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Review
. 2023 Sep 21;12(18):2330.
doi: 10.3390/cells12182330.

Insight and Recommendations for Fragile X-Premutation-Associated Conditions from the Fifth International Conference on FMR1 Premutation

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Review

Insight and Recommendations for Fragile X-Premutation-Associated Conditions from the Fifth International Conference on FMR1 Premutation

Flora Tassone et al. Cells. .

Abstract

The premutation of the fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMR1) gene is characterized by an expansion of the CGG trinucleotide repeats (55 to 200 CGGs) in the 5' untranslated region and increased levels of FMR1 mRNA. Molecular mechanisms leading to fragile X-premutation-associated conditions (FXPAC) include cotranscriptional R-loop formations, FMR1 mRNA toxicity through both RNA gelation into nuclear foci and sequestration of various CGG-repeat-binding proteins, and the repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN)-initiated translation of potentially toxic proteins. Such molecular mechanisms contribute to subsequent consequences, including mitochondrial dysfunction and neuronal death. Clinically, premutation carriers may exhibit a wide range of symptoms and phenotypes. Any of the problems associated with the premutation can appropriately be called FXPAC. Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), fragile X-associated primary ovarian insufficiency (FXPOI), and fragile X-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (FXAND) can fall under FXPAC. Understanding the molecular and clinical aspects of the premutation of the FMR1 gene is crucial for the accurate diagnosis, genetic counseling, and appropriate management of affected individuals and families. This paper summarizes all the known problems associated with the premutation and documents the presentations and discussions that occurred at the International Premutation Conference, which took place in New Zealand in 2023.

Keywords: FMR1 molecular and clinical; FMR1 premutation; FXAND; FXPAC; FXPOI; FXTAS.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Molecular mechanisms leading to FMR1-PM-associated conditions. Three nonexclusive models are proposed for how CGG repeats contribute to the pathogenesis of PM conditions, including FXTAS. First, the cotranscriptional R-loop formation, which compromises genomic stability and triggers a DNA-damage response that can activate inflammatory cascades [116,117]. Second, CGG-repeat RNAs can elicit a gain-of-function toxicity through RNA gelation into nuclear foci and sequestration of various rCGG-repeat-binding proteins, leading to their functional depletion [25,26]. Third, repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN)-initiated translation generates potentially toxic proteins that accumulate within intranuclear neuronal inclusions in FXTAS patients. The relative contribution from each mechanism to downstream sequelae, such as mitochondrial dysfunction and neuronal death, and their potential synergies in disease pathogenesis, are areas of ongoing research in the field. Adapted from [118].
Figure 2
Figure 2
FXPAC involvement across the lifespan.
Figure 3
Figure 3
(ac) H&E and ubiquitin staining (brown). Inclusions in astrocytes (a), neurons (b), and Purkinje cells (c); (d) H&E. White-matter disease in cerebellum; (e) Cortical atrophy and venrticulomegalia; (f) Perl’s staining. Iron deposition in capillaries; (g,h) Iba1 staining. Activated microglia; (i,k) GFAP staining. Activated astrocytes; (j) Iba1 staining. Senescent microglia; (l) H&E. Microbleeding; (m,n) H&E and ubiquitin staining (brown). Inclusions in endothelial cells. Arrows and asterisks are indicating the pathology of interest. Arrowhead in (c) points to nucleolus.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Lived experience perspective. Results from an anonymous Survey Monkey questionnaire distributed via email to the member based of Fragile X New Zealand (n = 38). (a) Binary data (blue = yes; gray = no); (b) Preferred terminology by survey respondents; (c,d). Example quotes in response to query about (c) what is helpful in research and (d) what is unhelpful in research.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Lived experience perspectives from member based of NFXF and FXAA. (a) Results from an anonymous Survey Monkey questionnaire distributed via email to the member based of NFXF and FXAA (n = 255); (b) Example quotes.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Attendees at the 5th International Conference on FMR1 Premutation.

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