Cell-type-specific translation profiling reveals a novel strategy for treating fragile X syndrome

Sophie R. Thomson, Sang S. Seo, Stephanie A. Barnes, Susana R. Louros, Melania Muscas, Owen Dando, Caoimhe Kirby, David J.A. Wyllie, Giles E. Hardingham, Peter C. Kind, Emily K. Osterweil

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract / Description of output

Excessive mRNA translation downstream of group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGlu1/5) is a core pathophysiology of fragile X syndrome (FX); however, the differentially translating mRNAs that contribute to altered neural function are not known. We used translating ribosome affinity purification (TRAP) and RNA-seq to identify mistranslating mRNAs in CA1 pyramidal neurons of the FX mouse model (Fmr1−/y) hippocampus, which exhibit exaggerated mGlu1/5-induced long-term synaptic depression (LTD). In these neurons, we find that the Chrm4 transcript encoding muscarinic acetylcholine receptor 4 (M4) is excessively translated, and synthesis of M4 downstream of mGlu5 activation is mimicked and occluded. Surprisingly, enhancement rather than inhibition of M4 activity normalizes core phenotypes in the Fmr1−/y, including excessive protein synthesis, exaggerated mGluR-LTD, and audiogenic seizures. These results suggest that not all excessively translated mRNAs in the Fmr1−/y brain are detrimental, and some may be candidates for enhancement to correct pathological changes in the FX brain.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)550-563.e5
Number of pages19
JournalNeuron
Volume95
Issue number3
Early online date2 Aug 2017
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2 Aug 2017

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