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Iizuka Y, Katano-Toki A, Hayashi F, Fujioka J, Takahashi H, Nakamura K. Exogenous polyserine fibrils change membrane properties of phosphatidylcholine-liposome and red blood cells. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOMEMBRANES 2024; 1866:184331. [PMID: 38718958 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2024.184331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
The causative genes for neurodegenerative polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases produce homopolymeric polyglutamine (polyQ), polyserine (polyS), polyalanine (polyA), polycysteine (polyC), and polyleucine (polyL) sequences by repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN) translation. The cytotoxicity of the intracellular polyQ and RAN products has been extensively investigated. However, little is known about the toxicity of the extracellular polyQ and RAN products on the membranes of viable cells. Because polyQ aggregates induce a deflated morphology of a model membrane, we hypothesized that extracellular polyQ and RAN products might affect the membrane properties of viable cells. In this study, we demonstrated that exogenous polyS fibrils but not polyS or polyQ non-fibril aggregates altered the thermal phase transition behavior of a model membrane composed of a phosphatidylcholine bilayer using differential scanning calorimetry. PolyS fibrils induced morphological changes in viable red blood cells (RBCs). However, both polyS and polyQ non-fibril aggregates had no effects on RBCs. These results highlight the possibility that extracellular fibrils generated from RAN products may alter the properties of neuronal cell membranes, which may contribute to changes in the brain pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaro Iizuka
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 3-39-22, Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Akiko Katano-Toki
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 3-39-22, Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Fumio Hayashi
- Center for Instrumental Analysis, Organization for Promotion of Research and University Industry Collaboration, Gunma University, 1-5-1, Tenjin-cho, Kiryu, Gunma, 376-8515, Japan
| | - Jun Fujioka
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science Division I, Tokyo University of Science, 1-3, Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8601, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Takahashi
- Biophysics Laboratory, Division of Pure and Applied Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Gunma University, 4-2, Aramaki, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8510, Japan.
| | - Kazuhiro Nakamura
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 3-39-22, Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan.
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2
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Zhang Y, Liu X, Li Z, Li H, Miao Z, Wan B, Xu X. Advances on the Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies in Non-coding CGG Repeat Expansion Diseases. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04239-9. [PMID: 38780719 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04239-9] [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: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Non-coding CGG repeat expansions within the 5' untranslated region are implicated in a range of neurological disorders, including fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome, oculopharyngeal myopathy with leukodystrophy, and oculopharyngodistal myopathy. This review outlined the general characteristics of diseases associated with non-coding CGG repeat expansions, detailing their clinical manifestations and neuroimaging patterns, which often overlap and indicate shared pathophysiological traits. We summarized the underlying molecular mechanisms of these disorders, providing new insights into the roles that DNA, RNA, and toxic proteins play. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for the development of targeted therapeutic strategies. These strategies include a range of approaches, such as antisense oligonucleotides, RNA interference, genomic DNA editing, small molecule interventions, and other treatments aimed at correcting the dysregulated processes inherent in these disorders. A deeper understanding of the shared mechanisms among non-coding CGG repeat expansion disorders may hold the potential to catalyze the development of innovative therapies, ultimately offering relief to individuals grappling with these debilitating neurological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutong Zhang
- Departments of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, China
| | - Xuan Liu
- Departments of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, China
| | - Zeheng Li
- Departments of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, China
| | - Hao Li
- Departments of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, China
- Department of Neurology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215124, China
| | - Zhigang Miao
- The Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou City, China
| | - Bo Wan
- The Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou City, China
| | - Xingshun Xu
- Departments of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, China.
- The Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou City, China.
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China.
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3
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El Boujnouni N, van der Bent ML, Willemse M, ’t Hoen PA, Brock R, Wansink DG. Block or degrade? Balancing on- and off-target effects of antisense strategies against transcripts with expanded triplet repeats in DM1. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 32:622-636. [PMID: 37200862 PMCID: PMC10185704 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapies for myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) are based on elimination of transcripts containing an expanded repeat or inhibition of sequestration of RNA-binding proteins. This activity is achievable by both degradation of expanded transcripts and steric hindrance, although it is unknown which approach is superior. We compared blocking ASOs with RNase H-recruiting gapmers of equivalent chemistries. Two DMPK target sequences were selected: the triplet repeat and a unique sequence upstream thereof. We assessed ASO effects on transcript levels, ribonucleoprotein foci and disease-associated missplicing, and performed RNA sequencing to investigate on- and off-target effects. Both gapmers and the repeat blocker led to significant DMPK knockdown and a reduction in (CUG)exp foci. However, the repeat blocker was more effective in MBNL1 protein displacement and had superior efficiency in splicing correction at the tested dose of 100 nM. By comparison, on a transcriptome level, the blocking ASO had the fewest off-target effects. In particular, the off-target profile of the repeat gapmer asks for cautious consideration in further therapeutic development. Altogether, our study demonstrates the importance of evaluating both on-target and downstream effects of ASOs in a DM1 context, and provides guiding principles for safe and effective targeting of toxic transcripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najoua El Boujnouni
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - M. Leontien van der Bent
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Marieke Willemse
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Peter A.C. ’t Hoen
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Roland Brock
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama 293, Bahrain
- Corresponding author Roland Brock, Department of Medical BioSciences, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Derick G. Wansink
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Corresponding author Derick G. Wansink, Department of Medical BioSciences, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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4
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Okumura H, Kawasaki T, Nakamura K. Probing protein misfolding and dissociation with an infrared free-electron laser. Methods Enzymol 2022; 679:65-96. [PMID: 36682873 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2022.08.047] [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: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Misfolding is observed in the mutant proteins that are causative for neurodegenerative disorders such as polyglutamine diseases. These proteins are prone to aggregate in the cytoplasm and nucleus of cells. To reproduce cells with the aggregated proteins, gene expression system is usually applied, in which the expression construct having the mutated DNA sequence of the interest is transfected into cells. The transfected DNA is finally converted into the mutant protein, which is gradually aggregated in the cells. In addition, a simple method to prepare the cells having aggregates inside has been recently applied. Peptides were first aggregated by incubating them in water. The aggregates are spontaneously taken up by cells because aggregated proteins generally transfer between cells. Peptides with different degrees of aggregation can be made by changing the incubation times and temperatures, which enables to examine contribution of aggregation to the toxicity to the recipient cells. Moreover, such cells can be used for therapeutic researches of diseases in which aggregates are involved. In this chapter, we show methods to induce aggregation of peptides. The functional analyses of the cells with aggregates are also described. Then, experimental dissociation of the aggregates produced using this method by mid infrared free electron laser irradiation and its theoretical support by molecular dynamics simulation are introduced as the therapeutic research for neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisashi Okumura
- Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan; Institute for Molecular Science, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan; Department of Structural Molecular Science, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
| | - Takayasu Kawasaki
- Accelerator Laboratory, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Nakamura
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan.
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5
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Owada R, Kakuta Y, Yoshida K, Mitsui S, Nakamura K. Conditioned medium from BV2 microglial cells having polyleucine specifically alters startle response in mice. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18718. [PMID: 36333586 PMCID: PMC9636192 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23571-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Repeat-associated non-AUG translation (RAN translation) is observed in transcripts that are causative for polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases and generates proteins with mono amino acid tracts such as polyalanine (polyA), polyleucine (polyL) and polyserine (polyS) in neurons, astrocytes and microglia. We have previously shown that microglia with aggregated polyQ led to defective differentiation and degeneration of neuron-like cells. However, it has not been determined whether only microglia containing a specific RAN product, but not other RAN products, is harmful in vitro and in vivo. Here we show that polyL-incorporating microglia specifically led to altered startle response in mice. Aggregated polyA, polyS and polyL induced aberrant differentiation of microglia-like BV2 cells. Differentiated PC12 cells treated with conditioned medium (CM) of polyS- and polyL- but not polyA-incorporating microglia-like BV2 cells showed retraction of neurites and loss of branch of neurites. Injection of the polyL-CM, but not polyA-CM and polyS-CM, into the lateral ventricle lowered startle response in mice. Consistently, polyL induced the highest expression of CD68 in BV2 cells. The lowered startle response was replicated in mice given the polyL-CM in the caudal pontine reticular nucleus (PnC), the key region of startle response. Thus, endogenous RAN proteins having polyL derived from polyQ diseases-causative genes in microglia might specifically impair startle response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuji Owada
- grid.256642.10000 0000 9269 4097Department of Laboratory Sciences, Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 3-39-22, Showa-Machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511 Japan
| | - Yohei Kakuta
- grid.256642.10000 0000 9269 4097Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22, Showa-Machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511 Japan
| | - Kosuke Yoshida
- grid.256642.10000 0000 9269 4097Department of Laboratory Sciences, Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 3-39-22, Showa-Machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511 Japan
| | - Shinichi Mitsui
- grid.256642.10000 0000 9269 4097Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 3-39-22, Showa-Machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511 Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Nakamura
- grid.256642.10000 0000 9269 4097Department of Laboratory Sciences, Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 3-39-22, Showa-Machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511 Japan
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6
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Owada R, Mitsui S, Nakamura K. Exogenous polyserine and polyleucine are toxic to recipient cells. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1685. [PMID: 35102230 PMCID: PMC8803884 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05720-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN) translation of mRNAs/transcripts responsible for polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases may generate peptides containing different mono amino acid tracts such as polyserine (polyS) and polyleucine (polyL). The propagation of aggregated polyQ from one cell to another is also an intriguing feature of polyQ proteins. However, whether the RAN translation-related polyS and polyL have the ability to propagate remains unclear, and if they do, whether the exogenous polyS and polyL exert toxicity on the recipient cells is also not known yet. In the present study, we found that aggregated polyS and polyL peptides spontaneously enter neuron-like cells and astrocytes in vitro. Aggregated polyS led to the degeneration of the differentiated neuron-like cultured cells. Likewise, the two types of aggregates taken up by astrocytes induced aberrant differentiation and cell death in vitro. Furthermore, injection of each of the two types of aggregates into the ventricles of adult mice resulted in their behavioral changes. The polyS-injected mice showed extensive vacuolar degeneration in the brain. Thus, the RAN translation-related proteins containing polyS and polyL have the potential to propagate and the proteins generated by all polyQ diseases might exert universal toxicity in the recipient cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuji Owada
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 3-39-22, Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Shinichi Mitsui
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 3-39-22, Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Nakamura
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 3-39-22, Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan.
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7
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Neurodegenerative diseases associated with non-coding CGG tandem repeat expansions. Nat Rev Neurol 2022; 18:145-157. [PMID: 35022573 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-021-00612-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Non-coding CGG repeat expansions cause multiple neurodegenerative disorders, including fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome, neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease, oculopharyngeal myopathy with leukodystrophy, and oculopharyngodistal myopathy. The underlying genetic causes of several of these diseases have been identified only in the past 2-3 years. These expansion disorders have substantial overlapping clinical, neuroimaging and histopathological features. The shared features suggest common mechanisms that could have implications for the development of therapies for this group of diseases - similar therapeutic strategies or drugs may be effective for various neurodegenerative disorders induced by non-coding CGG expansions. In this Review, we provide an overview of clinical and pathological features of these CGG repeat expansion diseases and consider the likely pathological mechanisms, including RNA toxicity, CGG repeat-associated non-AUG-initiated translation, protein aggregation and mitochondrial impairment. We then discuss future research needed to improve the identification and diagnosis of CGG repeat expansion diseases, to improve modelling of these diseases and to understand their pathogenesis. We also consider possible therapeutic strategies. Finally, we propose that CGG repeat expansion diseases may represent manifestations of a single underlying neuromyodegenerative syndrome in which different organs are affected to different extents depending on the gene location of the repeat expansion.
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Li K, Krueger SB, Zimmerman SC. A Novel Minor Groove Binder as a Potential Therapeutic Agent for Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1. ChemMedChem 2021; 16:2638-2644. [PMID: 34114350 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202100243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a multisystemic neuromuscular disorder that is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. DM1 originates in a (CTG⋅CAG) repeat expansion in the 3'-UTR of the dystrophia myotonic protein kinase (DMPK) gene on chromosome 19. One of the transcripts, r(CUG)exp , is toxic in various ways. Herein we report a rationally designed small molecule with a thiazole peptidomimetic unit that can serve as a minor groove binder for the nucleic acid targets. This peptide unit linked to two triaminotriazine recognition units selectively binds to d(CTG)exp to inhibit the transcription process, and also targets r(CUG)exp selectively to improve representative DM1 pathological molecular features, including foci formation and pre-mRNA splicing defects in DM1 model cells. As such, it represents a new structure type that might serve as a lead compound for future structure-activity optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 S Mathews Avenue, 61801, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Sarah B Krueger
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 S Mathews Avenue, 61801, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Steven C Zimmerman
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 S Mathews Avenue, 61801, Urbana, IL, USA
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9
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Copy number variation: Characteristics, evolutionary and pathological aspects. Biomed J 2021; 44:548-559. [PMID: 34649833 PMCID: PMC8640565 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2021.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Copy number variants (CNVs) were the subject of extensive research in the past years. They are common features of the human genome that play an important role in evolution, contribute to population diversity, development of certain diseases, and influence host–microbiome interactions. CNVs have found application in the molecular diagnosis of many diseases and in non-invasive prenatal care, but their full potential is only emerging. CNVs are expected to have a tremendous impact on screening, diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of several disorders, including cancer and cardiovascular disease. Here, we comprehensively review basic definitions of the term CNV, outline mechanisms and factors involved in CNV formation, and discuss their evolutionary and pathological aspects. We suggest a need for better defined distinguishing criteria and boundaries between known types of CNVs.
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10
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Johnson SJ, Cooper TA. Overlapping mechanisms of lncRNA and expanded microsatellite RNA. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2021; 12:e1634. [PMID: 33191580 PMCID: PMC7880542 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
RNA has major regulatory roles in a wide range of biological processes and a surge of RNA research has led to the classification of numerous functional RNA species. One example is long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) that are structurally complex transcripts >200 nucleotides (nt) in length and lacking a canonical open reading frame (ORF). Despite a general lack of sequence conservation and low expression levels, many lncRNAs have been shown to have functionality in diverse biological processes as well as in mechanisms of disease. In parallel with the growing understanding of lncRNA functions, there is a growing subset of microsatellite expansion disorders in which the primary mechanism of pathogenesis is an RNA gain of function arising from RNA transcripts from the mutant allele. Microsatellite expansion disorders are caused by an expansion of short (3-10 nt) repeats located within coding genes. Expanded repeat-containing RNA mediates toxicity through multiple mechanisms, the details of which remain only partially understood. The purpose of this review is to highlight the links between functional mechanisms of lncRNAs and the potential pathogenic mechanisms of expanded microsatellite RNA. These shared mechanisms include protein sequestration, peptide translation, micro-RNA (miRNA) processing, and miRNA sequestration. Recognizing the parallels between the normal functions of lncRNAs and the negative impact of expanded microsatellite RNA on biological processes can provide reciprocal understanding to the roles of both RNA species. This article is categorized under: RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein-RNA Interactions: Functional Implications RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara J Johnson
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Thomas A Cooper
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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11
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Meola G. Myotonic dystrophy type 2: the 2020 update. ACTA MYOLOGICA : MYOPATHIES AND CARDIOMYOPATHIES : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE MEDITERRANEAN SOCIETY OF MYOLOGY 2020; 39:222-234. [PMID: 33458578 PMCID: PMC7783423 DOI: 10.36185/2532-1900-026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The myotonic dystrophies are the commonest cause of adult-onset muscular dystrophy. Phenotypes of DM1 and DM2 are similar, but there are some important differences, including the presence or absence of congenital form, muscles primarily affected (distal vs proximal), involved muscle fiber types (type 1 vs type 2 fibers), and some associated multisystemic phenotypes. There is currently no cure for the myotonic dystrophies but effective management significantly reduces the morbidity and mortality of patients. For the enormous understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of myotonic dystrophy type 1 and myotonic dystrophy type 2, these diseases are now called "spliceopathies" and are mediated by a primary disorder of RNA rather than proteins. Despite clinical and genetic similarities, myotonic dystrophy type 1 and type 2 are distinct disorders requiring different diagnostic and management strategies. Gene therapy for myotonic dystrophy type 1 and myotonic dystrophy type 2 appears to be very close and the near future is an exciting time for clinicians and patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Meola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Italy.,Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, Casa di Cura del Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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12
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Verma AK, Khan E, Mishra SK, Mishra A, Charlet-Berguerand N, Kumar A. Curcumin Regulates the r(CGG) exp RNA Hairpin Structure and Ameliorate Defects in Fragile X-Associated Tremor Ataxia Syndrome. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:295. [PMID: 32317919 PMCID: PMC7155420 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X-associated tremor ataxia syndrome is an untreatable neurological and neuromuscular disorder caused by unstable expansion of 55–200 CGG nucleotide repeats in 5′ UTR of Fragile X intellectual disability 1 (FMR1) gene. The expansion of CGG repeats in the FMR1 mRNA elicits neuronal cell toxicity through two main pathogenic mechanisms. First, mRNA with CGG expanded repeats sequester specific RNA regulatory proteins resulting in splicing alterations and formation of ribonuclear inclusions. Second, repeat-associated non-canonical translation (RANT) of the CGG expansion produces a toxic homopolymeric protein, FMRpolyG. Very few small molecules are known to modulate these pathogenic events, limiting the therapeutic possibilities for FXTAS. Here, we found that a naturally available biologically active small molecule, Curcumin, selectively binds to CGG RNA repeats. Interestingly, Curcumin improves FXTAS associated alternative splicing defects and decreases the production and accumulation of FMRpolyG protein inclusion. Furthermore, Curcumin decreases cell cytotoxicity promptly by expression of CGG RNA in FXTAS cell models. In conclusion, our data suggest that small molecules like Curcumin and its derivatives may be explored as a potential therapeutic strategy against the debilitating repeats associated neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun Kumar Verma
- Discipline of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Indore, India
| | - Eshan Khan
- Discipline of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Indore, India
| | - Subodh Kumar Mishra
- Discipline of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Indore, India
| | - Amit Mishra
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Nicolas Charlet-Berguerand
- Translational Medicine and Neurogenetics, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), INSERM U964, CNRS UMR7104, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Amit Kumar
- Discipline of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Indore, India
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Murata A, Nakamori M, Nakatani K. Modulating RNA secondary and tertiary structures by mismatch binding ligands. Methods 2019; 167:78-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2019.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2018] [Revised: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
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14
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Intrinsically cell-penetrating multivalent and multitargeting ligands for myotonic dystrophy type 1. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:8709-8714. [PMID: 30975744 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1820827116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Developing highly active, multivalent ligands as therapeutic agents is challenging because of delivery issues, limited cell permeability, and toxicity. Here, we report intrinsically cell-penetrating multivalent ligands that target the trinucleotide repeat DNA and RNA in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), interrupting the disease progression in two ways. The oligomeric ligands are designed based on the repetitive structure of the target with recognition moieties alternating with bisamidinium groove binders to provide an amphiphilic and polycationic structure, mimicking cell-penetrating peptides. Multiple biological studies suggested the success of our multivalency strategy. The designed oligomers maintained cell permeability and exhibited no apparent toxicity both in cells and in mice at working concentrations. Furthermore, the oligomers showed important activities in DM1 cells and in a DM1 liver mouse model, reducing or eliminating prominent DM1 features. Phenotypic recovery of the climbing defect in adult DM1 Drosophila was also observed. This design strategy should be applicable to other repeat expansion diseases and more generally to DNA/RNA-targeted therapeutics.
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15
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Delaidelli A, Jan A, Herms J, Sorensen PH. Translational control in brain pathologies: biological significance and therapeutic opportunities. Acta Neuropathol 2019; 137:535-555. [PMID: 30739199 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-019-01971-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) translation is the terminal step in protein synthesis, providing a crucial regulatory checkpoint for this process. Translational control allows specific cell types to respond to rapid changes in the microenvironment or to serve specific functions. For example, neurons use mRNA transport to achieve local protein synthesis at significant distances from the nucleus, the site of RNA transcription. Altered expression or functions of the various components of the translational machinery have been linked to several pathologies in the central nervous system. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the basic principles of mRNA translation, and discuss alterations of this process relevant to CNS disease conditions, with a focus on brain tumors and chronic neurological conditions. Finally, synthesizing this knowledge, we discuss the opportunities to exploit the biology of altered mRNA translation for novel therapies in brain disorders, as well as how studying these alterations can shed new light on disease mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Delaidelli
- Department of Molecular Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1L3, Canada.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
| | - Asad Jan
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies, Aarhus University, Høegh-Guldbergs Gade 6B, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Jochen Herms
- Department for Translational Brain Research, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany
- Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster of Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Schillerstraße 44, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Poul H Sorensen
- Department of Molecular Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1L3, Canada.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
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16
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Alterations in the tyrosine and phenylalanine pathways revealed by biochemical profiling in cerebrospinal fluid of Huntington's disease subjects. Sci Rep 2019; 9:4129. [PMID: 30858393 PMCID: PMC6411723 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-40186-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a severe neurological disease leading to psychiatric symptoms, motor impairment and cognitive decline. The disease is caused by a CAG expansion in the huntingtin (HTT) gene, but how this translates into the clinical phenotype of HD remains elusive. Using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, we analyzed the metabolome of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from premanifest and manifest HD subjects as well as control subjects. Inter-group differences revealed that the tyrosine metabolism, including tyrosine, thyroxine, L-DOPA and dopamine, was significantly altered in manifest compared with premanifest HD. These metabolites demonstrated moderate to strong associations to measures of disease severity and symptoms. Thyroxine and dopamine also correlated with the five year risk of onset in premanifest HD subjects. The phenylalanine and the purine metabolisms were also significantly altered, but associated less to disease severity. Decreased levels of lumichrome were commonly found in mutated HTT carriers and the levels correlated with the five year risk of disease onset in premanifest carriers. These biochemical findings demonstrates that the CSF metabolome can be used to characterize molecular pathogenesis occurring in HD, which may be essential for future development of novel HD therapies.
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17
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Sarnicola C, Farooq AV, Colby K. Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy: Update on Pathogenesis and Future Directions. Eye Contact Lens 2019; 45:1-10. [DOI: 10.1097/icl.0000000000000469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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18
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Abstract
Microsatellite expansions cause more than 40 neurological disorders, including Huntington's disease, myotonic dystrophy, and C9ORF72 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/frontotemporal dementia (ALS/FTD). These repeat expansion mutations can produce repeat-associated non-ATG (RAN) proteins in all three reading frames, which accumulate in disease-relevant tissues. There has been considerable interest in RAN protein products and their downstream consequences, particularly for the dipeptide proteins found in C9ORF72 ALS/FTD. Understanding how RAN translation occurs, what cellular factors contribute to RAN protein accumulation, and how these proteins contribute to disease should lead to a better understanding of the basic mechanisms of gene expression and human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Douglas Cleary
- From the Center for NeuroGenetics
- Departments of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology and
- Genetics Institute, and
| | - Amrutha Pattamatta
- From the Center for NeuroGenetics
- Departments of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology and
- Genetics Institute, and
| | - Laura P W Ranum
- From the Center for NeuroGenetics,
- Departments of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology and
- Genetics Institute, and
- Neurology, College of Medicine
- McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610
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19
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Ueyama M, Nagai Y. Repeat Expansion Disease Models. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1076:63-78. [PMID: 29951815 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-0529-0_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
Repeat expansion disorders are a group of inherited neuromuscular diseases, which are caused by expansion mutations of repeat sequences in the disease-causing genes. Repeat expansion disorders include a class of diseases caused by repeat expansions in the coding region of the genes, producing mutant proteins with amino acid repeats, mostly the polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases, and another class of diseases caused by repeat expansions in the noncoding regions, producing aberrant RNA with expanded repeats, which are called noncoding repeat expansion diseases. A variety of Drosophila disease models have been established for both types of diseases, and they have made significant contributions toward elucidating the molecular mechanisms of and developing therapies for these neuromuscular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morio Ueyama
- Department of Neurotherapeutics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Nagai
- Department of Neurotherapeutics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan.
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20
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André LM, Ausems CRM, Wansink DG, Wieringa B. Abnormalities in Skeletal Muscle Myogenesis, Growth, and Regeneration in Myotonic Dystrophy. Front Neurol 2018; 9:368. [PMID: 29892259 PMCID: PMC5985300 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) and 2 (DM2) are autosomal dominant degenerative neuromuscular disorders characterized by progressive skeletal muscle weakness, atrophy, and myotonia with progeroid features. Although both DM1 and DM2 are characterized by skeletal muscle dysfunction and also share other clinical features, the diseases differ in the muscle groups that are affected. In DM1, distal muscles are mainly affected, whereas in DM2 problems are mostly found in proximal muscles. In addition, manifestation in DM1 is generally more severe, with possible congenital or childhood-onset of disease and prominent CNS involvement. DM1 and DM2 are caused by expansion of (CTG•CAG)n and (CCTG•CAGG)n repeats in the 3' non-coding region of DMPK and in intron 1 of CNBP, respectively, and in overlapping antisense genes. This critical review will focus on the pleiotropic problems that occur during development, growth, regeneration, and aging of skeletal muscle in patients who inherited these expansions. The current best-accepted idea is that most muscle symptoms can be explained by pathomechanistic effects of repeat expansion on RNA-mediated pathways. However, aberrations in DNA replication and transcription of the DM loci or in protein translation and proteome homeostasis could also affect the control of proliferation and differentiation of muscle progenitor cells or the maintenance and physiological integrity of muscle fibers during a patient's lifetime. Here, we will discuss these molecular and cellular processes and summarize current knowledge about the role of embryonic and adult muscle-resident stem cells in growth, homeostasis, regeneration, and premature aging of healthy and diseased muscle tissue. Of particular interest is that also progenitor cells from extramuscular sources, such as pericytes and mesoangioblasts, can participate in myogenic differentiation. We will examine the potential of all these types of cells in the application of regenerative medicine for muscular dystrophies and evaluate new possibilities for their use in future therapy of DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurène M André
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - C Rosanne M Ausems
- Department of Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Derick G Wansink
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Bé Wieringa
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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21
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Thadke SA, Perera JDR, Hridya VM, Bhatt K, Shaikh AY, Hsieh WC, Chen M, Gayathri C, Gil RR, Rule GS, Mukherjee A, Thornton CA, Ly DH. Design of Bivalent Nucleic Acid Ligands for Recognition of RNA-Repeated Expansion Associated with Huntington's Disease. Biochemistry 2018; 57:2094-2108. [PMID: 29562132 PMCID: PMC6091552 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.8b00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
We report the development of a new class of nucleic acid ligands that is comprised of Janus bases and the MPγPNA backbone and is capable of binding rCAG repeats in a sequence-specific and selective manner via, inference, bivalent H-bonding interactions. Individually, the interactions between ligands and RNA are weak and transient. However, upon the installation of a C-terminal thioester and an N-terminal cystine and the reduction of disulfide bond, they undergo template-directed native chemical ligation to form concatenated oligomeric products that bind tightly to the RNA template. In the absence of an RNA target, they self-deactivate by undergoing an intramolecular reaction to form cyclic products, rendering them inactive for further binding. The work has implications for the design of ultrashort nucleic acid ligands for targeting rCAG-repeat expansion associated with Huntington's disease and a number of other related neuromuscular and neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivaji A. Thadke
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
- Institute for Biomolecular Design and Discovery (IBD), Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
- Center for Nucleic Acids Science and Technology (CNAST), Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - J. Dinithi R. Perera
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
- Institute for Biomolecular Design and Discovery (IBD), Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
- Center for Nucleic Acids Science and Technology (CNAST), Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - V. M. Hridya
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, Maharashtra 411008, India
| | - Kirti Bhatt
- Department of Neurology, Box 645, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, New York 14642, United States
| | - Ashif Y. Shaikh
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
- Institute for Biomolecular Design and Discovery (IBD), Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
- Center for Nucleic Acids Science and Technology (CNAST), Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Wei-Che Hsieh
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
- Institute for Biomolecular Design and Discovery (IBD), Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
- Center for Nucleic Acids Science and Technology (CNAST), Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Mengshen Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Chakicherla Gayathri
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Roberto R. Gil
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Gordon S. Rule
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Arnab Mukherjee
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, Maharashtra 411008, India
| | - Charles A. Thornton
- Department of Neurology, Box 645, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, New York 14642, United States
| | - Danith H. Ly
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
- Institute for Biomolecular Design and Discovery (IBD), Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
- Center for Nucleic Acids Science and Technology (CNAST), Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
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22
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Pang Y, Mao C, Liu S. Encoding activities of non-coding RNAs. Am J Cancer Res 2018; 8:2496-2507. [PMID: 29721095 PMCID: PMC5928905 DOI: 10.7150/thno.24677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The universal expression of various non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) is now considered the main feature of organisms' genomes. Many regions in the genome are transcribed but not annotated to encode proteins, yet contain small open reading frames (smORFs). A widely accepted opinion is that a vast majority of ncRNAs are not further translated. However, increasing evidence underlines a series of intriguing translational events from the ncRNAs, which were previously considered to lack coding potential. Recent studies also suggest that products derived from such novel translational events display important regulatory functions in many fundamental biological and pathological processes. Here we give a critical review on the potential coding capacity of ncRNAs, in particular, about what is known and unknown in this emerging area. We also discuss the possible underlying coding mechanisms of these extraordinary ncRNAs and possible roles of peptides or proteins derived from the ncRNAs in disease development and theranostics. Our review offers an extensive resource for studying the biology of ncRNAs and sheds light into the use of ncRNAs and their corresponding peptides or proteins for disease diagnosis and therapy.
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23
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Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that many classes of DNA repeats exhibit attributes that distinguish them from other genetic variants, including the fact that they are more liable to mutation; this enables them to mediate genetic plasticity. The expansion of tandem repeats, particularly of short tandem repeats, can cause a range of disorders (including Huntington disease, various ataxias, motor neuron disease, frontotemporal dementia, fragile X syndrome and other neurological disorders), and emerging data suggest that tandem repeat polymorphisms (TRPs) can also regulate gene expression in healthy individuals. TRPs in human genomes may also contribute to the missing heritability of polygenic disorders. A better understanding of tandem repeats and their associated repeatome, as well as their capacity for genetic plasticity via both germline and somatic mutations, is needed to transform our understanding of the role of TRPs in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J Hannan
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne.,Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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24
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Intrinsic Disorder in Proteins with Pathogenic Repeat Expansions. Molecules 2017; 22:molecules22122027. [PMID: 29186753 PMCID: PMC6149999 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22122027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Revised: 11/18/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered proteins and proteins with intrinsically disordered regions have been shown to be highly prevalent in disease. Furthermore, disease-causing expansions of the regions containing tandem amino acid repeats often push repetitive proteins towards formation of irreversible aggregates. In fact, in disease-relevant proteins, the increased repeat length often positively correlates with the increased aggregation efficiency and the increased disease severity and penetrance, being negatively correlated with the age of disease onset. The major categories of repeat extensions involved in disease include poly-glutamine and poly-alanine homorepeats, which are often times located in the intrinsically disordered regions, as well as repeats in non-coding regions of genes typically encoding proteins with ordered structures. Repeats in such non-coding regions of genes can be expressed at the mRNA level. Although they can affect the expression levels of encoded proteins, they are not translated as parts of an affected protein and have no effect on its structure. However, in some cases, the repetitive mRNAs can be translated in a non-canonical manner, generating highly repetitive peptides of different length and amino acid composition. The repeat extension-caused aggregation of a repetitive protein may represent a pivotal step for its transformation into a proteotoxic entity that can lead to pathology. The goals of this article are to systematically analyze molecular mechanisms of the proteinopathies caused by the poly-glutamine and poly-alanine homorepeat expansion, as well as by the polypeptides generated as a result of the microsatellite expansions in non-coding gene regions and to examine the related proteins. We also present results of the analysis of the prevalence and functional roles of intrinsic disorder in proteins associated with pathological repeat expansions.
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25
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Napoli E, Song G, Wong S, Hagerman R, Giulivi C. Altered Bioenergetics in Primary Dermal Fibroblasts from Adult Carriers of the FMR1 Premutation Before the Onset of the Neurodegenerative Disease Fragile X-Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome. THE CEREBELLUM 2017; 15:552-64. [PMID: 27089882 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-016-0779-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) is a late onset neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by tremors, ataxia, impaired coordination, and cognitive decline. While all FXTAS individuals are carriers of a 55-200 CGG expansion at the 5'-UTR of the fragile X mental retardation gene (FMR1), also known as premutation, not all carriers develop FXTAS symptoms and some display other types of psychological/emotional disorders (e.g., autism, anxiety). The goal of this study was to investigate whether the mitochondrial dysfunction previously observed in fibroblasts from older premutation individuals (>60 years) was already present in younger (17-48 years), non-FXTAS-affected carriers and to identify the type and severity of the bioenergetic deficit. Since FXTAS affects mostly males, while females account for a small part of the FXTAS-affected population displaying less severe symptoms, only fibroblasts from males were evaluated in this study. Based on polarographic and enzymatic measurements, a generalized OXPHOS deficit was noted accompanied by increases in the matrix biomarker citrate synthase, oxidative stress (as increased mtDNA copy number and deletions), and mitochondrial network disruption/disorganization. Some of the outcomes (ATP-linked oxygen uptake, coupling, citrate synthase activity, and mitochondrial network organization) strongly correlated with the extent of the CGG expansion, with more severe deficits observed in cell lines carrying higher CGG number. Furthermore, mitochondrial outcomes can identify endophenotypes among carriers and are robust predictors of the premutation diagnosis before the onset of FXTAS, with the potential to be used as markers of prognosis and/or as readouts of pharmacological interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Napoli
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Dr., VetMed 3B, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Gyu Song
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Dr., VetMed 3B, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Sarah Wong
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Dr., VetMed 3B, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Randi Hagerman
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders Institute (M. I. N. D.), University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of California Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Cecilia Giulivi
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Dr., VetMed 3B, Davis, CA, 95616, USA. .,Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders Institute (M. I. N. D.), University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
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26
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Abstract
In this review, we discuss how two evolutionarily conserved pathways at the interface of DNA replication and repair, template switching and break-induced replication, lead to the deleterious large-scale expansion of trinucleotide DNA repeats that cause numerous hereditary diseases. We highlight that these pathways, which originated in prokaryotes, may be subsequently hijacked to maintain long DNA microsatellites in eukaryotes. We suggest that the negative mutagenic outcomes of these pathways, exemplified by repeat expansion diseases, are likely outweighed by their positive role in maintaining functional repetitive regions of the genome such as telomeres and centromeres.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jane C Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University San Marcos, San Marcos, CA, USA
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27
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Seixas AI, Loureiro JR, Costa C, Ordóñez-Ugalde A, Marcelino H, Oliveira CL, Loureiro JL, Dhingra A, Brandão E, Cruz VT, Timóteo A, Quintáns B, Rouleau GA, Rizzu P, Carracedo Á, Bessa J, Heutink P, Sequeiros J, Sobrido MJ, Coutinho P, Silveira I. A Pentanucleotide ATTTC Repeat Insertion in the Non-coding Region of DAB1, Mapping to SCA37, Causes Spinocerebellar Ataxia. Am J Hum Genet 2017; 101:87-103. [PMID: 28686858 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2017.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in human genetics in recent years have largely been driven by next-generation sequencing (NGS); however, the discovery of disease-related gene mutations has been biased toward the exome because the large and very repetitive regions that characterize the non-coding genome remain difficult to reach by that technology. For autosomal-dominant spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs), 28 genes have been identified, but only five SCAs originate from non-coding mutations. Over half of SCA-affected families, however, remain without a genetic diagnosis. We used genome-wide linkage analysis, NGS, and repeat analysis to identify an (ATTTC)n insertion in a polymorphic ATTTT repeat in DAB1 in chromosomal region 1p32.2 as the cause of autosomal-dominant SCA; this region has been previously linked to SCA37. The non-pathogenic and pathogenic alleles have the configurations [(ATTTT)7-400] and [(ATTTT)60-79(ATTTC)31-75(ATTTT)58-90], respectively. (ATTTC)n insertions are present on a distinct haplotype and show an inverse correlation between size and age of onset. In the DAB1-oriented strand, (ATTTC)n is located in 5' UTR introns of cerebellar-specific transcripts arising mostly during human fetal brain development from the usage of alternative promoters, but it is maintained in the adult cerebellum. Overexpression of the transfected (ATTTC)58 insertion, but not (ATTTT)n, leads to abnormal nuclear RNA accumulation. Zebrafish embryos injected with RNA of the (AUUUC)58 insertion, but not (AUUUU)n, showed lethal developmental malformations. Together, these results establish an unstable repeat insertion in DAB1 as a cause of cerebellar degeneration; on the basis of the genetic and phenotypic evidence, we propose this mutation as the molecular basis for SCA37.
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28
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Didonna A, Opal P. Advances in Sequencing Technologies for Understanding Hereditary Ataxias: A Review. JAMA Neurol 2017; 73:1485-1490. [PMID: 27749953 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2016.3097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Importance The hereditary progressive ataxias comprise genetic disorders that affect the cerebellum and its connections. Even though these diseases historically have been among the first familial disorders of the nervous system to have been recognized, progress in the field has been challenging because of the large number of ataxic genetic syndromes, many of which overlap in their clinical features. Observations We have taken a historical approach to demonstrate how our knowledge of the genetic basis of ataxic disorders has come about by novel techniques in gene sequencing and bioinformatics. Furthermore, we show that the genes implicated in ataxia, although seemingly unrelated, appear to encode for proteins that interact with each other in connected functional modules. Conclusions and Relevance It has taken approximately 150 years for neurologists to comprehensively unravel the genetic diversity of ataxias. There has been an explosion in our understanding of their molecular basis with the arrival of next-generation sequencing and computer-driven bioinformatics; this in turn has made hereditary ataxias an especially well-developed model group of diseases for gaining insights at a systems level into genes and cellular pathways that result in neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Puneet Opal
- Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois3Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
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29
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Abstract
A biomarker is a biological observation that substitutes for and ideally predicts a clinically relevant endpoint or intermediate outcome that is more difficult to observe. The use of clinical biomarkers is easier and less expensive than direct measurement of the final clinical endpoint, and biomarkers are usually measured over a shorter time span. They can be used in disease screening, diagnosis, characterization, and monitoring; as prognostic indicators; for developing individualized therapeutic interventions; for predicting and treating adverse drug reactions; for identifying cell types; and for pharmacodynamic and dose-response studies. To understand the value of a biomarker, it is necessary to know the pathophysiological relationship between the biomarker and the relevant clinical endpoint. Good biomarkers should be measurable with little or no variability, should have a sizeable signal to noise ratio, and should change promptly and reliably in response to changes in the condition or its therapy. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey K Aronson
- Centre for Evidence Based Medicine, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Robin E Ferner
- West Midlands Centre for Adverse Drug Reactions, City Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom.,School of Medicine, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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30
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Gymrek M. A genomic view of short tandem repeats. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2017; 44:9-16. [PMID: 28213161 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2017.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Short tandem repeats (STRs) are some of the fastest mutating loci in the genome. Tools for accurately profiling STRs from high-throughput sequencing data have enabled genome-wide interrogation of more than a million STRs across hundreds of individuals. These catalogs have revealed that STRs are highly multiallelic and may contribute more de novo mutations than any other variant class. Recent studies have leveraged these catalogs to show that STRs play a widespread role in regulating gene expression and other molecular phenotypes. These analyses suggest that STRs are an underappreciated but rich reservoir of variation that likely make significant contributions to Mendelian diseases, complex traits, and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Gymrek
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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31
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The Proline/Arginine Dipeptide from Hexanucleotide Repeat Expanded C9ORF72 Inhibits the Proteasome. eNeuro 2017; 4:eN-NWR-0249-16. [PMID: 28197542 PMCID: PMC5282547 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0249-16.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2016] [Revised: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
An intronic hexanucleotide repeat expansion (HRE) mutation in the C9ORF72 gene is the most common cause of familial ALS and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and is found in ∼7% of individuals with apparently sporadic disease. Several different diamino acid peptides can be generated from the HRE by noncanonical translation (repeat-associated non-ATG translation, or RAN translation), and some of these peptides can be toxic. Here, we studied the effects of two arginine containing RAN translation products [proline/arginine repeated 20 times (PR20) and glycine/arginine repeated 20 times (GR20)] in primary rat spinal cord neuron cultures grown on an astrocyte feeder layer. We find that PR20 kills motor neurons with an LD50 of 2 µM, but in contrast to the effects of other ALS-causing mutant proteins (i.e., SOD or TDP43), PR20 does not evoke the biochemical signature of mitochondrial dysfunction, ER stress, or mTORC down-regulation. PR20 does result in a time-dependent build-up of ubiquitylated substrates, and this is associated with a reduction of flux through both autophagic and proteasomal degradation pathways. GR20, however, does not have these effects. The effects of PR20 on the proteasome are likely to be direct because (1) PR20 physically associates with proteasomes in biochemical assays, and (2) PR20 inhibits the degradation of a ubiquitylated test substrate when presented to purified proteasomes. Application of a proteasomal activator (IU1) blocks the toxic effects of PR20 on motor neuron survival. This work suggests that proteasomal activators have therapeutic potential in individuals with C9ORF72 HRE.
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Escalona-Rayo O, Fuentes-Vázquez P, Leyva-Gómez G, Cisneros B, Villalobos R, Magaña JJ, Quintanar-Guerrero D. Nanoparticulate strategies for the treatment of polyglutamine diseases by halting the protein aggregation process. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 2017; 43:871-888. [PMID: 28142290 DOI: 10.1080/03639045.2017.1281949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases are a class of neurodegenerative disorders that cause cellular dysfunction and, eventually, neuronal death in specific regions of the brain. Neurodegeneration is linked to the misfolding and aggregation of expanded polyQ-containing proteins, and their inhibition is one of major therapeutic strategies used commonly. However, successful treatment has been limited to date because of the intrinsic properties of therapeutic agents (poor water solubility, low bioavailability, poor pharmacokinetic properties), and difficulty in crossing physiological barriers, including the blood-brain barrier (BBB). In order to solve these problems, nanoparticulate systems with dimensions of 1-1000 nm able to incorporate small and macromolecules with therapeutic value, to protect and deliver them directly to the brain, have recently been developed, but their use for targeting polyQ disease-mediated protein misfolding and aggregation remains scarce. This review provides an update of the polyQ protein aggregation process and the development of therapeutic strategies for halting it. The main features that a nanoparticulate system should possess in order to enhance brain delivery are discussed, as well as the different types of materials utilized to produce them. The final part of this review focuses on the potential application of nanoparticulate system strategies to improve the specific and efficient delivery of therapeutic agents to the brain for the treatment of polyQ diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Escalona-Rayo
- a Laboratorio de Investigación y Posgrado en Tecnología Farmacéutica, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán , Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) , Cuautitlán Izcalli , Mexico
| | - Paulina Fuentes-Vázquez
- a Laboratorio de Investigación y Posgrado en Tecnología Farmacéutica, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán , Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) , Cuautitlán Izcalli , Mexico
| | - Gerardo Leyva-Gómez
- b Laboratory of Connective Tissue , CENIAQ, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra , Mexico City , Mexico
| | - Bulmaro Cisneros
- c Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology , CINVESTAV-IPN , Mexico City , Mexico
| | - Rafael Villalobos
- d División de Estudios de Posgrado (Tecnología Farmacéutica), Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán , Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) , Cuautitlán Izcalli , Mexico
| | - Jonathan J Magaña
- e Laboratory of Genomic Medicine, Department of Genetics , Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra , Mexico City , Mexico
| | - David Quintanar-Guerrero
- a Laboratorio de Investigación y Posgrado en Tecnología Farmacéutica, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán , Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) , Cuautitlán Izcalli , Mexico
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Meola G, Cardani R. Myotonic dystrophy type 2 and modifier genes: an update on clinical and pathomolecular aspects. Neurol Sci 2017; 38:535-546. [PMID: 28078562 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-016-2805-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy (DM) is the most common adult muscular dystrophy, characterized by autosomal dominant progressive myopathy, myotonia, and multiorgan involvement. To date, two distinct forms caused by similar mutations in two different genes have been identified: myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) and myotonic dystrophy type 2 (DM2). Aberrant transcription and mRNA processing of multiple genes due to RNA-mediated toxic gain-of function has been suggested to cause the complex phenotype in DM1 and DM2. However, despite clinical and genetic similarities, DM1 and DM2 may be considered as distinct disorders. This review is an update on the latest findings specific to DM2, including explanations for the differences in clinical manifestations and pathophysiology between the two forms of myotonic dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Meola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Piazza E. Malan, 1, San Donato Mil., 20097, Milan, Italy. .,Department of Neurology, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, San Donato Milanese, Milan, Italy.
| | - Rosanna Cardani
- Laboratory of Muscle Histopathology and Molecular Biology, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, San Donato Milanese, Milan, Italy
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34
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Yang WY, He F, Strack RL, Oh SY, Frazer M, Jaffrey SR, Todd PK, Disney MD. Small Molecule Recognition and Tools to Study Modulation of r(CGG)(exp) in Fragile X-Associated Tremor Ataxia Syndrome. ACS Chem Biol 2016; 11:2456-65. [PMID: 27276216 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.6b00147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
RNA transcripts containing expanded nucleotide repeats cause many incurable diseases via various mechanisms. One such disorder, fragile X-associated tremor ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), is caused by a noncoding r(CGG) repeat expansion (r(CGG)(exp)) that (i) sequesters proteins involved in RNA metabolism in nuclear foci, causing dysregulation of alternative pre-mRNA splicing, and (ii) undergoes repeat associated non-ATG translation (RANT), which produces toxic homopolymeric proteins without using a start codon. Here, we describe the design of two small molecules that inhibit both modes of toxicity and the implementation of various tools to study perturbation of these cellular events. Competitive Chemical Cross Linking and Isolation by Pull Down (C-Chem-CLIP) established that compounds bind r(CGG)(exp) and defined small molecule occupancy of r(CGG)(exp) in cells, the first approach to do so. Using an RNA GFP mimic, r(CGG)(exp)-Spinach2, we observe that our optimal designed compound binds r(CGG)(exp) and affects RNA localization by disrupting preformed RNA foci. These events correlate with an improvement of pre-mRNA splicing defects caused by RNA gain of function. In addition, the compounds reduced levels of toxic homopolymeric proteins formed via RANT. Polysome profiling studies showed that small molecules decreased loading of polysomes onto r(CGG)(exp), explaining decreased translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang-Yong Yang
- Departments
of Chemistry and Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, 130
Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Fang He
- Department
of Neurology, University of Michigan, 4005 BSRB, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2200, United States
| | - Rita L. Strack
- Department
of Pharmacology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, 1300
York Avenue, Box 70, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Seok Yoon Oh
- Department
of Neurology, University of Michigan, 4005 BSRB, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2200, United States
| | - Michelle Frazer
- Department
of Neurology, University of Michigan, 4005 BSRB, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2200, United States
| | - Samie R. Jaffrey
- Department
of Pharmacology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, 1300
York Avenue, Box 70, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Peter K. Todd
- Department
of Neurology, University of Michigan, 4005 BSRB, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2200, United States
| | - Matthew D. Disney
- Departments
of Chemistry and Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, 130
Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
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35
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Bai Y, Nguyen L, Song Z, Peng S, Lee J, Zheng N, Kapoor I, Hagler LD, Cai K, Cheng J, Chan HYE, Zimmerman SC. Integrating Display and Delivery Functionality with a Cell Penetrating Peptide Mimic as a Scaffold for Intracellular Multivalent Multitargeting. J Am Chem Soc 2016; 138:9498-507. [DOI: 10.1021/jacs.6b03697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Shaohong Peng
- Laboratory
of Drosophila Research and School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong,
Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - H. Y. Edwin Chan
- Laboratory
of Drosophila Research and School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong,
Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
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36
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Li J, Sakata A, He H, Bai LP, Murata A, Dohno C, Nakatani K. Naphthyridine-Benzoazaquinolone: Evaluation of a Tricyclic System for the Binding to (CAG)nRepeat DNA and RNA. Chem Asian J 2016; 11:1971-81. [DOI: 10.1002/asia.201600527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jinxing Li
- Department of Regulatory Bioorganic Chemistry; The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research; Osaka University; 8-1 Mihogaoka Ibaraki 567-0047 Japan
| | - Akihiro Sakata
- Department of Regulatory Bioorganic Chemistry; The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research; Osaka University; 8-1 Mihogaoka Ibaraki 567-0047 Japan
| | - Hanping He
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering College; Hubei University; Road Youyi 368, Wuchang, Wuhan Hubei 430062 China
| | - Li-Ping Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, and Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health; Macau University of Science and Technology; Avenida Wai Long, Taipa Macau China
| | - Asako Murata
- Department of Regulatory Bioorganic Chemistry; The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research; Osaka University; 8-1 Mihogaoka Ibaraki 567-0047 Japan
| | - Chikara Dohno
- Department of Regulatory Bioorganic Chemistry; The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research; Osaka University; 8-1 Mihogaoka Ibaraki 567-0047 Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Nakatani
- Department of Regulatory Bioorganic Chemistry; The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research; Osaka University; 8-1 Mihogaoka Ibaraki 567-0047 Japan
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37
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Zimmerman SC. A journey in bioinspired supramolecular chemistry: from molecular tweezers to small molecules that target myotonic dystrophy. Beilstein J Org Chem 2016; 12:125-38. [PMID: 26877815 PMCID: PMC4734311 DOI: 10.3762/bjoc.12.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
This review summarizes part of the author’s research in the area of supramolecular chemistry, beginning with his early life influences and early career efforts in molecular recognition, especially molecular tweezers. Although designed to complex DNA, these hosts proved more applicable to the field of host–guest chemistry. This early experience and interest in intercalation ultimately led to the current efforts to develop small molecule therapeutic agents for myotonic dystrophy using a rational design approach that heavily relies on principles of supramolecular chemistry. How this work was influenced by that of others in the field and the evolution of each area of research is highlighted with selected examples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven C Zimmerman
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
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38
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Thiaville PC, Legendre R, Rojas-Benítez D, Baudin-Baillieu A, Hatin I, Chalancon G, Glavic A, Namy O, de Crécy-Lagard V. Global translational impacts of the loss of the tRNA modification t 6A in yeast. MICROBIAL CELL 2016; 3:29-45. [PMID: 26798630 PMCID: PMC4717488 DOI: 10.15698/mic2016.01.473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The universal tRNA modification t6A is found at position 37 of nearly
all tRNAs decoding ANN codons. The absence of t6A37 leads
to severe growth defects in baker’s yeast, phenotypes similar to those caused by
defects in mcm5s2U34 synthesis. Mutants in
mcm5s2U34 can be suppressed by
overexpression of tRNALysUUU, but we show t6A
phenotypes could not be suppressed by expressing any individual ANN decoding
tRNA, and t6A and mcm5s2U are not determinants
for each other’s formation. Our results suggest that t6A deficiency,
like mcm5s2U deficiency, leads to protein folding defects,
and show that the absence of t6A led to stress sensitivities (heat,
ethanol, salt) and sensitivity to TOR pathway inhibitors. Additionally,
L-homoserine suppressed the slow growth phenotype seen in
t6A-deficient strains, and proteins aggregates and Advanced Glycation
End-products (AGEs) were increased in the mutants. The global consequences on
translation caused by t6A absence were examined by ribosome
profiling. Interestingly, the absence of t6A did not lead to global
translation defects, but did increase translation initiation at upstream non-AUG
codons and increased frame-shifting in specific genes. Analysis of codon
occupancy rates suggests that one of the major roles of t6A is to
homogenize the process of elongation by slowing the elongation rate at codons
decoded by high abundance tRNAs and I34:C3 pairs while
increasing the elongation rate of rare tRNAs and G34:U3
pairs. This work reveals that the consequences of t6A absence are
complex and multilayered and has set the stage to elucidate the molecular basis
of the observed phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick C Thiaville
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; Genetics and Genomics Graduate Program, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; University of Florida Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; Institut de Biologie Intégrative de la Cellule (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, Université Paris-Sud, Bâtiment 400, 91400 Orsay, France
| | - Rachel Legendre
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative de la Cellule (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, Université Paris-Sud, Bâtiment 400, 91400 Orsay, France
| | - Diego Rojas-Benítez
- Centro de Regulación del Genoma. Facultad de Ciencias - Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Agnès Baudin-Baillieu
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative de la Cellule (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, Université Paris-Sud, Bâtiment 400, 91400 Orsay, France
| | - Isabelle Hatin
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative de la Cellule (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, Université Paris-Sud, Bâtiment 400, 91400 Orsay, France
| | - Guilhem Chalancon
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, United Kingdom
| | - Alvaro Glavic
- Centro de Regulación del Genoma. Facultad de Ciencias - Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Olivier Namy
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative de la Cellule (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, Université Paris-Sud, Bâtiment 400, 91400 Orsay, France
| | - Valérie de Crécy-Lagard
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; University of Florida Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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Zou ZY, Liu CY, Che CH, Huang HP. Toward precision medicine in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2016; 4:27. [PMID: 26889480 PMCID: PMC4731596 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2305-5839.2016.01.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Precision medicine is an innovative approach that uses emerging biomedical technologies to deliver optimally targeted and timed interventions, customized to the molecular drivers of an individual's disease. This approach is only just beginning to be considered for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The clinical and biological complexities of ALS have hindered development of effective therapeutic strategies. In this review we consider applying the key elements of precision medicine to ALS: phenotypic classification, comprehensive risk assessment, presymptomatic period detection, potential molecular pathways, disease model development, biomarker discovery and molecularly tailored interventions. Together, these would embody a precision medicine approach, which may provide strategies for optimal targeting and timing of efforts to prevent, stop or slow progression of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhang-Yu Zou
- Department of Neurology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Chang-Yun Liu
- Department of Neurology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Chun-Hui Che
- Department of Neurology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Hua-Pin Huang
- Department of Neurology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China
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40
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Loureiro JR, Oliveira CL, Silveira I. Unstable repeat expansions in neurodegenerative diseases: nucleocytoplasmic transport emerges on the scene. Neurobiol Aging 2015; 39:174-83. [PMID: 26923414 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2015.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2015] [Revised: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
An astonishing number of neurological diseases result from expansion of unstable repetitive sequences causing alterations in key neuronal processes. Some are progressive late-onset conditions related to aging, such as the spinocerebellar ataxias. In several of these pathologies, the expanded repeat is transcribed, producing an expanded RNA repeat that causes neurodegeneration by a complex mechanism, comprising 3 main pathways. These include (1) accumulation in the nucleus of RNA foci, resulting from sequestration of RNA-binding proteins functioning in important neuronal cascades; (2) decrease in availability of RNA-binding proteins, such as splicing factors, causing alternative splicing misregulation with imbalance in the expression ratio of neuronal isoforms; and (3) generation of neurotoxic peptides, produced from repeat-associated non-ATG-initiated translation across the RNA repeat, in all reading frames. Recently, 2 pathologies characterized by impaired motor function, cognitive decline, or/and degeneration of motor neurons have been found that have broaden our understanding of these diseases. Moreover, the finding of compromised nucleocytoplasmic transport opens new avenues for research. This review will cover the amazing progress regarding these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana R Loureiro
- Group Genetics of Cognitive Dysfunction, i3s- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Portugal; IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Portugal; ICBAS, Universidade do Porto, Portugal
| | - Claudia L Oliveira
- Group Genetics of Cognitive Dysfunction, i3s- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Portugal; IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Portugal; ICBAS, Universidade do Porto, Portugal
| | - Isabel Silveira
- Group Genetics of Cognitive Dysfunction, i3s- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Portugal; IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Portugal; ICBAS, Universidade do Porto, Portugal.
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41
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Davidson Y, Robinson AC, Liu X, Wu D, Troakes C, Rollinson S, Masuda-Suzukake M, Suzuki G, Nonaka T, Shi J, Tian J, Hamdalla H, Ealing J, Richardson A, Jones M, Pickering-Brown S, Snowden JS, Hasegawa M, Mann DMA. Neurodegeneration in frontotemporal lobar degeneration and motor neurone disease associated with expansions in C9orf72 is linked to TDP-43 pathology and not associated with aggregated forms of dipeptide repeat proteins. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2015; 42:242-54. [PMID: 26538301 PMCID: PMC4832296 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Revised: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Aims A hexanucleotide expansion in C9orf72 is the major genetic cause of inherited behavioural variant Frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) and motor neurone disease (MND), although the pathological mechanism(s) underlying disease remains uncertain. Methods Using antibodies to poly‐GA, poly‐GP, poly‐GR, poly‐AP and poly‐PR proteins, we examined sections of cerebral cortex, hippocampus, thalamus, cerebellum and spinal cord, from 20 patients with bvFTD and/or MND bearing an expansion in C9orf72 for aggregated deposits of dipeptide repeat proteins (DPR). Results Antibodies to poly‐GA, poly‐GP and poly‐GR detected numerous rounded cytoplasmic inclusions (NCI) within granule cells of hippocampal dentate gyrus and those of the cerebellum, as well as ‘star‐burst’ shaped NCI in pyramidal neurones of CA3/4 region of hippocampus. NCI were uncommon in Purkinje cells, and only very rarely seen in anterior horn cells. Poly‐PA antibody detected occasional NCI within CA3/4 neurones alone, whereas poly‐PR antibody did not identify any NCI but immunostained the nucleus of anterior horn cells, CA3/4 neurones and Purkinje cells, in patients with or without expansion in C9orf72, as well as in normal controls. Poly‐GA antibody generally detected more DPR than poly‐GP, which in turn was greater than poly‐GR. All patients with bvFTD + MND or MND showed plentiful p62/TDP‐43 positive inclusions in remaining anterior horn cells. Conclusion Degeneration and loss of anterior horn cells associated with expansions in C9orf72 occurs in the absence of DPR, and implies that changes involving loss of nuclear staining for and a cytoplasmic aggregation of TDP‐43 are more likely to be the cause of this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Davidson
- Clinical and Cognitive Sciences Research Group, Institute of Brain, Behaviour and Mental Health, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Salford Royal Hospital, Salford, UK
| | - A C Robinson
- Clinical and Cognitive Sciences Research Group, Institute of Brain, Behaviour and Mental Health, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Salford Royal Hospital, Salford, UK
| | - X Liu
- Clinical and Cognitive Sciences Research Group, Institute of Brain, Behaviour and Mental Health, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Salford Royal Hospital, Salford, UK.,Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - D Wu
- Clinical and Cognitive Sciences Research Group, Institute of Brain, Behaviour and Mental Health, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Salford Royal Hospital, Salford, UK.,Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - C Troakes
- London Neurodegenerative Diseases Brain Bank, Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - S Rollinson
- Clinical and Cognitive Sciences Research Group, Institute of Brain, Behaviour and Mental Health, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - M Masuda-Suzukake
- Department of Neuropathology and Cell Biology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - G Suzuki
- Department of Neuropathology and Cell Biology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - T Nonaka
- Department of Neuropathology and Cell Biology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - J Shi
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - J Tian
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - H Hamdalla
- Manchester MND Care Centre, Salford Royal Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - J Ealing
- Manchester MND Care Centre, Salford Royal Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - A Richardson
- Cerebral Function Unit, Salford Royal Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - M Jones
- Cerebral Function Unit, Salford Royal Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - S Pickering-Brown
- Clinical and Cognitive Sciences Research Group, Institute of Brain, Behaviour and Mental Health, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - J S Snowden
- Clinical and Cognitive Sciences Research Group, Institute of Brain, Behaviour and Mental Health, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Salford Royal Hospital, Salford, UK.,Cerebral Function Unit, Salford Royal Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - M Hasegawa
- Department of Neuropathology and Cell Biology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - D M A Mann
- Clinical and Cognitive Sciences Research Group, Institute of Brain, Behaviour and Mental Health, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Salford Royal Hospital, Salford, UK
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42
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Jia Y, Chen L, Ma Y, Zhang J, Xu N, Liao DJ. To Know How a Gene Works, We Need to Redefine It First but then, More Importantly, to Let the Cell Itself Decide How to Transcribe and Process Its RNAs. Int J Biol Sci 2015; 11:1413-23. [PMID: 26681921 PMCID: PMC4671999 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.13436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent genomic and ribonomic research reveals that our genome produces a stupendous amount of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including antisense RNAs, and that many genes contain other gene(s) in their introns. Since ncRNAs either regulate the transcription, translation or stability of mRNAs or directly exert cellular functions, they should be regarded as the fourth category of RNAs, after ribosomal, messenger and transfer RNAs. These and other research advances challenge the current concept of gene and raise a question as to how we should redefine gene. We can either consider each tiny part of the classically-defined gene, such as each mRNA variant, as a “gene”, or, alternatively and oppositely, regard a whole genomic locus as a “gene” that may contain intron-embedded genes and produce different types of RNAs and proteins. Each of the two ways to redefine gene not only has its strengths and weaknesses but also has its particular concern on the methodology for the determination of the gene's function: Ectopic expression of complementary DNA (cDNA) in cells has in the past decades provided us with great deal of detail about the functions of individual mRNA variants, and will make the data less conflicting with each other if just a small part of a classically-defined gene is considered as a “gene”. On the other hand, genomic DNA (gDNA) will better help us in understanding the collective function of a genomic locus. In our opinion, we need to be more cautious in the use of cDNA and in the explanation of data resulting from cDNA, and, instead, should make delivery of gDNA into cells routine in determination of genes' functions, although this demands some technology renovation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuping Jia
- 1. Shandong Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ji'nan, Shandong, 250101, P.R. China
| | - Lichan Chen
- 2. Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA
| | - Yukui Ma
- 1. Shandong Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ji'nan, Shandong, 250101, P.R. China
| | - Jian Zhang
- 3. Center for Translational Medicine, Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences Building, Guangxi Medical University, 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Ningzhi Xu
- 4. Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Cancer Institute, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing 100021, P.R. China
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Gemayel R, Chavali S, Pougach K, Legendre M, Zhu B, Boeynaems S, van der Zande E, Gevaert K, Rousseau F, Schymkowitz J, Babu MM, Verstrepen KJ. Variable Glutamine-Rich Repeats Modulate Transcription Factor Activity. Mol Cell 2015; 59:615-27. [PMID: 26257283 PMCID: PMC4543046 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2015.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Revised: 06/26/2015] [Accepted: 07/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Excessive expansions of glutamine (Q)-rich repeats in various human proteins are known to result in severe neurodegenerative disorders such as Huntington's disease and several ataxias. However, the physiological role of these repeats and the consequences of more moderate repeat variation remain unknown. Here, we demonstrate that Q-rich domains are highly enriched in eukaryotic transcription factors where they act as functional modulators. Incremental changes in the number of repeats in the yeast transcriptional regulator Ssn6 (Cyc8) result in systematic, repeat-length-dependent variation in expression of target genes that result in direct phenotypic changes. The function of Ssn6 increases with its repeat number until a certain threshold where further expansion leads to aggregation. Quantitative proteomic analysis reveals that the Ssn6 repeats affect its solubility and interactions with Tup1 and other regulators. Thus, Q-rich repeats are dynamic functional domains that modulate a regulator's innate function, with the inherent risk of pathogenic repeat expansions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Gemayel
- Laboratory of Systems Biology, VIB, Gaston Geenslaan 1, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium; Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics (CMPG), Department M2S, KU Leuven, Gaston Geenslaan 1, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Sreenivas Chavali
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Ksenia Pougach
- Laboratory of Systems Biology, VIB, Gaston Geenslaan 1, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium; Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics (CMPG), Department M2S, KU Leuven, Gaston Geenslaan 1, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Matthieu Legendre
- Structural and Genomic Information Laboratory, IGS UMR7256, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Aix-Marseille Université, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée (IMM), 13288 Marseille Cedex 9, France
| | - Bo Zhu
- Laboratory of Systems Biology, VIB, Gaston Geenslaan 1, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium; Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics (CMPG), Department M2S, KU Leuven, Gaston Geenslaan 1, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Steven Boeynaems
- Laboratory of Systems Biology, VIB, Gaston Geenslaan 1, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium; Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics (CMPG), Department M2S, KU Leuven, Gaston Geenslaan 1, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Elisa van der Zande
- Laboratory of Systems Biology, VIB, Gaston Geenslaan 1, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium; Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics (CMPG), Department M2S, KU Leuven, Gaston Geenslaan 1, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Kris Gevaert
- Department of Medical Protein Research, VIB, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biochemistry, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Frederic Rousseau
- Switch Laboratory, VIB, Campus Gasthuisberg, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Joost Schymkowitz
- Switch Laboratory, VIB, Campus Gasthuisberg, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - M Madan Babu
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Kevin J Verstrepen
- Laboratory of Systems Biology, VIB, Gaston Geenslaan 1, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium; Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics (CMPG), Department M2S, KU Leuven, Gaston Geenslaan 1, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium.
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Meola G, Cardani R. Myotonic Dystrophy Type 2: An Update on Clinical Aspects, Genetic and Pathomolecular Mechanism. J Neuromuscul Dis 2015; 2:S59-S71. [PMID: 27858759 PMCID: PMC5240594 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-150088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy (DM) is the most common adult muscular dystrophy, characterized by autosomal dominant progressive myopathy, myotonia and multiorgan involvement. To date two distinct forms caused by similar mutations have been identified. Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1, Steinert's disease) is caused by a (CTG)n expansion in DMPK, while myotonic dystrophy type 2 (DM2) is caused by a (CCTG)n expansion in CNBP. Despite clinical and genetic similarities, DM1 and DM2 are distinct disorders. The pathogenesis of DM is explained by a common RNA gain-of-function mechanism in which the CUG and CCUG repeats alter cellular function, including alternative splicing of various genes. However additional pathogenic mechanism like changes in gene expression, modifier genes, protein translation and micro-RNA metabolism may also contribute to disease pathology and to clarify the phenotypic differences between these two types of myotonic dystrophies.This review is an update on the latest findings specific to DM2, including explanations for the differences in clinical manifestations and pathophysiology between the two forms of myotonic dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Meola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, University of Milan, San Donato Milanese, Milan, Italy
- Laboratory of Muscle Histopathology and Molecular Biology, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, San Donato Milanese, Milan, Italy
| | - Rosanna Cardani
- Laboratory of Muscle Histopathology and Molecular Biology, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, San Donato Milanese, Milan, Italy
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Abstract
RNAs adopt diverse folded structures that are essential for function and thus play critical roles in cellular biology. A striking example of this is the ribosome, a complex, three-dimensionally folded macromolecular machine that orchestrates protein synthesis. Advances in RNA biochemistry, structural and molecular biology, and bioinformatics have revealed other non-coding RNAs whose functions are dictated by their structure. It is not surprising that aberrantly folded RNA structures contribute to disease. In this Review, we provide a brief introduction into RNA structural biology and then describe how RNA structures function in cells and cause or contribute to neurological disease. Finally, we highlight successful applications of rational design principles to provide chemical probes and lead compounds targeting structured RNAs. Based on several examples of well-characterized RNA-driven neurological disorders, we demonstrate how designed small molecules can facilitate the study of RNA dysfunction, elucidating previously unknown roles for RNA in disease, and provide lead therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viachaslau Bernat
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Matthew D Disney
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA.
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Yanovsky-Dagan S, Mor-Shaked H, Eiges R. Modeling diseases of noncoding unstable repeat expansions using mutant pluripotent stem cells. World J Stem Cells 2015; 7:823-838. [PMID: 26131313 PMCID: PMC4478629 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v7.i5.823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2014] [Revised: 02/22/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic mutations involving DNA repeat expansions are responsible for over 20 different neuronal and neuromuscular diseases. All result from expanded tracts of repetitive DNA sequences (mostly microsatellites) that become unstable beyond a critical length when transmitted across generations. Nearly all are inherited as autosomal dominant conditions and are typically associated with anticipation. Pathologic unstable repeat expansions can be classified according to their length, repeat sequence, gene location and underlying pathologic mechanisms. This review summarizes the current contribution of mutant pluripotent stem cells (diseased human embryonic stem cells and patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells) to the research of unstable repeat pathologies by focusing on particularly large unstable noncoding expansions. Among this class of disorders are Fragile X syndrome and Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome, myotonic dystrophy type 1 and myotonic dystrophy type 2, Friedreich ataxia and C9 related amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and/or frontotemporal dementia, Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy and potentially more. Common features that are typical to this subclass of conditions are RNA toxic gain-of-function, epigenetic loss-of-function, toxic repeat-associated non-ATG translation and somatic instability. For each mechanism we summarize the currently available stem cell based models, highlight how they contributed to better understanding of the related mechanism, and discuss how they may be utilized in future investigations.
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47
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Scoles DR, Ho MHT, Dansithong W, Pflieger LT, Petersen LW, Thai KK, Pulst SM. Repeat Associated Non-AUG Translation (RAN Translation) Dependent on Sequence Downstream of the ATXN2 CAG Repeat. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0128769. [PMID: 26086378 PMCID: PMC4472729 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0128769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2013] [Accepted: 05/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) is a progressive autosomal dominant disorder caused by the expansion of a CAG tract in the ATXN2 gene. The SCA2 disease phenotype is characterized by cerebellar atrophy, gait ataxia, and slow saccades. ATXN2 mutation causes gains of toxic and normal functions of the ATXN2 gene product, ataxin-2, and abnormally slow Purkinje cell firing frequency. Previously we investigated features of ATXN2 controlling expression and noted expression differences for ATXN2 constructs with varying CAG lengths, suggestive of repeat associated non-AUG translation (RAN translation). To determine whether RAN translation occurs for ATXN2 we assembled various ATXN2 constructs with ATXN2 tagged by luciferase, HA or FLAG tags, driven by the CMV promoter or the ATXN2 promoter. Luciferase expression from ATXN2-luciferase constructs lacking the ATXN2 start codon was weak vs AUG translation, regardless of promoter type, and did not increase with longer CAG repeat lengths. RAN translation was detected on western blots by the anti-polyglutamine antibody 1C2 for constructs driven by the CMV promoter but not the ATXN2 promoter, and was weaker than AUG translation. Strong RAN translation was also observed when driving the ATXN2 sequence with the CMV promoter with ATXN2 sequence downstream of the CAG repeat truncated to 18 bp in the polyglutamine frame but not in the polyserine or polyalanine frames. Our data demonstrate that ATXN2 RAN translation is weak compared to AUG translation and is dependent on ATXN2 sequences flanking the CAG repeat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R. Scoles
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, 175 North Medical Drive East, 5th Floor, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84132, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Mi H. T. Ho
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, 175 North Medical Drive East, 5th Floor, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84132, United States of America
| | - Warunee Dansithong
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, 175 North Medical Drive East, 5th Floor, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84132, United States of America
| | - Lance T. Pflieger
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, 175 North Medical Drive East, 5th Floor, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84132, United States of America
| | - Lance W. Petersen
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, 175 North Medical Drive East, 5th Floor, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84132, United States of America
| | - Khanh K. Thai
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, 175 North Medical Drive East, 5th Floor, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84132, United States of America
| | - Stefan M. Pulst
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, 175 North Medical Drive East, 5th Floor, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84132, United States of America
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48
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Uversky VN. The intrinsic disorder alphabet. III. Dual personality of serine. INTRINSICALLY DISORDERED PROTEINS 2015; 3:e1027032. [PMID: 28232888 DOI: 10.1080/21690707.2015.1027032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2015] [Revised: 02/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Proteins are natural polypeptides consisting of 20 major amino acid residues, content and order of which in a given amino acid sequence defines the ability of a related protein to fold into unique functional state or to stay intrinsically disordered. Amino acid sequences code for both foldable (ordered) proteins/domains and for intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and IDP regions (IDPRs), but these sequence codes are dramatically different. This difference starts with a very general property of the corresponding amino acid sequences, namely, their compositions. IDPs/IDPRs are enriched in specific disorder-promoting residues, whereas amino acid sequences of ordered proteins/domains typically contain more order-promoting residues. Therefore, the relative abundances of various amino acids in ordered and disordered proteins can be used to scale amino acids according to their disorder promoting potentials. This review continues a series of publications on the roles of different amino acids in defining the phenomenon of protein intrinsic disorder and represents serine, which is the third most disorder-promoting residue. Similar to previous publications, this review represents some physico-chemical properties of serine and the roles of this residue in structures and functions of ordered proteins, describes major posttranslational modifications tailored to serine, and finally gives an overview of roles of serine in structure and functions of intrinsically disordered proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer Research Institute; Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida; Tampa, FL USA; Biology Department; Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University; Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Institute for Biological Instrumentation, Russian Academy of Sciences; Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia; Laboratory of Structural Dynamics, Stability and Folding of Proteins; Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences; St. Petersburg, Russia
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Szafranski K, Abraham KJ, Mekhail K. Non-coding RNA in neural function, disease, and aging. Front Genet 2015; 6:87. [PMID: 25806046 PMCID: PMC4353379 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2015.00087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Declining brain and neurobiological function is arguably one of the most common features of human aging. The study of conserved aging processes as well as the characterization of various neurodegenerative diseases using different genetic models such as yeast, fly, mouse, and human systems is uncovering links to non-coding RNAs. These links implicate a variety of RNA-regulatory processes, including microRNA function, paraspeckle formation, RNA–DNA hybrid regulation, nucleolar RNAs and toxic RNA clearance, amongst others. Here we highlight these connections and reveal over-arching themes or questions related to recently appreciated roles of non-coding RNA in neural function and dysfunction across lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirk Szafranski
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Karan J Abraham
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Karim Mekhail
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto Toronto, ON, Canada ; Canada Research Chairs Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto Toronto, ON, Canada
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50
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Mann DMA. Dipeptide repeat protein toxicity in frontotemporal lobar degeneration and in motor neurone disease associated with expansions in C9ORF72-a cautionary note. Neurobiol Aging 2014; 36:1224-6. [PMID: 25457023 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2014.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2014] [Revised: 10/07/2014] [Accepted: 10/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David M A Mann
- Clinical and Cognitive Neuroscience Research Group, Institute of Brain Behaviour and Mental Health, University of Manchester, Salford Royal Hospital, Salford, UK.
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