Dystonia-associated forms of torsinA are deficient in ATPase activity

Alteration of the cholinergic system and motor deficits in cholinergic neuron-specific Dyt1 knockout mice

Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder characterized by sustained or intermittent muscle contractions, repetitive movement, and sometimes abnormal postures. DYT1 dystonia is one of the most common genetic dystonias, and most patients carry heterozygous DYT1 ∆GAG mutations causing a loss of a glutamic acid of the protein torsinA. Patients can be treated with anticholinergics, such as trihexyphenidyl, suggesting an abnormal cholinergic state. Early work on the cell-autonomous effects of Dyt1 deletion with ChI-specific Dyt1 conditional knockout mice (Dyt1 Ch1KO) revealed abnormal electrophysiological responses of striatal ChIs to muscarine and quinpirole, motor deficits, and no changes in the number or size of the ChIs. However, the Chat-cre line that was used to derive Dyt1 Ch1KO mice contained a neomycin cassette and was reported to have ectopic cre-mediated recombination. In this study, we generated a Dyt1 Ch2KO mouse line by removing the neomycin cassette in Dyt1 Ch1KO mice. The Dyt1 Ch2KO mice showed abnormal paw clenching behavior, motor coordination and balance deficits, impaired motor learning, reduced striatal choline acetyltransferase protein level, and a reduced number of striatal ChIs. Furthermore, the mutant striatal ChIs had a normal muscarinic inhibitory function, impaired quinpirole-mediated inhibition, and altered current density. Our findings demonstrate a cell-autonomous effect of Dyt1 deletion on the striatal ChIs and a critical role for the striatal ChIs and corticostriatal pathway in the pathogenesis of DYT1 dystonia.

Investigating the role of striatal dopamine receptor 2 in motor coordination and balance: Insights into the pathogenesis of DYT1 dystonia

DYT1 or DYT-TOR1A dystonia is early-onset, generalized dystonia. Most DYT1 dystonia patients have a heterozygous trinucleotide GAG deletion in DYT1 or TOR1A gene, with a loss of a glutamic acid residue of the protein torsinA. DYT1 dystonia patients show reduced striatal dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) binding activity. We previously reported reduced striatal D2R proteins and impaired corticostriatal plasticity in Dyt1 ΔGAG heterozygous knock-in (Dyt1 KI) mice. It remains unclear how the D2R reduction contributes to the pathogenesis of DYT1 dystonia. Recent knockout studies indicate that D2R on cholinergic interneurons (Chls) has a significant role in corticostriatal plasticity, while D2R on medium spiny neurons (MSNs) plays a minor role. To determine how reduced D2Rs on ChIs and MSNs affect motor performance, we generated ChI- or MSN-specific D2R conditional knockout mice (Drd2 ChKO or Drd2 sKO). The striatal ChIs in the Drd2 ChKO mice showed an increased firing frequency and impaired quinpirole-induced inhibition, suggesting a reduced D2R function on the ChIs. Drd2 ChKO mice had an age-dependent deficient performance on the beam-walking test similar to the Dyt1 KI mice. The Drd2 sKO mice, conversely, had a deficit on the rotarod but not the beam-walking test. Our findings suggest that D2Rs on Chls and MSNs have critical roles in motor control and balance. The similarity of the beam-walking deficit between the Drd2 ChKO and Dyt1 KI mice supports our earlier notion that D2R reduction on striatal ChIs contributes to the pathophysiology and the motor symptoms of DYT1 dystonia.

The abnormal firing of Purkinje cells in the knockin mouse model of DYT1 dystonia

DYT1 dystonia is an inherited movement disorder caused by a heterozygous trinucleotide (GAG) deletion in DYT1/TOR1A, coding for torsinA. Growing evidence suggests that the cerebellum plays a role in the pathogenesis of dystonia. Brain imaging of both DYT1 dystonia patients and animal models show abnormal activity in the cerebellum. The cerebellum-specific knockdown of torsinA in adult mice leads to dystonia-like behavior. Dyt1 ΔGAG heterozygous knock-in mouse model exhibits impaired corticostriatal long-term depression, abnormal muscle co-contraction, and motor deficits. We and others previously reported altered dendritic structures in Purkinje cells in Dyt1 knock-in mouse models. However, whether there are any electrophysiological alterations of the Purkinje cells in Dyt1 knock-in mice is not known. We used the patch-clamp recording in brain slices and in acutely dissociated Purkinje cells to identify specific alterations of Purkinje cells firing. We found abnormal firing of non-tonic type of Purkinje cells in the Dyt1 knock-in mice. Furthermore, the large-conductance calcium-activated potassium (BK) current and the BK channel protein levels were significantly increased in the Dyt1 knock-in mice. Our results support a role of the cerebellum in the pathogenesis of DYT1 dystonia. Manipulating the Purkinje cell firing and cerebellar output may show great promise for treating DYT1 dystonia.

The Impairment of TorsinA's Binding to and Interactions With Its Activator: An Atomistic Molecular Dynamics Study of Primary Dystonia

Primary dystonia's prolonged muscle contractions and the associated abnormal postures and twisting movements remain incurable. Genetic mutation/deletion of GAG from TorsonA's gene resulting in ΔE303 (which weakens the binding between TorsinA and its activator, such as LULL1) primarily cause this neurodegenerative disorder. We studied TorsinA-LULL1 (or TorsinAΔE303-LULL1) bindings and interactions. For the first time, we show the atomic details of TorsinA-LULL1 dynamic interactions and TorsinAΔE303-LULL1 dynamic interactions and their binding affinities. Our results show extensive effects of ΔE303 on TorsinAΔE303-LULL1 interactions, and suggest that the differences between TorsinA-LULL1 interactions and TorsinAΔE303-LULL1 interactions are non-subtle. ΔE303 significantly weakens TorsinAΔE303-LULL1's binding affinity. We present pieces of evidence proving that the effects of ΔE303 (on the differences between TorsinA-LULL1 interactions and TorsinAΔE303-LULL1 interactions) are more pronounced than previously suggested, and that the nanobody used for achieving the X-ray crystallization in the previous study attenuated the differences between TorsinA-LULL1 and TorsinAΔE303-LULL1 interactions. Our accounts of the dynamic interactions between “TorsinA and LULL1” and between “TorsinAΔE303 and LULL1” and the detailed effects of ΔE303 on TorsinA-/TorsinAΔE303-LULL1 build on previous findings and offer new insights for a better understanding of the molecular basis of Primary Dystonia. Our results have long-term potentials of guiding the development of medications for the disease.

Membrane defects and genetic redundancy: Are we at a turning point for DYT1 dystonia?

Heterozygosity for a 3-base pair deletion (ΔGAG) in TOR1A/torsinA is one of the most common causes of hereditary dystonia. In this review, we highlight current understanding of how this mutation causes disease from research spanning structural biochemistry, cell science, neurobiology, and several model organisms. We now know that homozygosity for ΔGAG has the same effects as Tor1a^KO , implicating a partial loss of function mechanism in the ΔGAG/+ disease state. In addition, torsinA loss specifically affects neurons in mice, even though the gene is broadly expressed, apparently because of differential expression of homologous torsinB. Furthermore, certain neuronal subtypes are more severely affected by torsinA loss. Interestingly, these include striatal cholinergic interneurons that display abnormal responses to dopamine in several Tor1a animal models. There is also progress on understanding torsinA molecular cell biology. The structural basis of how ΔGAG inhibits torsinA ATPase activity is defined, although mutant torsinA^ΔGAG protein also displays some characteristics suggesting it contributes to dystonia by a gain-of-function mechanism. Furthermore, a consistent relationship is emerging between torsin dysfunction and membrane biology, including an evolutionarily conserved regulation of lipid metabolism. Considered together, these findings provide major advances toward understanding the molecular, cellular, and neurobiological pathologies of DYT1/TOR1A dystonia that can hopefully be exploited for new approaches to treat this disease. © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

LINCing defective nuclear-cytoskeletal coupling and DYT1 dystonia

Mechanical forces generated by nuclear-cytoskeletal coupling through the LINC (linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton) complex, an evolutionarily conserved molecular bridge in the nuclear envelope (NE), are critical for the execution of wholesale nuclear positioning events in migrating and dividing cells, chromosome dynamics during meiosis, and mechanotransduction. LINC complexes consist of outer (KASH (Klarsicht, ANC-1, and Syne homology)) and inner (SUN (Sad1, UNC-84)) nuclear membrane proteins. KASH proteins interact with the cytoskeleton in the cytoplasm and SUN proteins in the perinuclear space of the NE. In the nucleoplasm, SUN proteins interact with A-type nuclear lamins and chromatin-binding proteins. Recent structural insights into the KASH-SUN interaction have generated several questions regarding how LINC complex assembly and function might be regulated within the perinuclear space. Here we discuss potential LINC regulatory mechanisms and focus on the potential role of AAA+ (ATPases associated with various cellular activities) protein, torsinA, as a LINC complex regulator within the NE. We also examine how defects in LINC complex regulation by torsinA may contribute to the pathogenesis of the human neurological movement disorder, DYT1 dystonia.

Torsins: not your typical AAA+ ATPases

Torsin ATPases (Torsins) belong to the widespread AAA+ (ATPases associated with a variety of cellular activities) family of ATPases, which share structural similarity but have diverse cellular functions. Torsins are outliers in this family because they lack many characteristics of typical AAA+ proteins, and they are the only members of the AAA+ family located in the endoplasmic reticulum and contiguous perinuclear space. While it is clear that Torsins have essential roles in many, if not all metazoans, their precise cellular functions remain elusive. Studying Torsins has significant medical relevance since mutations in Torsins or Torsin-associated proteins result in a variety of congenital human disorders, the most frequent of which is early-onset torsion (DYT1) dystonia, a severe movement disorder. A better understanding of the Torsin system is needed to define the molecular etiology of these diseases, potentially enabling corrective therapy. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the Torsin system in metazoans, discuss functional clues obtained from various model systems and organisms and provide a phylogenetic and structural analysis of Torsins and their regulatory cofactors in relation to disease-causative mutations. Moreover, we review recent data that have led to a dramatically improved understanding of these machines at a molecular level, providing a foundation for investigating the molecular defects underlying the associated movement disorders. Lastly, we discuss our ideas on how recent progress may be utilized to inform future studies aimed at determining the cellular role(s) of these atypical molecular machines and their implications for dystonia treatment options.

Behavioral and electrophysiological characterization of Dyt1 heterozygous knockout mice

DYT1 dystonia is an inherited movement disorder caused by mutations in DYT1 (TOR1A), which codes for torsinA. Most of the patients have a trinucleotide deletion (ΔGAG) corresponding to a glutamic acid in the C-terminal region (torsinA(ΔE)). Dyt1 ΔGAG heterozygous knock-in (KI) mice, which mimic ΔGAG mutation in the endogenous gene, exhibit motor deficits and deceased frequency of spontaneous excitatory post-synaptic currents (sEPSCs) and normal theta-burst-induced long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampal CA1 region. Although Dyt1 KI mice show decreased hippocampal torsinA levels, it is not clear whether the decreased torsinA level itself affects the synaptic plasticity or torsinA(ΔE) does it. To analyze the effect of partial torsinA loss on motor behaviors and synaptic transmission, Dyt1 heterozygous knock-out (KO) mice were examined as a model of a frame-shift DYT1 mutation in patients. Consistent with Dyt1 KI mice, Dyt1 heterozygous KO mice showed motor deficits in the beam-walking test. Dyt1 heterozygous KO mice showed decreased hippocampal torsinA levels lower than those in Dyt1 KI mice. Reduced sEPSCs and normal miniature excitatory post-synaptic currents (mEPSCs) were also observed in the acute hippocampal brain slices from Dyt1 heterozygous KO mice, suggesting that the partial loss of torsinA function in Dyt1 KI mice causes action potential-dependent neurotransmitter release deficits. On the other hand, Dyt1 heterozygous KO mice showed enhanced hippocampal LTP, normal input-output relations and paired pulse ratios in the extracellular field recordings. The results suggest that maintaining an appropriate torsinA level is important to sustain normal motor performance, synaptic transmission and plasticity. Developing therapeutics to restore a normal torsinA level may help to prevent and treat the symptoms in DYT1 dystonia.

Decreased dopamine receptor 1 activity and impaired motor-skill transfer in Dyt1 ΔGAG heterozygous knock-in mice

DYT1 dystonia is a movement disorder caused by a trinucleotide deletion (ΔGAG) in DYT1 (TOR1A), corresponding to a glutamic acid loss in the C-terminal region of torsinA. Functional alterations in the basal ganglia circuits have been reported in both DYT1 dystonia patients and rodent models. Dyt1 ΔGAG heterozygous knock-in (KI) mice exhibit motor deficits and decreased striatal dopamine receptor 2 (D2R) binding activity, suggesting a malfunction of the indirect pathway. However, the role of the direct pathway in pathogenesis of dystonia is not yet clear. Here, we report that Dyt1 KI mice exhibit significantly decreased striatal dopamine receptor 1 (D1R) binding activity and D1R protein levels, suggesting the alteration of the direct pathway. The decreased D1R may be caused by translational or post-translational processes since Dyt1 KI mice had normal levels of striatal D1R mRNA and a normal number of striatal neurons expressing D1R. Levels of striatal ionotropic glutamate receptor subunits, dopamine transporter, acetylcholine muscarinic M4 receptor and adenosine A2A receptor were not altered suggesting a specificity of affected polytopic membrane-associated proteins. Contribution of the direct pathway to motor-skill learning has been suggested in another pharmacological rat model injected with a D1R antagonist. In the present study, we developed a novel motor skill transfer test for mice and found deficits in Dyt1 KI mice. Further characterization of both the direct and the indirect pathways in Dyt1 KI mice will aid the development of novel therapeutic drugs.

The BiP molecular chaperone plays multiple roles during the biogenesis of torsinA, an AAA+ ATPase associated with the neurological disease early-onset torsion dystonia

Early-onset torsion dystonia (EOTD) is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary and sustained muscle contractions that can lead to paralysis and abnormal posture. EOTD is associated with the deletion of a glutamate (ΔE) in torsinA, an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) resident AAA(+) ATPase. To date, the effect of ΔE on torsinA and the reason that this mutation results in EOTD are unclear. Moreover, there are no specific therapeutic options to treat EOTD. To define the underlying biochemical defects associated with torsinAΔE and to uncover factors that might be targeted to offset defects associated with torsinAΔE, we developed a yeast torsinA expression system and tested the roles of ER chaperones in mediating the folding and stability of torsinA and torsinAΔE. We discovered that the ER lumenal Hsp70, BiP, an associated Hsp40, Scj1, and a nucleotide exchange factor, Lhs1, stabilize torsinA and torsinAΔE. BiP also maintained torsinA and torsinAΔE solubility. Mutations predicted to compromise specific torsinA functional motifs showed a synthetic interaction with the ΔE mutation and destabilized torsinAΔE, suggesting that the ΔE mutation predisposes torsinA to defects in the presence of secondary insults. In this case, BiP was required for torsinAΔE degradation, consistent with data that specific chaperones exhibit either pro-degradative or pro-folding activities. Finally, using two independent approaches, we established that BiP stabilizes torsinA and torsinAΔE in mammalian cells. Together, these data define BiP as the first identified torsinA chaperone, and treatments that modulate BiP might improve symptoms associated with EOTD.

Motor deficits and decreased striatal dopamine receptor 2 binding activity in the striatum-specific Dyt1 conditional knockout mice

DYT1 early-onset generalized dystonia is a hyperkinetic movement disorder caused by mutations in DYT1 (TOR1A), which codes for torsinA. Recently, significant progress has been made in studying pathophysiology of DYT1 dystonia using targeted mouse models. Dyt1 ΔGAG heterozygous knock-in (KI) and Dyt1 knock-down (KD) mice exhibit motor deficits and alterations of striatal dopamine metabolisms, while Dyt1 knockout (KO) and Dyt1 ΔGAG homozygous KI mice show abnormal nuclear envelopes and neonatal lethality. However, it has not been clear whether motor deficits and striatal abnormality are caused by Dyt1 mutation in the striatum itself or the end results of abnormal signals from other brain regions. To identify the brain region that contributes to these phenotypes, we made a striatum-specific Dyt1 conditional knockout (Dyt1 sKO) mouse. Dyt1 sKO mice exhibited motor deficits and reduced striatal dopamine receptor 2 (D2R) binding activity, whereas they did not exhibit significant alteration of striatal monoamine contents. Furthermore, we also found normal nuclear envelope structure in striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs) of an adult Dyt1 sKO mouse and cerebral cortical neurons in cerebral cortex-specific Dyt1 conditional knockout (Dyt1 cKO) mice. The results suggest that the loss of striatal torsinA alone is sufficient to produce motor deficits, and that this effect may be mediated, at least in part, through changes in D2R function in the basal ganglia circuit.

The early-onset torsion dystonia-associated protein, torsinA, displays molecular chaperone activity in vitro

TorsinA is a member of the AAA+ ATPase family of proteins and, notably, is the only known ATPase localized to the ER lumen. It has been suggested to act as a molecular chaperone, while a mutant form associated with early-onset torsion dystonia, a dominantly inherited movement disorder, appears to result in a net loss of function in vivo. Thus far, no studies have examined the chaperone activity of torsinA in vitro. Here we expressed and purified both wild-type (WT) and mutant torsinA fusion proteins in bacteria and examined their ability to function as molecular chaperones by monitoring suppression of luciferase and citrate synthase (CS) aggregation. We also assessed their ability to hold proteins in an intermediate state for refolding. As measured by light scattering and SDS-PAGE, both WT and mutant torsinA effectively, and similarly, suppressed protein aggregation compared to controls. This function was not further enhanced by the presence of ATP. Further, we found that while neither form of torsinA could protect CS from heat-induced inactivation, they were both able to reactivate luciferase when ATP and rabbit reticulocyte lysate were added. This suggests that torsinA holds luciferase in an intermediate state, which can then be refolded in the presence of other chaperones. These data provide conclusive evidence that torsinA acts as a molecular chaperone in vitro and suggests that early-onset torsion dystonia is likely not a consequence of a loss in torsinA chaperone activity but might be an outcome of insufficient torsinA localization at the ER to manage protein folding or trafficking.

Earlier onset of motor deficits in mice with double mutations in Dyt1 and Sgce

DYT1 early-onset generalized torsion dystonia is an inherited movement disorder caused by mutations in DYT1 coding for torsinA with ∼30% penetrance. Most of the DYT1 dystonia patients exhibit symptoms during childhood and adolescence. On the other hand, DYT1 mutation carriers without symptoms during these periods mostly do not exhibit symptoms later in their life. Little is known about what controls the timing of the onset, a critical issue for DYT1 mutation carriers. DYT11 myoclonus-dystonia is caused by mutations in SGCE coding for ε-sarcoglycan. Two dystonia patients from a single family with double mutations in DYT1 and SGCE exhibited more severe symptoms. A recent study suggested that torsinA contributes to the quality control of ε-sarcoglycan. Here, we derived mice carrying mutations in both Dyt1 and Sgce and found that these double mutant mice showed earlier onset of motor deficits in beam-walking test. A novel monoclonal antibody against mouse ε-sarcoglycan was developed by using Sgce knock-out mice to avoid the immune tolerance. Western blot analysis suggested that functional deficits of torsinA and ε-sarcoglycan may independently cause motor deficits. Examining additional mutations in other dystonia genes may be beneficial to predict the onset in DYT1 mutation carriers.

Engineered interfaces of an AAA+ ATPase reveal a new nucleotide-dependent coordination mechanism

Homohexameric ring AAA(+) ATPases are found in all kingdoms of life and are involved in all cellular processes. To accommodate the large spectrum of substrates, the conserved AAA(+) core has become specialized through the insertion of specific substrate-binding motifs. Given their critical roles in cellular function, understanding the nucleotide-driven mechanisms of action is of wide importance. For one type of member AAA(+) protein (phage shock protein F, PspF), we identified and established the functional significance of strategically placed arginine and glutamate residues that form interacting pairs in response to nucleotide binding. We show that these interactions are critical for "cis" and "trans" subunit communication, which support coordination between subunits for nucleotide-dependent substrate remodeling. Using an allele-specific suppression approach for ATPase and substrate remodeling, we demonstrate that the targeted residues directly interact and are unlikely to make any other pairwise critical interactions. We then propose a mechanistic rationale by which the nucleotide-bound state of adjacent subunits can be sensed without direct involvement of R-finger residues. As the structural AAA(+) core is conserved, we propose that the functional networks established here could serve as a template to identify similar residue pairs in other AAA(+) proteins.

Factors predicting improvement in primary generalized dystonia treated by pallidal deep brain stimulation

Despite the beneficial effects of Globus Pallidus internus (GPi) deep brain stimulation (DBS) in patients with primary generalized dystonia (PGD), the degree of improvement varies from one patient to another. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of clinical, anatomical (volume of the GPi), and electrical variables on the postoperative Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia rating scale (BFMDRS) motor score to identify which factors may be predictive of the degree of improvement. We reviewed retrospectively the clinical records of 40 steady-state patients with PGD who had been treated by bilateral GPi lead implantation. The follow-up period was 2 to 8 years. The correlation between the electrical parameters (voltage, impedance, and current) and the clinical outcome was studied. An analysis of covariance was performed to identify factors predictive of the magnitude of improvement. The most influential factors according to the model are as follows: the preoperative BFMDRS score (P < 0.0001); age at surgery (P < 0.0001); the right GPi volume (P = 0.002); the left stimulated GPi volume (P = 0.005). No significant correlation was found between the electrical parameters used and the mean motor scores in steady state.

TorsinA and dystonia: from nuclear envelope to synapse

A GAG deletion in the DYT1 gene is responsible for the autosomal dominant movement disorder, early onset primary torsion dystonia, which is characterised by involuntary sustained muscle contractions and abnormal posturing of the limbs. The mutation leads to deletion of a single glutamate residue in the C-terminus of the protein torsinA, a member of the AAA+ ATPase family of proteins with multiple functions. Since no evidence of neurodegeneration has been found in DYT1 patients, the dystonic phenotype is likely to be the result of neuronal functional defect(s), the nature of which is only partially understood. Biochemical, structural and cell biological studies have been performed in order to characterise torsinA. These studies, together with the generation of several animal models, have contributed to identify cellular compartments and pathways, including the cytoskeleton and the nuclear envelope, the secretory pathway and the synaptic vesicle machinery where torsinA function may be crucial. However, the role of torsinA and the correlation between the dysfunction caused by the mutation and the dystonic phenotype remain unclear. This review provides an overview of the findings of the last ten years of research on torsinA, a critical evaluation of the different models proposed and insights towards future avenues of research.

Prognostic value of globus pallidus internus volume in primary dystonia treated by deep brain stimulation

Object

Given that improvement is variable from one patient to another, the authors analyzed the impact of globus pallidus internus (GPi) volume on the result of deep brain stimulation (DBS) by comparing highly and less improved patients with primary dystonodyskinetic syndromes.

Methods

A stereotactic model was developed to visualize and quantify the relationship between the isofield lines generated by the DBS lead and GPi target. The model was used in 30 right-handed selected patients with primary dystonodyskinetic syndromes who had been treated using bilateral stimulation of the sensorimotor GPi. Ten healthy control individuals were also included in the study. First, the authors compared the GPi volumes between patients and healthy controls. Second, the stimulated GPi volumes, that is, the intersection between the volume of each isofield value and the GPi volumes, were compared between less improved and highly improved patients.

Results

Improvement in the Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale's motor score was rated > 90% in 20 patients (97 ± 4.6%) and < 60% in 10 patients (56.9 ± 6%). The mean volume of the right (461.8 ± 81.8 mm3) and left (406.6 ± 113.2 mm3) GPi in patients showing less response to DBS was significantly smaller than the GPi volume of patients who responded well (right 539.9 ± 86.6 mm3, left 510.6 ± 88.7 mm3) and healthy controls (right 557.8 ± 109.1 mm3, left 525.1 ± 40.8 mm3).

Conclusions

On the left side, the mean stimulated volumes (isofield line range 0.2–1 V/mm) were significantly larger in highly improved than in less improved patients. In this model, the threshold for functional effect was calculated at 0.2 V/mm.

The torsin-family AAA+ protein OOC-5 contains a critical disulfide adjacent to Sensor-II that couples redox state to nucleotide binding

A subgroup of the AAA+ proteins that reside in the endoplasmic reticulum and the nuclear envelope including human torsinA, a protein mutated in hereditary dystonia, is called the torsin family of AAA+ proteins. A multiple-sequence alignment of this family with Hsp100 proteins of known structure reveals a conserved cysteine in the C-terminus of torsin proteins within the Sensor-II motif. A structural model predicts this cysteine to be a part of an intramolecular disulfide bond, suggesting that it may function as a redox sensor to regulate ATPase activity. In vitro experiments with OOC-5, a torsinA homolog from Caenorhabditis elegans, demonstrate that redox changes that reduce this disulfide bond affect the binding of ATP and ADP and cause an attendant local conformational change detected by limited proteolysis. Transgenic worms expressing an ooc-5 gene with cysteine-to-serine mutations that disrupt the disulfide bond have a very low embryo hatch rate compared with wild-type controls, indicating these two cysteines are essential for OOC-5 function. We propose that the Sensor-II in torsin family proteins is a redox-regulated sensor. This regulatory mechanism may be central to the function of OOC-5 and human torsinA.

The pathophysiological basis of dystonias

Dystonias comprise a group of movement disorders that are characterized by involuntary movements and postures. Insight into the nature of neuronal dysfunction has been provided by the identification of genes responsible for primary dystonias, the characterization of animal models and functional evaluations and in vivo brain imaging of patients with dystonia. The data suggest that alterations in neuronal development and communication within the brain create a susceptible substratum for dystonia. Although there is no overt neurodegeneration in most forms of dystonia, there are functional and microstructural brain alterations. Dystonia offers a window into the mechanisms whereby subtle changes in neuronal function, particularly in sensorimotor circuits that are associated with motor learning and memory, can corrupt normal coordination and lead to a disabling motor disorder.

Molecular defects of the dystonia-causing torsinA mutation

The DeltaGAG deletion mutation in DYT1, causing a loss of a glutamic acid near the carboxyl terminus of torsinA protein (torsinADeltaE), is dominantly inherited and tends to result in a severe generalized form of dystonia with childhood onset. We have used a yeast two-hybrid interaction assay to examine torsinA and its mutant torsinADeltaE interactions. Our data showed that torsinA monomers are capable of interacting with themselves and that mutant torsinADeltaE fails to interact with itself or with torsinA. We also demonstrated that purified torsinA protein is an ATPase, which forms a multimeric complex in vitro and that the DeltaGAG mutation disrupts the formation of multimeric complex and decreases torsinA's ATPase activity.

RNAi blocks DYT1 mutant torsinA inclusions in neurons

Early onset generalized dystonia is a dominantly inherited movement disorder caused by neuronal dysfunction without an apparent loss of neurons. The same single mutation (GAG deletion) causes most cases and results in loss of a glutamic acid (E) in the carboxy terminal region of torsinA (Delta302/303). To model the neuronal involvement, adult rat primary sensory dorsal root ganglion neurons in culture were infected with lentivirus vectors expressing human wild-type or mutant torsinA. Expression of the mutant protein resulted in formation of torsinA-positive perinuclear inclusions. When the cells were co-infected with lentivirus vectors expressing the mutant torsinA message and a shRNA selectively targeting this message, inclusion formation was blocked. Vector-delivered siRNAs have the potential to decrease the adverse effects of this mutant protein in neurons without affecting wild-type protein.