0000000000681264
AUTHOR
Patrick Bruneval
KLHL3 mutations cause familial hyperkalemic hypertension by impairing ion transport in the distal nephron
Familial hyperkalemic hypertension (FHHt) is a Mendelian form of arterial hypertension that is partially explained by mutations in WNK1 and WNK4 that lead to increased activity of the Na(+)-Cl(-) cotransporter (NCC) in the distal nephron. Using combined linkage analysis and whole-exome sequencing in two families, we identified KLHL3 as a third gene responsible for FHHt. Direct sequencing of 43 other affected individuals revealed 11 additional missense mutations that were associated with heterogeneous phenotypes and diverse modes of inheritance. Polymorphisms at KLHL3 were not associated with blood pressure. The KLHL3 protein belongs to the BTB-BACK-kelch family of actin-binding proteins tha…
Can bone marrow-derived multipotent adult progenitor cells regenerate infarcted myocardium?
Objectives: To assess the functional effects of multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPCs) transplanted in a rat model of chronic myocardial infarction. Methods: Forty-four rats underwent coronary ligation and, 14 days later, were randomly allocated to receive in-scar injections (5×106 cells/150 μL) of green fluorescent protein (eGFP)-transduced allogeneic MAPCs ( n =25) or culture medium (controls, n =19). Nine of the MAPC-treated hearts were employed for functional studies while the remaining 16 received cells co-labeled with Resovist™ and were only used for serial histological assessments. Left ventricular (LV) function was assessed echocardiographically before transplantation and 1 mont…
Mutations in myosin heavy chain 11 cause a syndrome associating thoracic aortic aneurysm/aortic dissection and patent ductus arteriosus
We have recently described two kindreds presenting thoracic aortic aneurysm and/or aortic dissection ( TAAD) and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)(1,2) and mapped the disease locus to 16p12.2-p13.13 (ref. 3). We now demonstrate that the disease is caused by mutations in the MYH11 gene affecting the C-terminal coiled-coil region of the smooth muscle myosin heavy chain, a specific contractile protein of smooth muscle cells (SMC). All individuals bearing the heterozygous mutations, even if asymptomatic, showed marked aortic stiffness. Examination of pathological aortas showed large areas of medial degeneration with very low SMC content. Abnormal immunological recognition of SM-MHC and the colocal…