Fragile X-associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by expansion of 55-200 CGG repeats in the 5 0 -UTR of the FMR1 gene. FXTAS is characterized by action tremor, gait ataxia and impaired executive cognitive functioning. It has been proposed that FXTAS is caused by titration of RNA-binding proteins by the expanded CGG repeats. Sam68 is an RNAbinding protein involved in alternative splicing regulation and its ablation in mouse leads to motor coordination defects. Here, we report that mRNAs containing expanded CGG repeats form large and dynamic intranuclear RNA aggregates that recruit several RNA-binding proteins sequentially, first Sam68, then hnRNP-G and MBNL1. Importantly, Sam68 is sequestered by expanded CGG repeats and thereby loses its splicing-regulatory function. Consequently, Sam68-responsive splicing is altered in FXTAS patients. Finally, we found that regulation of Sam68 tyrosine phosphorylation modulates its localization within CGG aggregates and that tautomycin prevents both Sam68 and CGG RNA aggregate formation. Overall, these data support an RNA gain-of-function mechanism for FXTAS neuropathology, and suggest possible target routes for treatment options.

The only mammalian RNA binding adapter proteins known to partner with TAP/NXF1, the primary receptor for general mRNA export, are members of the REF family. We demonstrate that at least three shuttling SR (serine/arginine-rich) proteins interact with the same domain of TAP/NXF1 that binds REFs. Included are 9G8 and SRp20, previously shown to promote the export of intronless RNAs. A peptide derived from the N terminus of 9G8 inhibits the binding of both REF and SR proteins to TAP/NXF1 in vitro, and this finding argues for competitive interactions. In Xenopus oocytes, the N terminus of 9G8 exhibits a dominant-negative effect on mRNA export from the nucleus, while addition of excess TAP/NXF1 overcomes this inhibition. Thus, multiple adapters including SR proteins most likely cooperate to recruit multiple copies of TAP/NXF1 for efficient mRNA export.