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Andjelkovic M, Klaassen K, Skakic A, Marjanovic I, Kravljanac R, Djordjevic M, Vucetic Tadic B, Kecman B, Pavlovic S, Stojiljkovic M. Characterization of 13 Novel Genetic Variants in Genes Associated with Epilepsy: Implications for Targeted Therapeutic Strategies. Mol Diagn Ther 2024; 28:645-663. [PMID: 39003674 PMCID: PMC11349789 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-024-00720-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood epilepsies are caused by heterogeneous underlying disorders where approximately 40% of the origins of epilepsy can be attributed to genetic factors. The application of next-generation sequencing (NGS) has revolutionized molecular diagnostics and has enabled the identification of disease-causing genes and variants in childhood epilepsies. The objective of this study was to use NGS to identify variants in patients with childhood epilepsy, to expand the variant spectrum and discover potential therapeutic targets. METHODS In our study, 55 children with epilepsy of unknown etiology were analyzed by combining clinical-exome and whole-exome sequencing. Novel variants were characterized using various in silico algorithms for pathogenicity and structure prediction. RESULTS The molecular genetic cause of epilepsy was identified in 28 patients and the overall diagnostic success rate was 50.9%. We identified variants in 22 different genes associated with epilepsy that correlate well with the described phenotype. SCN1A gene variants were found in five unrelated patients, while ALDH7A1 and KCNQ2 gene variants were found twice. In the other 19 genes, variants were found only in a single patient. This includes genes such as ASH1L, CSNK2B, RHOBTB2, and SLC13A5, which have only recently been associated with epilepsy. Almost half of diagnosed patients (46.4%) carried novel variants. Interestingly, we identified variants in ALDH7A1, KCNQ2, PNPO, SCN1A, and SCN2A resulting in gene-directed therapy decisions for 11 children from our study, including four children who all carried novel SCN1A genetic variants. CONCLUSIONS Described novel variants will contribute to a better understanding of the European genetic landscape, while insights into the genotype-phenotype correlation will contribute to a better understanding of childhood epilepsies worldwide. Given the expansion of molecular-based approaches, each newly identified genetic variant could become a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Andjelkovic
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Kristel Klaassen
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Anita Skakic
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Irena Marjanovic
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ruzica Kravljanac
- Institute for Mother and Child Healthcare of Serbia, "Dr Vukan Cupic", Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Maja Djordjevic
- Institute for Mother and Child Healthcare of Serbia, "Dr Vukan Cupic", Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Biljana Vucetic Tadic
- Institute for Mother and Child Healthcare of Serbia, "Dr Vukan Cupic", Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Bozica Kecman
- Institute for Mother and Child Healthcare of Serbia, "Dr Vukan Cupic", Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sonja Pavlovic
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Maja Stojiljkovic
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042, Belgrade, Serbia.
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Franchi F, Marte A, Corradi B, Sterlini B, Alberini G, Romei A, De Fusco A, Vogel A, Maragliano L, Baldelli P, Corradi A, Valente P, Benfenati F. The intramembrane COOH-terminal domain of PRRT2 regulates voltage-dependent Na + channels. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:104632. [PMID: 36958475 PMCID: PMC10164911 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Proline-rich transmembrane protein 2 (PRRT2) is the single causative gene for pleiotropic paroxysmal syndromes including epilepsy, kinesigenic dyskinesia, episodic ataxia and migraine. PRRT2 is a neuron-specific type-2 membrane protein with a COOH-terminal intramembrane domain and a long proline-rich NH2-terminal cytoplasmic region. A large array of experimental data indicates that PRRT2 is a neuron stability gene that negatively controls intrinsic excitability by regulating surface membrane localization and biophysical properties of voltage-dependent Na+ channels Nav1.2 and Nav1.6, but not Nav1.1. To further investigate the regulatory role of PRRT2, we studied the structural features of this membrane protein with molecular dynamics simulations, and its structure-function relationships with Nav1.2 channels by biochemical and electrophysiological techniques. We found that the intramembrane COOH-terminal region maintains a stable conformation over time, with the first transmembrane domain forming a helix-loop-helix motif within the bilayer. The unstructured NH2-terminal cytoplasmic region bound to the Nav1.2 better than the isolated COOH-terminal intramembrane domain, mimicking full-length PRRT2, while the COOH-terminal intramembrane domain was able to modulate Na+ current and channel biophysical properties, still maintaining the striking specificity for Nav1.2 vs Nav1.1. channels. The results identify PRRT2 as a dual-domain protein in which the NH2-terminal cytoplasmic region acts as a binding antenna for Na+ channels, while the COOH-terminal membrane domain regulates channel exposure on the membrane and its biophysical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Franchi
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Antonella Marte
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy; IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Beatrice Corradi
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Bruno Sterlini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Giulio Alberini
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Alessandra Romei
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Antonio De Fusco
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Alexander Vogel
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Luca Maragliano
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Pietro Baldelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy; IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Anna Corradi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy; IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Valente
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy; IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy;.
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Valente P, Marte A, Franchi F, Sterlini B, Casagrande S, Corradi A, Baldelli P, Benfenati F. A Push-Pull Mechanism Between PRRT2 and β4-subunit Differentially Regulates Membrane Exposure and Biophysical Properties of NaV1.2 Sodium Channels. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:1281-1296. [PMID: 36441479 PMCID: PMC9899197 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03112-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Proline-rich transmembrane protein 2 (PRRT2) is a neuron-specific protein implicated in the control of neurotransmitter release and neural network stability. Accordingly, PRRT2 loss-of-function mutations associate with pleiotropic paroxysmal neurological disorders, including paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia, episodic ataxia, benign familial infantile seizures, and hemiplegic migraine. PRRT2 is a negative modulator of the membrane exposure and biophysical properties of Na+ channels NaV1.2/NaV1.6 predominantly expressed in brain glutamatergic neurons. NaV channels form complexes with β-subunits that facilitate the membrane targeting and the activation of the α-subunits. The opposite effects of PRRT2 and β-subunits on NaV channels raises the question of whether PRRT2 and β-subunits interact or compete for common binding sites on the α-subunit, generating Na+ channel complexes with distinct functional properties. Using a heterologous expression system, we have observed that β-subunits and PRRT2 do not interact with each other and act as independent non-competitive modulators of NaV1.2 channel trafficking and biophysical properties. PRRT2 antagonizes the β4-induced increase in expression and functional activation of the transient and persistent NaV1.2 currents, without affecting resurgent current. The data indicate that β4-subunit and PRRT2 form a push-pull system that finely tunes the membrane expression and function of NaV channels and the intrinsic neuronal excitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierluigi Valente
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Physiology, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132, Genova, Italy. .,IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy.
| | - Antonella Marte
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Physiology, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy ,IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Francesca Franchi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Physiology, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy ,Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Bruno Sterlini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Physiology, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy ,Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Silvia Casagrande
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Physiology, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Anna Corradi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Physiology, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy ,IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Pietro Baldelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Physiology, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy ,IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy. .,Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy.
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Wurz AI, Schulz AM, O’Bryant CT, Sharp JF, Hughes RM. Cytoskeletal dysregulation and neurodegenerative disease: Formation, monitoring, and inhibition of cofilin-actin rods. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:982074. [PMID: 36212686 PMCID: PMC9535683 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.982074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of atypical cytoskeletal dynamics, structures, and associated morphologies is a common theme uniting numerous diseases and developmental disorders. In particular, cytoskeletal dysregulation is a common cellular feature of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease. While the numerous activators and inhibitors of dysregulation present complexities for characterizing these elements as byproducts or initiators of the disease state, it is increasingly clear that a better understanding of these anomalies is critical for advancing the state of knowledge and plan of therapeutic attack. In this review, we focus on the hallmarks of cytoskeletal dysregulation that are associated with cofilin-linked actin regulation, with a particular emphasis on the formation, monitoring, and inhibition of cofilin-actin rods. We also review actin-associated proteins other than cofilin with links to cytoskeleton-associated neurodegenerative processes, recognizing that cofilin-actin rods comprise one strand of a vast web of interactions that occur as a result of cytoskeletal dysregulation. Our aim is to present a current perspective on cytoskeletal dysregulation, connecting recent developments in our understanding with emerging strategies for biosensing and biomimicry that will help shape future directions of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna I. Wurz
- Department of Chemistry, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Anna M. Schulz
- Department of Chemistry, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Collin T. O’Bryant
- Department of Chemistry, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Josephine F. Sharp
- Department of Chemistry, Notre Dame College, South Euclid, OH, United States
| | - Robert M. Hughes
- Department of Chemistry, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
- *Correspondence: Robert M. Hughes,
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Savino E, Guarnieri FC, Tsai JW, Corradi A, Benfenati F, Valtorta F. An Emerging Role of PRRT2 in Regulating Growth Cone Morphology. Cells 2021; 10:2666. [PMID: 34685646 PMCID: PMC8534124 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the PRRT2 gene are the main cause for a group of paroxysmal neurological diseases including paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia, episodic ataxia, benign familial infantile seizures, and hemiplegic migraine. In the mature central nervous system, the protein has both a functional and a structural role at the synapse. Indeed, PRRT2 participates in the regulation of neurotransmitter release, as well as of actin cytoskeleton dynamics during synaptogenesis. Here, we show a role of the protein also during early stages of neuronal development. We found that PRRT2 accumulates at the growth cone in cultured hippocampal neurons. Overexpression of the protein causes an increase in the size and the morphological complexity of growth cones. In contrast, the growth cones of neurons derived from PRRT2 KO mice are smaller and less elaborated. Finally, we demonstrated that the aberrant shape of PRRT2 KO growth cones is associated with a selective alteration of the growth cone actin cytoskeleton. Our data support a key role of PRRT2 in the regulation of growth cone morphology during neuronal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Savino
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy; (E.S.); (F.C.G.)
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Claudia Guarnieri
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy; (E.S.); (F.C.G.)
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Jin-Wu Tsai
- Institute of Brain Science, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan;
| | - Anna Corradi
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; (A.C.); (F.B.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; (A.C.); (F.B.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Flavia Valtorta
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy; (E.S.); (F.C.G.)
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy
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An interaction between PRRT2 and Na +/K + ATPase contributes to the control of neuronal excitability. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:292. [PMID: 33731672 PMCID: PMC7969623 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03569-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in PRoline Rich Transmembrane protein 2 (PRRT2) cause pleiotropic syndromes including benign infantile epilepsy, paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia, episodic ataxia, that share the paroxysmal character of the clinical manifestations. PRRT2 is a neuronal protein that plays multiple roles in the regulation of neuronal development, excitability, and neurotransmitter release. To better understand the physiopathology of these clinical phenotypes, we investigated PRRT2 interactome in mouse brain by a pulldown-based proteomic approach and identified α1 and α3 Na+/K+ ATPase (NKA) pumps as major PRRT2-binding proteins. We confirmed PRRT2 and NKA interaction by biochemical approaches and showed their colocalization at neuronal plasma membrane. The acute or constitutive inactivation of PRRT2 had a functional impact on NKA. While PRRT2-deficiency did not modify NKA expression and surface exposure, it caused an increased clustering of α3-NKA on the plasma membrane. Electrophysiological recordings showed that PRRT2-deficiency in primary neurons impaired NKA function during neuronal stimulation without affecting pump activity under resting conditions. Both phenotypes were fully normalized by re-expression of PRRT2 in PRRT2-deficient neurons. In addition, the NKA-dependent afterhyperpolarization that follows high-frequency firing was also reduced in PRRT2-silenced neurons. Taken together, these results demonstrate that PRRT2 is a physiological modulator of NKA function and suggest that an impaired NKA activity contributes to the hyperexcitability phenotype caused by PRRT2 deficiency.
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Landolfi A, Barone P, Erro R. The Spectrum of PRRT2-Associated Disorders: Update on Clinical Features and Pathophysiology. Front Neurol 2021; 12:629747. [PMID: 33746883 PMCID: PMC7969989 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.629747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the PRRT2 (proline-rich transmembrane protein 2) gene have been identified as the main cause of an expanding spectrum of disorders, including paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia and benign familial infantile epilepsy, which places this gene at the border between epilepsy and movement disorders. The clinical spectrum has largely expanded to include episodic ataxia, hemiplegic migraine, and complex neurodevelopmental disorders in cases with biallelic mutations. Prior to the discovery of PRRT2 as the causative gene for this spectrum of disorders, the sensitivity of paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia to anticonvulsant drugs regulating ion channel function as well as the co-occurrence of epilepsy in some patients or families fostered the hypothesis this could represent a channelopathy. However, recent evidence implicates PRRT2 in synapse functioning, which disproves the "channel hypothesis" (although PRRT2 modulates ion channels at the presynaptic level), and justifies the classification of these conditions as synaptopathies, an emerging rubric of brain disorders. This review aims to provide an update of the clinical and pathophysiologic features of PRRT2-associated disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Roberto Erro
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana, ” University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
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Binda F, Valente P, Marte A, Baldelli P, Benfenati F. Increased responsiveness at the cerebellar input stage in the PRRT2 knockout model of paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 152:105275. [PMID: 33515674 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PRoline-Rich Transmembrane protein-2 (PRRT2) is a recently described neuron-specific type-2 integral membrane protein with a large cytosolic N-terminal domain that distributes in presynaptic and axonal domains where it interacts with several presynaptic proteins and voltage-gated Na+ channels. Several PRRT2 mutations are the main cause of a wide and heterogeneous spectrum of paroxysmal disorders with a loss-of-function pathomechanism. The highest expression levels of PRRT2 in brain occurs in cerebellar granule cells (GCs) and cerebellar dysfunctions participate in the dyskinetic phenotype of PRRT2 knockout (KO) mice. We have investigated the effects of PRRT2 deficiency on the intrinsic excitability of GCs and the input-output relationships at the mossy fiber-GC synapses. We show that PRRT2 KO primary GCs display increased expression of Na+ channels, increased amplitude of Na+ currents and increased length of the axon initial segment, leading to an overall enhancement of intrinsic excitability. In acute PRRT2 KO cerebellar slices, GCs were more prone to action potential discharge in response to mossy fiber activation and exhibited an enhancement of transient and persistent Na+ currents, in the absence of changes at the mossy fiber-GC synapses. The results support a key role of PRRT2 expressed in GCs in the physiological regulation of the excitatory input to the cerebellum and are consistent with a major role of a cerebellar dysfunction in the pathogenesis of the PRRT2-linked paroxysmal pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Binda
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Valente
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy; IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Antonella Marte
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Pietro Baldelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy; IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy.
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