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Dryad

Overexpression of an ALS-associated FUS mutation in C. elegans disrupts NMJ morphology and leads to defective neuromuscular transmission

Cite this dataset

Markert, Sebastian Matthias et al. (2020). Overexpression of an ALS-associated FUS mutation in C. elegans disrupts NMJ morphology and leads to defective neuromuscular transmission [Dataset]. Dryad. https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.9ghx3ffg0

Abstract

The amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) neurodegenerative disorder has been associated with multiple genetic lesions, including mutations in the gene for FUS (Fused in Sarcoma), a nuclear-localized RNA/DNA-binding protein. Neuronal expression of the pathological form of FUS proteins in C. elegans results in mislocalization and aggregation of FUS in the cytoplasm, and leads to impairment of motility. However, the mechanisms by which the mutant FUS disrupts neuronal health and function remain unclear. Here we investigated the impact of ALS-associated FUS on motor neuron health using correlative light and electron microscopy, electron tomography, and electrophysiology. We show that ectopic expression of wild-type or ALS-associated human FUS impairs synaptic vesicle docking at neuromuscular junctions. ALS-associated FUS led to the emergence of a population of large, electron-dense, and filament-filled endosomes. Electrophysiological recording revealed reduced transmission from motor neurons to muscles. Together, these results suggest a pathological effect of ALS-causing FUS at synaptic structure and function organization.

Methods

Please refer to the main publication and the accompanying README file for information on dataset generation and processing.

Usage notes

To open and view the tomograms and 3D models (.rec and .mod files) please use the 3dmod software from the IMOD package. It can be downloaded for free here: https://bio3d.colorado.edu/imod/

Refer to the accompanying README file and the main publication to understand and use this dataset.