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Cesaroni CA, Contrò G, Spagnoli C, Cancelliere F, Caraffi SG, Leon A, Stefanini C, Frattini D, Rizzi S, Cavalli A, Garavelli L, Fusco C. Early-onset dysphagia and severe neurodevelopmental disorder as early signs in a patient with two novel variants in NARS1: a case report and brief review of the literature. Neurogenetics 2024; 25:287-291. [PMID: 38652341 DOI: 10.1007/s10048-024-00760-0] [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: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARSs) aminoacylate tRNA molecules with their cognate amino acid, enabling information transmission and providing substrates for protein biosynthesis. They also take part in nontranslational functions, mediated by the presence of other proteins domains. Mutations in ARS genes have been described as responsive to numerous factors, including neurological, autoimmune, and oncological. Variants of the ARS genes, both in heterozygosity and homozygosity, have been reported to be responsible for different pathological pictures in humankind. We present the case of a patient referred in infancy for failure to thrive and acquired microcephaly (head circumference: -5 SD). During follow-up we highlighted: dysphagia (which became increasingly severe until it became incompatible with oral feeding, with gastrostomy implantation, resulting in resolution of feeding difficulties), strabismus, hypotonia. NCV (Nerve Conduction Velocity) showed four limbs neuropathy, neurophysiological examination performed at 2 years of age mainly sensory and demyelinating. Exome sequencing (ES) was performed, detecting two novel compound heterozygous variants in the NARS1 gene (OMIM *108410): NM_004539:c.[662 A > G]; [1155dup], p.[(Asn221Ser)]; [(Arg386Thrfs*19)], inherited from mother and father respectively. In this article, we would like to focus on the presence of progressive dysphagia and severe neurodevelopmental disorder, associated with two novel variants in the NARS1 gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Alberto Cesaroni
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Pediatric Neurophysiology Laboratory, Mother and Child Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, 42123, Italy.
| | - Gianluca Contrò
- Medical Genetics Unit, Mother and Child Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, 42123, Italy
| | - Carlotta Spagnoli
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Pediatric Neurophysiology Laboratory, Mother and Child Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, 42123, Italy
| | - Federica Cancelliere
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Pediatric Neurophysiology Laboratory, Mother and Child Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, 42123, Italy
| | - Stefano Giuseppe Caraffi
- Medical Genetics Unit, Mother and Child Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, 42123, Italy
| | - Alberta Leon
- R & I Genetics, C.So Stati Uniti 4int.F, 35127, Padua, Italy
| | - Camilla Stefanini
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Pediatric Neurophysiology Laboratory, Mother and Child Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, 42123, Italy
| | - Daniele Frattini
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Pediatric Neurophysiology Laboratory, Mother and Child Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, 42123, Italy
| | - Susanna Rizzi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Pediatric Neurophysiology Laboratory, Mother and Child Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, 42123, Italy
| | - Anna Cavalli
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Pediatric Neurophysiology Laboratory, Mother and Child Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, 42123, Italy
| | - Livia Garavelli
- Medical Genetics Unit, Mother and Child Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, 42123, Italy
| | - Carlo Fusco
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Pediatric Neurophysiology Laboratory, Mother and Child Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, 42123, Italy
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2
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Rhymes ER, Simkin RL, Qu J, Villarroel-Campos D, Surana S, Tong Y, Shapiro R, Burgess RW, Yang XL, Schiavo G, Sleigh JN. Boosting BDNF in muscle rescues impaired axonal transport in a mouse model of DI-CMTC peripheral neuropathy. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 195:106501. [PMID: 38583640 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106501] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a genetic peripheral neuropathy caused by mutations in many functionally diverse genes. The aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase (ARS) enzymes, which transfer amino acids to partner tRNAs for protein synthesis, represent the largest protein family genetically linked to CMT aetiology, suggesting pathomechanistic commonalities. Dominant intermediate CMT type C (DI-CMTC) is caused by YARS1 mutations driving a toxic gain-of-function in the encoded tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (TyrRS), which is mediated by exposure of consensus neomorphic surfaces through conformational changes of the mutant protein. In this study, we first showed that human DI-CMTC-causing TyrRSE196K mis-interacts with the extracellular domain of the BDNF receptor TrkB, an aberrant association we have previously characterised for several mutant glycyl-tRNA synthetases linked to CMT type 2D (CMT2D). We then performed temporal neuromuscular assessments of YarsE196K mice modelling DI-CMT. We determined that YarsE196K homozygotes display a selective, age-dependent impairment in in vivo axonal transport of neurotrophin-containing signalling endosomes, phenocopying CMT2D mice. This impairment is replicated by injection of recombinant TyrRSE196K, but not TyrRSWT, into muscles of wild-type mice. Augmenting BDNF in DI-CMTC muscles, through injection of recombinant protein or muscle-specific gene therapy, resulted in complete axonal transport correction. Therefore, this work identifies a non-cell autonomous pathomechanism common to ARS-related neuropathies, and highlights the potential of boosting BDNF levels in muscles as a therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena R Rhymes
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases and UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Rebecca L Simkin
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases and UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Ji Qu
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases and UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - David Villarroel-Campos
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases and UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute at University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Sunaina Surana
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases and UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute at University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Yao Tong
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Ryan Shapiro
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | | | - Xiang-Lei Yang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Giampietro Schiavo
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases and UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute at University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - James N Sleigh
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases and UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute at University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK.
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3
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Li X, Wang M, Gao X, Li C, Chen C, Qi Y, Wan Y, Yu W. Knockdown of SIRT2 Rescues YARS-induced Charcot-Marie-Tooth Neuropathy in Drosophila. Neurosci Bull 2024; 40:539-543. [PMID: 38066253 PMCID: PMC11004100 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-023-01156-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xuedong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
- School of Basic Medic Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 64600, China
| | - Mengrong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Xiang Gao
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Chenyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Chunyu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Yun Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Ying Wan
- School of Basic Medic Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 64600, China.
| | - Wei Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China.
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4
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Rhymes ER, Simkin RL, Qu J, Villarroel-Campos D, Surana S, Tong Y, Shapiro R, Burgess RW, Yang XL, Schiavo G, Sleigh JN. Boosting BDNF in muscle rescues impaired axonal transport in a mouse model of DI-CMTC peripheral neuropathy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.04.09.536152. [PMID: 38559020 PMCID: PMC10979848 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.09.536152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a genetic peripheral neuropathy caused by mutations in many functionally diverse genes. The aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase (ARS) enzymes, which transfer amino acids to partner tRNAs for protein synthesis, represent the largest protein family genetically linked to CMT aetiology, suggesting pathomechanistic commonalities. Dominant intermediate CMT type C (DI-CMTC) is caused by YARS1 mutations driving a toxic gain-of-function in the encoded tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (TyrRS), which is mediated by exposure of consensus neomorphic surfaces through conformational changes of the mutant protein. In this study, we first showed that human DI-CMTC-causing TyrRSE196K mis-interacts with the extracellular domain of the BDNF receptor TrkB, an aberrant association we have previously characterised for several mutant glycyl-tRNA synthetases linked to CMT type 2D (CMT2D). We then performed temporal neuromuscular assessments of YarsE196K mice modelling DI-CMT. We determined that YarsE196K homozygotes display a selective, age-dependent impairment in in vivo axonal transport of neurotrophin-containing signalling endosomes, phenocopying CMT2D mice. This impairment is replicated by injection of recombinant TyrRSE196K, but not TyrRSWT, into muscles of wild-type mice. Augmenting BDNF in DI-CMTC muscles, through injection of recombinant protein or muscle-specific gene therapy, resulted in complete axonal transport correction. Therefore, this work identifies a non-cell autonomous pathomechanism common to ARS-related neuropathies, and highlights the potential of boosting BDNF levels in muscles as a therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena R. Rhymes
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases and UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Rebecca L. Simkin
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases and UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Ji Qu
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases and UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - David Villarroel-Campos
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases and UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Sunaina Surana
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases and UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Yao Tong
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Ryan Shapiro
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | | | - Xiang-Lei Yang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Giampietro Schiavo
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases and UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - James N. Sleigh
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases and UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
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5
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Morant L, Petrovic-Erfurth ML, Jordanova A. An Adapted GeneSwitch Toolkit for Comparable Cellular and Animal Models: A Proof of Concept in Modeling Charcot-Marie-Tooth Neuropathy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16138. [PMID: 38003325 PMCID: PMC10670994 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216138] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Investigating the impact of disease-causing mutations, their affected pathways, and/or potential therapeutic strategies using disease modeling often requires the generation of different in vivo and in cellulo models. To date, several approaches have been established to induce transgene expression in a controlled manner in different model systems. Several rounds of subcloning are, however, required, depending on the model organism used, thus bringing labor-intensive experiments into the technical approach and analysis comparison. The GeneSwitch™ technology is an adapted version of the classical UAS-GAL4 inducible system, allowing the spatial and temporal modulation of transgene expression. It consists of three components: a plasmid encoding for the chimeric regulatory pSwitch protein, Mifepristone as an inducer, and an inducible plasmid. While the pSwitch-containing first plasmid can be used both in vivo and in cellulo, the inducible second plasmid can only be used in cellulo. This requires a specific subcloning strategy of the inducible plasmid tailored to the model organism used. To avoid this step and unify gene expression in the transgenic models generated, we replaced the backbone vector with standard pUAS-attB plasmid for both plasmids containing either the chimeric GeneSwitch™ cDNA sequence or the transgene cDNA sequence. We optimized this adapted system to regulate transgene expression in several mammalian cell lines. Moreover, we took advantage of this new system to generate unified cellular and fruit fly models for YARS1-induced Charco-Marie-Tooth neuropathy (CMT). These new models displayed the expected CMT-like phenotypes. In the N2a neuroblastoma cells expressing YARS1 transgenes, we observed the typical "teardrop" distribution of the synthetase that was perturbed when expressing the YARS1CMT mutation. In flies, the ubiquitous expression of YARS1CMT induced dose-dependent developmental lethality and pan-neuronal expression caused locomotor deficit, while expression of the wild-type allele was harmless. Our proof-of-concept disease modeling studies support the efficacy of the adapted transgenesis system as a powerful tool allowing the design of studies with optimal data comparability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Morant
- Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerpen, Belgium; (L.M.); (M.-L.P.-E.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Maria-Luise Petrovic-Erfurth
- Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerpen, Belgium; (L.M.); (M.-L.P.-E.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Albena Jordanova
- Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerpen, Belgium; (L.M.); (M.-L.P.-E.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerpen, Belgium
- Molecular Medicine Center, Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University-Sofia, 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria
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6
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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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7
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Ermanoska B, Asselbergh B, Morant L, Petrovic-Erfurth ML, Hosseinibarkooie S, Leitão-Gonçalves R, Almeida-Souza L, Bervoets S, Sun L, Lee L, Atkinson D, Khanghahi A, Tournev I, Callaerts P, Verstreken P, Yang XL, Wirth B, Rodal AA, Timmerman V, Goode BL, Godenschwege TA, Jordanova A. Tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase has a noncanonical function in actin bundling. Nat Commun 2023; 14:999. [PMID: 36890170 PMCID: PMC9995517 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-35908-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Dominant mutations in tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (YARS1) and six other tRNA ligases cause Charcot-Marie-Tooth peripheral neuropathy (CMT). Loss of aminoacylation is not required for their pathogenicity, suggesting a gain-of-function disease mechanism. By an unbiased genetic screen in Drosophila, we link YARS1 dysfunction to actin cytoskeleton organization. Biochemical studies uncover yet unknown actin-bundling property of YARS1 to be enhanced by a CMT mutation, leading to actin disorganization in the Drosophila nervous system, human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, and patient-derived fibroblasts. Genetic modulation of F-actin organization improves hallmark electrophysiological and morphological features in neurons of flies expressing CMT-causing YARS1 mutations. Similar beneficial effects are observed in flies expressing a neuropathy-causing glycyl-tRNA synthetase. Hence, in this work, we show that YARS1 is an evolutionary-conserved F-actin organizer which links the actin cytoskeleton to tRNA-synthetase-induced neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biljana Ermanoska
- Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, University of Antwerp, 2610, Antwerpen, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610, Antwerpen, Belgium
- Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, 02453, USA
| | - Bob Asselbergh
- Neuromics Support Facility, VIB Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium
- Neuromics Support Facility, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Laura Morant
- Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, University of Antwerp, 2610, Antwerpen, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Maria-Luise Petrovic-Erfurth
- Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, University of Antwerp, 2610, Antwerpen, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Seyyedmohsen Hosseinibarkooie
- Institute of Human Genetics; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne; Center for Rare Diseases Cologne, University Hospital of Cologne; University of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism and Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Ricardo Leitão-Gonçalves
- Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, University of Antwerp, 2610, Antwerpen, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610, Antwerpen, Belgium
- Frontiers Media SA, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Leonardo Almeida-Souza
- Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, University of Antwerp, 2610, Antwerpen, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610, Antwerpen, Belgium
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science, Institute of Biotechnology & Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sven Bervoets
- Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, University of Antwerp, 2610, Antwerpen, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610, Antwerpen, Belgium
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Litao Sun
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong, China
| | - LaTasha Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
- Center for Social and Clinical Research, National Minority Quality Forum, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Derek Atkinson
- Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, University of Antwerp, 2610, Antwerpen, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610, Antwerpen, Belgium
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Akram Khanghahi
- Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, University of Antwerp, 2610, Antwerpen, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Ivaylo Tournev
- Department of Neurology, Medical University-Sofia, 1431, Sofia, Bulgaria
- Department of Cognitive Science and Psychology, New Bulgarian University, 1618, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | | | - Patrik Verstreken
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, Mission Lucidity, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Xiang-Lei Yang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Brunhilde Wirth
- Institute of Human Genetics; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne; Center for Rare Diseases Cologne, University Hospital of Cologne; University of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Avital A Rodal
- Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, 02453, USA
| | - Vincent Timmerman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Bruce L Goode
- Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, 02453, USA
| | - Tanja A Godenschwege
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
| | - Albena Jordanova
- Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, University of Antwerp, 2610, Antwerpen, Belgium.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610, Antwerpen, Belgium.
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University-Sofia, 1431, Sofia, Bulgaria.
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8
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Yu T, Zhang Y, Zheng WQ, Wu S, Li G, Zhang Y, Li N, Yao R, Fang P, Wang J, Zhou XL. Selective degradation of tRNASer(AGY) is the primary driver for mitochondrial seryl-tRNA synthetase-related disease. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:11755-11774. [PMID: 36350636 PMCID: PMC9723649 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac1028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial translation is of high significance for cellular energy homeostasis. Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs) are crucial translational components. Mitochondrial aaRS variants cause various human diseases. However, the pathogenesis of the vast majority of these diseases remains unknown. Here, we identified two novel SARS2 (encoding mitochondrial seryl-tRNA synthetase) variants that cause a multisystem disorder. c.654-14T > A mutation induced mRNA mis-splicing, generating a peptide insertion in the active site; c.1519dupC swapped a critical tRNA-binding motif in the C-terminus due to stop codon readthrough. Both mutants exhibited severely diminished tRNA binding and aminoacylation capacities. A marked reduction in mitochondrial tRNASer(AGY) was observed due to RNA degradation in patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), causing impaired translation and comprehensive mitochondrial function deficiencies. These impairments were efficiently rescued by wild-type SARS2 overexpression. Either mutation caused early embryonic fatality in mice. Heterozygous mice displayed reduced muscle tissue-specific levels of tRNASers. Our findings elucidated the biochemical and cellular consequences of impaired translation mediated by SARS2, suggesting that reduced abundance of tRNASer(AGY) is a key determinant for development of SARS2-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wen-Qiang Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Siqi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioorganic and Natural Products Chemistry, Center for Excellence in Molecular Synthesis, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 345 Lingling Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Guoqiang Li
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Diagnostics for Pediatrics, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1678 Dong Fang Road, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Niu Li
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Diagnostics for Pediatrics, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1678 Dong Fang Road, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Ruen Yao
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Diagnostics for Pediatrics, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1678 Dong Fang Road, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Pengfei Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioorganic and Natural Products Chemistry, Center for Excellence in Molecular Synthesis, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 345 Lingling Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Correspondence may also be addressed to Jian Wang. Tel: +86 21 3808 7371;
| | - Xiao-Long Zhou
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +86 21 5492 1247; Fax: +86 21 5492 1011;
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Hines TJ, Tadenev ALD, Lone MA, Hatton CL, Bagasrawala I, Stum MG, Miers KE, Hornemann T, Burgess RW. Precision mouse models of Yars/dominant intermediate Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type C and Sptlc1/hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type 1. J Anat 2022; 241:1169-1185. [PMID: 34875719 PMCID: PMC9170831 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal models of neurodegenerative diseases such as inherited peripheral neuropathies sometimes accurately recreate the pathophysiology of the human disease, and sometimes accurately recreate the genetic perturbations found in patients. Ideally, models achieve both, but this is not always possible; nonetheless, such models are informative. Here we describe two animal models of inherited peripheral neuropathy: mice with a mutation in tyrosyl tRNA-synthetase, YarsE196K , modeling dominant intermediate Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type C (diCMTC), and mice with a mutation in serine palmitoyltransferase long chain 1, Sptlc1C133W , modeling hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type 1 (HSAN1). YarsE196K mice develop disease-relevant phenotypes including reduced motor performance and reduced nerve conduction velocities by 4 months of age. Peripheral motor axons are reduced in size, but there is no reduction in axon number and plasma neurofilament light chain levels are not increased. Unlike the dominant human mutations, the YarsE196K mice only show these phenotypes as homozygotes, or as compound heterozygotes with a null allele, and no phenotype is observed in E196K or null heterozygotes. The Sptlc1C133W mice carry a knockin allele and show the anticipated increase in 1-deoxysphingolipids in circulation and in a variety of tissues. They also have mild behavioral defects consistent with HSAN1, but do not show neurophysiological defects or axon loss in peripheral nerves or in the epidermis of the hind paw or tail. Thus, despite the biochemical phenotype, the Sptlc1C133W mice do not show a strong neuropathy phenotype. Surprisingly, these mice were lethal as homozygotes, but the heterozygous genotype studied corresponds to the dominant genetics seen in humans. Thus, YarsE196K homozygous mice have a relevant phenotype, but imprecisely reproduce the human genetics, whereas the Sptlc1C133W mice precisely reproduce the human genetics, but do not recreate the disease phenotype. Despite these shortcomings, both models are informative and will be useful for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Museer A Lone
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | - Thorsten Hornemann
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Hines TJ, Lutz C, Murray SA, Burgess RW. An Integrated Approach to Studying Rare Neuromuscular Diseases Using Animal and Human Cell-Based Models. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:801819. [PMID: 35047510 PMCID: PMC8762301 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.801819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As sequencing technology improves, the identification of new disease-associated genes and new alleles of known genes is rapidly increasing our understanding of the genetic underpinnings of rare diseases, including neuromuscular diseases. However, precisely because these disorders are rare and often heterogeneous, they are difficult to study in patient populations. In parallel, our ability to engineer the genomes of model organisms, such as mice or rats, has gotten increasingly efficient through techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, allowing the creation of precision human disease models. Such in vivo model systems provide an efficient means for exploring disease mechanisms and identifying therapeutic strategies. Furthermore, animal models provide a platform for preclinical studies to test the efficacy of those strategies. Determining whether the same mechanisms are involved in the human disease and confirming relevant parameters for treatment ideally involves a human experimental system. One system currently being used is induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which can then be differentiated into the relevant cell type(s) for in vitro confirmation of disease mechanisms and variables such as target engagement. Here we provide a demonstration of these approaches using the example of tRNA-synthetase-associated inherited peripheral neuropathies, rare forms of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT). Mouse models have led to a better understanding of both the genetic and cellular mechanisms underlying the disease. To determine if the mechanisms are similar in human cells, we will use genetically engineered iPSC-based models. This will allow comparisons of different CMT-associated GARS alleles in the same genetic background, reducing the variability found between patient samples and simplifying the availability of cell-based models for a rare disease. The necessity of integrating mouse and human models, strategies for accomplishing this integration, and the challenges of doing it at scale are discussed using recently published work detailing the cellular mechanisms underlying GARS-associated CMT as a framework.
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11
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Steinritz D, Lüling R, Siegert M, Mückter H, Popp T, Reinemer P, Gudermann T, Thiermann H, John H. Alkylation of rabbit muscle creatine kinase surface methionine residues inhibits enzyme activity in vitro. Arch Toxicol 2021; 95:3253-3261. [PMID: 34396457 PMCID: PMC8448711 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-021-03137-6] [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: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Creatine kinase (CK) catalyzes the formation of phosphocreatine from adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and creatine. The highly reactive free cysteine residue in the active site of the enzyme (Cys283) is considered essential for the enzymatic activity. In previous studies we demonstrated that Cys283 is targeted by the alkylating chemical warfare agent sulfur mustard (SM) yielding a thioether with a hydroxyethylthioethyl (HETE)-moiety. In the present study, the effect of SM on rabbit muscle CK (rmCK) activity was investigated with special focus on the alkylation of Cys283 and of reactive methionine (Met) residues. For investigation of SM-alkylated amino acids in rmCK, micro liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization high-resolution tandem-mass spectrometry measurements were performed using the Orbitrap technology. The treatment of rmCK with SM resulted in a decrease of enzyme activity. However, this decrease did only weakly correlate to the modification of Cys283 but was conclusive for the formation of Met70-HETE and Met179-HETE. In contrast, the activity of mutants of rmCK produced by side-directed mutagenesis that contained substitutions of the respective Met residues (Met70Ala, Met179Leu, and Met70Ala/Met179Leu) was highly resistant against SM. Our results point to a critical role of the surface exposed Met70 and Met179 residues for CK activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Steinritz
- Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuherbergstraße 11, 80937, Munich, Germany. .,Walther-Straub-Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich (LMU), Goethestraße 33, 80366, Munich, Germany. .,Bundeswehr Medical Service Academy, Ingolstädter Straße 240, 80939, Munich, Germany.
| | - Robin Lüling
- Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuherbergstraße 11, 80937, Munich, Germany.,Walther-Straub-Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich (LMU), Goethestraße 33, 80366, Munich, Germany
| | - Markus Siegert
- Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuherbergstraße 11, 80937, Munich, Germany.,Proteros Biostructures GmbH, Bunsenstraße 7a, 82152, Planegg, Germany
| | - Harald Mückter
- Walther-Straub-Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich (LMU), Goethestraße 33, 80366, Munich, Germany
| | - Tanja Popp
- Bundeswehr Institute of Radiobiology, Neuherbergstraße 11, 80937, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Reinemer
- Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuherbergstraße 11, 80937, Munich, Germany.,AM1 Ventures GmbH, Fasanenstraße 27a, 81247, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Gudermann
- Walther-Straub-Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich (LMU), Goethestraße 33, 80366, Munich, Germany
| | - Horst Thiermann
- Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuherbergstraße 11, 80937, Munich, Germany
| | - Harald John
- Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuherbergstraße 11, 80937, Munich, Germany
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12
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Lata E, Choquet K, Sagliocco F, Brais B, Bernard G, Teichmann M. RNA Polymerase III Subunit Mutations in Genetic Diseases. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:696438. [PMID: 34395528 PMCID: PMC8362101 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.696438] [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: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA polymerase (Pol) III transcribes small untranslated RNAs such as 5S ribosomal RNA, transfer RNAs, and U6 small nuclear RNA. Because of the functions of these RNAs, Pol III transcription is best known for its essential contribution to RNA maturation and translation. Surprisingly, it was discovered in the last decade that various inherited mutations in genes encoding nine distinct subunits of Pol III cause tissue-specific diseases rather than a general failure of all vital functions. Mutations in the POLR3A, POLR3C, POLR3E and POLR3F subunits are associated with susceptibility to varicella zoster virus-induced encephalitis and pneumonitis. In addition, an ever-increasing number of distinct mutations in the POLR3A, POLR3B, POLR1C and POLR3K subunits cause a spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases, which includes most notably hypomyelinating leukodystrophy. Furthermore, other rare diseases are also associated with mutations in genes encoding subunits of Pol III (POLR3H, POLR3GL) and the BRF1 component of the TFIIIB transcription initiation factor. Although the causal relationship between these mutations and disease development is widely accepted, the exact molecular mechanisms underlying disease pathogenesis remain enigmatic. Here, we review the current knowledge on the functional impact of specific mutations, possible Pol III-related disease-causing mechanisms, and animal models that may help to better understand the links between Pol III mutations and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Lata
- Bordeaux University, Inserm U 1212, CNRS UMR 5320, ARNA laboratory, Bordeaux, France
| | - Karine Choquet
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Francis Sagliocco
- Bordeaux University, Inserm U 1212, CNRS UMR 5320, ARNA laboratory, Bordeaux, France
| | - Bernard Brais
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Geneviève Bernard
- Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Pediatrics and Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Specialized Medicine, Division of Medical Genetics, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Child Health and Human Development Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Martin Teichmann
- Bordeaux University, Inserm U 1212, CNRS UMR 5320, ARNA laboratory, Bordeaux, France
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13
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Jhanji M, Rao CN, Sajish M. Towards resolving the enigma of the dichotomy of resveratrol: cis- and trans-resveratrol have opposite effects on TyrRS-regulated PARP1 activation. GeroScience 2021; 43:1171-1200. [PMID: 33244652 PMCID: PMC7690980 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-020-00295-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Unlike widely perceived, resveratrol (RSV) decreased the average lifespan and extended only the replicative lifespan in yeast. Similarly, although not widely discussed, RSV is also known to evoke neurite degeneration, kidney toxicity, atherosclerosis, premature senescence, and genotoxicity through yet unknown mechanisms. Nevertheless, in vivo animal models of diseases and human clinical trials demonstrate inconsistent protective and beneficial effects. Therefore, the mechanism of action of RSV that elicits beneficial effects remains an enigma. In a previously published work, we demonstrated structural similarities between RSV and tyrosine amino acid. RSV acts as a tyrosine antagonist and competes with it to bind to human tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (TyrRS). Interestingly, although both isomers of RSV bind to TyrRS, only the cis-isomer evokes a unique structural change at the active site to promote its interaction with poly-ADP-ribose polymerase 1 (PARP1), a major determinant of cellular NAD+-dependent stress response. However, retention of trans-RSV in the active site of TyrRS mimics its tyrosine-bound conformation that inhibits the auto-poly-ADP-ribos(PAR)ylation of PARP1. Therefore, we proposed that cis-RSV-induced TyrRS-regulated auto-PARylation of PARP1 would contribute, at least in part, to the reported health benefits of RSV through the induction of protective stress response. This observation suggested that trans-RSV would inhibit TyrRS/PARP1-mediated protective stress response and would instead elicit an opposite effect compared to cis-RSV. Interestingly, most recent studies also confirmed the conversion of trans-RSV and its metabolites to cis-RSV in the physiological context. Therefore, the finding that cis-RSV and trans-RSV induce two distinct conformations of TyrRS with opposite effects on the auto-PARylation of PARP1 provides a potential molecular basis for the observed dichotomic effects of RSV under different experimental paradigms. However, the fact that natural RSV exists as a diastereomeric mixture of its cis and trans isomers and cis-RSV is also a physiologically relevant isoform has not yet gained much scientific attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megha Jhanji
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Chintada Nageswara Rao
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Mathew Sajish
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA.
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14
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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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15
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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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16
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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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17
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Xie Y, Lin Z, Pakhrin PS, Li X, Wang B, Liu L, Huang S, Zhao H, Cao W, Hu Z, Guo J, Shen L, Tang B, Zhang R. Genetic and Clinical Features in 24 Chinese Distal Hereditary Motor Neuropathy Families. Front Neurol 2021; 11:603003. [PMID: 33381078 PMCID: PMC7767876 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.603003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Distal hereditary motor neuropathy (dHMN) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of inherited neuropathies. The objectives of this study were to report the clinical and genetic features of dHMN patients in a Chinese cohort. Aims and Methods: We performed clinical assessments and whole-exome sequencing in 24 dHMN families from Mainland China. We conducted a retrospective analysis of the data and investigated the frequency and clinical features of patients with a confirmed mutation. Results: Two novel heterozygous mutations in GARS, c.373G>C (p.E125Q) and c.1015G>A (p.G339R), were identified and corresponded to the typical dHMN-V phenotype. Together with families with WARS, SORD, SIGMAR1, and HSPB1 mutations, 29.2% of families (7/24) acquired a definite genetic diagnosis. One novel heterozygous variant of uncertain significance, c.1834G>A (p.G612S) in LRSAM1, was identified in a patient with mild dHMN phenotype. Conclusion: Our study expanded the mutation spectrum of GARS mutations and added evidence that GARS mutations are associated with both axonal Charcot-Marie-Tooth and dHMN phenotypes. Mutations in genes encoding aminoamide tRNA synthetase (ARS) might be a frequent cause of autosomal dominant-dHMN, and SORD mutation might account for a majority of autosomal recessive-dHMN cases. The relatively low genetic diagnosis yield indicated more causative dHMN genes need to be discovered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongzhi Xie
- Department of Neurology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhiqiang Lin
- Department of Neurology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Pukar Singh Pakhrin
- Department of Neurology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaobo Li
- Department of Neurology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Binghao Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of Neurology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shunxiang Huang
- Department of Neurology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Huadong Zhao
- Department of Neurology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wanqian Cao
- Department of Neurology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhengmao Hu
- Center for Medical Genetics and Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jifeng Guo
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lu Shen
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Beisha Tang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ruxu Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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18
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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: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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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19
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Wang L, Li Z, Sievert D, Smith DEC, Mendes MI, Chen DY, Stanley V, Ghosh S, Wang Y, Kara M, Aslanger AD, Rosti RO, Houlden H, Salomons GS, Gleeson JG. Loss of NARS1 impairs progenitor proliferation in cortical brain organoids and leads to microcephaly. Nat Commun 2020; 11:4038. [PMID: 32788587 PMCID: PMC7424529 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-17454-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Asparaginyl-tRNA synthetase1 (NARS1) is a member of the ubiquitously expressed cytoplasmic Class IIa family of tRNA synthetases required for protein translation. Here, we identify biallelic missense and frameshift mutations in NARS1 in seven patients from three unrelated families with microcephaly and neurodevelopmental delay. Patient cells show reduced NARS1 protein, impaired NARS1 activity and impaired global protein synthesis. Cortical brain organoid modeling shows reduced proliferation of radial glial cells (RGCs), leading to smaller organoids characteristic of microcephaly. Single-cell analysis reveals altered constituents of both astrocytic and RGC lineages, suggesting a requirement for NARS1 in RGC proliferation. Our findings demonstrate that NARS1 is required to meet protein synthetic needs and to support RGC proliferation in human brain development. Asparaginyl-tRNA synthetase1 (NARS1) is required for protein synthesis. Here, the authors identify biallelic NARS1 mutations in individuals with microcephaly and neurodevelopmental delay. Cortical brain organoid modeling recapitulates microcephaly characteristics and scRNA-seq reveals a role for NARS1 in radial glial cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wang
- Department of Neurosciences, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.,Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, 92123, USA
| | - Zhen Li
- Department of Neurosciences, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.,Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, 92123, USA
| | - David Sievert
- Department of Neurosciences, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.,Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, 92123, USA
| | - Desirée E C Smith
- Metabolic Unit, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam Gastroenterology & Metabolism, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marisa I Mendes
- Metabolic Unit, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam Gastroenterology & Metabolism, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Dillon Y Chen
- Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, 92123, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.,Division of Child Neurology, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, 92123, USA
| | - Valentina Stanley
- Department of Neurosciences, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.,Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, 92123, USA
| | - Shereen Ghosh
- Department of Neurosciences, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.,Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, 92123, USA
| | - Yulu Wang
- Laboratory of Biomanufacturing and Food Engineering, Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Majdi Kara
- University of Tripoli, Tripoli Children's Hospital, Tripoli, Libya
| | | | - Rasim O Rosti
- Department of Neurosciences, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.,Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, 92123, USA
| | - Henry Houlden
- Department of Neuromuscular Disorders, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Gajja S Salomons
- Metabolic Unit, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam Gastroenterology & Metabolism, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Joseph G Gleeson
- Department of Neurosciences, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA. .,Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, 92123, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA. .,Division of Child Neurology, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, 92123, USA.
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20
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Abstract
The aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are an essential and universally distributed family of enzymes that plays a critical role in protein synthesis, pairing tRNAs with their cognate amino acids for decoding mRNAs according to the genetic code. Synthetases help to ensure accurate translation of the genetic code by using both highly accurate cognate substrate recognition and stringent proofreading of noncognate products. While alterations in the quality control mechanisms of synthetases are generally detrimental to cellular viability, recent studies suggest that in some instances such changes facilitate adaption to stress conditions. Beyond their central role in translation, synthetases are also emerging as key players in an increasing number of other cellular processes, with far-reaching consequences in health and disease. The biochemical versatility of the synthetases has also proven pivotal in efforts to expand the genetic code, further emphasizing the wide-ranging roles of the aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase family in synthetic and natural biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Angel Rubio Gomez
- Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
| | - Michael Ibba
- Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
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21
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Vicente CM, Girardet JM, Hôtel L, Aigle B. Molecular Dynamics to Elucidate the DNA-Binding Activity of AlpZ, a Member of the Gamma-Butyrolactone Receptor Family in Streptomyces ambofaciens. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1255. [PMID: 32714286 PMCID: PMC7343708 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Cláudia M. Vicente
- Université de Lorraine, INRAE, DynAMic, Nancy, France
- *Correspondence: Cláudia M. Vicente,
| | | | | | - Bertrand Aigle
- Université de Lorraine, INRAE, DynAMic, Nancy, France
- Bertrand Aigle,
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22
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Wu TH, Peng J, Zhang CL, Wu LW, Yang LF, Peng P, Pang N, Yin F, He F. [Mutations in aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase genes: an analysis of 10 cases]. ZHONGGUO DANG DAI ER KE ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY PEDIATRICS 2020; 22:595-601. [PMID: 32571458 PMCID: PMC7390216 DOI: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.1912040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the clinical features of the diseases associated with aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARS) deficiency. METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed of the clinical and gene mutation data of 10 children who were diagnosed with ARS gene mutations, based on next-generation sequencing from January 2016 to October 2019. RESULTS The age of onset ranged from 0 to 9 years among the 10 children. Convulsion was the most common initial symptom (7 children). Clinical manifestations included ataxia and normal or mildly retarded intellectual development (with or without epilepsy; n=4) and onset of epilepsy in childhood with developmental regression later (n=2). Some children experienced disease onset in the neonatal period and had severe epileptic encephalopathy, with myoclonus, generalized tonic-clonic seizure, and convulsive seizure (n=4); 3 had severe delayed development, 2 had feeding difficulty, and 1 had hearing impairment. Mutations were found in five genes: 3 had novel mutations in the AARS2 gene (c.331G>C, c.2682+5G>A, c.2164C>T, and c.761G>A), 2 had known mutations in the DARS2 gene (c.228-16C>A and c.536G>A), 1 had novel mutations in the CARS2 gene (c.1036C>T and c.323T>G), 1 had novel mutations in the RARS2 gene (c.1210A>G and c.622C>T), and 3 had novel mutations in the AARS gene (c.1901T>A, c.229C>T, c.244C>T, c.961G>C, c.2248C>T, and Chr16:70298860-70316687del). CONCLUSIONS A high heterogeneity is observed in the clinical phenotypes of the diseases associated with the ARS deficiency. A total of 14 novel mutations in 5 genes are reported in this study, which enriches the clinical phenotypes and genotypes of the diseases associated with ARS deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng-Hui Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China.
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23
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Rossaert E, Van Den Bosch L. HDAC6 inhibitors: Translating genetic and molecular insights into a therapy for axonal CMT. Brain Res 2020; 1733:146692. [PMID: 32006555 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2020.146692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) plays a central role in various processes that are key for neuronal survival. In this review, we summarize the current evidence related to disease pathways in the axonal form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) and highlight the role of HDAC6 in these pathways. We hypothesize that HDAC6 might in fact actively contribute to the pathogenesis of certain forms of axonal CMT. HDAC6 plays a deacetylase activity-dependent, negative role in axonal transport and axonal regeneration, which are both processes implicated in axonal CMT. On the other hand, HDAC6 coordinates a protective response during elimination of toxic misfolded proteins, but this is mostly mediated independent of its deacetylase activity. The current mechanistic insights on these functions of HDAC6 in axonal CMT, along with the selective druggability against its deacetylase activity, make the targeting of HDAC6 particularly attractive. We elaborate on the preclinical studies that demonstrated beneficial effects of HDAC6 inhibitors in axonal CMT models and outline possible modes of action. Overall, this overview ultimately provides a rationale for the use of small-molecule HDAC6 inhibitors as a therapeutic strategy for this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Rossaert
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Leuven, Belgium; VIB - Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Leuven, Belgium; VIB - Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium.
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24
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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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25
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Kuo ME, Antonellis A. Ubiquitously Expressed Proteins and Restricted Phenotypes: Exploring Cell-Specific Sensitivities to Impaired tRNA Charging. Trends Genet 2019; 36:105-117. [PMID: 31839378 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2019.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 11/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARS) are ubiquitously expressed, essential enzymes that charge tRNA with cognate amino acids. Variants in genes encoding ARS enzymes lead to myriad human inherited diseases. First, missense alleles cause dominant peripheral neuropathy. Second, missense, nonsense, and frameshift alleles cause recessive multisystem disorders that differentially affect tissues depending on which ARS is mutated. A preponderance of evidence has shown that both phenotypic classes are associated with loss-of-function alleles, suggesting that tRNA charging plays a central role in disease pathogenesis. However, it is currently unclear how perturbation in the function of these ubiquitously expressed enzymes leads to tissue-specific or tissue-predominant phenotypes. Here, we review our current understanding of ARS-associated disease phenotypes and discuss potential explanations for the observed tissue specificity.
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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.
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26
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Transcriptional dysregulation by a nucleus-localized aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase associated with Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy. Nat Commun 2019; 10:5045. [PMID: 31695036 PMCID: PMC6834567 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12909-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a length-dependent peripheral neuropathy. The aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases constitute the largest protein family implicated in CMT. Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are predominantly cytoplasmic, but are also present in the nucleus. Here we show that a nuclear function of tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (TyrRS) is implicated in a Drosophila model of CMT. CMT-causing mutations in TyrRS induce unique conformational changes, which confer capacity for aberrant interactions with transcriptional regulators in the nucleus, leading to transcription factor E2F1 hyperactivation. Using neuronal tissues, we reveal a broad transcriptional regulation network associated with wild-type TyrRS expression, which is disturbed when a CMT-mutant is expressed. Pharmacological inhibition of TyrRS nuclear entry with embelin reduces, whereas genetic nuclear exclusion of mutant TyrRS prevents hallmark phenotypes of CMT in the Drosophila model. These data highlight that this translation factor may contribute to transcriptional regulation in neurons, and suggest a therapeutic strategy for CMT. Tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (TyrRS) is a translation factor and predominantly cytoplasmic, but can also be found in the nucleus. Here authors show using a fly model of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease that nuclear localization of mutant TyrRS contributes to the CMT-like phenotype.
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27
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CMT disease severity correlates with mutation-induced open conformation of histidyl-tRNA synthetase, not aminoacylation loss, in patient cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:19440-19448. [PMID: 31501329 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1908288116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Aminoacyl-transfer RNA (tRNA) synthetases (aaRSs) are the largest protein family causatively linked to neurodegenerative Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease. Dominant mutations cause the disease, and studies of CMT disease-causing mutant glycyl-tRNA synthetase (GlyRS) and tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (TyrRS) showed their mutations create neomorphic structures consistent with a gain-of-function mechanism. In contrast, based on a haploid yeast model, loss of aminoacylation function was reported for CMT disease mutants in histidyl-tRNA synthetase (HisRS). However, neither that nor prior work of any CMT disease-causing aaRS investigated the aminoacylation status of tRNAs in the cellular milieu of actual patients. Using an assay that interrogated aminoacylation levels in patient cells, we investigated a HisRS-linked CMT disease family with the most severe disease phenotype. Strikingly, no difference in charged tRNA levels between normal and diseased family members was found. In confirmation, recombinant versions of 4 other HisRS CMT disease-causing mutants showed no correlation between activity loss in vitro and severity of phenotype in vivo. Indeed, a mutation having the most detrimental impact on activity was associated with a mild disease phenotype. In further work, using 3 independent biophysical analyses, structural opening (relaxation) of mutant HisRSs at the dimer interface best correlated with disease severity. In fact, the HisRS mutation in the severely afflicted patient family caused the largest degree of structural relaxation. These data suggest that HisRS-linked CMT disease arises from open conformation-induced mechanisms distinct from loss of aminoacylation.
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28
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Tahmasebi S, Khoutorsky A, Mathews MB, Sonenberg N. Translation deregulation in human disease. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2019; 19:791-807. [PMID: 30038383 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-018-0034-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Advances in sequencing and high-throughput techniques have provided an unprecedented opportunity to interrogate human diseases on a genome-wide scale. The list of disease-causing mutations is expanding rapidly, and mutations affecting mRNA translation are no exception. Translation (protein synthesis) is one of the most complex processes in the cell. The orchestrated action of ribosomes, tRNAs and numerous translation factors decodes the information contained in mRNA into a polypeptide chain. The intricate nature of this process renders it susceptible to deregulation at multiple levels. In this Review, we summarize current evidence of translation deregulation in human diseases other than cancer. We discuss translation-related diseases on the basis of the molecular aberration that underpins their pathogenesis (including tRNA dysfunction, ribosomopathies, deregulation of the integrated stress response and deregulation of the mTOR pathway) and describe how deregulation of translation generates the phenotypic variability observed in these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soroush Tahmasebi
- Goodman Cancer Research Center, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. .,Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. .,Department of Pharmacology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Arkady Khoutorsky
- Department of Anesthesia and Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Michael B Mathews
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Nahum Sonenberg
- Goodman Cancer Research Center, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. .,Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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29
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Zayets VN, Tsuvarev AY, Kolomiiets LA, Kornelyuk AI. Site-Directed Mutagenesis of Tryptophan Residues in the Structure of the Catalytic Module of Tyrosyl-tRNA Synthetase from Bos taurus. CYTOL GENET+ 2019. [DOI: 10.3103/s009545271903006x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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30
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González-Serrano LE, Chihade JW, Sissler M. When a common biological role does not imply common disease outcomes: Disparate pathology linked to human mitochondrial aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:5309-5320. [PMID: 30647134 PMCID: PMC6462531 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.rev118.002953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (mt-aaRSs) are essential components of the mitochondrial translation machinery. The correlation of mitochondrial disorders with mutations in these enzymes has raised the interest of the scientific community over the past several years. Most surprising has been the wide-ranging presentation of clinical manifestations in patients with mt-aaRS mutations, despite the enzymes' common biochemical role. Even among cases where a common physiological system is affected, phenotypes, severity, and age of onset varies depending on which mt-aaRS is mutated. Here, we review work done thus far and propose a categorization of diseases based on tissue specificity that highlights emerging patterns. We further discuss multiple in vitro and in cellulo efforts to characterize the behavior of WT and mutant mt-aaRSs that have shaped hypotheses about the molecular causes of these pathologies. Much remains to do in order to complete our understanding of these proteins. We expect that futher work is likely to result in the discovery of new roles for the mt-aaRSs in addition to their fundamental function in mitochondrial translation, informing the development of treatment strategies and diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ligia Elena González-Serrano
- From the Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, UPR9002, F-67000 Strasbourg, France and
| | - Joseph W Chihade
- the Department of Chemistry, Carleton College, Northfield, Minnesota 55057
| | - Marie Sissler
- From the Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, UPR9002, F-67000 Strasbourg, France and
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31
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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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32
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Castranio EL, Wolfe CM, Nam KN, Letronne F, Fitz NF, Lefterov I, Koldamova R. ABCA1 haplodeficiency affects the brain transcriptome following traumatic brain injury in mice expressing human APOE isoforms. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2018; 6:69. [PMID: 30049279 PMCID: PMC6062955 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-018-0569-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Expression of human Apolipoprotein E (APOE) modulates the inflammatory response in an isoform specific manner, with APOE4 isoform eliciting a stronger pro-inflammatory response, suggesting a possible mechanism for worse outcome following traumatic brain injury (TBI). APOE lipidation and stability is modulated by ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), a transmembrane protein that transports lipids and cholesterol onto APOE. We examined the impact of Abca1 deficiency and APOE isoform expression on the response to TBI using 3-months-old, human APOE3+/+ (E3/Abca1+/+) and APOE4+/+ (E4/Abca1+/+) targeted replacement mice, and APOE3+/+ and APOE4+/+ mice with only one functional copy of the Abca1 gene (E3/Abca1+/-; E4/Abca1+/-). TBI-treated mice received a craniotomy followed by a controlled cortical impact (CCI) brain injury in the left hemisphere; sham-treated mice received the same surgical procedure without the impact. We performed RNA-seq using samples from cortices and hippocampi followed by genome-wide differential gene expression analysis. We found that TBI significantly impacted unique transcripts within each group, however, the proportion of unique transcripts was highest in E4/Abca1+/- mice. Additionally, we found that Abca1 haplodeficiency increased the expression of microglia sensome genes among only APOE4 injured mice, a response not seen in injured APOE3 mice, nor in either group of sham-treated mice. To identify gene networks, or modules, correlated to TBI, APOE isoform and Abca1 haplodeficiency, we used weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). The module that positively correlated to TBI groups was associated with immune response and featured hub genes that were microglia-specific, including Trem2, Tyrobp, Cd68 and Hexb. The modules positively correlated with APOE4 isoform and negatively to Abca1 haplodeficient mice represented "protein translation" and "oxidation-reduction process", respectively. Our results reveal E4/Abca1+/- TBI mice have a distinct response to injury, and unique gene networks are associated with APOE isoform, Abca1 insufficiency and injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie L Castranio
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Cody M Wolfe
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Kyong Nyon Nam
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Florent Letronne
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Nicholas F Fitz
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Iliya Lefterov
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA.
| | - Radosveta Koldamova
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA.
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33
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Boczonadi V, Jennings MJ, Horvath R. The role of tRNA synthetases in neurological and neuromuscular disorders. FEBS Lett 2018; 592:703-717. [PMID: 29288497 PMCID: PMC5873386 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.12962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Revised: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetases (ARSs) are ubiquitously expressed enzymes responsible for charging tRNAs with their cognate amino acids, therefore essential for the first step in protein synthesis. Although the majority of protein synthesis happens in the cytosol, an additional translation apparatus is required to translate the 13 mitochondrial DNA‐encoded proteins important for oxidative phosphorylation. Most ARS genes in these cellular compartments are distinct, but two genes are common, encoding aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetases of glycine (GARS) and lysine (KARS) in both mitochondria and the cytosol. Mutations in the majority of the 37 nuclear‐encoded human ARS genes have been linked to a variety of recessive and dominant tissue‐specific disorders. Current data indicate that impaired enzyme function could explain the pathogenicity, however not all pathogenic ARSs mutations result in deficient catalytic function; thus, the consequences of mutations may arise from other molecular mechanisms. The peripheral nerves are frequently affected, as illustrated by the high number of mutations in cytosolic and bifunctional tRNA synthetases causing Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT). Here we provide insights on the pathomechanisms of CMT‐causing tRNA synthetases with specific focus on the two bifunctional tRNA synthetases (GARS, KARS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Boczonadi
- Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Matthew J Jennings
- Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Rita Horvath
- Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Meyer-Schuman R, Antonellis A. Emerging mechanisms of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase mutations in recessive and dominant human disease. Hum Mol Genet 2017; 26:R114-R127. [PMID: 28633377 PMCID: PMC5886470 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddx231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Revised: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARSs) are responsible for charging amino acids to cognate tRNA molecules, which is the essential first step of protein translation. Interestingly, mutations in genes encoding ARS enzymes have been implicated in a broad spectrum of human inherited diseases. Bi-allelic mutations in ARSs typically cause severe, early-onset, recessive diseases that affect a wide range of tissues. The vast majority of these mutations show loss-of-function effects and impair protein translation. However, it is not clear how a subset cause tissue-specific phenotypes. In contrast, dominant ARS-mediated diseases specifically affect the peripheral nervous system-most commonly causing axonal peripheral neuropathy-and usually manifest later in life. These neuropathies are linked to heterozygosity for missense mutations in five ARS genes, which points to a shared mechanism of disease. However, it is not clear if a loss-of-function mechanism or a toxic gain-of-function mechanism is responsible for ARS-mediated neuropathy, or if a combination of these mechanisms operate on a mutation-specific basis. Here, we review our current understanding of recessive and dominant ARS-mediated disease. We also propose future directions for defining the molecular mechanisms of ARS mutations toward designing therapies for affected patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Meyer-Schuman
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Anthony Antonellis
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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