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Zimmern V, Minassian B. Progressive Myoclonus Epilepsy: A Scoping Review of Diagnostic, Phenotypic and Therapeutic Advances. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:171. [PMID: 38397161 PMCID: PMC10888128 DOI: 10.3390/genes15020171] [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] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The progressive myoclonus epilepsies (PME) are a diverse group of disorders that feature both myoclonus and seizures that worsen gradually over a variable timeframe. While each of the disorders is individually rare, they collectively make up a non-trivial portion of the complex epilepsy and myoclonus cases that are seen in tertiary care centers. The last decade has seen substantial progress in our understanding of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, prognosis, and, in select disorders, therapies of these diseases. In this scoping review, we examine English language publications from the past decade that address diagnostic, phenotypic, and therapeutic advances in all PMEs. We then highlight the major lessons that have been learned and point out avenues for future investigation that seem promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Zimmern
- Division of Child Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX 75390, USA;
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2
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Liang F, Peng C, Luo X, Wang L, Huang Y, Yin L, Yue L, Yang J, Zhao X. A single-cell atlas of immunocytes in the spleen of a mouse model of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome. Cell Immunol 2023; 393-394:104783. [PMID: 37944382 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2023.104783] [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] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) is a disorder characterized by rare X-linked genetic immune deficiency with mutations in the Was gene, which is specifically expressed in hematopoietic cells. The spleen plays a major role in hematopoiesis and red blood cell clearance. However, to date, comprehensive analyses of the spleen in wild-type (WT) and WASp-deficient (WAS-KO) mice, especially at the transcriptome level, have not been reported. In this study, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was adopted to identify various types of immune cells and investigate the mechanisms underlying immune deficiency. We identified 30 clusters and 10 major cell subtypes among 11,269 cells; these cell types included B cells, T cells, dendritic cells (DCs), natural killer (NK) cells, monocytes, macrophages, granulocytes, stem cells and erythrocytes. Moreover, we evaluated gene expression differences among cell subtypes, identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and performed enrichment analyses to identify the reasons for the dysfunction in these different cell populations in WAS. Furthermore, some key genes were identified based on a comparison of the DEGs in each cell type involved in specific and nonspecific immune responses, and further analysis showed that these key genes were previously undiscovered pathology-related genes in WAS-KO mice. In summary, we present a landscape of immune cells in the spleen of WAS-KO mice based on detailed data obtained at single-cell resolution. These unprecedented data revealed the transcriptional characteristics of specific and nonspecific immune cells, and the key genes were identified, laying a foundation for future studies of WAS, especially studies into novel and underexplored mechanisms that may improve gene therapies for WAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Liang
- Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- Department of Radiology, The Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xianze Luo
- Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Linlin Wang
- Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yanyan Huang
- Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Le Yin
- Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Luming Yue
- Singleron Biotechnologies, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Xiaodong Zhao
- Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Infection and Immunity, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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3
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Ryytty S, Hämäläinen RH. The Mitochondrial m.3243A>G Mutation on the Dish, Lessons from In Vitro Models. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13478. [PMID: 37686280 PMCID: PMC10487608 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713478] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The m.3243A>G mutation in the tRNA Leu(UUR) gene (MT-TL1) is one of the most common pathogenic point mutations in human mtDNA. Patient symptoms vary widely and the severity of the disease ranges from asymptomatic to lethal. The reason for the high heterogeneity of m.3243A>G-associated disease is still unknown, and the treatment options are limited, with only supportive interventions available. Furthermore, the heteroplasmic nature of the m.3243A>G mutation and lack of specific animal models of mtDNA mutations have challenged the study of m.3243A>G, and, besides patient data, only cell models have been available for studies. The most commonly used cell models are patient derived, such as fibroblasts and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived models, and cybrid models where the mutant DNA is transferred to an acceptor cell. Studies on cell models have revealed cell-type-specific effects of the m.3243A>G mutation and that the tolerance for this mutation varies between cell types and between patients. In this review, we summarize the literature on the effects of m.3243A>G in cell models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Riikka H. Hämäläinen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Neulaniementie 2, 70211 Kuopio, Finland;
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Tomoda E, Nagao A, Shirai Y, Asano K, Suzuki T, Battersby B, Suzuki T. Restoration of mitochondrial function through activation of hypomodified tRNAs with pathogenic mutations associated with mitochondrial diseases. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:7563-7579. [PMID: 36928678 PMCID: PMC10415153 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in mitochondrial (mt-)tRNAs frequently cause mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS), and myoclonus epilepsy associated with ragged red fibers (MERRF) are major clinical subgroups of mitochondrial diseases caused by pathogenic point mutations in tRNA genes encoded in mtDNA. We previously reported a severe reduction in the frequency of 5-taurinomethyluridine (τm5U) and its 2-thiouridine derivative (τm5s2U) in the anticodons of mutant mt-tRNAs isolated from the cells of patients with MELAS and MERRF, respectively. The hypomodified tRNAs fail to decode cognate codons efficiently, resulting in defective translation of respiratory chain proteins in mitochondria. To restore the mitochondrial activity of MELAS patient cells, we overexpressed MTO1, a τm5U-modifying enzyme, in patient-derived myoblasts. We used a newly developed primer extension method and showed that MTO1 overexpression almost completely restored the τm5U modification of the MELAS mutant mt-tRNALeu(UUR). An increase in mitochondrial protein synthesis and oxygen consumption rate suggested that the mitochondrial function of MELAS patient cells can be activated by restoring the τm5U of the mutant tRNA. In addition, we confirmed that MTO1 expression restored the τm5s2U of the mutant mt-tRNALys in MERRF patient cells. These findings pave the way for epitranscriptomic therapies for mitochondrial diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ena Tomoda
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Asuteka Nagao
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Yuki Shirai
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Kana Asano
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Takeo Suzuki
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | | | - Tsutomu Suzuki
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
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Capristo M, Del Dotto V, Tropeano CV, Fiorini C, Caporali L, La Morgia C, Valentino ML, Montopoli M, Carelli V, Maresca A. Rapamycin rescues mitochondrial dysfunction in cells carrying the m.8344A > G mutation in the mitochondrial tRNA Lys. Mol Med 2022; 28:90. [PMID: 35922766 PMCID: PMC9347137 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-022-00519-z] [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: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Myoclonus, Epilepsy and Ragged-Red-Fibers (MERRF) is a mitochondrial encephalomyopathy due to heteroplasmic mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) most frequently affecting the tRNALys gene at position m.8344A > G. Defective tRNALys severely impairs mitochondrial protein synthesis and respiratory chain when a high percentage of mutant heteroplasmy crosses the threshold for full-blown clinical phenotype. Therapy is currently limited to symptomatic management of myoclonic epilepsy, and supportive measures to counteract muscle weakness with co-factors/supplements. Methods We tested two therapeutic strategies to rescue mitochondrial function in cybrids and fibroblasts carrying different loads of the m.8344A > G mutation. The first strategy was aimed at inducing mitochondrial biogenesis directly, over-expressing the master regulator PGC-1α, or indirectly, through the treatment with nicotinic acid, a NAD+ precursor. The second was aimed at stimulating the removal of damaged mitochondria through prolonged rapamycin treatment. Results The first approach slightly increased mitochondrial protein expression and respiration in the wild type and intermediate-mutation load cells, but was ineffective in high-mutation load cell lines. This suggests that induction of mitochondrial biogenesis may not be sufficient to rescue mitochondrial dysfunction in MERRF cells with high-mutation load. The second approach, when administered chronically (4 weeks), induced a slight increase of mitochondrial respiration in fibroblasts with high-mutation load, and a significant improvement in fibroblasts with intermediate-mutation load, rescuing completely the bioenergetics defect. This effect was mediated by increased mitochondrial biogenesis, possibly related to the rapamycin-induced inhibition of the Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 (mTORC1) and the consequent activation of the Transcription Factor EB (TFEB). Conclusions Overall, our results point to rapamycin-based therapy as a promising therapeutic option for MERRF. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s10020-022-00519-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariantonietta Capristo
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Programma di Neurogenetica, via Altura 3, 40139, Bologna, Italy
| | - Valentina Del Dotto
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Programma di Neurogenetica, via Altura 3, 40139, Bologna, Italy
| | - Concetta Valentina Tropeano
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Programma di Neurogenetica, via Altura 3, 40139, Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudio Fiorini
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Programma di Neurogenetica, via Altura 3, 40139, Bologna, Italy
| | - Leonardo Caporali
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Programma di Neurogenetica, via Altura 3, 40139, Bologna, Italy
| | - Chiara La Morgia
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Programma di Neurogenetica, via Altura 3, 40139, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Lucia Valentino
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Programma di Neurogenetica, via Altura 3, 40139, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, via Altura 3, 40139, Bologna, Italy
| | - Monica Montopoli
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, via Largo Meneghetti 2, 3513, Padova, Italy
| | - Valerio Carelli
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Programma di Neurogenetica, via Altura 3, 40139, Bologna, Italy. .,Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, via Altura 3, 40139, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Maresca
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Programma di Neurogenetica, via Altura 3, 40139, Bologna, Italy.
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Exploring the Ability of LARS2 Carboxy-Terminal Domain in Rescuing the MELAS Phenotype. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11070674. [PMID: 34357047 PMCID: PMC8303833 DOI: 10.3390/life11070674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The m.3243A>G mutation within the mitochondrial mt-tRNALeu(UUR) gene is the most prevalent variant linked to mitochondrial encephalopathy with lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) syndrome. This pathogenic mutation causes severe impairment of mitochondrial protein synthesis due to alterations of the mutated tRNA, such as reduced aminoacylation and a lack of post-transcriptional modification. In transmitochondrial cybrids, overexpression of human mitochondrial leucyl-tRNA synthetase (LARS2) has proven effective in rescuing the phenotype associated with m.3243A>G substitution. The rescuing activity resides in the carboxy-terminal domain (Cterm) of the enzyme; however, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying this process have not been fully elucidated. To deepen our knowledge on the rescuing mechanisms, we demonstrated the interactions of the Cterm with mutated mt-tRNALeu(UUR) and its precursor in MELAS cybrids. Further, the effect of Cterm expression on mitochondrial functions was evaluated. We found that Cterm ameliorates de novo mitochondrial protein synthesis, whilst it has no effect on mt-tRNALeu(UUR) steady-state levels and aminoacylation. Despite the complete recovery of cell viability and the increase in mitochondrial translation, Cterm-overexpressing cybrids were not able to recover bioenergetic competence. These data suggest that, in our MELAS cell model, the beneficial effect of Cterm may be mediated by factors that are independent of the mitochondrial bioenergetics.
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tRNA-Dependent Import of a Transit Sequence-Less Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetase (LeuRS2) into the Mitochondria of Arabidopsis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22083808. [PMID: 33916944 PMCID: PMC8067559 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22083808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (AaRS) charge tRNAs with amino acids for protein translation. In plants, cytoplasmic, mitochondrial, and chloroplast AaRS exist that are all coded for by nuclear genes and must be imported from the cytosol. In addition, only a few of the mitochondrial tRNAs needed for translation are encoded in mitochondrial DNA. Despite considerable progress made over the last few years, still little is known how the bulk of cytosolic AaRS and respective tRNAs are transported into mitochondria. Here, we report the identification of a protein complex that ties AaRS and tRNA import into the mitochondria of Arabidopsis thaliana. Using leucyl-tRNA synthetase 2 (LeuRS2) as a model for a mitochondrial signal peptide (MSP)-less precursor, a ≈30 kDa protein was identified that interacts with LeuRS2 during import. The protein identified is identical with a previously characterized mitochondrial protein designated HP30-2 (encoded by At3g49560) that contains a sterile alpha motif (SAM) similar to that found in RNA binding proteins. HP30-2 is part of a larger protein complex that contains with TIM22, TIM8, TIM9 and TIM10 four previously identified components of the translocase for MSP-less precursors. Lack of HP30-2 perturbed mitochondrial biogenesis and function and caused seedling lethality during greening, suggesting an essential role of HP30-2 in planta.
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Grazioli P, Orlando A, Giordano N, Noce C, Peruzzi G, Scafetta G, Screpanti I, Campese AF. NF-κB1 Regulates Immune Environment and Outcome of Notch-Dependent T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Front Immunol 2020; 11:541. [PMID: 32346377 PMCID: PMC7169422 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive pediatric malignancy that arises from the transformation of immature T-cell progenitors and has no definitive cure. Notch signaling governs many steps of T cell development and its dysregulation represents the most common causative event in the pathogenesis of T-ALL. The activation of canonical NF-κB pathway has been described as a critical downstream mediator of Notch oncogenic functions, through the sustaining of tumor cell survival and growth. The potential role of Notch/NF-κB partnership is also emerging in the generation and function of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the context of cancer. However, little is known about the effects of combined mutations of Notch and NF-κB in regulating immune-environment and progression of T-ALL. To shed light on the topics above we generated double-mutant mice, harboring conventional knock-out mutation of NF-κB1/p50 on the genetic background of a transgenic model of Notch-dependent T-ALL. The immunophenotyping of double-mutant mice demonstrates that NF-κB1 deletion inhibits the progression of T-ALL and strongly modifies immune-environment of the disease. Double-mutant mice display indeed a dramatic reduction of pre-leukemic CD4+CD8+ (DP) T cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs) and, concurrently, the rising of an aggressive myeloproliferative trait with a massive expansion of CD11b+Gr-1+ cells in the periphery, and an accumulation of the granulocyte/monocyte progenitors in the bone-marrow. Interestingly, double-mutant T cells are able to improve the growth of CD11b+Gr-1+ cells in vitro, and, more importantly, the in vivo depletion of T cells in double-mutant mice significantly reduces the expansion of myeloid compartment. Our results strongly suggest that the myeloproliferative trait observed in double-mutant mice may depend on non-cell-autonomous mechanism/s driven by T cells. Moreover, we demonstrate that the reduction of CD4+CD8+ (DP) T cells and Tregs in double-mutant mice relies on a significant enhancement of their apoptotic rate. In conclusion, double-mutant mice may represent a useful model to deepen the knowledge of the consequences on T-ALL immune-environment of modulating Notch/NF-κB relationships in tumor cells. More importantly, information derived from these studies may help in the refinement of multitarget therapies for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Grazioli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Orlando
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Nike Giordano
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Noce
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Peruzzi
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Gaia Scafetta
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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Perli E, Pisano A, Pignataro MG, Campese AF, Pelullo M, Genovese I, de Turris V, Ghelli AM, Cerbelli B, Giordano C, Colotti G, Morea V, d'Amati G. Exogenous peptides are able to penetrate human cell and mitochondrial membranes, stabilize mitochondrial tRNA structures, and rescue severe mitochondrial defects. FASEB J 2020; 34:7675-7686. [PMID: 32304340 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201903270r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in mitochondrial transfer RNA (mt-tRNA) genes are responsible for a wide range of syndromes, for which no effective treatment is available. We previously reported that transfection of the nucleotide sequence encoding for the 16-residue β32_33 peptide from mitochondrial leucyl-tRNA synthetase ameliorates the cell phenotype caused by the mitochondrial tRNA mutations. In this work, we demonstrated that both the β32_33 peptide linked with the known (L)-Phe-(D)-Arg-(L)-Phe-(L)-Lys (FrFK) mitochondrial penetrating sequence and, strikingly, the β32_33 peptide per se, are able to penetrate both the plasma and mitochondrial membranes and exert the rescuing activity when exogenously administered to cells bearing the mutations m.3243A > G and m.8344A > G. These mutations are responsible for the most common and severe mt-tRNA-related diseases. In addition, we dissected the molecular determinants of constructs activity by showing that both the order of amino acids along the sequence and presence of positive charges are essential determinants of the peptide activity in cells and mt-tRNA structures stabilization in vitro. In view of future in vivo studies, this information may be required to design of β32_33 peptide-mimetic derivatives. The β32_33 and FrFK-β32_33 peptides are, therefore, promising molecules for the development of therapeutic agents against diseases caused by the mt-tRNA point mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Perli
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Annalinda Pisano
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Gemma Pignataro
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Maria Pelullo
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Genovese
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria de Turris
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Ghelli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FABIT), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Bruna Cerbelli
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University, Latina, Italy
| | - Carla Giordano
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianni Colotti
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council of Italy, Rome, Italy
| | - Veronica Morea
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council of Italy, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia d'Amati
- Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Asano K, Suzuki T, Saito A, Wei FY, Ikeuchi Y, Numata T, Tanaka R, Yamane Y, Yamamoto T, Goto T, Kishita Y, Murayama K, Ohtake A, Okazaki Y, Tomizawa K, Sakaguchi Y, Suzuki T. Metabolic and chemical regulation of tRNA modification associated with taurine deficiency and human disease. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:1565-1583. [PMID: 29390138 PMCID: PMC5829720 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Modified uridine containing taurine, 5-taurinomethyluridine (τm5U), is found at the anticodon first position of mitochondrial (mt-)transfer RNAs (tRNAs). Previously, we reported that τm5U is absent in mt-tRNAs with pathogenic mutations associated with mitochondrial diseases. However, biogenesis and physiological role of τm5U remained elusive. Here, we elucidated τm5U biogenesis by confirming that 5,10-methylene-tetrahydrofolate and taurine are metabolic substrates for τm5U formation catalyzed by MTO1 and GTPBP3. GTPBP3-knockout cells exhibited respiratory defects and reduced mitochondrial translation. Very little τm5U34 was detected in patient's cells with the GTPBP3 mutation, demonstrating that lack of τm5U results in pathological consequences. Taurine starvation resulted in downregulation of τm5U frequency in cultured cells and animal tissues (cat liver and flatfish). Strikingly, 5-carboxymethylaminomethyluridine (cmnm5U), in which the taurine moiety of τm5U is replaced with glycine, was detected in mt-tRNAs from taurine-depleted cells. These results indicate that tRNA modifications are dynamically regulated via sensing of intracellular metabolites under physiological condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kana Asano
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Takeo Suzuki
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Ayaka Saito
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Fan-Yan Wei
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Yoshiho Ikeuchi
- Institute of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Numata
- Biological Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8566, Japan
| | - Ryou Tanaka
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Animal Medical Center, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Yamane
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Animal Medical Center, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Takeshi Yamamoto
- Tamaki Laboratory, National Research Institute of Aquaculture, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, Tamaki, Mie 519-0423, Japan
| | - Takanobu Goto
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, National Institute of Technology, Numazu College, Numazu, Shizuoka 410-8501, Japan
| | - Yoshihito Kishita
- Division of Functional Genomics & Systems Medicine, Research Center for Genomic Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Hidaka, Saitama 350-1240, Japan
| | - Kei Murayama
- Department of Metabolism, Chiba Children's Hospital, Midori-ku, Chiba 266-0007, Japan
| | - Akira Ohtake
- Department of Pediatrics, Saitama Medical University, Moroyama-machi, Iruma-gun, Saitama 350-0495, Japan
| | - Yasushi Okazaki
- Division of Functional Genomics & Systems Medicine, Research Center for Genomic Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Hidaka, Saitama 350-1240, Japan.,Division of Translational Research, Research Center for Genomic Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Hidaka, Saitama 350-1240, Japan
| | - Kazuhito Tomizawa
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Yuriko Sakaguchi
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Suzuki
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
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11
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Maffezzini C, Laine I, Dallabona C, Clemente P, Calvo-Garrido J, Wibom R, Naess K, Barbaro M, Falk A, Donnini C, Freyer C, Wredenberg A, Wedell A. Mutations in the mitochondrial tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase cause growth retardation and progressive leukoencephalopathy. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2019; 7:e654. [PMID: 30920170 PMCID: PMC6565557 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mutations in mitochondrial aminoacyl tRNA synthetases form a subgroup of mitochondrial disorders often only perturbing brain function by affecting mitochondrial translation. Here we report two siblings with mitochondrial disease, due to compound heterozygous mutations in the mitochondrial tryptophanyl‐tRNA synthetase (WARS2) gene, presenting with severe neurological symptoms but normal mitochondrial function in skeletal muscle biopsies and cultured skin fibroblasts. Methods Whole exome sequencing on genomic DNA samples from both subjects and their parents identified two compound heterozygous variants c.833T>G (p.Val278Gly) and c.938A>T (p.Lys313Met) in the WARS2 gene as potential disease‐causing variants. We generated patient‐derived neuroepithelial stem cells and modeled the disease in yeast and Drosophila melanogaster to confirm pathogenicity. Results Biochemical analysis of patient‐derived neuroepithelial stem cells revealed a mild combined complex I and IV defect, while modeling the disease in yeast demonstrated that the reported aminoacylation defect severely affects respiration and viability. Furthermore, silencing of wild type WARS2 in Drosophila melanogaster showed that a partial defect in aminoacylation is enough to cause lethality. Conclusions Our results establish the identified WARS2 variants as disease‐causing and highlight the benefit of including human neuronal models, when investigating mutations specifically affecting the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Maffezzini
- Max Planck Institute Biology of Ageing - Karolinska Institutet Laboratory, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Isabelle Laine
- Max Planck Institute Biology of Ageing - Karolinska Institutet Laboratory, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cristina Dallabona
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Paula Clemente
- Max Planck Institute Biology of Ageing - Karolinska Institutet Laboratory, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Javier Calvo-Garrido
- Max Planck Institute Biology of Ageing - Karolinska Institutet Laboratory, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rolf Wibom
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Centre for Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karin Naess
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Centre for Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Michela Barbaro
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Centre for Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Falk
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Claudia Donnini
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Christoph Freyer
- Max Planck Institute Biology of Ageing - Karolinska Institutet Laboratory, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Centre for Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Wredenberg
- Max Planck Institute Biology of Ageing - Karolinska Institutet Laboratory, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Centre for Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Wedell
- Max Planck Institute Biology of Ageing - Karolinska Institutet Laboratory, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Centre for Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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12
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Zhao X, Han J, Zhu L, Xiao Y, Wang C, Hong F, Jiang P, Guan MX. Overexpression of human mitochondrial alanyl-tRNA synthetase suppresses biochemical defects of the mt-tRNA Ala mutation in cybrids. Int J Biol Sci 2018; 14:1437-1444. [PMID: 30262995 PMCID: PMC6158735 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.27043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations of mitochondrial transfer RNAs (mt-tRNAs) play a major role in a wide range of mitochondrial diseases because of the vital role of these molecules in mitochondrial translation. It has previously been reported that the overexpression of mitochondrial aminoacyl tRNA synthetases is effective at partially suppressing the defects resulting from mutations in their cognate mt-tRNAs in cells. Here we report a detailed analysis of the suppressive activities of mitochondrial alanyl-tRNA synthetase (AARS2) on mt-tRNAAla 5655 A>G mutant. Mitochondrial defects in respiration, activity of oxidative phosphorylation complexes, ATP production, mitochondrial superoxide, and membrane potential were consistently rescued in m.5655A>G cybrids upon AARS2 expression. However, AARS2 overexpression did not result in a detectable increase in mutated mt-tRNAAla but caused an increase incharged mt-tRNAAla in mutant cybrids, leading to enhanced mitochondrial translation. This indicated that AARS2 improved the aminoacylation activity in the case of m.5655A>G, rather than having a stabilizing effect on the tRNA structure. The data presented in this paper deepen our understanding of the pathogenesis of mt-tRNA diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxu Zhao
- Division of Medical Genetics and Genomics, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.,Institute of Genetics Zhejiang University, and Department of Human Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Jiamin Han
- Division of Medical Genetics and Genomics, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.,Institute of Genetics Zhejiang University, and Department of Human Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Ling Zhu
- Division of Medical Genetics and Genomics, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yun Xiao
- Institute of Genetics Zhejiang University, and Department of Human Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Chenghui Wang
- Division of Medical Genetics and Genomics, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.,Institute of Genetics Zhejiang University, and Department of Human Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Fang Hong
- Division of Medical Genetics and Genomics, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Pingping Jiang
- Division of Medical Genetics and Genomics, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.,Institute of Genetics Zhejiang University, and Department of Human Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Min-Xin Guan
- Division of Medical Genetics and Genomics, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.,Institute of Genetics Zhejiang University, and Department of Human Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
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13
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Clinical syndromes associated with mtDNA mutations: where we stand after 30 years. Essays Biochem 2018; 62:235-254. [DOI: 10.1042/ebc20170097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The landmark year 1988 can be considered as the birthdate of mitochondrial medicine, when the first pathogenic mutations affecting mtDNA were associated with human diseases. Three decades later, the field still expands and we are not ‘scraping the bottom of the barrel’ yet. Despite the tremendous progress in terms of molecular characterization and genotype/phenotype correlations, for the vast majority of cases we still lack a deep understanding of the pathogenesis, good models to study, and effective therapeutic options. However, recent technological advances including somatic cell reprogramming to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), organoid technology, and tailored endonucleases provide unprecedented opportunities to fill these gaps, casting hope to soon cure the major primary mitochondrial phenotypes reviewed here. This group of rare diseases represents a key model for tackling the pathogenic mechanisms involving mitochondrial biology relevant to much more common disorders that affect our currently ageing population, such as diabetes and metabolic syndrome, neurodegenerative and inflammatory disorders, and cancer.
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14
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Branciamore S, Gogoshin G, Di Giulio M, Rodin AS. Intrinsic Properties of tRNA Molecules as Deciphered via Bayesian Network and Distribution Divergence Analysis. Life (Basel) 2018; 8:life8010005. [PMID: 29419741 PMCID: PMC5871937 DOI: 10.3390/life8010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2017] [Revised: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The identity/recognition of tRNAs, in the context of aminoacyl tRNA synthetases (and other molecules), is a complex phenomenon that has major implications ranging from the origins and evolution of translation machinery and genetic code to the evolution and speciation of tRNAs themselves to human mitochondrial diseases to artificial genetic code engineering. Deciphering it via laboratory experiments, however, is difficult and necessarily time- and resource-consuming. In this study, we propose a mathematically rigorous two-pronged in silico approach to identifying and classifying tRNA positions important for tRNA identity/recognition, rooted in machine learning and information-theoretic methodology. We apply Bayesian Network modeling to elucidate the structure of intra-tRNA-molecule relationships, and distribution divergence analysis to identify meaningful inter-molecule differences between various tRNA subclasses. We illustrate the complementary application of these two approaches using tRNA examples across the three domains of life, and identify and discuss important (informative) positions therein. In summary, we deliver to the tRNA research community a novel, comprehensive methodology for identifying the specific elements of interest in various tRNA molecules, which can be followed up by the corresponding experimental work and/or high-resolution position-specific statistical analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Branciamore
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, 91010 CA, USA.
| | - Grigoriy Gogoshin
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, 91010 CA, USA.
| | - Massimo Di Giulio
- Early Evolution of Life Laboratory, Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources, CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Andrei S Rodin
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, 91010 CA, USA.
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15
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Ciara E, Rokicki D, Lazniewski M, Mierzewska H, Jurkiewicz E, Bekiesińska-Figatowska M, Piekutowska-Abramczuk D, Iwanicka-Pronicka K, Szymańska E, Stawiński P, Kosińska J, Pollak A, Pronicki M, Plewczyński D, Płoski R, Pronicka E. Clinical and molecular characteristics of newly reported mitochondrial disease entity caused by biallelic PARS2 mutations. J Hum Genet 2018; 63:473-485. [PMID: 29410512 DOI: 10.1038/s10038-017-0401-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Revised: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Most of the 19 mitochondrial aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (mt-aaRSs) involved in mitochondrial protein synthesis are already linked to specific entities, one of the exceptions being PARS2 mutations for which pathogenic significance is not finally validated. The aim of the study was to characterize the PARS2- related phenotype.Three siblings with biallelic PARS2 mutations presented from birth with infantile spasms, secondary microcephaly, and similar facial dysmorphy. Mental development was deeply impaired with speech absence and no eye contact. A dilated cardiomyopathy and multiorgan failure developed in childhood at the terminal stage, together with mitochondrial dysfunction triggered by valproate administration.Brain MRI showed progressive volume loss of the frontal lobes, both cortical and subcortical, with widening of the cortical sulci and frontal horns of the lateral ventricles. Hypoplasia of the corpus callosum and progressive demyelination were additional findings. Similar brain features were seen in three already reported PARS2 patients and seemed specific for this defect when compared with other mt-aaRSs defects (DARS2, EARS2, IARS2, and RARS2).Striking resemblance of the phenotype and Alpers-like brain MRI changes with predominance of frontal cerebral volume loss (FCVL-AS) in six patients from three families of different ethnicity with PARS2 mutations, justifies to distinguish the condition as a new disease entity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elżbieta Ciara
- Department of Medical Genetics, The Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Dariusz Rokicki
- Department of Pediatrics Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, The Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Michal Lazniewski
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c Street, 02-071, Warsaw, Poland.,Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Hanna Mierzewska
- Department of Child Neurology, Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Jurkiewicz
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | | | | | - Edyta Szymańska
- Department of Pediatrics Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, The Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Stawiński
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Kosińska
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Pollak
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Pronicki
- Department of Pathology, The Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dariusz Plewczyński
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c Street, 02-071, Warsaw, Poland.,Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland.,Faculty of Mathematics and Information Science, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Rafał Płoski
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Pronicka
- Department of Medical Genetics, The Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland.,Department of Pediatrics Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, The Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
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16
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Francisci S, Montanari A. Mitochondrial diseases: Yeast as a model for the study of suppressors. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2017; 1864:666-673. [PMID: 28089773 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2017.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Revised: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondrial (mt) tRNA gene mutations are an important cause of human morbidity and are associated with different syndromes. We have previously shown that the mitochondrial protein synthesis elongation factor EF-Tu and isolated sequences from the carboxy-terminal domain of yeast and human mt leucyl-tRNA synthetases (LeuRS), have a wide range of suppression capability among different yeast mt tRNA mutants having defective respiratory phenotype. Here we show that the rescuing capability can be restricted to a specific sequence of six amino acids from the carboxy-terminal domain of mt LeuRS. On the other hand by overexpressing a mutated version of mt EF-Tu in a yeast strain deleted for the endogenous nuclear gene we identified the specific region involved in suppression. Results support the possibility that a small peptide could correct defects associated with many mt tRNA mutations, suggesting a novel therapy for mitochondrial diseases treatment. The involvement of the mt EF-Tu in cellular heat stress response has also been suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Francisci
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Arianna Montanari
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; Pasteur Institute Italy - Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena, 291, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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17
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Sen A, Cox RT. Fly Models of Human Diseases: Drosophila as a Model for Understanding Human Mitochondrial Mutations and Disease. Curr Top Dev Biol 2016; 121:1-27. [PMID: 28057297 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2016.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondrial diseases are a prevalent, heterogeneous class of diseases caused by defects in oxidative phosphorylation, whose severity depends upon particular genetic mutations. These diseases can be difficult to diagnose, and current therapeutics have limited efficacy, primarily treating only symptoms. Because mitochondria play a pivotal role in numerous cellular functions, especially ATP production, their diminished activity has dramatic physiological consequences. While this in and of itself makes treating mitochondrial disease complex, these organelles contain their own DNA, mtDNA, whose products are required for ATP production, in addition to the hundreds of nucleus-encoded proteins. Drosophila offers a tractable whole-animal model to understand the mechanisms underlying loss of mitochondrial function, the subsequent cellular and tissue damage that results, and how these organelles are inherited. Human and Drosophila mtDNAs encode the same set of products, and the homologous nucleus-encoded genes required for mitochondrial function are conserved. In addition, Drosophila contain sufficiently complex organ systems to effectively recapitulate many basic symptoms of mitochondrial diseases, yet are relatively easy and fast to genetically manipulate. There are several Drosophila models for specific mitochondrial diseases, which have been recently reviewed (Foriel, Willems, Smeitink, Schenck, & Beyrath, 2015). In this review, we highlight the conservation between human and Drosophila mtDNA, the present and future techniques for creating mtDNA mutations for further study, and how Drosophila has contributed to our current understanding of mitochondrial inheritance.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Sen
- Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - R T Cox
- Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, United States.
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18
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Ficociello G, Salemme A, Uccelletti D, Fiorito S, Togna AR, Vallan L, González-Domínguez JM, Da Ros T, Francisci S, Montanari A. Evaluation of the efficacy of carbon nanotubes for delivering peptides into mitochondria. RSC Adv 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ra14254k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Future therapy for mitochondrial pathologies: CKKSFLSPRTALINFLVK peptide from mitochondrial-LeuRS has a mitochondrial targeting activity when conjugated with multi-walled carbon nanotubes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graziella Ficociello
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”
- Sapienza University of Rome
- 5-00185 Rome
- Italy
| | - Adele Salemme
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “Vittorio Erspamer”
- Sapienza University of Rome
- 5-00185 Rome
- Italy
| | - Daniela Uccelletti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”
- Sapienza University of Rome
- 5-00185 Rome
- Italy
| | - Silvana Fiorito
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology – CNR
- 100-00133 Rome
- Italy
| | - Anna Rita Togna
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “Vittorio Erspamer”
- Sapienza University of Rome
- 5-00185 Rome
- Italy
| | - Lorenzo Vallan
- INSTM Unit of Trieste
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- University of Trieste
- 1-34127 Trieste
- Italy
| | - Jose M. González-Domínguez
- INSTM Unit of Trieste
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- University of Trieste
- 1-34127 Trieste
- Italy
| | - Tatiana Da Ros
- INSTM Unit of Trieste
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- University of Trieste
- 1-34127 Trieste
- Italy
| | - Silvia Francisci
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”
- Sapienza University of Rome
- 5-00185 Rome
- Italy
| | - Arianna Montanari
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”
- Sapienza University of Rome
- 5-00185 Rome
- Italy
- Pasteur Institute – Cenci Bolognetti Foundation
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