1.Effect of "Zhibian" (BL54)-toward-"Shuidao" (ST28) acupuncture on reproductive function in mice with asthenozoospermia based on mitochondrial apoptosis.
Jianheng HAO ; Boya CHANG ; Jia REN ; Zhen GAO ; Yanlin ZHANG ; Haijun WANG ; Laixi JI
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(1):71-81
OBJECTIVE:
To observe the effects of the "Zhibian" (BL54)-toward-"Shuidao" (ST28) acupuncture on key regulatory factors during mitochondrial apoptosis of testicular tissue in asthenozoospermia mice, and explore the potential mechanism of the protective effect of acupuncture on reproductive function.
METHODS:
Thirty C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group and an acupuncture group, 10 mice in each group. In the model and the acupuncture groups, the intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide (30 mg•kg-1•d-1) was delivered for 7 days to prepare the asthenozoospermia model. After the success of modeling, the modeled mice in the acupuncture group were intervened with "Zhibian" (BL54)-toward-"Shuidao" (ST28) acupuncture, once daily and the needles were retained for 20 min. The duration of the intervention was 2 weeks. The general condition of each mouse was observed, and the body mass was recorded before modeling, after modeling and after intervention completion. After intervention, the testicular mass was recorded and the weight coefficient was calculated, and the mouse sperm quality was examined; the serum contents of testosterone (T), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were detected using ELISA, the morphology of testicular tissue was observed using HE, the mitochondrial ultra-microstructure of testicular tissue was observed under transmission electrone microscopy, the mitochondrial membrane potential level of testicular tissue was detected using JC-1 staining, the positive rate of apoptosis cell of testicular tissue was observed using TUNEL; and the mRNA and protein expression of b-cell lymphocytoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), cytochrome c (Cyt C), apoptotic protease-activating factor1 (Apaf-1), Caspase-9 and Caspase-3 of testicular tissue was detected using real-time quantitative fluorescence PCR and Western blot methods separately; and the positive expression of Cleaved Caspase-3 of the testicular tissue was detected using immunohistochemistry.
RESULTS:
Compared with the blank group, the mice were in listless spirits, had shaggy hairs, the reduced appetite and movement, and weight loss in the model group (P<0.01); the testicular mass and the weight coefficient decreased (P<0.01); the total number of sperms, sperm motility, and sperm viability were declined (P<0.01); while the levels of serum T, FSH, and LH were dropped (P<0.01). The morphology of seminiferous tubules in testicular tissue was abnormal, the number of spermatogenic cells and the number of mitochondria decreased, the inner mitochondrial crest was fractured and lost, and vacuoles appeared. The level of mitochondrial membrane potential was reduced (P<0.01); and the positive rate of apoptosis cell in testicular tissue increased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of Bax, Cyt C, Apaf-1, Caspase-9 and Caspase-3 was elevated (P<0.01, P<0.05), the mRNA and protein expression of Bcl-2 was dropped (P<0.01), and the average absorbance value of Cleaved Caspase-3 increased (P<0.01). When compared with the model group, in the acupuncture group, the general condition of mice was improved, the testicular mass and the weight coefficient elevated (P<0.01); the total number of sperms, sperm motility, and sperm viability increased (P<0.01); while the levels of serum T, FSH, and LH rose (P<0.01). The pathological morphology of testicular tissue and the inner mitochondrial ultra-microstructure were ameliorated, the level of mitochondrial membrane potential was elevated (P<0.01); the positive rate of apoptosis cell was reduced (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of Bax, Cyt C, Apaf-1, Caspase-9 and Caspase-3 was dropped (P<0.01, P<0.05), the mRNA and protein expression of Bcl-2 elevated (P<0.05), and the average absorbance value of Cleaved Caspase-3 declined (P<0.01).
CONCLUSION
"Zhibian" (BL54)-toward- "Shuidao" (ST28) acupuncture may ameliorate mouse reproductive function by inhibiting mitochondrial apoptosis pathway, alleviating testicular tissue damage in the asthenospermia mice induced by cyclophosphamide.
Animals
;
Male
;
Mice
;
Apoptosis
;
Acupuncture Therapy
;
Mitochondria/metabolism*
;
Asthenozoospermia/genetics*
;
Humans
;
Testis/metabolism*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Spermatozoa/metabolism*
;
Acupuncture Points
;
Sperm Motility
;
Testosterone/blood*
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/genetics*
;
Caspase 3/genetics*
;
Follicle Stimulating Hormone/blood*
;
Reproduction
;
Cytochromes c/genetics*
;
bcl-2-Associated X Protein/genetics*
;
Apoptotic Protease-Activating Factor 1/genetics*
2.Vitexin-4 ″-O-glucoside alleviates acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury.
Fan DONG ; Shanglei LAI ; Jiannan QIU ; Xiaobing DOU
Journal of Zhejiang University. Medical sciences 2025;54(3):307-317
OBJECTIVES:
To explore the protective effect of vitexin-4 ″-O-glucoside (VOG) against acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury in mice and its underlying mechanism.
METHODS:
C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: normal control group, model control group, low-dose group of VOG (30 mg/kg), and high-dose group of VOG (60 mg/kg). Acute liver injury was induced by intraperitoneal injection of acetaminophen (500 mg/kg). VOG was administrated by gavage 2 h before acetaminophen treatment in VOG groups. The protective effect of VOG against acute liver injury was evaluated by detecting alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) levels and hematoxylin and eosin staining. The malondialdehyde (MDA) content, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity in liver were detected to evaluate the hepatic oxidative stress. The expression levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, Il-1β, and Il-6 in liver were detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The expression levels of phosphorylated c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/JNK, phosphorylated p38/p38, inositol-requiring enzyme 1 alpha (IRE-1α), X-box binding protein 1s (XBP1s), and glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) in liver were detected by Western blotting. An endoplasmic reticulum stress model was established in AML-12 cells using tunicamycin. Cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 assay, and the degree of cell damage was detected by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay. The gene expression levels of Ire-1α, Xbp1s, and Grp78 in the cells were detected using qRT-PCR.
RESULTS:
In the animal experiments, compared with the model control group, VOG significantly improved plasma ALT and AST levels, liver MDA content, as well as SOD and CAT activities. VOG also reduced the expression levels of Tnf-α, Il-1β, and Il-6 in the liver, and improved protein phosphorylation levels of JNK and p38, as well as the protein expression levels of IRE-1α, XBP1s, and GRP78. In cell experiments, VOG pretreatment enhanced cell viability, reduced LDH release and decreased the mRNA expression of Ire-1α, Xbp1s, and Grp78.
CONCLUSIONS
VOG can suppress inflammation and oxidative stress, and alleviate acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury in mice by suppressing endoplasmic reticulum stress and modulating the MAPK signaling pathway.
Animals
;
Endoplasmic Reticulum Chaperone BiP
;
Mice
;
Acetaminophen/adverse effects*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/prevention & control*
;
Glucosides/therapeutic use*
;
Oxidative Stress/drug effects*
;
Male
;
Apigenin/therapeutic use*
;
Liver/drug effects*
;
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism*
;
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress/drug effects*
;
X-Box Binding Protein 1
;
Endoribonucleases/metabolism*
;
Interleukin-1beta/metabolism*
;
Interleukin-6/metabolism*
;
Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases
3.The Effect of p.Thr241Asn and p.Cys389Gly Mutations on Coagulation Factor VII Structure and Function.
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(3):853-857
OBJECTIVE:
To identify F7 gene mutations in one pedigree with congenital coagulation factor VII (FVII) deficiency and explore the effect of F7 gene mutations on the structure and function of FVII.
METHODS:
Prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) were measured based on the one-stage assay, and PT-based one stage assay was used to detect the activity of FII, V, VII and X. Genomic DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood of family members. The sequences of all the exons and exon-intron boundaries of F7 were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specific primers followed by Sanger sequencing. PolyPhen-2, PROVEAN and Swiss-Pdb Viewer software were used to analyze the effect of mutations on the structure and function of FVII.
RESULTS:
The proband had a prolonged PT (33.8 s) due to low FVII activity (6.6%) and normal APTT, and had a history of epistaxis. The proband's mother and father displayed a slightly prolonged PT (13.2 and 13.9 s, respectively), and their FVII activity was 40.3% and 38.3%, respectively. The compound heterozygous c.722C>A (p.Thr241Asn) in exon 7 and c.1165T>G (p.Cys389Gly) in exon 8 of F7 gene were identified in the proband, and inherited from his father and mother, respectively. The p.Thr241Asn and p.Cys389Gly missense change were likely to have a damaging effect predicted by polyphen-2 and PROVEAN software. In silico modeling analysis showed that there was one hydrogen bond formed between wild-type Thr241 and Val249, two hydrogen bonds formed between mutant Asn241 and Val249 and between mutant Asn241 and Leu242, as well as one hydrogen bond and one disulfide bond formed between wild-type Cys389 and Leu370 and between wild-type Cys389 and Cys375, respectively. The hydrogen bond formed between mutant Gly389 and Leu370 and disulfide bond formed between mutant Gly389 and Cys375 both broke.
CONCLUSIONS
FVII deficiency in this family is caused by p.Thr241Asn and p.Cys389Gly mutation. In silico modeling may be a valuable tool for understanding amino acid residues from variants leading to congenital FVII deficiency.
Humans
;
Factor VII/genetics*
;
Mutation
;
Pedigree
;
Factor VII Deficiency/genetics*
;
Prothrombin Time
;
Partial Thromboplastin Time
;
Male
;
Female
4.HDAC1 overexpression inhibits steroid-induced apoptosis of mouse osteocyte-like MLO-Y4 cells by inducing SP1 deacetylation.
Shenyao ZHANG ; Min LU ; Gaoyan KUANG ; Xiaotong XU ; Jun FU ; Churan ZENG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(1):10-17
OBJECTIVES:
To explore the mechanism by which histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) regulates steroid-induced apoptosis of mouse osteocyte-like MLO-Y4 cells.
METHODS:
MLY-O4 cells were treated with 400 nmol/L trichostatin A (TSA) or 1 mmol/L dexamethasone for 24 h or transfected with a HDAC1-overexpressing vector prior to TSA or dexamethasone treatment. The changes in the expressions of HDAC1, SP1, cleaved caspase-3 and Bax, SP1 acetylation level, cell proliferation, and cell apoptosis were examined. The interaction between HDAC1 and SP1 was determined with immunoprecipitation assay and Western blotting.
RESULTS:
Treatment with dexamethasone significantly increased cell apoptosis, enhanced the expressions of cleaved caspase-3 and Bax, reduced HDAC1 expression, and suppressed proliferation of MLO-Y4 cells. Both TSA and dexamethasone obviously increased SP1 acetylation level and the expression of SP1 in MLO-Y4 cells. HDAC1 overexpression in the cells significantly attenuated the effect of TSA and dexamethasone, promoted cell proliferation, lowered the expressions of SP1, cleaved caspase-3 and Bax, and inhibited dexamethasone-induced cell apoptosis. Immunoprecipitation assay and Western blotting demonstrated the interaction between HDAC1 and SP1 in the cells.
CONCLUSIONS
HDAC1 inhibits dexamethasone-induced apoptosis and promotes proliferation of cultured mouse osteocytes by suppressing SP1 expression via promoting its deacetylation.
Animals
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
;
Mice
;
Histone Deacetylase 1/genetics*
;
Osteocytes/drug effects*
;
Sp1 Transcription Factor/metabolism*
;
Acetylation
;
Dexamethasone/pharmacology*
;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
;
Caspase 3/metabolism*
;
Cell Line
;
Hydroxamic Acids/pharmacology*
;
bcl-2-Associated X Protein/metabolism*
5.Amoenucles A-F, novel nucleoside derivatives with TNF-α inhibitory activities from Aspergillus amoenus TJ507.
Yeting ZHANG ; Zhengyi SHI ; Chunhua ZHAO ; Lanqin LI ; Ming CHEN ; Yunfang CAO ; Fengqing WANG ; Bo TAO ; Xinye HUANG ; Jieru GUO ; Changxing QI ; Weiguang SUN ; Yonghui ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(1):111-118
Amoenucles A-F (1-6), six previously undescribed nucleoside derivatives, and two known analogs (7 and 8) were isolated from the culture of Aspergillus amoenus TJ507. Their structures were elucidated through spectroscopic analysis, single-crystal X-ray crystallography, and chemical reactions. Notably, 3 and 4 represent the first reported instances of nucleosides with an attached pyrrole moiety. Of particular significance, the absolute configuration of the sugar moiety of 1-4 was determined using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), electric circular dichroism (ECD) calculations, and a hydrolysis reaction, presenting a potentially valuable method for confirming nucleoside structures. Furthermore, 1, 2, and 5-8 exhibited potential tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) inhibitory activities, which may provide a novel chemical template for the development of agents targeting autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Aspergillus/chemistry*
;
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/antagonists & inhibitors*
;
Molecular Structure
;
Nucleosides/isolation & purification*
;
Crystallography, X-Ray
;
Animals
;
Humans
;
Mice
;
Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
6.Analysis of a Chinese pedigree with Hereditary coagulation factor Ⅻ deficiency due to compound heterozygous variants of Ⅻ gene.
Haixiao XIE ; Huanhuan WANG ; Meina LIU ; Huinan XIA ; Yuan CHEN ; Kaiqi JIA ; Lihong YANG ; Mingshan WANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2025;42(3):282-285
OBJECTIVE:
To analyze a Chinese pedigree with Hereditary coagulation factor Ⅻ (FⅫ) deficiency duo to variants of F12 gene and explore its molecular pathogenesis.
METHODS:
A patient who underwent laparoscopic cystectomy at the Department of Gynecology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University in June 2012 was selected as the study subject. Coagulation factor indexes of the proband and her family members (5 individuals from three generations) were determined. All exons, flanking sequences, 5' and 3' untranslated regions of the F12 gene of the proband and her family members were analyzed by direct sequencing. Three bioinformatics software was used to analyze the conservation, pathogenicity and protein model of the variant. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Hospital (Ethics No. 2012-17).
RESULTS:
The activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), FⅫ activity (FⅫ:C) and FⅫ antigen (FⅫ:Ag) of the proband was 180.0 s, 1.0% and 2.1%, respectively. DNA sequencing revealed that she has harbored compound heterozygous variants of the F12 gene, namely c.712_713insT (p.Cys238Leufs *73) in exon 8 and c.1561G>A (p.Glu521Lys) in exon 13. Her mother and younger son were heterozygous for the p.Cys238Leufs*73 variant, while her older son was heterozygous for the p.Glu521Lys variant. Bioinformatic analysis suggested that Cys238 is highly conserved and p.Cys238Leufs*73 is a pathogenic variant, which eventually resulted in a truncated protein.
CONCLUSION
The c.712_713insT and c.1561G>A compound heterozygous variants of the F12 gene probably underlay the decreased FⅫ level in this pedigree, among which c.712_713insT (NM_000505) was unreported previously.
Adult
;
Female
;
Humans
;
Male
;
Middle Aged
;
Base Sequence
;
China
;
Factor XII/genetics*
;
Heterozygote
;
Mutation
;
Pedigree
;
Factor XII Deficiency/genetics*
;
East Asian People
7.Genetic analysis of a Chinese pedigree affected with Hereditary coagulation factor XI deficiency due to homozygous p.Thr299Ser variants of F11 gene.
Conglian WU ; Yiyin CHEN ; Yancheng JIANG ; Zixuan CHEN ; Mengcha TIAN ; Zhishan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2025;42(8):905-910
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of a Chinese pedigree affected with Hereditary coagulation factor XI (FXI) deficiency.
METHODS:
A female patient with FXI deficiency and her family members (five individuals from three generations) who presented at Quanzhou First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University on September 19, 2024 due to diarrhea and fever were selected as study subjects. A retrospective study was conducted to collect the patients' clinical data. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected from the patient and her family members. Genomic DNA was extracted, followed by sequencing of all exons and flanking sequences of the F11 gene. Candidate variants were validated by Sanger sequencing of the family members, and their pathogenicity was classified according to the guidelines of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Quanzhou First Hospital [Approval No.: Quanyi Lun (2024) K281].
RESULTS:
The patient exhibited significantly prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) of 80.9 seconds, while FXI activity (FXI:C) and FXI antigen (FXI:Ag) levels were extremely low (2% and 3%, respectively). Genetic analysis revealed that the proband harbored homozygous c.896C>G (p.Thr299Ser) missense variant in exon 9 of the F11 gene, for which her son was heterozygous. The variant was located in a highly conserved domain. Although Mutation Taster predicted it as a polymorphism, SIFT, PolyPhen-2, and LRT analyses suggested it to be likely pathogenic. Protein modeling indicated that the p.Thr299Ser variant may alter the hydrogen bonds between amino acids, thereby affecting the structure and function of the FXI protein. According to the ACMG guidelines, c.896C>G was rated as a likely pathogenic variant (PM1+PM2_Supporting+PP1_Strong+PP3+PP4).
CONCLUSION
The c.896C>G (p.Thr299Ser) missense variant of the F11 gene probably underlay the FXI deficiency in this pedigree. Above finding has enriched the mutational spectrum of the F11 gene and provided a basis for genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis for this family.
Adult
;
Female
;
Humans
;
Male
;
Middle Aged
;
China/ethnology*
;
Factor XI/chemistry*
;
Factor XI Deficiency/genetics*
;
Homozygote
;
Pedigree
;
Retrospective Studies
;
East Asian People/genetics*
8.Analysis of a Chinese pedigree affected with hereditary factor Ⅶ deficiency due to compound heterozygous variants of F7 gene.
Fei XU ; Anqing ZOU ; Haixiao XIE ; Fengjiao WANG ; Lihong YANG ; Mingshan WANG ; Yanhui JIN
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2025;42(10):1265-1271
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the molecular pathogenic mechanisms of a family with hereditary factor Ⅶ (FⅦ) deficiency.
METHODS:
A family (3 generations, 12 members) with hereditary FⅦ deficiency, in which the proband presented with menorrhagia and was admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University in April 2023, was selected as the study subject. Clinical data of the family members were collected. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected from all 12 members for routine coagulation tests and genomic DNA extraction. All exons and flanking sequences of the F7 gene were amplified by PCR and analyzed by Sanger sequencing. Thrombin generation assay was performed to evaluate the coagulation potential of the proband and her parents. Multiple online bioinformatics software tools were used to analyze the conservation and pathogenicity of candidate variants identified in the proband. The pathogenicity of variant was classified according to the Standards and Guidelines for the Interpretation of Sequence Variants released by American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) (hereinafter referred to as ACMG guidelines). Homology modeling of the variant FⅦ protein was performed using homology modeling (SWISS-MODEL). Amino acid sequence alignment between wild-type and variant FⅦ proteins was conducted using MEGA v7, and spatial conformational differences were analyzed using PyMOL to assess the potential impact of the F7 gene variants on the structure and function of the FⅦ protein. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University (Ethics No.: KY2022-R193).
RESULTS:
Coagulation tests showed that the proband's prothrombin time (PT) was significantly prolonged to 33.1 s, and both factor Ⅶ activity (FⅦ:C) and antigen (FⅦ:Ag) levels were reduced to 2%. Her parents, eldest sister, second sister, younger brother, and four children all showed mildly prolonged PT, with FⅦ:C and FⅦ:Ag levels approximately 50% of normal. Genetic sequencing identified compound heterozygous variants in the F7 gene of the proband: a heterozygous missense variant c.722C>A (p.Thr241Asn) in exon 7, and a heterozygous deletion variant c.1261_1261delA (p.Ile421Ser*fs75) in exon 8. Retrieval from domestic and international databases found no previous reports of the latter variant, suggesting it is novel. Familial co-segregation analysis confirmed that these variants were inherited from her father and mother, respectively. The thrombin generation assay demonstrated that the proband had a significantly decreased peak thrombin height (peak ratio: 29.5%), significantly increased thrombin lag time ratio and time-to-peak ratio (3.03 and 2.93, respectively), but only a mildly decreased endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) ratio of 90.7%. Online bioinformatics analysis indicated that threonine-241 (p.Thr241) in the FⅦ protein was not conserved, while isoleucine-421 (p.Ile421) was highly conserved. Both the p.Thr241Asn and p.Ile421Serfs*75 variant sites in the proband's F7 gene were predicted to be pathogenic. According to the ACMG guidelines, the p.Thr241Asn (PM3+PP1+PP3+PP4+PP5) and p.Ile421Ser*fs75 (PM2+PM4 +PP1+PP3+PP4) variants were both classified as "likely pathogenic". Structural analysis of the FⅦ protein indicated that the p.Ile421Ser*fs75 frameshift variant led to the substitution of Cysteine-428 by Alanine, preventing the formation of a critical disulfide bond between amino acid residues 400 and 428 present in the wild-type FVII protein.
CONCLUSION
The compound heterozygous variants p.Thr241Asn and p.Ile421Ser*fs75 in the F7 gene are likely the genetic etiology responsible for the reduced FⅦ levels in this hereditary FⅦ deficiency family.
Adult
;
Female
;
Humans
;
Male
;
Middle Aged
;
China
;
Factor VII/chemistry*
;
Factor VII Deficiency/genetics*
;
Heterozygote
;
Mutation
;
Pedigree
;
East Asian People/genetics*
9.Genetic analysis of a family with inheritary coagulation factor Ⅹ deficiency due to compound heterozygous variants p.Phe71Ser and p.Val424Phe.
Shuangnyu LIN ; Bile CHEN ; Zuoting XIE ; Lihong YANG ; Mingshan WANG ; Yanhui JIN
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2025;42(10):1272-1277
OBJECTIVE:
To analyze the phenotype and genotype of a family with hereditary coagulation factor Ⅹ (FⅩ) deficiency and preliminarily explore its molecular pathogenesis.
METHODS:
A hereditary FⅩ deficiency pedigree presented at the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University on August 13, 2024 was selected as the study subject. Coagulation parameters of the proband and her family members (7 individuals from 3 generations) were measured using a one-stage clotting assay. All of the 8 exons and flanking sequences of the F10 gene were amplified by PCR and directly sequenced. Bioinformatics software was used to analyze the functional impact and pathogenicity of the variant proteins, as well as the spatial conformational changes and evolutionary conservation of the mutation sites. This study has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University (Ethics No.: KY2022-R193).
RESULTS:
The proband exhibited significantly abnormal prothrombin time (PT, 33.3 s), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT, 47.7 s), and FⅩ activity (FⅩ:C, 3%), while other coagulation parameters remained normal. The plasma thromboplastin generation test (PTGT) demonstrated that the proband and her children had lower thromboplastin generation levels compared with the healthy control group, and the proband's thromboplastin generation capacity was more severely impaired. Genetic analysis revealed that the proband, her daughter, and grandson have all harbored a heterozygous missense variant c.212T>C (p.Phe71Ser) in exon 2 of the F10 gene, which was located in the β-sheet core region of the Gla domain. The variant has altered surrounding hydrogen bonds and disrupted calcium-binding sites. Additionally, the proband, her son, and granddaughter have all carried a heterozygous missense variant c.1270G>T (p.Val424Phe) in exon 8, which increased the side-chain volume, leading to steric hindrance in the catalytic domain and impaired coagulation function. Bioinformatics analysis confirmed that both p.Phe71Ser and p.Val424Phe were pathogenic variants, with Phe71 and Val424 being highly conserved residues.
CONCLUSION
The reduced FⅩ levels in this hereditary FⅩ-deficient family may be attributed to the heterozygous missense variants c.212T>C (p.Phe71Ser) in the exon 2 and c.1270G>T (p.Val424Phe) in the exon 8 of the F10 gene.
Humans
;
Female
;
Male
;
Pedigree
;
Adult
;
Heterozygote
;
Mutation
;
Middle Aged
;
Factor X/genetics*
;
Exons
;
Factor X Deficiency/genetics*
10.Molecular pathogenesis of a novel p.Cys467Tyr missense variant underlying Hereditary factor Ⅻ deficiency.
Langyi QIN ; Yanhui JIN ; Yaosheng XIE ; Fengjiao WANG ; Lihong YANG ; Haixiao XIE ; Mingshan WANG ; Meina LIU
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2025;42(12):1424-1430
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the molecular mechanism for a family with Hereditary coagulation factor Ⅻ (FⅫ) deficiency.
METHODS:
The proband, a 63-year-old female, was admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University in August 2024 for lumbar disc herniation. Coagulation tests, including prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and FⅫ activity (FⅫ:C), were carried out for the proband and her family members (9 individuals from three generations) using a one-stage clotting assay. The level of FⅫ antigen (FⅫ:Ag) was determined with an Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Sanger sequencing was conducted to identify potential variants in the F12 gene. Multiple in silico tools were used to predict the conservation, hydrophobicity, and structural impact of the identified variants. Recombinant expression plasmids were constructed and transiently transfected into HEK293T cells. The recombinant FⅫ protein was analyzed using Western blotting (WB) and ELISA. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University (Ethics No.: KY2022-R193).
RESULTS:
The proband showed a markedly prolonged APTT (160.3 s) and significantly decreased FⅫ:C (2%) and FⅫ:Ag (5%) levels. Analysis of the F12 gene sequence revealed a 46C/T genotype in the promoter region, a heterozygous c.1457G>A (p.Cys467Tyr) missense variant in exon 12, and a heterozygous c.1561G>A (p.Glu502Lys) missense variant in exon 13. Bioinformatic analysis showed that the p.Cys467 is highly conserved across various species, and the p.Cys467Tyr variant may affect local structural stability of the FⅫ protein. The p.Cys467Tyr variant had no effect on the transcription of the F12 gene. However, the variant has significantly decreased the FⅫ:Ag levels and FⅫ protein expression in the cell culture supernatant compared to the wild-type expression vector, while in the cell lysate, it is higher than the wild-type expression vector. In other words, the p.Cys467Tyr variant has probably caused a secretion defect of FⅫ protein.
CONCLUSION
The 46C/T genotype, the heterozygous p.Cys467Tyr missense variant, and the heterozygous p.Glu502Lys missense variant are associated with reduced plasma FⅫ levels in this pedigree. The p.Cys467Tyr variant, which was unreported previously, did not affect the synthesis of FⅫ but may have resulted in a secretion defect.
Humans
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Mutation, Missense
;
Pedigree
;
HEK293 Cells
;
Male
;
Factor XII/genetics*
;
Adult
;
Factor XII Deficiency/genetics*

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