We have discovered mutations in the senataxin gene (SETX) as the molecular basis of a juvenile-onset, autosomal dominant (AD) form of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This form of ALS, known as ALS4, is an essentially pure motor systems disorder characterized by limb weakness, severe muscle wasting, pyramidal signs, and slow relentless disease progression. Senataxin is a large 2677 amino acid protein which contains a conserved superfamily 1, DNA/RNA helicase (of ~ 500 amino acids) in the C-terminus, strongly suggesting a functional role in RNA processing. While the precise function of senataxin remains unknown, the most compelling evidence including more than 10 years of functional studies of the yeast ortholog sen1p suggest these proteins function in several RNA processing events including RNA Pol II transcription termination of short <500-nt transcripts. As it turns out, altered RNA processing in neurodegeneration is well established including loss of SMN in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and loss of FMRP in fragile-X mental retardation. However, the recent discovery of the involvement of TDP-43 and FUS in familial and sporadic ALS (FALS and SALS) reemphasizes the role of altered RNA processing in ALS. To further study the role of SETX mutations in ALS4 we have created a number of important reagents including transgenic (Tg) and gene targeted mice. We will also isolate neuronal RNA directly from tissue to characterize RNA processing pathways that are aberrant in ALS4 and other FALS/SALS forms. To further our understanding of this form of FALS we recently established Tg mice expressing R2136H mutant senataxin at high levels from the mouse prion promoter (PrP). These R2136H Tg-mice display a motor deficit by rotarod and strength testing beginning at 6-8 months of age. In addition, we have generated Setx gene-targeted mice by introducing a second ALS4-associated mutation, L389S. The L389S KI-mice show a more severe but later onset hind-limb paralysis (~ 12-13 months age) with apparent reduced survival rates. Therefore, we propose to thoroughly characterize these SETX murine models via molecular genetic analysis, behavioral testing, histopathology, immunofluorescent and electron microscopy. Next, we aim to define the subset of neuron expressed RNA transcripts (coding or non-coding) misregulated in response to ALS4 associated SETX mutation. Transcripts identified as most affected by SETX mutation will be validated by quantitative RT-PCR and the role of SETX in transcription termination in specific transcript classes will be tested. In additional experiments we will test if the different RNA processing pathways found to be affected in ALS4 might also be affected in other forms of motor neuron disease.

Public Health Relevance

Mutations in senataxin (a DNA/RNA helicase) are known to cause of two severe, debilitating neurodegenerative conditions, ALS4 and AOA2. This underscores the importance of senataxin function in the survival of various neuronal populations. Our studies seek to determine the molecular mechanisms leading to motor neuron loss in ALS4 and further characterize the Narrative Mutations in senataxin (a DNA/RNA helicase) are known to cause of two severe, debilitating neurodegenerative conditions, ALS4 and AOA2. This underscores the importance of senataxin function in the survival of various neuronal populations. Our studies seek to determine the molecular mechanisms leading to motor neuron loss in ALS4 and further characterize the emerging role that aberrant neuronal RNA process may play in both sporadic and familial motor neuron disease.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01GM094384-05
Application #
8706178
Study Section
Cellular and Molecular Biology of Neurodegeneration Study Section (CMND)
Program Officer
Krasnewich, Donna M
Project Start
2010-08-01
Project End
2015-07-31
Budget Start
2014-08-01
Budget End
2015-07-31
Support Year
5
Fiscal Year
2014
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of California San Diego
Department
Pediatrics
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
City
La Jolla
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
92093
Bennett, Craig L; Dastidar, Somasish G; Ling, Shuo-Chien et al. (2018) Senataxin mutations elicit motor neuron degeneration phenotypes and yield TDP-43 mislocalization in ALS4 mice and human patients. Acta Neuropathol 136:425-443
Bennett, Craig L; La Spada, Albert R (2015) Unwinding the role of senataxin in neurodegeneration. Discov Med 19:127-36
Baird, Fiona J; Bennett, Craig L (2013) Microtubule defects & Neurodegeneration. J Genet Syndr Gene Ther 4:203
Bennett, Craig L; Chen, Yingzhang; Vignali, Marissa et al. (2013) Protein interaction analysis of senataxin and the ALS4 L389S mutant yields insights into senataxin post-translational modification and uncovers mutant-specific binding with a brain cytoplasmic RNA-encoded peptide. PLoS One 8:e78837