Splicing factor PRPF31 retinitis pigmentosa (RP11) is caused by disrupted alternative splicing programmes for genes implicated in pre-mRNA splicing, cellular adhesion and ciliogenesis

ABSTRACT: Mutations in pre-mRNA processing factors (PRPFs) cause autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (RP), but it is unclear why mutations in ubiquitously expressed genes cause retinal disease. We have generated transcriptome profiles from RP11 (PRPF31-mutated) patient-derived retinal organoids and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), as well as Prpf31+/- mouse tissues, which revealed that disrupted alternative splicing occurred for specific splicing programmes. Mis-splicing of genes encoding pre-mRNA splicing proteins was limited to patient-specific retinal cells and Prpf31+/- mouse retinae and RPE. Mis-splicing of genes implicated in ciliogenesis and cellular adhesion was associated with severe RPE defects that include disrupted apical-basal polarity, reduced trans-epithelial resistance and phagocytic capacity, and decreased cilia length and incidence. Disrupted cilia morphology also occurred in patient-derived photoreceptors, associated with progressive degeneration and cellular stress. In situ gene-editing of a pathogenic mutation rescued protein expression and key cellular phenotypes in RPE and photoreceptors, providing proof-of-concept for future therapeutic strategies.

INSTRUMENT(S): Q Exactive HF-X, Orbitrap Fusion

ORGANISM(S): Homo Sapiens (human)

TISSUE(S): Retina

SUBMITTER: Kuan-Ting Pan  

LAB HEAD: Henning Urlaub

PROVIDER: PXD010821 | Pride | 2018-08-20

REPOSITORIES: Pride