Mutations in cystathionine beta-synthase or methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene increase N-homocysteinylated protein levels in humans.
Severely elevated plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels observed in genetic disorders of Hcy metabolism are associated with pathologies in multiple organs and lead to premature death due to vascular complications. In addition to elevating plasma Hcy, mutations in cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) or methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene lead to markedly elevated levels of circulating Hcy-thiolactone. The thiooester chemistry of Hcy-thiolactone underlies its ability to form isopeptide bonds with protein lysine residues (N-Hcy-protein), which may impair or alter the protein's function. However, it was not known whether genetic deficiencies in Hcy metabolism affect N-Hcy-protein levels in humans. Here we show that plasma N-Hcy-protein levels are significantly elevated in CBS- and MTHFR-deficient patients. We also show that CBS-deficient patients have significantly elevated plasma levels of prothrombotic N-Hcy-fibrinogen. These results provide a possible explanation for increased atherothrombosis observed in CBS-deficient patients.
Jakubowski
Hieronim
H
Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, International Center for Public Health, 225 Warren St., Newark, NJ 07101-1709, USA. jakubows@umdnj.edu
Boers
Godfried H J
GH
Strauss
Kevin A
KA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003541:Cystathionine beta-Synthase / Q000172:deficiency / Q000235:genetics*; D005340:Fibrinogen / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D005796:Genes; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000097:blood*; D006712:Homocystinuria / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D042965:Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2) / Q000172:deficiency / Q000235:genetics*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009154:Mutation
D006710:Homocysteine; D005340:Fibrinogen; C007957:homocysteine thiolactone; D042965:Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2); D003541:Cystathionine beta-Synthase