Pumilio-2 function in the mouse nervous system

Regulation of synapse density by Pumilio RNA-binding proteins

The formation, stabilization, and elimination of synapses are tightly regulated during neural development and into adulthood. Pumilio RNA-binding proteins regulate the translation and localization of many synaptic mRNAs and are developmentally downregulated in the brain. We found that simultaneous downregulation of Pumilio 1 and 2 increases both excitatory and inhibitory synapse density in primary hippocampal neurons and promotes synapse maturation. Loss of Pum1 and Pum2 in the mouse brain was associated with an increase in mRNAs involved in mitochondrial function and synaptic translation. These findings reveal a role for developmental Pumilio downregulation as a permissive step in the maturation of synapses and suggest that modulation of Pumilio levels is a cell-intrinsic mechanism by which neurons tune their capacity for synapse stabilization.

Multiomics of early epileptogenesis in mice reveals phosphorylation and dephosphorylation-directed growth and synaptic weakening

To investigate the phosphorylation-based signaling and protein changes occurring early in epileptogenesis, the hippocampi of mice treated with pilocarpine were examined by quantitative mass spectrometry at 4 and 24 h post-status epilepticus at vast depth. Hundreds of posttranscriptional regulatory proteins were the major early targets of increased phosphorylation. At 24 h, many protein level changes were detected and the phosphoproteome continued to be perturbed. The major targets of decreased phosphorylation at 4 and 24 h were a subset of postsynaptic density scaffold proteins, ion channels, and neurotransmitter receptors. Many proteins targeted by dephosphorylation at 4 h also had decreased protein abundance at 24 h, indicating a phosphatase-mediated weakening of synapses. Increased translation was indicated by protein changes at 24 h. These observations, and many additional indicators within this multiomic resource, suggest that early epileptogenesis is characterized by signaling that stimulates both growth and a homeostatic response that weakens excitability.

The role of miRNA134 in pathogenesis and treatment of intractable epilepsy: a review article

MicroRNA-134 (miRNA134) has emerged as a critical regulator in the pathogenesis of epilepsy, particularly in intractable cases resistant to conventional therapies. This review explores the multifaceted roles of miRNA134 in epileptogenesis, focusing on its influence on dendritic spine morphology and synaptic plasticity. Through its interactions with proteins such as LIM kinase 1 (LIMK1), Pumilio 2 (PUM2), and Tubby-like protein 1 (TULP1), miRNA134 modulates various molecular pathways implicated in epilepsy development. Preclinical studies have shown pro-mising results in targeting miRNA134 for mitigating seizure activity, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target. Furthermore, miRNA134 holds promise as a biomarker for epilepsy diagnosis and prognosis, offering opportunities for personalized treatment approaches. However, further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms underlying miRNA134's effects and to translate these findings into clinical applications.

Enriched Environment Induces Sex-Specific Changes in the Adult Neurogenesis, Cytokine and miRNA Expression in Rat Hippocampus

An enriched environment stimulates adult hippocampal plasticity, but the exact cellular and molecular mechanisms are complex, and thus a matter of debate. We studied the behavior and hippocampal neurogenesis in adult male and female Wistar rats that were housed in an enriched environment (EE) for two months. Both EE males and females performed better than control animals in a Barnes maze, meaning that EE enhances spatial memory. However, the expression levels of neurogenesis markers KI67, DCX, Nestin, and Syn1 increased only in EE females, while in EE males only KI67 and BDNF were higher than in the corresponding control. The number of DCX+ neurons on brain slices increased in the dentate gyrus of EE females only, i.e., the level of adult hippocampal neurogenesis was increased in female but not in male rats. The level of anti-inflammatory IL-10 and signaling pathway components was upregulated in EE females. Of 84 miRNAs tested, in the hippocampi of EE female rats we detected upregulation in the expression levels of 12 miRNAs related to neuronal differentiation and morphogenesis, while in EE males four miRNAs were upregulated and involved in the regulation of cell proliferation/differentiation, and one was downregulated and associated with the stimulation of proliferation. Taken altogether, our results point to sex-specific differences in adult hippocampal plasticity, IL-10 expression, and miRNA profiles induced by an enriched environment.

Age-related changes in gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) splice variants in mouse brain

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is the primary regulator of the mammalian reproductive axis. We investigated the spatiotemporal expression of GnRH splice variants (V1, V2, and V3) and splicing factors (Srsf7, Srsf9, and Tra-2) in the male mice brain. Further, using in silico tools, we predicted protein structure and the reason for the low translational efficiency of V2 and V3. Messenger RNA levels of GnRH variants and splicing factors were quantified using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction at different age groups. Our data show that expression of almost all the variants alters with aging in all the brain regions studied; even in comparison to the hypothalamus, several brain areas were found to have higher expression of these variants. Hypothalamic expression of splicing factors such as Srsf7, Srsf9, and Tra-2 also change with aging. Computational studies have translation repressors site on the V3, which probably reduces its translation efficiency. Also, V2 is an intrinsically disordered protein that might have a regulatory or signaling function. In conclusion, this study provides novel crucial information and multiple starting points for future analysis of GnRH splice variants in the brain.

Keeping development on time: Insights into post-transcriptional mechanisms driving oscillatory gene expression during vertebrate segmentation

Biological time keeping, or the duration and tempo at which biological processes occur, is a phenomenon that drives dynamic molecular and morphological changes that manifest throughout many facets of life. In some cases, the molecular mechanisms regulating the timing of biological transitions are driven by genetic oscillations, or periodic increases and decreases in expression of genes described collectively as a "molecular clock." In vertebrate animals, molecular clocks play a crucial role in fundamental patterning and cell differentiation processes throughout development. For example, during early vertebrate embryogenesis, the segmentation clock regulates the patterning of the embryonic mesoderm into segmented blocks of tissue called somites, which later give rise to axial skeletal muscle and vertebrae. Segmentation clock oscillations are characterized by rapid cycles of mRNA and protein expression. For segmentation clock oscillations to persist, the transcript and protein molecules of clock genes must be short-lived. Faithful, rhythmic, genetic oscillations are sustained by precise regulation at many levels, including post-transcriptional regulation, and such mechanisms are essential for proper vertebrate development. This article is categorized under: RNA Export and Localization > RNA Localization RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Regulation of RNA Stability Translation > Regulation.

Regulation of Parkinson's disease-associated genes by Pumilio proteins and microRNAs in SH-SY5Y neuronal cells

Parkinson's disease is the second most common age-related, neurodegenerative disease. A small collection of genes has been linked to Parkinson's disease including LRRK2, SAT1, and SNCA, the latter of which encodes the protein alpha-synuclein that aggregates in Lewy bodies as a hallmark of the disease. Overexpression of even wild-type versions of these genes can lead to pathogenesis, yet the regulatory mechanisms that control protein production of the genes are not fully understood. Pumilio proteins belong to the highly conserved PUF family of eukaryotic RNA-binding proteins that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression through binding conserved motifs in the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of mRNA targets known as PUF Recognition Elements (PREs). The 3'UTRs of LRRK2, SNCA and SAT1 each contain multiple putative PREs. Knockdown (KD) of the two human Pumilio homologs (Pumilio 1 and Pumilio 2) in a neurodegenerative model cell line, SH-SY5Y, resulted in increased SNCA and LRRK2 mRNA, as well as alpha-synuclein levels, suggesting these genes are normally repressed by the Pumilio proteins. Some studies have indicated a relationship between Pumilio and microRNA activities on the same target, especially when their binding sites are close together. LRRK2, SNCA, and SAT1 each contain several putative microRNA-binding sites within the 3'UTR, some of which reside near PREs. Small RNA-seq and microRNA qPCR assays were performed in both wild type and Pumilio KD SH-SY5Y cells to analyze global and differential microRNA expression. One thousand four hundred and four microRNAs were detected across wild type and Pumilio KD cells. Twenty-one microRNAs were differentially expressed between treatments, six of which were previously established to be altered in Parkinson's disease patient samples or research models. Expression of ten miRs predicted to target LRRK2 and SNCA was verified by RT-qPCR. Collectively, our results demonstrate that Pumilios and microRNAs play a multi-faceted role in regulating Parkinson's disease-associated genes.

PUMILIO competes with AUF1 to control DICER1 RNA levels and miRNA processing

DICER1 syndrome is a cancer pre-disposition disorder caused by mutations that disrupt the function of DICER1 in miRNA processing. Studying the molecular, cellular and oncogenic effects of these mutations can reveal novel mechanisms that control cell homeostasis and tumor biology. Here, we conduct the first analysis of pathogenic DICER1 syndrome allele from the DICER1 3'UTR. We find that the DICER1 syndrome allele, rs1252940486, abolishes interaction with the PUMILIO RNA binding protein with the DICER1 3'UTR, resulting in the degradation of the DICER1 mRNA by AUF1. This single mutational event leads to diminished DICER1 mRNA and protein levels, and widespread reprogramming of miRNA networks. The in-depth characterization of the rs1252940486 DICER1 allele, reveals important post-transcriptional regulatory events that control DICER1 levels.

TLR4 downregulation by the RNA-binding protein PUM1 alleviates cellular aging and osteoarthritis

Dysfunction of mRNA or RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) causes cellular aging and age-related degenerative diseases; however, information regarding the mechanism through which RBP-mediated posttranscriptional regulation affects cellular aging and related disease processes is limited. In this study, PUM1 was found to be associated with the self-renewal capacity and aging process of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). PUM1 interacted with the 3'-untranslated region of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) to suppress TLR4 mRNA translation and regulate the activity of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), a master regulator of the aging process in MSCs. PUM1 overexpression protected MSCs against H₂O₂-induced cellular senescence by suppressing TLR4-mediated NF-κB activity. TLR4-mediated NF-κB activation is a key regulator in osteoarthritis (OA) pathogenesis. PUM1 overexpression enhanced the chondrogenic potential of MSCs even under the influence of inflammation-inducing factors, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or interleukin-1β (IL-1β), whereas the chondrogenic potential was reduced following the PUM1 knockdown-mediated TLR4 activation. PUM1 levels decreased under inflammatory conditions in vitro and during OA progression in human and mouse disease models. PUM1 knockdown in human chondrocytes promoted chondrogenic phenotype loss, whereas PUM1 overexpression protected the cells from inflammation-mediated disruption of the chondrogenic phenotype. Gene therapy using a lentiviral vector encoding mouse PUM1 showed promise in preserving articular cartilage integrity in OA mouse models. In conclusion, PUM1 is a novel suppressor of MSC aging, and the PUM1-TLR4 regulatory axis represents a potential therapeutic target for OA.

The role of altered translation in intellectual disability and epilepsy

A very high proportion of cases of intellectual disability are genetic in origin and are associated with the occurrence of epileptic seizures during childhood. These two disorders together effect more than 5% of the world's population. One feature linking the two diseases is that learning and memory require the synthesis of new synaptic components and ion channels, while maintenance of overall excitability also requires synthesis of similar proteins in response to altered neuronal stimulation. Many of these disorders result from mutations in proteins that regulate mRNA processing, translation initiation, translation elongation, mRNA stability or upstream translation modulators. One theme that emerges on reviewing this field is that mutations in proteins that regulate changes in translation following neuronal stimulation are more likely to result in epilepsy with intellectual disability than general translation regulators with no known role in activity-dependent changes. This is consistent with the notion that activity-dependent translation in neurons differs from that in other cells types in that the changes in local cellular composition, morphology and connectivity that occur generally in response to stimuli are directly coupled to local synaptic activity and persist for months or years after the original stimulus.

The Puf-A Protein Is Required for Primordial Germ Cell Development

Puf-A, a nucleolar Puf domain protein, is required for ribosome biogenesis. A study of Puf-A in zebrafish has shown that Puf-A is highly expressed in primordial germ cells (PGCs) and participates in PGC development. However, it remains unclear how Puf-A governs PGC development in mammals. Here, we generated transgenic mice carrying inducible Puf-A shRNA and obtained double heterozygous mice with Puf-A shRNA and Oct4-EGFP to examine the behavior of PGCs. It was found that the knockdown of Puf-A led to the loss of a considerable number of PGCs and a slowdown of the movement of the remaining PGCs. Puf-A and NPM1 colocalized in clusters in the nuclei of the PGCs. The silencing of Puf-A resulted in the translocation of NPM1 from nucleolus to nucleoplasm and the hyperactivation of p53 in the PGCs. The PGCs in Puf-A knockdown embryos showed a significant increase in subpopulations of PGCs at G1 arrest and apoptosis. Moreover, the expression of essential genes associated with PGC maintenance was decreased in the Puf-A knockdown PGCs. Our study showed that Puf-A governed PGC development by regulating the growth, survival, and maintenance of PGCs. We also observed the alterations of NPM1 and p53 upon Puf-A knockdown to be consistent with the previous study in cancer cells, which might explain the molecular mechanism for the role of Puf-A in PGC development.

Pum2 and TDP-43 refine area-specific cytoarchitecture post-mitotically and modulate translation of Sox5, Bcl11b, and Rorb mRNAs in developing mouse neocortex

In the neocortex, functionally distinct areas process specific types of information. Area identity is established by morphogens and transcriptional master regulators, but downstream mechanisms driving area-specific neuronal specification remain unclear. Here, we reveal a role for RNA-binding proteins in defining area-specific cytoarchitecture. Mice lacking Pum2 or overexpressing human TDP-43 show apparent ‘motorization’ of layers IV and V of primary somatosensory cortex (S1), characterized by dramatic expansion of cells co-expressing Sox5 and Bcl11b/Ctip2, a hallmark of subcerebral projection neurons, at the expense of cells expressing the layer IV neuronal marker Rorβ. Moreover, retrograde labeling experiments with cholera toxin B in Pum2; Emx1-Cre and TDP43^A315T mice revealed a corresponding increase in subcerebral connectivity of these neurons in S1. Intriguingly, other key features of somatosensory area identity are largely preserved, suggesting that Pum2 and TDP-43 may function in a downstream program, rather than controlling area identity per se. Transfection of primary neurons and in utero electroporation (IUE) suggest cell-autonomous and post-mitotic modulation of Sox5, Bcl11b/Ctip2, and Rorβ levels. Mechanistically, we find that Pum2 and TDP-43 directly interact with and affect the translation of mRNAs encoding Sox5, Bcl11b/Ctip2, and Rorβ. In contrast, effects on the levels of these mRNAs were not detectable in qRT-PCR or single-molecule fluorescent in situ hybridization assays, and we also did not detect effects on their splicing or polyadenylation patterns. Our results support the notion that post-transcriptional regulatory programs involving translational regulation and mediated by Pum2 and TDP-43 contribute to elaboration of area-specific neuronal identity and connectivity in the neocortex.

Pumilio2 Promotes Growth of Mature Neurons

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are essential regulators controlling both the cellular transcriptome and translatome. These processes enable cellular plasticity, an important prerequisite for growth. Cellular growth is a complex, tightly controlled process. Using cancer cells as model, we looked for RBPs displaying strong expression in published transcriptome datasets. Interestingly, we found the Pumilio (Pum) protein family to be highly expressed in all these cells. Moreover, we observed that Pum2 is regulated by basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). bFGF selectively enhances protein levels of Pum2 and the eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E). Exploiting atomic force microscopy and in vitro pulldown assays, we show that Pum2 selects for eIF4E mRNA binding. Loss of Pum2 reduces eIF4E translation. Accordingly, depletion of Pum2 led to decreased soma size and dendritic branching of mature neurons, which was accompanied by a reduction in essential growth factors. In conclusion, we identify Pum2 as an important growth factor for mature neurons. Consequently, it is tempting to speculate that Pum2 may promote cancer growth.

Pumilio2 and Staufen2 selectively balance the synaptic proteome

Neurons have the capacity to adapt to environmental stimuli, a phenomenon termed cellular plasticity. The underlying processes are controlled by a network of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). Their precise impact, however, is largely unknown. To address this important question, we chose Pumilio2 (Pum2) and Staufen2 (Stau2), which both regulate synaptic transmission. Surprisingly, even though both RBPs dynamically interact with each other in neurons, their respective impact on the transcriptome and proteome is highly selective. Although Pum2 deficiency leads to reduced translation and protein expression, Stau2 depletion preferentially impacts RNA levels and increases protein abundance. Furthermore, we show that Pum2 activates expression of key GABAergic synaptic components, e.g., the GABAA receptor scaffold protein Gephyrin. Consequently, Pum2 depletion selectively reduced the amplitude of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents. Together, our data argue for an important role of RBPs to maintain proteostasis in order to control distinct aspects of synaptic transmission.

Principles of mRNA control by human PUM proteins elucidated from multimodal experiments and integrative data analysis

The human PUF-family proteins, PUM1 and PUM2, posttranscriptionally regulate gene expression by binding to a PUM recognition element (PRE) in the 3'-UTR of target mRNAs. Hundreds of PUM1/2 targets have been identified from changes in steady-state RNA levels; however, prior studies could not differentiate between the contributions of changes in transcription and RNA decay rates. We applied metabolic labeling to measure changes in RNA turnover in response to depletion of PUM1/2, showing that human PUM proteins regulate expression almost exclusively by changing RNA stability. We also applied an in vitro selection workflow to precisely identify the binding preferences of PUM1 and PUM2. By integrating our results with prior knowledge, we developed a "rulebook" of key contextual features that differentiate functional versus nonfunctional PREs, allowing us to train machine learning models that accurately predict the functional regulation of RNA targets by the human PUM proteins.

RNA-binding proteins balance brain function in health and disease

Posttranscriptional gene expression including splicing, RNA transport, translation, and RNA decay provides an important regulatory layer in many if not all molecular pathways. Research in the last decades has positioned RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) right in the center of posttranscriptional gene regulation. Here, we propose interdependent networks of RBPs to regulate complex pathways within the central nervous system (CNS). These are involved in multiple aspects of neuronal development and functioning, including higher cognition. Therefore, it is not sufficient to unravel the individual contribution of a single RBP and its consequences but rather to study and understand the tight interplay between different RBPs. In this review, we summarize recent findings in the field of RBP biology and discuss the complex interplay between different RBPs. Second, we emphasize the underlying dynamics within an RBP network and how this might regulate key processes such as neurogenesis, synaptic transmission, and synaptic plasticity. Importantly, we envision that dysfunction of specific RBPs could lead to perturbation within the RBP network. This would have direct and indirect (compensatory) effects in mRNA binding and translational control leading to global changes in cellular expression programs in general and in synaptic plasticity in particular. Therefore, we focus on RBP dysfunction and how this might cause neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Based on recent findings, we propose that alterations in the entire regulatory RBP network might account for phenotypic dysfunctions observed in complex diseases including neurodegeneration, epilepsy, and autism spectrum disorders.

Mammalian Pum1 and Pum2 Control Body Size via Translational Regulation of the Cell Cycle Inhibitor Cdkn1b

Body and organ size regulation in mammals involves multiple signaling pathways and remains largely enigmatic. Here, we report that Pum1 and Pum2, which encode highly conserved PUF RNA-binding proteins, regulate mouse body and organ size by post-transcriptional repression of the cell cycle inhibitor Cdkn1b. Binding of PUM1 or PUM2 to Pumilio binding elements (PBEs) in the 3^’ UTR of Cdkn1b inhibits translation, promoting G1-S transition and cell proliferation. Mice with null mutations in Pum1 and Pum2 exhibit gene dosage-dependent reductions in body and organ size, and deficiency for Cdkn1b partially rescues postnatal growth defects in Pum1^−/− mice. We propose that coordinated tissue-specific expression of Pum1 and Pum2, which involves auto-regulatory and reciprocal post-transcriptional repression, contributes to the precise regulation of body and organ size. Hence PUM-mediated post-transcriptional control of cell cycle regulators represents an additional layer of control in the genetic regulation of organ and body size.

Lin et al. show that the RNA-binding proteins PUM1 and PUM2 regulate translation of cell cycle proteins such as CDKN1B by binding to their 3^’ UTR and achieve precise control of organ and body size in a gene dosage-sensitive manner via auto and reciprocal gene expression regulation.

Pumilio response and AU-rich elements drive rapid decay of Pnrc2-regulated cyclic gene transcripts

Vertebrate segmentation is regulated by the segmentation clock, a biological oscillator that controls periodic formation of somites, or embryonic segments, which give rise to many mesodermal tissue types. This molecular oscillator generates cyclic gene expression with the same periodicity as somite formation in the presomitic mesoderm (PSM), an area of mesenchymal cells that give rise to mature somites. Molecular components of the clock include the Hes/her family of genes that encode transcriptional repressors, but additional genes cycle. Cyclic gene transcripts are cleared rapidly, and clearance depends upon the pnrc2 (proline-rich nuclear receptor co-activator 2) gene that encodes an mRNA decay adaptor. Previously, we showed that the her1 3'UTR confers instability to otherwise stable transcripts in a Pnrc2-dependent manner, however, the molecular mechanism(s) by which cyclic gene transcripts are cleared remained largely unknown. To identify features of the her1 3'UTR that are critical for Pnrc2-mediated decay, we developed an array of transgenic inducible reporter lines carrying different regions of the 3'UTR. We find that the terminal 179 nucleotides (nts) of the her1 3'UTR are necessary and sufficient to confer rapid instability. Additionally, we show that the 3'UTR of another cyclic gene, deltaC (dlc), also confers Pnrc2-dependent instability. Motif analysis reveals that both her1 and dlc 3'UTRs contain terminally-located Pumilio response elements (PREs) and AU-rich elements (AREs), and we show that the PRE and ARE in the last 179 ​nts of the her1 3'UTR drive rapid turnover of reporter mRNA. Finally, we show that mutation of Pnrc2 residues and domains that are known to facilitate interaction of human PNRC2 with decay factors DCP1A and UPF1 reduce the ability of Pnrc2 to restore normal cyclic gene expression in pnrc2 mutant embryos. Our findings suggest that Pnrc2 interacts with decay machinery components and cooperates with Pumilio (Pum) proteins and ARE-binding proteins to promote rapid turnover of cyclic gene transcripts during somitogenesis.

Pumilio proteins utilize distinct regulatory mechanisms to achieve complementary functions required for pluripotency and embryogenesis

Gene regulation in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) has been extensively studied at the epigenetic-transcriptional level, but not at the posttranscriptional level. Pumilio (Pum) proteins are among the few known translational regulators required for stem-cell maintenance in invertebrates and plants. Here we report the essential function of two murine Pum proteins, Pum1 and Pum2, in ESCs and early embryogenesis. Pum1/2 double-mutant ESCs display severely reduced self-renewal and differentiation, and Pum1/2 double-mutant mice are developmentally delayed at the morula stage and lethal by embryonic day 8.5. Remarkably, Pum1-deficient ESCs show increased expression of pluripotency genes but not differentiation genes, whereas Pum2-deficient ESCs show decreased pluripotency markers and accelerated differentiation. Thus, despite their high homology and overlapping target messenger RNAs (mRNAs), Pum1 promotes differentiation while Pum2 promotes self-renewal in ESCs. Pum1 and Pum2 achieve these two complementary aspects of pluripotency by forming a negative interregulatory feedback loop that directly regulates at least 1,486 mRNAs. Pum1 and Pum2 regulate target mRNAs not only by repressing translation, but also by promoting translation and enhancing or reducing mRNA stability of different target mRNAs. Together, these findings reveal distinct roles of individual mammalian Pum proteins in ESCs and their essential functions in ESC pluripotency and embryogenesis.

Unique repression domains of Pumilio utilize deadenylation and decapping factors to accelerate destruction of target mRNAs

Pumilio is an RNA-binding protein that represses a network of mRNAs to control embryogenesis, stem cell fate, fertility and neurological functions in Drosophila. We sought to identify the mechanism of Pumilio-mediated repression and find that it accelerates degradation of target mRNAs, mediated by three N-terminal Repression Domains (RDs), which are unique to Pumilio orthologs. We show that the repressive activities of the Pumilio RDs depend on specific subunits of the Ccr4-Not (CNOT) deadenylase complex. Depletion of Pop2, Not1, Not2, or Not3 subunits alleviates Pumilio RD-mediated repression of protein expression and mRNA decay, whereas depletion of other CNOT components had little or no effect. Moreover, the catalytic activity of Pop2 deadenylase is important for Pumilio RD activity. Further, we show that the Pumilio RDs directly bind to the CNOT complex. We also report that the decapping enzyme, Dcp2, participates in repression by the N-terminus of Pumilio. These results support a model wherein Pumilio utilizes CNOT deadenylase and decapping complexes to accelerate destruction of target mRNAs. Because the N-terminal RDs are conserved in mammalian Pumilio orthologs, the results of this work broadly enhance our understanding of Pumilio function and roles in diseases including cancer, neurodegeneration and epilepsy.

Cataloguing and Selection of mRNAs Localized to Dendrites in Neurons and Regulated by RNA-Binding Proteins in RNA Granules

Spatiotemporal translational regulation plays a key role in determining cell fate and function. Specifically, in neurons, local translation in dendrites is essential for synaptic plasticity and long-term memory formation. To achieve local translation, RNA-binding proteins in RNA granules regulate target mRNA stability, localization, and translation. To date, mRNAs localized to dendrites have been identified by comprehensive analyses. In addition, mRNAs associated with and regulated by RNA-binding proteins have been identified using various methods in many studies. However, the results obtained from these numerous studies have not been compiled together. In this review, we have catalogued mRNAs that are localized to dendrites and are associated with and regulated by the RNA-binding proteins fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), RNA granule protein 105 (RNG105, also known as Caprin1), Ras-GAP SH3 domain binding protein (G3BP), cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding protein 1 (CPEB1), and staufen double-stranded RNA binding proteins 1 and 2 (Stau1 and Stau2) in RNA granules. This review provides comprehensive information on dendritic mRNAs, the neuronal functions of mRNA-encoded proteins, the association of dendritic mRNAs with RNA-binding proteins in RNA granules, and the effects of RNA-binding proteins on mRNA regulation. These findings provide insights into the mechanistic basis of protein-synthesis-dependent synaptic plasticity and memory formation and contribute to future efforts to understand the physiological implications of local regulation of dendritic mRNAs in neurons.

Nervous system-wide profiling of presynaptic mRNAs reveals regulators of associative memory

Presynaptic protein synthesis is important in the adult central nervous system; however, the nervous system-wide set of mRNAs localized to presynaptic areas has yet to be identified in any organism. Here we differentially labeled somatic and synaptic compartments in adult C. elegans with fluorescent proteins, and isolated synaptic and somatic regions from the same population of animals. We used this technique to determine the nervous system-wide presynaptic transcriptome by deep sequencing. Analysis of the synaptic transcriptome reveals that synaptic transcripts are predicted to have specialized functions in neurons. Differential expression analysis identified 542 genes enriched in synaptic regions relative to somatic regions, with synaptic functions conserved in higher organisms. We find that mRNAs for pumilio RNA-binding proteins are abundant in synaptic regions, which we confirmed through high-sensitivity in situ hybridization. Presynaptic PUMILIOs regulate associative memory. Our approach enables the identification of new mechanisms that regulate synaptic function and behavior.

More dynamic, more quantitative, unexpectedly intricate: Advanced understanding on synaptic RNA localization in learning and memory

Synaptic signaling exhibits great diversity, complexity, and plasticity which necessitates maintenance and rapid modification of a local proteome. One solution neurons actively exploit to meet such demands is the strategic deposition of mRNAs encoding proteins for both basal and experience-driven activities into ribonucleoprotein complexes at the synapse. Transcripts localized in this manner can be rapidly accessed for translation in response to a diverse range of stimuli in a temporal- and spatially-restricted manner. Here we review recent findings on localized RNAs and RNA binding proteins in the context of learning and memory, as revealed by cutting-edge in-vitro and in-vivo technologies capable of yielding quantitative and dynamic information. The new technologies include proteomic and transcriptomic analyses, high-resolution multiplexed RNA imaging, single-molecule RNA tracking in living neurons, animal models and human neuron cell models. Among many recent advances in the field, RNA chemical modification has emerged as one of the new regulatory layers of gene expression at synapse that is complex and yet largely unexplored. These exciting new discoveries have enhanced our understanding of the modulation mechanisms of synaptic gene expression and their roles in cognition.

Functions, mechanisms and regulation of Pumilio/Puf family RNA binding proteins: a comprehensive review

The Pumilio (Pum)/Puf family proteins are ubiquitously present across eukaryotes, including yeast, plants and humans. They generally bind to the 3' untranslated regions of single stranded RNA targets in a sequence specific manner and destabilize them, although a few reports suggest their role in stabilizing the target transcripts. The Pum isoforms are implicated in a wide array of biological processes including stem cell maintenance, development, ribosome biogenesis as well as human diseases. Further studies on Pum would be interesting and important to understand their evolutionarily conserved and divergent features across species, which can have potential implications in medicine, plant sciences as well as basic molecular and cell biological studies. A large number of research reports exists, pertaining to various aspects of Pum, in individual experimental systems. This review is a comprehensive summary of the functions, types, mechanism of action as well as the regulation of Pum in various species. Also, the research questions to be addressed in future are discussed.

Pum2 Shapes the Transcriptome in Developing Axons through Retention of Target mRNAs in the Cell Body

Localized protein synthesis is fundamental for neuronal development, maintenance, and function. Transcriptomes in axons and soma are distinct, but the mechanisms governing the composition of axonal transcriptomes and their developmental regulation are only partially understood. We found that the binding motif for the RNA-binding proteins Pumilio 1 and 2 (Pum1 and Pum2) is underrepresented in transcriptomes of developing axons. Introduction of Pumilio-binding elements (PBEs) into mRNAs containing a β-actin zipcode prevented axonal localization and translation. Pum2 is restricted to the soma of developing neurons, and Pum2 knockdown or blocking its binding to mRNA caused the appearance and translation of PBE-containing mRNAs in axons. Pum2-deficient neurons exhibited axonal growth and branching defects in vivo and impaired axon regeneration in vitro. These results reveal that Pum2 shapes axonal transcriptomes by preventing the transport of PBE-containing mRNAs into axons, and they identify somatic mRNAs retention as a mechanism for the temporal control of intra-axonal protein synthesis.

Transcranial Recording of Electrophysiological Neural Activity in the Rodent Brain in vivo Using Functional Photoacoustic Imaging of Near-Infrared Voltage-Sensitive Dye

Minimally-invasive monitoring of electrophysiological neural activities in real-time-that enables quantification of neural functions without a need for invasive craniotomy and the longer time constants of fMRI and PET-presents a very challenging yet significant task for neuroimaging. In this paper, we present in vivo functional PA (fPA) imaging of chemoconvulsant rat seizure model with intact scalp using a fluorescence quenching-based cyanine voltage-sensitive dye (VSD) characterized by a lipid vesicle model mimicking different levels of membrane potential variation. The framework also involves use of a near-infrared VSD delivered through the blood-brain barrier (BBB), opened by pharmacological modulation of adenosine receptor signaling. Our normalized time-frequency analysis presented in vivo VSD response in the seizure group significantly distinguishable from those of the control groups at sub-mm spatial resolution. Electroencephalogram (EEG) recording confirmed the changes of severity and frequency of brain activities, induced by chemoconvulsant seizures of the rat brain. The findings demonstrate that the near-infrared fPA VSD imaging is a promising tool for in vivo recording of brain activities through intact scalp, which would pave a way to its future translation in real time human brain imaging.

Myocyte enhancer factor-2 and p300 interact to regulate the expression of homeostatic regulator Pumilio in Drosophila

Pumilio (Pum), an RNA-binding protein, is a key component of neuron firing-rate homeostasis that likely maintains stability of neural circuit activity in all animals, from flies to mammals. While Pum is ubiquitously expressed, we understand little about how synaptic excitation regulates its expression in the CNS. Here, we characterized the Drosophila dpum promoter and identified multiple myocyte enhancer factor-2 (Mef2)-binding elements. We cloned 12 dmef2 splice variants and used a luciferase-based assay to monitor dpum promoter activity. While all 12 dMef2 splice variants enhance dpum promoter activity, exon 10-containing variants induce greater transactivation. Previous work shows dPum expression increases with synaptic excitation. However, we observe no change in dmef2 transcript in larval CNS, of both sexes, exposed to the proconvulsant picrotoxin. The lack of activity dependence is indicative of additional regulation. We identified p300 as a potential candidate. We show that by binding to dMef2, p300 represses dpum transactivation. Significantly, p300 transcript is downregulated by enhanced synaptic excitation (picrotoxin) which, in turn, increases transcription of dpum through derepression of dMef2. These results advance our understanding of dpum by showing the activity-dependent expression is regulated by an interaction between p300 and dMef2.

PUMILIO hyperactivity drives premature aging of Norad-deficient mice

Although numerous long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified, our understanding of their roles in mammalian physiology remains limited. Here, we investigated the physiologic function of the conserved lncRNA Norad in vivo. Deletion of Norad in mice results in genomic instability and mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to a dramatic multi-system degenerative phenotype resembling premature aging. Loss of tissue homeostasis in Norad-deficient animals is attributable to augmented activity of PUMILIO proteins, which act as post-transcriptional repressors of target mRNAs to which they bind. Norad is the preferred RNA target of PUMILIO2 (PUM2) in mouse tissues and, upon loss of Norad, PUM2 hyperactively represses key genes required for mitosis and mitochondrial function. Accordingly, enforced Pum2 expression fully phenocopies Norad deletion, resulting in rapid-onset aging-associated phenotypes. These findings provide new insights and open new lines of investigation into the roles of noncoding RNAs and RNA binding proteins in normal physiology and aging.

Only a tiny portion of our genetic material contains the information required to create proteins, the workhorses of the body. The rest of our DNA, however, is not useless: some of it can be transcribed to create molecules known as non-coding RNAs, which are increasingly scrutinized by scientists.

For example, a non-coding RNA called NORAD acts as a guardian of the genome by reducing the activity of a protein named PUMILIO. Without NORAD, PUMILIO becomes overactive, and this causes problems as genetic information is split between two ‘daughter cells’ when a cell divides.

Defects in the amount of genetic material in cells have been linked with faster aging in animals. In addition, some studies suggest that as animals get older, the levels of NORAD in the body decrease, while the levels of PUMILIO increase. However, the precise role that NORAD may play in aging remains unclear.

To address this question, Kopp et al. engineered mutant mice that lack Norad (the mouse equivalent of human NORAD) and carefully monitored how they grew and developed. The animals looked normal at birth, but they seemed to age faster: for instance, their fur became thin and gray, and their brains developed age-related abnormalities much sooner than normal mice.

At the level of individual cells, losing Norad was also associated with problems often seen in old age. The mutant animals were more likely to have incorrect amounts of genetic information in their cells, and they had defects in the cell compartments that create the energy necessary for life. Further experiments showed that these issues were driven by PUMILIO being hyperactive. Overall, the work by Kopp et al. reveal that the non-coding RNA Norad is essential to keep PUMILIO activity in check and to prevent problems associated with aging from appearing in young animals. Further studies are now needed to take a closer look at how NORAD and other non-coding RNAs keep us healthy.

Antagonistic and cooperative AGO2-PUM interactions in regulating mRNAs

Approximately 1500 RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) profoundly impact mammalian cellular function by controlling distinct sets of transcripts, often using sequence-specific binding to 3′ untranslated regions (UTRs) to regulate mRNA stability and translation. Aside from their individual effects, higher-order combinatorial interactions between RBPs on specific mRNAs have been proposed to underpin the regulatory network. To assess the extent of such co-regulatory control, we took a global experimental approach followed by targeted validation to examine interactions between two well-characterized and highly conserved RBPs, Argonaute2 (AGO2) and Pumilio (PUM1 and PUM2). Transcriptome-wide changes in AGO2-mRNA binding upon PUM knockdown were quantified by CLIP-seq, and the presence of PUM binding on the same 3′UTR corresponded with cooperative and antagonistic effects on AGO2 occupancy. In addition, PUM binding sites that overlap with AGO2 showed differential, weakened binding profiles upon abrogation of AGO2 association, indicative of cooperative interactions. In luciferase reporter validation of candidate 3′UTR sites where AGO2 and PUM colocalized, three sites were identified to host antagonistic interactions, where PUM counteracts miRNA-guided repression. Interestingly, the binding sites for the two proteins are too far for potential antagonism due to steric hindrance, suggesting an alternate mechanism. Our data experimentally confirms the combinatorial regulatory model and indicates that the mostly repressive PUM proteins can change their behavior in a context-dependent manner. Overall, the approach underscores the importance of further elucidation of complex interactions between RBPs and their transcriptome-wide extent.

Post-transcriptional Regulatory Functions of Mammalian Pumilio Proteins

Mammalian Pumilio proteins, PUM1 and PUM2, are members of the PUF family of sequence-specific RNA-binding proteins. In this review, we explore their mechanisms, regulatory networks, biological functions, and relevance to diseases. Pumilio proteins bind an extensive network of mRNAs and repress protein expression by inhibiting translation and promoting mRNA decay. Opposingly, in certain contexts, they can activate protein expression. Pumilio proteins also regulate noncoding (nc)RNAs. The ncRNA, ncRNA activated by DNA damage (NORAD), can in turn modulate Pumilio activity. Genetic analysis provides new insights into Pumilio protein function. They are essential for growth and development. They control diverse processes, including stem cell fate, and neurological functions, such as behavior and memory formation. Novel findings show that their dysfunction contributes to neurodegeneration, epilepsy, movement disorders, intellectual disability, infertility, and cancer.

Unraveling the Pathways to Neuronal Homeostasis and Disease: Mechanistic Insights into the Role of RNA-Binding Proteins and Associated Factors

The timing, dosage and location of gene expression are fundamental determinants of brain architectural complexity. In neurons, this is, primarily, achieved by specific sets of trans-acting RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and their associated factors that bind to specific cis elements throughout the RNA sequence to regulate splicing, polyadenylation, stability, transport and localized translation at both axons and dendrites. Not surprisingly, misregulation of RBP expression or disruption of its function due to mutations or sequestration into nuclear or cytoplasmic inclusions have been linked to the pathogenesis of several neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders such as fragile-X syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, spinal muscular atrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. This review discusses the roles of Pumilio, Staufen, IGF2BP, FMRP, Sam68, CPEB, NOVA, ELAVL, SMN, TDP43, FUS, TAF15, and TIA1/TIAR in RNA metabolism by analyzing their specific molecular and cellular function, the neurological symptoms associated with their perturbation, and their axodendritic transport/localization along with their target mRNAs as part of larger macromolecular complexes termed ribonucleoprotein (RNP) granules.

An RNAi-mediated screen identifies novel targets for next-generation antiepileptic drugs based on increased expression of the homeostatic regulator pumilio

Despite availability of a diverse range of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs), only about two-thirds of epilepsy patients respond well to drug treatment. Thus, novel targets are required to catalyse the design of next-generation AEDs. Manipulation of neuron firing-rate homoeostasis, through enhancing Pumilio (Pum) activity, has been shown to be potently anticonvulsant in Drosophila. In this study, we performed a genome-wide RNAi screen in S2R + cells, using a luciferase-based dPum activity reporter and identified 1166 genes involved in dPum regulation. Of these genes, we focused on 699 genes that, on knock-down, potentiate dPum activity/expression. Of this subgroup, 101 genes are activity-dependent based on comparison with genes previously identified as activity-dependent by RNA-sequencing. Functional cluster analysis shows these genes are enriched in pathways involved in DNA damage, regulation of cell cycle and proteasomal protein catabolism. To test for anticonvulsant activity, we utilised an RNA-interference approach in vivo. RNAi-mediated knockdown showed that 57/101 genes (61%) are sufficient to significantly reduce seizure duration in the characterized seizure mutant, para^bss. We further show that chemical inhibitors of protein products of some of the genes targeted are similarly anticonvulsant. Finally, to establish whether the anticonvulsant activity of identified compounds results from increased dpum transcription, we performed a luciferase-based assay to monitor dpum promoter activity. Third instar larvae exposed to sodium fluoride, gemcitabine, metformin, bestatin, WP1066 or valproic acid all showed increased dpum promoter activity. Thus, this study validates Pum as a favourable target for AED design and, moreover, identifies a number of lead compounds capable of increasing the expression of this homeostatic regulator.

Pumilio2 regulates synaptic plasticity via translational repression of synaptic receptors in mice

PUMILIO 2 (PUM2) is a member of Pumilio and FBF (PUF) family, an RNA binding protein family with phylogenetically conserved roles in germ cell development. The Drosophila Pumilio homolog is also required for dendrite morphogenesis and synaptic function via translational control of synaptic proteins, such as glutamate receptors, and recent mammalian studies demonstrated a similar role in neuronal culture with associated motor and memory abnormalities in vivo. Importantly, transgenic mice with PUM2 knockout show prominent epileptiform activity, and patients with intractable temporal lobe epilepsy and mice with pilocarpine-induced seizures have decreased neuronal PUM2, possibly leading to further seizure susceptibility. However, how PUM2 influences synaptic function in vivo and, subsequently, seizures is not known. We found that PUM2 is highly expressed in the brain, especially in the temporal lobe, and knockout of Pum2 (Pum2^-/- ) resulted in significantly increased pyramidal cell dendrite spine and synapse density. In addition, multiple proteins associated with excitatory synaptic function, including glutamate receptor 2 (GLUR2), are up-regulated in Pum2^-/- mice. The expression of GLUR2 protein but not mRNA is increased in the Pum2^-/- mutant hippocampus, Glur2 transcripts are increased in mutant polysome fractions, and overexpression of PUM2 led to repression of reporter expression containing the 3'Untranslated Region (3'UTR) of Glur2, suggesting translation of GLUR2 was increased in the absence of Pum2. Overall, these studies provide a molecular mechanism for the increased temporal lobe excitability observed with PUM2 loss and suggest PUM2 might contribute to intractable temporal lobe epilepsy.

Identification of diverse target RNAs that are functionally regulated by human Pumilio proteins

Human Pumilio proteins, PUM1 and PUM2, are sequence specific RNA-binding proteins that regulate protein expression. We used RNA-seq, rigorous statistical testing and an experimentally derived fold change cut-off to identify nearly 1000 target RNAs-including mRNAs and non-coding RNAs-that are functionally regulated by PUMs. Bioinformatic analysis defined a PUM Response Element (PRE) that was significantly enriched in transcripts that increased in abundance and matches the PUM RNA-binding consensus. We created a computational model that incorporates PRE position and frequency within an RNA relative to the magnitude of regulation. The model reveals significant correlation of PUM regulation with PREs in 3' untranslated regions (UTRs), coding sequences and non-coding RNAs, but not 5' UTRs. To define direct, high confidence PUM targets, we cross-referenced PUM-regulated RNAs with all PRE-containing RNAs and experimentally defined PUM-bound RNAs. The results define nearly 300 direct targets that include both PUM-repressed and, surprisingly, PUM-activated target RNAs. Annotation enrichment analysis reveal that PUMs regulate genes from multiple signaling pathways and developmental and neurological processes. Moreover, PUM target mRNAs impinge on human disease genes linked to cancer, neurological disorders and cardiovascular disease. These discoveries pave the way for determining how the PUM-dependent regulatory network impacts biological functions and disease states.

Generation and functional characterization of a conditional Pumilio2 null allele

The highly conserved RNA binding protein PUF (Pumilio/FBF) family is present throughout eukaryotes from yeast to mammals, with critical roles in development, fertility and the nervous system. However, the function of the mammalian PUF family members remains underexplored. Our previous study reported that a gene-trap mutation of Pum2 results in a smaller testis but does not impact fertility and viability. Although the gene-trap mutation disrupted the key functional domain of PUM protein–PUM-HD (Pumilio homology domain), but still produced a chimeric Pum2-β-geo protein containing part of PUM2, raising a question if such a chimeric protein may provide any residual function or contribute to the reproductive phenotype. Here, we report the generation of a conditional PUM2 allele, when knocked out, producing no residual PUM2 and hence a complete loss-of-function allele. We also uncovered small but significant reduction of male fertility and viability in the mutants, suggesting requirement of PUM2 for male fertility and viability.

Mechanisms regulating dendritic arbor patterning

The nervous system is populated by diverse types of neurons, each of which has dendritic trees with strikingly different morphologies. These neuron-specific morphologies determine how dendritic trees integrate thousands of synaptic inputs to generate different firing properties. To ensure proper neuronal function and connectivity, it is necessary that dendrite patterns are precisely controlled and coordinated with synaptic activity. Here, we summarize the molecular and cellular mechanisms that regulate the formation of cell type-specific dendrite patterns during development. We focus on different aspects of vertebrate dendrite patterning that are particularly important in determining the neuronal function; such as the shape, branching, orientation and size of the arbors as well as the development of dendritic spine protrusions that receive excitatory inputs and compartmentalize postsynaptic responses. Additionally, we briefly comment on the implications of aberrant dendritic morphology for nervous system disease.

RNG105/caprin1, an RNA granule protein for dendritic mRNA localization, is essential for long-term memory formation

Local regulation of synaptic efficacy is thought to be important for proper networking of neurons and memory formation. Dysregulation of global translation influences long-term memory in mice, but the relevance of the regulation specific for local translation by RNA granules remains elusive. Here, we demonstrate roles of RNG105/caprin1 in long-term memory formation. RNG105 deletion in mice impaired synaptic strength and structural plasticity in hippocampal neurons. Furthermore, RNG105-deficient mice displayed unprecedentedly severe defects in long-term memory formation in spatial and contextual learning tasks. Genome-wide profiling of mRNA distribution in the hippocampus revealed an underlying mechanism: RNG105 deficiency impaired the asymmetric somato-dendritic localization of mRNAs. Particularly, RNG105 deficiency reduced the dendritic localization of mRNAs encoding regulators of AMPAR surface expression, which was consistent with attenuated homeostatic AMPAR scaling in dendrites and reduced synaptic strength. Thus, RNG105 has an essential role, as a key regulator of dendritic mRNA localization, in long-term memory formation.

Messages pass from one nerve cell to the next across gaps called synapses. The first neuron releases chemical signals from the end of its long, thin nerve fiber. The second receives the message at receptors on branching structures known as dendrites. Each connection has a corresponding bump called a dendritic spine. As animals learn, these can grow larger, strengthening the connection. This is the basis of how memories form.

To strengthen a synapse, the cell must transport the materials to the dendritic spine. The cell makes copies of the genetic instructions to strengthen the synapse in the form of messenger RNA (often shortened to mRNA). But, this happens in the body of the cell, a long way from the dendrites themselves. The mRNA travels from the cell body to the dendrites in collections of molecules referred to as ‘RNA granules’.

One of the key components of the RNA granule system is a protein called RNG105/caprin1. Now, Nakayama, Ohashi et al. have engineered mice to delete the gene for RNG105/caprin1, revealing its effect on memory. Mice lacking RNG105/caprin1 struggled to make long-term memories. Unlike their normal counterparts, these mutant mice did not become accustomed to new environments or objects. They also found it more challenging to learn the position of a hidden platform in a water-based maze. Lastly, over time, the mutant mice forgot to be fearful of a dark chamber where they had received a small electric shock.

Memories form in a part of the brain called the hippocampus and the dendritic spines in this region were smaller in mice lacking RNG105/caprin1. Furthermore, when the nerve cells from this part of the brain were grown in Petri dishes, they did not respond normally to stimulation. The dendritic spines of normal cells increased in size, but those on the cells lacking RNG105/caprin1 got smaller compared to normal cells.

A closer look revealed that the distribution of mRNA in brain cells from mice lacking RNG105/caprin1 differed from that of normal mice. Some pieces of genetic information failed to make it from the cell body to the dendrites. This included mRNA involved in making regulators of a component of dendritic spines called the AMPA receptor. The AMPA receptor detects the chemical messenger, glutamate, and is crucial for memory formation.

These findings further our understanding of long-term memory and open the way for future research into human disease. Mutations in RNA granule components, including RNG105/caprin1, have links to conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Further investigation could reveal new targets for drug treatment.

Pumilio2-deficient mice show a predisposition for epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological disease that is caused by abnormal hypersynchronous activities of neuronal ensembles leading to recurrent and spontaneous seizures in human patients. Enhanced neuronal excitability and a high level of synchrony between neurons seem to trigger these spontaneous seizures. The molecular mechanisms, however, regarding the development of neuronal hyperexcitability and maintenance of epilepsy are still poorly understood. Here, we show that pumilio RNA-binding family member 2 (Pumilio2; Pum2) plays a role in the regulation of excitability in hippocampal neurons of weaned and 5-month-old male mice. Almost complete deficiency of Pum2 in adult Pum2 gene-trap mice (Pum2 GT) causes misregulation of genes involved in neuronal excitability control. Interestingly, this finding is accompanied by the development of spontaneous epileptic seizures in Pum2 GT mice. Furthermore, we detect an age-dependent increase in Scn1a (Na_v1.1) and Scn8a (Na_v1.6) mRNA levels together with a decrease in Scn2a (Na_v1.2) transcript levels in weaned Pum2 GT that is absent in older mice. Moreover, field recordings of CA1 pyramidal neurons show a tendency towards a reduced paired-pulse inhibition after stimulation of the Schaffer-collateral-commissural pathway in Pum2 GT mice, indicating a predisposition to the development of spontaneous seizures at later stages. With the onset of spontaneous seizures at the age of 5 months, we detect increased protein levels of Na_v1.1 and Na_v1.2 as well as decreased protein levels of Na_v1.6 in those mice. In addition, GABA receptor subunit alpha-2 (Gabra2) mRNA levels are increased in weaned and adult mice. Furthermore, we observe an enhanced GABRA2 protein level in the dendritic field of the CA1 subregion in the Pum2 GT hippocampus. We conclude that altered expression levels of known epileptic risk factors such as Na_v1.1, Na_v1.2, Na_v1.6 and GABRA2 result in enhanced seizure susceptibility and manifestation of epilepsy in the hippocampus. Thus, our results argue for a role of Pum2 in epileptogenesis and the maintenance of epilepsy.

Summary: Epileptogenic risk factors are misregulated in Pumilio2-deficient mice, determining a predisposition to develop seizures. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper as part of the supplementary information.

Multifarious Functions of the Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein

Fragile X syndrome (FXS), a heritable intellectual and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), results from the loss of Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). This neurodevelopmental disease state exhibits neural circuit hyperconnectivity and hyperexcitability. Canonically, FMRP functions as an mRNA-binding translation suppressor, but recent findings have enormously expanded its proposed roles. Although connections between burgeoning FMRP functions remain unknown, recent advances have extended understanding of its involvement in RNA, channel, and protein binding that modulate calcium signaling, activity-dependent critical period development, and the excitation-inhibition (E/I) neural circuitry balance. In this review, we contextualize 3 years of FXS model research. Future directions extrapolated from recent advances focus on discovering links between FMRP roles to determine whether FMRP has a multitude of unrelated functions or whether combinatorial mechanisms can explain its multifaceted existence.

Post-transcriptional regulation of mouse neurogenesis by Pumilio proteins

Despite extensive studies on mammalian neurogenesis, its post-transcriptional regulation remains under-explored. Here we report that neural-specific inactivation of two murine post-transcriptional regulators, Pumilio 1 (Pum1) and Pum2, severely reduced the number of neural stem cells (NSCs) in the postnatal dentate gyrus (DG), drastically increased perinatal apoptosis, altered DG cell composition, and impaired learning and memory. Consistently, the mutant DG neurospheres generated fewer NSCs with defects in proliferation, survival, and differentiation, supporting a major role of Pum1 and Pum2 in hippocampal neurogenesis and function. Cross-linking immunoprecipitation revealed that Pum1 and Pum2 bind to thousands of mRNAs, with at least 694 common targets in multiple neurogenic pathways. Depleting Pum1 and/or Pum2 did not change the abundance of most target mRNAs but up-regulated their proteins, indicating that Pum1 and Pum2 regulate the translation of their target mRNAs. Moreover, Pum1 and Pum2 display RNA-dependent interaction with fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) and bind to one another's mRNA. This indicates that Pum proteins might form collaborative networks with FMRP and possibly other post-transcriptional regulators to regulate neurogenesis.

Seizure control through genetic and pharmacological manipulation of Pumilio in Drosophila: a key component of neuronal homeostasis

Epilepsy is a significant disorder for which approximately one-third of patients do not respond to drug treatments. Next-generation drugs, which interact with novel targets, are required to provide a better clinical outcome for these individuals. To identify potential novel targets for antiepileptic drug (AED) design, we used RNA sequencing to identify changes in gene transcription in two seizure models of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster The first model compared gene transcription between wild type (WT) and bangsenseless¹ (para^bss), a gain-of-function mutant in the sole fly voltage-gated sodium channel (paralytic). The second model compared WT with WT fed the proconvulsant picrotoxin (PTX). We identified 743 genes (FDR≤1%) with significant altered expression levels that are common to both seizure models. Of these, 339 are consistently upregulated and 397 downregulated. We identify pumilio (pum) to be downregulated in both seizure models. Pum is a known homeostatic regulator of action potential firing in both flies and mammals, achieving control of neuronal firing through binding to, and regulating translation of, the mRNA transcripts of voltage-gated sodium channels (Na_v). We show that maintaining expression of pum in the CNS of para^bss flies is potently anticonvulsive, whereas its reduction through RNAi-mediated knockdown is proconvulsive. Using a cell-based luciferase reporter screen, we screened a repurposed chemical library and identified 12 compounds sufficient to increase activity of pum Of these compounds, we focus on avobenzone, which significantly rescues seizure behaviour in para^bss flies. The mode of action of avobenzone includes potentiation of pum expression and mirrors the ability of this homeostatic regulator to reduce the persistent voltage-gated Na⁺ current (I_NaP) in an identified neuron. This study reports a novel approach to suppress seizure and highlights the mechanisms of neuronal homeostasis as potential targets for next-generation AEDs.

Cyclooxygenase inhibition targets neurons to prevent early behavioural decline in Alzheimer's disease model mice

Identifying preventive targets for Alzheimer's disease is a central challenge of modern medicine. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which inhibit the cyclooxygenase enzymes COX-1 and COX-2, reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in normal ageing populations. This preventive effect coincides with an extended preclinical phase that spans years to decades before onset of cognitive decline. In the brain, COX-2 is induced in neurons in response to excitatory synaptic activity and in glial cells in response to inflammation. To identify mechanisms underlying prevention of cognitive decline by anti-inflammatory drugs, we first identified an early object memory deficit in APPSwe-PS1ΔE9 mice that preceded previously identified spatial memory deficits in this model. We modelled prevention of this memory deficit with ibuprofen, and found that ibuprofen prevented memory impairment without producing any measurable changes in amyloid-β accumulation or glial inflammation. Instead, ibuprofen modulated hippocampal gene expression in pathways involved in neuronal plasticity and increased levels of norepinephrine and dopamine. The gene most highly downregulated by ibuprofen was neuronal tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (Tdo2), which encodes an enzyme that metabolizes tryptophan to kynurenine. TDO2 expression was increased by neuronal COX-2 activity, and overexpression of hippocampal TDO2 produced behavioural deficits. Moreover, pharmacological TDO2 inhibition prevented behavioural deficits in APPSwe-PS1ΔE9 mice. Taken together, these data demonstrate broad effects of cyclooxygenase inhibition on multiple neuronal pathways that counteract the neurotoxic effects of early accumulating amyloid-β oligomers.

Role of MicroRNA in Governing Synaptic Plasticity

Although synaptic plasticity in neural circuits is orchestrated by an ocean of genes, molecules, and proteins, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Recently, it is well acknowledged that miRNA exerts widespread regulation over the translation and degradation of target gene in nervous system. Increasing evidence suggests that quite a few specific miRNAs play important roles in various respects of synaptic plasticity including synaptogenesis, synaptic morphology alteration, and synaptic function modification. More importantly, the miRNA-mediated regulation of synaptic plasticity is not only responsible for synapse development and function but also involved in the pathophysiology of plasticity-related diseases. A review is made here on the function of miRNAs in governing synaptic plasticity, emphasizing the emerging regulatory role of individual miRNAs in synaptic morphological and functional plasticity, as well as their implications in neurological disorders. Understanding of the way in which miRNAs contribute to synaptic plasticity provides rational clues in establishing the novel therapeutic strategy for plasticity-related diseases.

Prolonged Induction of miR-212/132 and REST Expression in Rat Striatum Following Cocaine Self-Administration

Chronic exposure to cocaine in vivo induces long-term synaptic plasticity associated with the brain’s circuitry that underlies development of repetitive and automatic behaviors called habits. In fact, prolonged drug consumption results in aberrant expression of protein-coding genes and small regulatory RNAs, including miRNAs that are involved in synaptic plasticity and neuroadaptations. However, the mechanisms mediating cocaine use disorder are still not fully understood. The present study is designed to examine the expression of miR-124, miR-132, miR-134, and miR-212, as well as the levels of the Ago2, Pum2, and REST mRNAs and proteins implicated in their regulation. We applied rat cocaine self-administration (SA) and extinction training procedures with a yoked triad to assess the changes in the levels of four miRNAs and three protein-coding genes and corresponding proteins in the dorsal striatum. We demonstrated that elevated expression of mature miR-212 and miR-132 is long-lasting and persists in the drug-free period (till 10-day abstinence). Moreover, mRNA and protein of REST, a regulator of neuronal transcription, was raised selectively in cocaine self-administering rats and Ago2 transcript decreased after cocaine treatment. Unexpectedly, the expression level of Ago2 and Pum2 proteins changed only in the active cocaine-receiving animals. These results point out the important aspects of long-lasting alterations in microRNAs, genes, and protein expressions involved in the control of synaptic plasticity associated with reward and motivation learning related to cocaine addiction.

Target selection by natural and redesigned PUF proteins

Pumilio/fem-3 mRNA binding factor (PUF) proteins bind RNA with sequence specificity and modularity, and have become exemplary scaffolds in the reengineering of new RNA specificities. Here, we report the in vivo RNA binding sites of wild-type (WT) and reengineered forms of the PUF protein Saccharomyces cerevisiae Puf2p across the transcriptome. Puf2p defines an ancient protein family present throughout fungi, with divergent and distinctive PUF RNA binding domains, RNA-recognition motifs (RRMs), and prion regions. We identify sites in RNA bound to Puf2p in vivo by using two forms of UV cross-linking followed by immunopurification. The protein specifically binds more than 1,000 mRNAs, which contain multiple iterations of UAAU-binding elements. Regions outside the PUF domain, including the RRM, enhance discrimination among targets. Compensatory mutants reveal that one Puf2p molecule binds one UAAU sequence, and align the protein with the RNA site. Based on this architecture, we redesign Puf2p to bind UAAG and identify the targets of this reengineered PUF in vivo. The mutant protein finds its target site in 1,800 RNAs and yields a novel RNA network with a dramatic redistribution of binding elements. The mutant protein exhibits even greater RNA specificity than wild type. The redesigned protein decreases the abundance of RNAs in its redesigned network. These results suggest that reengineering using the PUF scaffold redirects and can even enhance specificity in vivo.

Reduced Pumilio-2 expression in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and in the lithium-pilocarpine induced epilepsy rat model

OBJECTIVE

Drosophila Pumilio (Pum), a homolog of mammalian Pum2, plays an important role in translational regulation in the central nervous system (CNS), particularly for dendrite outgrowth and neuronal excitability. We investigated the expression pattern and cellular distribution of Pum2 in patients with drug-refractory temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and rats with lithium chloride-pilocarpine-induced epilepsy.

METHODS

Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and double-labeled immunofluorescence were utilized to determine the expression level and distribution of Pum2 in temporal neocortex tissues from patients with intractable TLE (n=20) and patients with severe head trauma (n=20) in addition to the hippocampus and adjacent cortex of rats with lithium chloride-pilocarpine-induced TLE and controls.

RESULTS

Pum2 was expressed in the cell bodies and dendrites of neurons but did not colocalize with glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive astrocytes or propidium iodide (PI) in nuclei. The expression of Pum2 was significantly reduced in patients and rats with TLE in comparison to controls (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Pum2 expression was less in patients with TLE and a rodent model of epilepsy, suggesting that decreased expression of Pum2 may be involved in the pathogenesis of TLE.

Short-term treatment with the GABAA receptor antagonist pentylenetetrazole produces a sustained pro-cognitive benefit in a mouse model of Down's syndrome

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Down's syndrome is a common genetic cause of intellectual disability, for which there are no drug therapies. Mechanistic studies in a model of Down's syndrome [Ts65Dn (TS) mice] demonstrated that impaired cognitive function was due to excessive neuronal inhibitory tone. These deficits were normalized by low doses of GABAA receptor antagonists in adult animals. In this study, we explore the therapeutic potential of pentylenetetrazole, a GABAA receptor antagonist with a history of safe use in humans.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Long-term memory was assessed by the novel object recognition test in different cohorts of TS mice after a delay following a short-term chronic treatment with pentylenetetrazole. Seizure susceptibility, an index of treatment safety, was studied by means of EEG, behaviour and hippocampus morphology. EEG spectral analysis was used as a bio-marker of the treatment.

KEY RESULTS

PTZ has a wide therapeutic window (0.03-3 mg·kg(-1)) that is >10-1000-fold below its seizure threshold and chronic pentylenetetrazole treatment did not lower the seizure threshold. Short-term, low, chronic dose regimens of pentylenetetrazole elicited long-lasting (>1 week) normalization of cognitive function in young and aged mice. Pentylenetetrazole effectiveness was dependent on the time of treatment; cognitive performance improved after treatment during the light (inactive) phase, but not during the dark (active) phase. Chronic pentylenetetrazole treatment normalized EEG power spectra in TS mice.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Low doses of pentylenetetrazole were safe, produced long-lasting cognitive improvements and have the potential of fulfilling an unmet therapeutic need in Down's syndrome.