Functional mapping of the interaction between TDP-43 and hnRNP A2 in vivo

Nucleic Acids Res. 2009 Jul;37(12):4116-26. doi: 10.1093/nar/gkp342. Epub 2009 May 8.

Abstract

Nuclear factor TDP-43 has been reported to play multiple roles in transcription, pre-mRNA splicing, mRNA stability and mRNA transport. From a structural point of view, TDP-43 is a member of the hnRNP protein family whose structure includes two RRM domains flanked by the N-terminus and C-terminal regions. Like many members of this family, the C-terminal region can interact with cellular factors and thus serve to modulate its function. Previously, we have described that TDP-43 binds to several members of the hnRNP A/B family through this region. In this work, we set up a coupled minigene/siRNA cellular system that allows us to obtain in vivo data to address the functional significance of TDP-43-recruited hnRNP complex formation. Using this method, we have finely mapped the interaction between TDP-43 and the hnRNP A2 protein to the region comprised between amino acid residues 321 and 366. Our results provide novel details of protein-protein interactions in splicing regulation. In addition, we provide further insight on TDP-43 functional properties, particularly the lack of effects, as seen with our assays, of the disease-associated mutations that fall within the TDP-43 321-366 region: Q331K, M337V and G348C.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / genetics
  • Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / chemistry*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • HeLa Cells
  • Heterogeneous-Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein Group A-B / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Heterogeneous-Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein Group A-B / genetics
  • Heterogeneous-Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein Group A-B / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Mutation, Missense
  • Peptides / pharmacology
  • Protein Interaction Mapping
  • RNA Interference
  • RNA Splicing*
  • Sequence Deletion
  • Sequence Homology, Amino Acid

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Heterogeneous-Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein Group A-B
  • Peptides
  • hnRNP A2
  • Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator