1
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Ward C, Beharry A, Tennakoon R, Rozik P, Wilhelm SDP, Heinemann IU, O’Donoghue P. Mechanisms and Delivery of tRNA Therapeutics. Chem Rev 2024; 124:7976-8008. [PMID: 38801719 PMCID: PMC11212642 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.4c00142] [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] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Transfer ribonucleic acid (tRNA) therapeutics will provide personalized and mutation specific medicines to treat human genetic diseases for which no cures currently exist. The tRNAs are a family of adaptor molecules that interpret the nucleic acid sequences in our genes into the amino acid sequences of proteins that dictate cell function. Humans encode more than 600 tRNA genes. Interestingly, even healthy individuals contain some mutant tRNAs that make mistakes. Missense suppressor tRNAs insert the wrong amino acid in proteins, and nonsense suppressor tRNAs read through premature stop signals to generate full length proteins. Mutations that underlie many human diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, cancers, and diverse rare genetic disorders, result from missense or nonsense mutations. Thus, specific tRNA variants can be strategically deployed as therapeutic agents to correct genetic defects. We review the mechanisms of tRNA therapeutic activity, the nature of the therapeutic window for nonsense and missense suppression as well as wild-type tRNA supplementation. We discuss the challenges and promises of delivering tRNAs as synthetic RNAs or as gene therapies. Together, tRNA medicines will provide novel treatments for common and rare genetic diseases in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cian Ward
- Department of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Aruun Beharry
- Department of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Rasangi Tennakoon
- Department of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Peter Rozik
- Department of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Sarah D. P. Wilhelm
- Department of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Ilka U. Heinemann
- Department of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Patrick O’Donoghue
- Department of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
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2
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Romero VI, Sáenz S, Arias-Almeida B, DiCapua D, Hosomichi K. AARS and CACNA1A mutations: diagnostic insights into a case report of uncommon epileptic encephalopathy phenotypes in two siblings. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1376643. [PMID: 38689878 PMCID: PMC11059961 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1376643] [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: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy, characterized by recurrent seizures, impacts 70-80% of patients, leading to cognitive deficits. The intricate relationship between seizure control and cognitive impairment remains complex. Epileptic encephalopathy (EE), an intensified form often rooted in genetic factors, is detectable through next-generation sequencing, aiding in precise diagnoses, family counseling, and potential treatment strategies. We present a case involving two sisters with refractory generalized seizures evolving into dysarthria, dysphagia, ataxia, and cognitive decline. Despite normal physical exams, abnormal electroencephalogram results consistent with epilepsy were noted. Whole Exome Sequencing identified heterozygous variants in the alanyl-tRNA synthetase (AARS) and Calcium Voltage-Gated Channel Subunit Alpha 1 (CACNA1A) genes. The AARS variant (c.C2083T, p.R695*) was maternal, while the CACNA1A variant (c.G7400C, p.R2467P) was paternal. Patients A and B exhibited a unique blend of neurological and psychiatric conditions, distinct from common disorders that begin adolescence, like Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy. Whole Exome Sequencing uncovered an AARS gene and CACNA1A gene, linked to various autosomal dominant phenotypes. Presence in both parents, coupled with familial reports of migraines and seizures, provides insight into accelerated symptom progression. This study underscores the importance of genetic testing in decoding complex phenotypes and emphasizes the value of documenting family history for anticipating related symptoms and future health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa I. Romero
- School of Medicine, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Samantha Sáenz
- School of Medicine, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | - Daniela DiCapua
- School of Medicine, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
- Neurology Service, Hospital de Especialidades Eugenio Espejo, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Kazuyoshi Hosomichi
- Laboratory of Computational Genomics, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
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3
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Meyer-Schuman R, Marte S, Smith TJ, Feely SME, Kennerson M, Nicholson G, Shy ME, Koutmou KS, Antonellis A. A humanized yeast model reveals dominant-negative properties of neuropathy-associated alanyl-tRNA synthetase mutations. Hum Mol Genet 2023; 32:2177-2191. [PMID: 37010095 PMCID: PMC10281750 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddad054] [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] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARSs) are essential enzymes that ligate tRNA molecules to cognate amino acids. Heterozygosity for missense variants or small in-frame deletions in six ARS genes causes dominant axonal peripheral neuropathy. These pathogenic variants reduce enzyme activity without significantly decreasing protein levels and reside in genes encoding homo-dimeric enzymes. These observations raise the possibility that neuropathy-associated ARS variants exert a dominant-negative effect, reducing overall ARS activity below a threshold required for peripheral nerve function. To test such variants for dominant-negative properties, we developed a humanized yeast assay to co-express pathogenic human alanyl-tRNA synthetase (AARS1) mutations with wild-type human AARS1. We show that multiple loss-of-function AARS1 mutations impair yeast growth through an interaction with wild-type AARS1, but that reducing this interaction rescues yeast growth. This suggests that neuropathy-associated AARS1 variants exert a dominant-negative effect, which supports a common, loss-of-function mechanism for ARS-mediated dominant peripheral neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Meyer-Schuman
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Sheila Marte
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Tyler J Smith
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Shawna M E Feely
- Department of Neurology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Marina Kennerson
- Northcott Neuroscience Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, Sydney, NSW 2139, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, Concord General Repatriation Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2139, Australia
| | - Garth Nicholson
- Northcott Neuroscience Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, Sydney, NSW 2139, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, Concord General Repatriation Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2139, Australia
| | - Mike E Shy
- Department of Neurology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Kristin S Koutmou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Anthony Antonellis
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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4
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Kalotay E, Klugmann M, Housley GD, Fröhlich D. Dominant aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase disorders: lessons learned from in vivo disease models. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1182845. [PMID: 37274211 PMCID: PMC10234151 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1182845] [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: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARSs) play an essential role in protein synthesis, being responsible for ligating tRNA molecules to their corresponding amino acids in a reaction known as 'tRNA aminoacylation'. Separate ARSs carry out the aminoacylation reaction in the cytosol and in mitochondria, and mutations in almost all ARS genes cause pathophysiology most evident in the nervous system. Dominant mutations in multiple cytosolic ARSs have been linked to forms of peripheral neuropathy including Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, distal hereditary motor neuropathy, and spinal muscular atrophy. This review provides an overview of approaches that have been employed to model each of these diseases in vivo, followed by a discussion of the existing animal models of dominant ARS disorders and key mechanistic insights that they have provided. In summary, ARS disease models have demonstrated that loss of canonical ARS function alone cannot fully account for the observed disease phenotypes, and that pathogenic ARS variants cause developmental defects within the peripheral nervous system, despite a typically later onset of disease in humans. In addition, aberrant interactions between mutant ARSs and other proteins have been shown to contribute to the disease phenotypes. These findings provide a strong foundation for future research into this group of diseases, providing methodological guidance for studies on ARS disorders that currently lack in vivo models, as well as identifying candidate therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Kalotay
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Matthias Klugmann
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Research Beyond Borders, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Gary D. Housley
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Dominik Fröhlich
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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5
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Høyer H, Busk ØL, Esbensen QY, Røsby O, Hilmarsen HT, Russell MB, Nyman TA, Braathen GJ, Nilsen HL. Clinical characteristics and proteome modifications in two Charcot-Marie-Tooth families with the AARS1 Arg326Trp mutation. BMC Neurol 2022; 22:299. [PMID: 35971119 PMCID: PMC9377087 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-022-02828-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aminoacyl tRNA-synthetases are ubiquitously-expressed enzymes that attach amino acids to their cognate tRNA molecules. Mutations in several genes encoding aminoacyl tRNA-synthetases, have been associated with peripheral neuropathy, i.e. AARS1, GARS1, HARS1, YARS1 and WARS1. The pathogenic mechanism underlying AARS1-related neuropathy is not known. METHODS From 2012 onward, all probands presenting at Telemark Hospital (Skien, Norway) with peripheral neuropathy were screened for variants in AARS1 using an "in-house" next-generation sequencing panel. DNA from patient's family members was examined by Sanger sequencing. Blood from affected family members and healthy controls were used for quantification of AARS1 mRNA and alanine. Proteomic analyses were conducted in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from four affected family members and five healthy controls. RESULTS Seventeen individuals in two Norwegian families affected by Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) were characterized in this study. The heterozygous NM_001605.2:c.976C > T p.(Arg326Trp) AARS1 mutation was identified in ten affected family members. All living carriers had a mild to severe length-dependent sensorimotor neuropathy. Three deceased obligate carriers aged 74-98 were reported to be unaffected, but were not examined in the clinic. Proteomic studies in PBMC from four affected individuals suggest an effect on the immune system mediated by components of a systemic response to chronic injury and inflammation. Furthermore, altered expression of proteins linked to mitochondrial function/dysfunction was observed. Proteomic data are available via ProteomeXchange using identifier PXD023842. CONCLUSION This study describes clinical and neurophysiological features linked to the p.(Arg326Trp) variant of AARS1 in CMT-affected members of two Norwegian families. Proteomic analyses based on of PBMC from four CMT-affected individuals suggest that involvement of inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction might contribute to AARS1 variant-associated peripheral neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helle Høyer
- Department of Medical Genetics, Telemark Hospital, PB 2900 Kjørbekk, 3710, Skien, Norway.
| | - Øyvind L Busk
- Department of Medical Genetics, Telemark Hospital, PB 2900 Kjørbekk, 3710, Skien, Norway
| | - Q Ying Esbensen
- Department of Clinical Molecular Biology, University of Oslo and Akershus University Hospital, 1478, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Oddveig Røsby
- Department of Medical Genetics, Telemark Hospital, PB 2900 Kjørbekk, 3710, Skien, Norway.,Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, 0424, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hilde T Hilmarsen
- Department of Medical Genetics, Telemark Hospital, PB 2900 Kjørbekk, 3710, Skien, Norway
| | - Michael B Russell
- Head and Neck Research Group, Division for Research and Innovation, Akershus University Hospital, 1478, Lørenskog, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Campus Akershus University Hospital, University of Oslo, 1474, Norbyhagen, Norway
| | - Tuula A Nyman
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Rikshospitalet, 0372, Oslo, Norway
| | - Geir J Braathen
- Department of Medical Genetics, Telemark Hospital, PB 2900 Kjørbekk, 3710, Skien, Norway
| | - Hilde L Nilsen
- Department of Clinical Molecular Biology, University of Oslo and Akershus University Hospital, 1478, Lørenskog, Norway
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6
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Wusiman W, Zhang Z, Ding Q, Liu M. The pathophyiological role of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases in digestive system diseases. Front Physiol 2022; 13:935576. [PMID: 36017335 PMCID: PMC9396140 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.935576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARSs) catalyze the ligation of amino acids to their cognate transfer RNAs and are indispensable enzymes for protein biosynthesis in all the cells. Previously, ARSs were considered simply as housekeeping enzymes, however, they are now known to be involved in a variety of physiological and pathological processes, such as tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, and immune response. In this review, we summarize the role of ARSs in the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, as well as the auxiliary organs such as the pancreas, liver, and the gallbladder. Furthermore, we specifically focus on the diagnostic and prognostic value of ARSs in cancers, aiming to provide new insights into the pathophysiological implications of ARSs in tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wugelanmu Wusiman
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zerui Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiang Ding
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mei Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- *Correspondence: Mei Liu,
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7
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Morant L, Erfurth ML, Jordanova A. Drosophila Models for Charcot-Marie-Tooth Neuropathy Related to Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetases. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1519. [PMID: 34680913 PMCID: PMC8536177 DOI: 10.3390/genes12101519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRS) represent the largest cluster of proteins implicated in Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy (CMT), the most common neuromuscular disorder. Dominant mutations in six aaRS cause different axonal CMT subtypes with common clinical characteristics, including progressive distal muscle weakness and wasting, impaired sensory modalities, gait problems and skeletal deformities. These clinical manifestations are caused by "dying back" axonal degeneration of the longest peripheral sensory and motor neurons. Surprisingly, loss of aminoacylation activity is not a prerequisite for CMT to occur, suggesting a gain-of-function disease mechanism. Here, we present the Drosophila melanogaster disease models that have been developed to understand the molecular pathway(s) underlying GARS1- and YARS1-associated CMT etiology. Expression of dominant CMT mutations in these aaRSs induced comparable neurodegenerative phenotypes, both in larvae and adult animals. Interestingly, recent data suggests that shared molecular pathways, such as dysregulation of global protein synthesis, might play a role in disease pathology. In addition, it has been demonstrated that the important function of nuclear YARS1 in transcriptional regulation and the binding properties of mutant GARS1 are also conserved and can be studied in D. melanogaster in the context of CMT. Taken together, the fly has emerged as a faithful companion model for cellular and molecular studies of aaRS-CMT that also enables in vivo investigation of candidate CMT drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Morant
- Molecular Neurogenomics Group, VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerpen, Belgium; (L.M.); (M.-L.E.)
| | - Maria-Luise Erfurth
- Molecular Neurogenomics Group, VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerpen, Belgium; (L.M.); (M.-L.E.)
| | - Albena Jordanova
- Molecular Neurogenomics Group, VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerpen, Belgium; (L.M.); (M.-L.E.)
- Molecular Medicine Center, Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University-Sofia, 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria
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8
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Zuko A, Mallik M, Thompson R, Spaulding EL, Wienand AR, Been M, Tadenev ALD, van Bakel N, Sijlmans C, Santos LA, Bussmann J, Catinozzi M, Das S, Kulshrestha D, Burgess RW, Ignatova Z, Storkebaum E. tRNA overexpression rescues peripheral neuropathy caused by mutations in tRNA synthetase. Science 2021; 373:1161-1166. [PMID: 34516840 DOI: 10.1126/science.abb3356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
[Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- Amila Zuko
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour and Faculty of Science, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Moushami Mallik
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour and Faculty of Science, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Molecular Neurogenetics Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
| | - Robin Thompson
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Chemistry, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Emily L Spaulding
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, USA.,Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA
| | - Anne R Wienand
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour and Faculty of Science, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Marije Been
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour and Faculty of Science, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | | | - Nick van Bakel
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour and Faculty of Science, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Céline Sijlmans
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour and Faculty of Science, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Leonardo A Santos
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Chemistry, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julia Bussmann
- Molecular Neurogenetics Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
| | - Marica Catinozzi
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour and Faculty of Science, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Molecular Neurogenetics Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
| | - Sarada Das
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Chemistry, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Divita Kulshrestha
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour and Faculty of Science, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Molecular Neurogenetics Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
| | - Robert W Burgess
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, USA.,Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA
| | - Zoya Ignatova
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Chemistry, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Erik Storkebaum
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour and Faculty of Science, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Molecular Neurogenetics Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
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Vinogradova ES, Nikonov OS, Nikonova EY. Associations between Neurological Diseases and Mutations in the Human Glycyl-tRNA Synthetase. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2021; 86:S12-S23. [PMID: 33827397 PMCID: PMC7905983 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297921140029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Aminoacyl-RNA synthetases (aaRSs) are among the key enzymes of protein biosynthesis. They are responsible for conducting the first step in the protein biosynthesis, namely attaching amino acids to the corresponding tRNA molecules both in cytoplasm and mitochondria. More and more research demonstrates that mutations in the genes encoding aaRSs lead to the development of various neurodegenerative diseases, such as incurable Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT) and distal spinal muscular atrophy. Some mutations result in the loss of tRNA aminoacylation activity, while other mutants retain their classical enzyme activity. In the latter case, disease manifestations are associated with additional neuron-specific functions of aaRSs. At present, seven aaRSs (GlyRS, TyrRS, AlaRS, HisRS, TrpRS, MetRS, and LysRS) are known to be involved in the CMT etiology with glycyl-tRNA synthetase (GlyRS) being the most studied of them.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Oleg S Nikonov
- Institute of Protein Research, Pushchino, Moscow Region, 142290, Russia
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10
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Abstract
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a devastating motor and sensory neuropathy with an estimated 100,000 afflicted individuals in the US. Unexpectedly, aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are the largest disease-associated protein family. A natural explanation is that the disease is associated with weak translation or mistranslation (caused by editing defects). However, our results with six different disease-causing mutants in AlaRS ruled out defects in aminoacylation or editing as causal factors. Instead, specific mutant proteins gained a neuropilin 1 (Nrp1)-AlaRS interaction. Previously a gain of Nrp1 interaction with a different disease-causing tRNA synthetase was mechanistically linked to the pathology of CMT. Thus, our results raise the possibility that pathological engagement of Nrp1 is common to at least a subset of tRNA synthetase-associated cases of CMT. Through dominant mutations, aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases constitute the largest protein family linked to Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT). An example is CMT subtype 2N (CMT2N), caused by individual mutations spread out in AlaRS, including three in the aminoacylation domain, thereby suggesting a role for a tRNA-charging defect. However, here we found that two are aminoacylation defective but that the most widely distributed R329H is normal as a purified protein in vitro and in unfractionated patient cell samples. Remarkably, in contrast to wild-type (WT) AlaRS, all three mutant proteins gained the ability to interact with neuropilin 1 (Nrp1), the receptor previously linked to CMT pathogenesis in GlyRS. The aberrant AlaRS-Nrp1 interaction is further confirmed in patient samples carrying the R329H mutation. However, CMT2N mutations outside the aminoacylation domain do not induce the Nrp1 interaction. Detailed biochemical and biophysical investigations, including X-ray crystallography, small-angle X-ray scattering, hydrogen-deuterium exchange (HDX), switchSENSE hydrodynamic diameter determinations, and protease digestions reveal a mutation-induced structural loosening of the aminoacylation domain that correlates with the Nrp1 interaction. The b1b2 domains of Nrp1 are responsible for the interaction with R329H AlaRS. The results suggest Nrp1 is more broadly associated with CMT-associated members of the tRNA synthetase family. Moreover, we revealed a distinct structural loosening effect induced by a mutation in the editing domain and a lack of conformational impact with C-Ala domain mutations, indicating mutations in the same protein may cause neuropathy through different mechanisms. Our results show that, as with other CMT-associated tRNA synthetases, aminoacylation per se is not relevant to the pathology.
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11
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Schiavon CR, Shadel GS, Manor U. Impaired Mitochondrial Mobility in Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:624823. [PMID: 33598463 PMCID: PMC7882694 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.624823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is a progressive, peripheral neuropathy and the most commonly inherited neurological disorder. Clinical manifestations of CMT mutations are typically limited to peripheral neurons, the longest cells in the body. Currently, mutations in at least 80 different genes are associated with CMT and new mutations are regularly being discovered. A large portion of the proteins mutated in axonal CMT have documented roles in mitochondrial mobility, suggesting that organelle trafficking defects may be a common underlying disease mechanism. This review will focus on the potential role of altered mitochondrial mobility in the pathogenesis of axonal CMT, highlighting the conceptional challenges and potential experimental and therapeutic opportunities presented by this "impaired mobility" model of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara R. Schiavon
- Waitt Advanced Biophotonics Center, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Gerald S. Shadel
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Uri Manor
- Waitt Advanced Biophotonics Center, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, United States
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12
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Mullen P, Abbott JA, Wellman T, Aktar M, Fjeld C, Demeler B, Ebert AM, Francklyn CS. Neuropathy-associated histidyl-tRNA synthetase variants attenuate protein synthesis in vitro and disrupt axon outgrowth in developing zebrafish. FEBS J 2021; 288:142-159. [PMID: 32543048 PMCID: PMC7736457 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) encompasses a set of genetically and clinically heterogeneous neuropathies characterized by length-dependent dysfunction of the peripheral nervous system. Mutations in over 80 diverse genes are associated with CMT, and aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARS) constitute a large gene family implicated in the disease. Despite considerable efforts to elucidate the mechanistic link between ARS mutations and the CMT phenotype, the molecular basis of the pathology is unknown. In this work, we investigated the impact of three CMT-associated substitutions (V155G, Y330C, and R137Q) in the cytoplasmic histidyl-tRNA synthetase (HARS1) on neurite outgrowth and peripheral nervous system development. The model systems for this work included a nerve growth factor-stimulated neurite outgrowth model in rat pheochromocytoma cells (PC12), and a zebrafish line with GFP/red fluorescent protein reporters of sensory and motor neuron development. The expression of CMT-HARS1 mutations led to attenuation of protein synthesis and increased phosphorylation of eIF2α in PC12 cells and was accompanied by impaired neurite and axon outgrowth in both models. Notably, these effects were phenocopied by histidinol, a HARS1 inhibitor, and cycloheximide, a protein synthesis inhibitor. The mutant proteins also formed heterodimers with wild-type HARS1, raising the possibility that CMT-HARS1 mutations cause disease through a dominant-negative mechanism. Overall, these findings support the hypothesis that CMT-HARS1 alleles exert their toxic effect in a neuronal context, and lead to dysregulated protein synthesis. These studies demonstrate the value of zebrafish as a model for studying mutant alleles associated with CMT, and for characterizing the processes that lead to peripheral nervous system dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Mullen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Jamie A Abbott
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Theresa Wellman
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Mahafuza Aktar
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Christian Fjeld
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Borries Demeler
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, Canada
| | - Alicia M Ebert
- Department of Biology, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
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13
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Zhang H, Zhou ZW, Sun L. Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease: A gain or a loss? J Neurochem 2020; 157:351-369. [PMID: 33236345 PMCID: PMC8247414 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease (CMT) is one of the most common inherited neurodegenerative disorders with an increasing number of CMT‐associated variants identified as causative factors, however, there has been no effective therapy for CMT to date. Aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetases (aaRS) are essential enzymes in translation by charging amino acids onto their cognate tRNAs during protein synthesis. Dominant monoallelic variants of aaRSs have been largely implicated in CMT. Some aaRSs variants affect enzymatic activity, demonstrating a loss‐of‐function property. In contrast, loss of aminoacylation activity is neither necessary nor sufficient for some aaRSs variants to cause CMT. Instead, accumulating evidence from CMT patient samples, animal genetic studies or protein conformational analysis has pinpointed toxic gain‐of‐function of aaRSs variants in CMT, suggesting complicated mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of CMT. In this review, we summarize the latest advances in studies on CMT‐linked aaRSs, with a particular focus on their functions. The current challenges, future direction and the promising candidates for potential treatment of CMT are also discussed. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Zhang
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China
| | - Zhong-Wei Zhou
- School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Litao Sun
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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14
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Abstract
Among the 20 cytoplasmic aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs), alanyl-tRNA synthetase (AlaRS) has unique features. AlaRS is the only aaRS that exclusively recognizes a single G3:U70 wobble base pair in the acceptor stem of tRNA, which serves as the identity element for both the synthetic and the proofreading activities of the synthetase. The recognition is relaxed during evolution and eukaryotic AlaRS can mis-aminoacylate noncognate tRNAs with a G4:U69 base pair seemingly as a deliberate gain of function for unknown reasons. Unlike other class II aaRSs, dimerization of AlaRS is not necessarily required for aminoacylation possibly due to functional compensations from the C-terminal domain (C-Ala). In contrast to other 19 cytoplasmic aaRSs that append additional domains or motifs to acquire new functions during evolution, the functional expansion of AlaRS is likely achieved through transformations of the existing C-Ala. Given both essential canonical and diverse non-canonical roles of AlaRS, dysfunction of AlaRS leads to neurodegenerative disorders in human and various pathological phenotypes in mouse models. In this review, the uniqueness of AlaRS in both physiological and pathological events is systematically discussed, with a particular focus on its novel functions gained in evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Zhang
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Xiang-Lei Yang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Litao Sun
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China
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15
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Kuo ME, Antonellis A, Shakkottai VG. Alanyl-tRNA Synthetase 2 (AARS2)-Related Ataxia Without Leukoencephalopathy. THE CEREBELLUM 2020; 19:154-160. [PMID: 31705293 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-019-01080-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in the mitochondrial alanyl-tRNA synthetase gene, AARS2, have been reported to cause leukoencephalopathy associated with early ovarian failure, a clinical presentation described as "ovarioleukodystrophy." We present a sibling pair: one with cerebellar ataxia and one with vision loss and cognitive impairment in addition to ataxia. Neither shows evidence of leukoencephalopathy on MRI imaging. Exome sequencing revealed that both siblings are compound heterozygous for AARS2 variants (p.Phe131del and p.Ile328Met). Yeast complementation assays indicate that p.Phe131del AARS2 dramatically impairs gene function and that p.Ile328Met AARS2 is a hypomorphic allele. This work expands the phenotypic spectrum of AARS2-associated disease to include ataxia without leukoencephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly E Kuo
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Anthony Antonellis
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. .,Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. .,Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. .,Medical Science II, 3710A, 1241 E. Catherine St. SPC 5618, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Vikram G Shakkottai
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. .,Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. .,BSRB, 4009, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
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16
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Rzepnikowska W, Kaminska J, Kabzińska D, Binięda K, Kochański A. A Yeast-Based Model for Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathies: A Simple System for Complex, Heterogeneous Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124277. [PMID: 32560077 PMCID: PMC7352270 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Charcot–Marie–Tooth (CMT) disease encompasses a group of rare disorders that are characterized by similar clinical manifestations and a high genetic heterogeneity. Such excessive diversity presents many problems. Firstly, it makes a proper genetic diagnosis much more difficult and, even when using the most advanced tools, does not guarantee that the cause of the disease will be revealed. Secondly, the molecular mechanisms underlying the observed symptoms are extremely diverse and are probably different for most of the disease subtypes. Finally, there is no possibility of finding one efficient cure for all, or even the majority of CMT diseases. Every subtype of CMT needs an individual approach backed up by its own research field. Thus, it is little surprise that our knowledge of CMT disease as a whole is selective and therapeutic approaches are limited. There is an urgent need to develop new CMT models to fill the gaps. In this review, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of yeast as a model system in which to study CMT diseases. We show how this single-cell organism may be used to discriminate between pathogenic variants, to uncover the mechanism of pathogenesis, and to discover new therapies for CMT disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weronika Rzepnikowska
- Neuromuscular Unit, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (W.R.); (D.K.); (K.B.)
| | - Joanna Kaminska
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Dagmara Kabzińska
- Neuromuscular Unit, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (W.R.); (D.K.); (K.B.)
| | - Katarzyna Binięda
- Neuromuscular Unit, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (W.R.); (D.K.); (K.B.)
| | - Andrzej Kochański
- Neuromuscular Unit, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (W.R.); (D.K.); (K.B.)
- Correspondence:
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17
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In-silico Analysis of NF1 Missense Variants in ClinVar: Translating Variant Predictions into Variant Interpretation and Classification. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21030721. [PMID: 31979111 PMCID: PMC7037781 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: With the advent of next-generation sequencing in genetic testing, predicting the pathogenicity of missense variants represents a major challenge potentially leading to misdiagnoses in the clinical setting. In neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), where clinical criteria for diagnosis may not be fully present until late infancy, correct assessment of variant pathogenicity is fundamental for appropriate patients' management. Methods: Here, we analyzed three different computational methods, VEST3, REVEL and ClinPred, and after extracting predictions scores for 1585 NF1 missense variants listed in ClinVar, evaluated their performances and the score distribution throughout the neurofibromin protein. Results: For all the three methods, no significant differences were present between the scores of "likely benign", "benign", and "likely pathogenic", "pathogenic" variants that were consequently collapsed into a single category. The cutoff values for pathogenicity were significantly different for the three methods and among benign and pathogenic variants for all methods. After training five different models with a subset of benign and pathogenic variants, we could reclassify variants in three sharply separated categories. Conclusions: The recently developed metapredictors, which integrate information from multiple components, after gene-specific fine-tuning, could represent useful tools for variant interpretation, particularly in genetic diseases where a clinical diagnosis can be difficult.
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18
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Martin PB, Hicks AN, Holbrook SE, Cox GA. Overlapping spectrums: The clinicogenetic commonalities between Charcot-Marie-Tooth and other neurodegenerative diseases. Brain Res 2020; 1727:146532. [PMID: 31678418 PMCID: PMC6939129 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.146532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is a progressive and heterogeneous inherited peripheral neuropathy. A myriad of genetic factors have been identified that contribute to the degeneration of motor and sensory axons in a length-dependent manner. Emerging biological themes underlying disease include defects in axonal trafficking, dysfunction in RNA metabolism and protein homeostasis, as well deficits in the cellular stress response. Moreover, genetic contributions to CMT can have overlap with other neuropathies, motor neuron diseases (MNDs) and neurodegenerative disorders. Recent progress in understanding the molecular biology of CMT and overlapping syndromes aids in the search for necessary therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paige B Martin
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469, USA
| | - Amy N Hicks
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
| | - Sarah E Holbrook
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469, USA
| | - Gregory A Cox
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469, USA.
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19
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Sundal C, Carmona S, Yhr M, Almström O, Ljungberg M, Hardy J, Hedberg-Oldfors C, Fred Å, Brás J, Oldfors A, Andersen O, Guerreiro R. An AARS variant as the likely cause of Swedish type hereditary diffuse leukoencephalopathy with spheroids. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2019; 7:188. [PMID: 31775912 PMCID: PMC6880494 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-019-0843-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Swedish type Hereditary Diffuse Leukoencephalopathy with Spheroids (HDLS-S) is a severe adult-onset leukoencephalopathy with the histopathological hallmark of neuraxonal degeneration with spheroids, described in a large family with a dominant inheritance pattern. The initial stage of the disease is dominated by frontal lobe symptoms that develop into a rapidly advancing encephalopathy with pyramidal, deep sensory, extrapyramidal and optic tract symptoms. Median survival is less than 10 years. Recently, pathogenic mutations in CSF1R were reported in a clinically and histologically similar leukoencephalopathy segregating in several families. Still, the cause of HDLS-S remained elusive since its initial description in 1984, with no CSF1R mutations identified in the family. Here we update the original findings associated with HDLS-S after a systematic and recent assessment of several family members. We also report the results from exome sequencing analyses indicating the p.Cys152Phe variant in the alanyl tRNA synthetase (AARS) gene as the probable cause of this disease. The variant affects an amino acid located in the aminoacylation domain of the protein and does not cause differences in splicing or expression in the brain. Brain pathology in one case after 10 years of disease duration showed the end stage of the disease to be characterized by widespread liquefaction of the white matter leaving only some macrophages and glial cells behind the centrifugally progressing front. These results point to AARS as a candidate gene for rapidly progressing adult-onset CSF1R-negative leukoencephalopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Sundal
- Department of Clinical Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gröna Stråket 11, 3rd floor, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 413 45, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Susana Carmona
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, 333 Bostwick Ave. N.E, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503-2518, USA
| | - Maria Yhr
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Odd Almström
- Department of Clinical Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gröna Stråket 11, 3rd floor, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 413 45, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Maria Ljungberg
- Department of Radiation Physics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - John Hardy
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Reta Lila Weston Laboratories, Queen Square Genomics, UCL Dementia Research Institute, London, UK
| | - Carola Hedberg-Oldfors
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Åsa Fred
- Department of Pathology, Hospital of Halland, Halmstad, Sweden
| | - José Brás
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, 333 Bostwick Ave. N.E, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503-2518, USA
- Division of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Anders Oldfors
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Oluf Andersen
- Department of Clinical Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gröna Stråket 11, 3rd floor, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 413 45, Göteborg, Sweden.
| | - Rita Guerreiro
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, 333 Bostwick Ave. N.E, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503-2518, USA.
- Division of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.
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20
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Wei N, Zhang Q, Yang XL. Neurodegenerative Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease as a case study to decipher novel functions of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:5321-5339. [PMID: 30643024 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.rev118.002955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs) are essential enzymes that catalyze the first reaction in protein biosynthesis, namely the charging of transfer RNAs (tRNAs) with their cognate amino acids. aaRSs have been increasingly implicated in dominantly and recessively inherited human diseases. The most common aaRS-associated monogenic disorder is the incurable neurodegenerative disease Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy (CMT), caused by dominant mono-allelic mutations in aaRSs. With six currently known members (GlyRS, TyrRS, AlaRS, HisRS, TrpRS, and MetRS), aaRSs represent the largest protein family implicated in CMT etiology. After the initial discovery linking aaRSs to CMT, the field has progressed from understanding whether impaired tRNA charging is a critical component of this disease to elucidating the specific pathways affected by CMT-causing mutations in aaRSs. Although many aaRS CMT mutants result in loss of tRNA aminoacylation function, animal genetics studies demonstrated that dominant mutations in GlyRS cause CMT through toxic gain-of-function effects, which also may apply to other aaRS-linked CMT subtypes. The CMT-causing mechanism is likely to be multifactorial and involves multiple cellular compartments, including the nucleus and the extracellular space, where the normal WT enzymes also appear. Thus, the association of aaRSs with neuropathy is relevant to discoveries indicating that aaRSs also have nonenzymatic regulatory functions that coordinate protein synthesis with other biological processes. Through genetic, functional, and structural analyses, commonalities among different mutations and different aaRS-linked CMT subtypes have begun to emerge, providing insights into the nonenzymatic functions of aaRSs and the pathogenesis of aaRS-linked CMT to guide therapeutic development to treat this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Wei
- From the Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037
| | - Qian Zhang
- From the Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037
| | - Xiang-Lei Yang
- From the Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037
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