CAG repeat-binding small molecule improves repeat-length-dependent dysregulation of gene expression profiles in a mouse model of Dentatorubral–pallidoluysian atrophy

Dentatorubral–pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA) is a devastating genetic disease presenting myoclonus, epilepsy, ataxia, and dementia. DRPLA is caused by the expansion of a CAG repeat in the ATN1 gene. The expanded CAG repeats are unstable, and ongoing repeat expansions contribute to disease onset, progression and severity. Previously, we characterized a small molecule, naphthyridine–azaquinolone (NA), which binds to CAG slip-out structures and induces repeat contraction in Huntington's disease mice. Here, we demonstrate that long-term intracerebroventricular infusion of NA leads to repeat contraction in a murine model of DRPLA. To identify the effects of NA on transcriptional regulation, we conducted comprehensive gene expression analysis using RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) in striatum from PBS-treated and NA-treated DRPLA mice. Overall design: We analyzed of mRNA expression in striatum from DRPLA mice treated with PBS (n = 3) or naphthyridine-azaquinolone (NA) (n = 3).