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Phosphatidylserine (PS), a negatively charged phospholipid exclusively located in the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane, is involved in various cellular processes such as blood coagulation, myoblast fusion, mammalian fertilization, and clearance of apoptotic cells. Proteins that specifically interact with PS must be identified to comprehensively understand the cellular processes involving PS. However, only a limited number of proteins are known to associate with PS. To identify PS-associating proteins, we performed a pulldown assay using streptavidin-coated magnetic beads on which biotin-linked PS was immobilized. Using this approach, we identified Hsd17b4, a peroxisomal protein, as a PS-associating protein. Hsd17b4 strongly associated with PS, but not with phosphatidylcholine or sphingomyelin, and the Scp-2-like domain of Hsd17b4 was responsible for this association. The association was disrupted by PS in liposomes, but not by free PS or the components of PS. In addition, translocation of PS to the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane enriched Hsd17b4 in peroxisomes. Collectively, this study suggests an unexpected role of PS as a regulator of the subcellular localization of Hsd17b4.

Molecular mechanisms underlying intratumoral androgenesis and aberrant androgen receptor (AR) activation in prostate cancer remain poorly understood. Here we demonstrate that ectopic expression of the E3 ubiquitin ligase adaptor speckle-type poxvirus and zinc finger domain protein (SPOP) stabilizes 17βHSD4. SPOP bound a functional substrate-binding consensus (SBC) motif 315RATST319 in 17βHSD4 and promoted nondegradable K27- and K29-linked polyubiquitination of 17βHSD4. The effect of SPOP was antagonized by serum- and glucocorticoid kinase-3 (SGK3)-mediated phosphorylation of serine 318 (S318) in the SBC and S318 phosphorylation-dependent binding of SKP2 E3 ligase and subsequent K48-linked polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of 17βHSD4. Prostate cancer–associated SPOP mutations impaired the SPOP-17βHSD4 interaction, caused 17βHSD4 protein destruction in prostate cancer cells in culture and patient specimens, and increased testosterone production and prostate cancer cell growth in vitro and in mouse models. Thus, we have identified SPOP and SKP2 as two essential E3 ubiquitin ligases that exert opposite effects on 17βHSD4 protein degradation and intratumoral androgenesis in prostate cancer cells. We further demonstrate that SPOP mutations or SKP2 overexpression contribute to prostate cancer progression by decreasing 17βHSD4 expression and increasing intratumoral androgen synthesis. Significance: This study reveals a novel mechanism of aberrant AR activation in SPOP-mutated prostate cancer and uncovers putative biomarkers for effective treatment by AR-targeted therapies.

Adult male muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) has a pair of scent glands which secret musk to attract females during the breeding stage. The goal of the present study was to investigate the genetic mechanisms of musk secretion of muskrats at the whole genome level. Comparative genomics illustrated obvious expansion in 809 gene families, of which nine gene families played pivotal roles in steroid biosynthesis, possibly related to muskrat musk secretion. We identified 1112 positively selected genes (PSGs) in the muskrat, including estrogen receptor 1 (ER1), an important influencing factor to the weight and size of the scented glands of muskrats. HSD17B3, HSD17B4, CYP7B1 and CYP17B1, crucial to steroid hormone biosynthesis, were under strong positive selection in the muskrat, and phylogenetic analysis of HSD and CYP450 classes revealed high gene diversity. Functional enrichment revealed many pathways associated with musk secretion and/or growth and degeneration of scented gland significantly, such as peroxisome, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, apoptosis, and prostate cancer. Two muskrat-specific missense mutations (Pro237Thr and Ser297Ile) were detected in LIPC, which were reported to be involved cholesterol metabolic process. More importantly, the missense mutations discovered in LIPC were classified as deleterious by PolyPhen-2, possibly affecting the musk secretion of muskrats.

A 15-day-old boy was admitted to the hospital due to repeated convulsions for 14 days. The main clinical manifestations were uncontrolled seizures, hypoergia, feeding difficulties, limb hypotonia, and bilateral hearing impairment. Clinical neurophysiology showed reduced brainstem auditory evoked potential on both sides and burst-suppression pattern on electroencephalogram. Measurement of very-long-chain fatty acids in serum showed that C26:0 was significantly increased. Genetic testing showed a pathogenic compound heterozygous mutation, c.101C>T(p.Ala34Val) and c.1448_1460del(p.Ala483Aspfs*37), in the HSD17B4 gene. This article reports a case of D-bifunctional protein deficiency caused by HSD17B4 gene mutation and summarizes the epidemiological and clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of this disease, with a focus on the differential diagnosis of this disease from Ohtahara syndrome.

The sphingolipid ceramide regulates beta-oxidation of medium and long chain fatty acids in mitochondria. It is not known whether it also regulates oxidation of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) in peroxisomes. Using affinity chromatography, co-immunoprecipitation, and proximity ligation assays we discovered that ceramide interacts with Hsd17b4, an enzyme critical for peroxisomal VLCFA oxidation and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) generation. Immunocytochemistry showed that Hsd17b4 is distributed to ceramide-enriched mitochondria-associated membranes (CEMAMs). Molecular docking and in vitro mutagenesis experiments showed that ceramide binds to the sterol carrier protein 2-like domain in Hsd17b4 adjacent to peroxisome targeting signal 1 (PTS1), the C-terminal signal for interaction with peroxisomal biogenesis factor 5 (Pex5), a peroxin mediating transport of Hsd17b4 into peroxisomes. Inhibition of ceramide biosynthesis induced translocation of Hsd17b4 from CEMAMs to peroxisomes, interaction of Hsd17b4 with Pex5, and upregulation of DHA. This data indicates a novel role of ceramide as a molecular switch regulating interaction of Hsd17b4 with Pex5 and peroxisomal function.

Patients lacking multifunctional protein 2 (MFP2), the central enzyme of the peroxisomal β-oxidation pathway, develop retinopathy. This pathway is involved in the metabolism of very long chain (VLCFAs) and polyunsaturated (PUFAs) fatty acids, which are enriched in the photoreceptor outer segments (POS). The molecular mechanisms underlying the retinopathy remain, however, elusive. Here, we report that mice with MFP2 inactivation display decreased retinal function already at the age of 3 weeks, which is accompanied by a profound shortening of the photoreceptor outer and inner segments, but with preserved photoreceptor ultrastructure. Furthermore, MFP2 deficient retinas exhibit severe changes in gene expression with downregulation of genes involved in the phototransduction pathway and upregulation of inflammation related genes. Lipid profiling of the mutant retinas revealed a profound reduction of DHA-containing phospholipids. This was likely due to a hampered systemic supply and retinal traffic of this PUFA, although we cannot exclude that the local defect of peroxisomal β-oxidation contributes to this DHA decrease. Moreover, very long chain PUFAs were also reduced, with the exception of those containing ≥ 34 carbons that accumulated. The latter suggests that there is an uncontrollable elongation of retinal PUFAs. In conclusion, our data reveal that intact peroxisomal β-oxidation is indispensable for retinal integrity, most likely by maintaining PUFA homeostasis. ispartof: Frontiers In Cell And Developmental Biology vol:9 ispartof: location:Switzerland status: published

HER2-positive breast cancers that achieve pathological complete response (pCR) after HER2-directed therapy consistently have good survival. We previously identified HSD17B4 methylation as a marker for pCR by methylation screening. Here, we aimed to identify a new marker by conducting a multi-omics analysis of materials prepared by laser capture microdissection, and adding 71 new samples. In the screening set (n = 36), mutations, methylation, and expression were analyzed by targeted sequencing, Infinium 450 K, and expression microarray, respectively, and 15 genes were identified as differentially expressed and eight genomic regions as differentially methylated between cancer samples with and without pCR. In a validation set (n = 47), one gene showed differential expression, and one region had differential methylation. Further, in the re-validation set (n = 55), all new samples, only HSD17B4 methylation was significantly different. The HSD17B4 methylation was at the transcriptional start site of its major variant, and was associated with its silencing. HSD17B4 was highly expressed in the vast majority of human cancers, and its methylation was present only in breast cancers and one lymphoblastic leukemia cell line. A combination of estrogen receptor-negative status and HSD17B4 methylation showed a positive predictive value of 80.0%. During HER2-directed neoadjuvant therapy, HSD17B4 methylation was the most reliable marker to monitor response to the therapy. These results showed that HSD17B4 methylation is a candidate predictive and response marker of HER2-positive breast cancer to HER2-directed therapy.

Steroidogenic enzymes are crucial in prostate cancer (PCa) progression. 17β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 4 (HSD17B4), encoded by HSD17B4, lacks catalytic capacity in androgen metabolism. Now the detailed role and molecular mechanism of PCa development are largely unknown. Here we showed that the expression of HSD17B4 was increased in PCa tissues compared to paired paratumor tissues. HSD17B4 knockdown in PCa cells significantly suppressed its proliferation, migration and invasion, while overexpressing HSD17B4 had opposite effects. Mechanistically, we found that the protein level of HSD17B4 was regulated by its acetylation at lysine 669(K669). Dihydroxytestosterone (DHT) treatment increased HSD17B4 acetylation and then promoted its degradation via chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA). SIRT3 directly interacted with HSD17B4 to inhibit its acetylation and enhance its stability. In addition, we identified CREBBP as a regulator of the K669 acetylation and degradation of HSD17B4, affecting PC cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Notably, in PCa tissues and paired paratumor tissues, the level of HSD17B4 was negatively correlated with its K669 acetylation. Taken together, this study identified a novel role of HSD17B4 in PCa progression and suggested that HSD17B4 and its upstream regulators may be potential therapeutic targets for PCa intervention.

Cytisine-linked isoflavonoids (CLIFs) inhibited PC-3 prostate and LS174T colon cancer cell proliferation by inhibiting a peroxisomal bifunctional enzyme. A pull-down assay using a biologically active, biotin-modified CLIF identified the target of these agents as the bifunctional, peroxisomal enzyme, hydroxysteroid 17β-dehydrogenase-4 (HSD17B4). Additional studies with truncated versions of HSD17B4 established that CLIFs specifically bind the C-terminus of HSD17B4 and selectively inhibited the enoyl CoA hydratase but not the D-3-hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase activity. HSD17B4 was overexpressed in prostate and colon cancer tissues, knocking down HSD17B4 inhibited cancer cell proliferation, suggesting that HSD17B4 is a potential biomarker and drug target and that CLIFs are potential probes or therapeutic agents for these cancers.

Peroxisomal disorders are genetically heterogeneous metabolic disorders associated with a deficit of very long chain fatty acid β-oxidation that commonly manifest as early-onset neurodegeneration. Brain microvascular endothelial dysfunction with increased permeability to monocytes has been described in X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, one of the most common peroxisomal disorders caused by mutations of the ATP binding cassette subfamily D member 1 (ABCD1) gene. The present study demonstrated that dysregulation of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) mediates changes in adhesion molecules and tight-junction protein expression, as well as increased adhesion to monocytes associated with peroxisomal dysfunction due to ABCD1 or hydroxysteroid 17-β dehydrogenase 4 silencing. Furthermore, enhancement of the function of SIRT1 by resve-ratrol attenuated this molecular and functional dysregulation of HBMECs via modulation of the nuclear factor-κB and Krüppel-like factor 4 signaling pathways.

Background Microglia play a central role in most neurological disorders, but the impact of microgliosis on brain environment and clinical functions is not fully understood. Mice lacking multifunctional protein-2 (MFP2), a pivotal enzyme in peroxisomal β-oxidation, develop a fatal disorder characterized by motor problems similar to the milder form of MFP2 deficiency in humans. The hallmark of disease in mice is the chronic proliferation of microglia in the brain, but molecular pathomechanisms that drive rapid clinical deterioration in human and mice remain unknown. In the present study, we identified the effects of specific deletion of MFP2 from microglia in the brain on immune responses, neuronal functioning, and behavior. Methods We created a novel Cx3cr1-Mfp2−/− mouse model and studied the impact of MFP2 deficiency on microglial behavior at different ages using immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR. Pro- and anti-inflammatory responses of Mfp2−/− microglia were assessed in vitro and in vivo after stimulation with IL-1β/INFγ and IL-4 (in vitro) and LPS and IL-4 (in vivo). Facial nerve axotomy was unilaterally performed in Cx3cr1-Mfp2−/− and control mice, and microglial functioning in response to neuronal injury was subsequently analyzed by histology and real-time PCR. Finally, neuronal function, motor function, behavior, and cognition were assessed using brainstem auditory evoked potentials, grip strength and inverted grid test, open field exploration, and passive avoidance learning, respectively. Results We found that Mfp2−/− microglia in a genetically intact brain environment adopt an inflammatory activated and proliferative state. In addition, we found that acute inflammatory and neuronal injury provoked normal responses of Mfp2−/− microglia in Cx3cr1-Mfp2−/− mice during the post-injury period. Despite chronic pro-inflammatory microglial reactivity, Cx3cr1-Mfp2−/− mice exhibited normal neuronal transmission, clinical performance, and cognition. Conclusion Our data demonstrate that MFP2 deficiency in microglia causes intrinsic dysregulation of their inflammatory profile, which is not harmful to neuronal function, motor function, and cognition in mice during their first year of life. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12974-019-1442-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Peroxisomes are essential organelles for the specialized oxidation of a wide variety of fatty acids, but they are also able to degrade fatty acids that are typically handled by mitochondria. Using a combination of pharmacological inhibition and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR associated protein 9 genome editing technology to simultaneously manipulate peroxisomal and mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) in HEK-293 cells, we identified essential players in the metabolic crosstalk between these organelles. Depletion of carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT)2 activity through pharmacological inhibition or knockout (KO) uncovered a significant residual peroxisomal oxidation of lauric and palmitic acid, leading to the production of peroxisomal acylcarnitine intermediates. Generation and analysis of additional single- and double-KO cell lines revealed that the D-bifunctional protein (HSD17B4) and the peroxisomal ABC transporter ABCD3 are essential in peroxisomal oxidation of lauric and palmitic acid. Our results indicate that peroxisomes not only accept acyl-CoAs but can also oxidize acylcarnitines in a similar biochemical pathway. By using an Hsd17b4 KO mouse model, we demonstrated that peroxisomes contribute to the plasma acylcarnitine profile after acute inhibition of CPT2, proving in vivo relevance of this pathway. We summarize that peroxisomal FAO is important when mitochondrial FAO is defective or overloaded.-Violante, S., Achetib, N., van Roermund, C. W. T., Hagen, J., Dodatko, T., Vaz, F. M., Waterham, H. R., Chen, H., Baes, M., Yu, C., Argmann, C. A., Houten, S. M. Peroxisomes can oxidize medium- and long-chain fatty acids through a pathway involving ABCD3 and HSD17B4. ispartof: FASEB JOURNAL vol:33 issue:3 pages:4355-4364 ispartof: location:United States status: published

An electromagnetic field (EMF) may affect the functions of uterine tissues. This study hypothesized that EMF changes the estrogenic activity of pig myometrium during the peri-implantation period. Tissue was collected on days 15–16 of the gestation and incubated in the presence of EMF (50 and 120 Hz, 2 and 4 h). The cytochrome P450 aromatase type 3 (CYP19A3) and hydroxysteroid 17β dehydrogenase type 4 (HSD17B4) mRNA transcript abundance, cytochrome P450arom (aromatase), and 17β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 17βHSD) protein abundance and estrone (E1) and estradiol-17β (E2) release were examined using Real-Time PCR, Western blot and radioimmunoassay. Selected myometrial slices were treated with progesterone (P4) to determine whether it functions as a protector against EMF. CYP19A3 mRNA transcript abundance in slices treated with EMF was less at 50 Hz (2 h) and greater at 120 Hz (2 and 4 h). HSD17B4 mRNA transcript was greater in slices treated with EMF at 120 Hz (2 h). Progesterone diminished EMF-related effects on CYP19A3 and HSD17B4. When P4 was added, EMF had suppressive (50 and 120 Hz, 2 h) or enhancing (50 Hz, 4 h) effects on aromatase abundance. The E1 release was lower after 4 h of EMF treatment at 50 Hz and P4 did not protect myometrial E1 release. In conclusion, EMF alters the synthesis and release of E1 and did not affect E2 release in the myometrium during the peri-implantation period.

Tail adipose as one of the important functional tissues can enhance hazardous environments tolerance for sheep. The objective of this study was to gain insight into the underlying development mechanisms of this trait. A quantitative analysis of protein abundance in ovine tail/rump adipose tissue was performed between Chinese local fat- (Kazakh, Hu and Lanzhou) and thin-tailed (Alpine Merino, Tibetan) sheep in the present study by using lable-free approach. Results showed that 3400 proteins were identified in the five breeds, and 804 were differentially expressed proteins, including 638 up regulated proteins and 83 down regulated proteins in the tail adipose tissues between fat- and thin-tailed sheep, and 8 clusters were distinguished for all the DEPs’ expression patterns. The differentially expressed proteins are mainly associated with metabolism pathways and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor signaling pathway. Furthermore, the proteomics results were validated by quantitative real-time PCR and Western Blot. Our research has also suggested that the up-regulated proteins ACSL1, HSD17β4, FABP4 in the tail adipose tissue might contribute to tail fat deposition by facilitating the proliferation of adipocytes and fat accumulation in tail/rump of sheep. Particularly, FABP4 highly expressed in the fat-tail will play an important role for tail fat deposition. Our study might provide a novel view to understanding fat accumulation in special parts of the body in sheep and other animals.

The cerebellar pathologies in peroxisomal diseases underscore that these organelles are required for the normal development and maintenance of the cerebellum, but the mechanisms have not been resolved. Here we investigated the origins of the early-onset coordination impairment in a mouse model with neural selective deficiency of multifunctional protein-2, the central enzyme of peroxisomal β-oxidation. At the age of 4weeks, Nestin-Mfp2(-/-) mice showed impaired motor learning on the accelerating rotarod and underperformed on the balance beam test. The gross morphology of the cerebellum and Purkinje cell arborization were normal. However, electrophysiology revealed a reduced Purkinje cell firing rate, a decreased excitability and an increased membrane capacitance. The distribution of climbing and parallel fiber synapses on Purkinje cells was immature and was accompanied by an increased spine length. Despite normal myelination, Purkinje cell axon degeneration was evident from the occurrence of axonal swellings containing accumulated organelles. In conclusion, the electrical activity, axonal integrity and wiring of Purkinje cells are exquisitely dependent on intact peroxisomal β-oxidation in neural cells. publisher: Elsevier articletitle: Early-onset Purkinje cell dysfunction underlies cerebellar ataxia in peroxisomal multifunctional protein-2 deficiency journaltitle: Neurobiology of Disease articlelink: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.nbd.2016.06.012 content_type: article copyright: © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. ispartof: Neurobiology of Disease vol:94 pages:157-168 ispartof: location:United States status: published

Perrault syndrome (MIM #233400) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by ovarian dysgenesis and primary ovarian insufficiency in females, and progressive hearing loss in both genders. Recently, mutations in five genes (HSD17B4, HARS2, CLPP, LARS2 and C10ORF2) were found to be responsible for Perrault syndrome, although they do not account for all cases of this genetically heterogeneous condition. We used whole-exome sequencing to identify pathogenic variants responsible for Perrault syndrome in an Italian pedigree with two affected siblings. Both patients were compound heterozygous for two novel missense variants within the mitochondrial leucyl-tRNA synthetase (LARS2): NM_015340.3:c.899C>T(p.Thr300Met) and c.1912G>A(p.Glu638Lys). Both variants cosegregated with the phenotype in the family. p.Thr300 and p.Glu638 are evolutionarily conserved residues, and are located, respectively, within the editing domain and immediately before the catalytically important KMSKS motif. Homology modeling using as template the E. coli leucyl-tRNA synthetase provided further insights on the possible pathogenic effects of the identified variants. This represents the first independent replication of the involvement of LARS2 mutations in Perrault syndrome, contributing valuable information for the further understanding of this disease.

Accumulating evidence has implicated that the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) contributes to the progression of liver cancer by affecting the expression of proliferation‑associated genes. A previous study reported that elevated levels of 17β‑hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 4 (HSD17B4) are observed in patients with liver cancer. The current study investigated how upregulated HSD17B4 expression promoted the expression of proliferation‑associated genes in rats with liver cancer. HSD17B4 expression in rats with liver cancer was significantly increased compared with the control group as determined by reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot assays. Immunohistochemical results revealed that STAT3 activation was positively correlated with increased HSD17B4 expression in tumor tissues from patients with liver cancer. Western blot results further suggested that HSD17B4 overexpression increased STAT3 activation via the protein kinase B and the mitogen‑activated protein kinase/extracellular‑signal‑regulated kinase signaling pathways in HepG2 cells. The present study suggested that overexpression may promote HepG2 proliferation by enhancing expression of various downstream targets of STAT3. Targeted inhibition of HSD17B4 may describe a novel approach in the prevention and treatment of liver cancer.

Pathogenesis and progression of liver cancer are correlated with inflammatory response and estrogen level. 17β-estradiol dehydrogenase IV (HSD17B4) is highly expressed in human liver cancer tissues. HSD17B4 participates in liver cancer cell proliferation via suppressing estradiol (E2) activity. This study generated a rat liver cancer model, on which the correlations between HSD17B4 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), proliferating cell nucleus antigen (PCNA) expression were analyzed.Male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned into control and model group (N=30). Diethylnitrosamine was used to induce liver cancer in a rat model. HE staining was used to observe liver injury whilst ELISA was used to measure serum TNF-α and IL-6 levels. The level of serum E2 was quantified by radioimmunoassay. Serum liver function indexes were measured by automatic biochemical analyzer. Protein expressions of HSD17B4, p-Akt, p-ERK and PCNA were measured by Western blot.The inflammatory infiltration and necrosis of hepatocytes were shown in model group by HE staining, along with aggravated liver indexes. Significantly high phosphorylation level of Akt and ERK, along with the increase of HSD17B3 and PCNA expressions, was found in model group (p0.05 compared to control group). Serum E2 level was statistically decreased, whilst TNF-α and IL-6 were up-regulated (p0.05). HSD17B4 was positively correlated with TNF-α, IL-6 and PCNA expressions (r=0.68, 0.62 and 0.56, p0.05).HSD17B4 is over-expressed in rat liver cancer tissues. Its expression was positively correlated with TNF-α, IL-6 and PCNA levels, and probably participates in liver cancer cell proliferation via ERK and Akt signal pathway.

Background: Peroxisomes play a crucial role in normal neurodevelopment and in the maintenance of the adult brain. This depends largely on intact peroxisomal β-oxidation given the similarities in pathologies between peroxisome biogenesis disorders and deficiency of multifunctional protein-2 (MFP2), the central enzyme of this pathway. Recently, adult patients diagnosed with cerebellar ataxia were shown to have mild mutations in the MFP2 gene, hydroxy-steroid dehydrogenase (17 beta) type 4 (HSD17B4). Cerebellar atrophy also develops in MFP2 deficient mice but the cellular origin of the degeneration is unexplored. Methods: In order to investigate whether peroxisomal β-oxidation is essential within Purkinje cells, the sole output neurons of the cerebellum, we generated and characterized a mouse model with Purkinje cell selective deletion of the MFP2 gene. Results: We show that selective loss of MFP2 from mature cerebellar Purkinje neurons causes a late-onset motor phenotype and progressive Purkinje cell degeneration, thereby mimicking ataxia and cerebellar deterioration in patients with mild HSD17B4 mutations. We demonstrate that swellings on Purkinje cell axons coincide with ataxic behavior and precede neurodegeneration. Loss of Purkinje cells occurs in a characteristic banded pattern, proceeds in an anterior to posterior fashion and is accompanied by progressive astro- and microgliosis. Conclusions: These data prove that the peroxisomal β-oxidation pathway is required within Purkinje neurons to maintain their axonal integrity, independent of glial dysfunction. ispartof: Brain Pathology vol:28 issue:5 pages:631-643 ispartof: location:Switzerland status: published

D-bifunctional protein deficiency (#OMIM 261515) is a rare autosomal recessive hereditary metabolic disorder causing severe clinical and biochemical abnormalities that are usually fatal in the course of the first years of life. This disease is classified as single enzyme peroxisomal disorder affecting the β-oxidation pathway in this compartment. In this paper we present a full overview of the clinical presentation, magnetic resonance imaging, biochemical and molecular data of two Slovak D-bifunctional protein deficient patients. In the clinical presentation of both patients severe generalized hypotonia, depression of neonatal reflexes, craniofacial dysmorphism and seizures dominated starting from the second day of life. In both patients, who died up to two years of life, we found elevated plasma levels of very long chain fatty acids and we identified the presence of causative mutations in the HSD17B4 gene. In the first case, we found the homozygous mutation c.46G>A, which is responsible for a defect in the dehydrogenase domain. In the second patient, the heterozygous mutations c.1369A>G and c.1516C>T were present and functionally they are related to the hydratase domain of the protein. This combination of mutations in the second patient is very rare and has not been reported until now. The presence of mutations was examined in all family members, and the resulting data were successfully utilized for prenatal diagnosis.

Background Peroxisomal disorders are classified in two major groups: (1) peroxisome biogenesis disorders and (2) single peroxisomal enzyme/transporter deficiencies. D-bifunctional protein deficiency (OMIM #261515) is included in this last group of rare diseases and leads to an impaired peroxisomal beta-oxidation. D-bifunctional protein deficiencies are divided into four types based on the degree of activity of the 2-enoyl-CoA hydratase and 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase protein units. Patient Description We present the first Portuguese reported type II D-bifunctional protein deficiency patient, whose neonatal clinical picture is indistinguishable from a Zellweger spectrum disease. The clinical features and the neuroimaging findings of polymicrogyria raised suspicion of the diagnosis. After biochemical analysis, D-bifunctional protein deficiency was confirmed with the identification of a homozygous p.Asn457Tyr (N457Y) mutation of the HSD17B4 gene. The patient's parents were carriers of the mutated allele, confirming the patient homozygosity status and allowing prenatal diagnosis in future pregnancies. Conclusions D-bifunctional protein deficiency is a rare, severe disease and the final diagnosis can only be accomplished after HSD17B4 gene sequencing. Treatment is supportive, aimed at improving nutrition and growth, controlling the central nervous system symptoms, and limiting the eventual progression of liver disease.

Purpose To describe a diagnostic protocol, surveillance and treatment guidelines, genetic counseling considerations and long-term follow-up data elements developed in preparation for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) newborn screening in New York State. Methods A group including the director from each regional NYS inherited metabolic disorder center, personnel from the NYS Newborn Screening Program, and others prepared a follow-up plan for X-ALD NBS. Over the months preceding the start of screening, a series of conference calls took place to develop and refine a complete newborn screening system from initial positive screen results to long-term follow-up. Results A diagnostic protocol was developed to determine for each newborn with a positive screen whether the final diagnosis is X-ALD, carrier of X-ALD, Zellweger spectrum disorder, acyl CoA oxidase deficiency or D-bifunctional protein deficiency. For asymptomatic males with X-ALD, surveillance protocols were developed for use at the time of diagnosis, during childhood and during adulthood. Considerations for timing of treatment of adrenal and cerebral disease were developed. Conclusion Because New York was the first newborn screening laboratory to include X-ALD on its panel, and symptoms may not develop for years, long-term follow-up is needed to evaluate the presented guidelines.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) arises in a setting of chronic inflammation induced by inflammatory cytokines, such as nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB). HCC is a male-predominant cancer that can be attenuated by estradiol (E2) in vitro and in vivo. Although 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 4 (HSD17B4) has been implicated as an estradiol-inactivating enzyme, and its promoter sequence contains two putative NF-κB elements: it is currently unknown whether HSD17B4 is the link between inflammation, estradiol and proliferation in hepatoma cells. In this study, HepG2 cells were used to investigate the role of HSD17B4 in the proliferation of liver cancer cells treated with the NF-κB activator, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), with the inhibitor of NF-κB activation, pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (PDTC), or with a related specific siRNA. We demonstrated that the human HSD17B4 gene is a target for NF-κB activation in inflammation-stimulated HepG2 cells. HSD17B4 is up-regulated via the binding of activated NF-κB to the distal NF-κB-responsive element via TNF-α stimulation, which then promotes cell proliferation by decreasing the levels of E2 and enhancing the expression of interleukin 6 (IL-6), cyclin D1 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCAN). These results from HepG2 cells are consistent with the observation that HSD17B4 is highly expressed and activated NF-κB is highly co-localized with the NF-κB-responsive element of HSD17B4 in liver tumor tissues from HCC patients. Our findings indicate for the first time that HSD17B4 plays an important role in aggravated HCC progression and provides a novel therapeutic target for HCC.

Funding: Marie Curie Individual Fellowship project ArtOxiZymes to AGJ (contract no. H2020-MSCA-IF-2014-657755), EPSRC Critical mass grant ‘Clean catalysis for sustainable development’ (EP/J018139/1) and Sasol (CASE studentship to P.J.D.), EPSRC (EP/K014854/1). Artificial metalloenzymes (ArMs) are hybrid catalysts that offer a unique opportunity to combine the superior performance of natural protein structures with the unnatural reactivity of transition-metal catalytic centers. Therefore, they provide the prospect of highly selective and active catalytic chemical conversions for which natural enzymes are unavailable. Herein, we show how by rationally combining robust site-specific phosphine bioconjugation methods and a lipid-binding protein (SCP-2L), an artificial rhodium hydroformylase was developed that displays remarkable activities and selectivities for the biphasic production of long-chain linear aldehydes under benign aqueous conditions. Overall, this study demonstrates that judiciously chosen protein-binding scaffolds can be adapted to obtain metalloenzymes that provide the reactivity of the introduced metal center combined with specifically intended product selectivity. Publisher PDF

Propiverine, a frequently-prescribed pharmaceutical for the treatment of symptoms associated with overactive bladder syndrome, provoked massive intranuclear and cytosolic protein inclusions in rat proximal tubule epithelium, primarily consisting of the peroxisomal targeting signal 1 (PTS1) containing protein d -amino acid oxidase (DAAO). As this type of nephropathy was also observed for other drugs, the aim was to determine whether propiverine interferes with trafficking and/or import of peroxisomal proteins. To elucidate this, DAAO- and propiverine-specific interaction partners from human HEK293 and rat WKPT cell lines and rat kidney and liver homogenate were determined using co-immunoprecipitation with subsequent nano-ESI-LC-MS/MS analyses. Corroboration of the role of DAAO- and/or propiverine-specific interaction partners in the drug-induced DAAO accumulation was sought via specific immunofluorescence staining of rat kidney sections from control and propiverine-treated rats. Above analyses demonstrated the interaction of propiverine with several protein classes, foremost peroxisomal proteins (DAAO, MFE2, HAOX2) and proteins of the protein quality control system, i.e. chaperones (HSP70 and DnaJ co-chaperones), proteases and proteasomal proteins (regulatory subunits of the 26S proteasome; Rpn1/2). The immunofluorescence analysis revealed mislocalization of many PTS1-proteins (DAAO, CAT, MFE2, ACOX1, EHHADH) in rat renal sections, strongly suggesting that propiverine primarily binds to PTS1 proteins resulting in the formation of PTS1 but not PTS2 or peroxisomal membrane protein (PMP) accumulations. Moreover, chaperones involved in peroxisomal trafficking (HSC70, DnaJB1) and peroxisomal biogenesis factor proteins (PEX3, PEX5, PEX7), also presented with distinct mislocalization patterns. Concomitantly, an increased number of peroxisomes was observed, suggestive of a compensatory mechanism for the presumably suboptimally functioning peroxisomes. Overall, the data presented suggested that propiverine interacts exclusively with DAAO or with a selected number of PTS1 proteins. The consequence of this interaction is the abrogated trafficking and peroxisomal import of PTS1 proteins concomitant with their nuclear and cytosolic accumulation due to inhibited degradation and imbalanced protein homeostasis.

3-oxohexadecanoyl-CoA was synthesized for the study of D-bifunctional protein (EC 4. 2. 1. 107, EC 4. 2. 1. 119, EC 1. 1. 1. n12) and L-bifunctional protein (EC 4. 2. 1. 17, EC 5. 3. 3. 8, EC 1. 1. 1. 35). First, tetradecanal was subjected to the Reformatsky reaction with ethyl bromoacetate, and the product was then converted into ethyl 3-oxohexadecanoate. After acetalization of the 3-oxo ester with ethylene glycol, 3,3-ethlenedioxyhexadecanoic acid was obtained by alkaline hydrolysis. The acid was condensed with coenzyme A (CoA) by the mixed anhydride method, and the resulting CoA ester was deprotected with 4 M HCl to obtain 3-oxohexadecanoyl-CoA. In addition, the behavior of the CoA ester under several conditions of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was also investigated. We established separation detection of (R)-3-hydroxyhexadecanoyl-CoA, (S)-3-hydroxyhexadecaboyl-CoA, 3-oxohexadecanoyl-CoA, and trans-2-hexadecenoyl-CoA.

SUMMARY Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) requires tumors to engage metabolic mechanisms that allow sustained testosterone and/or dihydrotestosterone to stimulate progression. 17β-Hydroxyste-roid dehydrogenase type 4 (17βHSD4), encoded by HSD17B4, is thought to inactivate testosterone and dihydrotestosterone by converting them to their respective inert 17-keto steroids. Counterintuitively, HSD17B4 expression increases in CRPC and predicts poor prognosis. Here, we show that, of five alternative splice forms, only isoform 2 encodes an enzyme capable of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone inactivation. In contrast with other transcripts, functional expression of isoform 2 is specifically suppressed in development of CRPC in patients. Genetically silencing isoform 2 shifts the metabolic balance toward 17β-OH androgens (testosterone and dihydrotestosterone), stimulating androgen receptor (AR) and CRPC development. Our studies specifically implicate HSD17B4 isoform 2 loss in lethal prostate cancer., In Brief Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is dependent on metabolic processes that enable sustained tumor androgens, which generally require androgen-synthesizing enzymes. Ko et al. show that a single androgen inactivation enzyme splice form is lost in CRPC and encodes the only enzyme that otherwise blocks androgen action and lethal disease.

The peroxisomal disorders (PDs) are a heterogeneous group of genetic diseases in man caused by an impairment in peroxisome biogenesis or one of the metabolic functions of peroxisomes. Thanks to the revolutionary technical developments in gene sequencing methods and their increased use in patient diagnosis, the field of genetic diseases in general and peroxisomal disorders in particular has dramatically changed in the last few years. Indeed, several novel peroxisomal disorders have been identified recently and in addition it has been realized that the phenotypic spectrum of patients affected by a PD keeps widening, which makes clinical recognition of peroxisomal patients increasingly difficult. Here, we describe these new developments and provide guidelines for the clinical and laboratory diagnosis of peroxisomal patients.

An important hallmark of various neurodegenerative disorders is the proliferation and activation of microglial cells, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS). Mice that lack multifunctional protein-2 (MFP2), the key enzyme in peroxisomal β-oxidation, develop excessive microgliosis that positively correlates with behavioral deficits whereas no neuronal loss occurs. However, the precise contribution of neuroinflammation to the fatal neuropathology of MFP2 deficiency remains largely unknown. Here, we first attempted to suppress the inflammatory response by administering various anti-inflammatory drugs but they failed to reduce microgliosis. Subsequently, Mfp2(-/-) mice were treated with the selective colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) inhibitor PLX5622 as microglial proliferation and survival is dependent on CSF1R signaling. This resulted in the elimination of >95% of microglia from control mice but only 70% of the expanded microglial population from Mfp2(-/-) mice. Despite microglial diminution in Mfp2(-/-) brain, inflammatory markers remained unaltered and residual microglia persisted in a reactive state. CSF1R inhibition did not prevent neuronal dysfunction, cognitive decline and clinical deterioration of Mfp2(-/-) mice. Collectively, the unaltered inflammatory profile despite suppressed microgliosis, concurrent with persevering clinical decline strengthens our hypothesis that neuroinflammation importantly contributes to the Mfp2(-/-) phenotype. publisher: Elsevier articletitle: Specific suppression of microgliosis cannot circumvent the severe neuropathology in peroxisomal β-oxidation-deficient mice journaltitle: Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience articlelink: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.mcn.2017.03.004 content_type: article copyright: © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. ispartof: Molecular and Cellular Neurosciences vol:80 pages:123-133 ispartof: location:United States status: published

Dysregulation of hormone metabolism is implicated in human breast cancer. 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 4 (HSD17B4) catalyzes the conversion of estradiol (E2) to estrone (E1), and is associated with the pathogenesis and development of various cancers. Here we show that E1 upregulates HSD17B4 acetylation at lysine 669 (K669) and thereby promotes HSD17B4 degradation via chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA), while a single mutation at K669 reverses the degradation and confers migratory and invasive properties to MCF7 cells upon E1 treatment. CREBBP and SIRT3 dynamically control K669 acetylation level of HSD17B4 in response to E1. More importantly, K669 acetylation is inversely correlated with HSD17B4 in human breast cancer tissues. Our study reveals a crosstalk between acetylation and CMA degradation in HSD17B4 regulation, and a critical role of the regulation in the malignant progression of breast cancer.

The peroxisomal disorders (PDs) are a heterogeneous group of genetic diseases in man caused by an impairment in peroxisome biogenesis or one of the metabolic functions of peroxisomes. Thanks to the revolutionary technical developments in gene sequencing methods and their increased use in patient diagnosis, the field of genetic diseases in general and peroxisomal disorders in particular has dramatically changed in the last few years. Indeed, several novel peroxisomal disorders have been identified recently and in addition it has been realized that the phenotypic spectrum of patients affected by a PD keeps widening, which makes clinical recognition of peroxisomal patients increasingly difficult. Here, we describe these new developments and provide guidelines for the clinical and laboratory diagnosis of peroxisomal patients.

The peroxisome is an intracellular organelle that responds dynamically to environmental changes. Various model organisms have been used to study the roles of peroxisomal proteins in maintaining cellular homeostasis. By taking advantage of the zebrafish model whose early stage of embryogenesis is dependent on yolk components, we examined the developmental roles of the D-bifunctional protein (Dbp), an essential enzyme in the peroxisomal β-oxidation. The knockdown of dbp in zebrafish phenocopied clinical manifestations of its deficiency in human, including defective craniofacial morphogenesis, growth retardation, and abnormal neuronal development. Overexpression of murine Dbp rescued the morphological phenotypes induced by dbp knockdown, indicative of conserved roles of Dbp during zebrafish and mammalian development. Knockdown of dbp impaired normal development of blood, blood vessels, and most strikingly, endoderm-derived organs including the liver and pancreas - a phenotype not reported elsewhere in connection with peroxisome dysfunction. Taken together, our results demonstrate for the first time that zebrafish might be a useful model animal to study the role of peroxisomes during vertebrate development.

Objective: To determine the causative genetic lesion in 3 adult siblings with a slowly progressive, juvenile-onset phenotype comprising cerebellar atrophy and ataxia, intellectual decline, hearing loss, hypogonadism, hyperreflexia, a demyelinating sensorimotor neuropathy, and (in 2 of 3 probands) supratentorial white matter changes, in whom numerous prior investigations were nondiagnostic. Methods: The patients’ initial clinical assessment included history and physical examination, cranial MRI, and nerve conduction studies. We performed whole-exome sequencing of all 3 probands, followed by variant annotation and selection of rare, shared, recessive coding changes to identify the gene responsible. We next performed a panel of peroxisomal investigations in blood and cultured fibroblasts, including assessment of D-bifunctional protein (DBP) stability and activity by immunoblot and enzymologic methods, respectively. Results: Exome sequencing identified compound heterozygous mutations in HSD17B4 , encoding peroxisomal DBP, in all 3 probands. Both identified mutations alter a conserved residue within the active site of DBP’s enoyl-CoA hydratase domain. Routine peroxisomal screening tests, including very long-chain fatty acids and phytanic acid, were normal. DBP enzymatic activity was markedly reduced. Conclusion: Exome sequencing provides a powerful and elegant tool in the specific diagnosis of “mild” or “atypical” neurometabolic disorders. Given the broad differential diagnosis and the absence of detectable biochemical abnormalities in blood, molecular testing of HSD17B4 should be considered as a first-line investigation in patients with compatible features.

International audience; Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has an established diagnostic value for inherited ataxia. However, the need of a rigorous process of analysis and validation remains challenging. Moreover, copy number variations (CNV) or dynamic expansions of repeated sequence are classically considered not adequately detected by exome sequencing technique. We applied a strategy of mini-exome coupled to read-depth based CNV analysis to a series of 33 patients with probable inherited ataxia and onset

Background Perrault syndrome is a rare multisystem disorder that manifests with sensorineural hearing loss in both sexes, primary ovarian insufficiency in females and neurological features. The syndrome is heterogeneous both genetically and phenotypically. Case presentation We reported a consanguineous family (two affected sisters) with Perrault syndrome. The proband had the characteristics of Perrault syndrome: ovarian dysgenesis, bilateral hearing loss and obvious neurological signs. Target genetic sequencing and triplet repeat primed PCR (TP-PCR) plus capillary electrophoresis was conducted to detect causative mutations in the proband. The detected variant was further confirmed in the proband and tested in other family members by Sanger sequencing. Both the proband and her sister were found homozygous for the novel variant HSD17B4 c.298G > T (p.A100S) with their parents heterozygous. Detected by western blot, the protein expression of HSD17B4 mutant was much lower than that of the wild type in SH-SY5Y cells transfected by HSD17B4 wild type or mutant plasmid, which indicated the pathogenicity of the HSD17B4 mutation. Conclusions Our findings supported that HSD17B4 was one of the genes contributing to Perrault syndrome with the likely pathogenic variant c.298G > T (p.A100S). Special manifestations of cerebellar impairment were found in cases caused by HSD17B4 mutations. Besides, attention should be paid to distinguish Perrault syndrome from D-bifunctional protein deficiency and hereditary ataxia. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12881-017-0453-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The abilities of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and exercise to counteract cognitive decay after traumatic brain injury (TBI) is getting increasing recognition; however, the possibility that these actions can be complementary remains just as an intriguing possibility. Here we have examined the likelihood that the combination of diet and exercise has the added potential to facilitate functional recovery following TBI. Rats received mild fluid percussion injury (mFPI) or sham injury and then were maintained on a diet high in DHA (1.2% DHA) with or without voluntary exercise for 12days. We found that FPI reduced DHA content in the brain, which was accompanied by increased levels of lipid peroxidation assessed using 4-hydroxy-2-hexenal (4-HHE). FPI reduced the enzymes acyl-CoA oxidase 1 (Acox1) and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 4 (17β-HSD4), and the calcium-independent phospholipases A2 (iPLA2), which are involved in metabolism of membrane phospholipids. FPI reduced levels of syntaxin-3 (STX-3), involved in the action of membrane DHA on synaptic membrane expansion, and also reduced brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling through its tyrosine kinase B (TrkB) receptor. These effects of FPI were optimally counteracted by the combination of DHA and exercise. Our results support the possibility that the complementary action of exercise is exerted on restoring membrane homeostasis after TBI, which is necessary for supporting synaptic plasticity and cognition. It is our contention that strategies that take advantage of the combined applications of diet and exercise may have additional effects to the injured brain.

Peroxisomes are proposed to play an important role in the regulation of systemic inflammation; however, the functional role of these organelles in inflammatory responses of myeloid immune cells is largely unknown. In this article, we demonstrate that the nonclassical peroxisome proliferator 4-phenyl butyric acid is an efficient inducer of peroxisomes in various models of murine macrophages, such as primary alveolar and peritoneal macrophages and the macrophage cell line RAW264.7, but not in primary bone marrow–derived macrophages. Further, proliferation of peroxisomes blocked the TLR4 ligand LPS-induced proinflammatory response, as detected by the reduced induction of the proinflammatory protein cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-12. In contrast, disturbing peroxisome function by knockdown of peroxisomal gene Pex14 or Mfp2 markedly increased the LPS-dependent upregulation of the proinflammatory proteins COX-2 and TNF-α. Specifically, induction of peroxisomes did not affect the upregulation of COX-2 at the mRNA level, but it reduced the half-life of COX-2 protein, which was restored by COX-2 enzyme inhibitors but not by proteasomal and lysosomal inhibitors. Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry analysis revealed that various anti-inflammatory lipid mediators (e.g., docosahexaenoic acid) were increased in the conditioned medium from peroxisome-induced macrophages, which blocked LPS-induced COX-2 upregulation in naive RAW264.7 cells and human primary peripheral blood–derived macrophages. Importantly, LPS itself induced peroxisomes that correlated with the regulation of COX-2 during the late phase of LPS activation in macrophages. In conclusion, our findings identify a previously unidentified role for peroxisomes in macrophage inflammatory responses and suggest that peroxisomes are involved in the physiological cessation of macrophage activation.

d-Bifunctional protein (DBP) deficiency is an autosomal recessive disorder of peroxisomal fatty acid oxidation caused by mutations in HSD17B4. It is typically fatal by the age of two years with symptom onset during the neonatal period, and survival until late childhood is rare. We herein report the case of a patient with DBP deficiency surviving until adulthood, who showed severe sensorineural deafness, disturbances in language acquisition, slowly progressive cerebellar ataxia, and peripheral neuropathy. This patient, in whom findings of prior investigations were nondiagnostic, had been followed up as having an early-onset spinocerebellar degeneration of unknown etiology. Whole-exome sequencing analysis at the age of 36 showed two heterozygous variants in the gene HSD17B4, which encodes DBP in this patient. A panel of peroxisomal investigations showed normal levels of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) in plasma and elevated serum phytanic acid levels. Recently, an increasing number of patients with DBP deficiency surviving until adolescence/adulthood have been reported, in whom abnormalities in the levels of VLCFAs and other peroxisomal metabolites are marginal or nonexistent. Genetic analysis of HSD17B4 should be considered in adult patients with cerebellar ataxia, peripheral neuropathy, and pyramidal signs in addition to sensorineural auditory disturbance since childhood.

Perrault syndrome (PS) is a rare autosomal recessive condition characterized by deafness and gonadic dysgenesis. Recently, mutations in five genes have been identified: C10orf2, CLPP, HARS2, HSD17B4, and LARS2. Probands included are presented with sensorineural deafness associated with gonadic dysgenesis. DNA was sequenced using next-generation sequencing (NGS) with a panel of 35 deafness genes including the five Perrault genes. Exonic variations known as pathogenic mutations or detected with1% frequency in public databases were extracted and subjected to segregation analysis within each family. Both mutations and low coverage regions were analyzed by Sanger sequencing. Fourteen female index patients were included. The screening in four cases has been extended to four family members presenting with PS phenotype. For four unrelated patients (28.6%), causative mutations were identified: three homozygous mutations in C10orf2, CLPP, and HARS2, and one compound heterozygous mutation in LARS2. Three additional heterozygous mutations in LARS2 and HSD17B4 were found in three independent familial cases. All these missense mutations were verified by Sanger sequencing. Familial segregation analyses confirmed the molecular diagnosis in all cases carrying biallelic mutations. Because of NGS, molecular analysis confirmed the clinical diagnosis of PS in 28.6% of our cohort and four novel mutations were found in four Perrault genes. For the unsolved cases, exome sequencing should be performed to search for a sixth unknown PS gene.

Objective To identify whether epistasis between TG and HSD17B4 and whether polymorphisms in HSD17B4 are associated with premature ovarian failure (POF). Design Case-control genetic association study. Setting Research laboratory of a university. Patient(s) Female patients with POF (98) and controls (218) of Korean ethnicity participated in this study. Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Genotype distribution, haplotype (HT) inference, and gene–gene interaction. Result(s) Distribution of one haplotype (A-G-A-A-G-G) on the HSD17B4 gene was significantly different between the POF group and the control group in a dominant model. In addition, the combined effect of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) HSD17B4 rs28943592 and TG rs2076740 was significantly associated with POF (odds ratio=7.74, 95% confidence interval=1.67–35.94), although a significant association was not observed in the single SNP model. Conclusion(s) A haplotype in the HSD17B4 gene was identified that was significantly associated with resistance to POF. In addition, epistasis between two missense SNPs (rs28943592, rs2076740) located in HSD17B4 and TG was significantly associated with susceptibility to POF.

In order to clarify the physiological significance of stereospecificities of peroxisomal multifunctional enzyme (MFE) type 1 (MFE1) and MFE2, we developed a chiral separation analysis for 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) equipped with a chiral separation column. To demonstrate the utility of this technique, we cloned the hydratase domain from wild-type human MFE2 hydratase (MFE2Hwt) and expressed it as a GFP-tagged protein (GFP-MFE2Hwt) in Escherichia coli (E. coli). GFP-MFE2H was purified by diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) Sephacel from an E. coli sonication solution. As anticipated, we observed the formation of 3R-hydroxyhexadecanoyl-CoA (3R-OH-16-CoA) on the HPLC chromatogram after incubating trans-2-enoyl-CoA (16eno-CoA) with GFP-MFE2Hwt. GFP-MFE2Hwt was readily purifiable and could be assayed because of its traceability. We used site-directed mutagenesis to construct GFP-MFE2H variants corresponding to 17 reported MFE2H missense mutations and measured their hydratase activities using our HPLC method. Hydratase activity was completely lost or markedly decreased in the same variants corresponding to MFE2H mutations in patients with D-bifunctional protein (DBP) deficiency type II. On the other hand, the nonpathological variants did not markedly affect hydratase activity.

Perrault syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in both sexes and primary ovarian insufficiency in 46, XX karyotype females. Biallelic variants in five genes are reported to be causative: HSD17B4, HARS2, LARS2, CLPP and C10orf2. Here we present eight families affected by Perrault syndrome. In five families we identified novel or previously reported variants in HSD17B4, LARS2, CLPP and C10orf2. The proband from each family was whole exome sequenced and variants confirmed by Sanger sequencing. A female was compound heterozygous for a known, p.(Gly16Ser) and novel, p.(Val82Phe) variant in D-bifunctional protein (HSD17B4). A family was homozygous for mitochondrial leucyl aminocyl tRNA synthetase (mtLeuRS) (LARS2) p.(Thr522Asn), previously associated with Perrault syndrome. A further family was compound heterozygous for mtLeuRS, p.(Thr522Asn) and a novel variant, p.(Met117Ile). Affected individuals with LARS2 variants had low frequency SNHL, a feature previously described in Perrault syndrome. A female with significant neurological disability was compound heterozygous for p.(Arg323Gln) and p.(Asn399Ser) variants in Twinkle (C10orf2). A male was homozygous for a novel variant in CLPP, p.(Cys144Arg). In three families there were no putative pathogenic variants in these genes confirming additional disease-causing genes remain unidentified. We have expanded the spectrum of disease-causing variants associated with Perrault syndrome.

β-Sitosterol is the most abundant plant sterol in the human diet. It is also the major component of several traditional medicines, including saw palmetto and devil’s claw. Although β-sitosterol is effective against enlarged prostate in human clinical trials and has anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activities, the mechanisms of action are poorly understood. Here, we report the identification of two new binding proteins for β-sitosterol that may underlie its beneficial effects.

Peroxisomes catalyze a range of essential metabolic functions, mainly related to lipid metabolism. However, their roles in obesity have yet to be clarified. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between obesity and peroxisomal lipid metabolism, particularly very long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) metabolism, gene expression of peroxisomal β-oxidation enzymes, peroxisomal ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter adrenoleukodystrophy (ABCD1) gene and its related gene, ABCD2, the elongation of the VLCFA (ELOVL) gene family and the transcriptional factors involved in the regulation of these genes, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein. These factors were analyzed in livers from mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) or a regular diet (RD) for 20 weeks. Furthermore, the amounts of plasma saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, including VLCFAs, were measured. A HFD induced hepatic gene expression of not only hydroxysteroid 17-β dehydrogenase 4 (HSD17b4) and sterol carrier protein 2 (SCP2) in peroxisomal β-oxidation enzymes but also of ELOVL1, 2, 5 and 6, which are involved in the elongation of saturated and unsaturated VLCFAs. Furthermore, ABCD2 mRNA prominently increased in the HFD mice. The transcriptional regulator of these genes, PPARα, was also up-regulated in the HFD mice. VLCFA ratios including C24:0/C22:0, C25:0/C22:0 and C26:0/C22:0 are the most significant diagnostic markers of inherited peroxisomal diseases. These ratios were found to be low in the plasma of the HFD mice compared with the RD mice. The results suggest that HFD activates hepatic peroxisomal VLCFA metabolism, and may provide useful fundamental information to explain the role of peroxisomal function in obesity and lifestyle-related diseases.

Hydroxysteroid-dehydrogenase-17b (HSD17b) genes control the last step in estrogen biosynthesis. The isoenzymes HSD17b2 and HSD17b4 in the uterus preferentially catalyze the conversion of estradiol, the most potent and active form of estrogen, to estrone, the inactive form of estrogen. Endometrial adenocarcinoma is linked to excessive exposure to estrogens. We hypothesized that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes HSD17b2 and HSD17b4 may alter the enzyme activity, estradiol levels and risk of disease.Pairwise tag SNPs were selected from the HapMap Caucasian database to capture all known common (minor allele frequency0.05) genetic variation with a correlation of at least 0.80. Forty-eight SNPs were genotyped in the case-control studies nested within the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) (cases=544, controls=1296) and the Women's Health Study (WHS) (cases=130, controls=389). The associations with endometrial cancer were examined using conditional logistic regression to estimate odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals adjusted for known risk factors. Results from the two studies were using fixed effects models. We additionally investigated whether SNPs are predictive of plasma estradiol and estrone levels in the NHS using linear regression.Four intronic SNPs were significantly associated with endometrial cancer risk (p-value0.05). After adjustment for multiple testing, we did not observe any significant associations between SNPs and endometrial cancer risk or plasma hormone levels.This is the first study to comprehensively evaluate variation in HSD17b2 and HSD17b4 in relation to endometrial cancer risk. Our findings suggest that variation in HSD17b2 and HSD17b4 does not substantially influence the risk of endometrial cancer in Caucasians.