Equilibrative nucleoside transporter 3 deficiency perturbs lysosome function and macrophage homeostasis

Science. 2012 Jan 6;335(6064):89-92. doi: 10.1126/science.1213682. Epub 2011 Dec 15.

Abstract

Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) are a group of heterogeneous disorders caused by defects in lysosomal enzymes or transporters, resulting in accumulation of undegraded macromolecules or metabolites. Macrophage numbers are expanded in several LSDs, leading to histiocytosis of unknown pathophysiology. Here, we found that mice lacking the equilibrative nucleoside transporter 3 (ENT3) developed a spontaneous and progressive macrophage-dominated histiocytosis. In the absence of ENT3, defective apoptotic cell clearance led to lysosomal nucleoside buildup, elevated intralysosomal pH, and altered macrophage function. The macrophage accumulation was partly due to increased macrophage colony-stimulating factor and receptor expression and signaling secondary to the lysosomal defects. These studies suggest a cellular and molecular basis for the development of histiocytosis in several human syndromes associated with ENT3 mutations and potentially other LSDs.

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Apoptosis
  • Cell Count
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Histiocytosis / physiopathology*
  • Homeostasis*
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Listeriosis / immunology
  • Listeriosis / microbiology
  • Lysosomal Storage Diseases / physiopathology
  • Lysosomes / physiology*
  • Lysosomes / ultrastructure
  • Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / metabolism
  • Macrophages / immunology
  • Macrophages / physiology*
  • Macrophages / ultrastructure
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Myelopoiesis
  • Nucleoside Transport Proteins / genetics
  • Nucleoside Transport Proteins / physiology*
  • Phagocytosis
  • Receptor, Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction
  • Thymocytes / immunology
  • Thymocytes / physiology

Substances

  • ENT3 protein, mouse
  • Nucleoside Transport Proteins
  • SLC29A3 protein, human
  • Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor
  • Receptor, Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor
  • Adenosine