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Beghѐ C, Harpham H, Barberic Y, Gromak N. R-loops in neurodegeneration. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2025; 92:102345. [PMID: 40203732 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2025.102345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2025] [Accepted: 03/16/2025] [Indexed: 04/11/2025]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are associated with the progressive loss of neurons. R-loops are non-canonical nucleic acid structures formed during transcription and composed of an RNA/DNA hybrid and a displaced single-stranded DNA. Whilst R-loops are important regulators of cellular processes, they are also associated with the pathologies of multiple disorders, including repeat expansion, motor neuron, inflammatory and ageing diseases. In this review, we discuss how R-loops contribute to pathological mechanisms that underpin neurodegeneration. We highlight the role of R-loops in several hallmarks of neurodegenerative disorders, including RNA and DNA defects, DNA damage, protein aggregation, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuronal cell death. We also discuss the potential role of R-loops as therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Beghѐ
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Rd, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Helena Harpham
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Rd, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Yasmine Barberic
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Rd, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Natalia Gromak
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Rd, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK.
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2
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Stötzel J, Warwick T, Tirunagari P, Brandes RP, Leisegang MS. The relevance of RNA-DNA interactions as regulators of physiological functions. Pflugers Arch 2025:10.1007/s00424-025-03091-7. [PMID: 40397186 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-025-03091-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2025] [Revised: 02/10/2025] [Accepted: 05/03/2025] [Indexed: 05/22/2025]
Abstract
RNA-DNA interactions are fundamental to cellular physiology, playing critical roles in genome integrity, gene expression, and stress responses. This review highlights the diverse structures of RNA-DNA hybrids, including R-loops, RNA-DNA triplexes, and RNA-DNA hybrid G-quadruplexes (hG4s) and their relevance in physiology. R-loops are formed during transcription and replication, which regulate gene expression and chromatin dynamics but can also threaten genome stability. RNA-DNA triplexes, often formed by long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) such as FENDRR and MEG3, recruit chromatin modifiers like Polycomb repressive complex 2 to modulate gene expression, influencing organogenesis and cell specification. hG4s, formed by guanine-rich sequences in RNA and DNA, regulate transcription termination and telomere stability. Through this, hG4s can affect gene suppression and replication regulation. RNA-DNA hybrids are tightly regulated by helicases, RNase H enzymes, and topoisomerases, with altered regulation linked to genomic instability and disease. This review discusses the complexity of RNA-DNA interactions and their recently identified contributions to cellular physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Stötzel
- Institute for Cardiovascular Physiology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
- German Centre of Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site RheinMain, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Timothy Warwick
- Institute for Cardiovascular Physiology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
- German Centre of Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site RheinMain, Frankfurt, Germany
| | | | - Ralf P Brandes
- Institute for Cardiovascular Physiology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany.
- German Centre of Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site RheinMain, Frankfurt, Germany.
| | - Matthias S Leisegang
- Institute for Cardiovascular Physiology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany.
- German Centre of Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site RheinMain, Frankfurt, Germany.
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3
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Tutak K, Broniarek I, Zielezinski A, Niewiadomska D, Skrzypczak T, Baud A, Sobczak K. Insufficiency of 40S ribosomal proteins, RPS26 and RPS25, negatively affects biosynthesis of polyglycine-containing proteins in fragile-X associated conditions. eLife 2025; 13:RP98631. [PMID: 40377206 DOI: 10.7554/elife.98631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2025] Open
Abstract
Expansion of CGG repeats (CGGexp) in the 5' untranslated region (5'UTR) of the FMR1 gene underlies the fragile X premutation-associated conditions including tremor/ataxia syndrome, a late-onset neurodegenerative disease and fragile X-associated primary ovarian insufficiency. One common pathomechanism of these conditions is the repeat-associated non-AUG-initiated (RAN) translation of CGG repeats of mutant FMR1 mRNA, resulting in production of FMRpolyG, a toxic protein containing long polyglycine tract. To identify novel modifiers of RAN translation we used an RNA-tagging system and mass spectrometry-based screening. It revealed proteins enriched on CGGexp-containing FMR1 RNA in cellulo, including a ribosomal protein RPS26, a component of the 40 S subunit. We demonstrated that depletion of RPS26 and its chaperone TSR2, modulates FMRpolyG production and its toxicity. We also found that the RPS26 insufficiency impacted translation of limited number of proteins, and 5'UTRs of mRNAs encoding these proteins were short and guanosine and cytosine-rich. Moreover, the silencing of another component of the 40 S subunit, the ribosomal protein RPS25, also induced repression of FMRpolyG biosynthesis. Results of this study suggest that the two 40 S ribosomal proteins and chaperone TSR2 play an important role in noncanonical CGGexp-related RAN translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Tutak
- Department of Gene Expression, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, Poznan, Poland
| | - Izabela Broniarek
- Department of Gene Expression, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, Poznan, Poland
| | - Andrzej Zielezinski
- Department of Computational Biology, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Adam Mickiewicz University Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, Poznan, Poland
| | - Daria Niewiadomska
- Department of Gene Expression, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, Poznan, Poland
| | - Tomasz Skrzypczak
- Center of Advanced Technology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 10, Poznan, Poland
| | - Anna Baud
- Department of Gene Expression, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, Poznan, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Sobczak
- Department of Gene Expression, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, Poznan, Poland
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4
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Qin C, Wang YL, Zheng J, Wan XB, Fan XJ. Current perspectives in drug targeting intrinsically disordered proteins and biomolecular condensates. BMC Biol 2025; 23:118. [PMID: 40325419 PMCID: PMC12054275 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-025-02214-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2025] [Indexed: 05/07/2025] Open
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and biomolecular condensates are critical for cellular processes and physiological functions. Abnormal biomolecular condensates can cause diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. IDPs, including intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs), were previously considered undruggable due to their lack of stable binding pockets. However, recent evidence indicates that targeting them can influence cellular processes. This review explores current strategies to target IDPs and biomolecular condensates, potential improvements, and the challenges and opportunities in this evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caolitao Qin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, People's Republic of China
- GuangDong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun-Long Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, People's Republic of China
- GuangDong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Zheng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, People's Republic of China
- GuangDong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang-Bo Wan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, People's Republic of China.
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine in Henan, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xin-Juan Fan
- Department of Pathology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, People's Republic of China.
- GuangDong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, People's Republic of China.
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5
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Moon J. Tandem repeat disorders: from diagnosis to emerging therapeutic strategies. ENCEPHALITIS 2025; 5:27-35. [PMID: 39654412 PMCID: PMC12042693 DOI: 10.47936/encephalitis.2024.00122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2024] [Revised: 10/28/2024] [Accepted: 10/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2025] Open
Abstract
Tandem repeat disorders (TRDs) are genetic conditions characterized by the abnormal expansion of repetitive DNA sequences within specific genes. The growing number of identified TRDs highlights their complexity, with varied molecular mechanisms ranging from toxic protein production and repeat-associated non-AUG translation to RNA toxicity and epigenetic modifications. TRDs also exhibit unique clinical features such as reduced penetrance, anticipation, and repeat motif changes. Advances in molecular diagnostics such as long-read sequencing have significantly improved the detection of TRDs, especially for large or complex repeat expansions. Additionally, emerging therapeutic strategies, particularly antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and gene editing technologies, are showing great promise. ASOs in particular have demonstrated success through mechanisms like allele-specific knockdown and splice modulation. In this review, we explore the classification of TRDs, advances in diagnostics, molecular mechanisms, clinical features, and innovative therapeutic strategies, highlighting the need for further research to refine treatments and improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jangsup Moon
- Rare Disease Center, Department of Genomic Medicine; Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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6
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Kul E, Santos M, Stork O. Nigrostriatal Degeneration Underpins Sensorimotor Dysfunction in an Inducible Mouse Model of Fragile X-Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS). Int J Mol Sci 2025; 26:1511. [PMID: 40003975 PMCID: PMC11855849 DOI: 10.3390/ijms26041511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2025] [Accepted: 02/10/2025] [Indexed: 02/27/2025] Open
Abstract
Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) is a late-onset neurodegenerative disorder caused by moderately expanded CGG trinucleotide repeats in the 5' untranslated region (UTR) of the FMR1 gene. Characterized by motor deficits such as action tremor and cerebellar gait ataxia, FXTAS is further distinguished by ubiquitin-positive intranuclear inclusions in neurons and glia. However, its clinical spectrum often overlaps with other neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson's disease (PD). Sensorimotor gating deficits, commonly associated with disorders affecting the nigrostriatal pathway such as PD, have been reported in FXTAS, but the underlying connection between these two phenotypes remains undetermined. In this study, we used the P90CGG mouse model of FXTAS, which expresses 90 CGG repeats upon doxycycline induction, to investigate sensorimotor gating deficits and their relationship to nigrostriatal degeneration. After induction, the P90CGG model exhibited late-onset impairments in prepulse inhibition (PPI), a cross-species measure of sensorimotor gating. These deficits coincided with pronounced nigrostriatal degeneration but occurred without evidence of inclusion formation in the substantia nigra. Our findings highlight nigrostriatal degeneration, which has not previously been reported in animal models of FXTAS, and suggest a potential link to sensorimotor gating dysfunction within the context of the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emre Kul
- Department of Genetics & Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (E.K.); (M.S.)
| | - Mónica Santos
- Department of Genetics & Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (E.K.); (M.S.)
| | - Oliver Stork
- Department of Genetics & Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (E.K.); (M.S.)
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Intervention and Research on Adaptive and Maladaptive Brain Circuits Underlying Mental Health (C-I-R-C), Jena-Magdeburg-Halle, 07743 Jena, Germany
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Site Jena-Magdeburg-Halle, 07745 Jena, Germany
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7
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Hansen N, Dischler A, Dias C. Beyond the Synapse: FMR1 and FMRP Molecular Mechanisms in the Nucleus. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 26:214. [PMID: 39796070 PMCID: PMC11720320 DOI: 10.3390/ijms26010214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2024] [Revised: 12/21/2024] [Accepted: 12/24/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2025] Open
Abstract
FMR1 (Fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1), located on the X-chromosome, encodes the multi-functional FMR1 protein (FMRP), critical to brain development and function. Trinucleotide CGG repeat expansions at this locus cause a range of neurological disorders, collectively referred to as Fragile X-related conditions. The most well-known of these is Fragile X syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with syndromic facial features, autism, intellectual disabilities, and seizures. However, CGG expansions of different sizes also confer a risk of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders throughout the lifespan, through distinct molecular mechanisms. Although Fragile X syndrome is associated with downstream synaptic deficits and neuronal hyperexcitability, work in the past decade has demonstrated that both the causative FMR1 trinucleotide repeat expansion and FMRP itself play important roles in nuclear function and regulation, including non-canonical nucleic acid structure formation and chromatin dynamics. These effects are critical to cellular pathophysiology, although the full extent of their contribution to clinical phenotypes is only just emerging. Here, we present a focused review on some of the nuclear consequences of FMR1/FMRP dysregulation, including parallels in other repeat expansion disorders, ranging from studies in model systems to human cells and tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Caroline Dias
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (N.H.); (A.D.)
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Gillett DA, Tigro H, Wang Y, Suo Z. FMR1 Disorders: Basics of Biology and Therapeutics in Development. Cells 2024; 13:2100. [PMID: 39768191 PMCID: PMC11674747 DOI: 10.3390/cells13242100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2024] [Revised: 12/04/2024] [Accepted: 12/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2025] Open
Abstract
Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) presents with a constellation of phenotypes, including trouble regulating emotion and aggressive behaviors, disordered sleep, intellectual impairments, and atypical physical development. Genetic study of the X chromosome revealed that substantial repeat expansion of the 5' end of the gene fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMR1) promoted DNA methylation and, consequently, silenced expression of FMR1. Further analysis proved that shorter repeat expansions in FMR1 also manifested in disease at later stages in life. Treatment and therapy options do exist, but they only manage symptoms. Up to now, no cure for FMR1 disorders exists. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of FMR1 biology and the latest research focused on developing therapeutic interventions that can potentially prevent and/or reverse FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Zucai Suo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
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9
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Zhang Y, Liu X, Li Z, Li H, Miao Z, Wan B, Xu X. Advances on the Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies in Non-coding CGG Repeat Expansion Diseases. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:10722-10735. [PMID: 38780719 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04239-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Non-coding CGG repeat expansions within the 5' untranslated region are implicated in a range of neurological disorders, including fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome, oculopharyngeal myopathy with leukodystrophy, and oculopharyngodistal myopathy. This review outlined the general characteristics of diseases associated with non-coding CGG repeat expansions, detailing their clinical manifestations and neuroimaging patterns, which often overlap and indicate shared pathophysiological traits. We summarized the underlying molecular mechanisms of these disorders, providing new insights into the roles that DNA, RNA, and toxic proteins play. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for the development of targeted therapeutic strategies. These strategies include a range of approaches, such as antisense oligonucleotides, RNA interference, genomic DNA editing, small molecule interventions, and other treatments aimed at correcting the dysregulated processes inherent in these disorders. A deeper understanding of the shared mechanisms among non-coding CGG repeat expansion disorders may hold the potential to catalyze the development of innovative therapies, ultimately offering relief to individuals grappling with these debilitating neurological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutong Zhang
- Departments of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, China
| | - Xuan Liu
- Departments of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, China
| | - Zeheng Li
- Departments of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, China
| | - Hao Li
- Departments of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, China
- Department of Neurology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215124, China
| | - Zhigang Miao
- The Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou City, China
| | - Bo Wan
- The Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou City, China
| | - Xingshun Xu
- Departments of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, China.
- The Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou City, China.
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China.
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10
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McDowall S, Aung-Htut M, Wilton S, Li D. Antisense oligonucleotides and their applications in rare neurological diseases. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1414658. [PMID: 39376536 PMCID: PMC11456401 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1414658] [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: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 10/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Rare diseases affect almost 500 million people globally, predominantly impacting children and often leading to significantly impaired quality of life and high treatment costs. While significant contributions have been made to develop effective treatments for those with rare diseases, more rapid drug discovery strategies are needed. Therapeutic antisense oligonucleotides can modulate target gene expression with high specificity through various mechanisms determined by base sequences and chemical modifications; and have shown efficacy in clinical trials for a few rare neurological conditions. Therefore, this review will focus on the applications of antisense oligonucleotides, in particular splice-switching antisense oligomers as promising therapeutics for rare neurological diseases, with key examples of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy. Challenges and future perspectives in developing antisense therapeutics for rare conditions including target discovery, antisense chemical modifications, animal models for therapeutic validations, and clinical trial designs will also be briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon McDowall
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - May Aung-Htut
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Steve Wilton
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Dunhui Li
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
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11
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Kul E, Stork O. Trehalose consumption ameliorates pathogenesis in an inducible mouse model of the Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome. Nutr Neurosci 2024; 27:826-835. [PMID: 37776526 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2023.2261682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Trehalose is a naturally occurring sugar found in various food and pharmaceutical preparations with the ability to enhance cellular proteostasis and reduce the formation of toxic intracellular protein aggregates, making it a promising therapeutic candidate for various neurodegenerative disorders. OBJECTIVES Here, we explored the effectiveness of nutritional trehalose supplementation in ameliorating symptoms in a mouse model of Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), an incurable late onset manifestation of moderately expanded trinucleotide CGG repeat expansion mutations in the 5' untranslated region of the fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1 gene (FMR1). METHODS An inducible mouse model of FXTAS expressing 90 CGG repeats in the brain had been previously developed, which faithfully captures hallmarks of the disorder, the formation of intracellular inclusions, and the disturbance of motor function. Taking advantage of the inducible nature of the model, we investigated the therapeutic potential of orally administered trehalose under two regimens, modelling disease prevention and disease treatment. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Trehalose's effectiveness in combating protein aggregation is frequently attributed to its ability to induce autophagy. Accordingly, trehalose supplementation under the prevention regimen ameliorated the formation of intranuclear inclusions and improved the motor deficiencies resulting from the induced expression of 90 CGG repeats, but it failed to reverse the existing nuclear pathology as a treatment strategy. Given the favorable safety profile of trehalose, it is promising to further explore the potential of this agent for early stage FXTAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emre Kul
- Department of Genetics & Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Oliver Stork
- Department of Genetics & Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany
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12
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Nelson AD, Catalfio AM, Gupta JP, Min L, Caballero-Florán RN, Dean KP, Elvira CC, Derderian KD, Kyoung H, Sahagun A, Sanders SJ, Bender KJ, Jenkins PM. Physical and functional convergence of the autism risk genes Scn2a and Ank2 in neocortical pyramidal cell dendrites. Neuron 2024; 112:1133-1149.e6. [PMID: 38290518 PMCID: PMC11097922 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Dysfunction in sodium channels and their ankyrin scaffolding partners have both been implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In particular, the genes SCN2A, which encodes the sodium channel NaV1.2, and ANK2, which encodes ankyrin-B, have strong ASD association. Recent studies indicate that ASD-associated haploinsufficiency in Scn2a impairs dendritic excitability and synaptic function in neocortical pyramidal cells, but how NaV1.2 is anchored within dendritic regions is unknown. Here, we show that ankyrin-B is essential for scaffolding NaV1.2 to the dendritic membrane of mouse neocortical neurons and that haploinsufficiency of Ank2 phenocopies intrinsic dendritic excitability and synaptic deficits observed in Scn2a+/- conditions. These results establish a direct, convergent link between two major ASD risk genes and reinforce an emerging framework suggesting that neocortical pyramidal cell dendritic dysfunction can contribute to neurodevelopmental disorder pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Nelson
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Amanda M Catalfio
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Julie P Gupta
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lia Min
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Kendall P Dean
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Carina C Elvira
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kimberly D Derderian
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Henry Kyoung
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Atehsa Sahagun
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Stephan J Sanders
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kevin J Bender
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Paul M Jenkins
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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13
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Wang S, Xu Y. RNA structure promotes liquid-to-solid phase transition of short RNAs in neuronal dysfunction. Commun Biol 2024; 7:137. [PMID: 38287096 PMCID: PMC10824717 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-05828-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
In nucleotide expansion disorders, RNA foci are reportedly associated with neurodegenerative disease pathogeneses. Characteristically, these RNAs exhibit long poly-RNA repeats, such as 47 × CAG, 47 × CUG, or 29 × GGGGCC, usually becoming abnormal pathological aggregations above a critical number of nucleotide repeats. However, it remains unclear whether short, predominantly cellular RNA molecules can cause phase transitions to induce RNA foci. Herein, we demonstrated that short RNAs even with only two repeats can aggregate into a solid-like state via special RNA G-quadruplex structures. In human cells, these solid RNA foci could not dissolve even when using agents that disrupt RNA gelation. The aggregation of shorter RNAs can be clearly observed in vivo. Furthermore, we found that RNA foci induce colocalization of the RNA-binding protein Sam68, a protein commonly found in patients with fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome, suppressing cell clonogenicity and eventually causing cell death. Our results suggest that short RNA gelation promoted by specific RNA structures contribute to the neurological diseases, which disturb functional cellular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyu Wang
- Division of Chemistry, Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, 5200 Kihara, Kiyotake, Miyazaki, 889-1692, Japan
| | - Yan Xu
- Division of Chemistry, Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, 5200 Kihara, Kiyotake, Miyazaki, 889-1692, Japan.
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14
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Tang X, Liu Z, Ren J, Cao Y, Xia S, Sun Z, Luo G. Comparative RNA-sequencing analysis of the prostate in a mouse model of benign prostatic hyperplasia with bladder outlet obstruction. Mol Cell Biochem 2023; 478:2721-2737. [PMID: 36920576 PMCID: PMC10628026 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-023-04695-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
In ageing men, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a chronic disease that leads to progressive lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) caused by obstruction of the bladder outlet (BOO). Patients with LUTS (such as increased frequency and urgency of urination) and complications of BOO (such as hydronephrosis and bladder stones) are at risk of serious health problems. BPH causes a rapidly rising burden of LUTS far exceeding that of other urological conditions. Treatment outcomes are unsatisfactory for BPH largely due to the lacking of fully understanding of the pathogenesis. Hormonal imbalances related to androgen and oestrogen can cause BPH, but the exact mechanism is still unknown, even the animal model is not fully understood. Additionally, there are no large-scale data to explain this mechanism. A BPH mouse model was established using mixed slow-release pellets of testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2), and we measured gene expression in mouse prostate tissue using RNA-seq, verified the results using qRT‒PCR, and used bioinformatics methods to analyse the differentially expressed genes (DEGs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohu Tang
- Medical College, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China
- Department of Urology Surgery, Guizhou Province People's Hospital, Guiyang, 550002, China
| | - Zhiyan Liu
- Guizhou Medical University, GuiyangGuizhou, 550025, China
| | - Jingwen Ren
- Guizhou Medical University, GuiyangGuizhou, 550025, China
| | - Ying Cao
- Medical College, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Shujie Xia
- Department of Urology Surgery, Shanghai First People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Zhaolin Sun
- Medical College, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Guangheng Luo
- Department of Urology Surgery, Guizhou Province People's Hospital, Guiyang, 550002, China.
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15
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Teunissen CE, Kimble L, Bayoumy S, Bolsewig K, Burtscher F, Coppens S, Das S, Gogishvili D, Fernandes Gomes B, Gómez de San José N, Mavrina E, Meda FJ, Mohaupt P, Mravinacová S, Waury K, Wojdała AL, Abeln S, Chiasserini D, Hirtz C, Gaetani L, Vermunt L, Bellomo G, Halbgebauer S, Lehmann S, Månberg A, Nilsson P, Otto M, Vanmechelen E, Verberk IMW, Willemse E, Zetterberg H. Methods to Discover and Validate Biofluid-Based Biomarkers in Neurodegenerative Dementias. Mol Cell Proteomics 2023; 22:100629. [PMID: 37557955 PMCID: PMC10594029 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2023.100629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative dementias are progressive diseases that cause neuronal network breakdown in different brain regions often because of accumulation of misfolded proteins in the brain extracellular matrix, such as amyloids or inside neurons or other cell types of the brain. Several diagnostic protein biomarkers in body fluids are being used and implemented, such as for Alzheimer's disease. However, there is still a lack of biomarkers for co-pathologies and other causes of dementia. Such biofluid-based biomarkers enable precision medicine approaches for diagnosis and treatment, allow to learn more about underlying disease processes, and facilitate the development of patient inclusion and evaluation tools in clinical trials. When designing studies to discover novel biofluid-based biomarkers, choice of technology is an important starting point. But there are so many technologies to choose among. To address this, we here review the technologies that are currently available in research settings and, in some cases, in clinical laboratory practice. This presents a form of lexicon on each technology addressing its use in research and clinics, its strengths and limitations, and a future perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte E Teunissen
- MIRIADE Consortium, Multiomics Interdisciplinary Research Integration to Address DEmentia diagnosis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Neurochemistry Lab, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
| | - Leighann Kimble
- MIRIADE Consortium, Multiomics Interdisciplinary Research Integration to Address DEmentia diagnosis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; KIN Center for Digital Innovation, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sherif Bayoumy
- MIRIADE Consortium, Multiomics Interdisciplinary Research Integration to Address DEmentia diagnosis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Neurochemistry Lab, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Katharina Bolsewig
- MIRIADE Consortium, Multiomics Interdisciplinary Research Integration to Address DEmentia diagnosis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Neurochemistry Lab, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Felicia Burtscher
- MIRIADE Consortium, Multiomics Interdisciplinary Research Integration to Address DEmentia diagnosis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Salomé Coppens
- MIRIADE Consortium, Multiomics Interdisciplinary Research Integration to Address DEmentia diagnosis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; National Measurement Laboratory at LGC, Teddington, United Kingdom
| | - Shreyasee Das
- MIRIADE Consortium, Multiomics Interdisciplinary Research Integration to Address DEmentia diagnosis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; ADx NeuroSciences, Gent, Belgium
| | - Dea Gogishvili
- MIRIADE Consortium, Multiomics Interdisciplinary Research Integration to Address DEmentia diagnosis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Computer Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Bárbara Fernandes Gomes
- MIRIADE Consortium, Multiomics Interdisciplinary Research Integration to Address DEmentia diagnosis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Nerea Gómez de San José
- MIRIADE Consortium, Multiomics Interdisciplinary Research Integration to Address DEmentia diagnosis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Ekaterina Mavrina
- MIRIADE Consortium, Multiomics Interdisciplinary Research Integration to Address DEmentia diagnosis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; KIN Center for Digital Innovation, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Francisco J Meda
- MIRIADE Consortium, Multiomics Interdisciplinary Research Integration to Address DEmentia diagnosis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Pablo Mohaupt
- MIRIADE Consortium, Multiomics Interdisciplinary Research Integration to Address DEmentia diagnosis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; LBPC-PPC, IRMB CHU Montpellier, INM INSERM, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Sára Mravinacová
- MIRIADE Consortium, Multiomics Interdisciplinary Research Integration to Address DEmentia diagnosis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Division of Affinity Proteomics, Department of Protein Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SciLifeLab, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Katharina Waury
- MIRIADE Consortium, Multiomics Interdisciplinary Research Integration to Address DEmentia diagnosis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Computer Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Anna Lidia Wojdała
- MIRIADE Consortium, Multiomics Interdisciplinary Research Integration to Address DEmentia diagnosis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Sanne Abeln
- MIRIADE Consortium, Multiomics Interdisciplinary Research Integration to Address DEmentia diagnosis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Computer Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Davide Chiasserini
- MIRIADE Consortium, Multiomics Interdisciplinary Research Integration to Address DEmentia diagnosis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Section of Physiology and Biochemistry, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Christophe Hirtz
- MIRIADE Consortium, Multiomics Interdisciplinary Research Integration to Address DEmentia diagnosis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; LBPC-PPC, IRMB CHU Montpellier, INM INSERM, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Lorenzo Gaetani
- MIRIADE Consortium, Multiomics Interdisciplinary Research Integration to Address DEmentia diagnosis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Lisa Vermunt
- Neurochemistry Lab, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Giovanni Bellomo
- MIRIADE Consortium, Multiomics Interdisciplinary Research Integration to Address DEmentia diagnosis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Steffen Halbgebauer
- MIRIADE Consortium, Multiomics Interdisciplinary Research Integration to Address DEmentia diagnosis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE e.V.), Ulm, Germany
| | - Sylvain Lehmann
- MIRIADE Consortium, Multiomics Interdisciplinary Research Integration to Address DEmentia diagnosis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; LBPC-PPC, IRMB CHU Montpellier, INM INSERM, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Anna Månberg
- MIRIADE Consortium, Multiomics Interdisciplinary Research Integration to Address DEmentia diagnosis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Division of Affinity Proteomics, Department of Protein Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SciLifeLab, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Peter Nilsson
- MIRIADE Consortium, Multiomics Interdisciplinary Research Integration to Address DEmentia diagnosis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Division of Affinity Proteomics, Department of Protein Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SciLifeLab, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Markus Otto
- MIRIADE Consortium, Multiomics Interdisciplinary Research Integration to Address DEmentia diagnosis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany; Department of Neurology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Eugeen Vanmechelen
- MIRIADE Consortium, Multiomics Interdisciplinary Research Integration to Address DEmentia diagnosis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; ADx NeuroSciences, Gent, Belgium
| | - Inge M W Verberk
- MIRIADE Consortium, Multiomics Interdisciplinary Research Integration to Address DEmentia diagnosis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Neurochemistry Lab, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Eline Willemse
- MIRIADE Consortium, Multiomics Interdisciplinary Research Integration to Address DEmentia diagnosis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Neurochemistry Lab, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- MIRIADE Consortium, Multiomics Interdisciplinary Research Integration to Address DEmentia diagnosis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden; Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden; Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, UK; Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China; Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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16
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Tassone F, Protic D, Allen EG, Archibald AD, Baud A, Brown TW, Budimirovic DB, Cohen J, Dufour B, Eiges R, Elvassore N, Gabis LV, Grudzien SJ, Hall DA, Hessl D, Hogan A, Hunter JE, Jin P, Jiraanont P, Klusek J, Kooy RF, Kraan CM, Laterza C, Lee A, Lipworth K, Losh M, Loesch D, Lozano R, Mailick MR, Manolopoulos A, Martinez-Cerdeno V, McLennan Y, Miller RM, Montanaro FAM, Mosconi MW, Potter SN, Raspa M, Rivera SM, Shelly K, Todd PK, Tutak K, Wang JY, Wheeler A, Winarni TI, Zafarullah M, Hagerman RJ. Insight and Recommendations for Fragile X-Premutation-Associated Conditions from the Fifth International Conference on FMR1 Premutation. Cells 2023; 12:2330. [PMID: 37759552 PMCID: PMC10529056 DOI: 10.3390/cells12182330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The premutation of the fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMR1) gene is characterized by an expansion of the CGG trinucleotide repeats (55 to 200 CGGs) in the 5' untranslated region and increased levels of FMR1 mRNA. Molecular mechanisms leading to fragile X-premutation-associated conditions (FXPAC) include cotranscriptional R-loop formations, FMR1 mRNA toxicity through both RNA gelation into nuclear foci and sequestration of various CGG-repeat-binding proteins, and the repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN)-initiated translation of potentially toxic proteins. Such molecular mechanisms contribute to subsequent consequences, including mitochondrial dysfunction and neuronal death. Clinically, premutation carriers may exhibit a wide range of symptoms and phenotypes. Any of the problems associated with the premutation can appropriately be called FXPAC. Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), fragile X-associated primary ovarian insufficiency (FXPOI), and fragile X-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (FXAND) can fall under FXPAC. Understanding the molecular and clinical aspects of the premutation of the FMR1 gene is crucial for the accurate diagnosis, genetic counseling, and appropriate management of affected individuals and families. This paper summarizes all the known problems associated with the premutation and documents the presentations and discussions that occurred at the International Premutation Conference, which took place in New Zealand in 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flora Tassone
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA;
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95817, USA; (B.D.); (D.H.); (V.M.-C.)
| | - Dragana Protic
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11129 Belgrade, Serbia;
- Fragile X Clinic, Special Hospital for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Neurology, 11040 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Emily Graves Allen
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (E.G.A.); (P.J.); (K.S.)
| | - Alison D. Archibald
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia;
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia;
- Genomics in Society Group, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Anna Baud
- Department of Gene Expression, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614 Poznan, Poland; (A.B.); (K.T.)
| | - Ted W. Brown
- Central Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
- Fragile X Association of Australia, Brookvale, NSW 2100, Australia;
- NYS Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, New York, NY 10314, USA
| | - Dejan B. Budimirovic
- Department of Psychiatry, Fragile X Clinic, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences-Child Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jonathan Cohen
- Fragile X Alliance Clinic, Melbourne, VIC 3161, Australia;
| | - Brett Dufour
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95817, USA; (B.D.); (D.H.); (V.M.-C.)
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospitals for Children of Northern California, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA;
| | - Rachel Eiges
- Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Medical Genetics Institute, Shaare Zedek Medical Center Affiliated with the Hebrew University School of Medicine, Jerusalem 91031, Israel;
| | - Nicola Elvassore
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), 35129 Padova, Italy; (N.E.); (C.L.)
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Lidia V. Gabis
- Keshet Autism Center Maccabi Wolfson, Holon 5822012, Israel;
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Samantha J. Grudzien
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, 4148 BSRB, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (S.J.G.); (P.K.T.)
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Deborah A. Hall
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
| | - David Hessl
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95817, USA; (B.D.); (D.H.); (V.M.-C.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Abigail Hogan
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA; (A.H.); (J.K.)
| | - Jessica Ezzell Hunter
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA; (J.E.H.); (S.N.P.); (M.R.); (A.W.)
| | - Peng Jin
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (E.G.A.); (P.J.); (K.S.)
| | - Poonnada Jiraanont
- Faculty of Medicine, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok 10520, Thailand;
| | - Jessica Klusek
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA; (A.H.); (J.K.)
| | - R. Frank Kooy
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium;
| | - Claudine M. Kraan
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia;
- Diagnosis and Development, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Cecilia Laterza
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), 35129 Padova, Italy; (N.E.); (C.L.)
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Lee
- Fragile X New Zealand, Nelson 7040, New Zealand;
| | - Karen Lipworth
- Fragile X Association of Australia, Brookvale, NSW 2100, Australia;
| | - Molly Losh
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60201, USA;
| | - Danuta Loesch
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia;
| | - Reymundo Lozano
- Departments of Genetics and Genomic Sciences and Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA;
| | - Marsha R. Mailick
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
| | - Apostolos Manolopoulos
- Intramural Research Program, Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA;
| | - Veronica Martinez-Cerdeno
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95817, USA; (B.D.); (D.H.); (V.M.-C.)
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospitals for Children of Northern California, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA;
| | - Yingratana McLennan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospitals for Children of Northern California, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA;
| | | | - Federica Alice Maria Montanaro
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Education, Psychology, Communication, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70121 Bari, Italy
| | - Matthew W. Mosconi
- Schiefelbusch Institute for Life Span Studies, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA;
- Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
- Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (K-CART), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | - Sarah Nelson Potter
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA; (J.E.H.); (S.N.P.); (M.R.); (A.W.)
| | - Melissa Raspa
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA; (J.E.H.); (S.N.P.); (M.R.); (A.W.)
| | - Susan M. Rivera
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA;
| | - Katharine Shelly
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (E.G.A.); (P.J.); (K.S.)
| | - Peter K. Todd
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, 4148 BSRB, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (S.J.G.); (P.K.T.)
- Ann Arbor Veterans Administration Healthcare, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
| | - Katarzyna Tutak
- Department of Gene Expression, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614 Poznan, Poland; (A.B.); (K.T.)
| | - Jun Yi Wang
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95618, USA;
| | - Anne Wheeler
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA; (J.E.H.); (S.N.P.); (M.R.); (A.W.)
| | - Tri Indah Winarni
- Center for Biomedical Research (CEBIOR), Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang 502754, Central Java, Indonesia;
| | - Marwa Zafarullah
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA;
| | - Randi J. Hagerman
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95817, USA; (B.D.); (D.H.); (V.M.-C.)
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
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17
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Fiszer A. All roads lead to cure: Diversity of oligonucleotides in DM1 therapy. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 32:898-899. [PMID: 37287495 PMCID: PMC10242478 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Fiszer
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
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18
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Piwecka M, Fiszer A, Rolle K, Olejniczak M. RNA regulation in brain function and disease 2022 (NeuroRNA): A conference report. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1133209. [PMID: 36993784 PMCID: PMC10040806 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1133209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent research integrates novel technologies and methods from the interface of RNA biology and neuroscience. This advancing integration of both fields creates new opportunities in neuroscience to deepen the understanding of gene expression programs and their regulation that underlies the cellular heterogeneity and physiology of the central nervous system. Currently, transcriptional heterogeneity can be studied in individual neural cell types in health and disease. Furthermore, there is an increasing interest in RNA technologies and their application in neurology. These aspects were discussed at an online conference that was shortly named NeuroRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Piwecka
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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19
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Klockgether T. [Gene Therapy for Ataxias]. FORTSCHRITTE DER NEUROLOGIE-PSYCHIATRIE 2023; 91:147-152. [PMID: 36806180 DOI: 10.1055/a-2015-3305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Ataxias are progressive diseases that are usually the result of cerebellar degeneration. Ataxias are divided into genetic, sporadic degenerative and acquired (secondary) forms. While there are established therapies for acquired (secondary) ataxias, genetic and sporadic degenerative ataxias are currently not medically treatable. For these ataxias, the development of somatic gene therapies is a promising avenue. The goals of gene therapies for genetic ataxias are to inactivate deleterious genes by gene silencing or to replace or correct a non-functional gene. Another option, which may also be considered for sporadic degenerative ataxias, are therapies that involve transferring new or modified genes. Gene therapies are being actively developed for the more common ataxias, such as Friedreich's ataxia, certain spinocerebellar ataxias, and multiple system atrphy, and initial phase I trials are underway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Klockgether
- Klinik für Neurologie, Universitätsklinikum Bonn und Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Bonn
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20
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Wang N, Lv L, Huang X, Shi M, Dai Y, Wei Y, Xu B, Fu C, Huang H, Shi H, Liu Y, Hu X, Qin D. Gene editing in monogenic autism spectrum disorder: animal models and gene therapies. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1043018. [PMID: 36590912 PMCID: PMC9794862 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1043018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disease, and its diagnosis is dependent on behavioral manifestation, such as impaired reciprocal social interactions, stereotyped repetitive behaviors, as well as restricted interests. However, ASD etiology has eluded researchers to date. In the past decades, based on strong genetic evidence including mutations in a single gene, gene editing technology has become an essential tool for exploring the pathogenetic mechanisms of ASD via constructing genetically modified animal models which validates the casual relationship between genetic risk factors and the development of ASD, thus contributing to developing ideal candidates for gene therapies. The present review discusses the progress in gene editing techniques and genetic research, animal models established by gene editing, as well as gene therapies in ASD. Future research should focus on improving the validity of animal models, and reliable DNA diagnostics and accurate prediction of the functional effects of the mutation will likely be equally crucial for the safe application of gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Longbao Lv
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Xiaoyi Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Mingqin Shi
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Youwu Dai
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wei
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Bonan Xu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Chenyang Fu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Haoyu Huang
- Department of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Kunming Children’s Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Hongling Shi
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Third People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Yun Liu
- Department of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Kunming Children’s Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Xintian Hu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Dongdong Qin
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
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21
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Patel A, Mitrea D, Namasivayam V, Murcko MA, Wagner M, Klein IA. Principles and functions of condensate modifying drugs. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:1007744. [PMID: 36483537 PMCID: PMC9725174 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.1007744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Biomolecular condensates are compartmentalized communities of biomolecules, which unlike traditional organelles, are not enclosed by membranes. Condensates play roles in diverse cellular processes, are dysfunctional in many disease states, and are often enriched in classically "undruggable" targets. In this review, we provide an overview for how drugs can modulate condensate structure and function by phenotypically classifying them as dissolvers (dissolve condensates), inducers (induce condensates), localizers (alter localization of the specific condensate community members) or morphers (alter the physiochemical properties). We discuss the growing list of bioactive molecules that function as condensate modifiers (c-mods), including small molecules, oligonucleotides, and peptides. We propose that understanding mechanisms of condensate perturbation of known c-mods will accelerate the discovery of a new class of therapies for difficult-to-treat diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Diana Mitrea
- Dewpoint Therapeutics, Boston, MA, United States
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22
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Amanat M, Nemeth CL, Fine AS, Leung DG, Fatemi A. Antisense Oligonucleotide Therapy for the Nervous System: From Bench to Bedside with Emphasis on Pediatric Neurology. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:2389. [PMID: 36365206 PMCID: PMC9695718 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14112389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are disease-modifying agents affecting protein-coding and noncoding ribonucleic acids. Depending on the chemical modification and the location of hybridization, ASOs are able to reduce the level of toxic proteins, increase the level of functional protein, or modify the structure of impaired protein to improve function. There are multiple challenges in delivering ASOs to their site of action. Chemical modifications in the phosphodiester bond, nucleotide sugar, and nucleobase can increase structural thermodynamic stability and prevent ASO degradation. Furthermore, different particles, including viral vectors, conjugated peptides, conjugated antibodies, and nanocarriers, may improve ASO delivery. To date, six ASOs have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in three neurological disorders: spinal muscular atrophy, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and polyneuropathy caused by hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis. Ongoing preclinical and clinical studies are assessing the safety and efficacy of ASOs in multiple genetic and acquired neurological conditions. The current review provides an update on underlying mechanisms, design, chemical modifications, and delivery of ASOs. The administration of FDA-approved ASOs in neurological disorders is described, and current evidence on the safety and efficacy of ASOs in other neurological conditions, including pediatric neurological disorders, is reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Amanat
- Moser Center for Leukodystrophies, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Christina L. Nemeth
- Moser Center for Leukodystrophies, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Amena Smith Fine
- Moser Center for Leukodystrophies, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Doris G. Leung
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Center for Genetic Muscle Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ali Fatemi
- Moser Center for Leukodystrophies, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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23
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Huang S, Hao XY, Li YJ, Wu JY, Xiang DX, Luo S. Nonviral delivery systems for antisense oligonucleotide therapeutics. Biomater Res 2022; 26:49. [PMID: 36180936 PMCID: PMC9523189 DOI: 10.1186/s40824-022-00292-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are an important tool for the treatment of many genetic disorders. However, similar to other gene drugs, vectors are often required to protect them from degradation and clearance, and to accomplish their transport in vivo. Compared with viral vectors, artificial nonviral nanoparticles have a variety of design, synthesis, and formulation possibilities that can be selected to accomplish protection and delivery for specific applications, and they have served critical therapeutic purposes in animal model research and clinical applications, allowing safe and efficient gene delivery processes into the target cells. We believe that as new ASO drugs develop, the exploration for corresponding nonviral vectors is inevitable. Intensive development of nonviral vectors with improved delivery strategies based on specific targets can continue to expand the value of ASO therapeutic approaches. Here, we provide an overview of current nonviral delivery strategies, including ASOs modifications, action mechanisms, and multi-carrier methods, which aim to address the irreplaceable role of nonviral vectors in the progressive development of ASOs delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, People's Republic of China.,Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug, Changsha, 410011, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xin-Yan Hao
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, People's Republic of China.,Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug, Changsha, 410011, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yong-Jiang Li
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, People's Republic of China.,Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug, Changsha, 410011, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jun-Yong Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, People's Republic of China.,Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug, Changsha, 410011, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Da-Xiong Xiang
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, People's Republic of China.,Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug, Changsha, 410011, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shilin Luo
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, People's Republic of China. .,Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug, Changsha, 410011, People's Republic of China. .,Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China.
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24
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Yousuf A, Ahmed N, Qurashi A. Non-canonical DNA/RNA structures associated with the pathogenesis of Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome and Fragile X syndrome. Front Genet 2022; 13:866021. [PMID: 36110216 PMCID: PMC9468596 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.866021] [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: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) and fragile X syndrome (FXS) are primary examples of fragile X-related disorders (FXDs) caused by abnormal expansion of CGG repeats above a certain threshold in the 5'-untranslated region of the fragile X mental retardation (FMR1) gene. Both diseases have distinct clinical manifestations and molecular pathogenesis. FXTAS is a late-adult-onset neurodegenerative disorder caused by a premutation (PM) allele (CGG expansion of 55-200 repeats), resulting in FMR1 gene hyperexpression. On the other hand, FXS is a neurodevelopmental disorder that results from a full mutation (FM) allele (CGG expansions of ≥200 repeats) leading to heterochromatization and transcriptional silencing of the FMR1 gene. The main challenge is to determine how CGG repeat expansion affects the fundamentally distinct nature of FMR1 expression in FM and PM ranges. Abnormal CGG repeat expansions form a variety of non-canonical DNA and RNA structures that can disrupt various cellular processes and cause distinct effects in PM and FM alleles. Here, we review these structures and how they are related to underlying mutations and disease pathology in FXS and FXTAS. Finally, as new CGG expansions within the genome have been identified, it will be interesting to determine their implications in disease pathology and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Abrar Qurashi
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
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25
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Wright SE, Rodriguez CM, Monroe J, Xing J, Krans A, Flores BN, Barsur V, Ivanova MI, Koutmou KS, Barmada SJ, Todd PK. CGG repeats trigger translational frameshifts that generate aggregation-prone chimeric proteins. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:8674-8689. [PMID: 35904811 PMCID: PMC9410890 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
CGG repeat expansions in the FMR1 5’UTR cause the neurodegenerative disease Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). These repeats form stable RNA secondary structures that support aberrant translation in the absence of an AUG start codon (RAN translation), producing aggregate-prone peptides that accumulate within intranuclear neuronal inclusions and contribute to neurotoxicity. Here, we show that the most abundant RAN translation product, FMRpolyG, is markedly less toxic when generated from a construct with a non-repetitive alternating codon sequence in place of the CGG repeat. While exploring the mechanism of this differential toxicity, we observed a +1 translational frameshift within the CGG repeat from the arginine to glycine reading frame. Frameshifts occurred within the first few translated repeats and were triggered predominantly by RNA sequence and structural features. Short chimeric R/G peptides form aggregates distinct from those formed by either pure arginine or glycine, and these chimeras induce toxicity in cultured rodent neurons. Together, this work suggests that CGG repeats support translational frameshifting and that chimeric RAN translated peptides may contribute to CGG repeat-associated toxicity in FXTAS and related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon E Wright
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Caitlin M Rodriguez
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.,Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 84305, USA
| | - Jeremy Monroe
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jiazheng Xing
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Amy Krans
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.,VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
| | - Brittany N Flores
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.,Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Venkatesha Barsur
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Magdalena I Ivanova
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.,Biophysics Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Kristin S Koutmou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Sami J Barmada
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Peter K Todd
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.,VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
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26
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Baud A, Derbis M, Tutak K, Sobczak K. Partners in crime: Proteins implicated in
RNA
repeat expansion diseases. WIRES RNA 2022; 13:e1709. [PMID: 35229468 PMCID: PMC9539487 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Baud
- Department of Gene Expression Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Adam Mickiewicz University Poznan Poland
| | - Magdalena Derbis
- Department of Gene Expression Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Adam Mickiewicz University Poznan Poland
| | - Katarzyna Tutak
- Department of Gene Expression Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Adam Mickiewicz University Poznan Poland
| | - Krzysztof Sobczak
- Department of Gene Expression Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Adam Mickiewicz University Poznan Poland
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27
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Liufu T, Zheng Y, Yu J, Yuan Y, Wang Z, Deng J, Hong D. The polyG diseases: a new disease entity. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2022; 10:79. [PMID: 35642014 PMCID: PMC9153130 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-022-01383-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, inspired by the similar clinical and pathological features shared with fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), abnormal expansion of CGG repeats in the 5' untranslated region has been found in neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID), oculopharyngeal myopathy with leukoencephalopathy (OPML), and oculopharyngodistal myopathy (OPDMs). Although the upstream open reading frame has not been elucidated in OPML and OPDMs, polyglycine (polyG) translated by expanded CGG repeats is reported to be as a primary pathogenesis in FXTAS and NIID. Collectively, these findings indicate a new disease entity, the polyG diseases. In this review, we state the common clinical manifestations, pathological features, mechanisms, and potential therapies in these diseases, and provide preliminary opinions about future research in polyG diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongling Liufu
- Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yilei Zheng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jiaxi Yu
- Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Yuan
- Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaoxia Wang
- Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Neurovascular Disease Discovery, Beijing, China
| | - Jianwen Deng
- Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China. .,Beijing Key Laboratory of Neurovascular Disease Discovery, Beijing, China.
| | - Daojun Hong
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China. .,Department of Medical Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.
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28
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Tabolacci E, Nobile V, Pucci C, Chiurazzi P. Mechanisms of the FMR1 Repeat Instability: How Does the CGG Sequence Expand? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105425. [PMID: 35628235 PMCID: PMC9141726 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A dynamic mutation in exon 1 of the FMR1 gene causes Fragile X-related Disorders (FXDs), due to the expansion of an unstable CGG repeat sequence. Based on the CGG sequence size, two types of FMR1 alleles are possible: “premutation” (PM, with 56-200 CGGs) and “full mutation” (FM, with >200 triplets). Premutated females are at risk of transmitting a FM allele that, when methylated, epigenetically silences FMR1 and causes Fragile X syndrome (FXS), a very common form of inherited intellectual disability (ID). Expansions events of the CGG sequence are predominant over contractions and are responsible for meiotic and mitotic instability. The CGG repeat usually includes one or more AGG interspersed triplets that influence allele stability and the risk of transmitting FM to children through maternal meiosis. A unique mechanism responsible for repeat instability has not been identified, but several processes are under investigations using cellular and animal models. The formation of unusual secondary DNA structures at the expanded repeats are likely to occur and contribute to the CGG expansion. This review will focus on the current knowledge about CGG repeat instability addressing the CGG sequence expands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Tabolacci
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica, Sezione di Medicina Genomica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (E.T.); (V.N.); (C.P.)
| | - Veronica Nobile
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica, Sezione di Medicina Genomica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (E.T.); (V.N.); (C.P.)
| | - Cecilia Pucci
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica, Sezione di Medicina Genomica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (E.T.); (V.N.); (C.P.)
| | - Pietro Chiurazzi
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica, Sezione di Medicina Genomica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (E.T.); (V.N.); (C.P.)
- UOC Genetica Medica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-3015-4606
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29
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Boivin M, Charlet-Berguerand N. Trinucleotide CGG Repeat Diseases: An Expanding Field of Polyglycine Proteins? Front Genet 2022; 13:843014. [PMID: 35295941 PMCID: PMC8918734 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.843014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Microsatellites are repeated DNA sequences of 3–6 nucleotides highly variable in length and sequence and that have important roles in genomes regulation and evolution. However, expansion of a subset of these microsatellites over a threshold size is responsible of more than 50 human genetic diseases. Interestingly, some of these disorders are caused by expansions of similar sequences, sizes and localizations and present striking similarities in clinical manifestations and histopathological features, which suggest a common mechanism of disease. Notably, five identical CGG repeat expansions, but located in different genes, are the causes of fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID), oculopharyngodistal myopathy type 1 to 3 (OPDM1-3) and oculopharyngeal myopathy with leukoencephalopathy (OPML), which are neuromuscular and neurodegenerative syndromes with overlapping symptoms and similar histopathological features, notably the presence of characteristic eosinophilic ubiquitin-positive intranuclear inclusions. In this review we summarize recent finding in neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease and FXTAS, where the causing CGG expansions were found to be embedded within small upstream ORFs (uORFs), resulting in their translation into novel proteins containing a stretch of polyglycine (polyG). Importantly, expression of these polyG proteins is toxic in animal models and is sufficient to reproduce the formation of ubiquitin-positive intranuclear inclusions. These data suggest the existence of a novel class of human genetic pathology, the polyG diseases, and question whether a similar mechanism may exist in other diseases, notably in OPDM and OPML.
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30
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Orsucci D, Lorenzetti L, Baldinotti F, Rossi A, Vitolo E, Gheri FL, Napolitano A, Tintori G, Vista M. Fragile X-Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS): A Gender Perspective. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11041002. [PMID: 35207276 PMCID: PMC8876035 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11041002] [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: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Although larger trinucleotide expansions give rise to a neurodevelopmental disorder called fragile X syndrome, fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) is a late-onset neurodegenerative disorder caused by a “premutation” (55–200 CGG repeats) in the FMR1 gene. FXTAS is one of the more common single-gene forms of late-onset ataxia and tremor that may have a more complex development in women, with atypical presentations. After a brief presentation of the atypical case of an Italian woman with FXTAS, who had several paroxysmal episodes suggestive of acute cerebellar and/or brainstem dysfunction, this article will revise the phenotype of FXTAS in women. Especially in females, FXTAS has a broad spectrum of symptoms, ranging from relatively severe diseases in mid-adulthood to mild cases beginning in later life. Female FXTAS and male FXTAS have a different symptomatic spectrum, and studies on the fragile X premutation should be conducted separately on women or men. Hopefully, a better understanding of the molecular processes involved in the polymorphic features of FXTAS will lead to more specific and effective therapies for this complex disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Orsucci
- Unit of Neurology, San Luca Hospital, Via Lippi-Francesconi, 55100 Lucca, Italy;
- Correspondence: or
| | - Lucia Lorenzetti
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Santa Croce Hospital, 55032 Castelnuovo Garfagnana, Lucca, Italy; (L.L.); (E.V.); (F.L.G.); (G.T.)
| | - Fulvia Baldinotti
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, University Hospital of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Andrea Rossi
- Medical Affairs and Scientific Communications, 1260 Nyon, Switzerland;
| | - Edoardo Vitolo
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Santa Croce Hospital, 55032 Castelnuovo Garfagnana, Lucca, Italy; (L.L.); (E.V.); (F.L.G.); (G.T.)
| | - Fabio Luigi Gheri
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Santa Croce Hospital, 55032 Castelnuovo Garfagnana, Lucca, Italy; (L.L.); (E.V.); (F.L.G.); (G.T.)
| | | | - Giancarlo Tintori
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Santa Croce Hospital, 55032 Castelnuovo Garfagnana, Lucca, Italy; (L.L.); (E.V.); (F.L.G.); (G.T.)
| | - Marco Vista
- Unit of Neurology, San Luca Hospital, Via Lippi-Francesconi, 55100 Lucca, Italy;
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31
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Neurodegenerative diseases associated with non-coding CGG tandem repeat expansions. Nat Rev Neurol 2022; 18:145-157. [PMID: 35022573 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-021-00612-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Non-coding CGG repeat expansions cause multiple neurodegenerative disorders, including fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome, neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease, oculopharyngeal myopathy with leukodystrophy, and oculopharyngodistal myopathy. The underlying genetic causes of several of these diseases have been identified only in the past 2-3 years. These expansion disorders have substantial overlapping clinical, neuroimaging and histopathological features. The shared features suggest common mechanisms that could have implications for the development of therapies for this group of diseases - similar therapeutic strategies or drugs may be effective for various neurodegenerative disorders induced by non-coding CGG expansions. In this Review, we provide an overview of clinical and pathological features of these CGG repeat expansion diseases and consider the likely pathological mechanisms, including RNA toxicity, CGG repeat-associated non-AUG-initiated translation, protein aggregation and mitochondrial impairment. We then discuss future research needed to improve the identification and diagnosis of CGG repeat expansion diseases, to improve modelling of these diseases and to understand their pathogenesis. We also consider possible therapeutic strategies. Finally, we propose that CGG repeat expansion diseases may represent manifestations of a single underlying neuromyodegenerative syndrome in which different organs are affected to different extents depending on the gene location of the repeat expansion.
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Weuring W, Geerligs J, Koeleman BPC. Gene Therapies for Monogenic Autism Spectrum Disorders. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12111667. [PMID: 34828273 PMCID: PMC8617899 DOI: 10.3390/genes12111667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel genome editing and transient gene therapies have been developed the past ten years, resulting in the first in-human clinical trials for monogenic disorders. Syndromic autism spectrum disorders can be caused by mutations in a single gene. Given the monogenic aspect and severity of syndromic ASD, it is an ideal candidate for gene therapies. Here, we selected 11 monogenic ASD syndromes, validated by animal models, and reviewed current gene therapies for each syndrome. Given the wide variety and novelty of some forms of gene therapy, the best possible option must be decided based on the gene and mutation.
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Zhao X, Usdin K. (Dys)function Follows Form: Nucleic Acid Structure, Repeat Expansion, and Disease Pathology in FMR1 Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179167. [PMID: 34502075 PMCID: PMC8431139 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X-related disorders (FXDs), also known as FMR1 disorders, are examples of repeat expansion diseases (REDs), clinical conditions that arise from an increase in the number of repeats in a disease-specific microsatellite. In the case of FXDs, the repeat unit is CGG/CCG and the repeat tract is located in the 5' UTR of the X-linked FMR1 gene. Expansion can result in neurodegeneration, ovarian dysfunction, or intellectual disability depending on the number of repeats in the expanded allele. A growing body of evidence suggests that the mutational mechanisms responsible for many REDs share several common features. It is also increasingly apparent that in some of these diseases the pathologic consequences of expansion may arise in similar ways. It has long been known that many of the disease-associated repeats form unusual DNA and RNA structures. This review will focus on what is known about these structures, the proteins with which they interact, and how they may be related to the causative mutation and disease pathology in the FMR1 disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaonan Zhao
- Correspondence: (X.Z.); (K.U.); Tel.: +1-301-451-6322 (X.Z.); +1-301-496-2189 (K.U.)
| | - Karen Usdin
- Correspondence: (X.Z.); (K.U.); Tel.: +1-301-451-6322 (X.Z.); +1-301-496-2189 (K.U.)
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Konieczny P, Mukherjee S, Stepniak-Konieczna E, Taylor K, Niewiadomska D, Piasecka A, Walczak A, Baud A, Dohno C, Nakatani K, Sobczak K. Cyclic mismatch binding ligands interact with disease-associated CGG trinucleotide repeats in RNA and suppress their translation. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:9479-9495. [PMID: 34358321 PMCID: PMC8450082 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) is a late-onset neurodegenerative disorder caused by a limited expansion of CGG repeats in the FMR1 gene. Degeneration of neurons in FXTAS cell models can be triggered by accumulation of polyglycine protein (FMRpolyG), a by-product of translation initiated upstream to the repeats. Specific aims of our work included testing if naphthyridine-based molecules could (i) block FMRpolyG synthesis by binding to CGG repeats in RNA, (ii) reverse pathological alterations in affected cells and (iii) preserve the content of FMRP, translated from the same FMR1 mRNA. We demonstrate that cyclic mismatch binding ligand CMBL4c binds to RNA structure formed by CGG repeats and attenuates translation of FMRpolyG and formation of nuclear inclusions in cells transfected with vectors expressing RNA with expanded CGG repeats. Moreover, our results indicate that CMBL4c delivery can reduce FMRpolyG-mediated cytotoxicity and apoptosis. Importantly, its therapeutic potential is also observed once the inclusions are already formed. We also show that CMBL4c-driven FMRpolyG loss is accompanied by partial FMRP reduction. As complete loss of FMRP induces FXS in children, future experiments should aim at evaluation of CMBL4c therapeutic intervention in differentiated tissues, in which FMRpolyG translation inhibition might outweigh adverse effects related to FMRP depletion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patryk Konieczny
- Department of Gene Expression, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego 6, 61-614 Poznan, Poland.,Institute of Human Biology and Evolution, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego 6, 61-614 Poznan, Poland
| | - Sanjukta Mukherjee
- Department of Regulatory Bioorganic Chemistry, The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University, 8-1 Mihogaoka, Ibaraki 567-0047, Japan.,National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Bellary Road, Bangalore 560065, Karnataka, India
| | - Ewa Stepniak-Konieczna
- Department of Gene Expression, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego 6, 61-614 Poznan, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Taylor
- Department of Gene Expression, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego 6, 61-614 Poznan, Poland
| | - Daria Niewiadomska
- Department of Gene Expression, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego 6, 61-614 Poznan, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Piasecka
- Department of Gene Expression, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego 6, 61-614 Poznan, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Walczak
- Department of Gene Expression, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego 6, 61-614 Poznan, Poland
| | - Anna Baud
- Department of Gene Expression, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego 6, 61-614 Poznan, Poland
| | - Chikara Dohno
- Department of Regulatory Bioorganic Chemistry, The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University, 8-1 Mihogaoka, Ibaraki 567-0047, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Nakatani
- Department of Regulatory Bioorganic Chemistry, The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University, 8-1 Mihogaoka, Ibaraki 567-0047, Japan
| | - Krzysztof Sobczak
- Department of Gene Expression, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego 6, 61-614 Poznan, Poland
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Costantino I, Nicodemus J, Chun J. Genomic Mosaicism Formed by Somatic Variation in the Aging and Diseased Brain. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1071. [PMID: 34356087 PMCID: PMC8305509 DOI: 10.3390/genes12071071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past 20 years, analyses of single brain cell genomes have revealed that the brain is composed of cells with myriad distinct genomes: the brain is a genomic mosaic, generated by a host of DNA sequence-altering processes that occur somatically and do not affect the germline. As such, these sequence changes are not heritable. Some processes appear to occur during neurogenesis, when cells are mitotic, whereas others may also function in post-mitotic cells. Here, we review multiple forms of DNA sequence alterations that have now been documented: aneuploidies and aneusomies, smaller copy number variations (CNVs), somatic repeat expansions, retrotransposons, genomic cDNAs (gencDNAs) associated with somatic gene recombination (SGR), and single nucleotide variations (SNVs). A catch-all term of DNA content variation (DCV) has also been used to describe the overall phenomenon, which can include multiple forms within a single cell's genome. A requisite step in the analyses of genomic mosaicism is ongoing technology development, which is also discussed. Genomic mosaicism alters one of the most stable biological molecules, DNA, which may have many repercussions, ranging from normal functions including effects of aging, to creating dysfunction that occurs in neurodegenerative and other brain diseases, most of which show sporadic presentation, unlinked to causal, heritable genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Costantino
- Translational Neuroscience Initiative, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; (I.C.); (J.N.)
- Neurosciences Graduate Program, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Juliet Nicodemus
- Translational Neuroscience Initiative, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; (I.C.); (J.N.)
- Neurosciences Graduate Program, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jerold Chun
- Translational Neuroscience Initiative, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; (I.C.); (J.N.)
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