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Jodhbir S. Mehta - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • pharmaceutical modulation of the proteolytic profile of transforming growth factor beta induced protein TGFBIp offers a new avenue for treatment of TGFBI corneal dystrophy
    Journal of Advanced Research, 2020
    Co-Authors: Anandalakshmi Venkatraman, Konstantin Pervushin, Jodhbir S. Mehta, Minhdao Duongthi, Sten Ohlson
    Abstract:

    Corneal dystrophies are a group of genetically inherited disorders with mutations in the TGFBI gene affecting the Bowman's membrane and the corneal stroma. The mutant TGFBIp is highly aggregation-prone and is deposited in the cornea. Depending on the type of mutation the protein deposits may vary (amyloid, amorphous powdery aggregate or a mixed form of both), making the cornea opaque and thereby decreases visual acuity. The aggregation of the mutant protein is found to be specific with a unique aggregation mechanism distinct to the cornea. The proteolytic processing of the mutant protein is reported to be different compared to the WT protein. The proteolytic processing of mutant protein gives rise to highly amyloidogenic peptide fragments. The current treatment option, available for patients, is tissue replacement surgery that is associated with high recurrence rates. The clinical need for a simple treatment option for corneal dystrophy patients has become highly essential either to prevent the protein aggregation or to dissolve the preformed aggregates. Here, we report the screening of 2500 compounds from the Maybridge RO3 fragment library using weak affinity chromatography (WAC). The primary hits from WAC were validated by 15N-HSQC NMR assays and specific regions of binding were identified. The recombinant mutant proteins (4th FAS-1 domain of R555W and H572R) were subjected to limited proteolysis by trypsin together with the lead compounds identified by NMR assays. The lead compounds (MO07617, RJF00203 and, BTB05094) were effective to delay/prevent the generation of amyloidogenic peptides in the R555W mutant and compounds (RJF00203 and BTB05094) were effective to delay/prevent the generation of amyloidogenic peptides in the H572R mutant. Thus the lead compounds reported here upon further validation and/or modification might be proposed as a potential treatment option to prevent/delay aggregation by inhibiting the formation of amyloidogenic peptides in TGFBI-corneal dystrophy.

  • Proteomic Analysis of Amyloid Corneal Aggregates from TGFBI-H626R Lattice Corneal Dystrophy Patient Implicates Serine-Protease HTRA1 in Mutation-Specific Pathogenesis of TGFBIp.
    Journal of proteome research, 2017
    Co-Authors: Anandalakshmi Venkatraman, Bamaprasad Dutta, Elavazhagan Murugan, Hao Piliang, Rajamani Lakshminaryanan, Anita Chan Sook Yee, Konstantin Pervushin, Siu Kwan Sze, Jodhbir S. Mehta
    Abstract:

    TGFBI-associated corneal dystrophies are inherited disorders caused by TGFBI gene variants that promote deposition of mutant protein (TGFBIp) as insoluble aggregates in the cornea. Depending on the type and position of amino acid substitution, the aggregates may be amyloid fibrillar, amorphous globular or both, but the molecular mechanisms that drive these different patterns of aggregation are not fully understood. In the current study, we report the protein composition of amyloid corneal aggregates from lattice corneal dystrophy patients of Asian origin with H626R and R124C mutation and compared it with healthy corneal tissues via LC–MS/MS. We identified several amyloidogenic, nonfibrillar amyloid associated proteins and TGFBIp as the major components of the deposits. Our data indicates that apolipoprotein A-IV, apolipoprotein E, and serine protease HTRA1 were significantly enriched in patient deposits compared to healthy controls. HTRA1 was also found to be 7-fold enriched in the amyloid deposits of pat...

  • Proteomic Analysis of Amyloid Corneal Aggregates from TGFBI-H626R Lattice Corneal Dystrophy Patient Implicates Serine-Protease HTRA1 in Mutation-Specific Pathogenesis of TGFBIp
    2017
    Co-Authors: Anandalakshmi Venkatraman, Bamaprasad Dutta, Elavazhagan Murugan, Hao Piliang, Rajamani Lakshminaryanan, Anita Chan Sook Yee, Konstantin Pervushin, Siu Kwan Sze, Jodhbir S. Mehta
    Abstract:

    TGFBI-associated corneal dystrophies are inherited disorders caused by TGFBI gene variants that promote deposition of mutant protein (TGFBIp) as insoluble aggregates in the cornea. Depending on the type and position of amino acid substitution, the aggregates may be amyloid fibrillar, amorphous globular or both, but the molecular mechanisms that drive these different patterns of aggregation are not fully understood. In the current study, we report the protein composition of amyloid corneal aggregates from lattice corneal dystrophy patients of Asian origin with H626R and R124C mutation and compared it with healthy corneal tissues via LC–MS/MS. We identified several amyloidogenic, nonfibrillar amyloid associated proteins and TGFBIp as the major components of the deposits. Our data indicates that apolipoprotein A-IV, apolipoprotein E, and serine protease HTRA1 were significantly enriched in patient deposits compared to healthy controls. HTRA1 was also found to be 7-fold enriched in the amyloid deposits of patients compared to the controls. Peptides sequences (G511DNRFSM­LVAAIQS­AGLTETLNR533 and Y571HIGDE­ILVSGGI­GALVR588) derived from the fourth FAS-1 domain of TGFBIp were enriched in the corneal aggregates in a mutation-specific manner. Biophysical studies of these two enriched sequences revealed high propensity to form amyloid fibrils under physiological conditions. Our data suggests a possible proteolytic processing mechanism of mutant TGFBIp by HTRA1 and peptides generated by mutant protein may form the β-amyloid core of corneal aggregates in dystrophic patients

  • clinical and genetic aspects of the TGFBI associated corneal dystrophies
    Ocular Surface, 2014
    Co-Authors: Rajamani Lakshminarayanan, Elavazhagan Murugan, Venkatraman Anandalakshmi, Shyam S Chaurasia, Shuming Chai, Eranga N Vithana, Roger W Beuerman, Jodhbir S. Mehta
    Abstract:

    Corneal dystrophies are a group of inherited disorders localized to various layers of the cornea that affect corneal transparency and visual acuity. The deposition of insoluble protein materials in the form of extracellular deposits or intracellular cysts is pathognomic. Mutations in TGFBI are responsible for superficial and stromal corneal dystrophies. The gene product, transforming growth factor β induced protein (TGFBIp) accumulates as insoluble deposits in various forms. The severity, clinicopathogenic variations, age of the onset, and location of the deposits depend on the type of amino acid alterations in the protein. Until 2006, 38 different pathogenic mutants were reported for the TGFBI-associated corneal dystrophies. This number has increased to 63 mutants, reported in more than 30 countries. There is no effective treatment to prevent, halt, or reverse the deposition of TGFBIp. This review presents a complete mutation update, classification of phenotypes, comprehensive reported incidents of various mutations, and current treatment options and their shortcomings. Future research directions and possible approaches to inhibiting disease progression are discussed.

Gordon K. Klintworth - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • comparison of two phenotypically distinct lattice corneal dystrophies caused by mutations in the transforming growth factor beta induced TGFBI gene
    Proteomics Clinical Applications, 2014
    Co-Authors: Ebbe Toftgaard Poulsen, Kasper Runager, Henrik Karring, Daniel E. Otzen, Henrik Vorum, Michael W Risor, Thomas F Dyrlund, Carsten Scavenius, Jeppe Praetorius, Gordon K. Klintworth
    Abstract:

    Purpose In this study, we investigated whether the phenotypic difference observed between two lattice corneal dystrophy type 1 (LCD type 1) cases caused by either a single A546D substitution or an A546D/P551Q double substitution in TGFBIp (transforming growth factor beta induced protein) can be ascribed to (i) a difference in the proteomes of corneal amyloid deposits, (ii) altered proteolysis of TGFBIp, or (iii) structural changes of TGFBIp introduced by the P551Q amino acid substitution. Experimental design Amyloid deposits were isolated from the corneas of two siblings with LCD type 1 resulting from A546D/P551Q mutations in the TGFBI gene using laser capture microdissection and subsequently analyzed by LC-MS/MS. Proteolytic processing of TGFBIp was addressed by counting peptide spectra. Lastly, to study the possible effect of the P551Q substitution, recombinant FAS1–4 domain variants were subjected to in vitro stability assays. Results The amyloid proteomes and TGFBIp processing of the two A546D/P551Q LCD type 1 cases were similar to each other as well as to the A546D amyloid proteome previously reported by us. The stability assays revealed a minor destabilization of the FAS1–4 domain upon the addition of the P551Q mutation, moreover, it resulted in different accessibility to tryptic cleavage sites between the A546D and A546D/P551Q mutant FAS1–4 domain variants. Conclusion and clinical relevance The difference in A546D and A546D/P551Q LCD type 1 phenotypes cannot be ascribed to altered corneal amyloid composition or altered in vivo proteolytic processing of TGFBIp. Instead, a small difference in thermodynamic stability introduced by the P551Q mutation most likely causes structural changes of TGFBIp. The MS proteomics data have been deposited to the ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD000307 (http://proteomecentral.proteomexchange.org/dataset/PXD000307).

  • Composition and proteolytic processing of corneal deposits associated with mutations in the TGFBI gene.
    Experimental eye research, 2011
    Co-Authors: Henrik Karring, Kasper Runager, Ida B Thogersen, Gordon K. Klintworth, Peter Højrup, Jan J. Enghild
    Abstract:

    Different types of granular corneal dystrophy (GCD)1 and lattice corneal dystrophy (LCD) are associated with mutations in the transforming growth factor beta induced gene (TGFBI). These dystrophies are characterized by the formation of non-amyloid granular deposits (GCDs) and amyloid (LCD type 1 and its variants) in the cornea. Typical corneal non-amyloid deposits from GCD type 2 (R124H), amyloid from a variant of LCD type 1 (V624M) and disease-free tissue controls were procured by laser capture microdissection and analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry. Label-free quantitative comparisons of deposits and controls suggested that the non-amyloid sample (R124H) specifically accumulated transforming growth factor beta induced protein (TGFBIp/keratoepithelin/βig-h3), serum amyloid P-component, clusterin, type III collagen, keratin 3, and histone H3-like protein. The amyloid (V624M) similarly accumulated serum amyloid P-component and clusterin but also a C-terminal fragment of TGFBIp containing residues Y571-R588 derived from the fourth fasciclin-1 domain (FAS1-4), apolipoprotein E and apolipoprotein A-IV. Significantly, analyses of the amyloid sample also revealed the presence of the serine protease Htr (High-temperature requirement) A1 and a number of proteolytic cleavage sites in the FAS1-4 domain of TGFBIp. These cleavage sites were consistent with the ligand binding and proteolytic activity of HtrA1 suggesting that it plays a role in the proteolytic processing of the amyloidogenic FAS1-4 domain. Taken together, the data suggest that the amyloidogenic-prone region of the fourth FAS1 domain of TGFBIp encompasses the Y571-R588 peptide and that HtrA1 is involved in the proteolytic processing of TGFBIp-derived amyloid in vivo.

  • atypical asymmetric lattice corneal dystrophy associated with a novel homozygous mutation val624met in the TGFBI gene
    Molecular Vision, 2008
    Co-Authors: Natalie A Afshari, Ida B Thogersen, Jan J. Enghild, Rosanna P Bahadur, D E Eifrig, Gordon K. Klintworth
    Abstract:

    Purpose To evaluate the TGFBI gene and the encoded transforming growth factor beta-induced protein (TGFBIp) in a 47-year-old African-American patient with an unusual atypical asymmetric lattice corneal dystrophy (LCD).

  • TGFBI gene mutations in corneal dystrophies
    Human Mutation, 2006
    Co-Authors: Chitra Kannabiran, Gordon K. Klintworth
    Abstract:

    The lattice corneal dystrophies (LCD) and granular corneal dystrophies (GCD) are autosomal dominant disorders of the corneal stroma. They are bilateral, progressive conditions characterized by the formation of opacities arising due to the deposition of insoluble material in the corneal stroma leading to visual impairment. The LCDs and GCDs are distinguished from each other and are divided into subtypes on the basis of the clinical appearance of the opacities, clinical features of the disease, and on histopathological staining properties of the deposits. The GCDs and most types of LCD arise from mutations in the transforming growth factor beta-induced (TGFBI) gene on chromosome 5q31. Over 30 mutations causing LCD and GCD have been identified so far in the TGFBI. There are two mutation hotspots corresponding to arginine residues at positions 124 and 555 of the transforming growth factor beta induced protein (TGFBIp) and they are the most frequent sites of mutation in various populations. Mutations at either of these two hotspots result in specific types of LCD or GCD. The majority of identified mutations involve residues in the fourth fasciclin-like domain of TGFBIp.

James D Brenton - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • sparc regulates transforming growth factor beta induced TGFBI extracellular matrix deposition and paclitaxel response in ovarian cancer cells
    PLOS ONE, 2016
    Co-Authors: David A Tumbarello, Melissa R Andrews, James D Brenton
    Abstract:

    TGFBI has been shown to sensitize ovarian cancer cells to the cytotoxic effects of paclitaxel via an integrin receptor-mediated mechanism that modulates microtubule stability. Herein, we determine that TGFBI localizes within organized fibrillar structures in mesothelial-derived ECM. We determined that suppression of SPARC expression by shRNA decreased the deposition of TGFBI in mesothelial-derived ECM, without affecting its overall protein expression or secretion. Conversely, overexpression of SPARC increased TGFBI deposition. A SPARC-YFP fusion construct expressed by the Met5a cell line co-localized with TGFBI in the cell-derived ECM. Interestingly, in vitro produced SPARC was capable of precipitating TGFBI from cell lysates dependent on an intact SPARC carboxy-terminus with in vitro binding assays verifying a direct interaction. The last 37 amino acids of SPARC were shown to be required for the TGFBI interaction while expression of a SPARC-YFP construct lacking this region (aa 1–256) did not interact and co-localize with TGFBI in the ECM. Furthermore, ovarian cancer cells have a reduced motility and decreased response to the chemotherapeutic agent paclitaxel when plated on ECM derived from mesothelial cells lacking SPARC compared to control mesothelial-derived ECM. In conclusion, SPARC regulates the fibrillar ECM deposition of TGFBI through a novel interaction, subsequently influencing cancer cell behavior.

  • the xenopus TGFBI is required for embryogenesis through regulation of canonical wnt signalling
    Developmental Biology, 2013
    Co-Authors: Feng Wang, Jian Xian, Shinichi Ohnuma, James D Brenton
    Abstract:

    TGFBI, a fasciclin family extracellular matrix protein, has various roles in human diseases from corneal dystrophies to cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms that underlie its functions are poorly understood. Here, we studied the role of TGFBI during Xenopus embryogenesis. During gastrulation and immediately after, XTGFBI is expressed at developmentally important signaling centers including the dorsal marginal zone, notochord and floorplate. XTGFBI knockdown by anti-sense morpholinos causes defective organizer induction, patterning and differentiation of muscle, neuron and neural crests, similar to suppression of canonical Wnt signaling. In Xenopus embryos and animal caps as well as DLD-1 cells, we show that TGFBI is strongly required for the full activation of the canonical Wnt pathway by promoting phosphorylation of GSK3β and consequently enhancing the stabilization and nuclear localization of β-catenin. Further analysis shows that TGFBI is likely to promote GSK3β phosphorylation through integrin-linked kinase.

  • β3 integrin modulates transforming growth factor beta induced TGFBI function and paclitaxel response in ovarian cancer cells
    Molecular Cancer, 2012
    Co-Authors: David A Tumbarello, Jillian Temple, James D Brenton
    Abstract:

    The extracellular matrix (ECM) has a key role in facilitating the progression of ovarian cancer and we have shown recently that the secreted ECM protein TGFBI modulates the response of ovarian cancer to paclitaxel-induced cell death. We have determined TGFBI signaling from the extracellular environment is preferential for the cell surface αvβ3 integrin heterodimer, in contrast to periostin, a TGFBI paralogue, which signals primarily via a β1 integrin-mediated pathway. We demonstrate that suppression of β1 integrin expression, in β3 integrin-expressing ovarian cancer cells, increases adhesion to rTGFBI. In addition, Syndecan-1 and −4 expression is dispensable for adhesion to rTGFBI and loss of Syndecan-1 cooperates with the loss of β1 integrin to further enhance adhesion to rTGFBI. The RGD motif present in the carboxy-terminus of TGFBI is necessary, but not sufficient, for SKOV3 cell adhesion and is dispensable for adhesion of ovarian cancer cells lacking β3 integrin expression. In contrast to TGFBI, the carboxy-terminus of periostin, lacking a RGD motif, is unable to support adhesion of ovarian cancer cells. Suppression of β3 integrin in SKOV3 cells increases resistance to paclitaxel-induced cell death while suppression of β1 integrin has no effect. Furthermore, suppression of TGFBI expression stimulates a paclitaxel resistant phenotype while suppression of fibronectin expression, which primarily signals through a β1 integrin-mediated pathway, increases paclitaxel sensitivity. Therefore, different ECM components use distinct signaling mechanisms in ovarian cancer cells and in particular, TGFBI preferentially interacts through a β3 integrin receptor mediated mechanism to regulate the response of cells to paclitaxel-induced cell death.

Eung Kweon Kim - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • 4 phenylbutyric acid reduces mutant TGFBIp levels and er stress through activation of erad pathway in corneal fibroblasts of granular corneal dystrophy type 2
    Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 2016
    Co-Authors: Seung-il Choi, Taeim Kim, Eun Hee Lee, Jang Bin Jeong, Begum Akuzum, Yongsun Maeng, Eung Kweon Kim
    Abstract:

    Granular corneal dystrophy type 2 (GCD2) is caused by a point mutation (R124H) in the transforming growth factor β-induced (TGFBI) gene. In GCD2 corneal fibroblasts, secretion of the accumulated mutant TGFBI-encoded protein (TGFBIp) is delayed via the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)/Golgi-dependent secretory pathway. However, ER stress as the pathogenic mechanism underlying GCD2 has not been fully characterized. The aim of this study was to confirm whether ER stress is linked to GCD2 pathogenesis and whether the chemical chaperone, 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA), could be exploited as a therapy for GCD2. We found that the ER chaperone binding immunoglobulin protein (BiP) and the protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) were elevated in GCD2. Western bolt analysis also showed a significant increase in both the protein levels and the phosphorylation of the key ER stress kinases, inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α) and double stranded RNA activated protein kinase (PKR)-like ER kinase, as well as in levels of their downstream targets, X box-binding protein 1 (XBP1) and activating transcription factor 4, respectively, in GCD2 corneal fibroblasts. GCD2 cells were found to be more susceptible to ER stress-induced cell death than were wild-type corneal fibroblasts. Treatment with 4-PBA considerably reduced the levels of BiP, IRE1α, and XBP1 in GCD2 cells; notably, 4-PBA treatment significantly reduced the levels of TGFBIp without change in TGFBI mRNA levels. In addition, TGFBIp levels were significantly reduced under ER stress and this reduction was considerably suppressed by the ubiquitin proteasome inhibitor MG132, indicating TGFBIp degradation via the ER-associated degradation pathway. Treatment with 4-PBA not only protected against the GCD2 cell death induced by ER stress but also significantly suppressed the MG132-mediated increase in TGFBIp levels under ER stress. Together, these results suggest that ER stress might comprise an important factor in GCD2 pathophysiology and that the effects of 4-PBA treatment might have important implications for the development of GCD2 therapeutics.

  • Pathogenesis and treatments of TGFBI corneal dystrophies
    Progress in retinal and eye research, 2015
    Co-Authors: Kyung Eun Han, Seung-il Choi, Taeim Kim, Yongsun Maeng, R. Doyle Stulting, Eung Kweon Kim
    Abstract:

    Transforming growth factor beta-induced (TGFBI) corneal dystrophies are a group of inherited progressive corneal diseases. Accumulation of transforming growth factor beta-induced protein (TGFBIp) is involved in the pathogenesis of TGFBI corneal dystrophies; however, the exact molecular mechanisms are not fully elucidated. In this review article, we summarize the current knowledge of TGFBI corneal dystrophies including clinical manifestations, epidemiology, most common and recently reported associated mutations for each disease, and treatment modalities. We review our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms of granular corneal dystrophy type 2 (GCD2) and studies of other TGFBI corneal dystrophies. In GCD2 corneal fibroblasts, alterations of morphological characteristics of corneal fibroblasts, increased susceptibility to intracellular oxidative stress, dysfunctional and fragmented mitochondria, defective autophagy, and alterations of cell cycle were observed. Other studies of mutated TGFBIp show changes in conformational structure, stability and proteolytic properties in lattice and granular corneal dystrophies. Future research should be directed toward elucidation of the biochemical mechanism of deposit formation, the relationship between the mutated TGFBIp and the other materials in the extracellular matrix, and the development of gene therapy and pharmaceutical agents.

  • autophagy is induced by raptor degradation via the ubiquitin proteasome system in granular corneal dystrophy type 2
    Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 2014
    Co-Authors: Seung-il Choi, Taeim Kim, Yongsun Maeng, Kyu Seo Kim, Eung Kweon Kim
    Abstract:

    Abstract Granular corneal dystrophy type 2 (GCD2) is an autosomal dominant disorder that is caused by a point mutation in transforming growth factor-β-induced gene-h3 (TGFBI), which encodes transforming growth factor-β-induced protein (TGFBIp). Recently, we found that the autophagic clearance of mutant-TGFBIp is delayed in GCD2 corneal fibroblasts; however, any potential correlation between mutant-TGFBIp turnover and autophagy–lysosome pathway remains unknown. Here, we report that mutant-TGFBIp is accumulated and that autophagy, a key clearance pathway for mutant-TGFBIp, is induced in primary cultured GCD2 homozygous (HO) and wild-type (WT) corneal fibroblasts that express exogenously introduced mutant-TGFBIp. Mutant-TGFBI colocalized with LC3-enriched cytosolic vesicles and cathepsin D in primary cultured GCD2 corneal fibroblasts. We also observed reduced levels of raptor (regulatory-associated protein of the mammalian target of rapamycin [mTOR]) in GCD2 corneal fibroblasts and WT corneal fibroblasts expressing mutant-TGFBIp. Strikingly, treatment with MG132, a ubiquitin/proteasome system inhibitor, significantly increased the levels of both total and ubiquitinated raptor in GCD2 corneal fibroblasts. The levels of the autophagy marker LC3-II were also increased in WT corneal fibroblasts that were treated with shRNA against raptor. However, mutant-TGFBIp accumulated in autophagosomes or/and lysosomes in spite of the significant activation of basal autophagy in GCD2 corneal fibroblasts. These results suggest that an insufficient autophagy–lysosome pathway might be responsible for the intracellular accumulation of mutant-TGFBIp during the pathogenesis of GCD2.

  • inhibition of TGFBIp expression by lithium implications for TGFBI linked corneal dystrophy therapy
    T201101444.pdf, 2011
    Co-Authors: Seung-il Choi, Bong Yoon Kim, Taeim Kim, Shorafidinkhuja Dadakhujaev, James V Jester, Hyunmi Ryu, Eung Kweon Kim
    Abstract:

    PURPOSE. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects and molecular mechanisms of lithium on inhibition of TGFBIp expression as a potential therapy for TGFBI-linked corneal dystrophy. METHODS. Primary culture corneal fibroblasts were isolated from the corneas of healthy subjects and patients with granular corneal dystrophy type 2 (GCD2) with a homozygous mutation in TGFBI R124H. Levels of TGFBIp and its mRNA in corneal fibroblasts treated with various lithium (LiCl) concentrations were analyzed by Western blot, RT-PCR, and quantitative real-time PCR. RESULTS. LiCl treatment reduced the expression levels of normal and mutant TGFBIp in a dose- and a time-dependent manner. Furthermore, TGF-β1-induced TGFBIp expression decreased by 35% and 67% after treatment with 5 mM and 10 mM LiCl, respectively. LiCl decreased the level of pSmad3 (S423/425) in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, LiCl increased the level of pGSK-3α/β (S21/9) in a dose-dependent manner. Also observed was the interaction between GSK-3β and Smad3, which was enhanced by lithium. In addition, Western blot analysis showed that the ratio of LC3-II/LC3-I in corneal fibroblasts increased after LiCl treatment. Cell viability at different doses was greater than 98%, indicating that LiCl did not induce significant corneal fibroblast death. Finally, the observed attenuating effects of LiCl on TGFBIp expression were not the results of cell death. CONCLUSIONS. The accumulation of mutant TGFBIp ultimately leads to the histopathologic and clinical manifestations associated with TGFBI-linked corneal dystrophy. These data strongly suggest that lithium may be used for the prevention or treatment of this disease.

  • corneal dystrophy associated r124h mutation disrupts TGFBI interaction with periostin and causes mislocalization to the lysosome
    Journal of Biological Chemistry, 2009
    Co-Authors: Bong Yoon Kim, James A. Olzmann, Seung-il Choi, So Yeon Ahn, Taeim Kim, Hyun Soo Cho, Hwal Suh, Eung Kweon Kim
    Abstract:

    The 5q31-linked corneal dystrophies are heterogeneous autosomal-dominant eye disorders pathologically characterized by the progressive accumulation of aggregated proteinaceous deposits in the cornea, which manifests clinically as severe vision impairment. The 5q31-linked corneal dystrophies are commonly caused by mutations in the TGFBI (transforming growth factor-β-induced) gene. However, despite the identification of the culprit gene, the cellular roles of TGFBI and the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of corneal dystrophy remain poorly understood. Here we report the identification of periostin, a molecule that is highly related to TGFBI, as a specific TGFBI-binding partner. The association of TGFBI and periostin is mediated by the amino-terminal cysteine-rich EMI domains of TGFBI and periostin. Our results indicate that the endogenous TGFBI and periostin colocalize within the trans-Golgi network and associate prior to secretion. The corneal dystrophy-associated R124H mutation in TGFBI severely impairs interaction with periostin in vivo. In addition, the R124H mutation causes aberrant redistribution of the mutant TGFBI into lysosomes. We also find that the periostin-TGFBI interaction is disrupted in corneal fibroblasts cultured from granular corneal dystrophy type II patients and that periostin accumulates in TGFBI-positive corneal deposits in granular corneal dystrophy type II (also known as Avellino corneal dystrophy). Together, our findings suggest that TGFBI and periostin may play cooperative cellular roles and that periostin may be involved in the pathogenesis of 5q31-linked corneal dystrophies.

Jan J. Enghild - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • protein analysis of the TGFBI r124h mouse model gives insight into phenotype development of granular corneal dystrophy
    Proteomics Clinical Applications, 2020
    Co-Authors: Marie V. Lukassen, Ebbe Toftgaard Poulsen, Emilie Hage Mogensen, Tara Moore, Andrew M Nesbit, Jack Donaghy, Kathleen A Christie, Hila Roshanravan, Larry Dedioniso, Jan J. Enghild
    Abstract:

    Purpose Mutations in the transforming growth factor β-induced protein (TGFBIp) are associated with TGFBI-linked corneal dystrophies, which manifests as protein deposits in the cornea. A total of 70 different disease-causing mutations have been reported so far including the common R124H substitution, which is associated with granular corneal dystrophy type 2 (GCD2). The disease mechanism of GCD2 is not known and the current treatments only offer temporary relief due to the reoccurrence of deposits. Experimental design The corneal protein profiles of the three genotypes (wild-type (WT), heterozygotes, and homozygotes) of a GCD2 mouse model are compared using label-free quantitative LC-MS/MS. Results The mice do not display corneal protein deposits and the global protein expression between the three genotypes is highly similar. However, the expression of mutated TGFBIp is 41% of that of the WT protein. Conclusions and clinical relevance It is proposed that the lowered expression level of mutant TGFBIp protein relative to WT protein is the direct cause of the missing development of corneal deposits in the mouse. The overall protein profiles of the corneas are not impacted by the reduced amount of TGFBIp. Altogether, this supports a partial reduction in mutated TGFBIp as a potential treatment strategy for GCD2.

  • proteomic profiling of TGFBI null mouse corneas reveals only minor changes in matrix composition supportive of TGFBI knockdown as therapy against TGFBI linked corneal dystrophies
    Author, 2017
    Co-Authors: Ebbe Toftgaard Poulsen, Kasper Runager, Nadia Sukusu Nielsen, Marie V. Lukassen, Karen Louise Thomsen, Paige Snider, Olga Simmons, Henrik Vorum, Simon J Conway, Jan J. Enghild
    Abstract:

    TGFBIp is a constituent of the extracellular matrix in many human tissues including the cornea, where it is one of the most abundant proteins expressed. TGFBIp interacts with Type I, II, IV, VI, and XII collagens as well as several members of the integrin family, suggesting it plays an important role in maintaining structural integrity and possibly corneal transparency as well. Significantly, more than 60 point mutations within the TGFBI gene have been reported to result in aberrant TGFBIp folding and aggregation in the cornea, resulting in severe visual impairment and blindness. Several studies have focused on targeting TGFBIp in the cornea as a therapeutic approach to treat TGFBI-linked corneal dystrophies, but the effect of this approach on corneal homeostasis and matrix integrity remained unknown. In the current study, we evaluated the histological and proteomic profiles of corneas from TGFBI-deficient mice as well as potential redundant functions of the paralogous protein POSTN. The absence of TGFBIp in mouse corneas did not grossly affect the collagen scaffold, and POSTN is unable to compensate for loss of TGFBIp. Proteomic comparison of wild-type and TGFBI-/- mice revealed 11 proteins were differentially regulated, including Type VI and XII collagens. However, as these alterations did not manifest at the macroscopic and behavioral levels, these data support partial or complete TGFBI knockdown as a potential therapy against TGFBI-linked corneal dystrophies. Lastly, in situ hybridization verified TGFBI mRNA in the epithelial cells but not in other cell types, supportive of a therapy directed specifically at this lineage.

  • protein composition of TGFBI r124c and TGFBI r555w associated aggregates suggests multiple mechanisms leading to lattice and granular corneal dystrophy
    Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 2015
    Co-Authors: Ebbe Toftgaard Poulsen, Tara Moore, David G Courtney, Susan Kennedy, Johnny Moore, Sarah D Atkinson, Eleonora Maurizi, Andrew M Nesbit, Jan J. Enghild
    Abstract:

    The study reveals previously unknown differences between the protein composition of GCD1 and LCD1 aggregates, and confirms the presence of the HtrA1 protease in LCD1-amyloid aggregates. In addition, we find mutation-specific differences in the processing of mutant TGFBIp species, which may contribute to the variable phenotypes noted in TGFBI-related dystrophies.

  • Composition and proteolytic processing of corneal deposits associated with mutations in the TGFBI gene.
    Experimental eye research, 2011
    Co-Authors: Henrik Karring, Kasper Runager, Ida B Thogersen, Gordon K. Klintworth, Peter Højrup, Jan J. Enghild
    Abstract:

    Different types of granular corneal dystrophy (GCD)1 and lattice corneal dystrophy (LCD) are associated with mutations in the transforming growth factor beta induced gene (TGFBI). These dystrophies are characterized by the formation of non-amyloid granular deposits (GCDs) and amyloid (LCD type 1 and its variants) in the cornea. Typical corneal non-amyloid deposits from GCD type 2 (R124H), amyloid from a variant of LCD type 1 (V624M) and disease-free tissue controls were procured by laser capture microdissection and analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry. Label-free quantitative comparisons of deposits and controls suggested that the non-amyloid sample (R124H) specifically accumulated transforming growth factor beta induced protein (TGFBIp/keratoepithelin/βig-h3), serum amyloid P-component, clusterin, type III collagen, keratin 3, and histone H3-like protein. The amyloid (V624M) similarly accumulated serum amyloid P-component and clusterin but also a C-terminal fragment of TGFBIp containing residues Y571-R588 derived from the fourth fasciclin-1 domain (FAS1-4), apolipoprotein E and apolipoprotein A-IV. Significantly, analyses of the amyloid sample also revealed the presence of the serine protease Htr (High-temperature requirement) A1 and a number of proteolytic cleavage sites in the FAS1-4 domain of TGFBIp. These cleavage sites were consistent with the ligand binding and proteolytic activity of HtrA1 suggesting that it plays a role in the proteolytic processing of the amyloidogenic FAS1-4 domain. Taken together, the data suggest that the amyloidogenic-prone region of the fourth FAS1 domain of TGFBIp encompasses the Y571-R588 peptide and that HtrA1 is involved in the proteolytic processing of TGFBIp-derived amyloid in vivo.

  • atypical asymmetric lattice corneal dystrophy associated with a novel homozygous mutation val624met in the TGFBI gene
    Molecular Vision, 2008
    Co-Authors: Natalie A Afshari, Ida B Thogersen, Jan J. Enghild, Rosanna P Bahadur, D E Eifrig, Gordon K. Klintworth
    Abstract:

    Purpose To evaluate the TGFBI gene and the encoded transforming growth factor beta-induced protein (TGFBIp) in a 47-year-old African-American patient with an unusual atypical asymmetric lattice corneal dystrophy (LCD).