AMPD2 Regulates GTP Synthesis and Is Mutated in a Potentially Treatable Neurodegenerative Brainstem Disorder

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AKIZU N., CANTAGREL V., SCHROTH J., CAI N., VAUX K., MCCLOSKEY D., ...More

CELL, vol.154, no.3, pp.505-517, 2013 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 154 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2013
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.cell.2013.07.005
  • Journal Name: CELL
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.505-517
  • Karadeniz Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Purine biosynthesis and metabolism, conserved in all living organisms, is essential for cellular energy homeostasis and nucleic acid synthesis. The de novo synthesis of purine precursors is under tight negative feedback regulation mediated by adenosine and guanine nucleotides. We describe a distinct early-onset neuro degenerative condition resulting from mutations in the adenosine monophosphate deaminase 2 gene (AMPD2). Patients have characteristic brain imaging features of pontocerebellar hypoplasia (PCH) due to loss of brainstem and cerebellar parenchyma. We found that AMPD2 plays an evolutionary conserved role in the maintenance of cellular guanine nucleotide pools by regulating the feedback inhibition of adenosine derivatives on de novo purine synthesis. AMPD2 deficiency results in defective GTP-dependent initiation of protein translation, which can be rescued by administration of purine precursors. These data suggest AMPD2-related PCH as a potentially treatable early-onset neurodegenerative disease.