Characterization of GDF2 mutations and levels of BMP9 and BMP10 in pulmonary arterial hypertension
File(s)
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Recently, rare heterozygous mutations in GDF2 were identified in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). GDF2 encodes the circulating bone morphogenetic protein, BMP9, which is a ligand for the BMP type 2 receptor (BMPR2). Here we determine the functional impact of GDF2 mutations and characterised plasma BMP9 and BMP10 levels in patients with idiopathic PAH. METHODS: Missense BMP9 mutant proteins were expressed in vitro and the impact on BMP9 protein processing and secretion, endothelial signalling and functional activity was assessed. Plasma BMP9 and BMP10 levels and activity were assayed in PAH patients with GDF2 mutations, and controls. Levels were also measured in a larger cohort of controls (n=120) and idiopathic PAH patients (n=260). MAIN RESULTS: We identified novel rare variation at the GDF2 and BMP10 loci, including copy number variation. In vitro, BMP9 missense proteins demonstrated impaired cellular processing and secretion. PAH patients carrying these mutations exhibited reduced plasma levels of BMP9 and reduced BMP activity. Unexpectedly, plasma BMP10 levels were also markedly reduced in these individuals. Although overall BMP9 and BMP10 levels did not differ between PAH patients and controls, BMP10 levels were lower in PAH females. A subset of PAH patients had markedly reduced plasma levels of BMP9 and BMP10 in the absence of GDF2 mutations. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that GDF2 mutations result in BMP9 loss-of-function and are likely causal. These mutations lead to reduced circulating levels of both BMP9 and BMP10. These findings support therapeutic strategies to enhance BMP9 or BMP10 signalling in PAH.
Date Issued
2020-03-01
Date Acceptance
2019-10-25
Citation
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 2020, 201 (5), pp.575-585
ISSN
1073-449X
Publisher
American Thoracic Society
Start Page
575
End Page
585
Journal / Book Title
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
Volume
201
Issue
5
Copyright Statement
© 2019 American Thoracic Society, All Rights Reserved.
Sponsor
British Heart Foundation
Identifier
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31661308
Grant Number
FS/15/59/31839
Subjects
BMP10
BMP9
GDF2
Pulmonary arterial hypertension
Publication Status
Published
Coverage Spatial
United States
Date Publish Online
2019-10-29