In vitro and in silico analysis of a E559K mutation on cartilage oligomeric matrix protein

Pseudoachondroplasia (PSACH) is known as an autosomal dominant disorder associated with mutations in the gene of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP). The pathomolecular mechanisms of PSACH as a result of C-terminal globular region (CTD) mutations remain unclear. A heterozygous mutation (E559 K) in a Chinese family diagnosed with PSACH was reported in this study. To understand the pathogenesis of this mutation, we studied chondrogenic differentiation of patient menstrual blood-derived stem cells (MenSCs), and the impact of the mutation on structural changes of COMP was investigated using all-atom molecular dynamics simulation. The results suggested that the interactions with calcium and other molecules in the mutant structure were affected resulting in misfolding of the protein, which leads to ER stress and finally affects the survival of chondrocytes. The findings may promote the understanding of the pathomolecular mechanisms of PSACH, and possibly the development of drugs to treat the disease.