The Bap1-SMN axis in Dpp4+ skeletal muscle mesenchymal cells regulates survival of motor neurons
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ABSTRACT: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular disease caused by mutations in the survival of motor neuron (SMN) gene. Although the primary manifestation of SMA is degeneration of motor neurons in a dying-back manner, deficient SMN intrinsic to motor neurons does not cause severe motor neuron loss, as is the case in SMA mouse models. Thus, the involvement of non-neuronal cells in the pathogenesis of SMA has been suggested. Here, we report that a novel subset of fibro-adipogenic progenitors expressing Dpp4 (Dpp4+ FAPs) is required for the survival of motor neurons, in which BRCA1-associating protein 1 (Bap1) is crucial for the stabilization of SMN by preventing its ubiquitination-dependent degradation. Inactivation of Bap1 in FAPs decreased SMN levels and accompanied degeneration of the neuromuscular junction, leading to dying-back loss of motor neurons and muscle atrophy, reminiscent of SMA pathogenesis. Overexpression of ubiquitination-resistant SMN variant, SMNK186R, in Bap1-null FAPs completely prevented neuromuscular degenerations. In addition, transplantation of Dpp4+ FAPs, but not Dpp4- FAPs, completely rescued neuromuscular defects in the mutant mice. Our data revealed that Bap1-mediated stabilization of SMN in Dpp4+ FAPs is crucial for the survival of motor neurons and provided a new therapeutic approach to treat SMA.
ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus
PROVIDER: GSE190426 | GEO | 2022/06/30
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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