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Varesi A, Campagnoli LIM, Barbieri A, Rossi L, Ricevuti G, Esposito C, Chirumbolo S, Marchesi N, Pascale A. RNA binding proteins in senescence: A potential common linker for age-related diseases? Ageing Res Rev 2023; 88:101958. [PMID: 37211318 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.101958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Aging represents the major risk factor for the onset and/or progression of various disorders including neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic disorders, and bone-related defects. As the average age of the population is predicted to exponentially increase in the coming years, understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of aging-related diseases and the discovery of new therapeutic approaches remain pivotal. Well-reported hallmarks of aging are cellular senescence, genome instability, autophagy impairment, mitochondria dysfunction, dysbiosis, telomere attrition, metabolic dysregulation, epigenetic alterations, low-grade chronic inflammation, stem cell exhaustion, altered cell-to-cell communication and impaired proteostasis. With few exceptions, however, many of the molecular players implicated within these processes as well as their role in disease development remain largely unknown. RNA binding proteins (RBPs) are known to regulate gene expression by dictating at post-transcriptional level the fate of nascent transcripts. Their activity ranges from directing primary mRNA maturation and trafficking to modulation of transcript stability and/or translation. Accumulating evidence has shown that RBPs are emerging as key regulators of aging and aging-related diseases, with the potential to become new diagnostic and therapeutic tools to prevent or delay aging processes. In this review, we summarize the role of RBPs in promoting cellular senescence and we highlight their dysregulation in the pathogenesis and progression of the main aging-related diseases, with the aim of encouraging further investigations that will help to better disclose this novel and captivating molecular scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica Varesi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
| | | | - Annalisa Barbieri
- Department of Drug Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Rossi
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Ciro Esposito
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Italy; Nephrology and dialysis unit, ICS S. Maugeri SPA SB Hospital, Pavia, Italy; High School in Geriatrics, University of Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Nicoletta Marchesi
- Department of Drug Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessia Pascale
- Department of Drug Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
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2
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Ishiguro A, Ishihama A. Essential Roles and Risks of G-Quadruplex Regulation: Recognition Targets of ALS-Linked TDP-43 and FUS. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:957502. [PMID: 35898304 PMCID: PMC9309350 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.957502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
A non-canonical DNA/RNA structure, G-quadruplex (G4), is a unique structure formed by two or more guanine quartets, which associate through Hoogsteen hydrogen bonding leading to form a square planar arrangement. A set of RNA-binding proteins specifically recognize G4 structures and play certain unique physiological roles. These G4-binding proteins form ribonucleoprotein (RNP) through a physicochemical phenomenon called liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). G4-containing RNP granules are identified in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, but extensive studies have been performed in eukaryotes. We have been involved in analyses of the roles of G4-containing RNAs recognized by two G4-RNA-binding proteins, TDP-43 and FUS, which both are the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) causative gene products. These RNA-binding proteins play the essential roles in both G4 recognition and LLPS, but they also carry the risk of agglutination. The biological significance of G4-binding proteins is controlled through unique 3D structure of G4, of which the risk of conformational stability is influenced by environmental conditions such as monovalent metals and guanine oxidation.
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Sai Swaroop R, Akhil PS, Sai Sanwid P, Bandana P, Raksha RK, Meghana M, Bibha C, Sivaramakrishnan V. Integrated multi-omic data analysis and validation with yeast model show oxidative phosphorylation modulates protein aggregation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022:1-20. [PMID: 35749136 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2090441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a progressive, incurable amyloid aggregating neurodegenerative disease involving the motor neurons. Identifying potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets can assist in the better management of the disease. We used an integrative approach encompassing analysis of transcriptomic datasets of human and mice from the GEO database. Our analysis of ALS patient datasets showed deregulation in Non-alcoholic fatty acid liver disease and oxidative phosphorylation. Transgenic mice datasets of SOD1, FUS and TDP-43 showed deregulation in oxidative phosphorylation and ribosome-associated pathways. Commonality analysis between the human and mice datasets showed oxidative phosphorylation as a major deregulated pathway. Further, protein-protein and protein-drug interaction network analysis of mitochondrial electron transport chain showed enrichment of proteins and inhibitors of mitochondrial Complex III and IV. The results were further validated using the yeast model system. Inhibitor studies using metformin (Complex-I inhibitor) and malonate (Complex-II inhibitor) did not show any effect in mitigating the amyloids, while antimycin (Complex-III inhibitor) and azide (Complex-IV inhibitor) reduced amyloidogenesis. Knock-out of QCR8 (Complex-III) or COX8 (Complex-IV) cleared the amyloids. Taken together, our results show a critical role for mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in amyloidogenesis and as a potential therapeutic target in ALS.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Sai Swaroop
- Disease Biology Lab, Dept. of Biosciences, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthi Nilayam, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - P S Akhil
- Disease Biology Lab, Dept. of Biosciences, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthi Nilayam, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, India.,Scientist B, Central Water and Power Research Station, Khadakwasla, Pune
| | - Pradhan Sai Sanwid
- Disease Biology Lab, Dept. of Biosciences, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthi Nilayam, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | | | - Rao K Raksha
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Manjunath Meghana
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Choudhary Bibha
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Venketesh Sivaramakrishnan
- Disease Biology Lab, Dept. of Biosciences, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthi Nilayam, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, India
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Volkening K, Farhan SMK, Kao J, Leystra-Lantz C, Ang LC, McIntyre A, Wang J, Hegele RA, Strong MJ. Evidence of synergism among three genetic variants in a patient with LMNA-related lipodystrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis leading to a remarkable nuclear phenotype. Mol Cell Biochem 2021; 476:2633-2650. [PMID: 33661429 PMCID: PMC8192393 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-021-04103-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), can be clinically heterogeneous which may be explained by the co-inheritance of multiple genetic variants that modify the clinical course. In this study we examine variants in three genes in a family with one individual presenting with ALS and lipodystrophy. Sequencing revealed a p.Gly602Ser variant in LMNA, and two additional variants, one each in SETX (g.intron10-13delCTT) and FUS (p.Gly167_Gly168del). These latter genes have been linked to ALS. All family members were genotyped and each variant, and each combination of variants detected, were functionally evaluated in vitro regarding effects on cell survival, expression patterns and cellular phenotype. Muscle biopsy retrieved from the individual with ALS showed leakage of chromatin from the nucleus, a phenotype that was recapitulated in vitro with expression of all three variants simultaneously. Individually expressed variants gave cellular phenotypes there were unremarkable. Interestingly the FUS variant appears to be protective against the effects of the SETX and the LMNA variants on cell viability and may indicate loss of interaction of FUS with SETX and/or R-loops. We conclude that these findings support genetic modifications as an explanation of the clinical heterogeneity observed in human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Volkening
- Molecular Medicine, Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Sali M K Farhan
- Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Jessica Kao
- Molecular Medicine, Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Cheryl Leystra-Lantz
- Molecular Medicine, Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Lee Cyn Ang
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, London Health Sciences Centre-University Hospital, London, ON, Canada
| | - Adam McIntyre
- Blackburn Cardiovascular Genetics Lab, Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Jian Wang
- Blackburn Cardiovascular Genetics Lab, Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Robert A Hegele
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, London Health Sciences Centre-University Hospital, London, ON, Canada
- Blackburn Cardiovascular Genetics Lab, Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Michael J Strong
- Molecular Medicine, Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
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5
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Ishiguro A, Katayama A, Ishihama A. Different recognition modes of G-quadruplex RNA between two ALS/FTLD-linked proteins TDP-43 and FUS. FEBS Lett 2020; 595:310-323. [PMID: 33269497 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/frontotemporal lobar degeneration-linked proteins, TDP-43 and fused in sarcoma (FUS), bind to G-quadruplex-containing mRNAs and transport them to distal neurites for local translation. The specificity and mechanism of G4-RNA binding, however, remain largely unsolved. Using purified full-length TDP-43 and FUS and a set of seven G4-DNA/RNA, we compared their recognition properties of G4-RNAs. Both TDP-43 and FUS recognized and bound to G4-DNA/RNAs, but the target selectivity differed between two proteins. TDP-43 recognized only parallel-stranded G4-DNA/RNAs, leading to stabilize the G4 conformation. In contrast, FUS bound to all three types, parallel, hybrid, and antiparallel, of G4-DNA/RNAs, resulting in deformation of the G4 structure. We then concluded that the target selectivity and the influence on G4 RNA structure differed between TDP-43 and FUS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Ishiguro
- Research Center for Micro-Nano Technology, Hosei University, Koganei, Japan
| | - Akira Katayama
- Department of Molecular Analysis Laboratory, Nippon Medical School, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
| | - Akira Ishihama
- Research Center for Micro-Nano Technology, Hosei University, Koganei, Japan
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6
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Ishigaki S, Sobue G. Importance of Functional Loss of FUS in FTLD/ALS. Front Mol Biosci 2018; 5:44. [PMID: 29774215 PMCID: PMC5943504 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2018.00044] [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: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Fused in sarcoma (FUS) is an RNA binding protein that regulates RNA metabolism including alternative splicing, transcription, and RNA transportation. FUS is genetically and pathologically involved in frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD)/amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Multiple lines of evidence across diverse models suggest that functional loss of FUS can lead to neuronal dysfunction and/or neuronal cell death. Loss of FUS in the nucleus can impair alternative splicing and/or transcription, whereas dysfunction of FUS in the cytoplasm, especially in the dendritic spines of neurons, can cause mRNA destabilization. Alternative splicing of the MAPT gene at exon 10, which generates 4-repeat Tau (4R-Tau) and 3-repeat Tau (3R-Tau), is one of the most impactful targets regulated by FUS. Additionally, loss of FUS function can affect dendritic spine maturations by destabilizing mRNAs such as Glutamate receptor 1 (GluA1), a major AMPA receptor, and Synaptic Ras GTPase-activating protein 1 (SynGAP1). Moreover, FUS is involved in axonal transport and morphological maintenance of neurons. These findings indicate that a biological link between loss of FUS function, Tau isoform alteration, aberrant post-synaptic function, and phenotypic expression might lead to the sequential cascade culminating in FTLD. Thus, to facilitate development of early disease markers and/or therapeutic targets of FTLD/ALS it is critical that the functions of FUS and its downstream pathways are unraveled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinsuke Ishigaki
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.,Department of Therapeutics for Intractable Neurological Disorders, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Gen Sobue
- Brain and Mind Research Center, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan.,Research Division of Dementia and Neurodegenerative Disease, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
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Endo K, Ishigaki S, Masamizu Y, Fujioka Y, Watakabe A, Yamamori T, Hatanaka N, Nambu A, Okado H, Katsuno M, Watanabe H, Matsuzaki M, Sobue G. Silencing of FUS in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) brain via stereotaxic injection of an adeno-associated virus encoding shRNA. Neurosci Res 2017; 130:56-64. [PMID: 28842245 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2017.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Revised: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Fused in sarcoma (FUS) is an RNA binding protein that is involved in frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). To establish the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) as a model for FTLD, we generated a stereotaxic injection-based marmoset model of FUS-silencing. We designed shRNAs against the marmoset FUS gene and generated an AAV9 virus encoding the most effective shRNA against FUS (shFUS). The AAV encoding shFUS (AAV-shFUS) was introduced into the frontal cortex of young adult marmosets, whereas AAV encoding a control shRNA was injected into the contralateral side. We obtained approximately 70-80% silencing of FUS following AAV-shFUS injection. Interestingly, FUS-silencing provoked a proliferation of astrocytes and microglias. Since FTLD is characterized by various emotional deficits, it would be helpful to establish a marmoset model of FUS-silencing in various brain tissues for investigating the pathomechanism of higher cognitive and behavioral dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuniyuki Endo
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Ishigaki
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan; Department of Therapeutics for Intractable Neurological Disorders, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan.
| | - Yoshito Masamizu
- Department of Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; Division of Brain Circuits, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
| | - Yusuke Fujioka
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan
| | - Akiya Watakabe
- Laboratory for Molecular Analysis of Higher Brain Function, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Yamamori
- Laboratory for Molecular Analysis of Higher Brain Function, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Nobuhiko Hatanaka
- Division of System Neurophysiology, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Department of Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan, and SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
| | - Atsushi Nambu
- Division of System Neurophysiology, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Department of Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan, and SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
| | - Haruo Okado
- Department of Brain Development and Neural Regeneration, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
| | - Masahisa Katsuno
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan
| | - Hirohisa Watanabe
- Brain and Mind Research Center, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan
| | - Masanori Matsuzaki
- Department of Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; Division of Brain Circuits, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
| | - Gen Sobue
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan; Brain and Mind Research Center, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan; Research Division of Dementia and Neurodegenerative Disease, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan.
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8
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Ansseau E, Eidahl JO, Lancelot C, Tassin A, Matteotti C, Yip C, Liu J, Leroy B, Hubeau C, Gerbaux C, Cloet S, Wauters A, Zorbo S, Meyer P, Pirson I, Laoudj-Chenivesse D, Wattiez R, Harper SQ, Belayew A, Coppée F. Homologous Transcription Factors DUX4 and DUX4c Associate with Cytoplasmic Proteins during Muscle Differentiation. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0146893. [PMID: 26816005 PMCID: PMC4729438 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0146893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2015] [Accepted: 12/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Hundreds of double homeobox (DUX) genes map within 3.3-kb repeated elements dispersed in the human genome and encode DNA-binding proteins. Among these, we identified DUX4, a potent transcription factor that causes facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). In the present study, we performed yeast two-hybrid screens and protein co-purifications with HaloTag-DUX fusions or GST-DUX4 pull-down to identify protein partners of DUX4, DUX4c (which is identical to DUX4 except for the end of the carboxyl terminal domain) and DUX1 (which is limited to the double homeodomain). Unexpectedly, we identified and validated (by co-immunoprecipitation, GST pull-down, co-immunofluorescence and in situ Proximal Ligation Assay) the interaction of DUX4, DUX4c and DUX1 with type III intermediate filament protein desmin in the cytoplasm and at the nuclear periphery. Desmin filaments link adjacent sarcomere at the Z-discs, connect them to sarcolemma proteins and interact with mitochondria. These intermediate filament also contact the nuclear lamina and contribute to positioning of the nuclei. Another Z-disc protein, LMCD1 that contains a LIM domain was also validated as a DUX4 partner. The functionality of DUX4 or DUX4c interactions with cytoplasmic proteins is underscored by the cytoplasmic detection of DUX4/DUX4c upon myoblast fusion. In addition, we identified and validated (by co-immunoprecipitation, co-immunofluorescence and in situ Proximal Ligation Assay) as DUX4/4c partners several RNA-binding proteins such as C1QBP, SRSF9, RBM3, FUS/TLS and SFPQ that are involved in mRNA splicing and translation. FUS and SFPQ are nuclear proteins, however their cytoplasmic translocation was reported in neuronal cells where they associated with ribonucleoparticles (RNPs). Several other validated or identified DUX4/DUX4c partners are also contained in mRNP granules, and the co-localizations with cytoplasmic DAPI-positive spots is in keeping with such an association. Large muscle RNPs were recently shown to exit the nucleus via a novel mechanism of nuclear envelope budding. Following DUX4 or DUX4c overexpression in muscle cell cultures, we observed their association with similar nuclear buds. In conclusion, our study demonstrated unexpected interactions of DUX4/4c with cytoplasmic proteins playing major roles during muscle differentiation. Further investigations are on-going to evaluate whether these interactions play roles during muscle regeneration as previously suggested for DUX4c.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugénie Ansseau
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Jocelyn O. Eidahl
- Center for Gene Therapy, Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Céline Lancelot
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Alexandra Tassin
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Christel Matteotti
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Cassandre Yip
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Jian Liu
- Center for Gene Therapy, Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Baptiste Leroy
- Laboratory of Proteomic and Microbiology, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Céline Hubeau
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Cécile Gerbaux
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Samuel Cloet
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Armelle Wauters
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Sabrina Zorbo
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Pierre Meyer
- Pediatric Department, CHRU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Isabelle Pirson
- I.R.I.B.H.M., Free University of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Ruddy Wattiez
- Laboratory of Proteomic and Microbiology, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Scott Q. Harper
- Center for Gene Therapy, Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Alexandra Belayew
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Frédérique Coppée
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
- * E-mail:
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9
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Theme 8 human cell biology and pathology. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2014; 15 Suppl 1:152-60. [PMID: 25382838 DOI: 10.3109/21678421.2014.960185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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10
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Campos-Melo D, Droppelmann CA, Volkening K, Strong MJ. RNA-binding proteins as molecular links between cancer and neurodegeneration. Biogerontology 2014; 15:587-610. [PMID: 25231915 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-014-9531-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2014] [Accepted: 09/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
For many years, epidemiological studies have suggested an association between cancer and neurodegenerative disorders-two disease processes that seemingly have little in common. Although these two disease processes share disruptions in a wide range of cellular pathways, including cell survival, cell death and the cell cycle, the end result is very divergent: uncontrolled cell survival and proliferation in cancer and progressive neuronal cell death in neurodegeneration. Despite the clinical data connecting these two disease processes, little is known about the molecular links between them. Among the mechanisms affected in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, alterations in RNA metabolism are obtaining significant attention given the critical role for RNA transcription, maturation, transport, stability, degradation and translation in normal cellular function. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are integral to each stage of RNA metabolism through their participation in the formation of ribonucleoprotein complexes (RNPs). RBPs have a broad range of functions including posttranscriptional regulation of mRNA stability, splicing, editing and translation, mRNA export and localization, mRNA polyadenylation and miRNA biogenesis, ultimately impacting the expression of every single gene in the cell. In this review, we examine the evidence for RBPs as being key a molecular linkages between cancer and neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danae Campos-Melo
- Molecular Medicine Group, Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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11
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Fujioka Y, Ishigaki S, Masuda A, Iguchi Y, Udagawa T, Watanabe H, Katsuno M, Ohno K, Sobue G. FUS-regulated region- and cell-type-specific transcriptome is associated with cell selectivity in ALS/FTLD. Sci Rep 2014; 3:2388. [PMID: 23925123 PMCID: PMC3737506 DOI: 10.1038/srep02388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2013] [Accepted: 07/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
FUS is genetically and pathologically linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). To clarify the RNA metabolism cascade regulated by FUS in ALS/FTLD, we compared the FUS-regulated transcriptome profiles in different lineages of primary cells from the central nervous system. The profiles of FUS-mediated gene expression and alternative splicing in motor neurons were similar to those of cortical neurons, but not to those in cerebellar neurons despite the similarity of innate transcriptome signature. The gene expression profiles in glial cells were similar to those in motor and cortical neurons. We identified certain neurological diseases-associated genes, including Mapt, Stx1a, and Scn8a, among the profiles of gene expression and alternative splicing events regulated by FUS. Thus, FUS-regulated transcriptome profiles in each cell-type may determine cellular fate in association with FUS-mediated ALS/FTLD, and identified RNA targets for FUS could be therapeutic targets for ALS/FTLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Fujioka
- Department of Neurology, Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
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12
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Honda D, Ishigaki S, Iguchi Y, Fujioka Y, Udagawa T, Masuda A, Ohno K, Katsuno M, Sobue G. The ALS/FTLD-related RNA-binding proteins TDP-43 and FUS have common downstream RNA targets in cortical neurons. FEBS Open Bio 2013; 4:1-10. [PMID: 24319651 PMCID: PMC3851184 DOI: 10.1016/j.fob.2013.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2013] [Revised: 11/11/2013] [Accepted: 11/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
TDP-43 and FUS are linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), and loss of function of either protein contributes to these neurodegenerative conditions. To elucidate the TDP-43- and FUS-regulated pathophysiological RNA metabolism cascades, we assessed the differential gene expression and alternative splicing profiles related to regulation by either TDP-43 or FUS in primary cortical neurons. These profiles overlapped by >25% with respect to gene expression and >9% with respect to alternative splicing. The shared downstream RNA targets of TDP-43 and FUS may form a common pathway in the neurodegenerative processes of ALS/FTLD.
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Key Words
- ALS
- ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- Cugbp1, CUG triplet repeat, RNA-binding protein 1
- DAVID, Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery
- FTLD
- FTLD, frontotemporal lobar degeneration
- FUS
- FUS, fused in sarcoma
- GFAP, glial fibrillary acidic protein
- GO, Gene Ontology
- LTP, long-term potentiation
- RIN, RNA integrity numbers
- RMA, robust multichip average
- RRMs, RNA recognition motifs
- SBMA, spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy
- TDP-43
- TDP-43, transactive response (TAR) DNA-binding protein 43
- TGF, transforming growth factor
- Transcriptome
- hnRNAPs, heterogeneous ribonucleoproteins
- shCont, shRNA/control
- shCugbp1, shRNA/Cugbp1
- shFUS, shRNA/FUS
- shTDP, shRNA/TDP-43
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiyu Honda
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
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Bronicki LM, Jasmin BJ. Emerging complexity of the HuD/ELAVl4 gene; implications for neuronal development, function, and dysfunction. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2013; 19:1019-1037. [PMID: 23861535 PMCID: PMC3708524 DOI: 10.1261/rna.039164.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Precise control of messenger RNA (mRNA) processing and abundance are increasingly being recognized as critical for proper spatiotemporal gene expression, particularly in neurons. These regulatory events are governed by a large number of trans-acting factors found in neurons, most notably RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and micro-RNAs (miRs), which bind to specific cis-acting elements or structures within mRNAs. Through this binding mechanism, trans-acting factors, particularly RBPs, control all aspects of mRNA metabolism, ranging from altering the transcription rate to mediating mRNA degradation. In this context the best-characterized neuronal RBP, the Hu/ELAVl family member HuD, is emerging as a key component in multiple regulatory processes--including pre-mRNA processing, mRNA stability, and translation--governing the fate of a substantial amount of neuronal mRNAs. Through its ability to regulate mRNA metabolism of diverse groups of functionally similar genes, HuD plays important roles in neuronal development and function. Furthermore, compelling evidence indicates supplementary roles for HuD in neuronal plasticity, in particular, recovery from axonal injury, learning and memory, and multiple neurological diseases. The purpose of this review is to provide a detailed overview of the current knowledge surrounding the expression and roles of HuD in the nervous system. Additionally, we outline the present understanding of the molecular mechanisms presiding over the localization, abundance, and function of HuD in neurons.
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Lavin MF, Yeo AJ, Becherel OJ. Senataxin protects the genome: Implications for neurodegeneration and other abnormalities. Rare Dis 2013; 1:e25230. [PMID: 25003001 PMCID: PMC3927485 DOI: 10.4161/rdis.25230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2013] [Accepted: 05/31/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Ataxia oculomotor apraxia type 2 (AOA2) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by cerebellar atrophy, peripheral neuropathy, loss of Purkinje cells and elevated α-fetoprotein. AOA2 is caused by mutations in the SETX gene that codes for the high molecular weight protein senataxin. Mutations in this gene also cause dominant neurodegenerative disorders. Similar to that observed for other autosomal recessive ataxias, this protein protects the integrity of the genome against oxidative and other forms of DNA damage to reduce the risk of neurodegeneration. Senataxin functions in transcription termination and RNA splicing and it has been shown to resolve RNA/DNA hybrids (R-loops) that arise at transcription pause sites or when transcription is blocked. Recent data suggest that this protein functions at the interface between transcription and DNA replication to minimise the risk of collision and maintain genome stability. Our recent data using SETX gene-disrupted mice revealed that male mice were defective in spermatogenesis and were infertile. DNA double strand-breaks persisted throughout meiosis and crossing-over failed in SETX mutant mice. These changes can be explained by the accumulation of R-loops, which interfere with Holiday junctions and crossing-over. We also showed that senataxin was localized to the XY body in pachytene cells and was involved in transcriptional silencing of these chromosomes. While the defect in meiotic recombination was striking in these animals, there was no evidence of neurodegeneration as observed in AOA2 patients. We discuss here potentially different roles for senataxin in proliferating and post-mitotic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin F Lavin
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research; Radiation Biology and Oncology; Brisbane, QLD, Australia ; University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research; Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Abrey J Yeo
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research; Radiation Biology and Oncology; Brisbane, QLD, Australia ; School of Medicine; University of Queensland; Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Olivier J Becherel
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research; Radiation Biology and Oncology; Brisbane, QLD, Australia ; School of Chemistry & Molecular Biosciences; University of Queensland; St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
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Miyazaki K, Yamashita T, Morimoto N, Sato K, Mimoto T, Kurata T, Ikeda Y, Abe K. Early and selective reduction of NOP56 (Asidan) and RNA processing proteins in the motor neuron of ALS model mice. Neurol Res 2013; 35:744-54. [PMID: 23582672 DOI: 10.1179/1743132813y.0000000196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is increasing evidence to support that altered RNA processing is implicated in the pathogenesis of motor neuron degeneration of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We evaluate the expression of three RNA processing-related proteins in ALS model mice in this study. METHODS We analyzed expression and distribution patterns of three RNA processing-related proteins, nucleolar protein (NOP) 56 (identified as causative gene for spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) 36, nicknamed Asidan), TDP-43, and fused in sarcoma/translocated in liposarcoma (FUS) in lumbar and cervical cords, hypoglossal nucleus, cerebral motor cortex, and cerebellum of transgenic (Tg) SOD1 G93A ALS model mice throughout the course of motor neuron degeneration. RESULTS Compared to age-matched wild type (WT) mice, Tg mice showed progressive reduction of NOP56 levels in the large motor neurons of lumbar and cervical cords from the early-symptomatic stage (14 weeks of age) to the end stage of the disease (18 weeks). TDP-43 and FUS protein levels showed a later decrease in the nucleus of large motor neuron at 18 weeks (end stage of the disease). These changes were not observed in the primary motor cortex of the cerebrum as well as molecular and granular layers and Purkinje cells in the cerebellum. DISCUSSION The present study suggests a progressive loss of these three nuclear proteins and subsequent RNA processing problems including a novel gene relating to ALS (NOP56) under the motor neuron degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazunori Miyazaki
- Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Shikata-cho, Okayama, Japan
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Swanger SA, Bassell GJ. Dendritic protein synthesis in the normal and diseased brain. Neuroscience 2012; 232:106-27. [PMID: 23262237 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2012.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2012] [Revised: 11/21/2012] [Accepted: 12/01/2012] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Synaptic activity is a spatially limited process that requires a precise, yet dynamic, complement of proteins within the synaptic micro-domain. The maintenance and regulation of these synaptic proteins is regulated, in part, by local mRNA translation in dendrites. Protein synthesis within the postsynaptic compartment allows neurons tight spatial and temporal control of synaptic protein expression, which is critical for proper functioning of synapses and neural circuits. In this review, we discuss the identity of proteins synthesized within dendrites, the receptor-mediated mechanisms regulating their synthesis, and the possible roles for these locally synthesized proteins. We also explore how our current understanding of dendritic protein synthesis in the hippocampus can be applied to new brain regions and to understanding the pathological mechanisms underlying varied neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Swanger
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - G J Bassell
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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Collins M, Riascos D, Kovalik T, An J, Krupa K, Krupa K, Hood BL, Conrads TP, Renton AE, Traynor BJ, Bowser R. The RNA-binding motif 45 (RBM45) protein accumulates in inclusion bodies in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration with TDP-43 inclusions (FTLD-TDP) patients. Acta Neuropathol 2012; 124:717-32. [PMID: 22993125 PMCID: PMC3472056 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-012-1045-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2012] [Revised: 09/06/2012] [Accepted: 09/07/2012] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
RNA-binding protein pathology now represents one of the best characterized pathologic features of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration patients with TDP-43 or FUS pathology (FTLD-TDP and FTLD-FUS). Using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, we identified altered levels of the RNA-binding motif 45 (RBM45) protein in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of ALS patients. This protein contains sequence similarities to TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) and fused-in-sarcoma (FUS) that are contained in cytoplasmic inclusions of ALS and FTLD-TDP or FTLD-FUS patients. To further characterize RBM45, we first verified the presence of RBM45 in CSF and spinal cord tissue extracts of ALS patients by immunoblot. We next used immunohistochemistry to examine the subcellular distribution of RBM45 and observed in a punctate staining pattern within nuclei of neurons and glia in the brain and spinal cord. We also detected RBM45 cytoplasmic inclusions in 91 % of ALS, 100 % of FTLD-TDP and 75 % of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) cases. The most extensive RBM45 pathology was observed in patients that harbor the C9ORF72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion. These RBM45 inclusions were observed in spinal cord motor neurons, glia and neurons of the dentate gyrus. By confocal microscopy, RBM45 co-localizes with ubiquitin and TDP-43 in inclusion bodies. In neurons containing RBM45 cytoplasmic inclusions we often detected the protein in a punctate pattern within the nucleus that lacked either TDP-43 or ubiquitin. We identified RBM45 using a proteomic screen of CSF from ALS and control subjects for candidate biomarkers, and link this RNA-binding protein to inclusion pathology in ALS, FTLD-TDP and AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahlon Collins
- Departments of Neurobiology and Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - David Riascos
- Division of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, NRC 4th Floor, 350 W Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85013 USA
| | - Tina Kovalik
- Division of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, NRC 4th Floor, 350 W Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85013 USA
| | - Jiyan An
- Division of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, NRC 4th Floor, 350 W Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85013 USA
| | - Kelly Krupa
- Departments of Neurobiology and Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Kristin Krupa
- Departments of Neurobiology and Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Brian L. Hood
- Women’s Health Integrated Research Center at Inova Health System, Annandale, VA USA
| | - Thomas P. Conrads
- Women’s Health Integrated Research Center at Inova Health System, Annandale, VA USA
| | - Alan E. Renton
- Neuromuscular Diseases Research Unit, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Bryan J. Traynor
- Neuromuscular Diseases Research Unit, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Robert Bowser
- Departments of Neurobiology and Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
- Division of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, NRC 4th Floor, 350 W Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85013 USA
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Verbeeck C, Deng Q, Dejesus-Hernandez M, Taylor G, Ceballos-Diaz C, Kocerha J, Golde T, Das P, Rademakers R, Dickson DW, Kukar T. Expression of Fused in sarcoma mutations in mice recapitulates the neuropathology of FUS proteinopathies and provides insight into disease pathogenesis. Mol Neurodegener 2012; 7:53. [PMID: 23046583 PMCID: PMC3519790 DOI: 10.1186/1750-1326-7-53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2012] [Accepted: 09/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mutations in the gene encoding the RNA-binding protein fused in sarcoma (FUS) can cause familial and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and rarely frontotemproal dementia (FTD). FUS accumulates in neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions (NCIs) in ALS patients with FUS mutations. FUS is also a major pathologic marker for a group of less common forms of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), which includes atypical FTLD with ubiquitinated inclusions (aFTLD-U), neuronal intermediate filament inclusion disease (NIFID) and basophilic inclusion body disease (BIBD). These diseases are now called FUS proteinopathies, because they share this disease marker. It is unknown how FUS mutations cause disease and the role of FUS in FTD-FUS cases, which do not have FUS mutations. In this paper we report the development of somatic brain transgenic (SBT) mice using recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) to investigate how FUS mutations lead to neurodegeneration. RESULTS We compared SBT mice expressing wild-type human FUS (FUSWT), and two ALS-linked mutations: FUSR521C and FUSΔ14, which lacks the nuclear localization signal. Both FUS mutants accumulated in the cytoplasm relative to FUSWT. The degree of this shift correlated with the severity of the FUS mutation as reflected by disease onset in humans. Mice expressing the most aggressive mutation, FUSΔ14, recapitulated many aspects of FUS proteinopathies, including insoluble FUS, basophilic and eosiniphilic NCIs, and other pathologic markers, including ubiquitin, p62/SQSTM1, α-internexin, and the poly-adenylate(A)-binding protein 1 (PABP-1). However, TDP-43 did not localize to inclusions. CONCLUSIONS Our data supports the hypothesis that ALS or FTD-linked FUS mutations cause neurodegeneration by increasing cyotplasmic FUS. Accumulation of FUS in the cytoplasm may retain RNA targets and recruit additional RNA-binding proteins, such as PABP-1, into stress-granule like aggregates that coalesce into permanent inclusions that could negatively affect RNA metabolism. Identification of mutations in other genes that cause ALS/FTD, such as C9ORF72, sentaxin, and angiogenin, lends support to the idea that defective RNA metabolism is a critical pathogenic pathway. The SBT FUS mice described here will provide a valuable platform for dissecting the pathogenic mechanism of FUS mutations, define the relationship between FTD and ALS-FUS, and help identify therapeutic targets that are desperately needed for these devastating neurodegenerative disorders.
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20
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Position-dependent FUS-RNA interactions regulate alternative splicing events and transcriptions. Sci Rep 2012; 2:529. [PMID: 22829983 PMCID: PMC3402842 DOI: 10.1038/srep00529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2012] [Accepted: 07/09/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
FUS is an RNA-binding protein that regulates transcription, alternative splicing, and mRNA transport. Aberrations of FUS are causally associated with familial and sporadic ALS/FTLD. We analyzed FUS-mediated transcriptions and alternative splicing events in mouse primary cortical neurons using exon arrays. We also characterized FUS-binding RNA sites in the mouse cerebrum with HITS-CLIP. We found that FUS-binding sites tend to form stable secondary structures. Analysis of position-dependence of FUS-binding sites disclosed scattered binding of FUS to and around the alternatively spliced exons including those associated with neurodegeneration such as Mapt, Camk2a, and Fmr1. We also found that FUS is often bound to the antisense RNA strand at the promoter regions. Global analysis of these FUS-tags and the expression profiles disclosed that binding of FUS to the promoter antisense strand downregulates transcriptions of the coding strand. Our analysis revealed that FUS regulates alternative splicing events and transcriptions in a position-dependent manner.
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Fallini C, Bassell GJ, Rossoll W. The ALS disease protein TDP-43 is actively transported in motor neuron axons and regulates axon outgrowth. Hum Mol Genet 2012; 21:3703-18. [PMID: 22641816 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/dds205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease specifically affecting cortical and spinal motor neurons. Cytoplasmic inclusions containing hyperphosphorylated and ubiquitinated TDP-43 are a pathological hallmark of ALS, and mutations in the gene encoding TDP-43 have been directly linked to the development of the disease. TDP-43 is a ubiquitous DNA/RNA-binding protein with a nuclear role in pre-mRNA splicing. However, the selective vulnerability and axonal degeneration of motor neurons in ALS pose the question of whether TDP-43 may have an additional role in the regulation of the cytoplasmic and axonal fate of mRNAs, processes important for neuron function. To investigate this possibility, we have characterized TDP-43 localization and dynamics in primary cultured motor neurons. Using a combination of cell imaging and biochemical techniques, we demonstrate that TDP-43 is localized and actively transported in live motor neuron axons, and that it co-localizes with well-studied axonal mRNA-binding proteins. Expression of the TDP-43 C-terminal fragment led to the formation of hyperphosphorylated and ubiquitinated inclusions in motor neuron cell bodies and neurites, and these inclusions specifically sequestered the mRNA-binding protein HuD. Additionally, we showed that overexpression of full-length or mutant TDP-43 in motor neurons caused a severe impairment in axon outgrowth, which was dependent on the C-terminal protein-interacting domain of TDP-43. Taken together, our results suggest a role of TDP-43 in the regulation of axonal growth, and suggest that impairment in the post-transcriptional regulation of mRNAs in the cytoplasm of motor neurons may be a major factor in the development of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Fallini
- Department of Cell Biology and Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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Baloh RH. TDP-43: the relationship between protein aggregation and neurodegeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. FEBS J 2011; 278:3539-49. [PMID: 21777387 PMCID: PMC3177991 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2011.08256.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Accumulations of aggregated proteins are a key feature of the pathology of all of the major neurodegenerative diseases. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was brought into this fold quite recently with the discovery of TDP-43 (TAR DNA binding protein, 43 kDa) inclusions in nearly all ALS cases. In part this discovery was fueled by the recognition of the clinical overlap between ALS and frontotemporal lobar degeneration, where ubiquitinated TDP-43 inclusions were first identified. Later the identification of TDP-43 mutations in rare familial forms of ALS confirmed that altered TDP-43 function can be a primary cause of the disease. However, the simple concept that TDP-43 is an aggregation-prone protein that forms toxic inclusions capable of promoting neurodegeneration has not been upheld by initial investigations. This review discusses observations from human pathology, cell culture and animal model systems, to highlight our somewhat murky understanding of the relationship between TDP-43 aggregation and neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert H Baloh
- Neuromuscular Division, Department of Neurology, Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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Fiesel FC, Kahle PJ. TDP-43 and FUS/TLS: cellular functions and implications for neurodegeneration. FEBS J 2011; 278:3550-68. [PMID: 21777389 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2011.08258.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
TDP-43 (transactive response binding protein of 43 kDa) and FUS (fused in sarcoma) comprise the neuropathological protein aggregates of distinct subtypes of the neurodegenerative diseases frontotemporal lobar degeneration and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Moreover, the genes encoding TDP-43 and FUS are linked to these diseases. Both TDP-43 and FUS contain RNA binding motifs, and specific targets are being identified. Potential actions of TDP-43 and FUS include transcriptional regulation, mRNA processing and micro RNA biogenesis. These activities are probably modulated by interacting proteins in cell type specific manners as well as distinctly within the nucleus and cytosol, as both proteins shuttle between these compartments. In this minireview the specific functions of TDP-43 and FUS are described and discussed in the context of how TDP-43 and FUS may contribute to the pathogenesis of frontotemporal lobar degeneration and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabienne C Fiesel
- Department of Neurodegeneration, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.
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Buratti E, Baralle FE. TDP-43: new aspects of autoregulation mechanisms in RNA binding proteins and their connection with human disease. FEBS J 2011; 278:3530-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2011.08257.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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