CIAO1 and MMS19 deficiency: A lethal neurodegenerative phenotype caused by cytosolic Fe-S cluster protein assembly disorders.

PURPOSE: The functionality of many cellular proteins depends on cofactors; yet, they have only been implicated in a minority of Mendelian diseases. Here, we describe the first 2 inherited disorders of the cytosolic iron-sulfur protein assembly system. METHODS: Genetic testing via genome sequencing was applied to identify the underlying disease cause in 3 patients with microcephaly, congenital brain malformations, progressive developmental and neurologic impairments, recurrent infections, and a fatal outcome. Studies in patient-derived skin fibroblasts and zebrafish models were performed to investigate the biochemical and cellular consequences. RESULTS: Metabolic analysis showed elevated uracil and thymine levels in body fluids but no pathogenic variants in DPYD, encoding dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase. Genome sequencing identified compound heterozygosity in 2 patients for missense variants in CIAO1, encoding cytosolic iron-sulfur assembly component 1, and homozygosity for an in-frame 3-nucleotide deletion in MMS19, encoding the MMS19 homolog, cytosolic iron-sulfur assembly component, in the third patient. Profound alterations in the proteome, metabolome, and lipidome were observed in patient-derived fibroblasts. We confirmed the detrimental effect of deficiencies in CIAO1 and MMS19 in zebrafish models. CONCLUSION: A general failure of cytosolic and nuclear iron-sulfur protein maturation caused pleiotropic effects. The critical function of the cytosolic iron-sulfur protein assembly machinery for antiviral host defense may well explain the recurrent severe infections occurring in our patients.

ß-Ureidopropionase deficiency due to novel and rare UPB1 mutations affecting pre-mRNA splicing and protein structural integrity and catalytic activity.

ß-Ureidopropionase is the third enzyme of the pyrimidine degradation pathway and catalyses the conversion of N-carbamyl-ß-alanine and N-carbamyl-ß-aminoisobutyric acid to ß-alanine and ß-aminoisobutyric acid, ammonia and CO2. To date, only a limited number of genetically confirmed patients with a complete ß-ureidopropionase deficiency have been reported. Here, we report on the clinical, biochemical and molecular findings of 10 newly identified ß-ureidopropionase deficient individuals. Patients presented mainly with neurological abnormalities and markedly elevated levels of N-carbamyl-ß-alanine and N-carbamyl-ß-aminoisobutyric acid in urine. Analysis of UPB1, encoding ß-ureidopropionase, showed 5 novel missense variants and two novel splice-site variants. Functional expression of the UPB1 variants in mammalian cells showed that recombinant ß-ureidopropionase carrying the p.Ala120Ser, p.Thr129Met, p.Ser300Leu and p.Asn345Ile variant yielded no or significantly decreased ß-ureidopropionase activity. Analysis of the crystal structure of human ß-ureidopropionase indicated that the point mutations affect substrate binding or prevent the proper subunit association to larger oligomers and thus a fully functional ß-ureidopropionase. A minigene approach showed that the intronic variants c.[364 + 6 T > G] and c.[916 + 1_916 + 2dup] led to skipping of exon 3 and 8, respectively, in the process of UPB1 pre-mRNA splicing. The c.[899C > T] (p.Ser300Leu) variant was identified in two unrelated Swedish ß-ureidopropionase patients, indicating that ß-ureidopropionase deficiency may be more common than anticipated.

Urinary 3-Methoxytyramine Is a Biomarker for MYC Activity in Patients With Neuroblastoma.

PURPOSE: Elevated urinary 3-methoxytyramine (3MT) level at diagnosis was recently put forward as independent risk factor for poor prognosis in neuroblastoma. Here, we investigated the biologic basis underlying the putative association between elevated 3MT levels and poor prognosis. METHODS: Urinary 3MT levels and prognosis were investigated in both retrospective Italian (N = 90) and prospective Dutch (N = 95) cohorts. From the Dutch Cancer Oncology Group cohort (N = 122), patients with available urinary 3MT and gene expression data (n = 90) were used to generate a 3MT gene signature. The 3MT gene signature score was then used to predict survival outcome in the Children's Oncology Group (N = 247) and German Pediatric Oncology Group (N = 498) cohorts and compared with other known gene signatures. Immunohistochemistry of MYCN and dopamine ß-hydroxylase proteins was performed on primary tumors. RESULTS: Elevated urinary 3MT levels were associated with poor prognosis in a retrospective cohort and a prospective cohort. Moreover, elevated urinary 3MT levels were associated with eight differentially expressed genes, providing a 3MT gene signature that successfully predicted poor clinical outcome. Even among low-risk patients, high 3MT signature score was associated with poor 5-year overall survival (72% v 99% among low-risk patients with a low 3MT signature score), and the 3MT signature score was correlated with MYC activity in the tumor (R = 82%, P < .0001). Finally, a strong MYCN and weak dopamine ß-hydroxylase staining of tumors derived from patients with elevated urinary 3MT levels was observed, linking MYC activity in the tumor to both catecholamine biosynthesis and elevated urinary 3MT levels. CONCLUSION: Elevated urinary 3MT is a promising biomarker for poor prognosis and reflects increased MYC activity in the tumor. Therefore, urinary 3MT levels should be measured at diagnosis and may assist in assessing risk.

Thrombocytopenia after meta-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) therapy in neuroblastoma patients may be caused by selective MIBG uptake via the serotonin transporter located on megakaryocytes.

BACKGROUND: The therapeutic use of [131I]meta-iodobenzylguanidine ([131I]MIBG) is often accompanied by hematological toxicity, primarily consisting of severe and persistent thrombocytopenia. We hypothesize that this is caused by selective uptake of MIBG via the serotonin transporter (SERT) located on platelets and megakaryocytes. In this study, we have investigated whether in vitro cultured human megakaryocytes are capable of selective plasma membrane transport of MIBG and whether pharmacological intervention with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may prevent this radiotoxic MIBG uptake. METHODS: Peripheral blood CD34+ cells were differentiated to human megakaryocytic cells using a standardized culture protocol. Prior to [3H]serotonin and [125I]MIBG uptake experiments, the differentiation status of megakaryocyte cultures was assessed by flow cytometry. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to assess SERT and NET (norepinephrine transporter) mRNA expression. On day 10 of differentiation, [3H]serotonin and [125I]MIBG uptake assays were conducted. Part of the samples were co-incubated with the SSRI citalopram to assess SERT-specific uptake. HEK293 cells transfected with SERT, NET, and empty vector served as controls. RESULTS: In vitro cultured human megakaryocytes are capable of selective plasma membrane transport of MIBG. After 10 days of differentiation, megakaryocytic cell culture batches from three different hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell donors showed on average 9.2 ± 2.4 nmol of MIBG uptake per milligram protein per hour after incubation with 10-7 M MIBG (range: 6.6 ± 1.0 to 11.2 ± 1.0 nmol/mg/h). Co-incubation with the SSRI citalopram led to a significant reduction (30.1%-41.5%) in MIBG uptake, implying SERT-specific uptake of MIBG. A strong correlation between the number of mature megakaryocytes and SERT-specific MIBG uptake was observed. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that human megakaryocytes cultured in vitro are capable of MIBG uptake. Moreover, the SSRI citalopram selectively inhibits MIBG uptake via the serotonin transporter. The concomitant administration of citalopram to neuroblastoma patients during [131I]MIBG therapy might be a promising strategy to prevent the onset of thrombocytopenia.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) prevent meta-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) uptake in platelets without affecting neuroblastoma tumor uptake.

BACKGROUND: The therapeutic use of [131I]meta-iodobenzylguanidine ([131I]MIBG) is often accompanied by hematological toxicity, mainly consisting of persistent and severe thrombocytopenia. While MIBG accumulates in neuroblastoma cells via selective uptake by the norepinephrine transporter (NET), the serotonin transporter (SERT) is responsible for cellular uptake of MIBG in platelets. In this study, we have investigated whether pharmacological intervention with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may prevent radiotoxic MIBG uptake in platelets without affecting neuroblastoma tumor uptake. METHODS: To determine the transport kinetics of SERT for [125I]MIBG, HEK293 cells were transfected with SERT and uptake assays were conducted. Next, a panel of seven SSRIs was tested in vitro for their inhibitory potency on the uptake of [125I]MIBG in isolated human platelets and in cultured neuroblastoma cells. We investigated in vivo the efficacy of the four best performing SSRIs on the accumulation of [125I]MIBG in nude mice bearing subcutaneous neuroblastoma xenografts. In ex vivo experiments, the diluted plasma of mice treated with SSRIs was added to isolated human platelets to assess the effect on [125I]MIBG uptake. RESULTS: SERT performed as a low-affinity transporter of [125I]MIBG in comparison with NET (Km = 9.7 µM and 0.49 µM, respectively). Paroxetine was the most potent uptake inhibitor of both serotonin (IC50 = 0.6 nM) and MIBG (IC50 = 0.2 nM) in platelets. Citalopram was the most selective SERT inhibitor of [125I]MIBG uptake, with high SERT affinity in platelets (IC50 = 7.8 nM) and low NET affinity in neuroblastoma cells (IC50 = 11.940 nM). The in vivo tested SSRIs (citalopram, fluvoxamine, sertraline, and paroxetine) had no effect on [125I]MIBG uptake levels in neuroblastoma xenografts. In contrast, treatment with desipramine, a NET selective inhibitor, resulted in profoundly decreased xenograft [125I]MIBG levels (p < 0.0001). In ex vivo [125I]MIBG uptake experiments, 100- and 34-fold diluted murine plasma of mice treated with citalopram added to isolated human platelets led to a decrease in MIBG uptake of 54-76%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates for the first time that SSRIs selectively inhibit MIBG uptake in platelets without affecting MIBG accumulation in an in vivo neuroblastoma model. The concomitant application of citalopram during [131I]MIBG therapy seems a promising strategy to prevent thrombocytopenia in neuroblastoma patients.

Deficiency of perforin and hCNT1, a novel inborn error of pyrimidine metabolism, associated with a rapidly developing lethal phenotype due to multi-organ failure.

Pyrimidine nucleotides are essential for a vast number of cellular processes and dysregulation of pyrimidine metabolism has been associated with a variety of clinical abnormalities. Inborn errors of pyrimidine metabolism affecting enzymes in the pyrimidine de novo and degradation pathway have been identified but no patients have been described with a deficiency in proteins affecting the cellular import of ribonucleosides. In this manuscript, we report the elucidation of the genetic basis of the observed uridine-cytidineuria in a patient presenting with fever, hepatosplenomegaly, persistent lactate acidosis, severely disturbed liver enzymes and ultimately multi-organ failure. Sequence analysis of genes encoding proteins directly involved in the metabolism of uridine and cytidine showed two variants c.1528C > T (p.R510C) and c.1682G > A (p.R561Q) in SLC28A1, encoding concentrative nucleotide transporter 1 (hCNT1). Functional analysis showed that these variants affected the three-dimensional structure of hCNT1, altered glycosylation and decreased the half-life of the mutant proteins which resulted in impaired transport activity. Co-transfection of both variants, mimicking the trans disposition of c.1528C > T (p.R510C) and c.1682G > A (p.R561Q) in the patient, significantly impaired hCNT1 biological function. Whole genome sequencing identified two pathogenic variants c.50delT; p.(Leu17Argfs*34) and c.853_855del; p.(Lys285del) in the PRF1 gene, indicating that our patient was also suffering from Familial Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis type 2. The identification of two co-existing monogenic defects might have resulted in a blended phenotype. Thus, the clinical presentation of isolated hCNT1 deficiency remains to be established.

Dihydropyrimidine Dehydrogenase Deficiency: Homozygosity for an Extremely Rare Variant in DPYD due to Uniparental Isodisomy of Chromosome 1.

Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of the pyrimidine degradation pathway and can lead to intellectual disability, motor retardation, and seizures. Genetic variations in DPYD have also emerged as predictive risk factors for severe toxicity in cancer patients treated with fluoropyrimidines. We recently observed a child born to non-consanguineous parents, who demonstrated seizures, cognitive impairment, language delay, and MRI abnormalities and was found to have marked thymine-uraciluria. No residual DPD activity could be detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Molecular analysis showed that the child was homozygous for the very rare c.257C > T (p.Pro86Leu) variant in DPYD. Functional analysis of the recombinantly expressed DPD mutant showed that the DPD mutant carrying the p.Pro86Leu did not possess any residual DPD activity. Carrier testing in parents revealed that the father was heterozygous for the variant but unexpectedly the mother did not carry the variant. Microsatellite repeat testing with markers covering chromosome 1 showed that the DPD deficiency in the child is due to paternal uniparental isodisomy. Our report thus extends the genetic spectrum underlying DPYD deficiency.

Genome sequencing reveals a novel genetic mechanism underlying dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase deficiency: A novel missense variant c.1700G>A and a large intragenic inversion in DPYD spanning intron 8 to intron 12.

Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency is associated with a variable clinical presentation. A family with three DPD-deficient patients presented with unusual clinical phenotypes including pregnancy-induced symptoms, transient visual impairment, severe developmental delay, cortical blindness, and delayed myelination in the brain. DPYD Sanger sequencing showed heterozygosity for the c.1905+1G>A mutation and a novel missense variant c.1700G>A (p.G567E). The recombinantly expressed p.G567E DPD variant showed increased temperature lability probably caused by structural rearrangements within the DPD protein. Genome sequencing of the affected son established compound heterozygosity for the c.1700G>A and an imperfect 115,731 bp inversion with breakpoints at chr1: 98,113,121 (intron 8) and chr1: 97,997,390 (intron 12) of the DPYD associated with a 4 bp deletion (chr1: 97,997,386_97,997,389del). Whole exome and mitochondrial DNA analyses for the mother and daughter did not reveal additional mutated genes of significance. Thus, an inversion in DPYD should be considered in patients with an inconclusive genotype or unusual clinical phenotype.

Dihydropyrimidinase deficiency in four East Asian patients due to novel and rare DPYS mutations affecting protein structural integrity and catalytic activity.

Dihydropyrimidinase (DHP) is the second enzyme of the pyrimidine degradation pathway and catalyzes the ring opening of 5,6-dihydrouracil and 5,6-dihydrothymine. To date, only 31 genetically confirmed patients with a DHP deficiency have been reported and the clinical, biochemical and genetic spectrum of DHP deficient patients is, therefore, still largely unknown. Here, we show that 4 newly identified DHP deficient patients presented with strongly elevated levels of 5,6-dihydrouracil and 5,6-dihydrothymine in urine and a highly variable clinical presentation, ranging from asymptomatic to infantile spasm and reduced white matter and brain atrophy. Analysis of the DHP gene (DPYS) showed the presence of 8 variants including 4 novel/rare missense variants and one novel deletion. Functional analysis of recombinantly expressed DHP mutants carrying the p.M250I, p.H295R, p.Q334R, p.T418I and the p.R490H variant showed residual DHP activities of 2.0%, 9.8%, 9.7%, 64% and 0.3%, respectively. The crystal structure of human DHP indicated that all point mutations were likely to cause rearrangements of loops shaping the active site, primarily affecting substrate binding and stability of the enzyme. The observation that the identified mutations were more prevalent in East Asians and the Japanese population indicates that DHP deficiency may be more common than anticipated in these ethnic groups.

Severe fluoropyrimidine toxicity due to novel and rare DPYD missense mutations, deletion and genomic amplification affecting DPD activity and mRNA splicing.

Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) is the initial and rate-limiting enzyme in the catabolism of 5-fluorouracil (5FU). Genetic variations in DPD have emerged as predictive risk factors for severe fluoropyrimidine toxicity. Here, we report novel and rare genetic variants underlying DPD deficiency in 9 cancer patients presenting with severe fluoropyrimidine-associated toxicity. All patients possessed a strongly reduced DPD activity, ranging from 9 to 53% of controls. Analysis of the DPD gene (DPYD) showed the presence of 21 variable sites including 4 novel and 4 very rare aberrations: 3 missense mutations, 2 splice-site mutations, 1 intronic mutation, a deletion of 21 nucleotides and a genomic amplification of exons 9-12. Two novel/rare variants (c.2843T>C, c.321+1G>A) were present in multiple, unrelated patients. Functional analysis of recombinantly-expressed DPD mutants carrying the p.I948T and p.G284V mutation showed residual DPD activities of 30% and 0.5%, respectively. Analysis of a DPD homology model indicated that the p.I948T and p.G284V mutations may affect electron transfer and the binding of FAD, respectively. cDNA analysis showed that the c.321+1G>A mutation in DPYD leads to skipping of exon 4 immediately upstream of the mutated splice-donor site in the process of DPD pre-mRNA splicing. A lethal toxicity in two DPD patients suggests that fluoropyrimidines combined with other therapies such as radiotherapy might be particularly toxic for DPD deficient patients. Our study advocates a more comprehensive genotyping approach combined with phenotyping strategies for upfront screening for DPD deficiency to ensure the safe administration of fluoropyrimidines.

The Cytidine Analog Fluorocyclopentenylcytosine (RX-3117) Is Activated by Uridine-Cytidine Kinase 2.

Fluorocyclopentenylcytosine (RX-3117) is an orally available cytidine analog, currently in Phase I clinical trial. RX-3117 has promising antitumor activity in various human tumor xenografts including gemcitabine resistant tumors. RX-3117 is activated by uridine-cytidine kinase (UCK). Since UCK exists in two forms, UCK1 and UCK2, we investigated which form is responsible for RX-3117 phosphorylation. For that purpose we transfected A549 and SW1573 cell lines with UCK-siRNAs. Transfection of UCK1-siRNA efficiently downregulated UCK1-mRNA, but not UCK2-mRNA expression, and did not affect sensitivity to RX-3117. However, transfection of UCK2-siRNA completely downregulated UCK2-mRNA and protein and protected both A549 and SW1573 against RX-3117. UCK enzyme activity in two panels of tumor cell lines and xenograft cells correlated only with UCK2-mRNA expression (r = 0.803 and 0.915, respectively), but not with UCK1-mRNA. Moreover, accumulation of RX-3117 nucleotides correlated with UCK2 expression. In conclusion, RX-3117 is activated by UCK2 which may be used to select patients potentially sensitive to RX-3117.

The pivotal role of uridine-cytidine kinases in pyrimidine metabolism and activation of cytotoxic nucleoside analogues in neuroblastoma.

Uridine-cytidine kinase (UCK) catalyzes the phosphorylation of uridine and cytidine as well as the pharmacological activation of several cytotoxic pyrimidine ribonucleoside analogues. In this study, we investigated the functional role of two isoforms of UCK in neuroblastoma cell lines. Analysis of mRNA coding for UCK1 and UCK2 showed that UCK2 is the most abundantly expressed UCK in a panel of neuroblastoma cell lines. Transient and stable overexpression of UCK2 in neuroblastoma cells increased the metabolism of uridine and cytidine as well as the cytotoxicity of 3-deazauridine. Knockdown of endogenous UCK2 as well as overexpression of UCK1 resulted in decreased metabolism of uridine and cytidine and protected the neuroblastoma cells from 3-deazauridine-induced toxicity. Subcellular localization studies showed that UCK1-GFP and UCK2-GFP were localized in the cell nucleus and cytosol, respectively. However, co-expression of UCK1 with UCK2 resulted in a nuclear localization of UCK2 instead of its normal cytosolic localization, thereby impairing its normal function. The physical association of UCK1 and UCK2 was further demonstrated through pull-down analysis using his-tagged UCK. The discovery that UCK2 is highly expressed in neuroblastoma opens the possibility for selectively targeting neuroblastoma cells using UCK2-dependent pyrimidine analogues, while sparing normal tissues.

Phenotypic and clinical implications of variants in the dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase gene.

Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) is the initial and rate-limiting enzyme in the catabolism of the pyrimidine bases uracil, thymine and the antineoplastic agent 5-fluorouracil. Genetic variations in the gene encoding DPD (DPYD) have emerged as predictive risk alleles for 5FU-associated toxicity. Here we report an in-depth analysis of genetic variants in DPYD and their consequences for DPD activity and pyrimidine metabolites in 100 Dutch healthy volunteers. 34 SNPs were detected in DPYD and 15 SNPs were associated with altered plasma concentrations of pyrimidine metabolites. DPD activity was significantly associated with the plasma concentrations of uracil, the presence of a specific DPYD mutation (c.1905+1G>A) and the combined presence of three risk variants in DPYD (c.1905+1G>A, c.1129-5923C>G, c.2846A>T), but not with an altered uracil/dihydrouracil (U/UH2) ratio. Various haplotypes were associated with different DPD activities (haplotype D3, a decreased DPD activity; haplotype F2, an increased DPD activity). Functional analysis of eight recombinant mutant DPD enzymes showed a reduced DPD activity, ranging from 35% to 84% of the wild-type enzyme. Analysis of a DPD homology model indicated that the structural effect of the novel p.G401R mutation is most likely minor. The clinical relevance of the p.D949V mutation was demonstrated in a cancer patient heterozygous for the c.2846A>T mutation and a novel nonsense mutation c.1681C>T (p.R561X), experiencing severe grade IV toxicity. Our studies showed that the endogenous levels of uracil and the U/UH2 ratio are poor predictors of an impaired DPD activity. Loading studies with uracil to identify patients with a DPD deficiency warrants further investigation.

Clinical, biochemical and molecular analysis of 13 Japanese patients with ß-ureidopropionase deficiency demonstrates high prevalence of the c.977G > A (p.R326Q) mutation [corrected].

ß-ureidopropionase (ßUP) deficiency is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by N-carbamyl-ß-amino aciduria. To date, only 16 genetically confirmed patients with ßUP deficiency have been reported. Here, we report on the clinical, biochemical and molecular findings of 13 Japanese ßUP deficient patients. In this group of patients, three novel missense mutations (p.G31S, p.E271K, and p.I286T) and a recently described mutation (p.R326Q) were identified. The p.R326Q mutation was detected in all 13 patients with eight patients being homozygous for this mutation. Screening for the p.R326Q mutation in 110 Japanese individuals showed an allele frequency of 0.9 %. Transient expression of mutant ßUP enzymes in HEK293 cells showed that the p.E271K and p.R326Q mutations cause profound decreases in activity (≤ 1.3 %). Conversely, ßUP enzymes containing the p.G31S and p.I286T mutations possess residual activities of 50 and 70 %, respectively, suggesting we cannot exclude the presence of additional mutations in the non-coding region of the UPB1 gene. Analysis of a human ßUP homology model revealed that the effects of the mutations (p.G31S, p.E271K, and p.R326Q) on enzyme activity are most likely linked to improper oligomer assembly. Highly variable phenotypes ranging from neurological involvement (including convulsions and autism) to asymptomatic, were observed in diagnosed patients. High prevalence of p.R326Q in the normal Japanese population indicates that ßUP deficiency is not as rare as generally considered and screening for ßUP deficiency should be included in diagnosis of patients with unexplained neurological abnormalities.

Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase deficiency in two malaysian siblings with abnormal MRI findings.

Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency is an autosomal recessive disorder of the pyrimidine metabolism. Deficiency of this enzyme leads to an accumulation of thymine and uracil and a deficiency of metabolites distal to the catabolic enzyme. The disorder presents with a wide clinical spectrum, ranging from asymptomatic to severe neurological manifestations, including intellectual disability, seizures, microcephaly, autistic behavior, and eye abnormalities. Here, we report on an 11-year-old Malaysian girl and her 6-year-old brother with DPD deficiency who presented with intellectual disability, microcephaly, and hypotonia. Brain MRI scans showed generalized cerebral and cerebellar atrophy and callosal body dysgenesis in the boy. Urine analysis showed strongly elevated levels of uracil in the girl and boy (571 and 578 mmol/mol creatinine, respectively) and thymine (425 and 427 mmol/mol creatinine, respectively). Sequence analysis of the DPYD gene showed that both siblings were homozygous for the mutation c.1651G>A (pAla551Thr).

ß-ureidopropionase deficiency: phenotype, genotype and protein structural consequences in 16 patients.

ß-ureidopropionase is the third enzyme of the pyrimidine degradation pathway and catalyzes the conversion of N-carbamyl-ß-alanine and N-carbamyl-ß-aminoisobutyric acid to ß-alanine and ß-aminoisobutyric acid, ammonia and CO(2). To date, only five genetically confirmed patients with a complete ß-ureidopropionase deficiency have been reported. Here, we report on the clinical, biochemical and molecular findings of 11 newly identified ß-ureidopropionase deficient patients as well as the analysis of the mutations in a three-dimensional framework. Patients presented mainly with neurological abnormalities (intellectual disabilities, seizures, abnormal tonus regulation, microcephaly, and malformations on neuro-imaging) and markedly elevated levels of N-carbamyl-ß-alanine and N-carbamyl-ß-aminoisobutyric acid in urine and plasma. Analysis of UPB1, encoding ß-ureidopropionase, showed 6 novel missense mutations and one novel splice-site mutation. Heterologous expression of the 6 mutant enzymes in Escherichia coli showed that all mutations yielded mutant ß-ureidopropionase proteins with significantly decreased activity. Analysis of a homology model of human ß-ureidopropionase generated using the crystal structure of the enzyme from Drosophila melanogaster indicated that the point mutations p.G235R, p.R236W and p.S264R lead to amino acid exchanges in the active site and therefore affect substrate binding and catalysis. The mutations L13S, R326Q and T359M resulted most likely in folding defects and oligomer assembly impairment. Two mutations were identified in several unrelated ß-ureidopropionase patients, indicating that ß-ureidopropionase deficiency may be more common than anticipated.

Synergistic interaction between cisplatin and gemcitabine in neuroblastoma cell lines and multicellular tumor spheroids.

The efficacy and mechanism of action of cisplatin and gemcitabine were investigated in a panel of neuroblastoma cell lines and multicellular tumor spheroids. In neuroblastoma spheroids, the combination of cisplatin and gemcitabine induced a complete cytostasis at clinical relevant concentrations. A synergistic effect was observed when cells were coincubated with both drugs or preincubated with gemcitabine first. These administration sequences resulted in NASS cells in decreased ERCC1 and XPA expression, two key proteins of the NER DNA repair system, and increased platinum adduct formation in DNA. Most of these phenomena were not observed in SJNB8 cells which might explain the lack of synergy between cisplatin and gemcitabine in SJNB8 cells. Our results showed favorable interactions between cisplatin and gemcitabine in 4 out of 5 cell lines. Therefore, we feel that inclusion of gemcitabine into cisplatin-containing regiments might be a promising new strategy for the treatment of neuroblastoma.

Intragenic deletions and a deep intronic mutation affecting pre-mRNA splicing in the dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase gene as novel mechanisms causing 5-fluorouracil toxicity.

Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) is the initial enzyme acting in the catabolism of the widely used antineoplastic agent 5-fluorouracil (5FU). DPD deficiency is known to cause a potentially lethal toxicity following administration of 5FU. Here, we report novel genetic mechanisms underlying DPD deficiency in patients presenting with grade III/IV 5FU-associated toxicity. In one patient a genomic DPYD deletion of exons 21-23 was observed. In five patients a deep intronic mutation c.1129-5923C>G was identified creating a cryptic splice donor site. As a consequence, a 44 bp fragment corresponding to nucleotides c.1129-5967 to c.1129-5924 of intron 10 was inserted in the mature DPD mRNA. The deleterious c.1129-5923C>G mutation proved to be in cis with three intronic polymorphisms (c.483 + 18G>A, c.959-51T>G, c.680 + 139G>A) and the synonymous mutation c.1236G>A of a previously identified haplotype. Retrospective analysis of 203 cancer patients showed that the c.1129-5923C>G mutation was significantly enriched in patients with severe 5FU-associated toxicity (9.1%) compared to patients without toxicity (2.2%). In addition, a high prevalence was observed for the c.1129-5923C>G mutation in the normal Dutch (2.6%) and German (3.3%) population. Our study demonstrates that a genomic deletion affecting DPYD and a deep intronic mutation affecting pre-mRNA splicing can cause severe 5FU-associated toxicity. We conclude that screening for DPD deficiency should include a search for genomic rearrangements and aberrant splicing.

Dihydropyrimidinase deficiency: Phenotype, genotype and structural consequences in 17 patients.

Dihydropyrimidinase (DHP) is the second enzyme of the pyrimidine degradation pathway and catalyses the ring opening of 5,6-dihydrouracil and 5,6-dihydrothymine. To date, only 11 individuals have been reported suffering from a complete DHP deficiency. Here, we report on the clinical, biochemical and molecular findings of 17 newly identified DHP deficient patients as well as the analysis of the mutations in a three-dimensional framework. Patients presented mainly with neurological and gastrointestinal abnormalities and markedly elevated levels of 5,6-dihydrouracil and 5,6-dihydrothymine in plasma, cerebrospinal fluid and urine. Analysis of DPYS, encoding DHP, showed nine missense mutations, two nonsense mutations, two deletions and one splice-site mutation. Seventy-one percent of the mutations were located at exons 5-8, representing 41% of the coding sequence. Heterologous expression of 11 mutant enzymes in Escherichia coli showed that all but two missense mutations yielded mutant DHP proteins without significant activity. Only DHP enzymes containing the mutations p.R302Q and p.T343A possessed a residual activity of 3.9% and 49%, respectively. The crystal structure of human DHP indicated that the point mutations p.R490C, p.R302Q and p.V364M affect the oligomerization of the enzyme. In contrast, p.M70T, p.D81G, p.L337P and p.T343A affect regions near the di-zinc centre and the substrate binding site. The p.S379R and p.L7V mutations were likely to cause structural destabilization and protein misfolding. Four mutations were identified in multiple unrelated DHP patients, indicating that DHP deficiency may be more common than anticipated.

Analysis of severely affected patients with dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase deficiency reveals large intragenic rearrangements of DPYD and a de novo interstitial deletion del(1)(p13.3p21.3).

Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency is an infrequently described autosomal recessive disorder of the pyrimidine degradation pathway and can lead to mental and motor retardation and convulsions. DPD deficiency is also known to cause a potentially lethal toxicity following administration of the antineoplastic agent 5-fluorouracil. In an ongoing study of 72 DPD deficient patients, we analysed the molecular background of 5 patients in more detail in whom initial sequence analysis did not reveal pathogenic mutations. In three patients, a 13.8 kb deletion of exon 12 was found and in one patient a 122 kb deletion of exon 14-16 of DPYD. In the fifth patient, a c.299_302delTCAT mutation in exon 4 was found and also loss of heterozygosity of the entire DPD gene. Further analysis demonstrated a de novo deletion of approximately 14 Mb of chromosome 1p13.3-1p21.3, which includes DPYD. Haploinsufficiency of NTNG1, LPPR4, GPSM2, COL11A1 and VAV3 might have contributed to the severe psychomotor retardation and unusual craniofacial features in this patient. Our study showed for the first time the presence of genomic deletions affecting DPYD in 7% (5/72) of all DPD deficient patients. Therefore, screening of DPD deficient patients for genomic deletions should be considered.