Biology subjects

Hart, R. P.

Publications and source records attributed to Hart, R. P..

23 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

bioRxiv2018

Structural and biochemical studies define Nudt12 as a new class of RNA deNADding enzyme in mammalian cells

We recently demonstrated mammalian cells harbor NAD-capped mRNAs that are hydrolyzed by the DXO deNADding enzyme. Here we report the Nudix protein Nudt12 is a second mammalian deNADding enzyme structurally and mechanistically distinct from DXO and targets different RNAs. Crystal structure of mouse Nudt12 in complex with the deNADding product AMP and three Mg2+ ions at 1.6 [A] resolution provides exquisite insights into the molecular basis of the deNADding activity within the NAD pyrophosphate. Disruption of the Nudt12 gene stabilizes transfected NAD-capped RNA in cells and its endogenous NAD-capped mRNA targets are enriched in those encoding proteins involved in cellular energetics. Furthermore, exposure of cells to metabolic stress manifests changes in NAD-capped RNA levels indicating an association between NAD-capped RNAs and cellular metabolism. Lastly, we show that the bacterial RppH protein also possesses deNADding activity toward NAD-capped RNA but not free NAD, revealing a third class of deNADding enzymes.

molecular biology↗

bioRxiv2018

Optogenetic and transcriptomic interrogation of enhanced muscle function in the paralyzed mouse whisker pad

The functional state of denervated muscle is a critical factor in the ability to restore movement after injury- or disease-related paralysis. Here we used peripheral optogenetic stimulation and transcriptome profiling in the mouse whisker system to investigate the time course of changes in neuromuscular function following complete unilateral facial nerve transection. While most skeletal muscles rapidly lose functionality after lower motor neuron denervation, optogenetic muscle stimulation of the paralyzed whisker pad revealed sustained increases in the sensitivity, velocity, and amplitude of whisker movements, and reduced fatigability, starting 48 h after denervation. RNA-seq analysis showed distinct regulation of multiple gene families in denervated whisker pad muscles compared to the atrophy-prone soleus, including prominent changes in ion channels and contractile fibers. Together, our results define the unique functional and transcriptomic landscape of denervated facial muscles, and have general implications for restoring movement after neuromuscular injury or disease. New & NoteworthyOptogenetic activation of muscle can be used to non-invasively induce movements and probe muscle function. We used this technique in mice to investigate changes in whisker movements following facial nerve transection. We found unexpectedly enhanced functional properties of whisker pad muscle following denervation, accompanied by unique transcriptomic changes. Our findings highlight the utility of the mouse whisker pad for investigating the restoration of movement after paralysis.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2018

ATM is activated by ATP depletion and modulates mitochondrial function through NRF1

We have uncovered new insights into the symptoms of ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T). Neurons with high physiological activity, particularly cerebellar Purkinje cells, have large and dynamic ATP demands. Depletion of ATP generates reactive oxygen species that activate ATM (the A-T Mutated gene product). Activated in this way, but not by DNA damage, ATM phosphorylates nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF1). This leads to NRF1 dimerization, nuclear translocation and the upregulation of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes, thus enhancing the capacity of the electron transport chain (ETC) and restoring mitochondrial function. In cells with ATM deficiency, resting ATP levels are normal, but cells replenish ATP poorly following surges in energy demand and chronic ATP insufficiency endangers cell survival. This is a particular problem for energy-intensive cells such as Purkinje cells, which degenerate in A-T. Our findings thus identify ATM as a guardian of mitochondrial output as well as genomic integrity, and suggest that alternate fuel sources may ameliorate A-T disease symptoms.\n\nSummaryOxidative stress, resulting from neuronal activity and depleted ATP levels, activates ATM, which phosphorylates NRF1, causing nuclear translocation and upregulation of mitochondrial gene expression. In ATM deficiency, ATP levels recover more slowly, particularly in active neurons with high energy demands.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2018

Knockdown of butyrylcholinesterase but not inhibition by chlorpyrifos alters early differentiation mechanisms in human neural stem cells

Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) is the evolutionary counterpart to acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Both are expressed early in nervous system development prior to cholinergic synapse formation. The organophosphate pesticide chlorpyrifos (CPF) primarily exerts toxicity through inhibition of AChE, which results in excess cholinergic stimulation at the synapse. We hypothesized that inhibition of AChE and BChE by CPF may impair early neurogenesis in neural stem cells (NSCs). To model neurodevelopment in vitro, we used human NSCs derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) with a focus on initial differentiation mechanisms. Over six days of NSC differentiation, BChE activity and mRNA expression significantly increased, while AChE activity and expression remained unchanged. CPF treatment (10 M) caused 82% and 92% inhibition of AChE and BChE, respectively. CPF exposure had no effect on cell viability or the expression of differentiation markers HES5, DCX or MAP2. However, shRNA-knockdown of BChE expression resulted in decreased or delayed expression of transcription factors HES5 and HES3. BChE may have a role in the differentiation of NSCs independent of, or in addition to, its enzymatic activity.

pharmacology and toxicology↗

bioRxiv2018

Addiction associated N40D mu-opioid receptor variant modulates synaptic function in human neurons

BackgroundThe OPRM1 A118G gene variant (N40D) encoding the {micro}-opioid receptor (MOR) has been associated with dependence on opiates and other abused drugs but its mechanism is unknown. With opioid abuse-related deaths rising at unprecedented rates, understanding these mechanisms may provide a path to therapy.\n\nMethodsSeven human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell lines from homozygous N40D subjects (4 with N40 and 3 with D40 variants) were generated and human induced neuronal cells (iNs) were derived from these iPS cell lines. Morphological, gene expression as well as synaptic physiology analyses were conducted in human iN cells carrying N40D MOR variants; Two pairs of isogenic pluripotent stem cells carrying N40D were generated using CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing and iN cells derived from them were analyzed.\n\nResultsInhibitory human neurons generated from subjects carrying N40D MOR gene variants show mature properties in morphological and functional analyses. Gene expression revealed that they express mature neuronal marker and MORs. Activation of MORs suppressed inhibitory synaptic transmission in human neurons carrying both N40 or D40 MOR variants but D40 show stronger effects. To mitigate the confounding effects of background genetic variation on neuronal function, the regulatory effects of MORs on synaptic transmission were validated in two sets of independently generated isogenic N40D iNs.\n\nConclusionsActivations of N40D MOR variants show different regulatory effects on synaptic transmission in inhibitory human neurons. This study identifies neurophysiological differences between human MOR variants that may predict altered opioid responsivity and/or dependence in this subset of individuals.

neuroscience↗