Mutations in the Mitochondrial Methionyl-tRNA Synthetase Cause a Neurodegenerative Phenotype in Flies and a Recessive Ataxia (ARSAL) in Humans

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1001288
• Publication Date: 2012-03-22T15:11:02Z
• Authors: Vafa Bayat; Isabelle Thiffault; Manish Jaiswal; Martine Tétreault; Taraka Donti; Florin Sasarman; Geneviève Bernard; Julie Demers-Lama...; Marie-Josée Dicaire; Jean Mathieu; Michel Vanasse; Jean-Pierre Bouchard; Marie-France Rioux; Charles M. Lourenco; Zhihong Li; Claire Haueter; Eric A. Shoubridge; Brett H. Graham; Bernard Brais; Hugo J. Bellen
• Keywords: Adult; Male; Adolescent; QH301-705.5; Longevity; Methionine-tRNA Ligase; Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic; Electron Transport; 03 medical and health sciences; Leukoencephalopathies; Electroretinography; Animals; Drosophila Proteins; Humans; Biology (General); Child; Cell Proliferation; 0303 health sciences; Middle Aged; 3. Good health; HEK293 Cells; Child, Preschool; Ataxia; Drosophila; Female; Research Article

An increasing number of genes required for mitochondrial biogenesis, dynamics, or function have been found to be mutated in metabolic disorders and neurological diseases such as Leigh Syndrome. In a forward genetic screen to identify genes required for neuronal function and survival in Drosophila photoreceptor neurons, we have identified mutations in the mitochondrial methionyl-tRNA synthetase, Aats-met, the homologue of human MARS2. The fly mutants exhibit age-dependent degeneration of photoreceptors, shortened lifespan, and reduced cell proliferation in epithelial tissues. We further observed that these mutants display defects in oxidative phosphorylation, increased Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), and an upregulated mitochondrial Unfolded Protein Response. With the aid of this knowledge, we identified MARS2 to be mutated in Autosomal Recessive Spastic Ataxia with Leukoencephalopathy (ARSAL) patients. We uncovered complex rearrangements in the MARS2 gene in all ARSAL patients. Analysis of patient cells revealed decreased levels of MARS2 protein and a reduced rate of mitochondrial protein synthesis. Patient cells also exhibited reduced Complex I activity, increased ROS, and a slower cell proliferation rate, similar to Drosophila Aats-met mutants.