Biochemical and genetic interaction between the fragile X mental retardation protein and the microRNA pathway

Nat Neurosci. 2004 Feb;7(2):113-7. doi: 10.1038/nn1174. Epub 2004 Jan 4.

Abstract

Fragile X syndrome is caused by a loss of expression of the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). FMRP is a selective RNA-binding protein which forms a messenger ribonucleoprotein (mRNP) complex that associates with polyribosomes. Recently, mRNA ligands associated with FMRP have been identified. However, the mechanism by which FMRP regulates the translation of its mRNA ligands remains unclear. MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNAs involved in translational control. Here we show that in vivo mammalian FMRP interacts with microRNAs and the components of the microRNA pathways including Dicer and the mammalian ortholog of Argonaute 1 (AGO1). Using two different Drosophila melanogaster models, we show that AGO1 is critical for FMRP function in neural development and synaptogenesis. Our results suggest that FMRP may regulate neuronal translation via microRNAs and links microRNAs with human disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Argonaute Proteins
  • Blotting, Western
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Drosophila Proteins / metabolism
  • Drosophila melanogaster
  • Eye / ultrastructure
  • Fragile X Syndrome / genetics*
  • Fragile X Syndrome / metabolism*
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • MicroRNAs / physiology*
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics*
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism*
  • Neuromuscular Junction / physiology
  • Neuromuscular Junction / ultrastructure
  • Neuronal Plasticity / genetics
  • Precipitin Tests
  • RNA-Induced Silencing Complex / metabolism
  • Ribonuclease III / metabolism

Substances

  • AGO2 protein, Drosophila
  • Argonaute Proteins
  • Drosophila Proteins
  • MicroRNAs
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • RNA-Induced Silencing Complex
  • Ribonuclease III