A ligand-insensitive UNC5B splicing isoform regulates angiogenesis by promoting apoptosis.

The Netrin-1 receptor UNC5B is an axon guidance regulator that is also expressed in endothelial cells (ECs), where it finely controls developmental and tumor angiogenesis. In the absence of Netrin-1, UNC5B induces apoptosis that is blocked upon Netrin-1 binding. Here, we identify an UNC5B splicing isoform (called UNC5B-Δ8) expressed exclusively by ECs and generated through exon skipping by NOVA2, an alternative splicing factor regulating vascular development. We show that UNC5B-Δ8 is a constitutively pro-apoptotic splicing isoform insensitive to Netrin-1 and required for specific blood vessel development in an apoptosis-dependent manner. Like NOVA2, UNC5B-Δ8 is aberrantly expressed in colon cancer vasculature where its expression correlates with tumor angiogenesis and poor patient outcome. Collectively, our data identify a mechanism controlling UNC5B's necessary apoptotic function in ECs and suggest that the NOVA2/UNC5B circuit represents a post-transcriptional pathway regulating angiogenesis.

Optimized Recombinant Production of Secreted Proteins Using Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK293) Cells Grown in Suspension.

Recombinant proteins are an essential milestone for a plethora of different applications ranging from pharmaceutical to clinical, and mammalian cell lines are among the currently preferred systems to obtain large amounts of proteins of interest due to their high level of post-translational modification and manageable large-scale production. In this regard, human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells constitute one of the main standard lab-scale mammalian hosts for recombinant protein production since these cells are relatively easy to handle, scale-up, and transfect. Here, we present a detailed protocol for the cost-effective, reproducible, and scalable implementation of HEK293 cell cultures in suspension (suitable for commercially available HEK293 cells, HEK293-F) for high-quantity recombinant production of secreted soluble multi-domain proteins. In addition, the protocol is optimized for a Monday-to-Friday maintenance schedule, thus simplifying and streamlining the work of operators responsible for cell culture maintenance. Graphic abstract: Schematic overview of the workflow described in this protocol.

In vivo modulation of a dominant-negative variant in mouse models of von Willebrand disease type 2A.

Essentials Treatment options for von Willebrand disease (VWD) patients are limited. The p.P1127_C1948delinsR deletion/variant is a useful model to study VWD in vitro and in vivo. Counteracting dominant-negative effects restores von Willebrand factor multimerization in mice. This is the first siRNA-based treatment applied to a mouse model of VWD-type 2A. ABSTRACT: Background Treatment options for patients suffering from von Willebrand disease (VWD) are limited. Von Willebrand factor (VWF) is a polymeric protein that undergoes regulated dimerization and subsequent multimerization during its biosynthesis. Numerous heterozygous variants within the VWF gene display a dominant-negative effect and result in severe VWD. Previous studies have suggested that preventing the assembly of wild-type and mutant heteropolymers using siRNAs may have beneficial effects on VWF phenotypes in vitro. Objectives To study heterozygous dominant-negative variants in vivo, we developed a mouse model of VWD-type 2A and tested two independent strategies to modulate its detrimental effect. Methods The p.P1127_C1948delinsR deletion/variant, causing defective VWF multimerization, was expressed in mice as a model of VWD-type 2A variant. Two corrective strategies were applied. For the first time in a mouse model of VWD, we applied siRNAs selectively inhibiting translation of the mutant transcripts and we combined the VWD-type 2A deletion with the Cys to Arg substitution at position 2773, which is known to prevent dimerization. Results The RNA silencing approach induced a modest but consistent improvement of the VWF multimer profile. However, due to incomplete efficiency, the dominant-negative effect of the original variant could not be completely prevented. In contrast, the DNA approach resulted in increased antigen levels and restoration of a normal multimer profile. Conclusions Our data showed that preventing the detrimental impact of dominant-negative VWF variants by independent molecular mechanisms has beneficial consequences in vivo, in mouse models of dominant VWD.

A novel L1CAM isoform with angiogenic activity generated by NOVA2-mediated alternative splicing.

The biological players involved in angiogenesis are only partially defined. Here, we report that endothelial cells (ECs) express a novel isoform of the cell-surface adhesion molecule L1CAM, termed L1-ΔTM. The splicing factor NOVA2, which binds directly to L1CAM pre-mRNA, is necessary and sufficient for the skipping of L1CAM transmembrane domain in ECs, leading to the release of soluble L1-ΔTM. The latter exerts high angiogenic function through both autocrine and paracrine activities. Mechanistically, L1-ΔTM-induced angiogenesis requires fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 signaling, implying a crosstalk between the two molecules. NOVA2 and L1-ΔTM are overexpressed in the vasculature of ovarian cancer, where L1-ΔTM levels correlate with tumor vascularization, supporting the involvement of NOVA2-mediated L1-ΔTM production in tumor angiogenesis. Finally, high NOVA2 expression is associated with poor outcome in ovarian cancer patients. Our results point to L1-ΔTM as a novel, EC-derived angiogenic factor which may represent a target for innovative antiangiogenic therapies.

SiMPLOD, a Structure-Integrated Database of Collagen Lysyl Hydroxylase (LH/PLOD) Enzyme Variants.

PLOD genes encode for procollagen lysyl hydroxylase enzymes (LH/PLOD), a family of proteins essential for collagen biosynthesis. Several mutations affect these genes, causing severe disorders, such as Ehlers-Danlos and Bruck syndrome, as well a connective tissue disease with phenotype resembling osteogenesis imperfecta caused by lack of LH3 functions. The recently determined three-dimensional (3D) structures of the full-length human LH3/PLOD3 isoform, together with the structure of a fragment of a viral LH/PLOD homolog, are now allowing molecular mapping of the numerous disease-causing mutations, providing insights often suitable for the interpretation of the resulting disease phenotypes. However, the added value of molecular structure interpretation is affected by the limited accessibility of complex molecular data to scientific communities lacking direct expertise in structural biology. In this work, we present a Structurally-integrated database for Mutations of PLOD genes (SiMPLOD), a publicly-available manually-curated online database with an embedded molecular viewer interface for the visualization and interpretation of LH/PLOD mutations on available molecular models. Each SiMPLOD entry is accompanied by manual annotations extrapolated from literature references and comments about the localization of the amino acid variants on the molecular structure. Additional links to the appropriate online resources for clinically-relevant as well as biochemical data are also provided in a standardized format. The web application is available at http://fornerislab.unipv.it/SiMPLOD. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

In vivo genetic manipulation of inner ear connexin expression by bovine adeno-associated viral vectors.

We have previously shown that in vitro transduction with bovine adeno-associated viral (BAAV) vectors restores connexin expression and rescues gap junction coupling in cochlear organotypic cultures from connexin-deficient mice that are models DFNB1 nonsyndromic hearing loss and deafness. The aims of this study were to manipulate inner ear connexin expression in vivo using BAAV vectors, and to identify the optimal route of vector delivery. Injection of a BAAV vector encoding a bacterial Cre recombinase via canalostomy in adult mice with floxed connexin 26 (Cx26) alleles promoted Cre/LoxP recombination, resulting in decreased Cx26 expression, decreased endocochlear potential, increased hearing thresholds, and extensive loss of outer hair cells. Injection of a BAAV vector encoding GFP-tagged Cx30 via canalostomy in P4 mice lacking connexin 30 (Cx30) promoted formation of Cx30 gap junctions at points of contacts between adjacent non-sensory cells of the cochlear sensory epithelium. Levels of exogenous Cx30 decayed over time, but were still detectable four weeks after canalostomy. Our results suggest that persistence of BAAV-mediated gene replacement in the cochlea is limited by the extensive remodeling of the organ of Corti throughout postnatal development and associated loss of non-sensory cells.

Specific factor IX mRNA and protein features favor drug-induced readthrough over recurrent nonsense mutations.

Drug-induced readthrough over premature stop codons (PTCs) is a potentially attractive therapy for genetic disorders, but a wide outcome variability has been observed. Through expression studies, we investigated the responsiveness to the readthrough-inducing drug geneticin of 11 rationally selected factor IX (FIX) nonsense mutations, present in 70% (324/469) of hemophilia B (HB) patients with PTCs. Among the predicted readthrough-permissive TGA variants, only 2 (p.W240X and p.R384X) responded with a remarkable rescue of FIX activity. The amounts of rescued full-length FIX protein for the p.W240X (∼9% of recombinant FIX [rFIX]-wild-type [WT]) slightly exceeded activity (5.2 ± 0.6%). FIX antigen for the p.R384X (1.9 ± 0.3%) was remarkably lower than activity (7.5 ± 0.7%). Data indicate novel specific mechanisms producing functional rescue: (1) prevalent reinsertion of the authentic residue (tryptophan), reverting the nonsense effects for the p.W240X, and (2) gain-of-function for the p.R384X, supported by the fourfold increased activity of the most probable readthrough-mediated missense variant (rFIX-R384W). For most PTCs, impaired secretion/function produced by readthrough-mediated amino acid substitutions prevented a significant functional rescue, which requires combinations of favorable FIX messenger RNA (mRNA) sequence and protein features. This rational approach, applicable to other coagulation disorders, helps with interpreting the poor response reported in the few investigated HB patients, and identifies candidate patients eligible for treatment.

Cationic lipid nanosystems as carriers for nucleic acids.

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) consisting of tristearin or tribehenin, and monoolein aqueous dispersions (MADs) consisting of glyceryl-monoolein have been studied as potential nanocarriers for nucleic acids. The cationic character of nanocarriers was obtained by adding cationic surfactants, such as diisobutylphenoxyethyl-dimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride (DEBDA) or PEG-15 Cocopolyamine (PCPA), to the lipid composition. The products were characterised in terms of size and morphology by Cryo-TEM and PCS. The charge properties were determined by measuring the zeta potential. Our experimental protocol enabled us to obtain homogeneous and stable cationic nanosystems within 3-6 months of production. Assessment of cytotoxicity on HepG2 cells by MTT assays indicated that MAD preparations were less toxic than SLN, and in general PCPA-containing formulations are less cytotoxic than DEBDA-containing ones. The formation of electrostatic complexes with salmon sperm or plasmid DNA, used as model nucleic acids, was evaluated by electrophoresis on agarose gel. The results confirmed that all the formulations studied are able to form the complex. Finally, we investigated the ability of SLN and MAD to deliver DNA into HepG2 cells, and to this purpose we exploited expression plasmids for green fluorescent protein or firefly luciferase. Although with reduced efficiency, the results showed that the produced nanocarriers are able to convey plasmids into cells. The data obtained encourage further study aimed at improving these new formulations and proposing them as novel in vitro transfection reagents with potential application to in vivo delivery of nucleic acids.

Replacement of the Y450 (c234) phenyl ring in the carboxyl-terminal region of coagulation factor IX causes pleiotropic effects on secretion and enzyme activity.

The interplay between impaired protein biosynthesis and/or function caused by missense mutations, particularly in relation to specific protein regions, has been poorly investigated. As model we chose the severe p.Y450C mutation in the carboxyl-terminal region of coagulation factor IX (FIX) and, by expression of a panel of recombinant variants, demonstrated the key role of the tyrosine phenyl group for both FIX secretion and coagulant activity. Comparison among highly homologous coagulation serine proteases indicate that additive or compensatory pleiotropic effects on secretion and function by carboxyl-terminal mutations produce life-threatening or mild phenotypes in the presence of similarly reduced protein amounts.

Ribosome readthrough accounts for secreted full-length factor IX in hemophilia B patients with nonsense mutations.

We investigated the spontaneous ribosome readthrough, virtually unexplored in genes encoding secreted proteins, over coagulation F9 nonsense mutations. Expression of recombinant factor IX (FIX) in eukaryotic cells demonstrated appreciable levels of secreted FIX molecules for the mutations p.R162* (5 ± 0.3% of rFIX-wt antigen levels), p.R294* (3.1 ± 1.1%) and p.R298* (2.5 ± 0.7%), but not for the p.L103*. Western blotting revealed a large proportion of truncated molecules, which correlated with small amounts of full-length FIX (rFIX-162*, ∼0.5%; rFIX-294*; and rFIX-298*, ∼0.2%). Western blotting of plasma from FIX deficient (Hemophilia B) patients revealed traces of full-length FIX for the p.R294* and p.R298* mutations, but not for the p.L103* mutation that triggered major FIX mRNA decay. The detection of full-length proteins has clinical implication, particularly for post-therapeutic immunological complications in Hemophilia. Data in patients' plasma and in vitro, obtained in the proper protein context, support a ribosome readthrough gradient, consistent with its predicted determinants of efficiency.

Long-chain cationic derivatives of PTA (1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane) as new components of potential non-viral vectors.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential of new positively charged solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) to convey nucleic acids. The cationic character of SLN was obtained by adding as cationic molecules two different long-chain cationic phosphines (CP), namely hexadecyl-PTA iodide (CP16) and octadecyl-PTA iodide (CP18). The obtained CP-SLN are characterized by a positive charge on the surface and reproducible dimensions around 220 nm. These nanosystems are able to efficiently bind nucleic acid molecules and to protect DNA from the activity of serum nucleases up to 120 min. Lastly, in vitro experiments demonstrated that CP-SLN exhibit a quite pronounced antiproliferative effect on cultured human K562 erythroleukemic cells and a limited effect as transfecting adjuvant. These data, and particularly the ability of CP-SLN to protect DNA from degradation, encourages further studies aimed at proposing these nanosystems as a potential approach to deliver nucleic acid to cells in living organisms.