Post-translational modifications on RNA-binding proteins: accelerators, brakes, or passengers in neurodegeneration?

Trends Biochem Sci. 2022 Jan;47(1):6-22. doi: 10.1016/j.tibs.2021.07.004. Epub 2021 Aug 5.

Abstract

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are critical players in RNA expression and metabolism, thus, the proper regulation of this class of proteins is critical for cellular health. Regulation of RBPs often occurs through post-translational modifications (PTMs), which allow the cell to quickly and efficiently respond to cellular and environmental stimuli. PTMs have recently emerged as important regulators of RBPs implicated in neurodegenerative disorders, in particular amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Here, we summarize how disease-associated PTMs influence the biophysical properties, molecular interactions, subcellular localization, and function of ALS/FTD-linked RBPs, such as FUS and TDP-43. We will discuss how PTMs are believed to play pathological, protective, or ambiguous roles in these neurodegenerative disorders.

Keywords: Fused in sarcoma (FUS); RNA-binding protein (RBP); TAR DNA-binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP-43); amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS); frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis* / genetics
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis* / metabolism
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis* / pathology
  • Frontotemporal Dementia* / genetics
  • Frontotemporal Dementia* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational
  • RNA-Binding Protein FUS / genetics
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • RNA-Binding Protein FUS
  • RNA-Binding Proteins