[PDF][PDF] Nuclear-import receptors reverse aberrant phase transitions of RNA-binding proteins with prion-like domains

L Guo, HJ Kim, H Wang, J Monaghan, F Freyermuth… - Cell, 2018 - cell.com
L Guo, HJ Kim, H Wang, J Monaghan, F Freyermuth, JC Sung, K O'donovan, CM Fare
Cell, 2018cell.com
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) with prion-like domains (PrLDs) phase transition to functional
liquids, which can mature into aberrant hydrogels composed of pathological fibrils that
underpin fatal neurodegenerative disorders. Several nuclear RBPs with PrLDs, including
TDP-43, FUS, hnRNPA1, and hnRNPA2, mislocalize to cytoplasmic inclusions in
neurodegenerative disorders, and mutations in their PrLDs can accelerate fibrillization and
cause disease. Here, we establish that nuclear-import receptors (NIRs) specifically …
Summary
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) with prion-like domains (PrLDs) phase transition to functional liquids, which can mature into aberrant hydrogels composed of pathological fibrils that underpin fatal neurodegenerative disorders. Several nuclear RBPs with PrLDs, including TDP-43, FUS, hnRNPA1, and hnRNPA2, mislocalize to cytoplasmic inclusions in neurodegenerative disorders, and mutations in their PrLDs can accelerate fibrillization and cause disease. Here, we establish that nuclear-import receptors (NIRs) specifically chaperone and potently disaggregate wild-type and disease-linked RBPs bearing a NLS. Karyopherin-β2 (also called Transportin-1) engages PY-NLSs to inhibit and reverse FUS, TAF15, EWSR1, hnRNPA1, and hnRNPA2 fibrillization, whereas Importin-α plus Karyopherin-β1 prevent and reverse TDP-43 fibrillization. Remarkably, Karyopherin-β2 dissolves phase-separated liquids and aberrant fibrillar hydrogels formed by FUS and hnRNPA1. In vivo, Karyopherin-β2 prevents RBPs with PY-NLSs accumulating in stress granules, restores nuclear RBP localization and function, and rescues degeneration caused by disease-linked FUS and hnRNPA2. Thus, NIRs therapeutically restore RBP homeostasis and mitigate neurodegeneration.
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