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Holbrook SE, Hicks AN, Martin PB, Hines TJ, Castro HP, Cox GA. Clinically relevant mouse models of severe spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress type 1. Hum Mol Genet 2024:ddae116. [PMID: 39128026 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddae116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 08/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal Muscular Atrophy with Respiratory Distress (SMARD1) is a lethal infantile disease, characterized by the loss of motor neurons leading to muscular atrophy, diaphragmatic paralysis, and weakness in the trunk and limbs. Mutations in IGHMBP2, a ubiquitously expressed DNA/RNA helicase, have been shown to cause a wide spectrum of motor neuron disease. Though mutations in IGHMBP2 are mostly associated with SMARD1, milder alleles cause the axonal neuropathy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2S (CMT2S), and some null alleles are potentially a risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Variant heterogeneity studied using an allelic series can be informative in order to create a broad spectrum of models that better exhibit the human variation. We previously identified the nmd2J mouse model of SMARD1, as well as two milder CMT2S mouse models. Here, we used CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing to create three new, more severe Ighmbp2 mouse models of SMARD1, including a null allele, a deletion of C495 (C495del) and a deletion of L362 (L362del). Phenotypic characterization of the IGHMBP2L362del homozygous mutants and IGHMBP2C495del homozygous mutants respectively show a more severe disease presentation than the previous nmd2J model. The IGHMBP2L362del mutants lack a clear denervation in the diaphragm while the IGHMBP2C495del mutants display a neurogenic diaphragmatic phenotype as observed in SMARD1 patients. Characterization of the Ighmbp2-null model indicated neo-natal lethality (median lifespan = 0.5 days). These novel strains expand the spectrum of SMARD1 models to better reflect the clinical continuum observed in the human patients with various IGHMBP2 recessive mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Holbrook
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main St., Bar Harbor, ME 04609 United States
- The University of Maine, 75 Long Rd., Orono, ME 04469 United States
| | - Amy N Hicks
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main St., Bar Harbor, ME 04609 United States
| | - Paige B Martin
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main St., Bar Harbor, ME 04609 United States
| | - Timothy J Hines
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main St., Bar Harbor, ME 04609 United States
| | - Harold P Castro
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main St., Bar Harbor, ME 04609 United States
| | - Gregory A Cox
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main St., Bar Harbor, ME 04609 United States
- The University of Maine, 75 Long Rd., Orono, ME 04469 United States
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2
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Rzepnikowska W, Kaminska J, Kochański A. The molecular mechanisms that underlie IGHMBP2-related diseases. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2024; 50:e13005. [PMID: 39119929 DOI: 10.1111/nan.13005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Immunoglobulin Mu-binding protein 2 (IGHMBP2) pathogenic variants result in the fatal, neurodegenerative disease spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress type 1 (SMARD1) and the milder, Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) type 2S (CMT2S) neuropathy. More than 20 years after the link between IGHMBP2 and SMARD1 was revealed, and 10 years after the discovery of the association between IGHMBP2 and CMT2S, the pathogenic mechanism of these diseases is still not well defined. The discovery that IGHMBP2 functions as an RNA/DNA helicase was an important step, but it did not reveal the pathogenic mechanism. Helicases are enzymes that use ATP hydrolysis to catalyse the separation of nucleic acid strands. They are involved in numerous cellular processes, including DNA repair and transcription; RNA splicing, transport, editing and degradation; ribosome biogenesis; translation; telomere maintenance; and homologous recombination. IGHMBP2 appears to be a multifunctional factor involved in several cellular processes that regulate gene expression. It is difficult to determine which processes, when dysregulated, lead to pathology. Here, we summarise our current knowledge of the clinical presentation of IGHMBP2-related diseases. We also overview the available models, including yeast, mice and cells, which are used to study the function of IGHMBP2 and the pathogenesis of the related diseases. Further, we discuss the structure of the IGHMBP2 protein and its postulated roles in cellular functioning. Finally, we present potential anomalies that may result in the neurodegeneration observed in IGHMBP2-related disease and highlight the most prominent ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weronika Rzepnikowska
- Neuromuscular Unit, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, 02-106, Poland
| | - Joanna Kaminska
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, 02-106, Poland
| | - Andrzej Kochański
- Neuromuscular Unit, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, 02-106, Poland
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3
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Leśniak A, Glińska M, Patalan M, Ostrowska I, Świrska-Sobolewska M, Giżewska-Kacprzak K, Kotkowiak A, Leśniak A, Walczak M, Śmigiel R, Giżewska M. The Clinical Heterogeneity of Spinal Muscular Atrophy with Respiratory Distress Type 1 (SMARD1)-A Report of Three Cases, Including Twins. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:997. [PMID: 39202358 PMCID: PMC11353554 DOI: 10.3390/genes15080997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress type 1 (SMARD1; OMIM #604320, ORPHA:98920) is a rare autosomal recessive congenital motor neuron disease. It is caused by variants in the IGHMBP2 gene. Clinically, it presents with respiratory failure due to diaphragmatic paralysis, progressive muscle weakness starting in the distal parts of the limbs, dysphagia, and damage to sensory and autonomic nerves. Unlike spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), SMARD1 has a distinct genetic etiology and is not detected in the population newborn screening programs. Most children with SMARD1 do not survive beyond the first year of life due to progressive respiratory failure. Artificial ventilation can prolong survival, but no specific treatment is available. Therapy focuses on mechanical ventilation and improving the patient's quality of life. Research into gene therapy is ongoing. We report three female patients with SMARD1, including twins from a triplet pregnancy. In twin sisters (patient no. 1 and patient no. 2), two heterozygous variants in the IGHMBP2 gene were identified: c.595G>C/p.Ala199Pro and c.1615_1623del/p.Ser539_Tyr541del. In patient no. 3, a variant c.1478C>T/p.Thr493Ile and a variant c.439C>T/p.Arg147* in the IGHMBP2 gene were detected. Our findings underscore the variability of clinical presentations, even among patients sharing the same pathogenic variants in the IGHMBP2 gene, and emphasize the importance of early genetic diagnosis in patients presenting with respiratory failure, with or without associated diaphragmatic muscle paralysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicja Leśniak
- Department of Pediatrics, Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolic Diseases and Cardiology of the Developmental Age, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland; (A.L.); (M.G.); (M.G.)
| | - Marta Glińska
- Department of Pediatrics, Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolic Diseases and Cardiology of the Developmental Age, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland; (A.L.); (M.G.); (M.G.)
| | - Michał Patalan
- Department of Pediatrics, Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolic Diseases and Cardiology of the Developmental Age, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland; (A.L.); (M.G.); (M.G.)
| | - Iwona Ostrowska
- Department of Pediatrics, Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolic Diseases and Cardiology of the Developmental Age, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland; (A.L.); (M.G.); (M.G.)
| | - Monika Świrska-Sobolewska
- Department of Pediatrics, Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolic Diseases and Cardiology of the Developmental Age, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland; (A.L.); (M.G.); (M.G.)
| | - Kaja Giżewska-Kacprzak
- Department of Pediatric and Oncological Surgery, Urology and Hand Surgery, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Prof. Tadeusz Sokołowski University Clinical Hospital No. 1, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Agata Kotkowiak
- Department of Pediatrics, Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolic Diseases and Cardiology of the Developmental Age, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland; (A.L.); (M.G.); (M.G.)
| | - Anna Leśniak
- Department of Pediatrics, Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolic Diseases and Cardiology of the Developmental Age, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland; (A.L.); (M.G.); (M.G.)
| | - Mieczysław Walczak
- Department of Pediatrics, Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolic Diseases and Cardiology of the Developmental Age, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland; (A.L.); (M.G.); (M.G.)
| | - Robert Śmigiel
- Department of Pediatrics, Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolic Diseases, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Maria Giżewska
- Department of Pediatrics, Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolic Diseases and Cardiology of the Developmental Age, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland; (A.L.); (M.G.); (M.G.)
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4
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Jablonka S, Yildirim E. Disease Mechanisms and Therapeutic Approaches in SMARD1-Insights from Animal Models and Cell Models. Biomedicines 2024; 12:845. [PMID: 38672198 PMCID: PMC11048220 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress type 1 (SMARD1) is a fatal childhood motoneuron disease caused by mutations in the IGHMBP2 gene. It is characterized by muscle weakness, initially affecting the distal extremities due to the degeneration of spinal α-motoneurons, and respiratory distress, due to the paralysis of the diaphragm. Infantile forms with a severe course of the disease can be distinguished from juvenile forms with a milder course. Mutations in the IGHMBP2 gene have also been found in patients with peripheral neuropathy Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 2S (CMT2S). IGHMBP2 is an ATP-dependent 5'→3' RNA helicase thought to be involved in translational mechanisms. In recent years, several animal models representing both SMARD1 forms and CMT2S have been generated to initially study disease mechanisms. Later, the models showed very well that both stem cell therapies and the delivery of the human IGHMBP2 cDNA by AAV9 approaches (AAV9-IGHMBP2) can lead to significant improvements in disease symptoms. Therefore, the SMARD1 animal models, in addition to the cellular models, provide an inexhaustible source for obtaining knowledge of disease mechanisms, disease progression at the cellular level, and deeper insights into the development of therapies against SMARD1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibylle Jablonka
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Versbacher Strasse 5, 97078 Würzburg, Germany;
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5
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Vadla GP, Singh K, Lorson CL, Lorson MA. The contribution and therapeutic implications of IGHMBP2 mutations on IGHMBP2 biochemical activity and ABT1 association. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167091. [PMID: 38403020 PMCID: PMC10999323 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Mutations within immunoglobulin mu DNA binding protein (IGHMBP2), an RNA-DNA helicase, result in SMA with respiratory distress type I (SMARD1) and Charcot Marie Tooth type 2S (CMT2S). The underlying biochemical mechanism of IGHMBP2 is unknown as well as the functional significance of IGHMBP2 mutations in disease severity. Here we report the biochemical mechanisms of IGHMBP2 disease-causing mutations D565N and H924Y, and their potential impact on therapeutic strategies. The IGHMBP2-D565N mutation has been identified in SMARD1 patients, while the IGHMBP2-H924Y mutation has been identified in CMT2S patients. For the first time, we demonstrate a correlation between the altered IGHMBP2 biochemical activity associated with the D565N and H924Y mutations and disease severity and pathology in patients and our Ighmbp2 mouse models. We show that IGHMBP2 mutations that alter the association with activator of basal transcription (ABT1) impact the ATPase and helicase activities of IGHMBP2 and the association with the 47S pre-rRNA 5' external transcribed spacer. We demonstrate that the D565N mutation impairs IGHMBP2 ATPase and helicase activities consistent with disease pathology. The H924Y mutation alters IGHMBP2 activity to a lesser extent while maintaining association with ABT1. In the context of the compound heterozygous patient, we demonstrate that the total biochemical activity associated with IGHMBP2-D565N and IGHMBP2-H924Y proteins is improved over IGHMBP2-D565N alone. Importantly, we demonstrate that the efficacy of therapeutic applications may vary based on the underlying IGHMBP2 mutations and the relative biochemical activity of the mutant IGHMBP2 protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gangadhar P Vadla
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Kamal Singh
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Christian L Lorson
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Monique A Lorson
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
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6
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Martin PB, Holbrook SE, Hicks AN, Hines TJ, Bogdanik LP, Burgess RW, Cox GA. Clinically relevant mouse models of Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 2S. Hum Mol Genet 2023; 32:1276-1288. [PMID: 36413117 PMCID: PMC10077500 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddac283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is an inherited peripheral neuropathy that is clinically and genetically heterogenous. Mutations in IGHMBP2, a ubiquitously expressed DNA/RNA helicase, have been shown to cause the infantile motor neuron disease spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress type 1 (SMARD1), and, more recently, juvenile-onset Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2S (CMT2S). Using CRISPR-cas9 mutagenesis, we developed the first mouse models of CMT2S [p.Glu365del (E365del) and p.Tyr918Cys (Y918C)]. E365del is the first CMT2S mouse model to be discovered and Y918C is the first human CMT2S allele knock-in model. Phenotypic characterization of the homozygous models found progressive peripheral motor and sensory axonal degeneration. Neuromuscular and locomotor assays indicate that both E365del and Y918C mice have motor deficits, while neurobehavioral characterization of sensory function found that E365del mutants have mechanical allodynia. Analysis of femoral motor and sensory nerves identified axonal degeneration, which does not impact nerve conduction velocities in E365del mice, but it does so in the Y918C model. Based on these results, the E365del mutant mouse, and the human allele knock-in, Y918C, represent mouse models with the hallmark phenotypes of CMT2S, which will be critical for understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of IGHMBP2. These mice will complement existing Ighmbp2 alleles modeling SMARD1 to help understand the complex phenotypic and genotypic heterogeneity that is observed in patients with IGHMBP2 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah E Holbrook
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
- The University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469, USA
| | - Amy N Hicks
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
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7
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Vadla GP, Ricardez Hernandez SM, Mao J, Garro-Kacher MO, Lorson ZC, Rice RP, Hansen SA, Lorson CL, Singh K, Lorson MA. ABT1 modifies SMARD1 pathology via interactions with IGHMBP2 and stimulation of ATPase and helicase activity. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e164608. [PMID: 36480289 PMCID: PMC9977310 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.164608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
SMA with respiratory distress type 1 (SMARD1) and Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 2S (CMT2S) are results of mutations in immunoglobulin mu DNA binding protein 2 (IGHMBP2). IGHMBP2 is a UPF1-like helicase with proposed roles in several cellular processes, including translation. This study examines activator of basal transcription 1 (ABT1), a modifier of SMARD1-nmd disease pathology. Microscale thermophoresis and dynamic light scattering demonstrate that IGHMBP2 and ABT1 proteins directly interact with high affinity. The association of ABT1 with IGHMBP2 significantly increases the ATPase and helicase activity as well as the processivity of IGHMBP2. The IGHMBP2/ABT1 complex interacts with the 47S pre-rRNA 5' external transcribed spacer and U3 small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA), suggesting that the IGHMBP2/ABT1 complex is important for pre-rRNA processing. Intracerebroventricular injection of scAAV9-Abt1 decreases FVB-Ighmbp2nmd/nmd disease pathology, significantly increases lifespan, and substantially decreases neuromuscular junction denervation. To our knowledge, ABT1 is the first disease-modifying gene identified for SMARD1. We provide a mechanism proposing that ABT1 decreases disease pathology in FVB-Ighmbp2nmd/nmd mutants by optimizing IGHMBP2 biochemical activity (ATPase and helicase activity). Our studies provide insight into SMARD1 pathogenesis, suggesting that ABT1 modifies IGHMBP2 activity as a means to regulate pre-rRNA processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gangadhar P. Vadla
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, and
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Sara M. Ricardez Hernandez
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, and
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Jiude Mao
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, and
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Mona O. Garro-Kacher
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, and
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Zachary C. Lorson
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, and
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Ronin P. Rice
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, and
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Sarah A. Hansen
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Christian L. Lorson
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, and
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Kamal Singh
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, and
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Monique A. Lorson
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, and
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
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Rzepnikowska W, Kaminska J, Kochański A. Validation of the Pathogenic Effect of IGHMBP2 Gene Mutations Based on Yeast S. cerevisiae Model. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179913. [PMID: 36077311 PMCID: PMC9456350 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress type 1 (SMARD1) is a heritable neurodegenerative disease characterized by rapid respiratory failure within the first months of life and progressive muscle weakness and wasting. Although the causative gene, IGHMBP2, is well defined, information on IGHMBP2 mutations is not always sufficient to diagnose particular patients, as the gene is highly polymorphic and the pathogenicity of many gene variants is unknown. In this study, we generated a simple yeast model to establish the significance of IGHMBP2 variants for disease development, especially those that are missense mutations. We have shown that cDNA of the human gene encodes protein which is functional in yeast cells and different pathogenic mutations affect this functionality. Furthermore, there is a correlation between the phenotype estimated in in vitro studies and our results, indicating that our model may be used to quickly and simply distinguish between pathogenic and non-pathogenic mutations identified in IGHMBP2 in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weronika Rzepnikowska
- Neuromuscular Unit, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Kaminska
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Andrzej Kochański
- Neuromuscular Unit, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
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9
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Castelli LM, Benson BC, Huang WP, Lin YH, Hautbergue GM. RNA Helicases in Microsatellite Repeat Expansion Disorders and Neurodegeneration. Front Genet 2022; 13:886563. [PMID: 35646086 PMCID: PMC9133428 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.886563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Short repeated sequences of 3-6 nucleotides are causing a growing number of over 50 microsatellite expansion disorders, which mainly present with neurodegenerative features. Although considered rare diseases in relation to the relatively low number of cases, these primarily adult-onset conditions, often debilitating and fatal in absence of a cure, collectively pose a large burden on healthcare systems in an ageing world population. The pathological mechanisms driving disease onset are complex implicating several non-exclusive mechanisms of neuronal injury linked to RNA and protein toxic gain- and loss- of functions. Adding to the complexity of pathogenesis, microsatellite repeat expansions are polymorphic and found in coding as well as in non-coding regions of genes. They form secondary and tertiary structures involving G-quadruplexes and atypical helices in repeated GC-rich sequences. Unwinding of these structures by RNA helicases plays multiple roles in the expression of genes including repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN) translation of polymeric-repeat proteins with aggregating and cytotoxic properties. Here, we will briefly review the pathogenic mechanisms mediated by microsatellite repeat expansions prior to focus on the RNA helicases eIF4A, DDX3X and DHX36 which act as modifiers of RAN translation in C9ORF72-linked amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/frontotemporal dementia (C9ORF72-ALS/FTD) and Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). We will further review the RNA helicases DDX5/17, DHX9, Dicer and UPF1 which play additional roles in the dysregulation of RNA metabolism in repeat expansion disorders. In addition, we will contrast these with the roles of other RNA helicases such as DDX19/20, senataxin and others which have been associated with neurodegeneration independently of microsatellite repeat expansions. Finally, we will discuss the challenges and potential opportunities that are associated with the targeting of RNA helicases for the development of future therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia M Castelli
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Bridget C Benson
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Wan-Ping Huang
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Ya-Hui Lin
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Guillaume M Hautbergue
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom.,Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom.,Healthy Lifespan Institute (HELSI), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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