SIRT1 activation rescues the mislocalization of RNA-binding proteins and cognitive defects induced by inherited

Rose Ghemrawi1, Carole Arnold1, Shyue-Fang Battaglia-Hsu1

  • 1Université de Lorraine, Inserm, UMRS 1256, NGERE - Nutrition, Genetics, and Environmental Risk Exposure, F-54000 Nancy, France.

Abstract

Insights

This study reveals how impaired vitamin B12 metabolism causes cellular stress and RNA binding protein mislocalization. Pharmacological activation of SIRT1 with SRT1720 effectively reverses these molecular defects and improves cognitive function in mice.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Inborn errors of vitamin B12 (cobalamin) metabolism have poorly understood molecular consequences.
  • Neurological outcomes in these disorders are often resistant to conventional treatments.
  • Previous research suggests a link between SIRT1, cellular stress, and RNA binding protein (RBP) mislocalization in vitamin B12 deficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of SIRT1 pharmacological activation using SRT1720 on molecular mechanisms in impaired methionine synthase activity.
  • To explore the impact on RNA binding protein localization and mRNA trafficking in patient-derived cells and a mouse model.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized patient fibroblasts with cblC and cblG defects and a transgenic mouse model of methionine synthase deficiency.
  • Assessed subcellular localization of RBPs (HuR, HnRNPA1, RBM10, SRSF1, Y14) via immunostaining and confocal microscopy.
  • Investigated RBP modifications and cognitive performance in mice treated with the SIRT1 activator SRT1720.

Main Results:

  • Patient fibroblasts exhibited endoplasmic reticulum stress, altered RBP methylation/phosphorylation, and mislocalization of RBPs and mRNA.
  • Treatment with cobalamin, S-adenosyl methionine, and okadaic acid rescued these molecular defects.
  • SRT1720 inhibited ER stress, rescued RBP/mRNA mislocalization and aberrant splicing, and improved cognitive deficits in mice.

Conclusions:

  • Unraveled molecular mechanisms linking ER stress, RBP mislocalization, and mRNA trafficking in inborn errors of vitamin B12 metabolism.
  • Identified SIRT1 activation as a potential therapeutic strategy for neurological complications associated with these metabolic disorders.

Related Concept Videos

Translation01:31

Translation

Lesson: Translation
Translation is the process of synthesizing proteins from the genetic information carried by messenger RNA (mRNA). Following transcription, it constitutes the final step in the expression of genes. This process is carried out by ribosomes, complexes of protein and specialized RNA molecules. Ribosomes, transfer RNA (tRNA), and other proteins produce a chain of amino acids—the polypeptide—as the end product of translation.
Translation Produces the Building Blocks of...
154.8K
Translation01:31

Translation

Translation is the process of synthesizing proteins from the genetic information carried by messenger RNA (mRNA). Following transcription, it constitutes the final step in the expression of genes. This process is carried out by ribosomes, complexes of protein and specialized RNA molecules. Ribosomes, transfer RNA (tRNA), and other proteins produce a chain of amino acids—the polypeptide—as the end product of translation.
Translation Produces the Building Blocks of Life
Proteins are...
17.4K
RNA Stability01:53

RNA Stability

Intact DNA strands can be found in fossils, while scientists sometimes struggle to keep RNA intact under laboratory conditions. The structural variations between RNA and DNA underlie the differences in their stability and longevity. Because DNA is double-stranded, it is inherently more stable. The single-stranded structure of RNA is less stable but also more flexible and can form weak internal bonds. Additionally, most RNAs in the cell are relatively short, while DNA can be up to 250 million...
35.5K
Translational Regulation01:29

Translational Regulation

Translational regulation in prokaryotes ensures efficient protein synthesis by controlling ribosome access to mRNA. This regulation is mediated by secondary RNA structures, including translational riboswitches, RNA thermometers, and small RNAs (sRNAs), which respond to intracellular and environmental signals to modulate gene expression.Translational RiboswitchesRiboswitches in the leader region of mRNAs can regulate translation by altering the accessibility of the Shine-Dalgarno (SD) sequence,...
487
RNA Editing02:23

RNA Editing

RNA editing is a post-transcriptional modification where a precursor mRNA (pre-mRNA) nucleotide sequence is changed by base insertion, deletion, or modification. The extent of RNA editing varies from a few hundred bases, in mitochondrial DNA of trypanosomes, to a just single base, in nuclear genes of mammals. Even a single base change in the pre-mRNA can convert a codon for one amino acid into the codon for another amino acid or a stop codon. This type of re-coding can significantly affect the...
9.7K
Nonsense-mediated mRNA Decay02:27

Nonsense-mediated mRNA Decay

The Upf proteins that carry out nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) are found in all eukaryotic organisms, including humans. Each protein has an individual role, but they need to work in collaboration. Upf1 is an ATP-dependent RNA helicase that unwinds the RNA helix. Because Upf1 can unwind any RNA, Upf2 and Upf3 are required to help Upf1 discriminate between nonsense and normal mRNAs.
Usually, Upf3 binds to an Exon Junction Complex (EJC) at mRNA splice sites. If a ribosome fully translates the mRNA,...
11.6K