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Nonsense-mediated decay does not occur within the yeast nucleus.

Nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) is a eukaryotic regulatory process that degrades mRNAs with premature termination codons (PTCs). Although NMD is a translation-dependent process, there is evidence from mammalian systems that PTC recognition and mRNA degradation takes place in association with nuclei. Consistent with this notion, degradation of mammalian PTC-containing mRNAs occurs when they are bound by the cap binding complex (CBC) during a "pioneer" round of translation. Moreover, there are reports indicating that a PTC can trigger other nuclear events such as alternative splicing, abnormal 3' end processing, and accumulation of pre-mRNA at transcription sites. To examine whether a PTC can elicit similar nuclear events in yeast, we used RNA export-defective mutants to sequester mRNAs within nuclei. The results indicate that nuclear PTC-containing yeast RNAs are NMD insensitive. We also observed by fluorescent in situ hybridization that there was no PTC effect on mRNA accumulated at the site of transcription. Finally, we show that yeast NMD occurs minimally if at all on CBC-bound transcripts, arguing against a CBC-mediated pioneer round of translation in yeast. The data taken together indicate that there are no direct consequences of a PTC within the yeast nucleus.

Cell Nucleus↗

Identification and functional assessment of novel and known insulin receptor mutations in five patients with syndromes of severe insulin resistance.

We analyzed the insulin receptor gene in four patients with leprechaunism and one with type A insulin resistance. We detected novel and previously reported mutations. The novel mutants were expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells to evaluate the consequences for insulin receptor function. A type A insulin resistance patient from Morocco was homozygous for Arg252His mutation, similar to a previously described type A patient from Japan. A patient with leprechaunism was homozygous for the Ser323Leu mutation, previously identified in homozygous form in two patients with Rabson-Mendenhall syndrome. Phenotypic expression of this mutation is variable. A patient with leprechaunism is compound heterozygous for the previously described Arg1092Trp mutation and a nonsense mutation in codon 897. Another patient with leprechaunism was homozygous for a novel Asn431Asp mutation, which only partially reduces insulin proreceptor processing and activation of signaling cascades. The novel Leu93Gln mutation that fully disrupts proreceptor processing was found in one allele in a patient with leprechaunism. A nonsense mutation at codon 1122 was in the other allele. These results expand the number of pathogenic insulin receptor mutations and demonstrate the variability in their phenotypic expression. The biochemical analysis of mutant insulin receptors does not reliably predict whether the phenotype will be leprechaunism, the Rabson-Mendenhall syndrome, or type A insulin resistance. The previously reported correlation between fibroblast insulin binding and duration of patient survival was not observed.

Adolescent↗

Genetic bases of severe junctional epidermolysis bullosa presenting spontaneous amelioration with aging.

Change of the clinical picture with aging is noted in some patients suffering from junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB), an inherited blistering disorder caused by extensive disadhesion of the epithelia. We have studied a patient born with severe JEB associated with absent expression of laminin 5. A remarkable reduction of the blistering tendency was observed with aging that correlated with a restored expression of immunoreactive laminin 5 molecules. Genetic analysis of the gene LAMB3 detected compound heterozygosity for the nonsense mutation R635X and a novel 2 bp deletion (1587delAG) resulting in a downstream premature termination codon. RT-PCR amplification of total RNA purified from skin biopsies demonstrated that the mutated beta3 mRNAs underwent rapid decay shortly after birth, and that illegitimate splicing of the mRNA carrying mutation 1587delAG generated a new internally shortened beta3 transcript with advancing age. Our genetic and biochemical data show that (i) the illegitimate splicing of the beta3 pre-mRNA results in synthesis and secretion of a laminin 5 heterotrimer with an internally deleted beta3 polypeptide, (ii) expression of the mutated beta3 polypeptide is up-regulated in the basal keratinocytes with high proliferative potential, (iii) absence of the N-terminal region of the beta3 rod domain II thought to stabilize the tertiary structure of the laminin 5 is not required for the assembly of the protein and (iv) the mutant laminin 5 retains its adhesive potential. Our results demonstrate that mRNA rescue may underlie the evolution of the clinical phenotype in inherited skin conditions.

Age Factors↗

A human keratin 10 knockout causes recessive epidermolytic hyperkeratosis.

Epidermolytic hyperkeratosis (EHK) is a blistering skin disease inherited as an autosomal-dominant trait. The disease is caused by genetic defects of the epidermal keratin K1 or K10, leading to an impaired tonofilament network of differentiating epidermal cells. Here, we describe for the first time a kindred with recessive inheritance of EHK. Sequence analysis revealed a homozygous nonsense mutation of the KRT10 gene in the affected family members, leading to a premature termination codon (p.Q434X), whereas the clinically unaffected consanguineous parents were both heterozygous carriers of the mutation. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR and western blot analysis demonstrated degradation of the KRT10 transcript, resulting in complete absence of keratin K10 protein in the epidermis and cultured keratinocytes of homozygous patients. This K10 null mutation leads to a severe phenotype, clinically resembling autosomal-dominant EHK, but differing in form and distribution of keratin aggregates on ultrastructural analysis. Strong induction of the wound-healing keratins K6, K16 and K17 was found in the suprabasal epidermis, which are not able to compensate for the lack of keratin 10. We demonstrate that a recessive mutation in KRT10 leading to a complete human K10 knockout can cause EHK. Identification of the heterogeneity of this disorder has a major impact for the accurate genetic counseling of patients and their families and also has implications for gene-therapy approaches.

3T3 Cells↗

Acute intermittent porphyria in Sweden. Molecular, functional and clinical consequences of some new mutations found in the porphobilinogen deaminase gene.

Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by a partial deficit of porphobilinogen deaminase (PBGD), the third of eight enzymes in the haem biosynthetic pathway. The overt disease is characterized by neuropsychiatric symptoms that are often triggered by exogenous factors such as certain drugs, stress, and alcohol. The aim of this work has been to identify the underlying genetic defect in each AIP-affected family in order to provide early counselling to assist in the avoidance of precipitating factors. The prevalence of AIP in Sweden is in the order of 1:10 000. The major mutation in Sweden, W198X, is due to a founder effect in the northern part of the country. This mutation, together with a further 11 mutations, have been reported previously. The present communication encompasses the great majority of AIP kindreds in Sweden and includes a further 27 mutations within the PBGD gene. This includes 14 completely new mutations, as well as 11 known mutations detected for the first time in Sweden. The majority of the mutations are located in exons 10 and 12 with fewer in exon 7. The clinical and biochemical outcomes in some patients are described. We also use the three-dimensional structure of the porphobilinogen deaminase enzyme to predict the possible molecular and functional consequences of the new Swedish missense and nonsense mutations.

Codon, Nonsense↗

Inherited myoclonus-dystonia and epilepsy: further evidence of an association?

Epilepsy and electroencephalogram (EEG) abnormalities have been considered exclusion criteria for the clinical diagnosis of myoclonus-dystonia (M-D). We report on the second M-D family in which several clinically affected epsilon-sarcoglycan gene (SGCE) mutation carriers have seizures in addition to myoclonus and dystonia, adding to the evidence that epilepsy and EEG abnormalities may form part of the phenotypic spectrum of the condition. A nonsense mutation in exon 3 (289C-->T) of SGCE resulting in the insertion of a premature stop codon (R97X) was detected in affected members of this family.

Adolescent↗

A 'nonsense' mutation leads to aberrant splicing of hMLH1 in a German hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer family.

Hereditary Non-polyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC) is an autosomal dominant cancer predisposition syndrome caused by germline mutations in at least four genes encoding integral components of the cellular DNA mismatch repair (MMR) system. The spectrum of genetic alterations encompasses missense- and nonsense mutations, intronic mutations affecting splice donor or acceptor sites as well as small-scale deletions and insertions. We have identified a 'nonsense' mutation that activates a cryptic splice site generating an in frame deletion of the last 17 codons of exon1 of the hMLH1 gene causing HNPCC in a German family. We present a comprehensive genetic analysis of this family that demonstrates important aspects of HNPCC pathogenesis.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Targeting of aberrant mRNAs to cytoplasmic processing bodies.

In eukaryotes, a specialized pathway of mRNA degradation termed nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) functions in mRNA quality control by recognizing and degrading mRNAs with aberrant termination codons. We demonstrate that NMD in yeast targets premature termination codon (PTC)-containing mRNA to P-bodies. Upf1p is sufficient for targeting mRNAs to P-bodies, whereas Upf2p and Upf3p act, at least in part, downstream of P-body targeting to trigger decapping. The ATPase activity of Upf1p is required for NMD after the targeting of mRNAs to P-bodies. Moreover, Upf1p can target normal mRNAs to P-bodies but not promote their degradation. These observations lead us to propose a new model for NMD wherein two successive steps are used to distinguish normal and aberrant mRNAs.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Correlation between p53 gene mutations and circulating antibodies in betel- and tobacco-consuming North Indian population.

Alterations in p53 tumour suppressor gene and its expression may be implicated in the pathogenesis of betel- and tobacco-related oral cancer. There is wide regional variation in betel- and tobacco-consuming habits in different parts of the Indian subcontinent. The purpose of this study was to determine the correlations between p53 gene mutations, protein accumulation and serum antibodies in oral precancer and cancer. We analysed 30 potentially malignant oral lesions (leukoplakia) and 30 oral squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) from northern India because the betel quid-consuming habits are different from those prevalent in other regions of India. p53 mutations were analysed by polymerase chain reaction amplification of genomic DNA and direct sequencing, p53 protein accumulation by immunohistochemical analysis and circulating p53 antibodies by ELISA. p53 gene mutations, analysed within exons 5-9, were observed in five out of 30 (17%) potentially malignant oral lesions and seven out of 30 (23%) oral SCCs. All the mutations were base substitution mutations. Three missense and two nonsense mutations were observed in potentially malignant oral lesions, while six missense and one nonsense mutations were identified in oral SCCs. The probable hot spots for the mutations were identified at codons 126, 136 and 174, which have not been observed thus far. A good correlation was observed between p53 missense mutation, p53 antibodies and p53 protein accumulation in matched potentially malignant and malignant oral lesions. All the potentially malignant and cancerous lesions harbouring missense mutations showed accumulation of p53 protein and the majority of these patients showed circulating p53 antibodies suggesting that serological detection of p53 antibodies may serve as a surrogate marker for p53 alterations in oral lesions.

Adolescent↗

Characterization of GATA3 mutations in the hypoparathyroidism, deafness, and renal dysplasia (HDR) syndrome.

The hypoparathyroidism, deafness, and renal dysplasia (HDR) syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by mutations of the dual zinc finger transcription factor, GATA3. The C-terminal zinc finger (ZnF2) binds DNA, whereas the N-terminal finger (ZnF1) stabilizes this DNA binding and interacts with other zinc finger proteins, such as the Friends of GATA (FOG). We have investigated seven HDR probands and their families for GATA3 abnormalities and have identified two nonsense mutations (Glu-228 --> Stop and Arg-367 --> Stop); two intragenic deletions that result in frameshifts from codons 201 and 355 with premature terminations at codons 205 and 370, respectively; one acceptor splice site mutation that leads to a frameshift from codon 351 and a premature termination at codon 367; and two missense mutations (Cys-318 --> Arg and Asn-320 --> Lys). The functional effects of these mutations, together with a previously reported GATA3 ZnF1 mutation and seven other engineered ZnF1 mutations, were assessed by electrophoretic mobility shift, dissociation, yeast two-hybrid and glutathione S-transferase pull-down assays. Mutations involving GATA3 ZnF2 or adjacent basic amino acids resulted in a loss of DNA binding, but those of ZnF1 either lead to a loss of interaction with specific FOG2 ZnFs or altered DNA-binding affinity. These findings are consistent with the proposed three-dimensional model of ZnF1, which has separate DNA and protein binding surfaces. Thus, our results, which expand the spectrum of HDR-associated GATA3 mutations and report the first acceptor splice site mutation, help to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that alter the function of this zinc finger transcription factor and its role in causing this developmental anomaly.

Adolescent↗

Inhibition of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay rescues the phenotype in Ullrich's disease.

Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) is an mRNA surveillance system that eliminates aberrant mRNAs containing premature translation termination codons (PTCs). We evaluated the role of NMD in of Ullrich's disease. The patient has a frameshift mutation with a PTC in the collagen VI alpha2 gene causing the loss of collagen VI and functional defects in extracellular matrix (ECM). The pharmacological block of NMD caused upregulation of the mutant collagen VI alpha2 subunit, resulting in collagen VI assembly and partially functional ECM formation. Our results suggest that NMD inhibitors can be used as a therapeutic tool to rescue some human genetic diseases exacerbated by NMD.

Androstadienes↗

Knock-in mice reveal nonsense-mediated mRNA decay in the brain.

Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) is a process of mRNA surveillance that degrades transcripts harboring a premature termination codon (PTC). Mammalian NMD was mostly studied in cultured cells so far and there was no direct evidence yet that NMD could operate in the brain. We introduced, by homologous recombination in mouse, a PTC in the mu opioid receptor gene (mor). mor transcript was severely downregulated in the brain of these knock-in mice. A systemic cycloheximide treatment significantly increased the level of the mutant mRNA, suggesting NMD involvement. To further corroborate this hypothesis, we generated a second knock-in mouse line where the PTC was placed at 10 instead of 96 nucleotides from the downstream splice junction. As predicted by the "termination codon position rule" established in vitro, mor transcript brain expression was rescued to wild-type level. These knock-in mouse lines will be valuable models to better understand and manipulate NMD in vivo.

Animals↗

Codon context.

The analysis of coding sequences reveals nonrandomness in the context of both sense and stop codons. Part of this is related to nucleotide doublet preference, seen also in non-coding sequences and thought to arise from the dependence of mutational events on surrounding sequence. Another nonrandom context element, relating the wobble nucleotides of successive codons, is observed even when doublet preference, codon usage and bias in amino acid doublets are all allowed for. Several phenomena related to protein synthesis have been shown in vivo to be affected by the nucleotide sequence around codons. Thus, nonsense and missense suppression, elongation rate, precision of tRNA selection and polypeptide chain termination are all affected by codon context. At present, it remains unclear how these phenomena may influence the evolution of nonrandomness in the context of codons in natural sequences.

Codon↗

The role of SMG-1 in nonsense-mediated mRNA decay.

SMG-1, a member of the PIKK (phosphoinositide 3-kinase related kinases) family, plays a critical role in the mRNA quality control system termed nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD). NMD protects the cells from the accumulation of aberrant mRNAs with premature termination codons (PTCs) that encode nonfunctional or potentially harmful truncated proteins. SMG-1 directly phosphorylates Upf1, another key component of NMD, and this phosphorylation occurs upon recognition of PTC on post-spliced mRNA during the initial round of translation. At present, a variety of tools are available that can specifically suppress NMD, and it is possible to examine the contribution of NMD in a variety of physiological and pathological conditions.

Animals↗

Insights into mechanism of NMD: digging from the NMD-related protein complexes.

Nonsense-mediated RNA decay (NMD), an mRNA quality control mechanism, triggers degradation of mRNAs that contain premature termination codon (PTC) within their coding regions. NMD is a relatively conservative process that involves many trans-acting factors. The key domains for their function in NMD are conserved in evolution. These trans-acting factors are classified as different groups by their function in NMD. In addition, the mRNP formation is dynamic in NMD process because of sequential recruitment and interaction of these factors. To gain an insight into the mechanism of NMD, we dissect the mechanism of NMD based on the information on the structure, the regulation and interaction of these factors.

Codon, Nonsense↗

A quality control pathway that down-regulates aberrant T-cell receptor (TCR) transcripts by a mechanism requiring UPF2 and translation.

Nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) is an RNA surveillance pathway that degrades mRNAs containing premature termination codons (PTC). T-cell receptor (TCR) and immunoglobulin (Ig) transcripts, which are encoded by genes that very frequently acquire PTCs during lymphoid ontogeny, are down-regulated much more dramatically in response to PTCs than are other known transcripts. Another feature unique to TCR, Ig, and a subset of other mRNAs is that they are down-regulated in response to nonsense codons in the nuclear fraction of cells. This is paradoxical, as the only well recognized entity that recognizes nonsense codons is the cytoplasmic translation apparatus. Therefore, we investigated whether translation is responsible for this nuclear-associated mechanism. We found that the down-regulation of TCR-beta transcripts in response to nonsense codons requires several features of translation, including an initiator ATG and the ability to scan. We also found that optimal down-regulation depends on a Kozak consensus sequence surrounding the initiator ATG and that it can be initiated by an internal ribosome entry site, neither of which has been demonstrated before for any other PTC-bearing mRNA. At least a portion of this down-regulatory response is mediated by the NMD pathway as antisense hUPF2 transcripts increased the levels of PTC-bearing TCR-beta transcripts in the nuclear fraction of cells. We conclude that a hUPF2-dependent RNA surveillance pathway with translation-like features operating in the nuclear fraction of cells prevents the expression of potentially deleterious truncated proteins encoded by non-productively rearranged TCR genes.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗