Functional analysis of novel alpha-1 antitrypsin variants G320R and V321F

Mol Biol Rep. 2014 Sep;41(9):6133-41. doi: 10.1007/s11033-014-3492-z. Epub 2014 Jun 27.

Abstract

Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) gene is highly polymorphic, with a large number of rare variants whose phenotypic consequences often remain inconclusive. Studies addressing functional characteristics of AAT variants are of significant biomedical importance since deficiency and dysfunctionality of AAT are associated with liver and lung diseases. We report the results of the functional analysis of two naturally occurring AAT variants, G320R and V321F, previously identified in patients with lung disease. Neither of variants has been fully functionally characterized. In order to perform their functional analysis both variants were expressed in prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems and their intracellular localization, activity, stability, and polymerization were determined. The results of this study demonstrated that variants G320R and V321F have neither impaired activity against porcine pancreatic elastase nor propensity to form polymers. However, both variants had altered electrophoretic mobility and reduced thermostability when compared to M variant of the protein, indicating a slightly impaired secondary or tertiary structure.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • COS Cells
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • Electrophoresis
  • Escherichia coli / genetics
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Genetic Variation
  • Hep G2 Cells
  • Humans
  • Liver Diseases / genetics
  • Lung Diseases / genetics
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Phenotype
  • Swine
  • Transfection
  • alpha 1-Antitrypsin / chemistry*
  • alpha 1-Antitrypsin / genetics*

Substances

  • alpha 1-Antitrypsin