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Nietz AK, Popa LS, Carter RE, Gerhart ML, Manikonda K, Ranum LP, Ebner TJ. Cerebral cortical functional hyperconnectivity in a mouse model of spinocerebellar ataxia type 8 (SCA8). BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.20.599947. [PMID: 38948725 PMCID: PMC11212952 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.20.599947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 8 (SCA8) is an inherited neurodegenerative disease caused by a bidirectionally expressed CTG●CAG expansion mutation in the ATXN-8 and ATXN8-OS genes. While primarily a motor disorder, psychiatric and cognitive symptoms have been reported. It is difficult to elucidate how the disease alters brain function in areas with little or no degeneration producing both motor and cognitive symptoms. Using transparent polymer skulls and CNS-wide GCaMP6f expression, we studied neocortical networks throughout SCA8 progression using wide-field Ca2+ imaging in a transgenic mouse model of SCA8. We observed that neocortical networks in SCA8+ mice were hyperconnected globally which led to network configurations with increased global efficiency and centrality. At the regional level, significant network changes occurred in nearly all cortical regions, however mainly involved sensory and association cortices. Changes in functional connectivity in anterior motor regions worsened later in the disease. Near perfect decoding of animal genotype was obtained using a generalized linear model based on canonical correlation strengths between activity in cortical regions. The major contributors to decoding were concentrated in the somatosensory, higher visual and retrosplenial cortices and occasionally extended into the motor regions, demonstrating that the areas with the largest network changes are predictive of disease state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela K. Nietz
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Laurentiu S. Popa
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Russell E. Carter
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Morgan L Gerhart
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Keerthi Manikonda
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Laura P.W. Ranum
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Timothy J. Ebner
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
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2
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Tseng YJ, Krans A, Malik I, Deng X, Yildirim E, Ovunc S, Tank EH, Jansen-West K, Kaufhold R, Gomez N, Sher R, Petrucelli L, Barmada S, Todd P. Ribosomal quality control factors inhibit repeat-associated non-AUG translation from GC-rich repeats. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:5928-5949. [PMID: 38412259 PMCID: PMC11162809 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
A GGGGCC (G4C2) hexanucleotide repeat expansion in C9ORF72 causes amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia (C9ALS/FTD), while a CGG trinucleotide repeat expansion in FMR1 leads to the neurodegenerative disorder Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). These GC-rich repeats form RNA secondary structures that support repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN) translation of toxic proteins that contribute to disease pathogenesis. Here we assessed whether these same repeats might trigger stalling and interfere with translational elongation. We find that depletion of ribosome-associated quality control (RQC) factors NEMF, LTN1 and ANKZF1 markedly boost RAN translation product accumulation from both G4C2 and CGG repeats while overexpression of these factors reduces RAN production in both reporter assays and C9ALS/FTD patient iPSC-derived neurons. We also detected partially made products from both G4C2 and CGG repeats whose abundance increased with RQC factor depletion. Repeat RNA sequence, rather than amino acid content, is central to the impact of RQC factor depletion on RAN translation-suggesting a role for RNA secondary structure in these processes. Together, these findings suggest that ribosomal stalling and RQC pathway activation during RAN translation inhibits the generation of toxic RAN products. We propose augmenting RQC activity as a therapeutic strategy in GC-rich repeat expansion disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ju Tseng
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Amy Krans
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Ann Arbor Veterans Administration Healthcare, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Indranil Malik
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy, 502284 Telangana, India
| | - Xiexiong Deng
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Evrim Yildirim
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Sinem Ovunc
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Elizabeth M H Tank
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Karen Jansen-West
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Ross Kaufhold
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Nicolas B Gomez
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Roger Sher
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior & Center for Nervous System Disorders, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | | | - Sami J Barmada
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Peter K Todd
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Ann Arbor Veterans Administration Healthcare, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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3
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Narumi S, Nagasaki K, Kiriya M, Uehara E, Akiba K, Tanase-Nakao K, Shimura K, Abe K, Sugisawa C, Ishii T, Miyako K, Hasegawa Y, Maruo Y, Muroya K, Watanabe N, Nishihara E, Ito Y, Kogai T, Kameyama K, Nakabayashi K, Hata K, Fukami M, Shima H, Kikuchi A, Takayama J, Tamiya G, Hasegawa T. Functional variants in a TTTG microsatellite on 15q26.1 cause familial nonautoimmune thyroid abnormalities. Nat Genet 2024; 56:869-876. [PMID: 38714868 PMCID: PMC11096107 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-024-01735-5] [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: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Insufficient thyroid hormone production in newborns is referred to as congenital hypothyroidism. Multinodular goiter (MNG), characterized by an enlarged thyroid gland with multiple nodules, is usually seen in adults and is recognized as a separate disorder from congenital hypothyroidism. Here we performed a linkage analysis of a family with both nongoitrous congenital hypothyroidism and MNG and identified a signal at 15q26.1. Follow-up analyses with whole-genome sequencing and genetic screening in congenital hypothyroidism and MNG cohorts showed that changes in a noncoding TTTG microsatellite on 15q26.1 were frequently observed in congenital hypothyroidism (137 in 989) and MNG (3 in 33) compared with controls (3 in 38,722). Characterization of the noncoding variants with epigenomic data and in vitro experiments suggested that the microsatellite is located in a thyroid-specific transcriptional repressor, and its activity is disrupted by the variants. Collectively, we presented genetic evidence linking nongoitrous congenital hypothyroidism and MNG, providing unique insights into thyroid abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Narumi
- Department of Pediatrics, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Keisuke Nagasaki
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Homeostatic Regulation and Development, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Mitsuo Kiriya
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Medical Technology, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Erika Uehara
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhisa Akiba
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kanako Tanase-Nakao
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Shimura
- Department of Pediatrics, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kiyomi Abe
- Department of Pediatrics, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chiho Sugisawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ito Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Ishii
- Department of Pediatrics, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenichi Miyako
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Fukuoka Children's Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Hasegawa
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Maruo
- Department of Pediatrics, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Koji Muroya
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Kanagawa Children's Medical Center, Yokohama, Japan
| | | | - Eijun Nishihara
- Center for Excellence in Thyroid Care, Kuma Hospital, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yuka Ito
- Department of Genetic Diagnosis and Laboratory Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University, Mibu, Japan
| | - Takahiko Kogai
- Department of Genetic Diagnosis and Laboratory Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University, Mibu, Japan
| | - Kaori Kameyama
- Department of Pathology, Showa University Northern Yokohama Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Nakabayashi
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenichiro Hata
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Maki Fukami
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirohito Shima
- Department of Pediatrics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Atsuo Kikuchi
- Department of Pediatrics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Jun Takayama
- Department of AI and Innovative Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
- Department of Integrative Genomics, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization (ToMMo) Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Statistical Genetics Team, RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Gen Tamiya
- Department of AI and Innovative Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
- Department of Integrative Genomics, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization (ToMMo) Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Statistical Genetics Team, RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomonobu Hasegawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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4
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Richardson K, Sengupta M, Sujkowski A, Libohova K, Harris AC, Wessells R, Merry DE, Todi SV. A phenotypically robust model of spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy in Drosophila. J Neurosci Res 2024; 102:e25278. [PMID: 38284836 PMCID: PMC11237963 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25278] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) is an X-linked disorder that affects males who inherit the androgen receptor (AR) gene with an abnormal CAG triplet repeat expansion. The resulting protein contains an elongated polyglutamine (polyQ) tract and causes motor neuron degeneration in an androgen-dependent manner. The precise molecular sequelae of SBMA are unclear. To assist with its investigation and the identification of therapeutic options, we report here a new model of SBMA in Drosophila melanogaster. We generated transgenic flies that express the full-length, human AR with a wild-type or pathogenic polyQ repeat. Each transgene is inserted into the same safe harbor site on the third chromosome of the fly as a single copy and in the same orientation. Expression of pathogenic AR, but not of its wild-type variant, in neurons or muscles leads to consistent, progressive defects in longevity and motility that are concomitant with polyQ-expanded AR protein aggregation and reduced complexity in neuromuscular junctions. Additional assays show adult fly eye abnormalities associated with the pathogenic AR species. The detrimental effects of pathogenic AR are accentuated by feeding flies the androgen, dihydrotestosterone. This new, robust SBMA model can be a valuable tool toward future investigations of this incurable disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Richardson
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Medha Sengupta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Thomas Jefferson University Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Alyson Sujkowski
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Kozeta Libohova
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Autumn C Harris
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Maximizing Access to Science Careers Program, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Robert Wessells
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Diane E Merry
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Thomas Jefferson University Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sokol V Todi
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Maximizing Access to Science Careers Program, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Neurology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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5
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Marzullo M, Coni S, De Simone A, Canettieri G, Ciapponi L. Modeling Myotonic Dystrophy Type 2 Using Drosophila melanogaster. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14182. [PMID: 37762484 PMCID: PMC10532015 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814182] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy 2 (DM2) is a genetic multi-systemic disease primarily affecting skeletal muscle. It is caused by CCTGn expansion in intron 1 of the CNBP gene, which encodes a zinc finger protein. DM2 disease has been successfully modeled in Drosophila melanogaster, allowing the identification and validation of new pathogenic mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategies. Here, we describe the principal tools used in Drosophila to study and dissect molecular pathways related to muscular dystrophies and summarize the main findings in DM2 pathogenesis based on DM2 Drosophila models. We also illustrate how Drosophila may be successfully used to generate a tractable animal model to identify novel genes able to affect and/or modify the pathogenic pathway and to discover new potential drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Marzullo
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “C. Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.M.)
| | - Sonia Coni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Assia De Simone
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “C. Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.M.)
| | - Gianluca Canettieri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Istituto Pasteur Italia, Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Ciapponi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “C. Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.M.)
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6
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Jaiswal M, Kumar S. smAMPsTK: a toolkit to unravel the smORFome encoding AMPs of plant species. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023:1-13. [PMID: 37464885 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2235605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
The pervasive repertoire of plant molecules with the potential to serve as a substitute for conventional antibiotics has led to obtaining better insights into plant-derived antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). The massive distribution of Small Open Reading Frames (smORFs) throughout eukaryotic genomes with proven extensive biological functions reflects their practicality as antimicrobials. Here, we have developed a pipeline named smAMPsTK to unveil the underlying hidden smORFs encoding AMPs for plant species. By applying this pipeline, we have elicited AMPs of various functional activity of lengths ranging from 5 to 100 aa by employing publicly available transcriptome data of five different angiosperms. Later, we studied the coding potential of AMPs-smORFs, the inclusion of diverse translation initiation start codons, and amino acid frequency. Codon usage study signifies no such codon usage biases for smORFs encoding AMPs. Majorly three start codons are prominent in generating AMPs. The evolutionary and conservational study proclaimed the widespread distribution of AMPs encoding genes throughout the plant kingdom. Domain analysis revealed that nearly all AMPs have chitin-binding ability, establishing their role as antifungal agents. The current study includes a developed methodology to characterize smORFs encoding AMPs, and their implications as antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, or antiviral provided by SVM score and prediction status calculated by machine learning-based prediction models. The pipeline, complete package, and the results derived for five angiosperms are freely available at https://github.com/skbinfo/smAMPsTK.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohini Jaiswal
- Bioinformatics Laboratory, National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, India
| | - Shailesh Kumar
- Bioinformatics Laboratory, National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, India
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7
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Tseng YJ, Malik I, Deng X, Krans A, Jansen-West K, Tank EM, Gomez NB, Sher R, Petrucelli L, Barmada SJ, Todd PK. Ribosomal quality control factors inhibit repeat-associated non-AUG translation from GC-rich repeats. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.07.544135. [PMID: 37333274 PMCID: PMC10274811 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.07.544135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
A GGGGCC (G4C2) hexanucleotide repeat expansion in C9ORF72 causes amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia (C9ALS/FTD), while a CGG trinucleotide repeat expansion in FMR1 leads to the neurodegenerative disorder Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). These GC-rich repeats form RNA secondary structures that support repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN) translation of toxic proteins that contribute to disease pathogenesis. Here we assessed whether these same repeats might trigger stalling and interfere with translational elongation. We find that depletion of ribosome-associated quality control (RQC) factors NEMF, LTN1, and ANKZF1 markedly boost RAN translation product accumulation from both G4C2 and CGG repeats while overexpression of these factors reduces RAN production in both reporter cell lines and C9ALS/FTD patient iPSC-derived neurons. We also detected partially made products from both G4C2 and CGG repeats whose abundance increased with RQC factor depletion. Repeat RNA sequence, rather than amino acid content, is central to the impact of RQC factor depletion on RAN translation - suggesting a role for RNA secondary structure in these processes. Together, these findings suggest that ribosomal stalling and RQC pathway activation during RAN translation elongation inhibits the generation of toxic RAN products. We propose augmenting RQC activity as a therapeutic strategy in GC-rich repeat expansion disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ju Tseng
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Indranil Malik
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Xiexiong Deng
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Amy Krans
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Ann Arbor Veterans Administration Healthcare, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Karen Jansen-West
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | | | - Nicolas B. Gomez
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Roger Sher
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior & Center for Nervous System Disorders, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | | | - Sami J. Barmada
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Peter K. Todd
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Ann Arbor Veterans Administration Healthcare, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
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8
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Phenotype and management of neurologic intronic repeat disorders (NIRDs). Rev Neurol (Paris) 2023; 179:173-182. [PMID: 36371266 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2022.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
During recent years an increasing number of neurologic disorders due to expanded tri-, tetra-, penta-, or hexa-nucleotide repeat motifs in introns of various genes have been described (neurologic intronic repeat disorders (NIRDs)). The repeat may be pathogenic in the heterozygous or homozygous form. Repeat lengths vary considerably and can be stable or unstable during transmission to the next generation. The most well-known NIRDs are Friedreich ataxia, spinocerebellar ataxia types-10, -31, and -36, CANVAS, C9Orf72 familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (fALS), and myotonic dystrophy-2 (MD2). Phenotypically, NIRDs manifest as mono-organ (e.g. spinocerebellar ataxia type 31) or multi-organ disease (e.g. Friedreich ataxia, myotonic dystrophy-2). A number of other more rare NIRDs have been recently detected. This review aims at summarising and discussing previous findings and recent advances concerning the etiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and therapeutic management of the most common NIRDs.
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9
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Development of Therapeutic Approaches for Myotonic Dystrophies Type 1 and Type 2. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810491. [PMID: 36142405 PMCID: PMC9499601 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Myotonic Dystrophies type 1 (DM1) and type 2 (DM2) are complex multisystem diseases without disease-based therapies. These disorders are caused by the expansions of unstable CTG (DM1) and CCTG (DM2) repeats outside of the coding regions of the disease genes: DMPK in DM1 and CNBP in DM2. Multiple clinical and molecular studies provided a consensus for DM1 pathogenesis, showing that the molecular pathophysiology of DM1 is associated with the toxicity of RNA CUG repeats, which cause multiple disturbances in RNA metabolism in patients' cells. As a result, splicing, translation, RNA stability and transcription of multiple genes are misregulated in DM1 cells. While mutant CCUG repeats are the main cause of DM2, additional factors might play a role in DM2 pathogenesis. This review describes current progress in the translation of mechanistic knowledge in DM1 and DM2 to clinical trials, with a focus on the development of disease-specific therapies for patients with adult forms of DM1 and congenital DM1 (CDM1).
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10
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Andreev DE, Loughran G, Fedorova AD, Mikhaylova MS, Shatsky IN, Baranov PV. Non-AUG translation initiation in mammals. Genome Biol 2022; 23:111. [PMID: 35534899 PMCID: PMC9082881 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-022-02674-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent proteogenomic studies revealed extensive translation outside of annotated protein coding regions, such as non-coding RNAs and untranslated regions of mRNAs. This non-canonical translation is largely due to start codon plurality within the same RNA. This plurality is often due to the failure of some scanning ribosomes to recognize potential start codons leading to initiation downstream—a process termed leaky scanning. Codons other than AUG (non-AUG) are particularly leaky due to their inefficiency. Here we discuss our current understanding of non-AUG initiation. We argue for a near-ubiquitous role of non-AUG initiation in shaping the dynamic composition of mammalian proteomes.
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11
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Johnson SL, Prifti MV, Sujkowski A, Libohova K, Blount JR, Hong L, Tsou WL, Todi SV. Drosophila as a Model of Unconventional Translation in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3. Cells 2022; 11:cells11071223. [PMID: 35406787 PMCID: PMC8997593 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA toxicity contributes to diseases caused by anomalous nucleotide repeat expansions. Recent work demonstrated RNA-based toxicity from repeat-associated, non-AUG-initiated translation (RAN translation). RAN translation occurs around long nucleotide repeats that form hairpin loops, allowing for translation initiation in the absence of a start codon that results in potentially toxic, poly-amino acid repeat-containing proteins. Discovered in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type (SCA) 8, RAN translation has been documented in several repeat-expansion diseases, including in the CAG repeat-dependent polyglutamine (polyQ) disorders. The ATXN3 gene, which causes SCA3, also known as Machado–Joseph Disease (MJD), contains a CAG repeat that is expanded in disease. ATXN3 mRNA possesses features linked to RAN translation. In this paper, we examined the potential contribution of RAN translation to SCA3/MJD in Drosophila by using isogenic lines that contain homomeric or interrupted CAG repeats. We did not observe unconventional translation in fly neurons or glia. However, our investigations indicate differential toxicity from ATXN3 protein-encoding mRNA that contains pure versus interrupted CAG repeats. Additional work suggests that this difference may be due in part to toxicity from homomeric CAG mRNA. We conclude that Drosophila is not suitable to model RAN translation for SCA3/MJD, but offers clues into the potential pathogenesis stemming from CAG repeat-containing mRNA in this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean L. Johnson
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; (S.L.J.); (M.V.P.); (A.S.); (K.L.); (J.R.B.); (L.H.); (W.-L.T.)
| | - Matthew V. Prifti
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; (S.L.J.); (M.V.P.); (A.S.); (K.L.); (J.R.B.); (L.H.); (W.-L.T.)
| | - Alyson Sujkowski
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; (S.L.J.); (M.V.P.); (A.S.); (K.L.); (J.R.B.); (L.H.); (W.-L.T.)
| | - Kozeta Libohova
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; (S.L.J.); (M.V.P.); (A.S.); (K.L.); (J.R.B.); (L.H.); (W.-L.T.)
| | - Jessica R. Blount
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; (S.L.J.); (M.V.P.); (A.S.); (K.L.); (J.R.B.); (L.H.); (W.-L.T.)
| | - Luke Hong
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; (S.L.J.); (M.V.P.); (A.S.); (K.L.); (J.R.B.); (L.H.); (W.-L.T.)
- Department of Neurology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Wei-Ling Tsou
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; (S.L.J.); (M.V.P.); (A.S.); (K.L.); (J.R.B.); (L.H.); (W.-L.T.)
| | - Sokol V. Todi
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; (S.L.J.); (M.V.P.); (A.S.); (K.L.); (J.R.B.); (L.H.); (W.-L.T.)
- Department of Neurology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Correspondence:
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12
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Perez BA, Shorrock HK, Banez‐Coronel M, Zu T, Romano LEL, Laboissonniere LA, Reid T, Ikeda Y, Reddy K, Gomez CM, Bird T, Ashizawa T, Schut LJ, Brusco A, Berglund JA, Hasholt LF, Nielsen JE, Subramony SH, Ranum LPW. CCG•CGG interruptions in high-penetrance SCA8 families increase RAN translation and protein toxicity. EMBO Mol Med 2021; 13:e14095. [PMID: 34632710 PMCID: PMC8573593 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202114095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 8 (SCA8), a dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CTG•CAG expansion, is unusual because most individuals that carry the mutation do not develop ataxia. To understand the variable penetrance of SCA8, we studied the molecular differences between highly penetrant families and more common sporadic cases (82%) using a large cohort of SCA8 families (n = 77). We show that repeat expansion mutations from individuals with multiple affected family members have CCG•CGG interruptions at a higher frequency than sporadic SCA8 cases and that the number of CCG•CGG interruptions correlates with age at onset. At the molecular level, CCG•CGG interruptions increase RNA hairpin stability, and in cell culture experiments, increase p-eIF2α and polyAla and polySer RAN protein levels. Additionally, CCG•CGG interruptions, which encode arginine interruptions in the polyGln frame, increase toxicity of the resulting proteins. In summary, SCA8 CCG•CGG interruptions increase polyAla and polySer RAN protein levels, polyGln protein toxicity, and disease penetrance and provide novel insight into the molecular differences between SCA8 families with high vs. low disease penetrance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara A Perez
- Center for NeuroGeneticsUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
- Department of Molecular Genetics and MicrobiologyUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
| | - Hannah K Shorrock
- Center for NeuroGeneticsUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
- Department of Molecular Genetics and MicrobiologyUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
| | - Monica Banez‐Coronel
- Center for NeuroGeneticsUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
- Department of Molecular Genetics and MicrobiologyUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
| | - Tao Zu
- Center for NeuroGeneticsUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
- Department of Molecular Genetics and MicrobiologyUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
| | - Lisa EL Romano
- Center for NeuroGeneticsUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
- Department of Molecular Genetics and MicrobiologyUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
| | - Lauren A Laboissonniere
- Center for NeuroGeneticsUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
- Department of Molecular Genetics and MicrobiologyUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
| | - Tammy Reid
- Center for NeuroGeneticsUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
- Department of Molecular Genetics and MicrobiologyUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
| | - Yoshio Ikeda
- Department of NeurologyGunma UniversityMaebashiJapan
| | - Kaalak Reddy
- RNA InstituteUniversity at Albany–SUNYAlbanyNYUSA
| | | | - Thomas Bird
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
- Geriatrics Research SectionVA Puget Sound Health Care SystemSeattleWAUSA
| | - Tetsuo Ashizawa
- Department of NeurologyHouston Methodist Research InstituteHoustonTXUSA
| | | | - Alfredo Brusco
- Department of Medical SciencesUniversity of TorinoTorinoItaly
- Medical Genetics Units“Città della Salute e della Scienza” University HospitalTorinoItaly
| | - J Andrew Berglund
- Center for NeuroGeneticsUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
- RNA InstituteUniversity at Albany–SUNYAlbanyNYUSA
| | - Lis F Hasholt
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular MedicineUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Jorgen E Nielsen
- Department of NeurologyRigshospitaletUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - SH Subramony
- Center for NeuroGeneticsUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
- McKnight Brain InstituteUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
| | - Laura PW Ranum
- Center for NeuroGeneticsUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
- Department of Molecular Genetics and MicrobiologyUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
- McKnight Brain InstituteUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
- Genetics InstituteUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
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13
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Peric S, Rakocevic-Stojanovic V, Meola G. Cerebral involvement and related aspects in myotonic dystrophy type 2. Neuromuscul Disord 2021; 31:681-694. [PMID: 34244019 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2021.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 2 (DM2) is an autosomal dominant multisystemic disorder caused by CCTG repeats expansion in the first intron of the CNBP gene. In this review we focus on the brain involvement in DM2, including its pathogenic mechanisms, microstructural, macrostructural and functional brain changes, as well as the effects of all these impairments on patients' everyday life. We also try to understand how brain abnormalities in DM2 should be adequately measured and potentially treated. The most important pathogenetic mechanisms in DM2 are RNA gain-of-function and repeat-associated non-ATG (RAN) translation. One of the main neuroimaging findings in DM2 is the presence of diffuse periventricular white matter hyperintensity lesions (WMHLs). Brain atrophy has been described in DM2 patients, but it is not clear if it is mostly caused by a decrease of the white or gray matter volume. The most commonly reported specific cognitive symptoms in DM2 are dysexecutive syndrome, visuospatial and memory impairments. Fatigue, sleep-related disorders and pain are also frequent in DM2. The majority of key symptoms and signs in DM2 has a great influence on patients' daily lives, their psychological status, economic situation and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stojan Peric
- Neurology Clinic, Clinical Center of Serbia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Giovanni Meola
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, Casa Di Cura del Policlinico, Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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14
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Depienne C, Mandel JL. 30 years of repeat expansion disorders: What have we learned and what are the remaining challenges? Am J Hum Genet 2021; 108:764-785. [PMID: 33811808 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2021.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tandem repeats represent one of the most abundant class of variations in human genomes, which are polymorphic by nature and become highly unstable in a length-dependent manner. The expansion of repeat length across generations is a well-established process that results in human disorders mainly affecting the central nervous system. At least 50 disorders associated with expansion loci have been described to date, with half recognized only in the last ten years, as prior methodological difficulties limited their identification. These limitations still apply to the current widely used molecular diagnostic methods (exome or gene panels) and thus result in missed diagnosis detrimental to affected individuals and their families, especially for disorders that are very rare and/or clinically not recognizable. Most of these disorders have been identified through family-driven approaches and many others likely remain to be identified. The recent development of long-read technologies provides a unique opportunity to systematically investigate the contribution of tandem repeats and repeat expansions to the genetic architecture of human disorders. In this review, we summarize the current and most recent knowledge about the genetics of repeat expansion disorders and the diversity of their pathophysiological mechanisms and outline the perspectives of developing personalized treatments in the future.
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15
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Atilano ML, Grönke S, Niccoli T, Kempthorne L, Hahn O, Morón-Oset J, Hendrich O, Dyson M, Adams ML, Hull A, Salcher-Konrad MT, Monaghan A, Bictash M, Glaria I, Isaacs AM, Partridge L. Enhanced insulin signalling ameliorates C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion toxicity in Drosophila. eLife 2021; 10:e58565. [PMID: 33739284 PMCID: PMC8007214 DOI: 10.7554/elife.58565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
G4C2 repeat expansions within the C9orf72 gene are the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The repeats undergo repeat-associated non-ATG translation to generate toxic dipeptide repeat proteins. Here, we show that insulin/IGF signalling is reduced in fly models of C9orf72 repeat expansion using RNA sequencing of adult brain. We further demonstrate that activation of insulin/IGF signalling can mitigate multiple neurodegenerative phenotypes in flies expressing either expanded G4C2 repeats or the toxic dipeptide repeat protein poly-GR. Levels of poly-GR are reduced when components of the insulin/IGF signalling pathway are genetically activated in the diseased flies, suggesting a mechanism of rescue. Modulating insulin signalling in mammalian cells also lowers poly-GR levels. Remarkably, systemic injection of insulin improves the survival of flies expressing G4C2 repeats. Overall, our data suggest that modulation of insulin/IGF signalling could be an effective therapeutic approach against C9orf72 ALS/FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magda L Atilano
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, Institute of Healthy AgeingLondonUnited Kingdom
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCLLondonUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Teresa Niccoli
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, Institute of Healthy AgeingLondonUnited Kingdom
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCLLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Liam Kempthorne
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCLLondonUnited Kingdom
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of NeurologyLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Oliver Hahn
- Max Planck Institute for Biology of AgeingCologneGermany
| | | | | | - Miranda Dyson
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, Institute of Healthy AgeingLondonUnited Kingdom
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCLLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Mirjam Lisette Adams
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, Institute of Healthy AgeingLondonUnited Kingdom
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCLLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Alexander Hull
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, Institute of Healthy AgeingLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Marie-Therese Salcher-Konrad
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCLLondonUnited Kingdom
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of NeurologyLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Amy Monaghan
- Alzheimer's Research United Kingdom UCL Drug Discovery Institute, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Magda Bictash
- Alzheimer's Research United Kingdom UCL Drug Discovery Institute, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Idoia Glaria
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCLLondonUnited Kingdom
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of NeurologyLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Adrian M Isaacs
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCLLondonUnited Kingdom
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of NeurologyLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Linda Partridge
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, Institute of Healthy AgeingLondonUnited Kingdom
- Max Planck Institute for Biology of AgeingCologneGermany
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16
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Jazurek-Ciesiolka M, Ciesiolka A, Komur AA, Urbanek-Trzeciak MO, Krzyzosiak WJ, Fiszer A. RAN Translation of the Expanded CAG Repeats in the SCA3 Disease Context. J Mol Biol 2020; 432:166699. [PMID: 33157084 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2020.10.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the ATXN3 gene encoding the ataxin-3 protein. Despite extensive research the exact pathogenic mechanisms of SCA3 are still not understood in depth. In the present study, to gain insight into the toxicity induced by the expanded CAG repeats in SCA3, we comprehensively investigated repeat-associated non-ATG (RAN) translation in various cellular models expressing translated or non-canonically translated ATXN3 sequences with an increasing number of CAG repeats. We demonstrate that two SCA3 RAN proteins, polyglutamine (polyQ) and polyalanine (polyA), are found only in the case of CAG repeats of pathogenic length. Despite having distinct cellular localization, RAN polyQ and RAN polyA proteins are very often coexpressed in the same cell, impairing nuclear integrity and inducing apoptosis. We provide for the first time mechanistic insights into SCA3 RAN translation indicating that ATXN3 sequences surrounding the repeat region have an impact on SCA3 RAN translation initiation and efficiency. We revealed that RAN translation of polyQ proteins starts at non-cognate codons upstream of the CAG repeats, whereas RAN polyA proteins are likely translated within repeats. Furthermore, integrated stress response activation enhances SCA3 RAN translation. Our findings suggest that the ATXN3 sequence context plays an important role in triggering SCA3 RAN translation and that SCA3 RAN proteins may cause cellular toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Jazurek-Ciesiolka
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland.
| | - Adam Ciesiolka
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Alicja A Komur
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Martyna O Urbanek-Trzeciak
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Wlodzimierz J Krzyzosiak
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Fiszer
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland.
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17
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Johnson SL, Ranxhi B, Libohova K, Tsou WL, Todi SV. Ubiquitin-interacting motifs of ataxin-3 regulate its polyglutamine toxicity through Hsc70-4-dependent aggregation. eLife 2020; 9:60742. [PMID: 32955441 PMCID: PMC7505662 DOI: 10.7554/elife.60742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) belongs to the family of polyglutamine neurodegenerations. Each disorder stems from the abnormal lengthening of a glutamine repeat in a different protein. Although caused by a similar mutation, polyglutamine disorders are distinct, implicating non-polyglutamine regions of disease proteins as regulators of pathogenesis. SCA3 is caused by polyglutamine expansion in ataxin-3. To determine the role of ataxin-3’s non-polyglutamine domains in disease, we utilized a new, allelic series of Drosophila melanogaster. We found that ataxin-3 pathogenicity is saliently controlled by polyglutamine-adjacent ubiquitin-interacting motifs (UIMs) that enhance aggregation and toxicity. UIMs function by interacting with the heat shock protein, Hsc70-4, whose reduction diminishes ataxin-3 toxicity in a UIM-dependent manner. Hsc70-4 also enhances pathogenicity of other polyglutamine proteins. Our studies provide a unique insight into the impact of ataxin-3 domains in SCA3, identify Hsc70-4 as a SCA3 enhancer, and indicate pleiotropic effects from HSP70 chaperones, which are generally thought to suppress polyglutamine degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean L Johnson
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, United States
| | - Bedri Ranxhi
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, United States
| | - Kozeta Libohova
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, United States
| | - Wei-Ling Tsou
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, United States
| | - Sokol V Todi
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, United States.,Department of Neurology, Wayne State University, Detroit, United States
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18
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Skariah G, Todd PK. Translational control in aging and neurodegeneration. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2020; 12:e1628. [PMID: 32954679 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Protein metabolism plays central roles in age-related decline and neurodegeneration. While a large body of research has explored age-related changes in protein degradation, alterations in the efficiency and fidelity of protein synthesis with aging are less well understood. Age-associated changes occur in both the protein synthetic machinery (ribosomal proteins and rRNA) and within regulatory factors controlling translation. At the same time, many of the interventions that prolong lifespan do so in part by pre-emptively decreasing protein synthesis rates to allow better harmonization to age-related declines in protein catabolism. Here we review the roles of translation regulation in aging, with a specific focus on factors implicated in age-related neurodegeneration. We discuss how emerging technologies such as ribosome profiling and superior mass spectrometric approaches are illuminating age-dependent mRNA-specific changes in translation rates across tissues to reveal a critical interplay between catabolic and anabolic pathways that likely contribute to functional decline. These new findings point to nodes in posttranscriptional gene regulation that both contribute to aging and offer targets for therapy. This article is categorized under: Translation > Translation Regulation Translation > Ribosome Biogenesis Translation > Translation Mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geena Skariah
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Peter K Todd
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Ann Arbor VA Healthcare System, Department of Veterans Affairs, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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19
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Bond S, Lopez-Lloreda C, Gannon PJ, Akay-Espinoza C, Jordan-Sciutto KL. The Integrated Stress Response and Phosphorylated Eukaryotic Initiation Factor 2α in Neurodegeneration. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2020; 79:123-143. [PMID: 31913484 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlz129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The proposed molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative pathogenesis are varied, precluding the development of effective therapies for these increasingly prevalent disorders. One of the most consistent observations across neurodegenerative diseases is the phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (eIF2α). eIF2α is a translation initiation factor, involved in cap-dependent protein translation, which when phosphorylated causes global translation attenuation. eIF2α phosphorylation is mediated by 4 kinases, which, together with their downstream signaling cascades, constitute the integrated stress response (ISR). While the ISR is activated by stresses commonly observed in neurodegeneration, such as oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and inflammation, it is a canonically adaptive signaling cascade. However, chronic activation of the ISR can contribute to neurodegenerative phenotypes such as neuronal death, memory impairments, and protein aggregation via apoptotic induction and other maladaptive outcomes downstream of phospho-eIF2α-mediated translation inhibition, including neuroinflammation and altered amyloidogenic processing, plausibly in a feed-forward manner. This review examines evidence that dysregulated eIF2a phosphorylation acts as a driver of neurodegeneration, including a survey of observations of ISR signaling in human disease, inspection of the overlap between ISR signaling and neurodegenerative phenomenon, and assessment of recent encouraging findings ameliorating neurodegeneration using developing pharmacological agents which target the ISR. In doing so, gaps in the field, including crosstalk of the ISR kinases and consideration of ISR signaling in nonneuronal central nervous system cell types, are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Bond
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics (SB); Department of Neuroscience (CL-L); Department of Pharmacology (PG), Perelman School of Medicine; Department of Basic and Translational Sciences (CA-E); and Department of Basic and Translational Sciences (KLJ-S), School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Claudia Lopez-Lloreda
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics (SB); Department of Neuroscience (CL-L); Department of Pharmacology (PG), Perelman School of Medicine; Department of Basic and Translational Sciences (CA-E); and Department of Basic and Translational Sciences (KLJ-S), School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Patrick J Gannon
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics (SB); Department of Neuroscience (CL-L); Department of Pharmacology (PG), Perelman School of Medicine; Department of Basic and Translational Sciences (CA-E); and Department of Basic and Translational Sciences (KLJ-S), School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Cagla Akay-Espinoza
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics (SB); Department of Neuroscience (CL-L); Department of Pharmacology (PG), Perelman School of Medicine; Department of Basic and Translational Sciences (CA-E); and Department of Basic and Translational Sciences (KLJ-S), School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Kelly L Jordan-Sciutto
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics (SB); Department of Neuroscience (CL-L); Department of Pharmacology (PG), Perelman School of Medicine; Department of Basic and Translational Sciences (CA-E); and Department of Basic and Translational Sciences (KLJ-S), School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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20
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Liang C, Shao Q, Zhang W, Yang M, Chang Q, Chen R, Chen JF. Smcr8 deficiency disrupts axonal transport-dependent lysosomal function and promotes axonal swellings and gain of toxicity in C9ALS/FTD mouse models. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 28:3940-3953. [PMID: 31625563 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddz230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
G4C2 repeat expansions in an intron of C9ORF72 cause the most common familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia (collectively, C9ALS/FTD). Mechanisms and mediators of C9ALS/FTD pathogenesis remain poorly understood. C9orf72 and Smcr8 form a protein complex. Here, we show that expression of Smcr8, like C9orf72, is reduced in C9ALS/FTD mouse models and patient tissues. Since Smcr8 is highly conserved between human and mouse, we evaluated the effects of Smcr8 downregulation in mice. Smcr8 knockout (KO) mice exhibited motor behavior deficits, which resemble those of C9ALS/FTD mouse models, and displayed axonal swellings in their spinal cords and neuromuscular junctions. These deficits are caused by impaired autophagy-lysosomal functions due to disrupted axonal transport in mutant motor neurons. Consistent with its interaction with C9orf72 and their downregulation in patient tissues, Smcr8 deficiency exacerbated autophagy-lysosomal impairment in C9orf72 KO mice. The disease relevance of Smcr8 downregulation was reflected by exacerbated axonal swellings and gain of toxicity pathology arising from Smcr8 haploinsufficiency in a mouse model of C9ALS/FTD. Thus, our in vivo studies suggested that Smcr8 deficiency impairs axonal transport dependent autophagy-lysosomal function and exacerbates axonal degeneration and gain of toxicity in C9ALS/FTD mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Liang
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.,Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Qiang Shao
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Wei Zhang
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Mei Yang
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Qing Chang
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Rong Chen
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 100 N. Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jian-Fu Chen
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
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21
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Tahmasebi S, Sonenberg N, Hershey JWB, Mathews MB. Protein Synthesis and Translational Control: A Historical Perspective. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2019; 11:cshperspect.a035584. [PMID: 30082466 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a035584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Protein synthesis and its regulation are central to all known forms of life and impinge on biological arenas as varied as agriculture, biotechnology, and medicine. Otherwise known as translation and translational control, these processes have been investigated with increasing intensity since the middle of the 20th century, and in increasing depth with advances in molecular and cell biology. We review the origins of the field, focusing on the underlying concepts and early studies of the cellular machinery and mechanisms involved. We highlight key discoveries and events on a timeline, consider areas where current research has engendered new ideas, and conclude with some speculation on future directions for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soroush Tahmasebi
- Department of Biochemistry and Goodman Cancer Research Center, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Nahum Sonenberg
- Department of Biochemistry and Goodman Cancer Research Center, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - John W B Hershey
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, School of Medicine, Davis, California 95616
| | - Michael B Mathews
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey 07103
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22
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Linsalata AE, He F, Malik AM, Glineburg MR, Green KM, Natla S, Flores BN, Krans A, Archbold HC, Fedak SJ, Barmada SJ, Todd PK. DDX3X and specific initiation factors modulate FMR1 repeat-associated non-AUG-initiated translation. EMBO Rep 2019; 20:e47498. [PMID: 31347257 PMCID: PMC6726903 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201847498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A CGG trinucleotide repeat expansion in the 5' UTR of FMR1 causes the neurodegenerative disorder Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). This repeat supports a non-canonical mode of protein synthesis known as repeat-associated, non-AUG (RAN) translation. The mechanism underlying RAN translation at CGG repeats remains unclear. To identify modifiers of RAN translation and potential therapeutic targets, we performed a candidate-based screen of eukaryotic initiation factors and RNA helicases in cell-based assays and a Drosophila melanogaster model of FXTAS. We identified multiple modifiers of toxicity and RAN translation from an expanded CGG repeat in the context of the FMR1 5'UTR. These include the DEAD-box RNA helicase belle/DDX3X, the helicase accessory factors EIF4B/4H, and the start codon selectivity factors EIF1 and EIF5. Disrupting belle/DDX3X selectively inhibited FMR1 RAN translation in Drosophila in vivo and cultured human cells, and mitigated repeat-induced toxicity in Drosophila and primary rodent neurons. These findings implicate RNA secondary structure and start codon fidelity as critical elements mediating FMR1 RAN translation and identify potential targets for treating repeat-associated neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander E Linsalata
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate ProgramUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
| | - Fang He
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
- Department of Biological and Health SciencesTexas A&M University, KingsvilleKingsvilleTXUSA
| | - Ahmed M Malik
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
- Neuroscience Graduate ProgramUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
| | | | - Katelyn M Green
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate ProgramUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
| | - Sam Natla
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
| | - Brittany N Flores
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate ProgramUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
| | - Amy Krans
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
| | | | | | - Sami J Barmada
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
| | - Peter K Todd
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
- Ann Arbor VA Medical CenterAnn ArborMIUSA
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23
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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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24
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Abstract
We have made rapid progress in recent years in identifying the genetic causes of many human diseases. However, despite this recent progress, our mechanistic understanding of these diseases is often incomplete. This is a problem because it limits our ability to develop effective disease treatments. To overcome this limitation, we need new concepts to describe and comprehend the complex mechanisms underlying human diseases. Condensate formation by phase separation emerges as a new principle to explain the organization of living cells. In this review, we present emerging evidence that aberrant forms of condensates are associated with many human diseases, including cancer, neurodegeneration, and infectious diseases. We examine disease mechanisms driven by aberrant condensates, and we point out opportunities for therapeutic interventions. We conclude that phase separation provides a useful new framework to understand and fight some of the most severe human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Alberti
- Biotechnology Center (BIOTEC), Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; .,Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Dorothee Dormann
- BioMedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; .,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
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25
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Reddy K, Jenquin JR, Cleary JD, Berglund JA. Mitigating RNA Toxicity in Myotonic Dystrophy using Small Molecules. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E4017. [PMID: 31426500 PMCID: PMC6720693 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20164017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
This review, one in a series on myotonic dystrophy (DM), is focused on the development and potential use of small molecules as therapeutics for DM. The complex mechanisms and pathogenesis of DM are covered in the associated reviews. Here, we examine the various small molecule approaches taken to target the DNA, RNA, and proteins that contribute to disease onset and progression in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) and 2 (DM2).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaalak Reddy
- The RNA Institute, University at Albany-SUNY, Albany, NY 12222, USA.
| | - Jana R Jenquin
- Center for NeuroGenetics and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - John D Cleary
- The RNA Institute, University at Albany-SUNY, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - J Andrew Berglund
- The RNA Institute, University at Albany-SUNY, Albany, NY 12222, USA.
- Center for NeuroGenetics and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA.
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26
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Sossin WS, Costa-Mattioli M. Translational Control in the Brain in Health and Disease. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2019; 11:cshperspect.a032912. [PMID: 30082469 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a032912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Translational control in neurons is crucially required for long-lasting changes in synaptic function and memory storage. The importance of protein synthesis control to brain processes is underscored by the large number of neurological disorders in which translation rates are perturbed, such as autism and neurodegenerative disorders. Here we review the general principles of neuronal translation, focusing on the particular relevance of several key regulators of nervous system translation, including eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (eIF2α), the mechanistic (or mammalian) target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), and the eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2). These pathways regulate the overall rate of protein synthesis in neurons and have selective effects on the translation of specific messenger RNAs (mRNAs). The importance of these general and specific translational control mechanisms is considered in the normal functioning of the nervous system, particularly during synaptic plasticity underlying memory, and in the context of neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wayne S Sossin
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A-2B4, Canada
| | - Mauro Costa-Mattioli
- Department of Neuroscience, Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
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27
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Hale MA, Johnson NE, Berglund JA. Repeat-associated RNA structure and aberrant splicing. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2019; 1862:194405. [PMID: 31323433 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2019.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Over 30 hereditary disorders attributed to the expansion of microsatellite repeats have been identified. Despite variant nucleotide content, number of consecutive repeats, and different locations in the genome, many of these diseases have pathogenic RNA gain-of-function mechanisms. The repeat-containing RNAs can form structures in vitro predicted to contribute to the disease through assembly of intracellular RNA aggregates termed foci. The expanded repeat RNAs within these foci sequester RNA binding proteins (RBPs) with important roles in the regulation of RNA metabolism, most notably alternative splicing (AS). These deleterious interactions lead to downstream alterations in transcriptome-wide AS directly linked with disease symptoms. This review summarizes existing knowledge about the association between the repeat RNA structures and RBPs as well as the resulting aberrant AS patterns, specifically in the context of myotonic dystrophy. The connection between toxic, structured RNAs and dysregulation of AS in other repeat expansion diseases is also discussed. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: RNA structure and splicing regulation edited by Francisco Baralle, Ravindra Singh and Stefan Stamm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A Hale
- Department of Neurology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Nicholas E Johnson
- Department of Neurology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - J Andrew Berglund
- The RNA Institute, Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA.
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28
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Johnson SL, Blount JR, Libohova K, Ranxhi B, Paulson HL, Tsou WL, Todi SV. Differential toxicity of ataxin-3 isoforms in Drosophila models of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 132:104535. [PMID: 31310802 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.104535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The most commonly inherited dominant ataxia, Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3 (SCA3), is caused by a CAG repeat expansion that encodes an abnormally long polyglutamine (polyQ) repeat in the disease protein ataxin-3, a deubiquitinase. Two major full-length isoforms of ataxin-3 exist, both of which contain the same N-terminal portion and polyQ repeat, but differ in their C-termini; one (denoted here as isoform 1) contains a motif that binds ataxin-3's substrate, ubiquitin, whereas the other (denoted here as isoform 2) has a hydrophobic tail. Most SCA3 studies have focused on isoform 1, the predominant version in mammalian brain, yet both isoforms are present in brain and a better understanding of their relative pathogenicity in vivo is needed. We took advantage of the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster to model SCA3 and to examine the toxicity of each ataxin-3 isoform. Our assays reveal isoform 1 to be markedly more toxic than isoform 2 in all fly tissues. Reduced toxicity from isoform 2 is due to much lower protein levels as a result of its expedited degradation. Additional studies indicate that isoform 1 is more aggregation-prone than isoform 2 and that the C-terminus of isoform 2 is critical for its enhanced proteasomal degradation. According to our results, although both full-length, pathogenic ataxin-3 isoforms are toxic, isoform 1 is likely the primary contributor to SCA3 due to its presence at higher levels. Isoform 2, as a result of rapid degradation that is dictated by its tail, is unlikely to be a key player in this disease. Our findings provide new insight into the biology of this ataxia and the cellular processing of the underlying disease protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean L Johnson
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Jessica R Blount
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Kozeta Libohova
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Bedri Ranxhi
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Henry L Paulson
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Wei-Ling Tsou
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
| | - Sokol V Todi
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Neurology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
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29
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Goodman LD, Prudencio M, Srinivasan AR, Rifai OM, Lee VMY, Petrucelli L, Bonini NM. eIF4B and eIF4H mediate GR production from expanded G4C2 in a Drosophila model for C9orf72-associated ALS. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2019; 7:62. [PMID: 31023341 PMCID: PMC6485101 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-019-0711-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The discovery of an expanded (GGGGCC)n repeat (termed G4C2) within the first intron of C9orf72 in familial ALS/FTD has led to a number of studies showing that the aberrant expression of G4C2 RNA can produce toxic dipeptides through repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN-) translation. To reveal canonical translation factors that impact this process, an unbiased loss-of-function screen was performed in a G4C2 fly model that maintained the upstream intronic sequence of the human gene and contained a GFP tag in the GR reading frame. 11 of 48 translation factors were identified that impact production of the GR-GFP protein. Further investigations into two of these, eIF4B and eIF4H, revealed that downregulation of these factors reduced toxicity caused by the expression of expanded G4C2 and reduced production of toxic GR dipeptides from G4C2 transcripts. In patient-derived cells and in post-mortem tissue from ALS/FTD patients, eIF4H was found to be downregulated in cases harboring the G4C2 mutation compared to patients lacking the mutation and healthy individuals. Overall, these data define eIF4B and eIF4H as disease modifiers whose activity is important for RAN-translation of the GR peptide from G4C2-transcripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey D. Goodman
- 0000 0004 1936 8972grid.25879.31Neuroscience Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Mercedes Prudencio
- 0000 0004 0443 9942grid.417467.7Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Ananth R. Srinivasan
- 0000 0004 1936 8972grid.25879.31Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Olivia M. Rifai
- 0000 0004 1936 8972grid.25879.31Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Virginia M.-Y. Lee
- 0000 0004 1936 8972grid.25879.31Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Leonard Petrucelli
- 0000 0004 0443 9942grid.417467.7Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Nancy M. Bonini
- 0000 0004 1936 8972grid.25879.31Neuroscience Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA ,0000 0004 1936 8972grid.25879.31Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
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30
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Shao Q, Liang C, Chang Q, Zhang W, Yang M, Chen JF. C9orf72 deficiency promotes motor deficits of a C9ALS/FTD mouse model in a dose-dependent manner. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2019; 7:32. [PMID: 30832726 PMCID: PMC6398253 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-019-0685-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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31
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Borroni B, Alberici A, Buratti E. Review: Molecular pathology of frontotemporal lobar degenerations. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2019; 45:41-57. [DOI: 10.1111/nan.12534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- B. Borroni
- Neurology Clinic; Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences; University of Brescia; Brescia Italy
| | - A. Alberici
- Neurology Clinic; Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences; University of Brescia; Brescia Italy
| | - E. Buratti
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB); Trieste Italy
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32
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Merrick WC, Pavitt GD. Protein Synthesis Initiation in Eukaryotic Cells. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2018; 10:cshperspect.a033092. [PMID: 29735639 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a033092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 197] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
This review summarizes our current understanding of the major pathway for the initiation phase of protein synthesis in eukaryotic cells, with a focus on recent advances. We describe the major scanning or messenger RNA (mRNA) m7G cap-dependent mechanism, which is a highly coordinated and stepwise regulated process that requires the combined action of at least 12 distinct translation factors with initiator transfer RNA (tRNA), ribosomes, and mRNAs. We limit our review to studies involving either mammalian or budding yeast cells and factors, as these represent the two best-studied experimental systems, and only include a reference to other organisms where particular insight has been gained. We close with a brief description of what we feel are some of the major unknowns in eukaryotic initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- William C Merrick
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Graham D Pavitt
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Function, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom
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