14-3-3 protein binds to the low molecular weight neurofilament (NFL) mRNA 3' UTR

Mol Cell Neurosci. 2007 Jan;34(1):80-7. doi: 10.1016/j.mcn.2006.10.001. Epub 2006 Nov 13.

Abstract

We have previously reported that altered stability of low molecular weight neurofilament (NFL) mRNA in lumbar spinal cord homogenates in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is associated with altered expression of trans-acting 3' UTR mRNA binding proteins. We have identified two hexanucleotide motifs as the main cis elements and, using LC/MS/MS of peptide digests of NFL 3' UTR interacting proteins from human spinal cord, observed that 14-3-3 proteins interact with these motifs. 14-3-3 beta, zeta, tau, gamma, and eta isoforms were found to be expressed in human spinal cord. Each isoform was expressed in vitro and shown to interact with NFL 3' UTR mRNA. Mutation of one or both motifs resulted in decreased 14-3-3 interaction, changes in predicted mRNA structure or alteration in stability of the mRNA. These data show a novel interaction for 14-3-3 with NFL mRNA, and suggests that 14-3-3 may play a role in regulating NFL mRNA stability.

MeSH terms

  • 14-3-3 Proteins / chemistry
  • 14-3-3 Proteins / genetics
  • 14-3-3 Proteins / metabolism*
  • 3' Untranslated Regions / genetics
  • 3' Untranslated Regions / metabolism*
  • Amino Acid Motifs / genetics
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / genetics
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / metabolism
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / physiopathology
  • Binding Sites / genetics
  • Cell Line
  • Cytoskeleton / genetics
  • Cytoskeleton / metabolism
  • Cytoskeleton / pathology
  • Humans
  • Motor Neurons / metabolism*
  • Mutation / genetics
  • Nerve Degeneration / genetics
  • Nerve Degeneration / metabolism
  • Nerve Degeneration / pathology
  • Neurofilament Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Neurofilament Proteins / genetics*
  • Protein Binding / genetics
  • Protein Isoforms / genetics
  • Protein Isoforms / metabolism
  • RNA Stability / genetics*
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism*
  • Spinal Cord / metabolism

Substances

  • 14-3-3 Proteins
  • 3' Untranslated Regions
  • Neurofilament Proteins
  • Protein Isoforms
  • RNA, Messenger
  • neurofilament protein L