AUF1 ligand circPCNX reduces cell proliferation by competing with p21 mRNA to increase p21 production

Mammalian circRNAs can influence different cellular processes by interacting with proteins and other nucleic acids. Here, we used ribonucleoprotein immunoprecipitation (RIP) analysis to identify systematically the circRNAs associated with the cancer-related protein AUF1. Among the circRNAs interacting with AUF1 in HeLa (human cervical carcinoma) cells, we focused on hsa_circ_0032434 (circPCNX), an abundant target of AUF1. Overexpression of circPCNX specifically interfered with the binding of AUF1 to p21 (CDKN1A) mRNA, thereby promoting p21 mRNA stability and elevating the production of p21, a major inhibitor of cell proliferation. Conversely, silencing circPCNX increased AUF1 binding to p21 mRNA, reducing p21 production and promoting cell division. Importantly, eliminating the AUF1-binding region of circPCNX abrogated the rise in p21 levels and rescued proliferation. Therefore, we propose that the interaction of circPCNX with AUF1 selectively prevents AUF1 binding to p21 mRNA, leading to enhanced p21 mRNA stability and p21 protein production, thereby suppressing cell growth.

Interaction of OIP5-AS1 with MEF2C mRNA promotes myogenic gene expression

Long noncoding (lnc)RNAs potently regulate gene expression programs in physiology and disease. Here, we describe a key function for lncRNA OIP5-AS1 in myogenesis, the process whereby myoblasts differentiate into myotubes during muscle development and muscle regeneration after injury. In human myoblasts, OIP5-AS1 levels increased robustly early in myogenesis, and its loss attenuated myogenic differentiation and potently reduced the levels of the myogenic transcription factor MEF2C. This effect relied upon the partial complementarity of OIP5-AS1 with MEF2C mRNA and the presence of HuR, an RNA-binding protein (RBP) with affinity for both transcripts. Remarkably, HuR binding to MEF2C mRNA, which stabilized MEF2C mRNA and increased MEF2C abundance, was lost after OIP5-AS1 silencing, suggesting that OIP5-AS1 might serve as a scaffold to enhance HuR binding to MEF2C mRNA, in turn increasing MEF2C production. These results highlight a mechanism whereby a lncRNA promotes myogenesis by enhancing the interaction of an RBP and a myogenic mRNA.

Practical guide for circular RNA analysis: Steps, tips, and resources

Recent technological advances in RNA sequencing and analysis have allowed an increasingly thorough investigation of a previously unexplored class of transcripts, circular (circ)RNAs. Accumulating evidence suggests that circRNAs have unique functions which often rely on their association with microRNAs and RNA-binding proteins. Through these interactions, circRNAs have been implicated in major cellular processes and hence in the pathophysiology of a range of diseases. Here, we provide guidelines to consider when developing studies on circRNAs, including detecting and selecting the circRNAs, identifying their binding partners and sites of interaction, modulating circRNA levels, assessing copy numbers and stoichiometry, and addressing other points unique to circRNA analysis. This article is categorized under: Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs.

circSamd4 represses myogenic transcriptional activity of PUR proteins

By interacting with proteins and nucleic acids, the vast family of mammalian circRNAs is proposed to influence many biological processes. Here, RNA sequencing analysis of circRNAs differentially expressed during myogenesis revealed that circSamd4 expression increased robustly in mouse C2C12 myoblasts differentiating into myotubes. Moreover, silencing circSamd4, which is conserved between human and mouse, delayed myogenesis and lowered the expression of myogenic markers in cultured myoblasts from both species. Affinity pulldown followed by mass spectrometry revealed that circSamd4 associated with PURA and PURB, two repressors of myogenesis that inhibit transcription of the myosin heavy chain (MHC) protein family. Supporting the hypothesis that circSamd4 might complex with PUR proteins and thereby prevent their interaction with DNA, silencing circSamd4 enhanced the association of PUR proteins with the Mhc promoter, while overexpressing circSamd4 interfered with the binding of PUR proteins to the Mhc promoter. These effects were abrogated when using a mutant circSamd4 lacking the PUR binding site. Our results indicate that the association of PUR proteins with circSamd4 enhances myogenesis by contributing to the derepression of MHC transcription.

mRNA methylation in cell senescence

Cellular senescence, a developmental program central to normal aging and aging pathologies, is robustly regulated at the post-transcriptional level. This regulation involves the interaction of RNA-binding proteins and noncoding RNAs with senescence-associated messenger RNAs (mRNAs). There is increasing evidence that these associations are modulated by chemical modifications of specific mRNA nucleotides which can enhance or reduce the binding of regulatory factors. Recent technological advances in mass spectrometry, next-generation sequencing, and genome mapping have improved markedly the detection of mRNA modifications. Given the rising interest in the epitranscriptomic control of gene expression in aging, we discuss our incipient understanding of the chemical mRNA modifications, specifically m6 A and m5 C, that influence cellular senescence. This article is categorized under: RNA Export and Localization > RNA Localization RNA Processing > RNA Editing and Modification.

FOXO1 cysteine-612 mediates stimulatory effects of the coregulators CBP and PGC1α on FOXO1 basal transcriptional activity

Hepatic production and release of metabolites, nutrients and micronutrient transporters is tightly regulated at the level of gene expression. In this regard, transcription factor FOXO1 modulates the expression of genes such as G6PC and SELENOP, encoding the catalytic subunit of glucose 6-phosphatase and the plasma selenium transporter selenoprotein P, respectively. Here, we analyzed the role of cysteine residues in FOXO1 in controlling its activity with respect to regulation of G6PC and SELENOP in HepG2 human hepatoma cells. None of the seven FOXO1 cysteines affected FOXO1 binding to DNA or its basal subcellular distribution. Whereas overexpression of wildtype FOXO1 caused a strong induction of both G6PC and SELENOP promoter activities and mRNA levels, the induction was lowered by approx. 50% if cysteine-deficient FOXO1 was overexpressed instead. Only the most C-terminal of the seven FOXO1 cysteines, Cys612, was required and sufficient to ensure full FOXO1 transactivation activity. Coexpression of FOXO1 coregulators, CBP or PGC1α, had a strong synergistic effect in stimulating G6PC promoter activity and expression, fully relying on the presence of FOXO1 Cys612. Similarly, a synergistic effect of FOXO1 and CBP was observed for SELENOP. In contrast, stimulation of SELENOP by PGC1α was independent of FOXO1-Cys612, due to the close proximity of a hepatocyte nuclear factor-4α binding site to the FOXO1 binding site within the SELENOP promoter, as demonstrated using mutant SELENOP promoter constructs. In summary, full basal FOXO1 transactivation activity relies on Cys612, which mediates synergistic effects of coregulators, CBP or PGC1α, on FOXO1 transcriptional activity. The extent of Cys612 contribution depends on the promoter context of FOXO1 target genes.

Synergistic killing of FLT3ITD-positive AML cells by combined inhibition of tyrosine-kinase activity and N-glycosylation

Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) with internal tandem duplications (ITD) is a major oncoprotein in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and confers an unfavorable prognosis. Interference with FLT3ITD signaling is therefore pursued as a promising therapeutic strategy. In this study we show that abrogation of FLT3ITD glycoprotein maturation using low doses of the N-glycosylation inhibitor tunicamycin has anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects on FLT3ITD-expressing human and murine cell lines. This effect is mediated in part by arresting FLT3ITD in an underglycosylated state and thereby attenuating FLT3ITD-driven AKT and ERK signaling. In addition, tunicamycin caused pronounced endoplasmatic reticulum stress and apoptosis through activation of protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) and activation of the gene encoding CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP). PERK inhibition with a small molecule attenuated CHOP induction and partially rescued cells from apoptosis. Combination of tunicamycin with potent FLT3ITD kinase inhibitors caused synergistic cell killing, which was highly selective for cell lines and primary AML cells expressing FLT3ITD. Although tunicamycin is currently not a clinically applicable drug, we propose that mild inhibition of N-glycosylation may have therapeutic potential in combination with FLT3 kinase inhibitors for FLT3ITD-positive AML.

Multifaceted functions of the forkhead box transcription factors FoxO1 and FoxO3 in skin

BACKGROUND

The ubiquitously expressed forkhead box, class O (FoxO) transcription factors act as signaling integrators in extensive transcriptional networks, ensuring maintenance of cell and tissue homeostasis over time and in response to environmental challenges. Proteins whose biosynthesis is controlled through FoxOs fulfil key functions in antioxidant defense, metabolism, cell cycle regulation and apoptosis.

SCOPE OF REVIEW

All four mammalian FoxO isoforms (FoxO1, FoxO3, FoxO4 and FoxO6) are expressed in skin but functions have been specified only for FoxO1 and FoxO3. This review provides an overview on the roles of FoxO1 and FoxO3 in the major types of skin cells: fibroblasts, keratinocytes and melanocytes.

MAJOR CONCLUSIONS

As expected because of their target genes, FoxOs are involved in counter-acting oxidative stress and in decisions on cell fate regarding apoptosis or senescence. However, their role in skin surpasses these rather obvious tasks: FoxO1 is part of signaling axes related to the control of epidermal morphogenesis and the pathogenesis of acne. FoxO3 dampens the biosynthesis of melanin in melanocytes; on the other hand, FoxO3 suppression in melanoma is associated with impaired apoptosis and increased metastatic potential of melanoma cells. Upon skin injury, a well-balanced and -timed up-regulation of FoxOs appears to support the healing process through affecting proliferation, migration and apoptosis of keratinocytes, fibroblasts and other cells accumulating at the wounded site.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

FoxO1 and FoxO3 are discussed as homeostatic factors that influence morphogenesis, maintenance and repair processes in skin as well as the pathogenesis of disorders such as acne and skin cancer.

Modulation of cellular thiol status affects FoxO activity and life span

Diethyl maleate (DEM) is a thiol-depleting agent frequently employed in cell culture analyses. Here, we investigated the effect of DEM exposure on insulin signaling at the level of FoxO transcription factor activity and its potential consequences for stress resistance and life span. Exposure of HepG2 human hepatoma cells to subcytotoxic concentrations of DEM resulted in nuclear accumulation of overexpressed EGFP-tagged FoxO1a. DEM-induced nuclear accumulation overrode insulin-induced nuclear exclusion of FoxO1a. Despite a slightly enhanced FoxO DNA binding activity in DEM-exposed cells, expression of FoxO-regulated genes (glucose 6-phosphatase, selenoprotein P) was downregulated, indicating that nuclear accumulation does not necessarily coincide with enhanced transcription factor activity. To test for an effect of DEM on organismal stress resistance, we exposed C. elegans roundworms to the thiol depletor. Survival in the presence of the redox cycler paraquat was significantly increased following exposure to DEM, implying that DEM pre-exposure induced cellular resistance against oxidative stress. Furthermore, in DEM-exposed C. elegans populations expressing a GFP-tagged version of the C. elegans FoxO ortholog, DAF-16, numbers of worms with predominantly nuclear DAF-16 increased - in line with the findings from HepG2 cells. In keeping with the known function of DAF-16 in stress resistance, C. elegans life span was elevated upon exposure to DEM in a concentration-dependent manner. A maximum extension of life span and deceleration of aging was achieved at 100 µ? of DEM. In summary, exposure to DEM caused a modulation of FoxO subcellular localization in both HepG2 cells and C. elegans roundworms, followed by a modulation of life span and stress resistance in C. elegans.