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This randomized, double-blind, single- and multiple-ascending dose study assessed the pharmacokinetics (PKs), pharmacodynamics, and safety of deucravacitinib (Sotyktu™), a selective and potent small-molecule inhibitor of tyrosine kinase 2, in 100 (75 active, 25 placebo) healthy volunteers (NCT02534636). Deucravacitinib was rapidly absorbed, with a half-life of 8-15 h, and 1.4-1.9-fold accumulation after multiple dosing. Deucravacitinib inhibited interleukin (IL)-12/IL-18-induced interferon (IFN)γ production ex vivo in a dose- and concentration-dependent manner. Following in vivo challenge with IFNα-2a, deucravacitinib demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition of lymphocyte count decreases and expression of 53 IFN-regulated genes. There were no serious adverse events (AEs); the overall frequency of AEs was similar in the deucravacitinib (64%) and placebo (68%) groups. In this first-in-human study, deucravacitinib inhibited IL-12/IL-23 and type I IFN pathways in healthy volunteers, with favorable PK and safety profiles. Deucravacitinib is a promising therapeutic option for immune-mediated diseases, including Crohn's disease, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Mutations in the TMEM260 gene cause structural heart defects and renal anomalies syndrome, but the function of the encoded protein remains unknown. We previously reported wide occurrence of O-mannose glycans on extracellular immunoglobulin, plexin, transcription factor (IPT) domains found in the hepatocyte growth factor receptor (cMET), macrophage-stimulating protein receptor (RON), and plexin receptors, and further demonstrated that two known protein O-mannosylation systems orchestrated by the POMT1/2 and transmembrane and tetratricopeptide repeat-containing proteins 1-4 gene families were not required for glycosylation of these IPT domains. Here, we report that the TMEM260 gene encodes an ER-located protein O-mannosyltransferase that selectively glycosylates IPT domains. We demonstrate that disease-causing TMEM260 mutations impair O-mannosylation of IPT domains and that TMEM260 knockout in cells results in receptor maturation defects and abnormal growth of 3D cell models. Thus, our study identifies the third protein-specific O-mannosylation pathway in mammals and demonstrates that O-mannosylation of IPT domains serves critical functions during epithelial morphogenesis. Our findings add a new glycosylation pathway and gene to a growing group of congenital disorders of glycosylation.

Dyslexia is a common learning disability exhibited as a delay in acquiring reading skills despite adequate intelligence, and reading single real words are impaired in many dyslexics. Reading disability or developmental dyslexia (DD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting children globally, and the molecular mechanisms underlying it are largely underdetermined, while loci and susceptibility genes are suggested by genetic mapping in families or cohorts and by genome wide association studies (GWAS). To identify a possible genetic cause, we genotyped and performed genome wide linkage analysis employing the programs LIPED and SNP6-LINK of six multigenerational families with autosomal dominant inherited dyslexia. The linkage analyses resulted in informative haplotypes segregating with the dyslectic trait in all families and a LOD score of Z>4 at 13q12.3 and 19p13.3, and a LOD score of Z>3 at 15q23-q24.1, 18q11.21, and 21q22.3. The five mapped regions are supported by previous linkage or associations studies of dyslexia. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) of affected individuals in the six family’s revealed rare regulatory variants in the mapped regions.

Heterozygous, pathogenic CUX1 variants are associated with global developmental delay or intellectual disability. This study delineates the clinical presentation in an extended cohort and investigates the molecular mechanism underlying the disorder in a Cux1+/− mouse model. Through international collaboration, we assembled the phenotypic and molecular information for 34 individuals (23 unpublished cases). A Cux1+/− mouse model was used to analyze CUX1 expression in the brain and evaluate susceptibility to epilepsy. We describe 34 patients with 26 different null and four missense variants. The leading symptoms were mild to moderate delayed speech and motor development, and intellectual disability. In Cux1+/− mice, we found delayed growth, histologically normal brains, and increased susceptibility to seizures. In Cux1+/− brains, the expression of Cux1 transcripts was half of WT animals. Expression of CUX1 proteins was also reduced, although in early postnatal animals significantly more than in adults. In summary, disease-causing CUX1 variants result in a non-syndromic phenotype of developmental delay and intellectual disability. In some patients, this phenotype ameliorates with age, resulting in a clinical catch-up and normal IQ in adulthood. Furthermore, the balance of CUX1 isoform expression in the brain during development appears to be important for this favorable clinical course.

Background: The IMF fears the COVID-19 pandemic will create an economic down-turn matching the Great Depression. More recent recessions\ud have led to physical and mental health problems including suicide deaths of\ud young adults (15 - 34). We aim to identify risk patterns of mortality by age\ud from influenza and suicide mortality in peak years from 1979 to 2016 to see if\ud there are lessons to be learned for policy makers and psychiatric services.\ud Method: Using WHO mortality data for 1979-2016 peak years of influenza\ud deaths and suicides are identified in ten Western countries. Death rates per\ud million in each age-band are calculated for both sexes and the percentage of\ud the total deaths accruing in each of five age-bands for influenza and suicides.\ud Ratios of influenza to suicide by age in regard to rates and percentages of\ud deaths indicate differential risk mortality and morbidity patterns. Results: Of\ud the ten country’s average Influenza deaths, 95% occurred in people over 55,\ud including 80% - 85% for the over 75’s. Conversely it was 59% of suicides occurred in peoples aged

Aim: To assess the efficacy, safety and tolerability of cotadutide in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease.Materials and Methods: In this phase 2a study (NCT03550378), patients with body mass index 25-45 kg/m2, estimated glomerular filtration rate 30-59 ml/min/1.73 m2 and type 2 diabetes [glycated haemoglobin 6.5-10.5% (48-91 mmol/mol)] controlled with insulin and/or oral therapy combination, were randomized 1:1 to once-daily subcutaneous cotadutide (50-300 μg) or placebo for 32 days. The primary endpoint was plasma glucose concentration assessed using a mixed-meal tolerance test.Results: Participants receiving cotadutide (n = 21) had significant reductions in the mixed-meal tolerance test area under the glucose concentration-time curve (–26.71% vs. +3.68%, p Conclusions: We established the efficacy of cotadutide in this patient population, with significantly improved postprandial glucose control and reduced bodyweight versus placebo. Reductions in urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratios suggest potential benefits of cotadutide on kidney function, supporting further evaluation in larger, longer-term clinical trials.

Aims This pooled analysis of the DEPICT-1 and -2 trials aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of adjunct dapagliflozin therapy in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Materials and methods DEPICT-1 and -2 were randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, 24-week studies, with 28-week extension periods. Adults with T1D and HbA1c 7.5-10.5% were randomized (1:1:1) to receive dapagliflozin 5, 10 mg or placebo. The short- and long-term efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin were examined in an exploratory pooled analysis of both studies. Results Efficacy analyses included 530, 529 and 532 and safety analysis included 548, 566 and 532 patients in the dapagliflozin 5 mg, 10 mg and placebo groups, respectively. Baseline characteristics were similar between treatment groups. At Week 24, reductions were seen with dapagliflozin 5 and 10 mg compared with placebo in HbA1c (-0.40%, -0.43% vs 0.00%) and body weight (-2.45, -2.91 vs 0.11 kg). HbA1c and body weight reductions versus placebo were also seen after 52 weeks of treatment. There was no imbalance in occurrence of severe hypoglycaemic events between groups. The proportion of patients experiencing definite diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) was higher with dapagliflozin 5 mg (4.0%) and 10 mg (3.5%) compared with placebo (1.1%) over 52 weeks; most events were of mild or moderate severity, and all resolved with treatment. Conclusions Over 52 weeks, dapagliflozin provided glycaemic and weight benefits, with no increased frequency of severe hypoglycaemia compared with placebo. More DKA events were reported with dapagliflozin than placebo, highlighting the importance of appropriate patient selection, education and risk mitigation strategies. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Primary microcephaly (MCPH) is characterized by reduced brain size and intellectual disability. The exact pathophysiological mechanism underlying MCPH remains to be elucidated, but dysfunction of neuronal progenitors in the developing neocortex plays a major role. We identified a homozygous missense mutation (p.W155C) in Ribosomal RNA Processing 7 Homolog A, RRP7A, segregating with MCPH in a consanguineous family with 10 affected individuals. RRP7A is highly expressed in neural stem cells in developing human forebrain, and targeted mutation of Rrp7a leads to defects in neurogenesis and proliferation in a mouse stem cell model. RRP7A localizes to centrosomes, cilia and nucleoli, and patient-derived fibroblasts display defects in ribosomal RNA processing, primary cilia resorption, and cell cycle progression. Analysis of zebrafish embryos supported that the patient mutation in RRP7A causes reduced brain size, impaired neurogenesis and cell proliferation, and defective ribosomal RNA processing. These findings provide novel insight into human brain development and MCPH., The RRP7A a gene is involved in ribosome biogenesis. Here the authors report a homozygous missense mutation segregating with primary microcephaly, and show that this occurs via functional defects in both nucleoli and primary cilia disrupting cell proliferation and neurogenesis.

Glycoside hydrolases (GHs) are found in all domains of life, and at least 87 distinct genes encoding proteins related to GHs are found in the human genome. GHs serve diverse functions from digestion of dietary polysaccharides to breakdown of intracellular oligosaccharides, glycoproteins, proteoglycans and glycolipids. Congenital disorders of GHs (CDGHs) represent more than 30 rare diseases caused by mutations in one of the GH genes. We previously used whole-exome sequencing of a homogenous Danish population of almost 2000 individuals to probe the incidence of deleterious mutations in the human glycosyltransferases (GTs) and developed a mutation map of human GT genes (GlyMAP-I). While deleterious disease-causing mutations in the GT genes were very rare, and in many cases lethal, we predicted deleterious mutations in GH genes to be less rare and less severe given the higher incidence of CDGHs reported worldwide. To probe the incidence of GH mutations, we constructed a mutation map of human GH-related genes (GlyMAP-II) using the Danish WES data, and correlating this with reported disease-causing mutations confirmed the higher prevalence of disease-causing mutations in several GH genes compared to GT genes. We identified 76 novel nonsynonymous single-nucleotide variations (nsSNVs) in 32 GH genes that have not been associated with a CDGH phenotype, and we experimentally validated two novel potentially damaging nsSNVs in the congenital sucrase-isomaltase deficiency gene, SI. Our study provides a global view of human GH genes and disease-causing mutations and serves as a discovery tool for novel damaging nsSNVs in CDGHs.

OBJECTIVE: To define the phenotypic spectrum of phosphatidylinositol glycan class A protein (PIGA)-related congenital disorder of glycosylation (PIGA-CDG) and evaluate genotype-phenotype correlations.METHODS: Our cohort encompasses 40 affected males with a pathogenic PIGA variant. We performed a detailed phenotypic assessment, and in addition, we reviewed the available clinical data of 36 previously published cases and assessed the variant pathogenicity using bioinformatical approaches.RESULTS: Most individuals had hypotonia, moderate to profound global developmental delay, and intractable seizures. We found that PIGA-CDG spans from a pure neurological phenotype at the mild end to a Fryns syndrome-like phenotype. We found a high frequency of cardiac anomalies including structural anomalies and cardiomyopathy, and a high frequency of spontaneous death, especially in childhood. Comparative bioinformatical analysis of common variants, found in the healthy population, and pathogenic variants, identified in affected individuals, revealed a profound physiochemical dissimilarity of the substituted amino acids in variant constrained regions of the protein.SIGNIFICANCE: Our comprehensive analysis of the largest cohort of published and novel PIGA patients broadens the spectrum of PIGA-CDG. Our genotype-phenotype correlation facilitates the estimation on pathogenicity of variants with unknown clinical significance and prognosis for individuals with pathogenic variants in PIGA.

At low-temperature and high-stress conditions, quartz deformation is controlled by the kinetics of dislocation glide, that is, low-temperature plasticity (LTP). To investigate the relationship between intracrystalline H2O content and the yield strength of quartz LTP, we have integrated spherical and Berkovich nanoindentation tests at room temperature on natural quartz with electron backscatter diffraction and secondary-ion mass spectrometry measurements of intracrystalline H2O content. Dry (, Geophysical Research Letters, 49 (2), ISSN:0094-8276, ISSN:1944-8007

Worldwide, there are now three marketed dopamine D2 partial agonists: aripiprazole, brexpiprazole and cariprazine. These three drugs share a number of properties other than their action at D2 receptors. Pharmacologically, they are 5HT2 antagonists and D3 and 5HT1A partial agonists but with little or no alpha-adrenergic, anticholinergic or antihistaminic activity. They also share a long duration of action. Clinically, D2 partial agonists are effective antipsychotics and generally have useful antimanic and antidepressant activity. They are usually well tolerated, causing akathisia and insomnia only at the start of treatment, and are non-sedating. These drugs also share a very low risk of increased prolactin and of weight gain and accompanying metabolic effects. They may also have a relatively low risk of tardive dyskinesia. There is some evidence that they are preferred by patients to dopamine antagonists. Individual dopamineD2 partial agonists have much in common and as a group they differ importantly from dopamine D2 antagonists. Dopamine D2 partial agonists should be considered a distinct class of antipsychotics.Key pointsD2 partial agonists share many pharmacological and clinical propertiesD2 partial agonists differ in several important respects from D2 antagonistsD2 partial agonists should be considered a discrete class of antipsychotics D2 partial agonists share many pharmacological and clinical properties D2 partial agonists differ in several important respects from D2 antagonists D2 partial agonists should be considered a discrete class of antipsychotics

Background: Cotadutide is a GLP1/glucagon receptor dual agonist under development for the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and type 2 diabetes (T2D) with diabetic kidney disease. Early-phase clinical studies show that cotadutide achieves clinically significant weight loss. We aimed to establish mechanistically to what extent this effect is mediated via changes in energy intake (EI) or energy expenditure (EE). Methods: We conducted a phase 2a single-center randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial in overweight/obese adults (BMI 27-40 kg/m2) with T2D (HbA1c 6.5-8%). Participants underwent a 16-day single-blind placebo run-in and were randomized to double-blind 42-day cotadutide or placebo. Cotadutide was given subcutaneously, up to 300 µg daily. Primary outcome: % weight change from day 17 to day 59. Secondary outcomes: % and absolute changes in EI (ad libitum lunch), and EE (indirect calorimetry). Results: A total of 19 (63%) cotadutide and 9 (78%) placebo participants completed the study. Least-squares (LS) mean weight change was -3.98% (90% CI -4.85%, -3.10%) and -1.40% (90% CI -2.66%, -0.13%) for cotadutide and placebo, respectively, p= 0.011 between groups. The cotadutide group had a striking 35% lower EI vs. placebo: LS mean -35.0% (90% CI -61.8%, -8.2%), p=0.037. Total EE (kJ/kg lean mass) after cotadutide treatment decreased vs. placebo: -6.0% vs. 0.3%, p Conclusions: Weight loss caused by cotadutide is predominantly due to reduced EI rather than increased EE. Transient preservation of EE in the early phases of cotadutide treatment may reflect glucagon receptor engagement. Disclosure R. Golubic: None. M. Evans: Advisory Panel; Self; Pila Pharma, Zucara Therapeutics Inc., Other Relationship; Self; Abbott Diabetes, Medtronic, Novo Nordisk, Research Support; Self; AstraZeneca, Imcyse. J. Kennet: None. V. E. Parker: Employee; Self; AstraZeneca, Stock/Shareholder; Self; AstraZeneca. D. Robertson: Employee; Self; AstraZeneca, Employee; Spouse/Partner; GlaxoSmithKline plc., Stock/Shareholder; Self; AstraZeneca. D. Luo: None. L. Hansen: Employee; Self; AstraZeneca. L. Jermutus: Employee; Self; AstraZeneca, Stock/Shareholder; Self; AstraZeneca. P. Ambery: Employee; Self; AstraZeneca. A. Park: Other Relationship; Self; Novo Nordisk.

Background: Cotadutide, a dual glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) and glucagon receptor agonist, is in development for NASH and T2DM with DKD. GLP-1 receptor agonists have been shown to delay the onset of macroalbuminuria in DKD. The glycemic and renal effects of cotadutide were assessed in a phase 2a, randomized, controlled trial (NCT03550378). Methods: The trial enrolled 41 patients with T2DM (HbA1c 6.5-10.5%) and CKD stage 3 (eGFR 30-59 mL/min/1.73 m2), on insulin and/or oral glucose-lowering therapy and BMI 25-45 kg/m2. Patients were randomized to once-daily subcutaneous cotadutide (n = 21) titrated up to 300 µg or placebo (PBO; n = 20) for 32 days. Endpoints included glucose response during a mixed meal tolerance test (MMTT), time spent within a target glucose range over a 7-day period on continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and body weight. Exploratory measures included eGFR, UACR, C-peptide and NT-proBNP. Results: After 32 days, cotadutide compared with PBO reduced MMTT glucose AUC (-26.7%; 90% CI -34.6% to -18.8%; 7-day mean glucose -47.9 mg/dL vs. PBO) and increased CGM time spent in target range over 32 days by 36.0% vs. PBO to 78.7% (both p ≤ 0.003). Cotadutide was associated with 35.2% reduction in insulin dose, 0.88 µg/L increase in C-peptide and 3.7% reduction in body weight (all p ≤ 0.012). There was no change in eGFR. In patients with baseline micro- or macroalbuminuria (n = 18), UACR was reduced by 50.6% (p = 0.0504 vs. PBO). In addition, NT-proBNP level was reduced with cotadutide vs. PBO (-79.7 ng/L vs. -9.42 ng/L, p = 0.040). Safety and tolerability findings were consistent with the known mechanism of action of GLP-1 receptor agonists. There were no episodes of severe hypoglycemia, and CGM time < 54 mg/dL was 1.65% with cotadutide vs. 0.82% with PBO. Conclusion: In patients with T2DM and DKD, short term treatment with cotadutide had robust effects on glucose lowering. The reduction in albuminuria suggests that cotadutide has renoprotective potential in DKD, but further evaluation is warranted. Disclosure V. E. Parker: Employee; Self; AstraZeneca, Stock/Shareholder; Self; AstraZeneca. P. Ambery: Employee; Self; AstraZeneca. H. L. Heerspink: Consultant; Self; AbbVie Inc., Astellas Pharma Inc., AstraZeneca, Bayer AG, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Chinook, CSL Behring, Fresenius Medical Care, Gilead Sciences, Inc., Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Merck & Co., Inc., Mitsubishi Corporation Life Sciences Limited, Mundipharma International, Novo Nordisk, Retrophin, Inc., Research Support; Self; AbbVie Inc., AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Janssen Research & Development, LLC. R. J. Mccrimmon: Advisory Panel; Self; Novo Nordisk Inc., Sanofi-Aventis, Board Member; Self; Novo Nordisk Foundation, Research Support; Self; AstraZeneca. L. Jermutus: Employee; Self; AstraZeneca, Stock/Shareholder; Self; AstraZeneca. T. Hoang: None. H. Schlichthaar: Advisory Panel; Self; AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly and Company, Novo Nordisk. F. W. Gibb: Speaker’s Bureau; Self; Abbott Diabetes. B. Wenzel: None. M. G. Posch: None. Y. Chang: None. M. Petrone: None. L. Hansen: Employee; Self; AstraZeneca.

Introduction Lurasidone is an atypical antipsychotic that was approved in Europe in 2014 for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults aged ≥ 18 years. Clinical experience with lurasidone in Europe is currently limited, and there is therefore a need to provide practical guidance on using lurasidone for the treatment of adults with schizophrenia. Methods A panel of European psychiatrists with extensive experience of prescribing lurasidone was convened to provide recommendations on using lurasidone to treat adults with schizophrenia. Results Extensive evidence from clinical trials and the panel’s clinical experience suggest that lurasidone is as effective as other atypical agents, with the possible exception of clozapine. Lurasidone is associated with a lower propensity for metabolic side effects (in particular, weight gain) and hyperprolactinaemia than most other atypical antipsychotics and has a relatively benign neurocognitive side effect profile. Patients switching to lurasidone from another antipsychotic may experience weight reduction and/or improvements in the ability to focus/concentrate. Most side effects with lurasidone (such as somnolence) are transitory, easily managed and/or ameliorated by dose adjustment. Akathisia and extrapyramidal symptoms may occur in a minority of patients, but these can be managed effectively with dose adjustment, adjunctive therapy and/or psychosocial intervention. Conclusions Given the crucial importance of addressing the physical as well as mental healthcare needs of patients, lurasidone is a rational therapeutic choice for adults with schizophrenia, both in the acute setting and over the long term. Funding Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Europe Ltd. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s40120-019-0138-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Aim: the current study aimed to explore the effects of organized befriending for an Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) population.Methods: participants were randomly assigned to control or intervention groups. Those in the befriending arm were paired based on a shared interests questionnaire. Qualitative and quantitative methods were planned to assess experience and impact of the intervention across clinical and recovery outcomes. We aimed to recruit 60 participants, however only 16 participants completed the trial.Results: the study was unsuccessful due to issues with recruitment and retention of participants. We gathered feedback from those who withdrew, to understand this better.Conclusions: we offer our observations to other clinicians who may be considering similar research. A more assertive researcher-led approach over the first few meetings between matched pairs is likely to have been more effective in retaining participants' engagement in the study.

Mucins are a large family of heavily O-glycosylated proteins that cover all mucosal surfaces and constitute the major macromolecules in most body fluids. Mucins are primarily defined by their variable tandem repeat (TR) domains that are densely decorated with different O-glycan structures in distinct patterns, and these arguably convey much of the informational content of mucins. Here, we develop a cell-based platform for the display and production of human TR O-glycodomains (~200 amino acids) with tunable structures and patterns of O-glycans using membrane-bound and secreted reporters expressed in glycoengineered HEK293 cells. Availability of defined mucin TR O-glycodomains advances experimental studies into the versatile role of mucins at the interface with pathogenic microorganisms and the microbiome, and sparks new strategies for molecular dissection of specific roles of adhesins, glycoside hydrolases, glycopeptidases, viruses and other interactions with mucin TRs as highlighted by examples., Mucins play critical roles in maintaining the human microbiome, with their O-glycosylated tandem repeats (TRs) providing important cues for microbiota. Here, the authors develop a cellular platform for producing TRs with defined O-glycan structures to dissect the functions of TR O-glycosylation.

Background and Aims: Previously, cotadutide demonstrated significant glucose- and body weight-lowering effects in doses up to 300 µg. We examined the safety and efficacy of cotadutide in doses up to 600 µg in patients with T2DM. Methods: In this double-blind, phase 2a study, 20 adults with T2DM (HbA1c ≤8.5%) were randomized to receive QD SC cotadutide (n=15) or placebo (n=5) for 77 days. A dose-escalation committee approved titrations >400 µg and ≤600 µg following a safety data review. Patients underwent continuous glucose monitoring. Results: The adverse event profile suggests that the highest clinically tolerated dose has not been identified. Nausea was reported by 3 (20%) patients treated with cotadutide, with one episode of vomiting. There was a significant reduction from baseline in the 7-day average glucose levels (Figure). By day 77, 76.9% of patients in the cotadutide group achieved a >5% body weight loss. A significant reduction in least-squares mean from baseline in ALT level with cotadutide versus placebo was reported (-7.17 U/L, 90% CI: -12.21, -2.14). Conclusions: Cotadutide was well-tolerated at doses up to 600 µg and reduced hyperglycemia, with clinically significant weight loss and beneficial effects on liver enzymes. Disclosure D. Robertson: Employee; Self; AstraZeneca. Stock/Shareholder; Self; AstraZeneca. L. Hansen: Employee; Self; AstraZeneca. M. Jain: Employee; Self; CSL Behring. Stock/Shareholder; Self; AstraZeneca. M. Petrone: Employee; Self; AstraZeneca. T. Wang: Employee; Self; AstraZeneca. T. Heise: Advisory Panel; Self; Mylan, Novo Nordisk A/S. Research Support; Self; ADOCIA, Aerami, Becton, Dickinson and Company, Biocon, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Eli Lilly and Company, Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals, MedImmune, Merck KGaA, Mylan, Nordic Bioscience, Novo Nordisk A/S, Poxel SA, Sanofi, Xeris Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Zealand Pharma A/S. Speaker’s Bureau; Self; Eli Lilly and Company, Novo Nordisk A/S. L. Jermutus: Employee; Self; AstraZeneca. Stock/Shareholder; Self; AstraZeneca. Funding AstraZeneca

Background and Aims: Cotadutide, a dual receptor agonist with glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucagon activity, is being researched for the potential treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Given the known effects of glucagon on hepatic glycogen and lipid metabolism, the aim of this phase 2a study was to investigate the effect of cotadutide on hepatic glycogen. Methods: In this double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 21 overweight or obese adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (HbA1c ≤ 8%) were randomized to receive once-daily subcutaneous cotadutide (n = 12) or placebo (n = 9) for 28 days. Following 48 hours of standardized meals, serial magnetic resonance spectroscopy scans relying on signals from naturally abundant 13C were performed to measure glycogen, and liver fat was also estimated. Fasting amino acid and ketone levels were also assessed. Results: Significant reductions from baseline in postprandial hepatic glycogen content were observed with cotadutide (-100.2 mmol/L; 90% CI: -150.2, -50.1) vs. placebo (+5.5 mmol/L; 90% CI: -47.2, 58.3; P = 0.023). Statistically significant reductions in hepatic glycogen content were observed across serial measures and after a 14-hour fast (P < 0.05), with an overall change in glycogen AUC24h of -27.3% (P = 0.003) vs. placebo. In addition, a relative reduction in liver fat of 33.2% vs. placebo was reported (P = 0.006), and significant reductions in fasting alanine, glutamate, glycine, lysine, and threonine levels were also observed with cotadutide vs. placebo (all P ≤ 0.05). Beta-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate levels were not significantly different between the two arms. Conclusions: Cotadutide promoted a generalized reduction in hepatic glycogen and selected amino acid levels. Substantial reductions in liver fat were also observed with cotadutide, suggesting glucagon receptor engagement. Disclosure D. Robertson: Employee; Self; AstraZeneca. Stock/Shareholder; Self; AstraZeneca. L. Hansen: Employee; Self; AstraZeneca. P. Ambery: Employee; Self; AstraZeneca. R.L. Esterline: Employee; Self; AstraZeneca. L. Jermutus: Employee; Self; AstraZeneca. Stock/Shareholder; Self; AstraZeneca. Y. Chang: None. M. Petrone: Employee; Self; AstraZeneca. E. Johansson: None. L. Johansson: Employee; Self; Antaros Medical AB. Stock/Shareholder; Self; Antaros Medical AB. F.B. Sjöberg: None. V. Parker: None. Funding AstraZeneca

Congenital disorders of glycosylation are a growing group of rare genetic disorders caused by deficient protein and lipid glycosylation. Here, we report the clinical, biochemical, and molecular features of seven patients from four families with GALNT2-congenital disorder of glycosylation (GALNT2-CDG), an O-linked glycosylation disorder. GALNT2 encodes the Golgi-localized polypeptide N-acetyl-d-galactosamine-transferase 2 isoenzyme. GALNT2 is widely expressed in most cell types and directs initiation of mucin-type protein O-glycosylation. All patients showed loss of O-glycosylation of apolipoprotein C-III, a non-redundant substrate for GALNT2. Patients with GALNT2-CDG generally exhibit a syndrome characterized by global developmental delay, intellectual disability with language deficit, autistic features, behavioural abnormalities, epilepsy, chronic insomnia, white matter changes on brain MRI, dysmorphic features, decreased stature, and decreased high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Rodent (mouse and rat) models of GALNT2-CDG recapitulated much of the human phenotype, including poor growth and neurodevelopmental abnormalities. In behavioural studies, GALNT2-CDG mice demonstrated cerebellar motor deficits, decreased sociability, and impaired sensory integration and processing. The multisystem nature of phenotypes in patients and rodent models of GALNT2-CDG suggest that there are multiple non-redundant protein substrates of GALNT2 in various tissues, including brain, which are critical to normal growth and development.

Polypeptide GalNAc-transferase T3 (GalNAc-T3) regulates fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) by O-glycosylating Thr178 in a furin proprotein processing motif RHT178R↓S. FGF23 regulates phosphate homeostasis and deficiency in GALNT3 or FGF23 results in hyperphosphatemia and familial tumoral calcinosis. We explored the molecular mechanism for GalNAc-T3 glycosylation of FGF23 using engineered cell models and biophysical studies including kinetics, molecular dynamics and X-ray crystallography of GalNAc-T3 complexed to glycopeptide substrates. GalNAc-T3 uses a lectin domain mediated mechanism to glycosylate Thr178 requiring previous glycosylation at Thr171. Notably, Thr178 is a poor substrate site with limiting glycosylation due to substrate clashes leading to destabilization of the catalytic domain flexible loop. We suggest GalNAc-T3 specificity for FGF23 and its ability to control circulating levels of intact FGF23 is achieved by FGF23 being a poor substrate. GalNAc-T3’s structure further reveals the molecular bases for reported disease-causing mutations. Our findings provide an insight into how GalNAc-T isoenzymes achieve isoenzyme-specific nonredundant functions., We thank ARAID, MEC (grant no. CTQ2013-44367-C2-2-P, BFU2016-75633-P and RTI2018-099592-B-C21), the National Institutes of Health (grant no. GM113534 and instrument grant no. GM113534-01S), the Danish National Research Foundation (grant no. DNRF107), the FCT-Portugal (grant no. UID/Multi/04378/2013) and Gobierno de Aragón (grant nos. E34_R17, E35_17R and LMP58_18) with FEDER (grant no. 2014-2020) funds for ‘Building Europe from Aragón’ for financial support. I.C. thanks the Universidad de La Rioja for the FPI grant. F.M. and H.C. thank FCT-Portugal for IF Investigator (IF/00780/2015), PTDC/BIA-MIB/31028/2017 and UID/Multi/04378/2019 projects, and PTNMR (grant no. ROTEIRO/0031/2013 and PINFRA/22161/2016). P.B. acknowledges support from the Labex EpiGenMed, an ‘Investissements d’avenir’ program (grant no. ANR-10-LABX-12-01). The CBS (Montpellier) is a member of France-BioImaging (FBI, ANR-10-INBS-04-01) and the French Infrastructure for Integrated Structural Biology (FRISBI, ANR-10-INBS-05). The research leading to these results has also received funding from the FP7 (2007–2013) under BioStruct-X (grant agreement nos. 283570 and BIOSTRUCTX_5186).