Reduction of toxic RNAs in myotonic dystrophies type 1 and type 2 by the RNA helicase p68/DDX5

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2015 Jun 30;112(26):8041-5. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1422273112. Epub 2015 Jun 15.

Abstract

Myotonic dystrophies type 1 (DM1) and type 2 (DM2) are neuromuscular diseases, caused by accumulation of CUG and CCUG RNAs in toxic aggregates. Here we report that the increased stability of the mutant RNAs in both types of DM is caused by deficiency of RNA helicase p68. We have identified p68 by studying CCUG-binding proteins associated with degradation of the mutant CCUG repeats. Protein levels of p68 are reduced in DM1 and DM2 biopsied skeletal muscle. Delivery of p68 in DM1/2 cells causes degradation of the mutant RNAs, whereas delivery of p68 in skeletal muscle of DM1 mouse model reduces skeletal muscle myopathy and atrophy. Our study shows that correction of p68 may reduce toxicity of the mutant RNAs in DM1 and in DM2.

Keywords: CUG repeats; RNA foci; myotonic dystrophy; p68 RNA helicase.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • DEAD-box RNA Helicases / genetics
  • DEAD-box RNA Helicases / metabolism*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Muscle, Skeletal / pathology
  • Mutation
  • Myotonic Dystrophy / genetics*
  • Myotonic Dystrophy / pathology
  • RNA / genetics
  • RNA / isolation & purification*

Substances

  • RNA
  • Ddx5 protein, human
  • DEAD-box RNA Helicases