ILF3 prion-like domain regulates gene expression and fear memory under chronic stress

The prion-like domain (PrLD) is a class of intrinsically disordered regions. Although its propensity to form condensates has been studied in the context of neurodegenerative diseases, the physiological role of PrLD remains unclear. Here, we investigated the role of PrLD in the RNA-binding protein NFAR2, generated by a splicing variant of the Ilf3 gene. Removal of the PrLD in mice did not impair the function of NFAR2 required for survival, but did affect the responses to chronic water immersion and restraint stress (WIRS). The PrLD was required for WIRS-sensitive nuclear localization of NFAR2 and WIRS-induced changes in mRNA expression and translation in the amygdala, a fear-related brain region. Consistently, the PrLD conferred resistance to WIRS in fear-associated memory formation. Our study provides insights into the PrLD-dependent role of NFAR2 for chronic stress adaptation in the brain.

Automated summary

This study investigated the role of the prion-like domain (PrLD) in the RNA-binding protein NFAR2 in water immersion and restraint stress (WIRS). The findings suggest that PrLD is not necessary for the survival function of NFAR2, but is important for the response to WIRS. Additionally, PrLD is required for the nuclear localization of NFAR2, changes in mRNA expression and translation, and resistance to WIRS in fear-associated memory formation in the amygdala.