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Pagano G, Lyakhovich A, Pallardó FV, Tiano L, Zatterale A, Trifuoggi M. Mitochondrial dysfunction in Fragile X syndrome and Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome: prospect use of antioxidants and mitochondrial nutrients. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:480. [PMID: 38578387 PMCID: PMC10997711 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09415-7] [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: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a genetic disorder characterized by mutation in the FMR1 gene, leading to the absence or reduced levels of fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMRP). This results in neurodevelopmental deficits, including autistic spectrum conditions. On the other hand, Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) is a distinct disorder caused by the premutation in the FMR1 gene. FXTAS is associated with elevated levels of FMR1 mRNA, leading to neurodegenerative manifestations such as tremors and ataxia.Mounting evidence suggests a link between both syndromes and mitochondrial dysfunction (MDF). In this minireview, we critically examine the intricate relationship between FXS, FXTAS, and MDF, focusing on potential therapeutic avenues to counteract or mitigate their adverse effects. Specifically, we explore the role of mitochondrial cofactors and antioxidants, with a particular emphasis on alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), carnitine (CARN) and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). Findings from this review will contribute to a deeper understanding of these disorders and foster novel therapeutic strategies to enhance patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Pagano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Federico II Naples University, via Cintia, Naples, I-80126, Italy.
| | | | - Federico V Pallardó
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia-INCLIVA, CIBERER, Valencia, E-46010, Spain
| | - Luca Tiano
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnical University of Marche, Ancona, I-60121, Italy
| | | | - Marco Trifuoggi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Federico II Naples University, via Cintia, Naples, I-80126, Italy
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2
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Tassone F, Protic D, Allen EG, Archibald AD, Baud A, Brown TW, Budimirovic DB, Cohen J, Dufour B, Eiges R, Elvassore N, Gabis LV, Grudzien SJ, Hall DA, Hessl D, Hogan A, Hunter JE, Jin P, Jiraanont P, Klusek J, Kooy RF, Kraan CM, Laterza C, Lee A, Lipworth K, Losh M, Loesch D, Lozano R, Mailick MR, Manolopoulos A, Martinez-Cerdeno V, McLennan Y, Miller RM, Montanaro FAM, Mosconi MW, Potter SN, Raspa M, Rivera SM, Shelly K, Todd PK, Tutak K, Wang JY, Wheeler A, Winarni TI, Zafarullah M, Hagerman RJ. Insight and Recommendations for Fragile X-Premutation-Associated Conditions from the Fifth International Conference on FMR1 Premutation. Cells 2023; 12:2330. [PMID: 37759552 PMCID: PMC10529056 DOI: 10.3390/cells12182330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The premutation of the fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMR1) gene is characterized by an expansion of the CGG trinucleotide repeats (55 to 200 CGGs) in the 5' untranslated region and increased levels of FMR1 mRNA. Molecular mechanisms leading to fragile X-premutation-associated conditions (FXPAC) include cotranscriptional R-loop formations, FMR1 mRNA toxicity through both RNA gelation into nuclear foci and sequestration of various CGG-repeat-binding proteins, and the repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN)-initiated translation of potentially toxic proteins. Such molecular mechanisms contribute to subsequent consequences, including mitochondrial dysfunction and neuronal death. Clinically, premutation carriers may exhibit a wide range of symptoms and phenotypes. Any of the problems associated with the premutation can appropriately be called FXPAC. Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), fragile X-associated primary ovarian insufficiency (FXPOI), and fragile X-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (FXAND) can fall under FXPAC. Understanding the molecular and clinical aspects of the premutation of the FMR1 gene is crucial for the accurate diagnosis, genetic counseling, and appropriate management of affected individuals and families. This paper summarizes all the known problems associated with the premutation and documents the presentations and discussions that occurred at the International Premutation Conference, which took place in New Zealand in 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flora Tassone
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA;
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95817, USA; (B.D.); (D.H.); (V.M.-C.)
| | - Dragana Protic
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11129 Belgrade, Serbia;
- Fragile X Clinic, Special Hospital for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Neurology, 11040 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Emily Graves Allen
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (E.G.A.); (P.J.); (K.S.)
| | - Alison D. Archibald
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia;
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia;
- Genomics in Society Group, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Anna Baud
- Department of Gene Expression, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614 Poznan, Poland; (A.B.); (K.T.)
| | - Ted W. Brown
- Central Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
- Fragile X Association of Australia, Brookvale, NSW 2100, Australia;
- NYS Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, New York, NY 10314, USA
| | - Dejan B. Budimirovic
- Department of Psychiatry, Fragile X Clinic, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences-Child Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jonathan Cohen
- Fragile X Alliance Clinic, Melbourne, VIC 3161, Australia;
| | - Brett Dufour
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95817, USA; (B.D.); (D.H.); (V.M.-C.)
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospitals for Children of Northern California, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA;
| | - Rachel Eiges
- Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Medical Genetics Institute, Shaare Zedek Medical Center Affiliated with the Hebrew University School of Medicine, Jerusalem 91031, Israel;
| | - Nicola Elvassore
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), 35129 Padova, Italy; (N.E.); (C.L.)
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Lidia V. Gabis
- Keshet Autism Center Maccabi Wolfson, Holon 5822012, Israel;
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Samantha J. Grudzien
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, 4148 BSRB, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (S.J.G.); (P.K.T.)
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Deborah A. Hall
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
| | - David Hessl
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95817, USA; (B.D.); (D.H.); (V.M.-C.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Abigail Hogan
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA; (A.H.); (J.K.)
| | - Jessica Ezzell Hunter
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA; (J.E.H.); (S.N.P.); (M.R.); (A.W.)
| | - Peng Jin
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (E.G.A.); (P.J.); (K.S.)
| | - Poonnada Jiraanont
- Faculty of Medicine, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok 10520, Thailand;
| | - Jessica Klusek
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA; (A.H.); (J.K.)
| | - R. Frank Kooy
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium;
| | - Claudine M. Kraan
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia;
- Diagnosis and Development, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Cecilia Laterza
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), 35129 Padova, Italy; (N.E.); (C.L.)
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Lee
- Fragile X New Zealand, Nelson 7040, New Zealand;
| | - Karen Lipworth
- Fragile X Association of Australia, Brookvale, NSW 2100, Australia;
| | - Molly Losh
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60201, USA;
| | - Danuta Loesch
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia;
| | - Reymundo Lozano
- Departments of Genetics and Genomic Sciences and Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA;
| | - Marsha R. Mailick
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
| | - Apostolos Manolopoulos
- Intramural Research Program, Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA;
| | - Veronica Martinez-Cerdeno
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95817, USA; (B.D.); (D.H.); (V.M.-C.)
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospitals for Children of Northern California, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA;
| | - Yingratana McLennan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospitals for Children of Northern California, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA;
| | | | - Federica Alice Maria Montanaro
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Education, Psychology, Communication, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70121 Bari, Italy
| | - Matthew W. Mosconi
- Schiefelbusch Institute for Life Span Studies, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA;
- Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
- Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (K-CART), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | - Sarah Nelson Potter
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA; (J.E.H.); (S.N.P.); (M.R.); (A.W.)
| | - Melissa Raspa
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA; (J.E.H.); (S.N.P.); (M.R.); (A.W.)
| | - Susan M. Rivera
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA;
| | - Katharine Shelly
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (E.G.A.); (P.J.); (K.S.)
| | - Peter K. Todd
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, 4148 BSRB, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (S.J.G.); (P.K.T.)
- Ann Arbor Veterans Administration Healthcare, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
| | - Katarzyna Tutak
- Department of Gene Expression, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614 Poznan, Poland; (A.B.); (K.T.)
| | - Jun Yi Wang
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95618, USA;
| | - Anne Wheeler
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA; (J.E.H.); (S.N.P.); (M.R.); (A.W.)
| | - Tri Indah Winarni
- Center for Biomedical Research (CEBIOR), Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang 502754, Central Java, Indonesia;
| | - Marwa Zafarullah
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA;
| | - Randi J. Hagerman
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95817, USA; (B.D.); (D.H.); (V.M.-C.)
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
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Aishworiya R, Protic D, Hagerman R. Autism spectrum disorder in the fragile X premutation state: possible mechanisms and implications. J Neurol 2022; 269:4676-4683. [PMID: 35723724 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-022-11209-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
There is increasing recognition of the heterogeneity of origin of cases of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with multiple forms of ASD having been identified over the decades. Among these, a genetic etiology can be identified in 20-40% of cases when a full genetic work-up is completed. The Fragile X premutation state (characterized by the presence of 55-200 CGG repeats in the FMR1 gene) is a relatively newly identified disease state that has since been associated with several disorders including fragile X-associated tremor ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), fragile X-associated primary ovarian insufficiency (FXPOI) and most recently, fragile X-associated neurodevelopmental disorders (FXAND) which commonly includes anxiety and depression. In addition to these associated disorders, extant literature and clinical observations have suggested an association between the premutation state and ASD. In this paper, we review the literature pertinent to this and discuss possible molecular mechanisms that may explain this association. This includes lowered levels of the FMR1 Protein (FMRP), GABA deficits, mitochondrial dysfunction and secondary genetic abnormalities that is seen in premutation carriers as well as their increased vulnerability to environmental stressors. Understanding these mechanisms can facilitate development of targeted treatment for specific sub-groups of ASD and premutation disorders in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramkumar Aishworiya
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, University of California Davis, 2825 50th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA. .,Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Health System, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119074, Singapore. .,Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 10 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117597, Singapore.
| | - Dragana Protic
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Randi Hagerman
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, University of California Davis, 2825 50th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, 4610 X St, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
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4
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Sanchez-Roman I, Ferrando B, Holst CM, Mengel-From J, Rasmussen SH, Thinggaard M, Bohr VA, Christensen K, Stevnsner T. Molecular markers of DNA repair and brain metabolism correlate with cognition in centenarians. GeroScience 2021; 44:103-125. [PMID: 34966960 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-021-00502-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is an important factor in age-associated neurodegeneration. Accordingly, mitochondrial dysfunction and genomic instability have been considered as key hallmarks of aging and have important roles in age-associated cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disorders. In order to evaluate whether maintenance of cognitive abilities at very old age is associated with key hallmarks of aging, we measured mitochondrial bioenergetics, mitochondrial DNA copy number and DNA repair capacity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from centenarians in a Danish 1915 birth cohort (n = 120). Also, the circulating levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, NAD+ /NADH and carbonylated proteins were measured in plasma of the centenarians and correlated to cognitive capacity. Mitochondrial respiration was well preserved in the centenarian cohort when compared to young individuals (21-35 years of age, n = 33). When correlating cognitive performance of the centenarians with mitochondrial function such as basal respiration, ATP production, reserve capacity and maximal respiration, no overall correlations were observed, but when stratifying by sex, inverse associations were observed in the males (p < 0.05). Centenarians with the most severe cognitive impairment displayed the lowest activity of the central DNA repair enzyme, APE1 (p < 0.05). A positive correlation between cognitive capacity and levels of NAD+ /NADH was observed (p < 0.05), which may be because NAD+ /NADH consuming enzyme activities strive to reduce the oxidative DNA damage load. Also, circulating protein carbonylation was lowest in centenarians with highest cognitive capacity (p < 0.05). An opposite trend was observed for levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (p = 0.17). Our results suggest that maintenance of cognitive capacity at very old age may be associated with cellular mechanisms related to oxidative stress and DNA metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Sanchez-Roman
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Danish Aging Research Center, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Genetics, Physiology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences (Animal Physiology Unit), School of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Ferrando
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Danish Aging Research Center, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Camilla Myrup Holst
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Danish Aging Research Center, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jonas Mengel-From
- Danish Aging Research Center, Aarhus, Denmark
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Signe Høi Rasmussen
- Danish Aging Research Center, Aarhus, Denmark
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Geriatrics, Odense University Hospital, Svendborg, Denmark
| | - Mikael Thinggaard
- Danish Aging Research Center, Aarhus, Denmark
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Vilhelm A Bohr
- Danish Aging Research Center, Aarhus, Denmark
- National Institute On Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kaare Christensen
- Danish Aging Research Center, Aarhus, Denmark
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Tinna Stevnsner
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
- Danish Aging Research Center, Aarhus, Denmark.
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Fisher PR, Allan CY, Sanislav O, Atkinson A, Ngoei KRW, Kemp BE, Storey E, Loesch DZ, Annesley SJ. Relationships between Mitochondrial Function, AMPK, and TORC1 Signaling in Lymphoblasts with Premutation Alleles of the FMR1 Gene. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10393. [PMID: 34638732 PMCID: PMC8508849 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The X-linked FMR1 gene contains a non-coding trinucleotide repeat in its 5' region that, in normal, healthy individuals contains 20-44 copies. Large expansions of this region (>200 copies) cause fragile X syndrome (FXS), but expansions of 55-199 copies (referred to as premutation alleles) predispose carriers to a neurodegenerative disease called fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). The cytopathological mechanisms underlying FXTAS are poorly understood, but abnormalities in mitochondrial function are believed to play a role. We previously reported that lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs, or lymphoblasts) of premutation carriers have elevated mitochondrial respiratory activities. In the carriers, especially those not clinically affected with FXTAS, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity was shown to be elevated. In the FXTAS patients, however, it was negatively correlated with brain white matter lesions, suggesting a protective role in the molecular mechanisms. Here, we report an enlarged and extended study of mitochondrial function and associated cellular stress-signaling pathways in lymphoblasts isolated from male and female premutation carriers, regardless of their clinical status, and healthy controls. The results confirmed the elevation of AMPK and mitochondrial respiratory activities and reduction in reactive O2 species (ROS) levels in premutation cells and revealed for the first time that target of rapamycin complex I (TORC1) activities are reduced. Extensive correlation, multiple regression, and principal components analysis revealed the best fitting statistical explanations of these changes in terms of the other variables measured. These suggested which variables might be the most "proximal" regulators of the others in the extensive network of known causal interactions amongst the measured parameters of mitochondrial function and cellular stress signaling. In the resulting model, the premutation alleles activate AMPK and inhibit both TORC1 and ROS production, the reduced TORC1 activity contributes to activation of AMPK and of nonmitochondrial metabolism, and the higher AMPK activity results in elevated catabolic metabolism, mitochondrial respiration, and ATP steady state levels. In addition, the results suggest a separate CGG repeat number-dependent elevation of TORC1 activity that is insufficient to overcome the inhibition of TORC1 in premutation cells but may presage the previously reported activation of TORC1 in FXS cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul R. Fisher
- Department of Physiology Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia; (C.Y.A.); (O.S.); (S.J.A.)
| | - Claire Y. Allan
- Department of Physiology Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia; (C.Y.A.); (O.S.); (S.J.A.)
| | - Oana Sanislav
- Department of Physiology Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia; (C.Y.A.); (O.S.); (S.J.A.)
| | - Anna Atkinson
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia; (A.A.); (D.Z.L.)
| | - Kevin R. W. Ngoei
- St. Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia; (K.R.W.N.); (B.E.K.)
| | - Bruce E. Kemp
- St. Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia; (K.R.W.N.); (B.E.K.)
- Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Elsdon Storey
- Department of Medicine, Alfred Hospital Campus, Monash University, Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia;
| | - Danuta Z. Loesch
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia; (A.A.); (D.Z.L.)
| | - Sarah J. Annesley
- Department of Physiology Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia; (C.Y.A.); (O.S.); (S.J.A.)
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6
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Wang J, Napoli E, Kim K, McLennan YA, Hagerman RJ, Giulivi C. Brain Atrophy and White Matter Damage Linked to Peripheral Bioenergetic Deficits in the Neurodegenerative Disease FXTAS. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9171. [PMID: 34502080 PMCID: PMC8431233 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting subjects (premutation carriers) with a 55-200 CGG-trinucleotide expansion in the 5'UTR of the fragile X mental retardation 1 gene (FMR1) typically after age 50. As both the presence of white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) and atrophied gray matter on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are linked to age-dependent decline in cognition, here we tested whether MRI outcomes (WMH volume (WMHV) and brain volume) were correlated with mitochondrial bioenergetics from peripheral blood monocytic cells in 87 carriers with and without FXTAS. As a parameter assessing cumulative damage, WMHV was correlated to both FXTAS stages and age, and brain volume discriminated between carriers and non-carriers. Similarly, mitochondrial mass and ATP production showed an age-dependent decline across all participants, but in contrast to WMHV, only FADH2-linked ATP production was significantly reduced in carriers vs. non-carriers. In carriers, WMHV negatively correlated with ATP production sustained by glucose-glutamine and FADH2-linked substrates, whereas brain volume was positively associated with the latter and mitochondrial mass. The observed correlations between peripheral mitochondrial bioenergetics and MRI findings-and the lack of correlations with FXTAS diagnosis/stages-may stem from early brain bioenergetic deficits even before overt FXTAS symptoms and/or imaging findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyi Wang
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95618, USA;
| | - Eleonora Napoli
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Kyoungmi Kim
- The MIND Institute, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (K.K.); (Y.A.M.)
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Yingratana A. McLennan
- The MIND Institute, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (K.K.); (Y.A.M.)
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Randi J. Hagerman
- The MIND Institute, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (K.K.); (Y.A.M.)
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Cecilia Giulivi
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
- The MIND Institute, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (K.K.); (Y.A.M.)
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7
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Molecular Pathogenesis and Peripheral Monitoring of Adult Fragile X-Associated Syndromes. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168368. [PMID: 34445074 PMCID: PMC8395059 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal trinucleotide expansions cause rare disorders that compromise quality of life and, in some cases, lifespan. In particular, the expansions of the CGG-repeats stretch at the 5’-UTR of the Fragile X Mental Retardation 1 (FMR1) gene have pleiotropic effects that lead to a variety of Fragile X-associated syndromes: the neurodevelopmental Fragile X syndrome (FXS) in children, the late-onset neurodegenerative disorder Fragile X-associated tremor-ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) that mainly affects adult men, the Fragile X-associated primary ovarian insufficiency (FXPOI) in adult women, and a variety of psychiatric and affective disorders that are under the term of Fragile X-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (FXAND). In this review, we will describe the pathological mechanisms of the adult “gain-of-function” syndromes that are mainly caused by the toxic actions of CGG RNA and FMRpolyG peptide. There have been intensive attempts to identify reliable peripheral biomarkers to assess disease progression and onset of specific pathological traits. Mitochondrial dysfunction, altered miRNA expression, endocrine system failure, and impairment of the GABAergic transmission are some of the affectations that are susceptible to be tracked using peripheral blood for monitoring of the motor, cognitive, psychiatric and reproductive impairment of the CGG-expansion carriers. We provided some illustrative examples from our own cohort. Understanding the association between molecular pathogenesis and biomarkers dynamics will improve effective prognosis and clinical management of CGG-expansion carriers.
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Annesley SJ, Fisher PR. Lymphoblastoid Cell Lines as Models to Study Mitochondrial Function in Neurological Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:4536. [PMID: 33926115 PMCID: PMC8123577 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurological disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases, are collectively a major cause of death and disability worldwide. Whilst the underlying disease mechanisms remain elusive, altered mitochondrial function has been clearly implicated and is a key area of study in these disorders. Studying mitochondrial function in these disorders is difficult due to the inaccessibility of brain tissue, which is the key tissue affected in these diseases. To overcome this issue, numerous cell models have been used, each providing unique benefits and limitations. Here, we focussed on the use of lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) to study mitochondrial function in neurological disorders. LCLs have long been used as tools for genomic analyses, but here we described their use in functional studies specifically in regard to mitochondrial function. These models have enabled characterisation of the underlying mitochondrial defect, identification of altered signalling pathways and proteins, differences in mitochondrial function between subsets of particular disorders and identification of biomarkers of the disease. The examples provided here suggest that these cells will be useful for development of diagnostic tests (which in most cases do not exist), identification of drug targets and testing of pharmacological agents, and are a worthwhile model for studying mitochondrial function in neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Jane Annesley
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia;
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9
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Loesch DZ, Tassone F, Atkinson A, Stimpson P, Trost N, Pountney DL, Storey E. Differential Progression of Motor Dysfunction Between Male and Female Fragile X Premutation Carriers Reveals Novel Aspects of Sex-Specific Neural Involvement. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 7:577246. [PMID: 33511153 PMCID: PMC7835843 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.577246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Expansions of the CGG repeat in the non-coding segment of the FMR1 X-linked gene are associated with a variety of phenotypic changes. Large expansions (>200 repeats), which cause a severe neurodevelopmental disorder, the fragile x syndrome (FXS), are transmitted from the mothers carrying smaller, unstable expansions ranging from 55 to 200 repeats, termed the fragile X premutation. Female carriers of this premutation may themselves experience a wide range of clinical problems throughout their lifespan, the most severe being the late onset neurodegenerative condition called "Fragile X-Associated Tremor Ataxia Syndrome" (FXTAS), occurring between 8 and 16% of these carriers. Male premutation carriers, although they do not transmit expanded alleles to their daughters, have a much higher risk (40-50%) of developing FXTAS. Although this disorder is more prevalent and severe in male than female carriers, specific sex differences in clinical manifestations and progress of the FXTAS spectrum have been poorly documented. Here we compare the pattern and rate of progression (per year) in three motor scales including tremor/ataxia (ICARS), tremor (Clinical Tremor Rating scale, CRST), and parkinsonism (UPDRS), and in several cognitive and psychiatric tests scores, between 13 female and 9 male carriers initially having at least one of the motor scores ≥10. Moreover, we document the differences in each of the clinical and cognitive measures between the cross-sectional samples of 21 female and 24 male premutation carriers of comparable ages with FXTAS spectrum disorder (FSD), that is, who manifest one or more features of FXTAS. The results of progression assessment showed that it was more than twice the rate in male than in female carriers for the ICARS-both gait ataxia and kinetic tremor domains and twice as high in males on the CRST scale. In contrast, sex difference was negligible for the rate of progress in UPDRS, and all the cognitive measures. The overall psychiatric pathology score (SCL-90), as well as Anxiety and Obsessive/Compulsive domain scores, showed a significant increase only in the female sample. The pattern of sex differences for progression in motor scores was consistent with the results of comparison between larger, cross-sectional samples of male and female carriers affected with the FSD. These results were in concert with sex-specific distribution of MRI T2 white matter hyperintensities: all males, but no females, showed the middle cerebellar peduncle white matter hyperintensities (MCP sign), although the distribution and severity of these hyperintensities in the other brain regions were not dissimilar between the two sexes. In conclusion, the magnitude and specific pattern of sex differences in manifestations and progression of clinically recorded changes in motor performance and MRI lesion distribution support, on clinical grounds, the possibility of certain sex-limited factor(s) which, beyond the predictable effect of the second, normal FMR1 alleles in female premutation carriers, may have neuroprotective effects, specifically concerning the cerebellar circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danuta Z. Loesch
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Flora Tassone
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis Medical Center, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Anna Atkinson
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Paige Stimpson
- Wellness and Recovery Centre, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Nicholas Trost
- Medical Imaging Department, St Vincent's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Dean L. Pountney
- Neurodegeneration Research Group, School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, NC, Australia
| | - Elsdon Storey
- Department of Medicine (Neuroscience), Monash University, Alfred Hospital Campus, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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10
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Loesch DZ, Kemp BE, Bui MQ, Fisher PR, Allan CY, Sanislav O, Ngoei KRW, Atkinson A, Tassone F, Annesley SJ, Storey E. Cellular Bioenergetics and AMPK and TORC1 Signalling in Blood Lymphoblasts Are Biomarkers of Clinical Status in FMR1 Premutation Carriers. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:747268. [PMID: 34880790 PMCID: PMC8645580 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.747268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS) is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting carriers of premutation alleles (PM) of the X-linked FMR1 gene, which contain CGG repeat expansions of 55-200 range in a non-coding region. This late-onset disorder is characterised by the presence of tremor/ataxia and cognitive decline, associated with the white matter lesions throughout the brain, especially involving the middle cerebellar peduncles. Nearly half of older male and ~ 20% of female PM carriers develop FXTAS. While there is evidence for mitochondrial dysfunction in neural and some peripheral tissues from FXTAS patients (though less obvious in the non-FXTAS PM carriers), the results from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) are still controversial. Motor, cognitive, and neuropsychiatric impairments were correlated with measures of mitochondrial and non-mitochondrial respiratory activity, AMPK, and TORC1 cellular stress-sensing protein kinases, and CGG repeat size, in a sample of adult FXTAS male and female carriers. Moreover, the levels of these cellular measures, all derived from Epstein- Barr virus (EBV)- transformed and easily accessible blood lymphoblasts, were compared between the FXTAS (N = 23) and non-FXTAS (n = 30) subgroups, and with baseline data from 33 healthy non-carriers. A significant hyperactivity of cellular bioenergetics components as compared with the baseline data, more marked in the non-FXTAS PMs, was negatively correlated with repeat numbers at the lower end of the CGG-PM distribution. Significant associations of these components with motor impairment measures, including tremor-ataxia and parkinsonism, and neuropsychiatric changes, were prevalent in the FXTAS subgroup. Moreover, a striking elevation of AMPK activity, and a decrease in TORC1 levels, especially in the non-FXTAS carriers, were related to the size of CGG expansion. The bioenergetics changes in blood lymphoblasts are biomarkers of the clinical status of FMR1 carriers. The relationship between these changes and neurological involvement in the affected carriers suggests that brain bioenergetic alterations are reflected in this peripheral tissue. A possible neuroprotective role of stress sensing kinase, AMPK, in PM carriers, should be addressed in future longitudinal studies. A decreased level of TORC1-the mechanistic target of the rapamycin complex, suggests a possible future approach to therapy in FXTAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danuta Z Loesch
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VA, Australia
| | - Bruce E Kemp
- Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VA, Australia.,St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research and Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VA, Australia
| | - Minh Q Bui
- Centre for Molecular, Environmental, Genetic and Analytic, Epidemiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VA, Australia
| | - Paul R Fisher
- Department of Physiology Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VA, Australia
| | - Claire Y Allan
- Department of Physiology Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VA, Australia
| | - Oana Sanislav
- Department of Physiology Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VA, Australia
| | - Kevin R W Ngoei
- St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research and Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VA, Australia
| | - Anna Atkinson
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VA, Australia
| | - Flora Tassone
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California Davis Medical Center, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Sarah J Annesley
- Department of Physiology Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VA, Australia
| | - Elsdon Storey
- Department of Medicine (Neuroscience), Monash University, Alfred Hospital Campus, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Gazy I, Miller CJ, Kim GY, Usdin K. CGG Repeat Expansion, and Elevated Fmr1 Transcription and Mitochondrial Copy Number in a New Fragile X PM Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell Model. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:482. [PMID: 32695777 PMCID: PMC7338602 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Fragile-X related disorders (FXDs) are Repeat Expansion Diseases (REDs) that result from expansion of a CGG-repeat tract located at the 5′ end of the FMR1 gene. While expansion affects transmission risk and can also affect disease risk and severity, the underlying molecular mechanism responsible is unknown. Despite the fact that expanded alleles can be seen both in humans and mouse models in vivo, existing patient-derived cells do not show significant repeat expansions even after extended periods in culture. In order to develop a good tissue culture model for studying expansions we tested whether mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) carrying an expanded CGG repeat tract in the endogenous Fmr1 gene are permissive for expansion. We show here that these mESCs have a very high frequency of expansion that allows changes in the repeat number to be seen within a matter of days. CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing of these cells suggests that this may be due in part to the fact that non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ), which is able to protect against expansions in some cell types, is not effective in mESCs. CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing also shows that these expansions are MSH2-dependent, consistent with those seen in vivo. While comparable human Genome Wide Association (GWA) studies are not available for the FXDs, such studies have implicated MSH2 in expansion in other REDs. The shared unusual requirement for MSH2 for this type of microsatellite instability suggests that this new cell-based system is relevant for understanding the mechanism responsible for this peculiar type of mutation in humans. The high frequency of expansions and the ease of gene editing these cells should expedite the identification of factors that affect expansion risk. Additionally, we found that, as with cells from human premutation (PM) carriers, these cell lines have elevated mitochondrial copy numbers and Fmr1 hyperexpression, that we show here is O2-sensitive. Thus, this new stem cell model should facilitate studies of both repeat expansion and the consequences of expansion during early embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inbal Gazy
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States.,KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Carson J Miller
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Geum-Yi Kim
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Karen Usdin
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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Missailidis D, Annesley SJ, Allan CY, Sanislav O, Lidbury BA, Lewis DP, Fisher PR. An Isolated Complex V Inefficiency and Dysregulated Mitochondrial Function in Immortalized Lymphocytes from ME/CFS Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21031074. [PMID: 32041178 PMCID: PMC7036826 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21031074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is an enigmatic condition characterized by exacerbation of symptoms after exertion (post-exertional malaise or “PEM”), and by fatigue whose severity and associated requirement for rest are excessive and disproportionate to the fatigue-inducing activity. There is no definitive molecular marker or known underlying pathological mechanism for the condition. Increasing evidence for aberrant energy metabolism suggests a role for mitochondrial dysfunction in ME/CFS. Our objective was therefore to measure mitochondrial function and cellular stress sensing in actively metabolizing patient blood cells. We immortalized lymphoblasts isolated from 51 ME/CFS patients diagnosed according to the Canadian Consensus Criteria and an age- and gender-matched control group. Parameters of mitochondrial function and energy stress sensing were assessed by Seahorse extracellular flux analysis, proteomics, and an array of additional biochemical assays. As a proportion of the basal oxygen consumption rate (OCR), the rate of ATP synthesis by Complex V was significantly reduced in ME/CFS lymphoblasts, while significant elevations were observed in Complex I OCR, maximum OCR, spare respiratory capacity, nonmitochondrial OCR and “proton leak” as a proportion of the basal OCR. This was accompanied by a reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential, chronically hyperactivated TOR Complex I stress signaling and upregulated expression of mitochondrial respiratory complexes, fatty acid transporters, and enzymes of the β-oxidation and TCA cycles. By contrast, mitochondrial mass and genome copy number, as well as glycolytic rates and steady state ATP levels were unchanged. Our results suggest a model in which ME/CFS lymphoblasts have a Complex V defect accompanied by compensatory upregulation of their respiratory capacity that includes the mitochondrial respiratory complexes, membrane transporters and enzymes involved in fatty acid β-oxidation. This homeostatically returns ATP synthesis and steady state levels to “normal” in the resting cells, but may leave them unable to adequately respond to acute increases in energy demand as the relevant homeostatic pathways are already activated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Missailidis
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia; (D.M.); (S.J.A.); (C.Y.A.); (O.S.)
| | - Sarah J. Annesley
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia; (D.M.); (S.J.A.); (C.Y.A.); (O.S.)
| | - Claire Y. Allan
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia; (D.M.); (S.J.A.); (C.Y.A.); (O.S.)
| | - Oana Sanislav
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia; (D.M.); (S.J.A.); (C.Y.A.); (O.S.)
| | - Brett A. Lidbury
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia;
| | | | - Paul R. Fisher
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia; (D.M.); (S.J.A.); (C.Y.A.); (O.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-3-9479-2229
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13
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Nobile V, Palumbo F, Lanni S, Ghisio V, Vitali A, Castagnola M, Marzano V, Maulucci G, De Angelis C, De Spirito M, Pacini L, D'Andrea L, Ragno R, Stazi G, Valente S, Mai A, Chiurazzi P, Genuardi M, Neri G, Tabolacci E. Altered mitochondrial function in cells carrying a premutation or unmethylated full mutation of the FMR1 gene. Hum Genet 2020; 139:227-245. [PMID: 31919630 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-019-02104-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Fragile X-related disorders are due to a dynamic mutation of the CGG repeat at the 5' UTR of the FMR1 gene, coding for the RNA-binding protein FMRP. As the CGG sequence expands from premutation (PM, 56-200 CGGs) to full mutation (> 200 CGGs), FMRP synthesis decreases until it is practically abolished in fragile X syndrome (FXS) patients, mainly due to FMR1 methylation. Cells from rare individuals with no intellectual disability and carriers of an unmethylated full mutation (UFM) produce slightly elevated levels of FMR1-mRNA and relatively low levels of FMRP, like in PM carriers. With the aim of clarifying how UFM cells differ from CTRL and FXS cells, a comparative proteomic approach was undertaken, from which emerged an overexpression of SOD2 in UFM cells, also confirmed in PM but not in FXS. The SOD2-mRNA bound to FMRP in UFM more than in the other cell types. The high SOD2 levels in UFM and PM cells correlated with lower levels of superoxide and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and with morphological anomalies and depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane detected through confocal microscopy. The same effect was observed in CTRL and FXS after treatment with MC2791, causing SOD2 overexpression. These mitochondrial phenotypes reverted after knock-down with siRNA against SOD2-mRNA and FMR1-mRNA in UFM and PM. Overall, these data suggest that in PM and UFM carriers, which have high levels of FMR1 transcription and may develop FXTAS, SOD2 overexpression helps to maintain low levels of both superoxide and ROS with signs of mitochondrial degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Nobile
- Istituto di Medicina Genomica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168, Roma, Italy
| | - Federica Palumbo
- Istituto di Medicina Genomica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168, Roma, Italy
| | - Stella Lanni
- Program of Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, The Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Valentina Ghisio
- UOC Genetica Medica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Alberto Vitali
- Institute of Chemistry of Molecular Recognition, CNR, Roma, Italy
- Istituto di Biochimica e Chimica Clinica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Massimo Castagnola
- Istituto di Biochimica e Chimica Clinica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Valeria Marzano
- Istituto di Biochimica e Chimica Clinica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
- Human Microbiome Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Maulucci
- Istituto di Fisica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Claudio De Angelis
- Istituto di Fisica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Marco De Spirito
- Istituto di Fisica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Laura Pacini
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- UniCamillus, Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura D'Andrea
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Rino Ragno
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Stazi
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Valente
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonello Mai
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Pietro Chiurazzi
- Istituto di Medicina Genomica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168, Roma, Italy
- UOC Genetica Medica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Maurizio Genuardi
- Istituto di Medicina Genomica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168, Roma, Italy
- UOC Genetica Medica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Giovanni Neri
- Istituto di Medicina Genomica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168, Roma, Italy
- Self Research Institute, Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, SC, USA
| | - Elisabetta Tabolacci
- Istituto di Medicina Genomica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168, Roma, Italy.
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14
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Loesch DZ, Trost N, Bui MQ, Hammersley E, Lay ST, Annesley SJ, Sanislav O, Allan CY, Tassone F, Chen ZP, Ngoei KRW, Kemp BE, Francis D, Fisher PR, Storey E. The Spectrum of Neurological and White Matter Changes and Premutation Status Categories of Older Male Carriers of the FMR1 Alleles Are Linked to Genetic (CGG and FMR1 mRNA) and Cellular Stress (AMPK) Markers. Front Genet 2018; 9:531. [PMID: 30483310 PMCID: PMC6241173 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The fragile X premutation (PM) allele contains a CGG expansion of 55-200 repeats in the FMR1 gene's promoter. Male PM carriers have an elevated risk of developing neurological and psychiatric changes, including an approximately 50% risk of the fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). The aim of this study was to assess the relationships of regional white matter hyperintensities (wmhs) semi-quantitative scores, clinical status, motor (UPDRS, ICARS, Tremor) scales, and cognitive impairments, with FMR1-specific genetic changes, in a sample of 32 unselected male PM carriers aged 39-81 years. Half of these individuals were affected with FXTAS, while the non-FXTAS group comprised subcategories of non-affected individuals and individuals affected with non-syndromic changes. The dynamics of pathological processes at the cellular level relevant to the clinical status of PM carriers was investigated using the enzyme AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which is a highly sensitive cellular stress-sensing alarm protein. This enzyme, as well as genetic markers - CGG repeat number and the levels of the FMR1 mRNA - were assessed in blood lymphoblasts. The results showed that the repeat distribution for FXTAS individuals peaked at 85-90 CGGs; non-FXTAS carriers were distributed within the lowest end of the PM repeat range, and non-syndromic carriers assumed an intermediate position. The size of the CGG expansion was significantly correlated, across all three categories, with infratentorial and total wmhs and with all motor scores, and the FMR1 mRNA levels with all the wmh scores, whilst AMPK activity showed considerable elevation in the non-FXTAS combined group, decreasing in the FXTAS group, proportionally to increasing severity of the wmhs and tremor/ataxia. We conclude that the size of the CGG expansion relates to the risk for FXTAS, to severity of infratentorial wmhs lesions, and to all three motor scale scores. FMR1 mRNA shows a strong association with the extent of wmhs, which is the most sensitive marker of the pathological process. However, the AMPK activity findings - suggestive of a role of this enzyme in the risk of FXTAS - need to be verified and expanded in future studies using larger samples and longitudinal assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danuta Z. Loesch
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, School of Psychology and Public Health, College of Science Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Nicholas Trost
- Medical Imaging Department, St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Minh Q. Bui
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Eleanor Hammersley
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, School of Psychology and Public Health, College of Science Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sui T. Lay
- Discipline of Microbiology, Department of Physiology Anatomy and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, College of Science Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sarah J. Annesley
- Discipline of Microbiology, Department of Physiology Anatomy and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, College of Science Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Oana Sanislav
- Discipline of Microbiology, Department of Physiology Anatomy and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, College of Science Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Claire Y. Allan
- Discipline of Microbiology, Department of Physiology Anatomy and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, College of Science Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Flora Tassone
- UC Davis MIND Institute, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Zhi-Ping Chen
- St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kevin R. W. Ngoei
- St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Bruce E. Kemp
- St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - David Francis
- Cytomolecular Diagnostic Research, Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Paul R. Fisher
- Discipline of Microbiology, Department of Physiology Anatomy and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, College of Science Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Elsdon Storey
- Department of Medicine (Neuroscience), Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Dave A, Hawley J. Fragile X–tremor/ataxia syndrome: five areas of new development. FUTURE NEUROLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.2217/fnl-2017-0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Fragile X–tremor/ataxia syndrome is a relatively newly discovered movement disorder usually affecting patients over the age of 50 who have a FMR1 gene with 55–200 CGG repeats. Patients present with tremor and ataxia and possibly executive dysfunction and peripheral neuropathy. Fragile X–tremor/ataxia syndrome patients have several unique MRI findings including white matter lesions of the middle cerebellar peduncle and splenium of the corpus callosum. The genetics and treatment of this condition are co-developing rapidly as we search for more therapeutic modalities to offer these patients. We will present the latest information available regarding this fascinating syndrome and provide our hypothesis regarding the future focus of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajal Dave
- Department of Neurology, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, America BLDG 19 4954 North Palmer Rd, Bethesda, MD 20889–5630, USA
| | - Jason Hawley
- Department of Neurology, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, America BLDG 19 4954 North Palmer Rd, Bethesda, MD 20889–5630, USA
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