Mouse Ataxin-2 Expansion Downregulates CamKII and Other Calcium Signaling Factors, Impairing Granule-Purkinje Neuron Synaptic Strength.

ABSTRACT: Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) is caused by polyglutamine expansion in Ataxin-2 (ATXN2). This factor binds RNA/proteins to modify metabolism after stress, and to control calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis after stimuli. Cerebellar ataxias and corticospinal motor neuron degeneration are determined by gain/loss in ATXN2 function, so we aimed to identify key molecules in this atrophic process, as potential disease progression markers. Our Atxn2-CAG100-Knock-In mouse faithfully models features observed in patients at pre-onset, early and terminal stages. Here, its cerebellar global RNA profiling revealed downregulation of signaling cascades to precede motor deficits. Validation work at mRNA/protein level defined alterations that were independent of constant physiological ATXN2 functions, but spe

SUBMITTER: Arsovic A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7555182 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature