Gene expression phenotypic models that predict the activity of oncogenic pathways.

High-density DNA microarrays measure expression of large numbers of genes in one assay. The ability to find underlying structure in complex gene expression data sets and rigorously test association of that structure with biological conditions is essential to developing multi-faceted views of the gene activity that defines cellular phenotype. We sought to connect features of gene expression data with biological hypotheses by integrating 'metagene' patterns from DNA microarray experiments in the characterization and prediction of oncogenic phenotypes. We applied these techniques to the analysis of regulatory pathways controlled by the genes HRAS (Harvey rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog), MYC (myelocytomatosis viral oncogene homolog) and E2F1, E2F2 and E2F3 (encoding E2F transcription factors 1, 2 and 3, respectively). The phenotypic models accurately predict the activity of these pathways in the context of normal cell proliferation. Moreover, the metagene models trained with gene expression patterns evoked by ectopic production of Myc or Ras proteins in primary tissue culture cells properly predict the activity of in vivo tumor models that result from deregulation of the MYC or HRAS pathways. We conclude that these gene expression phenotypes have the potential to characterize the complex genetic alterations that typify the neoplastic state, whether in vitro or in vivo, in a way that truly reflects the complexity of the regulatory pathways that are affected.

Severe Hemophilia A in a Male Old English Sheep Dog with a C→T Transition that Created a Premature Stop Codon in Factor VIII.

Animals with hemophilia are models for gene therapy, factor replacement, and inhibitor development in humans. We have actively sought dogs with severe hemophilia A that have novel factor VIII mutations unlike the previously described factor VIII intron 22 inversion. A male Old English Sheepdog with recurrent soft-tissue hemorrhage and hemarthrosis was diagnosed with severe hemophilia A (factor VIII activity less than 1% of normal). We purified genomic DNA from this dog and ruled out the common intron 22 inversion; we then sequenced all 26 exons. Comparing the results with the normal canine factor VIII sequence revealed a C→T transition in exon 12 of the factor VIII gene that created a premature stop codon at amino acid 577 in the A2 domain of the protein. In addition, 2 previously described polymorphisms that do not cause hemophilia were present at amino acids 909 and 1184. The hemophilia mutation creates a new TaqI site that facilitates rapid genotyping of affected offspring by PCR and restriction endonuclease analyses. This mutation is analogous to the previously described human factor VIII mutation at Arg583, which likewise is a CpG dinucleotide transition causing a premature stop codon in exon 12. Thus far, despite extensive treatment with factor VIII, this dog has not developed neutralizing antibodies ('inhibitors') to the protein. This novel mutation in a dog gives rise to severe hemophilia A analogous to a mutation seen in humans. This model will be useful for studies of the treatment of hemophilia.

Phase II prospective open-label trial of recombinant interleukin-11 in desmopressin-unresponsive von Willebrand disease and mild or moderate haemophilia A.

Desmopressin (DDAVP) is the treatment of choice in those with mild von Willebrand disease (VWD), yet 20% are unresponsive to DDAVP, and among the 80% who respond, the response is transient, as endothelial stores are depleted after three days. We, therefore, conducted a single-center Phase II clinical trial to determine safety and biologic efficacy of recombinant interleukin-11 (rhIL-11, Neumega®) in patients with VWD unresponsive or allergic to DDAVP, or mild or moderate haemophilia A (HA). Increases in VWF:RCo wer e observed by 48 hours after rhIL-11, with a 1.54-fold increase by Day 4, 1.30-fold in VWD and 1.73-fold in HA. Similarly, by 48 hours, increases in VIII:C were observed, with a 1.65-fold increase by Day 4, 1.86-fold in VWD and 1.48-fold in HA. Platelet VWFmRNA expression by qPCR increased 0.81-fold but did not correlate with plasma VWF:Ag responses. rhIL-11 was well tolerated, with grade 1 or less fluid retention, flushing, conjunctival erythema, except for transient grade 3 hyponatraemia in one subject after excess fluid intake for diabetic hyperglycaemia, which resolved with fluid restriction. In summary, rhIL-11 increases VWF levels in two of four DDAVP-unresponsive or allergic VWD and F.VIII levels in four of five mild or moderate haemophilia A subjects, suggesting its potential use in treatment of these disorders.

Phase II prospective open-label trial of recombinant interleukin-11 in women with mild von Willebrand disease and refractory menorrhagia.

Lack of effective treatment for menorrhagia is the greatest unmet healthcare need in women with von Willebrand disease (VWD). We conducted a single-centre phase II clinical trial to determine efficacy and safety of recombinant IL-11 (rhIL-11, Neumega®) given subcutaneously for up to seven days during six consecutive menstrual cycles each in seven women with mild VWD and menorrhagia refractory to haemostatic or hormonal agents. rhIL-11 reduced menstrual bleeding severity as measured by pictorial blood assessment chart (PBAC) ≥ 50% (to <100) in 71% of subjects, cycle severity ≥ 50% in 71%, and bleeding duration ≥ 2 days in 85%, all p ≤ 0.01. After rhIL-11, plasma VWF:RCo increased 1.1-fold, but did not correlate with PBAC, r=0.116, bleeding duration, r=0.318, or cycle severity, r=-0.295, or hsCRP, r=-0.003, all p>0.05. Platelet VWF mRNA expression by quantitative PCR increased mean four-fold (1.0-13.5). rhIL-11 was well tolerated with grade 1 or less fluid retention, flushing, conjunctival erythema, and local bruising. In summary, rhIL-11 reduces menorrhagia safely and warrants further study.

Porcine and canine von Willebrand factor and von Willebrand disease: hemostasis, thrombosis, and atherosclerosis studies.

Use of animal models of inherited and induced von Willebrand factor (VWF) deficiency continues to advance the knowledge of VWF-related diseases: von Willebrand disease (VWD), thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), and coronary artery thrombosis. First, in humans, pigs, and dogs, VWF is essential for normal hemostasis; without VWF bleeding events are severe and can be fatal. Second, the ADAMTS13 cleavage site is preserved in all three species suggesting all use this mechanism for normal VWF multimer processing and that all are susceptible to TTP when ADAMTS13 function is reduced. Third, while the role of VWF in atherogenesis is debated, arterial thrombosis complicating atherosclerosis appears to be VWF-dependent. The differences in the VWF gene and protein between humans, pigs, and dogs are relatively few but important to consider in the design of VWF-focused experiments. These homologies and differences are reviewed in detail and their implications for research projects are discussed. The current status of porcine and canine VWD are also reviewed as well as their potential role in future studies of VWF-related disorders of hemostasis and thrombosis.

Subcellular localization of spastin: implications for the pathogenesis of hereditary spastic paraplegia.

Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) is a group of clinically and genetically heterogeneous diseases characterized by neuronal degeneration that is maximal at the distal ends of the longest axons of the central nervous system. The most common cause of autosomal dominant HSP is mutation of a novel gene encoding spastin, a protein whose function is still being elucidated. One clue concerning spastin function is its intracellular localization. Here, we describe a novel anti-spastin antiserum designed to a unique epitope contained within all splicing isoforms. The antiserum exhibits specific immunostaining of recombinant spastin in intact, fixed cells. Using this reagent, we find that endogenous spastin is located at the centrosome in a variety of cell types at all points in the cell cycle. This localization is resistant to microtubule disruption, suggesting that spastin may be an integral centrosomal protein. In addition to the centrosome, spastin also localizes at discrete focal regions along the axons of primary cultured neurons. These data lend additional support to the emerging hypothesis that spastin plays a role in microtubule dynamics, with a crucial role in microtubule organization.

A kinesin heavy chain (KIF5A) mutation in hereditary spastic paraplegia (SPG10).

We have identified a missense mutation in the motor domain of the neuronal kinesin heavy chain gene KIF5A, in a family with hereditary spastic paraplegia. The mutation occurs in the family in which the SPG10 locus was originally identified, at an invariant asparagine residue that, when mutated in orthologous kinesin heavy chain motor proteins, prevents stimulation of the motor ATPase by microtubule-binding. Mutation of kinesin orthologues in various species leads to phenotypes resembling hereditary spastic paraplegia. The conventional kinesin motor powers intracellular movement of membranous organelles and other macromolecular cargo from the neuronal cell body to the distal tip of the axon. This finding suggests that the underlying pathology of SPG10 and possibly of other forms of hereditary spastic paraplegia may involve perturbation of neuronal anterograde (or retrograde) axoplasmic flow, leading to axonal degeneration, especially in the longest axons of the central nervous system.

Intragenic modifiers of hereditary spastic paraplegia due to spastin gene mutations.

Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) is a genetically heterogeneous neurodegenerative disease characterized by wide variability in phenotypic expression, both within and among families. The most-common cause of autosomal dominant HSP is mutation of the gene encoding spastin, a protein of uncertain function. We report the existence of intragenic polymorphisms of spastin that modify the HSP phenotype. One (S44L) is a previously described recessively acting allele and the second is a novel allele affecting the adjacent amino acid residue (P45Q). In 4 HSP families in which either L44 or Q45 segregates independently of a missense or splicing mutation in the AAA domain of spastin, L44 and Q45 are each associated with a striking decrease in age at onset in the presence of the AAA domain mutations. Using a bioinformatics approach, we found that the highly conserved S44 is predicted to be phosphorylated by a number of family members of the proline-directed serine/threonine cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks). Cdk1 and Cdk5 showed no kinase activity toward synthetic spastin peptide in an in vitro kinase assay, suggesting that this serine residue may be phosphorylated by a different Cdk. Our identification of S44L and P45Q as modifiers of the HSP phenotype suggests a role for spastin phosphorylation by Cdks in the neurodegeneration of the most-common form of HSP.