Register      Login
Reproduction, Fertility and Development Reproduction, Fertility and Development Society
Vertebrate reproductive science and technology
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Expression and characterisation of Fmr1 splice variants during folliculogenesis in the rat

Ianina C. Ferder https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6513-0832 A # , Lucía D. Espeche B # , Carlos D. Bruque https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0726-5418 C D , Fernanda Parborell C , Marta Tesone C and Liliana Dain A B C *
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Instituto de Biociencias, Biotecnología y Biología Traslacional (iB3), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Intendente Güiraldes 2160, C1428EG CABA, Argentina.

B Centro Nacional de Genética Médica “Dr. Eduardo Castilla”-ANLIS “Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán”, Avenida Las Heras 2670, C1425ASQ CABA, Argentina.

C Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Vuelta de Obligado 2490, C1428ADN CABA, Argentina.

D Present address: Unidad de Conocimiento Traslacional Hospitalaria Patagónica, Hospital de Alta Complejidad El Calafate SAMIC, Jorge Newbery 465, 9405 Santa Cruz, Argentina.

* Correspondence to: ldain@fbmc.fcen.uba.ar
# These authors contributed equally to this paper

Handling Editor: Geraldine Hartshorne

Reproduction, Fertility and Development 34(16) 1034-1042 https://doi.org/10.1071/RD22059
Published online: 19 September 2022

© 2022 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing

Abstract

Context: The FMR1 gene consists of 17 exons and codes for the FMRP protein. FMR1 is involved in four genetic disorders depending on the CGG repeats length in its 5′UTR: the full mutation is responsible for the Fragile X syndrome while the premutation is associated with the Fragile X-associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome, Fragile X-associated Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (FXPOI) and Fragile X-associated neuropsychiatric disorders. FMR1 presents multiple isoforms resulting from skipping of exons 12 and 14 and the use of alternative splice sites in exons 15 and 17.

Aims: To investigate the expression of Fmr1 splicing variants during folliculogenesis in the rat.

Methods: We used preantral, early antral and preovulatory follicles to isolate RNA and characterise, by fluorescent PCR followed by sequencing, all the isoforms present in the different follicular stages.

Key results: We identified two isoforms resulting from splicing of exon 12, six isoforms resulting from splicing of exon 14 and 15 and one isoform for exon 17.

Conclusions: The expression levels of the isoforms vary within each follicular stage but not between different stages of folliculogenesis. Importantly, we identify for the first time in rat, an isoform that contains exon 12 and two isoforms, one that includes and one that excludes exon 14 and use the third acceptor site in exon 15.

Implications: Characterisation of the different FMR1 variants expressed during folliculogenesis will help to understand the potential distinct cellular roles of each of them and the possible implication in the development of FXPOI.

Keywords: antral follicle, Fmr1, follicle, follicular development, folliculogenesis, ovary, preantral follicle, preovulatory follicle, splicing isoforms.


References

Abramovich, D, Rodriguez Celin, A, Hernandez, F, Tesone, M, and Parborell, F (2009). Spatiotemporal analysis of the protein expression of angiogenic factors and their related receptors during folliculogenesis in rats with and without hormonal treatment. Reproduction 137, 309–320.
Spatiotemporal analysis of the protein expression of angiogenic factors and their related receptors during folliculogenesis in rats with and without hormonal treatment.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Ashley, CT, Sutcliffe, JS, Kunst, CB, Leiner, HA, Eichler, EE, Nelson, DL, and Warren, ST (1993). Human and murine FMR-1: alternative splicing and translational initiation downstream of the CGG–repeat. Nature Genetics 4, 244–251.
Human and murine FMR-1: alternative splicing and translational initiation downstream of the CGG–repeat.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Bakker, CE, de Diego Otero, Y, Bontekoe, C, Raghoe, P, Luteijn, T, Hoogeveen, AT, Oostra, BA, and Willemsen, R (2000). Immunocytochemical and biochemical characterization of FMRP, FXR1P, and FXR2P in the mouse. Experimental Cell Research 258, 162–170.
Immunocytochemical and biochemical characterization of FMRP, FXR1P, and FXR2P in the mouse.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Banerjee, A, Ifrim, MF, Valdez, AN, Raj, N, and Bassell, GJ (2018). Aberrant RNA translation in fragile X syndrome: from FMRP mechanisms to emerging therapeutic strategies. Brain Research 1693, 24–36.
Aberrant RNA translation in fragile X syndrome: from FMRP mechanisms to emerging therapeutic strategies.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Brackett, DM, Qing, F, Amieux, PS, Sellers, DL, Horner, PJ, and Morris, DR (2013). FMR1 transcript isoforms: association with polyribosomes; regional and developmental expression in mouse brain. PLoS ONE 8, e58296.
FMR1 transcript isoforms: association with polyribosomes; regional and developmental expression in mouse brain.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Cook, D, Nuro, E, and Murai, KK (2014). Increasing our understanding of human cognition through the study of fragile X syndrome. Developmental Neurobiology 74, 147–177.
Increasing our understanding of human cognition through the study of fragile X syndrome.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Devys, D, Lutz, Y, Rouyer, N, Bellocq, J-P, and Mandel, J-L (1993). The FMR−1 protein is cytoplasmic, most abundant in neurons and appears normal in carriers of a fragile X premutation. Nature Genetics 4, 335–340.
The FMR−1 protein is cytoplasmic, most abundant in neurons and appears normal in carriers of a fragile X premutation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Dijkstra, AA, Haify, SN, Verwey, NA, Prins, ND, van der Toorn, EC, Rozemuller, AJM, Bugiani, M, den Dunnen, WFA, Todd, PK, Charlet-Berguerand, N, Willemsen, R, Hukema, RK, and Hoozemans, JJM (2021). Neuropathology of FMR1-premutation carriers presenting with dementia and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Brain Communications 3, fcab007.
Neuropathology of FMR1-premutation carriers presenting with dementia and neuropsychiatric symptoms.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Dolzhanskaya, N, Merz, G, and Denman, RB (2006). Alternative splicing modulates protein arginine methyltransferase-dependent methylation of fragile X syndrome mental retardation protein. Biochemistry 45, 10385–10393.
Alternative splicing modulates protein arginine methyltransferase-dependent methylation of fragile X syndrome mental retardation protein.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Dury, AY, El Fatimy, R, Tremblay, S, Rose, TM, Côté, J, De Koninck, P, and Khandjian, EW (2013). Nuclear fragile X mental retardation protein is localized to Cajal bodies. PLoS Genetics 9, e1003890.
Nuclear fragile X mental retardation protein is localized to Cajal bodies.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Eichler, EE, Richards, S, Gibbs, RA, and Nelson, DL (1993). Fine structure of the human FMR1 gene. Human Molecular Genetics 2, 1147–1153.
Fine structure of the human FMR1 gene.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Ferder, I, Parborell, F, Sundblad, V, Chiauzzi, V, Gómez, K, Charreau, EH, Tesone, M, and Dain, L (2013). Expression of fragile X mental retardation protein and Fmr1 mRNA during folliculogenesis in the rat. Reproduction 145, 335–343.
Expression of fragile X mental retardation protein and Fmr1 mRNA during folliculogenesis in the rat.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Flaws, JA, Doerr, JK, Sipes, IG, and Hoyer, PB (1994). Destruction of preantral follicles in adult rats by 4-vinyl-1-cyclohexene diepoxide. Reproductive Toxicology 8, 509–514.
Destruction of preantral follicles in adult rats by 4-vinyl-1-cyclohexene diepoxide.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Fridell, RA, Benson, RE, Hua, J, Bogerd, HP, and Cullen, BR (1996). A nuclear role for the Fragile X mental retardation protein. The EMBO Journal 15, 5408–5414.
A nuclear role for the Fragile X mental retardation protein.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Fu, X, Zheng, D, Liao, J, Li, Q, Lin, Y, Zhang, D, Yan, A, and Lan, F (2015). Alternatively spliced products lacking exon 12 dominate the expression of fragile X mental retardation 1 gene in human tissues. Molecular Medicine Reports 12, 1957–1962.
Alternatively spliced products lacking exon 12 dominate the expression of fragile X mental retardation 1 gene in human tissues.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Fu, X-g, Yan, A-z, Xu, Y-j, Liao, J, Guo, X-y, Zhang, D, Yang, W-j, Zheng, D-z, and Lan, F-h (2020). Splicing of exon 9a in FMR1 transcripts results in a truncated FMRP with altered subcellular distribution. Gene 731, 144359.
Splicing of exon 9a in FMR1 transcripts results in a truncated FMRP with altered subcellular distribution.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Haify, SN, Buijsen, RAM, Verwegen, L, Severijnen, L-AWFM, de Boer, H, Boumeester, V, Monshouwer, R, Yang, W-Y, Cameron, MD, Willemsen, R, Disney, MD, and Hukema, RK (2021). Small molecule 1a reduces FMRpolyG-mediated toxicity in in vitro and in vivo models for FMR1 premutation. Human Molecular Genetics 30, 1632–1648.
Small molecule 1a reduces FMRpolyG-mediated toxicity in in vitro and in vivo models for FMR1 premutation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Khandjian, EW, Anny, F, Thibodeau, A, Tremblay, S, Côté, F, Devys, D, Mandel, J-L, and Rousseau, F (1995). A heterogeneous set of FMR1 proteins is widely distributed in mouse tissues and is modulated in cell culture. Human Molecular Genetics 4, 783–789.
A heterogeneous set of FMR1 proteins is widely distributed in mouse tissues and is modulated in cell culture.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Khandjian, EW, Bardoni, B, Corbin, F, Sittler, A, Giroux, S, Heitz, D, Tremblay, S, Pinset, C, Montarras, D, Rousseau, F, and Mandel, J-L (1998). Novel isoforms of the fragile X related protein FXR1P are expressed during myogenesis. Human Molecular Genetics 7, 2121–2128.
Novel isoforms of the fragile X related protein FXR1P are expressed during myogenesis.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Kornblihtt, AR, Schor, IE, Alló, M, Dujardin, G, Petrillo, E, and Muñoz, MJ (2013). Alternative splicing: a pivotal step between eukaryotic transcription and translation. Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology 14, 153–165.
Alternative splicing: a pivotal step between eukaryotic transcription and translation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Leboucher, A, Pisani, DF, Martinez-Gili, L, Chilloux, J, Bermudez-Martin, P, Van Dijck, A, Ganief, T, Macek, B, Becker, JAJ, Le Merrer, J, Kooy, RF, Amri, E-Z, Khandjian, EW, Dumas, M-E, and Davidovic, L (2019). The translational regulator FMRP controls lipid and glucose metabolism in mice and humans. Molecular Metabolism 21, 22–35.
The translational regulator FMRP controls lipid and glucose metabolism in mice and humans.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Li, J, Kim, J-M, Liston, P, Li, M, Miyazaki, T, Mackenzie, AE, Korneluk, RG, and Tsang, BK (1998). Expression of inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) in rat granulosa cells during ovarian follicular development and atresia. Endocrinology 139, 1321–1328.
Expression of inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) in rat granulosa cells during ovarian follicular development and atresia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Ma, L, Herren, AW, Espinal, G, Randol, J, McLaughlin, B, Martinez-Cerdeño, V, Pessah, IN, Hagerman, RJ, and Hagerman, PJ (2019). Composition of the intranuclear inclusions of fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome. Acta Neuropathologica Communications 7, 143.
Composition of the intranuclear inclusions of fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

O’Donnell, WT, and Warren, ST (2002). A decade of molecular studies of fragile X syndrome. Annual Review of Neuroscience 25, 315–338.
A decade of molecular studies of fragile X syndrome.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Parborell, F, Pecci, A, Gonzalez, O, Vitale, A, and Tesone, M (2002). Effects of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist on rat ovarian follicle apoptosis: regulation by epidermal growth factor and the expression of Bcl-2-related genes. Biology of Reproduction 67, 481–486.
Effects of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist on rat ovarian follicle apoptosis: regulation by epidermal growth factor and the expression of Bcl-2-related genes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Pretto, DI, Eid, JS, Yrigollen, CM, Tang, H-T, Loomis, EW, Raske, C, Durbin-Johnson, B, Hagerman, PJ, and Tassone, F (2015). Differential increases of specific FMR1 mRNA isoforms in premutation carriers. Journal of Medical Genetics 52, 42–52.
Differential increases of specific FMR1 mRNA isoforms in premutation carriers.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Schuettler, J, Peng, Z, Zimmer, J, Sinn, P, von Hagens, C, Strowitzki, T, and Vogt, PH (2011). Variable expression of the Fragile X Mental Retardation 1 (FMR1) gene in patients with premature ovarian failure syndrome is not dependent on number of (CGG)n triplets in exon 1. Human Reproduction 26, 1241–1251.
Variable expression of the Fragile X Mental Retardation 1 (FMR1) gene in patients with premature ovarian failure syndrome is not dependent on number of (CGG)n triplets in exon 1.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Sellier, C, Rau, F, Liu, Y, Tassone, F, Hukema, RK, Gattoni, R, Schneider, A, Richard, S, Willemsen, R, Elliott, DJ, Hagerman, PJ, and Charlet-Berguerand, N (2010). Sam68 sequestration and partial loss of function are associated with splicing alterations in FXTAS patients. The EMBO Journal 29, 1248–1261.
Sam68 sequestration and partial loss of function are associated with splicing alterations in FXTAS patients.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Sittler, A, Devys, D, Weber, C, and Mandel, J-L (1996). Alternative splicing of exon 14 determines nuclear or cytoplasmic localisation of FMR1 protein isoforms. Human Molecular Genetics 5, 95–102.
Alternative splicing of exon 14 determines nuclear or cytoplasmic localisation of FMR1 protein isoforms.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Takahashi, N, Tarumi, W, Itoh, MT, and Ishizuka, B (2015). The stage- and cell type-specific localization of fragile X mental retardation protein in rat ovaries. Reproductive Sciences 22, 1524–1529.
The stage- and cell type-specific localization of fragile X mental retardation protein in rat ovaries.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Tassone, F, Hagerman, RJ, Garcia-Arocena, D, Khandjian, EW, Greco, CM, and Hagerman, PJ (2004). Intranuclear inclusions in neural cells with premutation alleles in fragile X associated tremor/ataxia syndrome. Journal of Medical Genetics 41, e43.
Intranuclear inclusions in neural cells with premutation alleles in fragile X associated tremor/ataxia syndrome.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Tassone, F, De Rubeis, S, Carosi, C, La Fata, G, Serpa, G, Raske, C, Willemsen, R, Hagerman, PJ, and Bagni, C (2011). Differential usage of transcriptional start sites and polyadenylation sites in FMR1 premutation alleles. Nucleic Acids Research 39, 6172–6185.
Differential usage of transcriptional start sites and polyadenylation sites in FMR1 premutation alleles.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Todd, PK, Oh, SY, Krans, A, He, F, Sellier, C, Frazer, M, Renoux, AJ, Chen, K-c, Scaglione, KM, Basrur, V, Elenitoba-Johnson, K, Vonsattel, JP, Louis, ED, Sutton, MA, Taylor, JP, Mills, RE, Charlet-Berguerand, N, and Paulson, HL (2013). CGG repeat-associated translation mediates neurodegeneration in fragile X tremor ataxia syndrome. Neuron 78, 440–455.
CGG repeat-associated translation mediates neurodegeneration in fragile X tremor ataxia syndrome.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Tseng, E, Tang, H-T, AlOlaby, RR, Hickey, L, and Tassone, F (2017). Altered expression of the FMR1 splicing variants landscape in premutation carriers. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Gene Regulatory Mechanisms 1860, 1117–1126.
Altered expression of the FMR1 splicing variants landscape in premutation carriers.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Verkerk, AJMH, de Graaff, E, De Boulle, K, Eichler, EE, Konecki, DS, Reyniers, E, Manca, A, Poustka, A, Willems, PJ, Nelson, DL, and Oostra, BA (1993). Alternative splicing in the fragile X gene FMR1. Human Molecular Genetics 2, 399–404.
Alternative splicing in the fragile X gene FMR1.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Wang, ET, Sandberg, R, Luo, S, Khrebtukova, I, Zhang, L, Mayr, C, Kingsmore, SF, Schroth, GP, and Burge, CB (2008). Alternative isoform regulation in human tissue transcriptomes. Nature 456, 470–476.
Alternative isoform regulation in human tissue transcriptomes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Wang, Q, Barad, DH, Darmon, SK, Kushnir, VA, Wu, Y-G, Lazzaroni-Tealdi, E, Zhang, L, Albertini, DF, and Gleicher, N (2018). Reduced RNA expression of the FMR1 gene in women with low (CGGn<26) repeats. PLoS ONE 13, e0209309.
Reduced RNA expression of the FMR1 gene in women with low (CGGn<26) repeats.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Xie, W, Dolzhanskaya, N, LaFauci, G, Dobkin, C, and Denman, RB (2009). Tissue and developmental regulation of fragile X mental retardation 1 exon 12 and 15 isoforms. Neurobiology of Disease 35, 52–62.
Tissue and developmental regulation of fragile X mental retardation 1 exon 12 and 15 isoforms.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |