Reduced PDE4D expression and activity in Acrodysostosis Type 2 patient fibroblasts underlie disease pathology

BackgroundAcrodysostosis type 2 (ACRDYS2) is a rare autosomal dominant disease characterized by skeletal defects and cognitive deficit, with clinical symptoms observed in multiple other tissues including the skin. It is caused by mutations in a phosphodiesterase, PDE4D, a key regulator of cAMP/PKA (cyclic adenosine monophosphate / protein kinase A) signalling. Despite its well-defined genetic causes, the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease remain poorly understood, with studies based largely on engineered cellular models reaching conflicting interpretations. MethodsTo investigate how endogenous dynamics are affected by PDE4D mutations in unmanipulated cells, we studied PDE4D transcript and protein expression, activity and downstream signalling in native dermal fibroblast from ACRDYS2 patients and healthy controls. ResultsSignificant reduction in total PDE4D expression in patient cells was observed both at the transcript and protein level, with marked decreases in the long isoforms PDE4D4 and PDE4D7; a reduction in PDE4D9 mRNA was also observed. PDE4D enzymatic activity was reduced in ACRDYS2 fibroblasts, though total PDE activity was largely preserved. Reduced PDE4D expression was associated with an increase in the phosphorylated form of the cAMP-responsive transcription factor CREB and elevated PRKAR1A (PKA type 1 regulatory subunit alpha) transcript levels, suggesting altered downstream signalling. Interestingly, expression of the related phosphodiesterase family member PDE4B was increased, consistent with a compensatory response to reduced PDE4D function. ConclusionsThis is the first study demonstrating reduced PDE4D expression and isoform-specific dysregulation in native ACRDYS2 cells. Together, our results support a model in which reduction in PDE4D activity and compensatory changes in other PDE4 family members contribute to the molecular pathology of ACRDYS2, providing new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying this disorder.