Study of the Pathophysiological Mechanisms Involved in Bleeding Events

Lowe syndrome is associated with mutations in the OCRL1 gene, which encodes OCRL1, a phosphatidylinositol-4, 5-bisphosphate (PtdIns(4, 5)P (2))5-phosphatase. PtdIns(4, 5)P2, a substrate of OCRL1, is an important signaling molecule within the cell. An abnormal rate of hemorrhagic events was found in a retrospective clinical survey, suggesting platelet dysfunction. The main objective of the study is to confirm the presence of platelet dysfunction in Lowe syndrome and to characterize this abnormality.

Introduction: Lowe syndrome (LS), also known as oculocerebrorenal syndrome of Lowe (OCRL), is a rare X-linked condition characterized by congenital cataracts, defective renal tubule cell function, muscular hypotonia and variable degrees of mental retardation. Patients with LS require frequent surgery, some of which are associated with a severe haemorrhagic risk, such as scoliosis reduction, hip surgery, or eye surgery. In a recent retrospective clinical survey of French LS patients, we observed an abnormal rate of haemorrhagic events, some of which had dramatic outcomes. LS is caused BYMUTATIONS in the OCRL gene, which encodes OCRL, an inositol polyphosphate 5-phosphatase. The preferred OCRLsubstrate is the membrane phospholipid phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns(4,5)P2). OCRL also contains a Rho GTPase-activating protein(GAP)-like domain that participates in the regulation of Rho proteins (Rho, Rac, Cdc42), as GTPase-activating proteins or by mediating in protein-protein interactions. PtdIns(4,5)P2 and Rho-dependent signalling play a central role in many important cellular processes, including vesicular trafficking and cytoskeletal organization both of which are very important for platelet function. Thus, modulation of PtdIns(4,5)P2 levels and/or Rho-dependent signalling would be expected to impact platelet function. Based on the clinical observation, we tested whether hemorrhagic symptom of 6 Lowe patients could be related to homeostasis abnormalities and we found that all the six patients had a prolonged closure time tested by PFA100 analyzer (Platelet Function Analyzer). These results were measured in absence of interfering factor such anemia, thrombopenia, or von Willebrand factor deficiency, thus suggesting platelet dysfunction. Study justification: The comprehension of the physiopathology implicated in the abnormal hemorrhagic risk is of major interest in term of prevention and clinical management in Lowe patients who requires frequent surgical care. Objectives: The main objective of the study is to confirm the presence of platelet dysfunction in Lowe syndrome and to characterize this abnormality. The secondary aims are to settle a functional test allowing the detection of patients with increasing hemorrhagic risk. Moreover, we could determinate whether platelet is an interesting cellular model, easily available, for further OCRL1 studies in Lowe patients. Methods: We will investigate platelet activation response in 15 Lowe cases and 15 normal cases. The evaluation criteria will include the PFA100, THROMBOELASTOMETRY (ROTEM), aggregation, secretion, adhesion in a flux system and clot retraction. We will also compare molecular (phospho-proteins, phospholipid...) and structural modifications of the non activated platelet and of activating platelet. Conclusion: The characterization of a platelet activation abnormality in Lowe patients could lead to major benefit for the patients with systematic homeostasis screening and special precautions rules before surgery, often required in this multisystemic condition. Moreover, this study could contribute to go further into PI(4,5)P2 signaling pathways and may provide clues to the interrelationship between these processes in normal metabolism and diseases states.