FMRpolyG alters mitochondrial transcripts level and respiratory chain complex assembly in Fragile X associated tremor/ataxia syndrome [FXTAS]

Publication date: Available online 13 February 2019Source: Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Basis of DiseaseAuthor(s): Dhruv Gohel, Lakshmi Sripada, Paresh Prajapati, Kritarth Singh, Milton Roy, Darshan Kotadia, Flora Tassone, Nicolas Charlet-Berguerand, Rajesh SinghAbstractFragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder caused by an expansion of 55 to 200 CGG repeats (premutation) in FMR1. These CGG repeats are Repeat Associated non-ATG (RAN) translated into a small and pathogenic protein, FMRpolyG. The cellular and molecular mechanisms of FMRpolyG toxicity are unclear. Various mitochondrial dysfunctions have been observed in FXTAS patients and animal models. However, the causes of these mitochondrial alterations are not well understood. In the current study, we investigated interaction of FMRpolyG with mitochondria and its role in modulating mitochondrial functions. Beside nuclear inclusions, FMRpolyG also formed small cytosolic aggregates that interact with mitochondria both in cell and mouse model of FXTAS. Importantly, expression of FMRpolyG reduces ATP levels, mitochondrial transmembrane potential, mitochondrial supercomplexes assemblies and activities and expression of mitochondrial DNA encoded transcripts in cell and animal models of FXTAS, as well as in FXTAS patient brain tissues. Overall, these results suggest that FMRpolyG alters mitochondrial functions, bioenergetics and initiates cell death. The furth...
Source: Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) Molecular Basis of Disease - Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research