In vivo suppressor mutations correct a murine model of hereditary tyrosinemia type I. (1/46)

Hereditary tyrosinemia type I and alkaptonuria are disorders of tyrosine catabolism caused by deficiency of fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (FAH) and homogentisic acid dioxygenase (HGD), respectively. Tyrosinemia is a severe childhood disease that affects the liver and kidneys, but alkaptonuria is a more benign adult disorder in comparison. Because HGD is upstream of FAH in the tyrosine pathway, mice doubly mutant in both enzymes were found to be protected from the liver and renal damage of tyrosinemia as hypothesized. Mice mutant at the tyrosinemic locus but heterozygous for alkaptonuria spontaneously developed clonal nodules of functionally normal hepatocytes that were able to rescue the livers of some mice with this genotype. This phenotypic rescue was a result of an inactivating mutation of the wild-type homogentisic acid dioxygenase gene, thus presenting an example of an in vivo suppressor mutation in a mammalian model.  (+info)

A mouse model of renal tubular injury of tyrosinemia type 1: development of de Toni Fanconi syndrome and apoptosis of renal tubular cells in Fah/Hpd double mutant mice. (2/46)

Hereditary tyrosinemia type 1 (HT1) (McKusick 276700), a severe autosomal recessive disorder of tyrosine metabolism, is caused by mutations in the fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase gene Fah (EC 3.7.1.2), which encodes the last enzyme in the tyrosine catabolic pathway. HT1 is characterized by severe progressive liver disease and renal tubular dysfunction. Homozygous disruption of the gene encoding Fah in mice causes neonatal lethality (e.g., lethal Albino deletion c14CoS mice), an event that limits use of this animal as a model for HT1. A new mouse model was developed with two genetic defects, Fah and 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (Hpd). The Fah-/- Hpd-/- mice grew normally without evidence of liver and renal disease, and the phenotype is similar to that in Fah+/+ Hpd-/- mice. The renal tubular cells of Fah-/- Hpd-/- mice, particularly proximal tubular cells, underwent rapid apoptosis when homogentisate, the intermediate metabolite between HPD and FAH, was administered to the Fah-/- Hpd-/- mice. Simultaneously, renal tubular function was impaired and Fanconi syndrome occurred. Apoptotic death of renal tubular cells, but not renal dysfunction, was prevented by pretreatment of the animals with YVAD, a specific inhibitor of caspases. In the homogentisate-treated Fah-/- Hpd-/- mice, massive amounts of succinylacetone were excreted into the urine, regardless of treatment with inhibitors. It is suggested that apoptotic death of renal tubular cells, as induced by administration of homogentisate to Fah-/- Hpd-/- mice, was caused by an intrinsic process, and that renal apoptosis and tubular dysfunctions in tubular cells occurred through different pathways. These observations shed light on the pathogenesis of renal tubular injury in subjects with FAH deficiency. These Fah-/- Hpd-/- mice can serve as a model in experiments related to renal tubular damage.  (+info)

In vivo selection of hepatocytes transduced with adeno-associated viral vectors. (3/46)

A murine model for hereditary tyrosinemia Type I (HTI) was evaluated for in vivo gene therapy with adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors expressing the enzyme fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase. Transduction of a limited number of hepatocytes was accomplished following infusion of vector into the portal circulation. Corrected hepatocytes were expanded in vivo by withdrawing a drug which prevents the accumulation of toxic metabolites. The liver was eventually repopulated with hepatocytes harboring a functional and apparently integrated AAV provirus. Recipient animals regained normal liver function and architecture and the underlying metabolic derangements were normalized. After 9 months, vector-treated animals showed benign hepatomas, whereas in untreated animals areas of marked dysplasia were present within hepatomas.  (+info)

Point mutations in the murine fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase gene: Animal models for the human genetic disorder hereditary tyrosinemia type 1. (4/46)

Hereditary tyrosinemia type 1 (HT1) is a severe autosomal recessive metabolic disease associated with point mutations in the human fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (FAH) gene that disrupt tyrosine catabolism. An acute form of HT1 results in death during the first months of life because of hepatic failure, whereas a chronic form leads to gradual development of liver disease often accompanied by renal dysfunction, childhood rickets, neurological crisis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Mice homozygous for certain chromosome 7 deletions of the albino Tyr; c locus that also include Fah die perinatally as a result of liver dysfunction and exhibit a complex syndrome characterized by structural abnormalities and alterations in gene expression in the liver and kidney. Here we report that two independent, postnatally lethal mutations induced by N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea and mapped near Tyr are alleles of Fah. The Fah(6287SB) allele is a missense mutation in exon 6, and Fah(5961SB) is a splice mutation causing loss of exon 7, a subsequent frameshift in the resulting mRNA, and a severe reduction of Fah mRNA levels. Increased levels of the diagnostic metabolite succinylacetone in the urine of the Fah(6287SB) and Fah(5961SB) mutants indicate that these mutations cause a decrease in Fah enzymatic activity. Thus, the neonatal phenotype present in both mutants is due to a deficiency in Fah caused by a point mutation, and we propose Fah(5961SB) and Fah(6287SB) as mouse models for acute and chronic forms of human HT1, respectively.  (+info)

Structural and functional analysis of missense mutations in fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase, the gene deficient in hereditary tyrosinemia type 1. (5/46)

Hereditary tyrosinemia type 1 (HT1) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by a deficiency of the enzyme involved in the last step of tyrosine degradation, fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (FAH). Thus far, 34 mutations in the FAH gene have been reported in various HT1 patients. Site-directed mutagenesis of the FAH cDNA was used to investigate the effects of eight missense mutations found in HTI patients on the structure and activity of FAH. Mutated FAH proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli and in mammalian CV-1 cells. Mutations N16I, F62C, A134D, C193R, D233V, and W234G lead to enzymatically inactive FAH proteins. Two mutations (R341W, associated with the pseudo-deficiency phenotype, and Q279R) produced proteins with a level of activity comparable to the wild-type enzyme. The N16I, F62C, C193R, and W234G variants were enriched in an insoluble cellular fraction, suggesting that these amino acid substitutions interfere with the proper folding of the enzyme. Based on the tertiary structure of FAH, on circular dichroism data, and on solubility measurements, we propose that the studied missense mutations cause three types of structural effects on the enzyme: 1) gross structural perturbations, 2) limited conformational changes in the active site, and 3) conformational modifications with no significant effect on enzymatic activity.  (+info)

Spectrophotometric microassay for delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase in dried-blood spots as confirmation for hereditary tyrosinemia type I. (6/46)

BACKGROUND: Hereditary tyrosinemia type I (HT) fulfills the criteria for inclusion in neonatal screening programs, but measurement of tyrosine lacks clinical specificity and quantitative assay of succinylacetone is laborious. We developed a semiquantitative assay based on inhibition of delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase (ALA-D) by succinylacetone. METHODS: Preincubation of 3-mm discs from dried-blood spots and reaction of the enzyme with delta-aminolevulinic acid as substrate were performed in microtiter plates. After separation of the supernatant and 10 min of color reaction with modified Ehrlich reagent, the formation of porphobilinogen was measured at 550 nm in a plate reader. RESULTS: The detection limit for succinylacetone was 0.3 micromol/L; imprecision (CV) was <5.5% within-run and 10-16% between-run. Storage of blood spots at ambient temperature for several days led to a significant decrease of ALA-D activity. Enzyme activity was lost in filter cards at 45 degrees C, but remained stable at 2-37 degrees C. Enzyme activity was decreased in EDTA blood. The absorbance at 550 nm was 0.221 (+/- 0.073) in healthy neonates and 0.043-0.100 in 11 patients with HT. All neonates with increased tyrosine (above the 99.5th centile) in neonatal screening (97 of 47 000) had normal results by the new assay. CONCLUSIONS: The spectrophotometric microassay for ALA-D is a simple and sensitive test for HT. This represents a basis for further examination of its general reliability as a confirmatory test if tyrosine is found to be increased.  (+info)

A missense mutation (Q279R) in the fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase gene, responsible for hereditary tyrosinemia, acts as a splicing mutation. (7/46)

BACKGROUND: Tyrosinemia type I, the most severe disease of the tyrosine catabolic pathway is caused by a deficiency in fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (FAH). A patient showing few of the symptoms associated with the disease, was found to be a compound heterozygote for a splice mutation, IVS6-1g->t, and a putative missense mutation, Q279R. Analysis of FAH expression in liver sections obtained after resection for hepatocellular carcinoma revealed a mosaic pattern of expression. No FAH was found in tumor regions while a healthy region contained enzyme-expressing nodules. RESULTS: Analysis of DNA from a FAH expressing region showed that the expression of the protein was due to correction of the Q279R mutation. RT-PCR was used to assess if Q279R RNA was produced in the liver cells and in fibroblasts from the patient. Normal mRNA was found in the liver region where the mutation had reverted while splicing intermediates were found in non-expressing regions suggesting that the Q279R mutation acted as a splicing mutation in vivo. Sequence of transcripts showed skipping of exon 8 alone or together with exon 9. Using minigenes in transfection assays, the Q279R mutation was shown to induce skipping of exon 9 when placed in a constitutive splicing environment. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that the putative missense mutation Q279R in the FAH gene acts as a splicing mutation in vivo. Moreover FAH expression can be partially restored in certain liver cells as a result of a reversion of the Q279R mutation and expansion of the corrected cells.  (+info)

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of NTBC (2-(2-nitro-4-fluoromethylbenzoyl)-1,3-cyclohexanedione) and mesotrione, inhibitors of 4-hydroxyphenyl pyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) following a single dose to healthy male volunteers. (8/46)

AIMS: NTBC (2-(2-nitro-4-fluoromethylbenzoyl)-1,3-cyclohexanedione) and mesotrione (2-(4-methylsulphonyl-2-nitrobenzoyl)-1,3-cyclohexanedione) are inhibitors of 4-hydroxyphenyl pyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD). NTBC has been successfully used as a treatment for hereditary tyrosinaemia type 1 (HT-1), while mesotrione has been developed as an herbicide. The pharmacokinetics of the two compounds were investigated in healthy male volunteers following single oral administration. The aim of the NTBC study was to assess the bioequivalence of two different formulations and to determine the extent of the induced tyrosinaemia. The mesotrione study was performed to determine the magnitude and duration of the effect on tyrosine catabolism. Additionally, the urinary excretion of unchanged mesotrione was measured to assess the importance of this route of clearance and to help develop a strategy for monitoring occupational exposure. METHODS: A total of 28 volunteers participated in two separate studies with the compounds. In the first study, the relative bioavailability of NTBC from liquid and capsule formulations was compared and the effect on plasma tyrosine concentrations measured. In the second study the pharmacokinetics of mesotrione were determined at three doses. Plasma tyrosine concentrations were monitored and the urinary excretion of mesotrione and tyrosine metabolites was measured. RESULTS: Both compounds were well tolerated at the dose levels studied. Peak plasma concentrations of NTBC were rapidly attained following a single oral dose of 1 mg x kg(-1) body weight of either formulation and the half-life in plasma was approximately 54 h. There were no statistical differences in mean (+/- s.d.) AUC(0,infinity) (capsule 602 +/- 154 vs solution 602 +/- 146 microg x ml(-1) h) or t1/2 (capsule 55 +/- 13 vs solution 54 +/- 8 h) and these parameters supported the bioequivalence of the two formulations. Mesotrione was also rapidly absorbed, with a significant proportion of the dose eliminated unchanged in urine. The plasma half-life was approximately 1 h and was independent of dose and AUC(0,infinity) and Cmax increased linearly with dose. Following administration of 1 mg NTBC x kg(-1) in either formulation, the concentrations of tyrosine in plasma increased to approximately 1100 nmol x ml(-1). Concentrations were still approximately 8 times those of background at 14 days after dosing, but had returned to background levels within 2 months of the second dose. Administration of mesotrione resulted in an increase in tyrosine concentrations which reached a maximum of approximately 300 nmol x ml(-1) following a dose of 4 mg x kg(-1) body weight. Concentrations returned to those of background within 2 days of dosing. Urinary excretion of tyrosine metabolites was increased during the 24 h immediately following a dose of 4 mg mesotrione x kg(-1), but returned to background levels during the following 24 h period. CONCLUSIONS: NTBC and mesotrione are both inhibitors of HPPD, although the magnitude and duration of their effect on tyrosine concentrations are very different. When normalized for dose, the extent of the induced tyrosinaemia after administration of NTBC and over the duration of these studies, was approximately 400 fold greater than that following administration of mesotrione. The persistent and significant effect on HPPD following administration of NTBC make it suitable for the treatment of patients with hereditary tyrosinaemia type 1 (HT-1), whilst the minimal and transient effects of mesotrione minimize the likelihood of a clinical effect in the event of systemic exposure occurring during occupational use.  (+info)

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