Generation of a transgenic pluripotent stem cell line expressing MMACHC protein harbouring the renal 2 thrombotic

Zhiqi Zhou1, Xiao'e Zhang2, Cuilan Hou3

  • 1Department of Pathology, Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200062, China.

Stem Cell Research
|October 6, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Mutations in the MMACHC gene cause cobalamin C disorder and renal thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). A new iPSC model of this mutation aids in studying endothelial damage and testing therapies for TMA.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Stem Cell Biology
  • Nephrology

Background:

  • Mutations in the MMACHC gene are linked to cobalamin C disorder.
  • These mutations have been observed in infants with renal thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA).
  • The precise mechanisms causing endothelial damage in these cases are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To create a cellular model for investigating the pathophysiology of MMACHC mutations in TMA.
  • To establish a platform for screening potential therapeutic compounds.

Main Methods:

  • Generation of a human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) line.
  • Engineering the iPSC line to express MMACHC protein with a specific TMA-associated mutation (p.Q27R).
  • Characterization of the iPSC line for pluripotency markers, morphology, and karyotype.

Main Results:

  • A functional iPSC line expressing the MMACHC p.Q27R mutation was successfully generated.
  • The generated iPSC line maintained typical stem cell characteristics, including morphology, pluripotency marker expression, and a normal karyotype.
  • This iPSC line serves as a viable model for studying TMA pathogenesis.

Conclusions:

  • The developed iPSC line is a valuable tool for understanding how MMACHC mutations lead to endothelial injury in TMA.
  • This model facilitates the screening of drugs aimed at mitigating endothelial damage in cobalamin C disorder-related TMA.