1
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Nicolas-Martinez EC, Robinson O, Pflueger C, Gardner A, Corbett MA, Ritchie T, Kroes T, van Eyk CL, Scheffer IE, Hildebrand MS, Barnier JV, Rousseau V, Genevieve D, Haushalter V, Piton A, Denommé-Pichon AS, Bruel AL, Nambot S, Isidor B, Grigg J, Gonzalez T, Ghedia S, Marchant RG, Bournazos A, Wong WK, Webster RI, Evesson FJ, Jones KJ, Cooper ST, Lister R, Gecz J, Jolly LA. RNA variant assessment using transactivation and transdifferentiation. Am J Hum Genet 2024:S0002-9297(24)00224-6. [PMID: 39084224 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2024.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding the impact of splicing and nonsense variants on RNA is crucial for the resolution of variant classification as well as their suitability for precision medicine interventions. This is primarily enabled through RNA studies involving transcriptomics followed by targeted assays using RNA isolated from clinically accessible tissues (CATs) such as blood or skin of affected individuals. Insufficient disease gene expression in CATs does however pose a major barrier to RNA based investigations, which we show is relevant to 1,436 Mendelian disease genes. We term these "silent" Mendelian genes (SMGs), the largest portion (36%) of which are associated with neurological disorders. We developed two approaches to induce SMG expression in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) to overcome this limitation, including CRISPR-activation-based gene transactivation and fibroblast-to-neuron transdifferentiation. Initial transactivation screens involving 40 SMGs stimulated our development of a highly multiplexed transactivation system culminating in the 6- to 90,000-fold induction of expression of 20/20 (100%) SMGs tested in HDFs. Transdifferentiation of HDFs directly to neurons led to expression of 193/516 (37.4%) of SMGs implicated in neurological disease. The magnitude and isoform diversity of SMG expression following either transactivation or transdifferentiation was comparable to clinically relevant tissues. We apply transdifferentiation and/or gene transactivation combined with short- and long-read RNA sequencing to investigate the impact that variants in USH2A, SCN1A, DMD, and PAK3 have on RNA using HDFs derived from affected individuals. Transactivation and transdifferentiation represent rapid, scalable functional genomic solutions to investigate variants impacting SMGs in the patient cell and genomic context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmylou C Nicolas-Martinez
- The Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Olivia Robinson
- The Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Christian Pflueger
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia; The Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Alison Gardner
- The Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Mark A Corbett
- The Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; The Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Tarin Ritchie
- The Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Thessa Kroes
- The Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Clare L van Eyk
- The Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; The Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Ingrid E Scheffer
- Epilepsy Research Centre, Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Michael S Hildebrand
- Epilepsy Research Centre, Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; The Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Jean-Vianney Barnier
- Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay, UMR 9197, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Saclay, France
| | - Véronique Rousseau
- Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay, UMR 9197, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Saclay, France
| | - David Genevieve
- Montpellier University, Inserm U1183, Reference Center for Rare Diseases Developmental Anomaly and Malformative Syndromes, Genetics Department, Montpellier Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Virginie Haushalter
- Genetic Diagnosis Laboratory, Strasbourg University Hospital, Strasbourg, France
| | - Amélie Piton
- Genetic Diagnosis Laboratory, Strasbourg University Hospital, Strasbourg, France
| | - Anne-Sophie Denommé-Pichon
- CRMRs "Anomalies du Développement et syndromes malformatifs" et "Déficiences Intellectuelles de causes rares", Centre de Génétique, CHU Dijon, Dijon, France; INSERM UMR1231, GAD "Génétique des Anomalies du Développement," FHU-TRANSLAD, University of Burgundy, Dijon, France
| | - Ange-Line Bruel
- CRMRs "Anomalies du Développement et syndromes malformatifs" et "Déficiences Intellectuelles de causes rares", Centre de Génétique, CHU Dijon, Dijon, France; INSERM UMR1231, GAD "Génétique des Anomalies du Développement," FHU-TRANSLAD, University of Burgundy, Dijon, France
| | - Sophie Nambot
- CRMRs "Anomalies du Développement et syndromes malformatifs" et "Déficiences Intellectuelles de causes rares", Centre de Génétique, CHU Dijon, Dijon, France; INSERM UMR1231, GAD "Génétique des Anomalies du Développement," FHU-TRANSLAD, University of Burgundy, Dijon, France
| | - Bertrand Isidor
- CRMRs "Anomalies du Développement et syndromes malformatifs" et "Déficiences Intellectuelles de causes rares", Centre de Génétique, CHU Dijon, Dijon, France; INSERM UMR1231, GAD "Génétique des Anomalies du Développement," FHU-TRANSLAD, University of Burgundy, Dijon, France
| | - John Grigg
- Speciality of Ophthalmology, Save Sight Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
| | - Tina Gonzalez
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
| | - Sondhya Ghedia
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
| | - Rhett G Marchant
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, Kids Research, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
| | - Adam Bournazos
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, Kids Research, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; Children's Medical Research Institute, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Wui-Kwan Wong
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, Kids Research, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; Children's Medical Research Institute, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; Department of Paediatric Neurology, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
| | - Richard I Webster
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
| | - Frances J Evesson
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, Kids Research, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia; Children's Medical Research Institute, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Kristi J Jones
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, Kids Research, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; Children's Medical Research Institute, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; Department of Clinical Genetics, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
| | - Sandra T Cooper
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, Kids Research, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia; Children's Medical Research Institute, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Ryan Lister
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Jozef Gecz
- The Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia.
| | - Lachlan A Jolly
- The Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
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2
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Susorov D, Echeverria D, Khvorova A, Korostelev AA. mRNA-specific readthrough of nonsense codons by antisense oligonucleotides (R-ASOs). Nucleic Acids Res 2024:gkae624. [PMID: 39011883 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Nonsense mutations account for >10% of human genetic disorders, including cystic fibrosis, Alagille syndrome, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. A nonsense mutation results in the expression of a truncated protein, and therapeutic strategies aim to restore full-length protein expression. Most strategies under development, including small-molecule aminoglycosides, suppressor tRNAs, or the targeted degradation of termination factors, lack mRNA target selectivity and may poorly differentiate between nonsense and normal stop codons, resulting in off-target translation errors. Here, we demonstrate that antisense oligonucleotides can stimulate readthrough of disease-causing nonsense codons, resulting in high yields of full-length protein in mammalian cellular lysate. Readthrough efficiency depends on the sequence context near the stop codon and on the precise targeting position of an oligonucleotide, whose interaction with mRNA inhibits peptide release to promote readthrough. Readthrough-inducing antisense oligonucleotides (R-ASOs) enhance the potency of non-specific readthrough agents, including aminoglycoside G418 and suppressor tRNA, enabling a path toward target-specific readthrough of nonsense mutations in CFTR, JAG1, DMD, BRCA1 and other mutant genes. Finally, through systematic chemical engineering, we identify heavily modified fully functional R-ASO variants, enabling future therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Susorov
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Andrei A Korostelev
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
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Wang J, Gao G, Wang D. Developing AAV-delivered nonsense suppressor tRNAs for neurological disorders. Neurotherapeutics 2024; 21:e00391. [PMID: 38959711 PMCID: PMC11269797 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2024.e00391] [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: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapy is a clinical stage therapeutic modality for neurological disorders. A common genetic defect in myriad monogenic neurological disorders is nonsense mutations that account for about 11% of all human pathogenic mutations. Stop codon readthrough by suppressor transfer RNA (sup-tRNA) has long been sought as a potential gene therapy approach to target nonsense mutations, but hindered by inefficient in vivo delivery. The rapid advances in AAV delivery technology have not only powered gene therapy development but also enabled in vivo preclinical assessment of a range of nucleic acid therapeutics, such as sup-tRNA. Compared with conventional AAV gene therapy that delivers a transgene to produce therapeutic proteins, AAV-delivered sup-tRNA has several advantages, such as small gene sizes and operating within the endogenous gene expression regulation, which are important considerations for treating some neurological disorders. This review will first examine sup-tRNA designs and delivery by AAV vectors. We will then analyze how AAV-delivered sup-tRNA can potentially address some neurological disorders that are challenging to conventional gene therapy, followed by discussing available mouse models of neurological diseases for in vivo preclinical testing. Potential challenges for AAV-delivered sup-tRNA to achieve therapeutic efficacy and safety will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaming Wang
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
| | - Dan Wang
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
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4
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Strandgren C, Wiman KG. Therapeutic targeting of TP53 nonsense mutations in cancer. Ups J Med Sci 2024; 129:10719. [PMID: 38863730 PMCID: PMC11165251 DOI: 10.48101/ujms.v129.10719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the TP53 tumor suppressor gene occur with high prevalence in a wide range of human tumors. A significant fraction of these mutations (around 10%) are nonsense mutations, creating a premature termination codon (PTC) that leads to the expression of truncated inactive p53 protein. Induction of translational readthrough across a PTC in nonsense mutant TP53 allows the production of full-length protein and potentially restoration of normal p53 function. Aminoglycoside antibiotics and a number of novel compounds have been shown to induce full-length p53 in tumor cells carrying various TP53 nonsense mutations. Full-length p53 protein generated by translational readthrough retains the capacity to transactivate p53 target genes and trigger tumor cell death. These findings raise hopes for efficient therapy of TP53 nonsense mutant tumors in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Klas G Wiman
- Karolinska Institutet, Departement of Oncology-Pathology, Stockholm, Sweden
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5
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Garg P, Jamal F, Srivastava P. RNA-Seq data analysis reveals novel nonsense mutations in the NPR3 gene leading to the progression of intellectual disability disorder. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30755. [PMID: 38765165 PMCID: PMC11101858 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Intellectual disability (ID) is a progressive disorder that affects around 1-3% of the world's population. The heterogeneity of intellectual disability makes it difficult to diagnose as a complete disease. Genetic factors and major mutations play a noticeable role in the development and progression of ID. There is a high need to explore novel variants that may lead to new insights into the progressive aspects of ID. In the current course of study, 31 samples of ID from different studies available on GEO (GSE77742, GSE74263, GSE90682, GSE98476, GSE108887, GSE145710, and PRJEB21964) datasets were taken for the study. These datasets were analyzed for differential gene expression and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs). The SNPs of high impact were compared with the differentially expressed genes. Comparison leads to the identification of the priority gene ie NPR3 gene. The identified priority gene further was evaluated for the effect of the mutation using a Mutation Taster. Structure comparison analysis of the wild and mutated proteins of the NPR3 gene was further carried out by UCSF Chimera. Structural analysis reveals the anomalies in protein expression affecting the regulations of the NPR3 gene. These findings identified a novel nonsense mutation (E222*) in the downregulated NPR3 gene that leads to anomalies in the regulation of its protein expression. This missense mutation reveals a major role in causing ID. Our study concludes that the decrease in the expression of the NPR3 gene causes delayed sensory, motor, and physiological functions of the human brain leading to neurodevelopmental delay that causes ID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prekshi Garg
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow Campus, 226028, India
| | - Farrukh Jamal
- Department of Biochemistry, Dr. Rammanohar Lohia Avadh University, Ayodhya, 224001, UP, India
| | - Prachi Srivastava
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow Campus, 226028, India
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6
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Manjunath LE, Singh A, Devi Kumar S, Vasu K, Kar D, Sellamuthu K, Eswarappa SM. Transcript-specific induction of stop codon readthrough using a CRISPR-dCas13 system. EMBO Rep 2024; 25:2118-2143. [PMID: 38499809 PMCID: PMC11015002 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-024-00115-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Stop codon readthrough (SCR) is the process where translation continues beyond a stop codon on an mRNA. Here, we describe a strategy to enhance or induce SCR in a transcript-selective manner using a CRISPR-dCas13 system. Using specific guide RNAs, we target dCas13 to the region downstream of canonical stop codons of mammalian AGO1 and VEGFA mRNAs, known to exhibit natural SCR. Readthrough assays reveal enhanced SCR of these mRNAs (both exogenous and endogenous) caused by the dCas13-gRNA complexes. This effect is associated with ribosomal pausing, which has been reported for several SCR events. Our data show that CRISPR-dCas13 can also induce SCR across premature termination codons (PTCs) in the mRNAs of green fluorescent protein and TP53. We demonstrate the utility of this strategy in the induction of readthrough across the thalassemia-causing PTC in HBB mRNA and hereditary spherocytosis-causing PTC in SPTA1 mRNA. Thus, CRISPR-dCas13 can be programmed to enhance or induce SCR in a transcript-selective and stop codon-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lekha E Manjunath
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560012, India
| | - Anumeha Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560012, India
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sangeetha Devi Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560012, India
| | - Kirtana Vasu
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560012, India
| | - Debaleena Kar
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560012, India
| | - Karthi Sellamuthu
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560012, India
- University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Sandeep M Eswarappa
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560012, India.
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Luo N, Huang Q, Dong L, Liu W, Song J, Sun H, Wu H, Gao Y, Yi C. Near-cognate tRNAs increase the efficiency and precision of pseudouridine-mediated readthrough of premature termination codons. Nat Biotechnol 2024:10.1038/s41587-024-02165-8. [PMID: 38448662 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-024-02165-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Programmable RNA pseudouridylation has emerged as a new type of RNA base editor to suppress premature termination codons (PTCs) that can lead to truncated and nonfunctional proteins. However, current methods to correct disease-associated PTCs suffer from low efficiency and limited precision. Here we develop RESTART v3, which uses near-cognate tRNAs to improve the readthrough efficiency of pseudouridine-modified PTCs. We show an average of ~5-fold (range: 2.1- to 9.5-fold) higher editing efficiency than RESTART v2 in cultured cells and achieve functional PTC readthrough in disease cell models of cystic fibrosis and Hurler syndrome. Furthermore, RESTART v3 enables accurate incorporation of the original amino acid for nearly half of the PTC sites, considering the naturally occurring frequencies of sense-to-nonsense codons, without affecting normal termination codons. Although off-target sites were detected, we did not observe changes to the coding information or the expression level of transcripts, and the overall natural tRNA abundance remained constant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Liting Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenqing Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jinghui Song
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Hanxiao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- Modit Therapeutics Beijing Limited, K115 Beijing ATLATL International Innovation Platform, Beijing, China
| | - Chengqi Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.
- Department of Chemical Biology and Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Advanced Center of RNA Biology (BEACON), Peking University, Beijing, China.
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8
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Zandanell J, Wießner M, Bauer JW, Wagner RN. Stop codon readthrough as a treatment option for epidermolysis bullosa-Where we are and where we are going. Exp Dermatol 2024; 33:e15042. [PMID: 38459626 DOI: 10.1111/exd.15042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
In the context of rare genetic diseases caused by nonsense mutations, the concept of induced stop codon readthrough (SCR) represents an attractive avenue in the ongoing search for improved treatment options. Epidermolysis bullosa (EB)-exemplary for this group of diseases-describes a diverse group of rare, blistering genodermatoses. Characterized by extreme skin fragility upon minor mechanical trauma, the most severe forms often result from nonsense mutations that lead to premature translation termination and loss of function of essential proteins at the dermo-epidermal junction. Since no curative interventions are currently available, medical care is mainly limited to alleviating symptoms and preventing complications. Complementary to attempts of gene, cell and protein therapy in EB, SCR represents a promising medical alternative. While gentamicin has already been examined in several clinical trials involving EB, other potent SCR inducers, such as ataluren, may also show promise in treating the hitherto non-curative disease. In addition to the extensively studied aminoglycosides and their derivatives, several other substance classes-non-aminoglycoside antibiotics and non-aminoglycoside compounds-are currently under investigation. The extensive data gathered in numerous in vitro experiments and the perspectives they reveal in the clinical setting will be discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Zandanell
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Michael Wießner
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Johann W Bauer
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Roland N Wagner
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
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9
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Takallou S, Hajikarimlou M, Al-Gafari M, Wang J, Kazmirchuk TDD, Said KB, Samanfar B, Golshani A. The Involvement of YNR069C in Protein Synthesis in the Baker's Yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:138. [PMID: 38534408 DOI: 10.3390/biology13030138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Maintaining translation fidelity is a critical step within the process of gene expression. It requires the involvement of numerous regulatory elements to ensure the synthesis of functional proteins. The efficient termination of protein synthesis can play a crucial role in preserving this fidelity. Here, we report on investigating a protein of unknown function, YNR069C (also known as BSC5), for its activity in the process of translation. We observed a significant increase in the bypass of premature stop codons upon the deletion of YNR069C. Interestingly, the genomic arrangement of this ORF suggests a compatible mode of expression reliant on translational readthrough, incorporating the neighboring open reading frame. We also showed that the deletion of YNR069C results in an increase in the rate of translation. Based on our results, we propose that YNR069C may play a role in translation fidelity, impacting the overall quantity and quality of translation. Our genetic interaction analysis supports our hypothesis, associating the role of YNR069C to the regulation of protein synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Takallou
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Maryam Hajikarimlou
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Mustafa Al-Gafari
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Jiashu Wang
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Thomas David Daniel Kazmirchuk
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Kamaledin B Said
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Hail, Hail 55476, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bahram Samanfar
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa Research and Development Centre (ORDC), Ottawa, ON K1A 0C6, Canada
| | - Ashkan Golshani
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
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10
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Staedtke V, Anstett K, Bedwell D, Giovannini M, Keeling K, Kesterson R, Kim Y, Korf B, Leier A, McManus ML, Sarnoff H, Vitte J, Walker JA, Plotkin SR, Wallis D. Gene-targeted therapy for neurofibromatosis and schwannomatosis: The path to clinical trials. Clin Trials 2024; 21:51-66. [PMID: 37937606 DOI: 10.1177/17407745231207970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Numerous successful gene-targeted therapies are arising for the treatment of a variety of rare diseases. At the same time, current treatment options for neurofibromatosis 1 and schwannomatosis are limited and do not directly address loss of gene/protein function. In addition, treatments have mostly focused on symptomatic tumors, but have failed to address multisystem involvement in these conditions. Gene-targeted therapies hold promise to address these limitations. However, despite intense interest over decades, multiple preclinical and clinical issues need to be resolved before they become a reality. The optimal approaches to gene-, mRNA-, or protein restoration and to delivery to the appropriate cell types remain elusive. Preclinical models that recapitulate manifestations of neurofibromatosis 1 and schwannomatosis need to be refined. The development of validated assays for measuring neurofibromin and merlin activity in animal and human tissues will be critical for early-stage trials, as will the selection of appropriate patients, based on their individual genotypes and risk/benefit balance. Once the safety of gene-targeted therapy for symptomatic tumors has been established, the possibility of addressing a wide range of symptoms, including non-tumor manifestations, should be explored. As preclinical efforts are underway, it will be essential to educate both clinicians and those affected by neurofibromatosis 1/schwannomatosis about the risks and benefits of gene-targeted therapy for these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Staedtke
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kara Anstett
- Department of Neurology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - David Bedwell
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Marco Giovannini
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (JCCC), University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kim Keeling
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Robert Kesterson
- Department of Cancer Precision Medicine, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - YooRi Kim
- Gilbert Family Foundation, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Bruce Korf
- Department of Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - André Leier
- Department of Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | | | | | - Jeremie Vitte
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (JCCC), University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - James A Walker
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Scott R Plotkin
- Department of Neurology and Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Deeann Wallis
- Department of Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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11
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Coller J, Ignatova Z. tRNA therapeutics for genetic diseases. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2024; 23:108-125. [PMID: 38049504 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00829-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) have a crucial role in protein synthesis, and in recent years, their therapeutic potential for the treatment of genetic diseases - primarily those associated with a mutation altering mRNA translation - has gained significant attention. Engineering tRNAs to readthrough nonsense mutation-associated premature termination of mRNA translation can restore protein synthesis and function. In addition, supplementation of natural tRNAs can counteract effects of missense mutations in proteins crucial for tRNA biogenesis and function in translation. This Review will present advances in the development of tRNA therapeutics with high activity and safety in vivo and discuss different formulation approaches for single or chronic treatment modalities. The field of tRNA therapeutics is still in its early stages, and a series of challenges related to tRNA efficacy and stability in vivo, delivery systems with tissue-specific tropism, and safe and efficient manufacturing need to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeff Coller
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Zoya Ignatova
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.
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12
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Wimmer B, Friedrich A, Poeltner K, Edobor G, Mosshammer C, Temaj G, Rathner A, Karl T, Krauss J, von Hagen J, Gerner C, Breitenbach M, Hintner H, Bauer JW, Breitenbach-Koller H. En Route to Targeted Ribosome Editing to Replenish Skin Anchor Protein LAMB3 in Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa. JID INNOVATIONS 2024; 4:100240. [PMID: 38282649 PMCID: PMC10810840 DOI: 10.1016/j.xjidi.2023.100240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Severe junctional epidermolysis bullosa is a rare genetic, postpartum lethal skin disease, predominantly caused by nonsense/premature termination codon (PTC) sequence variants in LAMB3 gene. LAMB3 encodes LAMB3, the β subunit of epidermal-dermal skin anchor laminin 332. Most translational reads of a PTC mRNA deliver truncated, nonfunctional proteins, whereas an endogenous PTC readthrough mechanism produces full-length protein at minimal and insufficient levels. Conventional translational readthrough-inducing drugs amplify endogenous PTC readthrough; however, translational readthrough-inducing drugs are either proteotoxic or nonselective. Ribosome editing is a more selective and less toxic strategy. This technique identified ribosomal protein L35/uL29 (ie, RpL35) and RpL35-ligands repurposable drugs artesunate and atazanavir as molecular tools to increase production levels of full-length LAMB3. To evaluate ligand activity in living cells, we monitored artesunate and atazanavir treatment by dual luciferase reporter assays. Production levels of full-length LAMB3 increased up to 200% upon artesunate treatment, up to 150% upon atazanavir treatment, and up to 170% upon combinatorial treatment of RpL35 ligands at reduced drug dosage, with an unrelated PTC reporter being nonresponsive. Proof of bioactivity of RpL35 ligands in selective increase of full-length LAMB3 provides the basis for an alternative, targeted therapeutic route to replenish LAMB3 in severe junctional epidermolysis bullosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bjoern Wimmer
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Andreas Friedrich
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Katharina Poeltner
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Genevieve Edobor
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Claudia Mosshammer
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | | | - Adriana Rathner
- Institute of Biochemistry, Johannes Kepler University of Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Thomas Karl
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Jan Krauss
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
- SKM-IP PartGmbB, Munich, Germany
| | - Joerg von Hagen
- Merck KGaA, Gernsheim, Germany
- ryon-Greentech Accelerator, Gernsheim, Germany
| | - Christopher Gerner
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Joint Metabolome Facility, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Breitenbach
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Helmut Hintner
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Johann W. Bauer
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
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13
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Torices L, Nunes-Xavier CE, Mingo J, Luna S, Erramuzpe A, Cortés JM, Pulido R. Induction of Translational Readthrough on Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases Targeted by Premature Termination Codon Mutations in Human Disease. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2743:1-19. [PMID: 38147205 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3569-8_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Nonsense mutations generating premature termination codons (PTCs) in various genes are frequently associated with somatic cancer and hereditary human diseases since PTCs commonly generate truncated proteins with defective or altered function. Induced translational readthrough during protein biosynthesis facilitates the incorporation of an amino acid at the position of a PTC, allowing the synthesis of a complete protein. This may evade the pathological effect of the PTC mutation and provide new therapeutic opportunities. Several protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) genes are targeted by PTC in human disease, the tumor suppressor PTEN being the more prominent paradigm. Here, using PTEN and laforin as examples, two PTPs from the dual-specificity phosphatase subfamily, we describe methodologies to analyze in silico the distribution and frequency of pathogenic PTC in PTP genes. We also summarize laboratory protocols and technical notes to study the induced translational readthrough reconstitution of the synthesis of PTP targeted by PTC in association with disease in cellular models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leire Torices
- Biobizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Caroline E Nunes-Xavier
- Biobizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
- Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Janire Mingo
- Biobizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Sandra Luna
- Biobizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Asier Erramuzpe
- Biobizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
- Ikerbasque, The Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Jesús M Cortés
- Biobizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
- Ikerbasque, The Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
- Cell Biology and Histology Department, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Rafael Pulido
- Biobizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain.
- Ikerbasque, The Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain.
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14
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Blomquist VG, Niu J, Choudhury P, Al Saneh A, Colecraft HM, Ahern CA. Transfer RNA-mediated restoration of potassium current and electrical correction in premature termination long-QT syndrome hERG mutants. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 34:102032. [PMID: 37842167 PMCID: PMC10568093 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.102032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Disease-causing premature termination codons (PTCs) individually disrupt the functional expression of hundreds of genes and represent a pernicious clinical challenge. In the heart, loss-of-function mutations in the hERG potassium channel account for approximately 30% of long-QT syndrome arrhythmia, a lethal cardiac disorder with limited treatment options. Premature termination of ribosomal translation produces a truncated and, for potassium channels, a potentially dominant-negative protein that impairs the functional assembly of the wild-type homotetrameric hERG channel complex. We used high-throughput flow cytometry and patch-clamp electrophysiology to assess the trafficking and voltage-dependent activity of hERG channels carrying patient PTC variants that have been corrected by anticodon engineered tRNA. Adenoviral-mediated expression of mutant hERG channels in cultured adult guinea pig cardiomyocytes prolonged action potential durations, and this deleterious effect was corrected upon adenoviral delivery of a human ArgUGA tRNA to restore full-length hERG protein. The results demonstrate mutation-specific, context-agnostic PTC correction and elevate the therapeutic potential of this approach for rare genetic diseases caused by stop codons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viggo G. Blomquist
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Jacqueline Niu
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Papiya Choudhury
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Ahmad Al Saneh
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Henry M. Colecraft
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Christopher A. Ahern
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
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15
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de Oliveira ASLE, de Siqueira RC, Nait-Meddour C, Tricarico PM, Moura R, Agrelli A, d'Adamo AP, Jamain S, Crovella S, de Fátima Medeiros Brito M, Boniotto M, Brandão LAC. A loss-of-function NCSTN mutation associated with familial Dowling Degos disease and hidradenitis suppurativa. Exp Dermatol 2023; 32:1935-1945. [PMID: 37665193 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Dowling Degos disease (DDD) is a rare autosomal dominant genodermatosis characterized by acquired, slowly progressive reticulated pigmented lesions primarily involving flexural skin areas. Mutations in KRT5, POGLUT-1 and POFUT-1 genes have been associated with DDD, and loss-of-function mutations in PSENEN, a subunit of the gamma-secretase complex, were found in patients presenting with DDD or DDD comorbid with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). A nonsense mutation in NCSTN, another subunit of the gamma-secretase, was already described in a patient suffering from HS and DDD but whether NCSTN could be considered a novel gene for DDD is still debated. Here, we enrolled a four-generation family with HS and DDD. Through Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) we identified a novel nonsense mutation in the NCSTN gene in all the affected family members. To study the impact of this variant, we isolated outer root sheath cells from patients' hair follicles. We showed that this variant leads to a premature stop codon, activates a nonsense-mediated mRNA decay, and causes NCSTN haploinsufficiency in affected individuals. In fact, cells treated with gentamicin, a readthrough agent, had the NCSTN levels corrected. Moreover, we observed that this haploinsufficiency also affects other subunits of the gamma-secretase complex, possibly causing DDD. Our findings clearly support NCSTN as a novel DDD gene and suggest carefully investigating this co-occurrence in HS patients carrying a mutation in the NCSTN gene.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cécile Nait-Meddour
- Univ Paris Est Créteil, INSERM, IMRB, Translational Neuropsychiatry, Créteil, France
| | - Paola Maura Tricarico
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health-IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Department of Advanced Diagnostics, Trieste, Italy
| | - Ronald Moura
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health-IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Department of Advanced Diagnostics, Trieste, Italy
| | - Almerinda Agrelli
- Laboratory of Nanostructured Materials (LMNANO), Center for Strategic Technologies Northeastern (CETENE), Recife, Brazil
| | - Adamo Pio d'Adamo
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health-IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Department of Advanced Diagnostics, Trieste, Italy
- University of Trieste, Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, Trieste, Italy
| | - Stéphane Jamain
- Univ Paris Est Créteil, INSERM, IMRB, Translational Neuropsychiatry, Créteil, France
| | - Sergio Crovella
- LARC Laboratory Animal Research Center, University of Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Michele Boniotto
- Univ Paris Est Créteil, INSERM, IMRB, Translational Neuropsychiatry, Créteil, France
| | - Lucas André Cavalcanti Brandão
- Keizo Asami Institute-iLIKA, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
- Department of Pathology, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
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16
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Roussel L, Pham-Huy A, Yu AC, Venkateswaran S, Perez A, Bourdel G, Sun Y, Villavicencio ST, Bernier S, Li Y, Kazimerczak-Brunet M, Alattar R, Déry MA, Shapiro AJ, Penner J, Vinh DC. A Novel Homozygous Mutation Causing Complete TYK2 Deficiency, with Severe Respiratory Viral Infections, EBV-Driven Lymphoma, and Jamestown Canyon Viral Encephalitis. J Clin Immunol 2023; 43:2011-2021. [PMID: 37695435 DOI: 10.1007/s10875-023-01580-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Autosomal recessive tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) deficiency is characterized by susceptibility to mycobacterial and viral infections. Here, we report a 4-year-old female with severe respiratory viral infections, EBV-driven Burkitt-like lymphoma, and infection with the neurotropic Jamestown Canyon virus. A novel, homozygous c.745C > T (p.R249*) variant was found in TYK2. The deleterious effects of the TYK2 lesion were confirmed by immunoblotting; by evaluating functional responses to IFN-α/β, IL-10, and IL-23; and by assessing its scaffolding effect on the cell surface expression of cytokine receptor subunits. The effects of the mutation could not be pharmacologically circumvented in vitro, suggesting that alternative modalities, such as hematopoietic stem cell transplantation or gene therapy, may be needed. We characterize the first patient from Canada with a novel homozygous mutation in TYK2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Roussel
- Centre of Excellence for Genetic Research in Infection and Immunity, Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd., Block E, Rm EM3-3230 (Mail Drop: EM3-3211), Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Anne Pham-Huy
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Immunology and Allergy, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Andrea C Yu
- Division of Metabolics and Newborn Screening, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Sunita Venkateswaran
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Anna Perez
- Centre of Excellence for Genetic Research in Infection and Immunity, Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd., Block E, Rm EM3-3230 (Mail Drop: EM3-3211), Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Guillaume Bourdel
- Centre of Excellence for Genetic Research in Infection and Immunity, Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd., Block E, Rm EM3-3230 (Mail Drop: EM3-3211), Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Yichun Sun
- Centre of Excellence for Genetic Research in Infection and Immunity, Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd., Block E, Rm EM3-3230 (Mail Drop: EM3-3211), Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Stephanya Tellez Villavicencio
- Centre of Excellence for Genetic Research in Infection and Immunity, Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd., Block E, Rm EM3-3230 (Mail Drop: EM3-3211), Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Stéphane Bernier
- Centre of Excellence for Genetic Research in Infection and Immunity, Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd., Block E, Rm EM3-3230 (Mail Drop: EM3-3211), Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Yongbiao Li
- Centre of Excellence for Genetic Research in Infection and Immunity, Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd., Block E, Rm EM3-3230 (Mail Drop: EM3-3211), Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Makayla Kazimerczak-Brunet
- Centre of Excellence for Genetic Research in Infection and Immunity, Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd., Block E, Rm EM3-3230 (Mail Drop: EM3-3211), Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Rolan Alattar
- Centre of Excellence for Genetic Research in Infection and Immunity, Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd., Block E, Rm EM3-3230 (Mail Drop: EM3-3211), Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Marc-André Déry
- Centre of Excellence for Genetic Research in Infection and Immunity, Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd., Block E, Rm EM3-3230 (Mail Drop: EM3-3211), Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Adam J Shapiro
- Division of Respirology, Department of Pediatrics, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Justin Penner
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Immunology and Allergy, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Qikiqtani General Hospital, Iqaluit, NT, Canada
| | - Donald C Vinh
- Centre of Excellence for Genetic Research in Infection and Immunity, Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd., Block E, Rm EM3-3230 (Mail Drop: EM3-3211), Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada.
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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17
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Liu Z, Wang J, Shi Y, Yee BA, Terrey M, Zhang Q, Lee JC, Lin KI, Wang AHJ, Ackerman S, Yeo G, Cui H, Yang XL. Seryl-tRNA synthetase promotes translational readthrough by mRNA binding and involvement of the selenocysteine incorporation machinery. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:10768-10781. [PMID: 37739431 PMCID: PMC10602924 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Translational readthrough of UGA stop codons by selenocysteine-specific tRNA (tRNASec) enables the synthesis of selenoproteins. Seryl-tRNA synthetase (SerRS) charges tRNASec with serine, which is modified into selenocysteine and delivered to the ribosome by a designated elongation factor (eEFSec in eukaryotes). Here we found that components of the human selenocysteine incorporation machinery (SerRS, tRNASec, and eEFSec) also increased translational readthrough of non-selenocysteine genes, including VEGFA, to create C-terminally extended isoforms. SerRS recognizes target mRNAs through a stem-loop structure that resembles the variable loop of its cognate tRNAs. This function of SerRS depends on both its enzymatic activity and a vertebrate-specific domain. Through eCLIP-seq, we identified additional SerRS-interacting mRNAs as potential readthrough genes. Moreover, SerRS overexpression was sufficient to reverse premature termination caused by a pathogenic nonsense mutation. Our findings expand the repertoire of selenoprotein biosynthesis machinery and suggest an avenue for therapeutic targeting of nonsense mutations using endogenous factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze Liu
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Justin Wang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Yi Shi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Brian A Yee
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Markus Terrey
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Jenq-Chang Lee
- Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Medical College and Hospital, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-I Lin
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taiwan
| | - Andrew H-J Wang
- The Ph.D. Program for Translational Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Susan L Ackerman
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Gene W Yeo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Haissi Cui
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Xiang-Lei Yang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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18
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Anastassiadis T, Köhrer C. Ushering in the era of tRNA medicines. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105246. [PMID: 37703991 PMCID: PMC10583094 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Long viewed as an intermediary in protein translation, there is a growing awareness that tRNAs are capable of myriad other biological functions linked to human health and disease. These emerging roles could be tapped to leverage tRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers, therapeutic targets, or even as novel medicines. Furthermore, the growing array of tRNA-derived fragments, which modulate an increasingly broad spectrum of cellular pathways, is expanding this opportunity. Together, these molecules offer drug developers the chance to modulate the impact of mutations and to alter cell homeostasis. Moreover, because a single therapeutic tRNA can facilitate readthrough of a genetic mutation shared across multiple genes, such medicines afford the opportunity to define patient populations not based on their clinical presentation or mutated gene but rather on the mutation itself. This approach could potentially transform the treatment of patients with rare and ultrarare diseases. In this review, we explore the diverse biology of tRNA and its fragments, examining the past and present challenges to provide a comprehensive understanding of the molecules and their therapeutic potential.
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19
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Gurzeler LA, Link M, Ibig Y, Schmidt I, Galuba O, Schoenbett J, Gasser-Didierlaurant C, Parker CN, Mao X, Bitsch F, Schirle M, Couttet P, Sigoillot F, Ziegelmüller J, Uldry AC, Teodorowicz W, Schmiedeberg N, Mühlemann O, Reinhardt J. Drug-induced eRF1 degradation promotes readthrough and reveals a new branch of ribosome quality control. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113056. [PMID: 37651229 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Suppression of premature termination codons (PTCs) by translational readthrough is a promising strategy to treat a wide variety of severe genetic diseases caused by nonsense mutations. Here, we present two potent readthrough promoters-NVS1.1 and NVS2.1-that restore substantial levels of functional full-length CFTR and IDUA proteins in disease models for cystic fibrosis and Hurler syndrome, respectively. In contrast to other readthrough promoters that affect stop codon decoding, the NVS compounds stimulate PTC suppression by triggering rapid proteasomal degradation of the translation termination factor eRF1. Our results show that this occurs by trapping eRF1 in the terminating ribosome, causing ribosome stalls and subsequent ribosome collisions, and activating a branch of the ribosome-associated quality control network, which involves the translational stress sensor GCN1 and the catalytic activity of the E3 ubiquitin ligases RNF14 and RNF25.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas-Adrian Gurzeler
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marion Link
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Yvonne Ibig
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Isabel Schmidt
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Olaf Galuba
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Xiaohong Mao
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Francis Bitsch
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Markus Schirle
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Philipp Couttet
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Jana Ziegelmüller
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anne-Christine Uldry
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Wojciech Teodorowicz
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Oliver Mühlemann
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Jürgen Reinhardt
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland.
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20
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Magaña AJ, Sklenicka J, Pinilla C, Giulianotti M, Chapagain P, Santos R, Ramirez MS, Tolmasky ME. Restoring susceptibility to aminoglycosides: identifying small molecule inhibitors of enzymatic inactivation. RSC Med Chem 2023; 14:1591-1602. [PMID: 37731693 PMCID: PMC10507813 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00226h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Growing resistance to antimicrobial medicines is a critical health problem that must be urgently addressed. Adding to the increasing number of patients that succumb to infections, there are other consequences to the rise in resistance like the compromise of several medical procedures and dental work that are heavily dependent on infection prevention. Since their introduction in the clinics, aminoglycoside antibiotics have been a critical component of the armamentarium to treat infections. Still, the increase in resistance and their side effects led to a decline in their utilization. However, numerous current factors, like the urgent need for antimicrobials and their favorable properties, led to renewed interest in these drugs. While efforts to design new classes of aminoglycosides refractory to resistance mechanisms and with fewer toxic effects are starting to yield new promising molecules, extending the useful life of those already in use is essential. For this, numerous research projects are underway to counter resistance from different angles, like inhibition of expression or activity of resistance components. This review focuses on selected examples of one aspect of this quest, the design or identification of small molecule inhibitors of resistance caused by enzymatic modification of the aminoglycoside. These compounds could be developed as aminoglycoside adjuvants to overcome resistant infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel J Magaña
- Center for Applied Biotechnology Studies, Department of Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, California State University Fullerton Fullerton CA 92831 USA
| | - Jan Sklenicka
- Center for Applied Biotechnology Studies, Department of Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, California State University Fullerton Fullerton CA 92831 USA
| | - Clemencia Pinilla
- Center for Translational Science, Florida International University Port St. Lucie FL 34987 USA
| | - Marc Giulianotti
- Center for Translational Science, Florida International University Port St. Lucie FL 34987 USA
| | - Prem Chapagain
- Department of Physics, Florida International University Miami FL 33199 USA
- Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University Miami FL 33199 USA
| | - Radleigh Santos
- Department of Mathematics, Nova Southeastern University Fort Lauderdale FL 33314 USA
| | - Maria Soledad Ramirez
- Center for Applied Biotechnology Studies, Department of Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, California State University Fullerton Fullerton CA 92831 USA
| | - Marcelo E Tolmasky
- Center for Applied Biotechnology Studies, Department of Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, California State University Fullerton Fullerton CA 92831 USA
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21
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Valášek LS, Kučerová M, Zeman J, Beznosková P. Cysteine tRNA acts as a stop codon readthrough-inducing tRNA in the human HEK293T cell line. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 29:1379-1387. [PMID: 37221013 PMCID: PMC10573299 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079688.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Under certain circumstances, any of the three termination codons can be read through by a near-cognate tRNA; i.e., a tRNA whose two out of three anticodon nucleotides base pair with those of the stop codon. Unless programed to synthetize C-terminally extended protein variants with expanded physiological roles, readthrough represents an undesirable translational error. On the other side of a coin, a significant number of human genetic diseases is associated with the introduction of nonsense mutations (premature termination codons [PTCs]) into coding sequences, where stopping is not desirable. Here, the tRNA's ability to induce readthrough opens up the intriguing possibility of mitigating the deleterious effects of PTCs on human health. In yeast, the UGA and UAR stop codons were described to be read through by four readthrough-inducing rti-tRNAs-tRNATrp and tRNACys, and tRNATyr and tRNAGln, respectively. The readthrough-inducing potential of tRNATrp and tRNATyr was also observed in human cell lines. Here, we investigated the readthrough-inducing potential of human tRNACys in the HEK293T cell line. The tRNACys family consists of two isoacceptors, one with ACA and the other with GCA anticodons. We selected nine representative tRNACys isodecoders (differing in primary sequence and expression level) and tested them using dual luciferase reporter assays. We found that at least two tRNACys can significantly elevate UGA readthrough when overexpressed. This indicates a mechanistically conserved nature of rti-tRNAs between yeast and human, supporting the idea that they could be used in the PTC-associated RNA therapies.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Codon, Terminator/genetics
- Cysteine/genetics
- Cysteine/metabolism
- HEK293 Cells
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae/genetics
- RNA, Transfer, Cys/metabolism
- RNA, Transfer, Trp/metabolism
- RNA, Transfer, Tyr
- RNA, Transfer/genetics
- RNA, Transfer/metabolism
- Anticodon
- Codon, Nonsense/genetics
- Protein Biosynthesis
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Affiliation(s)
- Leoš Shivaya Valášek
- Laboratory of Regulation of Gene Expression, Institute of Microbiology ASCR, 142 20 Prague, the Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Kučerová
- Laboratory of Regulation of Gene Expression, Institute of Microbiology ASCR, 142 20 Prague, the Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Zeman
- Laboratory of Regulation of Gene Expression, Institute of Microbiology ASCR, 142 20 Prague, the Czech Republic
| | - Petra Beznosková
- Laboratory of Regulation of Gene Expression, Institute of Microbiology ASCR, 142 20 Prague, the Czech Republic
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22
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Wong KM, Wegener E, Baradaran-Heravi A, Huppke B, Gärtner J, Huppke P. Evaluation of Novel Enhancer Compounds in Gentamicin-Mediated Readthrough of Nonsense Mutations in Rett Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11665. [PMID: 37511424 PMCID: PMC10380790 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT), a severe X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder, is primarily caused by mutations in the methyl CpG binding protein 2 gene (MECP2). Over 35% RTT patients carry nonsense mutation in MECP2, making it a suitable candidate disease for nonsense suppression therapy. In our previous study, gentamicin was found to induce readthrough of MECP2 nonsense mutations with modest efficiency. Given the recent discovery of readthrough enhancers, CDX compounds, we herein evaluated the potentiation effect of CDX5-1, CDX5-288, and CDX6-180 on gentamicin-mediated readthrough efficiency in transfected HeLa cell lines bearing the four most common MECP2 nonsense mutations. We showed that all three CDX compounds potentiated gentamicin-mediated readthrough and increased full-length MeCP2 protein levels in cells expressing the R168X, R255X, R270X, and R294X nonsense mutations. Among all three CDX compounds, CDX5-288 was the most potent enhancer and enabled the use of reduced doses of gentamicin, thus mitigating the toxicity. Furthermore, we successfully demonstrated the upregulation of full-length Mecp2 protein expression in fibroblasts derived from Mecp2R255X/Y mice through combinatorial treatment. Taken together, findings demonstrate the feasibility of this combinatorial approach to nonsense suppression therapy for a subset of RTT patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keit Men Wong
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany
- Center for Rare Diseases, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Eike Wegener
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Neuropediatrics, Pediatric Neurology University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg August University Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Alireza Baradaran-Heravi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Brenda Huppke
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany
- Center for Rare Diseases, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Jutta Gärtner
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Neuropediatrics, Pediatric Neurology University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg August University Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Peter Huppke
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany
- Center for Rare Diseases, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany
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23
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Li S, Li J, Shi W, Nie Z, Zhang S, Ma F, Hu J, Chen J, Li P, Xie X. Pharmaceuticals Promoting Premature Termination Codon Readthrough: Progress in Development. Biomolecules 2023; 13:988. [PMID: 37371567 DOI: 10.3390/biom13060988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Around 11% of all known gene lesions causing human genetic diseases are nonsense mutations that introduce a premature stop codon (PTC) into the protein-coding gene sequence. Drug-induced PTC readthrough is a promising therapeutic strategy for treating hereditary diseases caused by nonsense mutations. To date, it has been found that more than 50 small-molecular compounds can promote PTC readthrough, known as translational readthrough-inducing drugs (TRIDs), and can be divided into two major categories: aminoglycosides and non-aminoglycosides. This review summarizes the pharmacodynamics and clinical application potential of the main TRIDs discovered so far, especially some newly discovered TRIDs in the past decade. The discovery of these TRIDs brings hope for treating nonsense mutations in various genetic diseases. Further research is still needed to deeply understand the mechanism of eukaryotic cell termination and drug-induced PTC readthrough so that patients can achieve the greatest benefit from the various TRID treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Juan Li
- Central Laboratory, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Genetic Study of Hematopathy, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Wenjing Shi
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Ziyan Nie
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Shasha Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Fengdie Ma
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jun Hu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jianjun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Peiqiang Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Xiaodong Xie
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
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24
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Guchhait S, Khononov A, Pieńko T, Belakhov V, Baasov T. Balancing Nonsense Mutation Readthrough and Toxicity of Designer Aminoglycosides for Treatment of Genetic Diseases. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:794-801. [PMID: 37312846 PMCID: PMC10258827 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
New derivatives of aminoglycosides with a side chain 1,2-aminoalcohol at the 5" position of ring III were designed, synthesized, and biologically evaluated. The novel lead structure (compound 6), exhibiting substantially enhanced selectivity toward eukaryotic versus prokaryotic ribosome, high readthrough activity, and considerably lower toxicity than the previous lead compounds, was discovered. Balanced readthrough activity and toxicity of 6 were demonstrated in three different nonsense DNA-constructs underlying the genetic diseases, cystic fibrosis and Usher syndrome, and in two different cell lines, baby hamster kidney and human embryonic kidney cells. Molecular dynamics simulations within the A site of the 80S yeast ribosome demonstrated a remarkable kinetic stability of 6, which potentially determines its high readthrough activity.
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25
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Semba R, Morioka T, Yanagihara H, Suzuki K, Tachibana H, Hamoya T, Horimoto Y, Imaoka T, Saito M, Kakinuma S, Arai M. Azithromycin induces read-through of the nonsense Apc allele and prevents intestinal tumorigenesis in C3B6F1 Apc Min/+ mice. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 164:114968. [PMID: 37276642 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic strategies that promote read-through of a mutant gene have proved effective for certain non-neoplastic diseases. However, the efficacy of this approach is unproven regarding neoplastic diseases with germline nonsense mutations, including familial adenomatous polyposis. Here we examined the cancer-preventive efficacy of the macrolide antibiotic azithromycin, with a reported read-through effect, on intestinal tumorigenesis in C3B6F1 ApcMin/+ mice harboring a nonsense Apc mutation resulting in a truncated Apc protein. Mice were given drinking water lacking azithromycin or containing 0.0125-0.2 mg/mL azithromycin from 3 weeks of age. The small intestine and cecum were analyzed for pathological changes and alterations of intestinal flora. Azithromycin suppressed the number of tumors and the proportion of adenocarcinomas, with the most effective drinking-water concentration being 0.0125 mg/mL. Furthermore, azithromycin recovered the cellular level of full-length Apc, resulting in downregulation of β-catenin and cyclin D1. Conversely, the effect of azithromycin on the diversity of the intestinal microbiota depended on the drinking-water concentration. These results suggest that the balance between azithromycin-mediate read-through of mutant Apc mRNA and antibacterial effects influences intestinal tumorigenesis. Thus, azithromycin is a potential anticancer agent for familial adenomatous polyposis patients harboring nonsense mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryoko Semba
- Department of Radiation Effects Research, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (NIRS/QST), Japan; Department of Breast Oncology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Takamitsu Morioka
- Department of Radiation Effects Research, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (NIRS/QST), Japan
| | - Hiromi Yanagihara
- Department of Radiation Effects Research, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (NIRS/QST), Japan
| | - Kenshi Suzuki
- Department of Radiation Effects Research, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (NIRS/QST), Japan
| | - Hirotaka Tachibana
- Department of Radiation Effects Research, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (NIRS/QST), Japan
| | - Takahiro Hamoya
- Department of Radiation Effects Research, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (NIRS/QST), Japan
| | - Yoshiya Horimoto
- Department of Breast Oncology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Tatsuhiko Imaoka
- Department of Radiation Effects Research, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (NIRS/QST), Japan
| | - Mitsue Saito
- Department of Breast Oncology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Shizuko Kakinuma
- Department of Radiation Effects Research, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (NIRS/QST), Japan.
| | - Masami Arai
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Japan
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26
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Valášek LS, Lukeš J, Paris Z. Stops making sense - For the people? Clin Transl Med 2023; 13:e1270. [PMID: 37203266 PMCID: PMC10196215 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Julius Lukeš
- Institute of ParasitologyBiology CentreCzech Academy of SciencesČeské Budějovice (Budweis)Czech Republic
- Faculty of SciencesUniversity of South BohemiaČeské Budějovice (Budweis)Czech Republic
| | - Zdeněk Paris
- Institute of ParasitologyBiology CentreCzech Academy of SciencesČeské Budějovice (Budweis)Czech Republic
- Faculty of SciencesUniversity of South BohemiaČeské Budějovice (Budweis)Czech Republic
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27
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Romão L. The power of 2,6-diaminopurine in correcting UGA nonsense codons in CFTR mRNA. Mol Ther 2023; 31:921-922. [PMID: 36944336 PMCID: PMC10124090 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Luísa Romão
- Departamento de Genética Humana, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge, 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal; Faculdade de Ciências, BioISI - Instituto de Biossistemas e Ciências Integrativas, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
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28
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Wagner RN, Wießner M, Friedrich A, Zandanell J, Breitenbach-Koller H, Bauer JW. Emerging Personalized Opportunities for Enhancing Translational Readthrough in Rare Genetic Diseases and Beyond. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:6101. [PMID: 37047074 PMCID: PMC10093890 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonsense mutations trigger premature translation termination and often give rise to prevalent and rare genetic diseases. Consequently, the pharmacological suppression of an unscheduled stop codon represents an attractive treatment option and is of high clinical relevance. At the molecular level, the ability of the ribosome to continue translation past a stop codon is designated stop codon readthrough (SCR). SCR of disease-causing premature termination codons (PTCs) is minimal but small molecule interventions, such as treatment with aminoglycoside antibiotics, can enhance its frequency. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of translation termination (both at PTCs and at cognate stop codons) and highlight recently discovered pathways that influence its fidelity. We describe the mechanisms involved in the recognition and readthrough of PTCs and report on SCR-inducing compounds currently explored in preclinical research and clinical trials. We conclude by reviewing the ongoing attempts of personalized nonsense suppression therapy in different disease contexts, including the genetic skin condition epidermolysis bullosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland N. Wagner
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Michael Wießner
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Andreas Friedrich
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Johanna Zandanell
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | | | - Johann W. Bauer
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
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29
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Abstract
Although differential transcription drives the development of multicellular organisms, the ultimate readout of a protein-coding gene is ribosome-dependent mRNA translation. Ribosomes were once thought of as uniform molecular machines, but emerging evidence indicates that the complexity and diversity of ribosome biogenesis and function should be given a fresh look in the context of development. This Review begins with a discussion of different developmental disorders that have been linked with perturbations in ribosome production and function. We then highlight recent studies that reveal how different cells and tissues exhibit variable levels of ribosome production and protein synthesis, and how changes in protein synthesis capacity can influence specific cell fate decisions. We finish by touching upon ribosome heterogeneity in stress responses and development. These discussions highlight the importance of considering both ribosome levels and functional specialization in the context of development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyang Ni
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Michael Buszczak
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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30
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Allaire NE, Griesenbach U, Kerem B, Lueck JD, Stanleigh N, Oren YS. Gene, RNA, and ASO-based therapeutic approaches in Cystic Fibrosis. J Cyst Fibros 2023; 22 Suppl 1:S39-S44. [PMID: 36658041 PMCID: PMC10012168 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcf.2022.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Most people with Cystic Fibrosis (PwCF) harbor Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance (CFTR) mutations that respond to highly effective CFTR modulators (HEM); however, a small fraction of non-responsive variants will require alternative approaches for treatment. Furthermore, the long-term goal to develop a cure for CF will require novel therapeutic strategies. Nucleic acid-based approaches offer the potential to address all CF-causing mutations and possibly a cure for all PwCF. In this minireview, we discuss current knowledge, recent progress, and critical questions surrounding the topic of Gene-, RNA-, and ASO-based therapies for the treatment of Cystic Fibrosis (CF).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Uta Griesenbach
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London and the UK Respiratory Gene Therapy Consortium, UK
| | - Batsheva Kerem
- Department of Genetics, The Life Sciences Institute, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - John D Lueck
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Noemie Stanleigh
- Department of Genetics, The Life Sciences Institute, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yifat S Oren
- SpliSenseTherapeutics, Biohouse Labs, Haddasah Ein Karem, Jerusalem, IL
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31
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Manjunath LE, Singh A, Som S, Eswarappa SM. Mammalian proteome expansion by stop codon readthrough. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2023; 14:e1739. [PMID: 35570338 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Recognition of a stop codon by translation machinery as a sense codon results in translational readthrough instead of termination. This recoding process, termed stop codon readthrough (SCR) or translational readthrough, is found in all domains of life including mammals. The context of the stop codon, local mRNA topology, and molecules that interact with the mRNA region downstream of the stop codon determine SCR. The products of SCR can have localization, stability, and function different from those of the canonical isoforms. In this review, we discuss how recent technological and computational advances have increased our understanding of the SCR process in the mammalian system. Based on the known molecular events that occur during SCR of multiple mRNAs, we propose transient molecular roadblocks on an mRNA downstream of the stop codon as a possible mechanism for the induction of SCR. We argue, with examples, that the insights gained from the natural SCR events can guide us to develop novel strategies for the treatment of diseases caused by premature stop codons. This article is categorized under: Translation > Regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lekha E Manjunath
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Anumeha Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Saubhik Som
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Sandeep M Eswarappa
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
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32
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Recoding of Nonsense Mutation as a Pharmacological Strategy. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11030659. [PMID: 36979640 PMCID: PMC10044939 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Approximately 11% of genetic human diseases are caused by nonsense mutations that introduce a premature termination codon (PTC) into the coding sequence. The PTC results in the production of a potentially harmful shortened polypeptide and activation of a nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) pathway. The NMD pathway reduces the burden of unproductive protein synthesis by lowering the level of PTC mRNA. There is an endogenous rescue mechanism that produces a full-length protein from a PTC mRNA. Nonsense suppression therapies aim to increase readthrough, suppress NMD, or are a combination of both strategies. Therefore, treatment with translational readthrough-inducing drugs (TRIDs) and NMD inhibitors may increase the effectiveness of PTC suppression. Here we discuss the mechanism of PTC readthrough and the development of novel approaches to PTC suppression. We also discuss the toxicity and bioavailability of therapeutics used to stimulate PTC readthrough.
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A High-Throughput Assay for In Vitro Determination of Release Factor-Dependent Peptide Release from a Pretermination Complex by Fluorescence Anisotropy-Application to Nonsense Suppressor Screening and Mechanistic Studies. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13020242. [PMID: 36830611 PMCID: PMC9953321 DOI: 10.3390/biom13020242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Premature termination codons (PTCs) account for ~12% of all human disease mutations. Translation readthrough-inducing drugs (TRIDs) are prominent among the several therapeutic approaches being used to overcome PTCs. Ataluren is the only TRID that has been approved for treating patients suffering from a PTC disease, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, but it gives variable readthrough results in cells isolated from patients suffering from other PTC diseases. We recently elucidated ataluren's mechanism of action as a competitive inhibitor of release factor complex (RFC) catalysis of premature termination and identified ataluren's binding sites on the ribosome responsible for such an inhibition. These results suggest the possibility of discovering new TRIDs, which would retain ataluren's low toxicity while displaying greater potency and generality in stimulating readthrough via the inhibition of termination. Here we present a detailed description of a new in vitro plate reader assay that we are using both to screen small compound libraries for the inhibition of RFC-dependent peptide release and to better understand the influence of termination codon identity and sequence context on RFC activity.
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Lightfoot HL, Smith GF. Targeting RNA with small molecules-A safety perspective. Br J Pharmacol 2023. [PMID: 36631428 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16027] [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: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA is a major player in cellular function, and consequently can drive a number of disease pathologies. Over the past several years, small molecule-RNA targeting (smRNA targeting) has developed into a promising drug discovery approach. Numerous techniques, tools, and assays have been developed to support this field, and significant investments have been made by pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. To date, the focus has been on identifying disease validated primary targets for smRNA drug development, yet RNA as a secondary (off) target for all small molecule drug programs largely has been unexplored. In this perspective, we discuss structure, target, and mechanism-driven safety aspects of smRNAs and highlight how these parameters can be evaluated in drug discovery programs to produce potentially safer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen L Lightfoot
- Safety and Mechanistic Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Graham F Smith
- Data Science and AI, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
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35
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Ngiwsara L, Sawangareetrakul P, Wattanasirichaigoon D, Tim-Aroon T, Dejkhamron P, Champattanachai V, Ketudat-Cairns JR, Svasti J. Effects of gentamicin inducing readthrough premature stop Codons: A study of alpha-L-iduronidase nonsense variants in COS-7 Cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 636:147-154. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.10.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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36
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Morera C, Kim J, Paredes-Redondo A, Nobles M, Rybin D, Moccia R, Kowala A, Meng J, Garren S, Liu P, Morgan JE, Muntoni F, Christoforou N, Owens J, Tinker A, Lin YY. CRISPR-mediated correction of skeletal muscle Ca 2+ handling in a novel DMD patient-derived pluripotent stem cell model. Neuromuscul Disord 2022; 32:908-922. [PMID: 36418198 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2022.10.007] [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: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in the dystrophin gene cause the most common and currently incurable Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) characterized by progressive muscle wasting. Although abnormal Ca2+ handling is a pathological feature of DMD, mechanisms underlying defective Ca2+ homeostasis remain unclear. Here we generate a novel DMD patient-derived pluripotent stem cell (PSC) model of skeletal muscle with an isogenic control using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-mediated precise gene correction. Transcriptome analysis identifies dysregulated gene sets in the absence of dystrophin, including genes involved in Ca2+ handling, excitation-contraction coupling and muscle contraction. Specifically, analysis of intracellular Ca2+ transients and mathematical modeling of Ca2+ dynamics reveal significantly reduced cytosolic Ca2+ clearance rates in DMD-PSC derived myotubes. Pharmacological assays demonstrate Ca2+ flux in myotubes is determined by both intracellular and extracellular sources. DMD-PSC derived myotubes display significantly reduced velocity of contractility. Compared with a non-isogenic wildtype PSC line, these pathophysiological defects could be rescued by CRISPR-mediated precise gene correction. Our study provides new insights into abnormal Ca2+ homeostasis in DMD and suggests that Ca2+ signaling pathways amenable to pharmacological modulation are potential therapeutic targets. Importantly, we have established a human physiology-relevant in vitro model enabling rapid pre-clinical testing of potential therapies for DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Morera
- Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, 4 Newark Street, London E1 2AT, United Kingdom; Stem Cell Laboratory, National Bowel Research Centre, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, 2 Newark Street, London E1 2AT, United Kingdom
| | - Jihee Kim
- Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, 4 Newark Street, London E1 2AT, United Kingdom; Stem Cell Laboratory, National Bowel Research Centre, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, 2 Newark Street, London E1 2AT, United Kingdom
| | - Amaia Paredes-Redondo
- Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, 4 Newark Street, London E1 2AT, United Kingdom; Stem Cell Laboratory, National Bowel Research Centre, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, 2 Newark Street, London E1 2AT, United Kingdom; Centre for Predictive in vitro Model, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, United Kingdom
| | - Muriel Nobles
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom
| | - Denis Rybin
- Rare Disease Research Unit, Pfizer, 610 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Robert Moccia
- Rare Disease Research Unit, Pfizer, 610 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Anna Kowala
- Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, 4 Newark Street, London E1 2AT, United Kingdom; Stem Cell Laboratory, National Bowel Research Centre, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, 2 Newark Street, London E1 2AT, United Kingdom; Centre for Predictive in vitro Model, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, United Kingdom
| | - Jinhong Meng
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom
| | - Seth Garren
- Rare Disease Research Unit, Pfizer, 610 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Pentao Liu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Consortium, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jennifer E Morgan
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom; NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Great Ormond Street Hospital, Great Ormond Street, London, United Kingdom
| | - Francesco Muntoni
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom; NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Great Ormond Street Hospital, Great Ormond Street, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jane Owens
- Rare Disease Research Unit, Pfizer, 610 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Andrew Tinker
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom
| | - Yung-Yao Lin
- Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, 4 Newark Street, London E1 2AT, United Kingdom; Stem Cell Laboratory, National Bowel Research Centre, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, 2 Newark Street, London E1 2AT, United Kingdom; Centre for Predictive in vitro Model, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, United Kingdom.
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Gil-Martínez J, Bernardo-Seisdedos G, Mato JM, Millet O. The use of pharmacological chaperones in rare diseases caused by reduced protein stability. Proteomics 2022; 22:e2200222. [PMID: 36205620 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202200222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Rare diseases are most often caused by inherited genetic disorders that, after translation, will result in a protein with altered function. Decreased protein stability is the most frequent mechanism associated with a congenital pathogenic missense mutation and it implies the destabilization of the folded conformation in favour of unfolded or misfolded states. In the cellular context and when experimental data is available, a mutant protein with altered thermodynamic stability often also results in impaired homeostasis, with the deleterious accumulation of protein aggregates, metabolites and/or metabolic by-products. In the last decades, a significant effort has enabled the characterization of rare diseases associated to protein stability defects and triggered the development of innovative therapeutic intervention lines, say, the use of pharmacological chaperones to correct the intracellular impaired homeostasis. Here, we review the current knowledge on rare diseases caused by reduced protein stability, paying special attention to the thermodynamic aspects of the protein destabilization, also focusing on some examples where pharmacological chaperones are being tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Gil-Martínez
- Precision Medicine and Metabolism Laboratory, CIC bioGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia, Spain
| | | | - José M Mato
- Precision Medicine and Metabolism Laboratory, CIC bioGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia, Spain.,CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Oscar Millet
- Precision Medicine and Metabolism Laboratory, CIC bioGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia, Spain.,ATLAS Molecular Pharma, Bizkaia, Spain.,CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Abstract
Muscular dystrophies are a group of genetic disorders characterized by varying degrees of progressive muscle weakness and degeneration. They are clinically and genetically heterogeneous but share the common histological features of dystrophic muscle. There is currently no cure for muscular dystrophies, which is of particular concern for the more disabling and/or lethal forms of the disease. Through the years, several therapies have encouragingly been developed for muscular dystrophies and include genetic, cellular, and pharmacological approaches. In this chapter, we undertake a comprehensive exploration of muscular dystrophy therapeutics under current development. Our review includes antisense therapy, CRISPR, gene replacement, cell therapy, nonsense suppression, and disease-modifying small molecule compounds.
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Pranke IM, Varilh J, Hatton A, Faucon C, Girodon E, Dreano E, Chevalier B, Karri S, Reix P, Durieu I, Bidou L, Namy O, Taulan M, Hinzpeter A, Sermet-Gaudelus I. The U UGA C sequence provides a favorable context to ELX-02 induced CFTR readthrough. J Cyst Fibros 2022:S1569-1993(22)01392-3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcf.2022.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Retinal Structure and Function in a Knock-In Mouse Model for the FAM161A-p.Arg523* Human Nonsense Pathogenic Variant. OPHTHALMOLOGY SCIENCE 2022; 3:100229. [DOI: 10.1016/j.xops.2022.100229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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41
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Christie M, Friesen Westley J, Suresh B, Baiazitov Ramil Y, Wu D, Karloff Diane B, Chang-Sun L, Young-Choon M, Hongyu R, Jairo S, Yuki T, Priya V, Welch Ellen M, Xiaojiao X, Jin Z. Guanidino Quinazolines and Pyrimidines Promote Readthrough of Premature Termination Codons in Cells with Native Nonsense Mutations. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2022; 76:128989. [PMID: 36150638 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2022.128989] [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: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Using small molecules to induce readthrough of premature termination codons is a promising therapeutic approach to treating genetic diseases and cancers caused by nonsense mutations, as evidenced by the widespread use of ataluren to treat nonsense mutation Duchene muscular dystrophy. Herein we describe a series of novel guanidino quinazoline and pyrimidine scaffolds that induce readthrough in both HDQ-P1 mammary carcinoma cells and mdx myotubes. Linkage of basic, tertiary amines with aliphatic, hydrophobic substituents to the terminal guanidine nitrogen of these scaffolds led to significant potency increases. Further potency gains were achieved by flanking the pyrimidine ring with hydrophobic substituents, inducing readthrough at concentrations as low as 120 nM and demonstrating the potential of these compounds to be used either in combination with ataluren or as stand-alone therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morrill Christie
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ, 07080, USA
| | - J Friesen Westley
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ, 07080, USA
| | - Babu Suresh
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ, 07080, USA
| | - Y Baiazitov Ramil
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ, 07080, USA
| | - Du Wu
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ, 07080, USA
| | - B Karloff Diane
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ, 07080, USA
| | - Lee Chang-Sun
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ, 07080, USA
| | - Moon Young-Choon
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ, 07080, USA
| | - Ren Hongyu
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ, 07080, USA
| | - Sierra Jairo
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ, 07080, USA
| | - Tomizawa Yuki
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ, 07080, USA
| | - Vazirani Priya
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ, 07080, USA
| | - M Welch Ellen
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ, 07080, USA
| | - Xue Xiaojiao
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ, 07080, USA
| | - Zhuo Jin
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ, 07080, USA
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42
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Grimm NB, Lee JT. Selective Xi reactivation and alternative methods to restore MECP2 function in Rett syndrome. Trends Genet 2022; 38:920-943. [PMID: 35248405 PMCID: PMC9915138 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2022.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The human X-chromosome harbors only 4% of our genome but carries over 20% of genes associated with intellectual disability. Given that they inherit only one X-chromosome, males are more frequently affected by X-linked neurodevelopmental genetic disorders than females. However, despite inheriting two X-chromosomes, females can also be affected because X-chromosome inactivation enables only one of two X-chromosomes to be expressed per cell. For Rett syndrome and similar X-linked disorders affecting females, disease-specific treatments have remained elusive. However, a cure may be found within their own cells because every sick cell carries a healthy copy of the affected gene on the inactive X (Xi). Therefore, selective Xi reactivation may be a viable approach that would address the root cause of various X-linked disorders. Here, we discuss Rett syndrome and compare current approaches in the pharmaceutical pipeline to restore MECP2 function. We then focus on Xi reactivation and review available methods, lessons learned, and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niklas-Benedikt Grimm
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Genetics, The Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jeannie T Lee
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Genetics, The Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Romero Romero ML, Landerer C, Poehls J, Toth‐Petroczy A. Phenotypic mutations contribute to protein diversity and shape protein evolution. Protein Sci 2022; 31:e4397. [PMID: 36040266 PMCID: PMC9375231 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Errors in DNA replication generate genetic mutations, while errors in transcription and translation lead to phenotypic mutations. Phenotypic mutations are orders of magnitude more frequent than genetic ones, yet they are less understood. Here, we review the types of phenotypic mutations, their quantifications, and their role in protein evolution and disease. The diversity generated by phenotypic mutation can facilitate adaptive evolution. Indeed, phenotypic mutations, such as ribosomal frameshift and stop codon readthrough, sometimes serve to regulate protein expression and function. Phenotypic mutations have often been linked to fitness decrease and diseases. Thus, understanding the protein heterogeneity and phenotypic diversity caused by phenotypic mutations will advance our understanding of protein evolution and have implications on human health and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luisa Romero Romero
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics Dresden Germany
- Center for Systems Biology Dresden Dresden Germany
| | - Cedric Landerer
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics Dresden Germany
- Center for Systems Biology Dresden Dresden Germany
| | - Jonas Poehls
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics Dresden Germany
- Center for Systems Biology Dresden Dresden Germany
| | - Agnes Toth‐Petroczy
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics Dresden Germany
- Center for Systems Biology Dresden Dresden Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life TU Dresden Dresden Germany
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Lin TY, Glatt S. ACEing premature codon termination using anticodon-engineered sup-tRNA-based therapy. MOLECULAR THERAPY - NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 29:368-369. [PMID: 36035751 PMCID: PMC9386023 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Yu Lin
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology (MCB), Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
- Corresponding author Ting-Yu Lin, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology (MCB), Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Sebastian Glatt
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology (MCB), Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
- Corresponding author Sebastian Glatt, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology (MCB), Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Krakow, Poland.
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Bowling A, Eastman A, Merlo C, Lin G, West N, Patel S, Cutting G, Sharma N. Downstream Alternate Start Site Allows N-Terminal Nonsense Variants to Escape NMD and Results in Functional Recovery by Readthrough and Modulator Combination. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12091448. [PMID: 36143233 PMCID: PMC9504986 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12091448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic variants that introduce premature termination codons (PTCs) have remained difficult to therapeutically target due to lack of protein product. Nonsense mediated mRNA decay (NMD) targets PTC-bearing transcripts to reduce the potentially damaging effects of truncated proteins. Readthrough compounds have been tested on PTC-generating variants in attempt to permit translation through a premature stop. However, readthrough compounds have not proved efficacious in a clinical setting due to lack of stable mRNA. Here, we investigate N-terminal variants in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, which have been shown to escape NMD, potentially through a mechanism of alternative translation initiation at downstream AUG codons. We hypothesized that N-terminal variants in CFTR that evade NMD will produce stable transcript, allowing CFTR function to be restored by a combination of readthrough and protein modulator therapy. We investigate this using two cell line models expressing CFTR-expression minigenes (EMG; HEK293s and CFBEs) and primary human nasal epithelial (NE) cells, and we test readthrough compounds G418 and ELX-02 in combination with CFTR protein modulators. HEK293 cells expressing the variants E60X and L88X generate CFTR-specific core glycosylated products that are consistent with downstream translation initiation. Mutation of downstream methionines at codons 150 and 152 does not result in changes in CFTR protein processing in cells expressing L88X-CFTR-EMG. However, mutation of methionine at 265 results in loss of detectable CFTR protein in cells expressing E60X, L88X, and Y122X CFTR-EMGs, indicating that downstream translation initiation is occurring at the AUG codon at position M265. In HEK293 stable cells harboring L88X, treatment with readthrough compounds alone allows for formation of full-length, but misfolded CFTR protein. Upon addition of protein modulators in combination with readthrough, we observe formation of mature, complex-glycosylated CFTR. In CFBE and NE cells, addition of readthrough ELX-02 and modulator therapy results in substantial recovery of CFTR function. Our work indicates that N-terminal variants generate stable CFTR transcript due to translation initiation at a downstream AUG codon. Thus, individuals with CF bearing 5′ nonsense variants that evade NMD are ideal candidates for treatment with clinically safe readthrough compounds and modulator therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa Bowling
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Alice Eastman
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Christian Merlo
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Gabrielle Lin
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Natalie West
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Shivani Patel
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Garry Cutting
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Neeraj Sharma
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Correspondence:
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2-Guanidino-quinazoline promotes the readthrough of nonsense mutations underlying human genetic diseases. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2122004119. [PMID: 35994666 PMCID: PMC9436315 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2122004119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonsense mutations account for approximately 11% of all described gene lesions causing human inherited diseases. This premature termination codon (PTC) leads to the premature arrest of translation that generates a truncated peptide and the degradation of the corresponding mRNA through the nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) pathway. The possibility of restoring the protein expression by promoting PTC readthrough using drugs appears to be an important therapeutic strategy. Unfortunately, this strategy is limited by the small number of molecules known to promote PTC readthrough without affecting normal translation termination. In this work, we identify a new molecule, TLN468, that promotes a high level of PTC readthrough without a detectable effect on normal stop codons. Premature termination codons (PTCs) account for 10 to 20% of genetic diseases in humans. The gene inactivation resulting from PTCs can be counteracted by the use of drugs stimulating PTC readthrough, thereby restoring production of the full-length protein. However, a greater chemical variety of readthrough inducers is required to broaden the medical applications of this therapeutic strategy. In this study, we developed a reporter cell line and performed high-throughput screening (HTS) to identify potential readthrough inducers. After three successive assays, we isolated 2-guanidino-quinazoline (TLN468). We assessed the clinical potential of this drug as a potent readthrough inducer on the 40 PTCs most frequently responsible for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). We found that TLN468 was more efficient than gentamicin, and acted on a broader range of sequences, without inducing the readthrough of normal stop codons (TC).
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47
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Functional restoration of mouse Nf1 nonsense alleles in differentiated cultured neurons. J Hum Genet 2022; 67:661-668. [PMID: 35945271 DOI: 10.1038/s10038-022-01072-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), one of the most common autosomal dominant genetic disorders, is caused by mutations in the NF1 gene. NF1 patients have a wide variety of manifestations with a subset at high risk for the development of tumors in the central nervous system (CNS). Nonsense mutations that result in the synthesis of truncated NF1 protein (neurofibromin) are strongly associated with CNS tumors. Therapeutic nonsense suppression with small molecule drugs is a potentially powerful approach to restore the expression of genes harboring nonsense mutations. Ataluren is one such drug that has been shown to restore full-length functional protein in several models of nonsense mutation diseases, as well as in patients with nonsense mutation Duchenne muscular dystrophy. To test ataluren's potential applicability to NF1 nonsense mutations associated with CNS tumors, we generated a homozygous Nf1R683X/R683X-3X-FLAG mouse embryonic stem (mES) cell line which recapitulates an NF1 patient nonsense mutation (c.2041 C > T; p.Arg681X). We differentiated Nf1R683X/R683X-3X-FLAG mES cells into cortical neurons in vitro, treated the cells with ataluren, and demonstrated that ataluren can promote readthrough of the nonsense mutation at codon 683 of Nf1 mRNA in neural cells. The resulting full-length protein is able to reduce the cellular level of hyperactive phosphorylated ERK (pERK), a RAS effector normally suppressed by the NF1 protein.
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Lombardi S, Testa MF, Pinotti M, Branchini A. Translation termination codons in protein synthesis and disease. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2022; 132:1-48. [PMID: 36088072 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2022.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Fidelity of protein synthesis, a process shaped by several mechanisms involving specialized ribosome regions and external factors, ensures the precise reading of sense as well as stop codons (UGA, UAG, UAA), which are usually localized at the 3' of mRNA and drive the release of the polypeptide chain. However, either natural (NTCs) or premature (PTCs) termination codons, the latter arising from nucleotide changes, can undergo a recoding process named ribosome or translational readthrough, which insert specific amino acids (NTCs) or subset(s) depending on the stop codon type (PTCs). This process is particularly relevant for nonsense mutations, a relatively frequent cause of genetic disorders, which impair gene expression at different levels by potentially leading to mRNA degradation and/or synthesis of truncated proteins. As a matter of fact, many efforts have been made to develop efficient and safe readthrough-inducing compounds, which have been challenged in several models of human disease to provide with a therapy. In this view, the dissection of the molecular determinants shaping the outcome of readthrough, namely nucleotide and protein contexts as well as their interplay and impact on protein structure/function, is crucial to identify responsive nonsense mutations resulting in functional full-length proteins. The interpretation of experimental and mechanistic findings is also important to define a possibly clear picture of potential readthrough-favorable features useful to achieve rescue profiles compatible with therapeutic thresholds typical of each targeted disorder, which is of primary importance for the potential translatability of readthrough into a personalized and mutation-specific, and thus patient-oriented, therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Lombardi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Francesca Testa
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mirko Pinotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessio Branchini
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
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Rastogi R, Stenson PD, Cooper DN, Bejerano G. X-CAP improves pathogenicity prediction of stopgain variants. Genome Med 2022; 14:81. [PMID: 35906703 PMCID: PMC9338606 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-022-01078-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Stopgain substitutions are the third-largest class of monogenic human disease mutations and often examined first in patient exomes. Existing computational stopgain pathogenicity predictors, however, exhibit poor performance at the high sensitivity required for clinical use. Here, we introduce a new classifier, termed X-CAP, which uses a novel training methodology and unique feature set to improve the AUROC by 18% and decrease the false-positive rate 4-fold on large variant databases. In patient exomes, X-CAP prioritizes causal stopgains better than existing methods do, further illustrating its clinical utility. X-CAP is available at https://github.com/bejerano-lab/X-CAP .
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruchir Rastogi
- grid.168010.e0000000419368956Department of Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, USA
| | - Peter D. Stenson
- grid.5600.30000 0001 0807 5670Institute of Medical Genetics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - David N. Cooper
- grid.5600.30000 0001 0807 5670Institute of Medical Genetics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Gill Bejerano
- Department of Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, USA. .,Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, USA. .,Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, USA.
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50
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Lee RE, Lewis CA, He L, Bulik-Sullivan EC, Gallant SC, Mascenik TM, Dang H, Cholon DM, Gentzsch M, Morton LC, Minges JT, Theile JW, Castle NA, Knowles MR, Kimple AJ, Randell SH. Small molecule eRF3a degraders rescue CFTR nonsense mutations by promoting premature termination codon readthrough. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:154571. [PMID: 35900863 PMCID: PMC9479597 DOI: 10.1172/jci154571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The vast majority of people with cystic fibrosis (CF) are now eligible for CF transmembrane regulator (CFTR) modulator therapy. The remaining individuals with CF harbor premature termination codons (PTCs) or rare CFTR variants with limited treatment options. Although the clinical modulator response can be reliably predicted using primary airway epithelial cells, primary cells carrying rare CFTR variants are scarce. To overcome this obstacle, cell lines can be created by overexpression of mouse Bmi-1 and human TERT (hTERT). Using this approach, we developed 2 non-CF and 6 CF airway epithelial cell lines, 3 of which were homozygous for the W1282X PTC variant. The Bmi-1/hTERT cell lines recapitulated primary cell morphology and ion transport function. The 2 F508del-CFTR cell lines responded robustly to CFTR modulators, which was mirrored in the parent primary cells and in the cell donors’ clinical response. Cereblon E3 ligase modulators targeting eukaryotic release factor 3a (eRF3a) rescued W1282X-CFTR function to approximately 20% of WT levels and, when paired with G418, rescued G542X-CFTR function to approximately 50% of WT levels. Intriguingly, eRF3a degraders also diminished epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) function. These studies demonstrate that Bmi-1/hTERT cell lines faithfully mirrored primary cell responses to CFTR modulators and illustrate a therapeutic approach to rescue CFTR nonsense mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhianna E Lee
- Marsico Lung Institute/Cystic Fibrosis Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, United States of America
| | - Catherine A Lewis
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, United States of America
| | - Lihua He
- Marsico Lung Institute/Cystic Fibrosis Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, United States of America
| | - Emily C Bulik-Sullivan
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, United States of America
| | - Samuel C Gallant
- Marsico Lung Institute/Cystic Fibrosis Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, United States of America
| | - Teresa M Mascenik
- Marsico Lung Institute/Cystic Fibrosis Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, United States of America
| | - Hong Dang
- Marsico Lung Institute/Cystic Fibrosis Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, United States of America
| | - Deborah M Cholon
- Marsico Lung Institute/Cystic Fibrosis Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, United States of America
| | - Martina Gentzsch
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, United States of America
| | - Lisa C Morton
- Marsico Lung Institute/Cystic Fibrosis Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, United States of America
| | - John T Minges
- Marsico Lung Institute/Cystic Fibrosis Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, United States of America
| | | | - Neil A Castle
- Research and Development, Icagen, Durham, United States of America
| | - Michael R Knowles
- Marsico Lung Institute/Cystic Fibrosis Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, United States of America
| | - Adam J Kimple
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, United States of America
| | - Scott H Randell
- Marsico Lung Institute/Cystic Fibrosis Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, United States of America
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