scholarly journals C9orf72-associated arginine-rich dipeptide repeats induce RNA-dependent accumulation of Staufen in nucleus

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eun Seon Kim ◽  
Chang Geon Chung ◽  
Yoon Ha Kim ◽  
In Jun Cha ◽  
Jeong Hyang Park ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Retinal Degeneration ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Rna Binding Proteins ◽  
Nuclear Accumulation ◽  
Heterozygous Mutation ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Pathological Features ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Cytoplasmic Accumulation ◽  
Lateral Sclerosis

AbstractAccumulation of RNA in the nucleus is one of the pathological features of C9orf72-associated amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia (C9-ALS/FTD), yet its potential toxic cellular consequences remain largely undefined. RNA accumulated in the nucleus may interact with and increase nuclear localization of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). Here, we show in C9-ALS/FTD Drosophila melanogaster model that Staufen, a double-stranded RBP normally localized in cytoplasm, accumulates in the nucleus, which is in contrast to many nuclear-localized RBPs, such as TDP-43 and FUS, whose cytoplasmic accumulation is thought to be a pathological hallmark of ALS/FTD. We found that in Drosophila neurons expressing arginine-rich dipeptide repeat proteins (DPRs), Staufen accumulated in the nucleus in an RNA-dependent manner. In the nucleus, Staufen localized closely to, and potentially interacts with, heterochromatin and nucleolus in Drosophila C4 da neurons expressing poly(PR), a proline-arginine (PR) DPR. PR toxicity in C4 da neurons increased Fibrillarin staining in the nucleolus, which was enhanced by stau heterozygous mutation. Furthermore, knockdown of fib exacerbated retinal degeneration mediated by PR toxicity, which suggests that increased amount of Fibrillarin by stau heterozygous mutation is protective. Heterozygotic mutation of stau could also mitigate retinal degeneration and rescue viability of flies exhibiting PR toxicity. Taken together, our data show that nuclear accumulation of cytoplasmic protein, such as Staufen, may also be an important pathological feature of C9-ALS/FTD.Author summaryCytoplasmic accumulation of nuclear RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) is one of the common pathological features of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). In C9orf72-associated ALS/FTD fly model, we found that Staufen, a double-stranded (ds) RBP normally localized mostly in cytoplasm, accumulates in the nucleus in an RNA-dependent manner. Next, we checked wherein the nucleus Staufen accumulates and found that Staufen partially co-localizes with heterochromatin and nucleolus. Interestingly, the expression of Fibrillarin, a nucleolar protein, was significantly increased by C9orf72-derived PR toxicity and further augmented by reduction in stau dosage, the gene encoding Staufen. When we knocked down fib, the gene encoding Fibrillarin, PR-induced retinal degeneration was exacerbated. This indicates that increased Fibrillarin expression by stau dosage reduction is protective. Furthermore, when we reduced stau dosage in flies presenting PR toxicity, their retinal degeneration and viability were largely rescued. Based on these data, we suggest that nuclear accumulation of Staufen is an important feature of C9-ALS/FTD and suggest that reducing stau dosage is a promising therapeutic target.

scholarly journals C9orf72-associated arginine-rich dipeptide repeats induce RNA-dependent nuclear accumulation of Staufen in neurons

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eun Seon Kim ◽  
Chang Geon Chung ◽  
Jeong Hyang Park ◽  
Byung Su Ko ◽  
Sung Soon Park ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Retinal Degeneration ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Rna Binding Proteins ◽  
Nuclear Accumulation ◽  
Heterozygous Mutation ◽  
Pathological Feature ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Drosophila Model ◽  
Post Transcriptional Regulation

Abstract RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) play essential roles in diverse cellular processes through post-transcriptional regulation of RNAs. The subcellular localization of RBPs is thus under tight control, the breakdown of which is associated with aberrant cytoplasmic accumulation of nuclear RBPs such as TDP-43 and FUS, well-known pathological markers for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia (ALS/FTD). Here, we report in Drosophila model for ALS/FTD that nuclear accumulation of a cytoplasmic RBP, Staufen, may be a new pathological feature. We found that in Drosophila C4da neurons expressing PR36, one of the arginine-rich dipeptide repeat proteins (DPRs), Staufen accumulated in the nucleus in Importin- and RNA-dependent manner. Notably, expressing Staufen with exogenous NLS—but not with mutated endogenous NLS—potentiated PR-induced dendritic defect, suggesting that nuclear-accumulated Staufen can enhance PR toxicity. PR36 expression increased Fibrillarin staining in the nucleolus, which was enhanced by heterozygous mutation of stau (stau+/−), a gene that codes Staufen. Furthermore, knockdown of fib, which codes Fibrillarin, exacerbated retinal degeneration mediated by PR toxicity, suggesting that increased amount of Fibrillarin by stau+/− is protective. Stau+/− also reduced the amount of PR-induced nuclear-accumulated Staufen and mitigated retinal degeneration and rescued viability of flies expressing PR36. Taken together, our data show that nuclear accumulation of Staufen in neurons may be an important pathological feature contributing to the pathogenesis of ALS/FTD.

scholarly journals Loss of nucleoporin Nup50 is a risk factor for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salim Megat ◽  
Natalia Mora ◽  
Jason Sanogo ◽  
Alberto Catanese ◽  
Najwa Ouali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Rna Binding Proteins ◽  
Association Studies ◽  
Nuclear Pore ◽  
Genome Wide Association Studies ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Pathogenic Variants ◽  
Or Gene ◽  
Lateral Sclerosis

The genetic basis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is still incompletely understood. Using two independent genetic strategies, we show here that a large part of ALS heritability lies in genes expressed in inhibitory and excitatory neurons, especially at splicing sites regulated by a defined set of RNA binding proteins including TDP-43 and FUS. We conducted a transcriptome wide association study (TWAS) and identified 59 loci associated with ALS, including 14 previously identified genes, some of them not previously reaching significance in genome wide association studies. Among the 45 novel genes, several genes are involved in pathways known to be affected in ALS such as mitochondrial metabolism (including ATP5H, ATP5D, BCS1L), proteostasis (including COPS7A, G2E3, TMEM175, USP35) or gene expression and RNA metabolism (including ARID1B, ATXN3, PTBP2, TAF10). Interestingly, decreased expression of NUP50, a constrained gene encoding a nuclear pore basket protein, was associated with ALS in TWAS (Zscore = -4, FDR = 0.034). 11 potentially pathogenic variants (CADD score > 20) in 23 patients were identified in the NUP50 gene, most of them in the region of the protein mediating interaction with Importin alpha, and including 2 frameshift mutations. In cells from two patients carrying NUP50 variants, we showed decreased levels of NUP50 protein. Importantly, knocking down Nup50 led to increased neuronal death associated with p62 and nucleoporin inclusions in cultured neurons, and motor defects in Drosophila and zebrafish models. In all, our study identifies alterations in splicing in neurons as a critical pathogenic process in ALS, uncovers several new loci potentially contributing to ALS missing heritability, and provides genetic evidence linking nuclear pore defects to ALS.

scholarly journals SUMOylation- and GAR1-dependent regulation of dyskerin nuclear and subnuclear localization

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.E. MacNeil ◽  
P. Lambert-Lanteigne ◽  
J. Qin ◽  
F. McManus ◽  
E. Bonneil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rna Binding ◽  
Rna Binding Proteins ◽  
Nuclear Accumulation ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Fusion Construct ◽  
Subnuclear Localization ◽  
Complex Component ◽  
Nucleolar Localization Signal ◽  
Localization Signal ◽  
Human Telomerase

SummaryDyskerin, a telomerase-associated protein and H/ACA ribonucleoprotein complex component plays an essential role in human telomerase assembly and activity. The nuclear and subnuclear compartmentalization of dyskerin and the H/ACA complex is an important though incompletely understood aspect of H/ACA ribonucleoprotein function. The posttranslational modification, SUMOylation, targets a wide variety of proteins, including numerous RNA-binding proteins, and most identified targets reported to date localize to the nucleus. Four SUMOylation sites were previously identified in the C-terminal Nuclear/Nucleolar Localization Signal (N/NoLS) of dyskerin, each located within one of two lysine-rich clusters. We found that a cytoplasmic localized C-terminal truncation variant of dyskerin lacking most of the C-terminal N/NoLS and both lysine-rich clusters represents an under-SUMOylated variant of dyskerin compared to wildtype dyskerin. We demonstrate that mimicking constitutive SUMOylation of dyskerin using a SUMO3-fusion construct can drive nuclear accumulation of this variant, and that the SUMO site K467 in this N/NoLS is particularly important for the subnuclear localization of dyskerin to the nucleolus in a mature H/ACA complex assembly- and SUMO-dependent manner. We also characterize a novel SUMO-interacting motif in the mature H/ACA complex component GAR1 that mediates the interaction between dyskerin and GAR1. Mislocalization of dyskerin, either in the cytoplasm or excluded from the nucleolus, disrupts dyskerin function and leads to reduced interaction of dyskerin with the telomerase RNA. These data indicate a role for dyskerin C-terminal N/NoLS SUMOylation in regulating the nuclear and subnuclear localization of dyskerin, which is essential for dyskerin function as both a telomerase-associated protein and as an H/ACA ribonucleoprotein involved in rRNA and snRNA biogenesis.

scholarly journals Nucleocytoplasmic Shuttling of JAZ, a New Cargo Protein for Exportin-5

2004 ◽  
Vol 24 (15) ◽  
pp. 6608-6619 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ting Chen ◽  
Amy M. Brownawell ◽  
Ian G. Macara
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Export ◽  
Binding Proteins ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Rna Binding Proteins ◽  
Nuclear Accumulation ◽  
Facilitated Diffusion ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Permeabilized Cells ◽  
Dsrna Binding ◽  
Ran Gtp

ABSTRACT Exportin-5 is a nuclear export receptor for certain classes of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), including pre-micro-RNAs, viral hairpin RNAs, and some tRNAs. It can also export the RNA binding proteins ILF3 and elongation factor EF1A. However, the rules that determine which RNA binding proteins are exportin-5 cargoes remain unclear. JAZ possesses an unusual dsRNA binding domain consisting of multiple C2H2 zinc fingers. We found that JAZ binds to exportin-5 in a Ran-GTP- and dsRNA-dependent manner. Exportin-5 stimulates JAZ shuttling, and gene silencing of exportin-5 reduces shuttling. Recombinant exportin-5 also stimulates nuclear export of JAZ in permeabilized cells. JAZ also binds to ILF3, and surprisingly, this interaction is RNA independent, even though it requires the dsRNA binding domains of ILF3. Exportin-5, JAZ, and ILF3 can form a heteromeric complex with Ran-GTP and dsRNA, and JAZ increases ILF3 binding to exportin-5. JAZ does not contain a classical nuclear localization signal, and in digitonin-permeabilized cells, nuclear accumulation of JAZ does not require energy or cytosol. Nonetheless, low temperatures prevent JAZ import, suggesting that nuclear entry does not occur via simple diffusion. Together, these data suggest that JAZ is exported by exportin-5 but translocates back into nuclei by a facilitated diffusion mechanism.

scholarly journals The Interplay of RNA Binding Proteins, Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in ALS

Antioxidants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 552
Author(s):  
Jasmine Harley ◽  
Benjamin E. Clarke ◽  
Rickie Patani
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Gene Expression ◽  
Mitochondrial Dysfunction ◽  
Binding Proteins ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Rna Binding Proteins ◽  
Binding Protein ◽  
Rna Binding Protein ◽  
Therapeutic Strategies ◽  
Lateral Sclerosis

RNA binding proteins fulfil a wide number of roles in gene expression. Multiple mechanisms of RNA binding protein dysregulation have been implicated in the pathomechanisms of several neurodegenerative diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction also play important roles in these diseases. In this review, we highlight the mechanistic interplay between RNA binding protein dysregulation, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in ALS. We also discuss different potential therapeutic strategies targeting these pathways.

scholarly journals TDP-43 dysfunction restricts dendritic complexity by inhibiting CREB activation and altering gene expression

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Josiah J. Herzog ◽  
Mugdha Deshpande ◽  
Weijin Xu ◽  
Reazur Rahman ◽  
Hannah Suib ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Rna Binding Proteins ◽  
Dendritic Morphology ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Creb Activation ◽  
Dendritic Branching ◽  
Transcriptional Output ◽  
Dendritic Complexity ◽  
Lateral Sclerosis

AbstractAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are two related neurodegenerative diseases that present with similar TDP-43 pathology in patient tissue. TDP-43 is an RNA-binding protein and forms aggregates in neurons of ALS and FTD patients as well as in a subset of patients diagnosed with other neurodegenerative diseases. Despite our understanding that TDP-43 is essential for many aspects of RNA metabolism, it remains obscure how TDP-43 dysfunction contributes to neurodegeneration. Interestingly, several neurological disorders display altered dendritic morphology and complexity, which are thought to precede neurodegeneration. In this study, we used TRIBE (targets of RNA-binding proteins identified by editing) as a new approach to identify signaling pathways that regulate dendritic branching downstream of TDP-43. We found that TDP-43 targets are enriched for pathways that signal to the CREB transcription factor. We further found that TDP-43 dysfunction inhibits CREB activation and CREB transcriptional output, and restoring CREB signaling rescued defects in dendritic branching. Our data therefore provide a novel mechanism by which TDP-43 dysfunction interferes with dendritic branching, and define new pathways for therapeutic intervention in neurodegenerative diseases.

scholarly journals RNA Is a Double-Edged Sword in ALS Pathogenesis

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin L. Zaepfel ◽  
Jeffrey D. Rothstein
Keyword(s):  
Motor Neurons ◽  
Cortical Neurons ◽  
Binding Proteins ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Rna Binding Proteins ◽  
Rna Metabolism ◽  
Small Subset ◽  
Toxic Rna ◽  
Lateral Sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease that affects upper and lower motor neurons. Familial ALS accounts for a small subset of cases (<10–15%) and is caused by dominant mutations in one of more than 10 known genes. Multiple genes have been causally or pathologically linked to both ALS and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Many of these genes encode RNA-binding proteins, so the role of dysregulated RNA metabolism in neurodegeneration is being actively investigated. In addition to defects in RNA metabolism, recent studies provide emerging evidence into how RNA itself can contribute to the degeneration of both motor and cortical neurons. In this review, we discuss the roles of altered RNA metabolism and RNA-mediated toxicity in the context of TARDBP, FUS, and C9ORF72 mutations. Specifically, we focus on recent studies that describe toxic RNA as the potential initiator of disease, disease-associated defects in specific RNA metabolism pathways, as well as how RNA-based approaches can be used as potential therapies. Altogether, we highlight the importance of RNA-based investigations into the molecular progression of ALS, as well as the need for RNA-dependent structural studies of disease-linked RNA-binding proteins to identify clear therapeutic targets.

scholarly journals RNA-binding proteins with prion-like domains in health and disease

2017 ◽  
Vol 474 (8) ◽  
pp. 1417-1438 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alice Ford Harrison ◽  
James Shorter
Keyword(s):  
Phase Transitions ◽  
Binding Proteins ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Rna Binding Proteins ◽  
Binding Protein ◽  
Low Complexity ◽  
Fused In Sarcoma ◽  
Heterogeneous Nuclear Ribonucleoproteins ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
Lateral Sclerosis

Approximately 70 human RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) contain a prion-like domain (PrLD). PrLDs are low-complexity domains that possess a similar amino acid composition to prion domains in yeast, which enable several proteins, including Sup35 and Rnq1, to form infectious conformers, termed prions. In humans, PrLDs contribute to RBP function and enable RBPs to undergo liquid–liquid phase transitions that underlie the biogenesis of various membraneless organelles. However, this activity appears to render RBPs prone to misfolding and aggregation connected to neurodegenerative disease. Indeed, numerous RBPs with PrLDs, including TDP-43 (transactivation response element DNA-binding protein 43), FUS (fused in sarcoma), TAF15 (TATA-binding protein-associated factor 15), EWSR1 (Ewing sarcoma breakpoint region 1), and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins A1 and A2 (hnRNPA1 and hnRNPA2), have now been connected via pathology and genetics to the etiology of several neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia, and multisystem proteinopathy. Here, we review the physiological and pathological roles of the most prominent RBPs with PrLDs. We also highlight the potential of protein disaggregases, including Hsp104, as a therapeutic strategy to combat the aberrant phase transitions of RBPs with PrLDs that likely underpin neurodegeneration.

scholarly journals Triciribine Engages ZFP36L1 and HuR to Stabilize LDLR mRNA

Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (19) ◽  
pp. 4505
Author(s):  
Hilde Sundvold
Keyword(s):  
Rna Binding ◽  
Rna Binding Proteins ◽  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Ring Finger ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Akt Inhibitor ◽  
Human Hepatoma Cells ◽  
Density Lipoprotein Receptor ◽  
The Stability

An increased understanding of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and its regulation may facilitate drug development for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Triciribine (TCN), which is a highly selective AKT inhibitor, increases the stability of LDLR mRNA downstream of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in human hepatoma cells (HepG2). Here, a candidate approach was used in order to determine whether the RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) ZFP36 ring finger protein like 1 (ZFP36L1) and Hu antigen R (HuR) play a role in TCN-mediated stabilization of LDLR mRNA. The depletion of HuR led to a reduction of LDLR mRNA stability, an event that was more pronounced in TCN-treated cells. TCN was found to induce the translocation of nuclear HuR to cytoplasm in an ERK-dependent manner. ZFP36L1 depletion increased the stability of LDLR mRNA consistent with its destabilizing role. However, in contrast to HuR, TCN had no effect on LDLR mRNA turnover in ZFP36L1-depleted cells. TCN induced the phosphorylation of ZFP36L1 in an ERK/RSK-dependent manner and promoted its dissociation from the CCR4-NOT complex. In sum, these data suggest that TCN utilizes ERK signaling to increase the activity of HuR and inhibit ZFP36L1 to stabilize LDLR mRNA in HepG2 cells.

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