in Drosophila melanogaster: complex patterns of evolution, genomic organization, and developmental expression.

Voltage-dependent anion channels (VDACs), also known as mitochondrial porins, are a family of small pore-forming proteins of the mitochondrial outer membrane found in all eukaryotes. VDACs play important roles in the regulated flux of metabolites between the cytosolic and mitochondrial compartments, energy metabolism, and apoptosis. Annotation of the genome sequence of Drosophila melanogaster revealed three genes (CG17137, CG31722-A, and CG31722-B) with homology to porin, the previously described Drosophila VDAC. Molecular analysis reveals a complex pattern of organization and expression. The genomic organization of these four genes and sequence comparisons with other insect VDAC homologs indicate that this gene family evolved through a mechanism of duplication and divergence from an ancestral VDAC gene during the radiation of the genus Drosophila. CG17137, CG31722-A, and CG31722-B are expressed in a male-specific pattern on both transcriptional and translational levels, while porin is equally expressed in both male and female flies. Additionally, CG31722-A and CG31722-B are expressed as a dicistronic transcript. Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence microscopy confirm that these proteins localize to the mitochondrion. Further expression analysis showed that CG17137 and CG31722-B are abundant in testes, while porin is ubiquitously expressed. While porin, CG17137, and CG31722-B are expressed to different degrees during embryogenesis, all of these proteins are dramatically reduced relative to cytochrome c content during larvogenesis. These studies illustrate a complex genomic organization and spatiotemporal pattern of expression for Drosophila VDACs as well as an evolutionary history consistent with either a partitioning of VDAC functions or an acquisition of novel functions among isoforms.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Mutations in the D-2-hydroxyglutarate dehydrogenase gene cause D-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria.

d-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria is a neurometabolic disorder with both a mild and a severe phenotype and with unknown etiology. Recently, a novel enzyme, d-2-hydroxyglutarate dehydrogenase, which converts d-2-hydroxyglutarate into 2-ketoglutarate, and its gene were identified. In the genes of two unrelated patients affected with d-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria, we identified disease-causing mutations. One patient was homozygous for a missense mutation (c.1331T-->C; p.Val444Ala). The other patient was compound heterozygous for a missense mutation (c.440T-->G; p.Ile147Ser) and a splice-site mutation (IVS1-23A-->G) that resulted in a null allele. Overexpression studies in HEK-293 cells of proteins containing the missense mutations showed a marked reduction of d-2-hydroxyglutarate dehydrogenase activity, proving that mutations in the d-2-hydroxyglutarate dehydrogenase gene cause d-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria.

Alcohol Oxidoreductases↗

Voltage-dependent anion channel-1 (VDAC-1) contributes to ATP release and cell volume regulation in murine cells.

Extracellular ATP regulates several elements of the mucus clearance process important for pulmonary host defense. However, the mechanisms mediating ATP release onto airway surfaces remain unknown. Mitochondrial voltage-dependent anion channels (mt-VDACs) translocate a variety of metabolites, including ATP and ADP, across the mitochondrial outer membrane, and a plasmalemmal splice variant (pl-VDAC-1) has been proposed to mediate ATP translocation across the plasma membrane. We tested the involvement of VDAC-1 in ATP release in a series of studies in murine cells. First, the full-length coding sequence was cloned from a mouse airway epithelial cell line (MTE7b-) and transfected into NIH 3T3 cells, and pl-VDAC-1-transfected cells exhibited higher rates of ATP release in response to medium change compared with mock-transfected cells. Second, ATP release was compared in cells isolated from VDAC-1 knockout [VDAC-1 (-/-)] and wild-type (WT) mice. Fibroblasts from VDAC-1 (-/-) mice released less ATP than WT mice in response to a medium change. Well-differentiated cultures from nasal and tracheal epithelia of VDAC-1 (-/-) mice exhibited less ATP release in response to luminal hypotonic challenge than WT mice. Confocal microscopy studies revealed that cell volume acutely increased in airway epithelia from both VDAC-1 (-/-) and WT mice after luminal hypotonic challenge, but VDAC-1 (-/-) cells exhibited a slower regulatory volume decrease (RVD) than WT cells. Addition of ATP or apyrase to the luminal surface of VDAC-1 (-/-) or WT cultures with hypotonic challenge produced similar initial cell height responses and RVD kinetics in both cell types, suggesting that involvement of VDAC-1 in RVD is through ATP release. Taken together, these studies suggest that VDAC-1, directly or indirectly, contributes to ATP release from murine cells. However, the observation that VDAC-1 knockout cells released a significant amount of ATP suggests that other molecules also play a role in this function.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Activation of cardiac Cdk9 represses PGC-1 and confers a predisposition to heart failure.

Hypertrophy allows the heart to adapt to workload but culminates in later pump failure; how it is achieved remains uncertain. Previously, we showed that hypertrophy is accompanied by activation of cyclin T/Cdk9, which phosphorylates the C-terminal domain of the large subunit of RNA polymerase II, stimulating transcription elongation and pre-mRNA processing; Cdk9 activity was required for hypertrophy in culture, whereas heart-specific activation of Cdk9 by cyclin T1 provoked hypertrophy in mice. Here, we report that alphaMHC-cyclin T1 mice appear normal at baseline yet suffer fulminant apoptotic cardiomyopathy when challenged by mechanical stress or signaling by the G-protein Gq. At pathophysiological levels, Cdk9 activity suppresses many genes for mitochondrial proteins including master regulators of mitochondrial function (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 (PGC-1), nuclear respiratory factor-1). In culture, cyclin T1/Cdk9 suppresses PGC-1, decreases mitochondrial membrane potential, and sensitizes cardiomyocytes to apoptosis, effects rescued by exogenous PGC-1. Cyclin T1/Cdk9 inhibits PGC-1 promoter activity and preinitiation complex assembly. Thus, chronic activation of Cdk9 causes not only cardiomyocyte enlargement but also defective mitochondrial function, via diminished PGC-1 transcription, and a resulting susceptibility to apoptotic cardiomyopathy.

Animals↗

The physiological properties of a novel family of VDAC-like proteins from Drosophila melanogaster.

VDAC, a major protein of the mitochondrial outer membrane, forms voltage-dependent, anion-selective channels permeable to most metabolites. Although multiple isoforms of VDAC have been found in different organisms, only one isoform (porin/DVDAC) has been previously reported for Drosophila melanogaster. We have examined the physiological properties of three other Drosophila proteins (CG17137, CG17139, and CG17140) whose primary sequences have significant homology to DVDAC. A comparison of their hydropathy profiles (beta-pattern) with known VDAC sequences indicates the same fundamental folding pattern but with major insertions and deletions. The ability of these proteins to form channels was tested on planar membranes and liposomes. Channel activity was observed with varying degrees of similarity to VDAC. Two of these proteins (CG17137 and CG17140) produced channels with anionic selectivity in the open state. Sometimes channels exhibited closure and voltage gating, but for CG17140 this occurred at much higher voltages than is typical for VDAC. CG17139 was not able to form channels. DVDAC and CG17137 were able to rescue the temperature-sensitive conditional-lethal phenotype of VDAC-deficient yeast, whereas CG17139 and CG17140 demonstrated no complementation. Similar structure and channel formation indicate that VDAC-like proteins are part of the larger VDAC family but the modifications are indicative of specialized functions.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Clinical spectrum, morbidity, and mortality in 113 pediatric patients with mitochondrial disease.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to elucidate the frequency of major clinical manifestations in children with mitochondrial disease and establish their clinical course, prognosis, and rates of survival depending on their clinical features. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of the medical records of 400 patients who were referred for evaluation of mitochondrial disease. By use of the modified Walker criteria, only patients who were assigned a definite diagnosis were included in the study. RESULTS: A total of 113 pediatric patients with mitochondrial disease were identified. A total of 102 (90%) patients underwent a muscle biopsy as part of the diagnostic workup. A significant respiratory chain (RC) defect, according to the diagnostic criteria, was found in 71% of the patients who were evaluated. In this cohort, complex I deficiency (32%) and combined complex I, III, and IV deficiencies (26%) were the most common causes of RC defects, followed by complex IV (19%), complex III (16%), and complex II deficiencies (7%). Pathogenic mitochondrial DNA abnormalities were found in 11.5% of the patients. A substantial fraction (40%) of patients with mitochondrial disorders exhibited cardiac disease, diagnosed by Doppler echocardiography; however, the majority (60%) of patients had predominant neuromuscular manifestations. No correlation between the type of RC defect and the clinical presentation was observed. Overall, the mean age at presentation was 40 months. However, the mean age at presentation was 33 months in the cardiac group and 44 months in the noncardiac group. Twenty-six (58%) patients in the cardiac group exhibited hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, 29% had dilated cardiomyopathy, and the remainder (13%) had left ventricular noncompaction. Patients with cardiomyopathy had an 18% survival rate at 16 years of age. Patients with neuromuscular features but no cardiomyopathy had a 95% survival at the same age. CONCLUSIONS: This study gives strong support to the view that in patients with RC defects, cardiomyopathy is more common than previously thought and tends to follow a different and more severe clinical course. Although with a greater frequency than previously reported, mitochondrial DNA mutations were found in a minority of patients, emphasizing that most mitochondrial disorders of childhood follow a Mendelian pattern of inheritance.

Adolescent↗