Sam68 sequestration and partial loss of function are associated with splicing alterations in FXTAS patients.
Fragile X-associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by expansion of 55-200 CGG repeats in the 5'-UTR of the FMR1 gene. FXTAS is characterized by action tremor, gait ataxia and impaired executive cognitive functioning. It has been proposed that FXTAS is caused by titration of RNA-binding proteins by the expanded CGG repeats. Sam68 is an RNA-binding protein involved in alternative splicing regulation and its ablation in mouse leads to motor coordination defects. Here, we report that mRNAs containing expanded CGG repeats form large and dynamic intranuclear RNA aggregates that recruit several RNA-binding proteins sequentially, first Sam68, then hnRNP-G and MBNL1. Importantly, Sam68 is sequestered by expanded CGG repeats and thereby loses its splicing-regulatory function. Consequently, Sam68-responsive splicing is altered in FXTAS patients. Finally, we found that regulation of Sam68 tyrosine phosphorylation modulates its localization within CGG aggregates and that tautomycin prevents both Sam68 and CGG RNA aggregate formation. Overall, these data support an RNA gain-of-function mechanism for FXTAS neuropathology, and suggest possible target routes for treatment options.
Sellier
Chantal
C
Department of Neurobiology and Genetics, IGBMC, INSERM U964, CNRS UMR7104, University of Strasbourg, Illkirch, France.
Rau
Frédérique
F
Liu
Yilei
Y
Tassone
Flora
F
Hukema
Renate K
RK
Gattoni
Renata
R
Schneider
Anne
A
Richard
Stéphane
S
Willemsen
Rob
R
Elliott
David J
DJ
Hagerman
Paul J
PJ
Charlet-Berguerand
Nicolas
N
D048868:Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D017398:Alternative Splicing; D000818:Animals; D001259:Ataxia / Q000235:genetics; D019556:COS Cells; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000378:metabolism; D002522:Chlorocebus aethiops; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D005600:Fragile X Syndrome / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D034441:Heterogeneous-Nuclear Ribonucleoproteins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D010766:Phosphorylation; D011714:Pyrans / Q000494:pharmacology; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D016601:RNA-Binding Proteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D012091:Repetitive Sequences, Nucleic Acid; D013141:Spiro Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology; D014443:Tyrosine / Q000378:metabolism
D048868:Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D034441:Heterogeneous-Nuclear Ribonucleoproteins; C489559:KHDRBS1 protein, human; C493663:MBNL1 protein, human; D011714:Pyrans; C510272:RBMX protein, human; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D016601:RNA-Binding Proteins; D013141:Spiro Compounds; C053079:tautomycin; D014443:Tyrosine