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Meyer-Schuman R, Cale AR, Pierluissi JA, Jonatzke KE, Park YN, Lenk GM, Oprescu SN, Grachtchouk MA, Dlugosz AA, Beg AA, Meisler MH, Antonellis A. Predictive modeling provides insight into the clinical heterogeneity associated with TARS1 loss-of-function mutations. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.25.586600. [PMID: 38585737 PMCID: PMC10996635 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.25.586600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARSs) are ubiquitously expressed, essential enzymes that complete the first step of protein translation: ligation of amino acids to cognate tRNAs. Genes encoding ARSs have been implicated in myriad dominant and recessive phenotypes, the latter often affecting multiple tissues but with frequent involvement of the central and peripheral nervous system, liver, and lungs. Threonyl-tRNA synthetase (TARS1) encodes the enzyme that ligates threonine to tRNATHR in the cytoplasm. To date, TARS1 variants have been implicated in a recessive brittle hair phenotype. To better understand TARS1-related recessive phenotypes, we engineered three TARS1 missense mutations predicted to cause a loss-of-function effect and studied these variants in yeast and worm models. This revealed two loss-of-function mutations, including one hypomorphic allele (R433H). We next used R433H to study the effects of partial loss of TARS1 function in a compound heterozygous mouse model (R433H/null). This model presents with phenotypes reminiscent of patients with TARS1 variants and with distinct lung and skin defects. This study expands the potential clinical heterogeneity of TARS1-related recessive disease, which should guide future clinical and genetic evaluations of patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Allison R. Cale
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Kira E. Jonatzke
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Young N. Park
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Guy M. Lenk
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | | | - Andrzej A. Dlugosz
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Asim A. Beg
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Miriam H. Meisler
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Anthony Antonellis
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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2
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Tijaro-Bulla S, Nyandwi SP, Cui H. Physiological and engineered tRNA aminoacylation. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2023; 14:e1789. [PMID: 37042417 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases form the protein family that controls the interpretation of the genetic code, with tRNA aminoacylation being the key chemical step during which an amino acid is assigned to a corresponding sequence of nucleic acids. In consequence, aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases have been studied in their physiological context, in disease states, and as tools for synthetic biology to enable the expansion of the genetic code. Here, we review the fundamentals of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase biology and classification, with a focus on mammalian cytoplasmic enzymes. We compile evidence that the localization of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases can be critical in health and disease. In addition, we discuss evidence from synthetic biology which made use of the importance of subcellular localization for efficient manipulation of the protein synthesis machinery. This article is categorized under: RNA Processing Translation > Translation Regulation RNA Processing > tRNA Processing RNA Export and Localization > RNA Localization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Haissi Cui
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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3
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Kalotay E, Klugmann M, Housley GD, Fröhlich D. Dominant aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase disorders: lessons learned from in vivo disease models. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1182845. [PMID: 37274211 PMCID: PMC10234151 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1182845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARSs) play an essential role in protein synthesis, being responsible for ligating tRNA molecules to their corresponding amino acids in a reaction known as 'tRNA aminoacylation'. Separate ARSs carry out the aminoacylation reaction in the cytosol and in mitochondria, and mutations in almost all ARS genes cause pathophysiology most evident in the nervous system. Dominant mutations in multiple cytosolic ARSs have been linked to forms of peripheral neuropathy including Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, distal hereditary motor neuropathy, and spinal muscular atrophy. This review provides an overview of approaches that have been employed to model each of these diseases in vivo, followed by a discussion of the existing animal models of dominant ARS disorders and key mechanistic insights that they have provided. In summary, ARS disease models have demonstrated that loss of canonical ARS function alone cannot fully account for the observed disease phenotypes, and that pathogenic ARS variants cause developmental defects within the peripheral nervous system, despite a typically later onset of disease in humans. In addition, aberrant interactions between mutant ARSs and other proteins have been shown to contribute to the disease phenotypes. These findings provide a strong foundation for future research into this group of diseases, providing methodological guidance for studies on ARS disorders that currently lack in vivo models, as well as identifying candidate therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Kalotay
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Matthias Klugmann
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Research Beyond Borders, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Gary D. Housley
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Dominik Fröhlich
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Kalotay E, Klugmann M, Housley GD, Fröhlich D. Recessive aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase disorders: lessons learned from in vivo disease models. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1182874. [PMID: 37274208 PMCID: PMC10234152 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1182874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein synthesis is a fundamental process that underpins almost every aspect of cellular functioning. Intriguingly, despite their common function, recessive mutations in aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARSs), the family of enzymes that pair tRNA molecules with amino acids prior to translation on the ribosome, cause a diverse range of multi-system disorders that affect specific groups of tissues. Neurological development is impaired in most ARS-associated disorders. In addition to central nervous system defects, diseases caused by recessive mutations in cytosolic ARSs commonly affect the liver and lungs. Patients with biallelic mutations in mitochondrial ARSs often present with encephalopathies, with variable involvement of peripheral systems. Many of these disorders cause severe disability, and as understanding of their pathogenesis is currently limited, there are no effective treatments available. To address this, accurate in vivo models for most of the recessive ARS diseases are urgently needed. Here, we discuss approaches that have been taken to model recessive ARS diseases in vivo, highlighting some of the challenges that have arisen in this process, as well as key results obtained from these models. Further development and refinement of animal models is essential to facilitate a better understanding of the pathophysiology underlying recessive ARS diseases, and ultimately to enable development and testing of effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Kalotay
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Matthias Klugmann
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Research Beyond Borders, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Gary D. Housley
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Dominik Fröhlich
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Fröhlich D, Kalotay E, von Jonquieres G, Bongers A, Lee B, Suchowerska AK, Housley GD, Klugmann M. Dual-function AAV gene therapy reverses late-stage Canavan disease pathology in mice. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1061257. [PMID: 36568275 PMCID: PMC9772617 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1061257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The leukodystrophy Canavan disease is a fatal white matter disorder caused by loss-of-function mutations of the aspartoacylase-encoding ASPA gene. There are no effective treatments available and experimental gene therapy trials have failed to provide sufficient amelioration from Canavan disease symptoms. Preclinical studies suggest that Canavan disease-like pathology can be addressed by either ASPA gene replacement therapy or by lowering the expression of the N-acetyl-L-aspartate synthesizing enzyme NAT8L. Both approaches individually prevent or even reverse pathological aspects in Canavan disease mice. Here, we combined both strategies and assessed whether intracranial adeno-associated virus-mediated gene delivery to a Canavan disease mouse model at 12 weeks allows for reversal of existing pathology. This was enabled by a single vector dual-function approach. In vitro and in vivo biopotency assessment revealed significant knockdown of neuronal Nat8l paired with robust ectopic aspartoacylase expression. Following nomination of the most efficient cassette designs, we performed proof-of-concept studies in post-symptomatic Aspa-null mice. Late-stage gene therapy resulted in a decrease of brain vacuoles and long-term reversal of all pathological hallmarks, including loss of body weight, locomotor impairments, elevated N-acetyl-L-aspartate levels, astrogliosis, and demyelination. These data suggest feasibility of a dual-function vector combination therapy, directed at replacing aspartoacylase with concomitantly suppressing N-acetyl-L-aspartate production, which holds potential to permanently alleviate Canavan disease symptoms and expands the therapeutic window towards a treatment option for adult subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Fröhlich
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia,*Correspondence: Dominik Fröhlich,
| | - Elizabeth Kalotay
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Georg von Jonquieres
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Andre Bongers
- Biological Resources Imaging Laboratory, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Brendan Lee
- Biological Resources Imaging Laboratory, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alexandra K. Suchowerska
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Gary D. Housley
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Matthias Klugmann
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia,Research Beyond Borders, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany,Matthias Klugmann,
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Klugmann M, Kalotay E, Delerue F, Ittner LM, Bongers A, Yu J, Morris MJ, Housley GD, Fröhlich D. Developmental delay and late onset HBSL pathology in hypomorphic Dars1 M256L mice. Neurochem Res 2022; 47:1972-1984. [PMID: 35357600 PMCID: PMC9217827 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03582-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The leukodystrophy Hypomyelination with Brainstem and Spinal cord involvement and Leg spasticity (HBSL) is caused by recessive mutations of the DARS1 gene, which encodes the cytoplasmic aspartyl-tRNA synthetase. HBSL is a spectrum disorder with disease onset usually during early childhood and no available treatment options. Patients display regression of previously acquired motor milestones, spasticity, ataxia, seizures, nystagmus, and intellectual disabilities. Gene-function studies in mice revealed that homozygous Dars1 deletion is embryonically lethal, suggesting that successful modelling of HBSL requires the generation of disease-causing genocopies in mice. In this study, we introduced the pathogenic DARS1M256L mutation located on exon nine of the murine Dars1 locus. Despite causing severe illness in humans, homozygous Dars1M256L mice were only mildly affected. To exacerbate HBSL symptoms, we bred Dars1M256L mice with Dars1-null ‘enhancer’ mice. The Dars1M256L/− offspring displayed increased embryonic lethality, severe developmental delay, reduced body weight and size, hydrocephalus, anophthalmia, and vacuolization of the white matter. Remarkably, the Dars1M256L/− genotype affected energy metabolism and peripheral organs more profoundly than the nervous system and resulted in reduced body fat, increased respiratory exchange ratio, reduced liver steatosis, and reduced hypocellularity of the bone marrow. In summary, homozygous Dars1M256L and compound heterozygous Dars1M256L/− mutation genotypes recapitulate some aspects of HBSL and primarily manifest in developmental delay as well as metabolic and peripheral changes. These aspects of the disease might have been overlooked in HBSL patients with severe neurological deficits but could be included in the differential diagnosis of HBSL in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Klugmann
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, 2052, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Elizabeth Kalotay
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, 2052, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Fabien Delerue
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, 2109, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Lars M Ittner
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, 2109, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Andre Bongers
- Biomedical Resources Imaging Laboratory, University of New South Wales, 2052, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Josephine Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, 2052, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Margaret J Morris
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, 2052, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Gary D Housley
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, 2052, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Dominik Fröhlich
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, 2052, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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7
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Lata E, Choquet K, Sagliocco F, Brais B, Bernard G, Teichmann M. RNA Polymerase III Subunit Mutations in Genetic Diseases. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:696438. [PMID: 34395528 PMCID: PMC8362101 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.696438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA polymerase (Pol) III transcribes small untranslated RNAs such as 5S ribosomal RNA, transfer RNAs, and U6 small nuclear RNA. Because of the functions of these RNAs, Pol III transcription is best known for its essential contribution to RNA maturation and translation. Surprisingly, it was discovered in the last decade that various inherited mutations in genes encoding nine distinct subunits of Pol III cause tissue-specific diseases rather than a general failure of all vital functions. Mutations in the POLR3A, POLR3C, POLR3E and POLR3F subunits are associated with susceptibility to varicella zoster virus-induced encephalitis and pneumonitis. In addition, an ever-increasing number of distinct mutations in the POLR3A, POLR3B, POLR1C and POLR3K subunits cause a spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases, which includes most notably hypomyelinating leukodystrophy. Furthermore, other rare diseases are also associated with mutations in genes encoding subunits of Pol III (POLR3H, POLR3GL) and the BRF1 component of the TFIIIB transcription initiation factor. Although the causal relationship between these mutations and disease development is widely accepted, the exact molecular mechanisms underlying disease pathogenesis remain enigmatic. Here, we review the current knowledge on the functional impact of specific mutations, possible Pol III-related disease-causing mechanisms, and animal models that may help to better understand the links between Pol III mutations and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Lata
- Bordeaux University, Inserm U 1212, CNRS UMR 5320, ARNA laboratory, Bordeaux, France
| | - Karine Choquet
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Francis Sagliocco
- Bordeaux University, Inserm U 1212, CNRS UMR 5320, ARNA laboratory, Bordeaux, France
| | - Bernard Brais
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Geneviève Bernard
- Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Pediatrics and Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Specialized Medicine, Division of Medical Genetics, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Child Health and Human Development Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Martin Teichmann
- Bordeaux University, Inserm U 1212, CNRS UMR 5320, ARNA laboratory, Bordeaux, France
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