Immunohistochemical identification of messenger RNA-related proteins in basophilic inclusions of adult-onset atypical motor neuron disease

Acta Neuropathol. 2008 Oct;116(4):439-45. doi: 10.1007/s00401-008-0415-x. Epub 2008 Jul 19.

Abstract

This report concerns an immunohistochemical investigation on RNA-related proteins in the basophilic inclusions (BIs) from patients with adult-onset atypical motor neuron disease. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections of the motor cortex and the lumbar spinal cord were examined. The BIs appeared blue in color with H&E and Nissl stain, and pink with methylgreen-pyronin stain. Ribonuclease pretreatment abolished the methylgreen-pyronin staining, suggesting that the BIs contained RNA. Immunohistochemically, the BIs were distinctly labeled with the antibodies against poly(A)-binding protein 1, T cell intracellular antigen 1, and ribosomal protein S6. These proteins are essential constituents of stress granules. In contrast, the BIs were not immunoreactive for ribosomal protein L28 and decapping enzyme 1, which are core components of transport ribonucleoprotein particles and processing bodies, respectively. Moreover, the BIs were not immunopositive for TDP-43. Our results imply that translation attenuation could be involved in the processes of BI formation in this disorder.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Endoribonucleases / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Inclusion Bodies / metabolism*
  • Inclusion Bodies / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motor Cortex / metabolism
  • Motor Cortex / pathology
  • Motor Neuron Disease / metabolism*
  • Motor Neuron Disease / pathology
  • Neurons / metabolism*
  • Neurons / pathology
  • Poly(A)-Binding Protein I / metabolism*
  • Poly(A)-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism*
  • Ribosomal Protein S6 / metabolism*
  • Ribosomal Proteins / metabolism
  • Staining and Labeling
  • T-Cell Intracellular Antigen-1
  • Trans-Activators / metabolism

Substances

  • Poly(A)-Binding Protein I
  • Poly(A)-Binding Proteins
  • RNA, Messenger
  • RPL28 protein, human
  • Ribosomal Protein S6
  • Ribosomal Proteins
  • T-Cell Intracellular Antigen-1
  • TIA1 protein, human
  • Trans-Activators
  • Endoribonucleases
  • DCP1A protein, human