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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. The EMBO Journal (2010) 29, 1248-1261. doi:10.1038/emboj.2010.21; Published online 25 February 2010
Author(s): Sellier C, Rau F, Liu YL, Tassone F, Hukema RK, Gattoni R, Schneider A, Richard S, Willemsen R, Elliott DJ, Hagerman PJ, Charlet-Berguerand N
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: EMBO Journal
Year: 2010
Volume: 29
Issue: 7
Pages: 1248-1261
Print publication date: 01/04/2010
ISSN (print): 0261-4189
ISSN (electronic): 1460-2075
Publisher: Nature Publishing Group
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/emboj.2010.21
DOI: 10.1038/emboj.2010.21
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