SFPQ regulates the accumulation of RNA foci and dipeptide repeat proteins from the expanded repeat mutation in C9orf72

The expanded GGGGCC repeat mutation in the C9orf72 gene is the most common genetic cause of the neurodegenerative diseases amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The expansion is transcribed to sense and antisense RNA, which form RNA foci and bind cellular proteins. This mechanism of action is considered cytotoxic. Translation of the expanded RNA transcripts also leads to the accumulation of toxic dipeptide repeat proteins (DPRs). The RNA-binding protein splicing factor proline and glutamine rich (SFPQ), which is being increasingly associated with ALS and FTD pathology, binds to sense RNA foci. Here, we show that SFPQ plays an important role in the C9orf72 mutation. Overexpression of SFPQ resulted in higher numbers of both sense and antisense RNA foci and DPRs in transfected human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells. Conversely, reduced SPFQ levels resulted in lower numbers of RNA foci and DPRs in both transfected HEK cells and C9orf72 mutation-positive patient-derived fibroblasts and lymphoblasts. Therefore, we have revealed a role of SFPQ in regulating the C9orf72 mutation that has implications for understanding and developing novel therapeutic targets for ALS and FTD. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.

Automated summary

The expanded GGGGCC repeat mutation in the C9orf72 gene is a common genetic cause of ALS and FTD, leading to the formation of RNA foci and accumulation of toxic DPRs. SFPQ plays a crucial role in the C9orf72 mutation, with its overexpression increasing the numbers of RNA foci and DPRs, while reduced levels of SPFQ result in lower quantities of these substances.