Exploring the influence of torsinA expression on protein quality control

Neurochem Res. 2011 Mar;36(3):452-9. doi: 10.1007/s11064-010-0363-4. Epub 2010 Dec 16.

Abstract

DYT1 dystonia is caused by a glutamic acid deletion (ΔE) in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) protein torsinA. Previous studies suggest that torsinA modulates the aggregation of cytosolic misfolded proteins and ER stress responses, although the mechanisms underlying those effects remain unclear. In order to investigate the bases of these observations, we analyzed the interaction between torsinA expression, protein aggregation and ER stress in PC6.3 cells. Unexpectedly, we found that expression of torsinA(wt) or (ΔE) does not influence the inclusion formation by an expanded polyglutamine reporter protein in this cellular model. Furthermore, torsinA does not prevent the activation of ER stress induced by thapsigargin or the reducing agent DTT. Interestingly, DTT induces post-translational changes in torsinA, more prominently for torsinA(wt) than (ΔE). This work highlights the importance of model system selection for the study of torsinA function. Furthermore, it provides additional evidence suggesting that torsinA is sensitive to changes in the cellular redox potential.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Dystonia Musculorum Deformans
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Molecular Chaperones / genetics
  • Molecular Chaperones / metabolism*
  • Mutation
  • Peptides / metabolism
  • Rats
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / metabolism
  • Sequence Deletion
  • Stress, Physiological

Substances

  • Molecular Chaperones
  • Peptides
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • TOR1A protein, human
  • polyglutamine