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Biodiversity-based development and evolution: the emerging research systems in model and non-model organisms. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2021; 64:1236-1280. [PMID: 33893979 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-020-1915-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Evolutionary developmental biology, or Evo-Devo for short, has become an established field that, broadly speaking, seeks to understand how changes in development drive major transitions and innovation in organismal evolution. It does so via integrating the principles and methods of many subdisciplines of biology. Although we have gained unprecedented knowledge from the studies on model organisms in the past decades, many fundamental and crucially essential processes remain a mystery. Considering the tremendous biodiversity of our planet, the current model organisms seem insufficient for us to understand the evolutionary and physiological processes of life and its adaptation to exterior environments. The currently increasing genomic data and the recently available gene-editing tools make it possible to extend our studies to non-model organisms. In this review, we review the recent work on the regulatory signaling of developmental and regeneration processes, environmental adaptation, and evolutionary mechanisms using both the existing model animals such as zebrafish and Drosophila, and the emerging nonstandard model organisms including amphioxus, ascidian, ciliates, single-celled phytoplankton, and marine nematode. In addition, the challenging questions and new directions in these systems are outlined as well.
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52
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Yi SV, Goodisman MAD. The impact of epigenetic information on genome evolution. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2021; 376:20200114. [PMID: 33866804 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2020.0114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic information affects gene function by interacting with chromatin, while not changing the DNA sequence itself. However, it has become apparent that the interactions between epigenetic information and chromatin can, in fact, indirectly lead to DNA mutations and ultimately influence genome evolution. This review evaluates the ways in which epigenetic information affects genome sequence and evolution. We discuss how DNA methylation has strong and pervasive effects on DNA sequence evolution in eukaryotic organisms. We also review how the physical interactions arising from the connections between histone proteins and DNA affect DNA mutation and repair. We then discuss how a variety of epigenetic mechanisms exert substantial effects on genome evolution by suppressing the movement of transposable elements. Finally, we examine how genome expansion through gene duplication is also partially controlled by epigenetic information. Overall, we conclude that epigenetic information has widespread indirect effects on DNA sequences in eukaryotes and represents a potent cause and constraint of genome evolution. This article is part of the theme issue 'How does epigenetics influence the course of evolution?'
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Affiliation(s)
- Soojin V Yi
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Michael A D Goodisman
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
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53
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Ruszkowska A. METTL16, Methyltransferase-Like Protein 16: Current Insights into Structure and Function. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22042176. [PMID: 33671635 PMCID: PMC7927073 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22042176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Methyltransferase-like protein 16 (METTL16) is a human RNA methyltransferase that installs m6A marks on U6 small nuclear RNA (U6 snRNA) and S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) synthetase pre-mRNA. METTL16 also controls a significant portion of m6A epitranscriptome by regulating SAM homeostasis. Multiple molecular structures of the N-terminal methyltransferase domain of METTL16, including apo forms and complexes with S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) or RNA, provided the structural basis of METTL16 interaction with the coenzyme and substrates, as well as indicated autoinhibitory mechanism of the enzyme activity regulation. Very recent structural and functional studies of vertebrate-conserved regions (VCRs) indicated their crucial role in the interaction with U6 snRNA. METTL16 remains an object of intense studies, as it has been associated with numerous RNA classes, including mRNA, non-coding RNA, long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), and rRNA. Moreover, the interaction between METTL16 and oncogenic lncRNA MALAT1 indicates the existence of METTL16 features specifically recognizing RNA triple helices. Overall, the number of known human m6A methyltransferases has grown from one to five during the last five years. METTL16, CAPAM, and two rRNA methyltransferases, METTL5/TRMT112 and ZCCHC4, have joined the well-known METTL3/METTL14. This work summarizes current knowledge about METTL16 in the landscape of human m6A RNA methyltransferases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Ruszkowska
- Department of Structural Chemistry and Biology of Nucleic Acids, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
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M. Iyer L, Anantharaman V, Krishnan A, Burroughs AM, Aravind L. Jumbo Phages: A Comparative Genomic Overview of Core Functions and Adaptions for Biological Conflicts. Viruses 2021; 13:v13010063. [PMID: 33466489 PMCID: PMC7824862 DOI: 10.3390/v13010063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Jumbo phages have attracted much attention by virtue of their extraordinary genome size and unusual aspects of biology. By performing a comparative genomics analysis of 224 jumbo phages, we suggest an objective inclusion criterion based on genome size distributions and present a synthetic overview of their manifold adaptations across major biological systems. By means of clustering and principal component analysis of the phyletic patterns of conserved genes, all known jumbo phages can be classified into three higher-order groups, which include both myoviral and siphoviral morphologies indicating multiple independent origins from smaller predecessors. Our study uncovers several under-appreciated or unreported aspects of the DNA replication, recombination, transcription and virion maturation systems. Leveraging sensitive sequence analysis methods, we identify novel protein-modifying enzymes that might help hijack the host-machinery. Focusing on host–virus conflicts, we detect strategies used to counter different wings of the bacterial immune system, such as cyclic nucleotide- and NAD+-dependent effector-activation, and prevention of superinfection during pseudolysogeny. We reconstruct the RNA-repair systems of jumbo phages that counter the consequences of RNA-targeting host effectors. These findings also suggest that several jumbo phage proteins provide a snapshot of the systems found in ancient replicons preceding the last universal ancestor of cellular life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshminarayan M. Iyer
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA; (L.M.I.); (V.A.); (A.M.B.)
| | - Vivek Anantharaman
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA; (L.M.I.); (V.A.); (A.M.B.)
| | - Arunkumar Krishnan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Berhampur, Odisha 760010, India;
| | - A. Maxwell Burroughs
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA; (L.M.I.); (V.A.); (A.M.B.)
| | - L. Aravind
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA; (L.M.I.); (V.A.); (A.M.B.)
- Correspondence:
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55
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Kumar S, Mohapatra T. Dynamics of DNA Methylation and Its Functions in Plant Growth and Development. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:596236. [PMID: 34093600 PMCID: PMC8175986 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.596236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications in DNA bases and histone proteins play important roles in the regulation of gene expression and genome stability. Chemical modification of DNA base (e.g., addition of a methyl group at the fifth carbon of cytosine residue) switches on/off the gene expression during developmental process and environmental stresses. The dynamics of DNA base methylation depends mainly on the activities of the writer/eraser guided by non-coding RNA (ncRNA) and regulated by the developmental/environmental cues. De novo DNA methylation and active demethylation activities control the methylation level and regulate the gene expression. Identification of ncRNA involved in de novo DNA methylation, increased DNA methylation proteins guiding DNA demethylase, and methylation monitoring sequence that helps maintaining a balance between DNA methylation and demethylation is the recent developments that may resolve some of the enigmas. Such discoveries provide a better understanding of the dynamics/functions of DNA base methylation and epigenetic regulation of growth, development, and stress tolerance in crop plants. Identification of epigenetic pathways in animals, their existence/orthologs in plants, and functional validation might improve future strategies for epigenome editing toward climate-resilient, sustainable agriculture in this era of global climate change. The present review discusses the dynamics of DNA methylation (cytosine/adenine) in plants, its functions in regulating gene expression under abiotic/biotic stresses, developmental processes, and genome stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suresh Kumar
- Division of Biochemistry, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
- *Correspondence: Suresh Kumar, ; , orcid.org/0000-0002-7127-3079
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Rajeev R, Dwivedi AP, Sinha A, Agarwaal V, Dev RR, Kar A, Khosla S. Epigenetic interaction of microbes with their mammalian hosts. J Biosci 2021; 46:94. [PMID: 34728591 PMCID: PMC8550911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
The interaction of microbiota with its host has the ability to alter the cellular functions of both, through several mechanisms. Recent work, from many laboratories including our own, has shown that epigenetic mechanisms play an important role in the alteration of these cellular functions. Epigenetics broadly refers to change in the phenotype without a corresponding change in the DNA sequence. This change is usually brought by epigenetic modifications of the DNA itself, the histone proteins associated with the DNA in the chromatin, non-coding RNA or the modifications of the transcribed RNA. These modifications, also known as epigenetic code, do not change the DNA sequence but alter the expression level of specific genes. Microorganisms seem to have learned how to modify the host epigenetic code and modulate the host transcriptome in their favour. In this review, we explore the literature that describes the epigenetic interaction of bacteria, fungi and viruses, with their mammalian hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramisetti Rajeev
- grid.145749.a0000 0004 1767 2735Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Hyderabad, India ,grid.411639.80000 0001 0571 5193Graduate Studies, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, India
| | - Ambey Prasad Dwivedi
- grid.145749.a0000 0004 1767 2735Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Hyderabad, India ,grid.411639.80000 0001 0571 5193Graduate Studies, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, India
| | - Anunay Sinha
- grid.145749.a0000 0004 1767 2735Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Hyderabad, India ,grid.502122.60000 0004 1774 5631Graduate Studies, Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), Faridabad, India
| | - Viplove Agarwaal
- grid.145749.a0000 0004 1767 2735Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Hyderabad, India
| | - Rachana Roshan Dev
- grid.145749.a0000 0004 1767 2735Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Hyderabad, India
| | - Anjana Kar
- grid.145749.a0000 0004 1767 2735Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Hyderabad, India
| | - Sanjeev Khosla
- grid.145749.a0000 0004 1767 2735Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Hyderabad, India ,grid.417641.10000 0004 0504 3165Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTech), Chandigarh, India
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57
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The epigenetic roles of DNA N6-Methyladenine (6mA) modification in eukaryotes. Cancer Lett 2020; 494:40-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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58
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Bochtler M, Fernandes H. DNA adenine methylation in eukaryotes: Enzymatic mark or a form of DNA damage? Bioessays 2020; 43:e2000243. [PMID: 33244833 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202000243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
6-methyladenine (6mA) is fairly abundant in nuclear DNA of basal fungi, ciliates and green algae. In these organisms, 6mA is maintained near transcription start sites in ApT context by a parental-strand instruction dependent maintenance methyltransferase and is positively associated with transcription. In animals and plants, 6mA levels are high only in organellar DNA. The 6mA levels in nuclear DNA are very low. They are attributable to nucleotide salvage and the activity of otherwise mitochondrial METTL4, and may be considered as a price that cells pay for adenine methylation in RNA and/or organellar DNA. Cells minimize this price by sanitizing dNTP pools to limit 6mA incorporation, and by converting 6mA that has been incorporated into DNA back to adenine. Hence, 6mA in nuclear DNA should be described as an epigenetic mark only in basal fungi, ciliates and green algae, but not in animals and plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Bochtler
- International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Warsaw, Poland.,Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Humberto Fernandes
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
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59
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Identification of Uncharacterized Components of Prokaryotic Immune Systems and Their Diverse Eukaryotic Reformulations. J Bacteriol 2020; 202:JB.00365-20. [PMID: 32868406 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00365-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleotide-activated effector deployment, prototyped by interferon-dependent immunity, is a common mechanistic theme shared by immune systems of several animals and prokaryotes. Prokaryotic versions include CRISPR-Cas with the CRISPR polymerase domain, their minimal variants, and systems with second messenger oligonucleotide or dinucleotide synthetase (SMODS). Cyclic or linear oligonucleotide signals in these systems help set a threshold for the activation of potentially deleterious downstream effectors in response to invader detection. We establish such a regulatory mechanism to be a more general principle of immune systems, which can also operate independently of such messengers. Using sensitive sequence analysis and comparative genomics, we identify 12 new prokaryotic immune systems, which we unify by this principle of threshold-dependent effector activation. These display regulatory mechanisms paralleling physiological signaling based on 3'-5' cyclic mononucleotides, NAD+-derived messengers, two- and one-component signaling that includes histidine kinase-based signaling, and proteolytic activation. Furthermore, these systems allowed the identification of multiple new sensory signal sensory components, such as a tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) scaffold predicted to recognize NAD+-derived signals, unreported versions of the STING domain, prokaryotic YEATS domains, and a predicted nucleotide sensor related to receiver domains. We also identify previously unrecognized invader detection components and effector components, such as prokaryotic versions of the Wnt domain. Finally, we show that there have been multiple acquisitions of unidentified STING domains in eukaryotes, while the TPR scaffold was incorporated into the animal immunity/apoptosis signal-regulating kinase (ASK) signalosome.IMPORTANCE Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic immune systems face the dangers of premature activation of effectors and degradation of self-molecules in the absence of an invader. To mitigate this, they have evolved threshold-setting regulatory mechanisms for the triggering of effectors only upon the detection of a sufficiently strong invader signal. This work defines general templates for such regulation in effector-based immune systems. Using this, we identify several previously uncharacterized prokaryotic immune mechanisms that accomplish the regulation of downstream effector deployment by using nucleotide, NAD+-derived, two-component, and one-component signals paralleling physiological homeostasis. This study has also helped identify several previously unknown sensor and effector modules in these systems. Our findings also augment the growing evidence for the emergence of key animal immunity and chromatin regulatory components from prokaryotic progenitors.
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60
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Krishnan A, Burroughs AM, Iyer LM, Aravind L. Comprehensive classification of ABC ATPases and their functional radiation in nucleoprotein dynamics and biological conflict systems. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:10045-10075. [PMID: 32894288 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
ABC ATPases form one of the largest clades of P-loop NTPase fold enzymes that catalyze ATP-hydrolysis and utilize its free energy for a staggering range of functions from transport to nucleoprotein dynamics. Using sensitive sequence and structure analysis with comparative genomics, for the first time we provide a comprehensive classification of the ABC ATPase superfamily. ABC ATPases developed structural hallmarks that unambiguously distinguish them from other P-loop NTPases such as an alternative to arginine-finger-based catalysis. At least five and up to eight distinct clades of ABC ATPases are reconstructed as being present in the last universal common ancestor. They underwent distinct phases of structural innovation with the emergence of inserts constituting conserved binding interfaces for proteins or nucleic acids and the adoption of a unique dimeric toroidal configuration for DNA-threading. Specifically, several clades have also extensively radiated in counter-invader conflict systems where they serve as nodal nucleotide-dependent sensory and energetic components regulating a diversity of effectors (including some previously unrecognized) acting independently or together with restriction-modification systems. We present a unified mechanism for ABC ATPase function across disparate systems like RNA editing, translation, metabolism, DNA repair, and biological conflicts, and some unexpected recruitments, such as MutS ATPases in secondary metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arunkumar Krishnan
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA
| | - A Maxwell Burroughs
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA
| | - Lakshminarayan M Iyer
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA
| | - L Aravind
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA
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61
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Goh YT, Koh CWQ, Sim DY, Roca X, Goh WSS. METTL4 catalyzes m6Am methylation in U2 snRNA to regulate pre-mRNA splicing. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:9250-9261. [PMID: 32813009 PMCID: PMC7498333 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
N6-methylation of 2′-O-methyladenosine (Am) in RNA occurs in eukaryotic cells to generate N6,2′-O-dimethyladenosine (m6Am). Identification of the methyltransferase responsible for m6Am catalysis has accelerated studies on the function of m6Am in RNA processing. While m6Am is generally found in the first transcribed nucleotide of mRNAs, the modification is also found internally within U2 snRNA. However, the writer required for catalyzing internal m6Am formation had remained elusive. By sequencing transcriptome-wide RNA methylation at single-base-resolution, we identified human METTL4 as the writer that directly methylates Am at U2 snRNA position 30 into m6Am. We found that METTL4 localizes to the nucleus and its conserved methyltransferase catalytic site is required for U2 snRNA methylation. By sequencing human cells with overexpressed Mettl4, we determined METTL4’s in vivo target RNA motif specificity. In the absence of Mettl4 in human cells, U2 snRNA lacks m6Am thereby affecting a subset of splicing events that exhibit specific features such as 3′ splice-site weakness and an increase in exon inclusion. These findings suggest that METTL4 methylation of U2 snRNA regulates splicing of specific pre-mRNA transcripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeek Teck Goh
- Genome Institute of Singapore, 60 Biopolis Street, Singapore 138672, Singapore
| | - Casslynn W Q Koh
- Genome Institute of Singapore, 60 Biopolis Street, Singapore 138672, Singapore
| | - Donald Yuhui Sim
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551, Singapore
| | - Xavier Roca
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551, Singapore
| | - W S Sho Goh
- Genome Institute of Singapore, 60 Biopolis Street, Singapore 138672, Singapore
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62
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Navarro-Martín L, Martyniuk CJ, Mennigen JA. Comparative epigenetics in animal physiology: An emerging frontier. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY D-GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2020; 36:100745. [PMID: 33126028 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2020.100745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The unprecedented access to annotated genomes now facilitates the investigation of the molecular basis of epigenetic phenomena in phenotypically diverse animals. In this critical review, we describe the roles of molecular epigenetic mechanisms in regulating mitotically and meiotically stable spatiotemporal gene expression, phenomena that provide the molecular foundation for the intra-, inter-, and trans-generational emergence of physiological phenotypes. By focusing principally on emerging comparative epigenetic roles of DNA-level and transcriptome-level epigenetic mark dynamics in the emergence of phenotypes, we highlight the relationship between evolutionary conservation and innovation of specific epigenetic pathways, and their interplay as a priority for future study. This comparative approach is expected to significantly advance our understanding of epigenetic phenomena, as animals show a diverse array of strategies to epigenetically modify physiological responses. Additionally, we review recent technological advances in the field of molecular epigenetics (single-cell epigenomics and transcriptomics and editing of epigenetic marks) in order to (1) investigate environmental and endogenous factor dependent epigenetic mark dynamics in an integrative manner; (2) functionally test the contribution of specific epigenetic marks for animal phenotypes via genome and transcript-editing tools. Finally, we describe advantages and limitations of emerging animal models, which under the Krogh principle, may be particularly useful in the advancement of comparative epigenomics and its potential translational applications in animal science, ecotoxicology, ecophysiology, climate change science and wild-life conservation, as well as organismal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laia Navarro-Martín
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, Barcelona, Catalunya 08034, Spain.
| | - Christopher J Martyniuk
- Department of Physiological Sciences and Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, University of Florida Genetics Institute, Interdisciplinary Program in Biomedical Sciences Neuroscience, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Jan A Mennigen
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N6N5, Canada
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63
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Garcias Morales D, Reyes JL. A birds'-eye view of the activity and specificity of the mRNA m 6 A methyltransferase complex. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2020; 12:e1618. [PMID: 32686365 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Appropriate control of the transcriptome is essential to regulate different aspects of gene expression during development and in response to environmental stimuli. Fast accumulating reports are recognizing and functionally characterizing several types of modifications across transcripts, which have created a new field of RNA study named epitranscriptomics. The most abundant modification found in messenger RNA (mRNA) is N6-methyladenosine (m6 A). m6 A addition is achieved by a large methyltransferase complex (MTC). The m6 A-MTC is composed of the methyltransferases METTL3 and METTL14 as the catalytic core, and several protein factors necessary for its correct catalysis, which include WTAP, RBM15, VIRMA, HAKAI, and ZC3H13. To fully appreciate the relevance of this modification, it is important to dissect the basis for the MTC function as well as to define its interaction with other cellular partners. Here, we summarize previous and recent knowledge on these issues to provide a guide for future research and put forward ideas on the flexibility and specificity of this process. This article is categorized under: RNA Processing > RNA Editing and Modification RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein-RNA Recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Garcias Morales
- Departamento de Biología Molecular de Plantas, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Chamilpa, Cuernavaca Morelos, Mexico
| | - José L Reyes
- Departamento de Biología Molecular de Plantas, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Chamilpa, Cuernavaca Morelos, Mexico
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64
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Reversible N6-methyladenosine of RNA: The regulatory mechanisms on gene expression and implications in physiology and pathology. Genes Dis 2020; 7:585-597. [PMID: 33335958 PMCID: PMC7729110 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2020.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant inner RNA modification in eukaryotes. Due to the development of RNA sequencing technology, the distribution pattern of m6A in the transcriptome has been uncovered. Dynamically, the reversible N6-methylation is mediated by two types of proteins, which are classified as "writers" and "erasers". Under the association of specific co-factors, writers show spatiotemporal N6-methyltransferase activity. Mechanically, m6A can be recognized by "reader" proteins or can directly modify RNA conformation, and it widely affects gene expression by mediating RNA stability, translation, splicing and export. m6A is involved in a series of physiology processes. Dysregulation of m6A is gradually defined as the pathogenesis of some diseases, e.g., cancer and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, a good understanding of m6A is essential for molecular biology and pathology research. In this article we systemically present an overview of the functions and mechanisms of identified m6A regulators. The discovered biological and pathological processes affected by m6A are also summarized. We hope that readers with related research interests benefit from our review.
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65
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Gu L, Wang L, Chen H, Hong J, Shen Z, Dhall A, Lao T, Liu C, Wang Z, Xu Y, Tang HW, Chakraborty D, Chen J, Liu Z, Rogulja D, Perrimon N, Wu H, Shi Y. CG14906 (mettl4) mediates m 6A methylation of U2 snRNA in Drosophila. Cell Discov 2020; 6:44. [PMID: 32637152 PMCID: PMC7324582 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-020-0178-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Gu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Newborn Medicine and Epigenetics Programe, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115 USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Longfei Wang
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Newborn Medicine and Epigenetics Programe, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115 USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Jiaxu Hong
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Shanghai Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, Fudan University, 200031 Shanghai, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004 China
| | - Zhangfei Shen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Newborn Medicine and Epigenetics Programe, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115 USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Abhinav Dhall
- Department of Medicine, Division of Newborn Medicine and Epigenetics Programe, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115 USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Taotao Lao
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129 USA
| | - Chaozhong Liu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Newborn Medicine and Epigenetics Programe, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115 USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Zheng Wang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Newborn Medicine and Epigenetics Programe, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115 USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Yifan Xu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Newborn Medicine and Epigenetics Programe, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115 USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Hong-Wen Tang
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Damayanti Chakraborty
- Department of Medicine, Division of Newborn Medicine and Epigenetics Programe, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115 USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Jiekai Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510530 China
| | - Zhihua Liu
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Dragana Rogulja
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Norbert Perrimon
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115 USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Yang Shi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Newborn Medicine and Epigenetics Programe, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115 USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
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Wang Y, Sheng Y, Liu Y, Zhang W, Cheng T, Duan L, Pan B, Qiao Y, Liu Y, Gao S. A distinct class of eukaryotic MT-A70 methyltransferases maintain symmetric DNA N6-adenine methylation at the ApT dinucleotides as an epigenetic mark associated with transcription. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 47:11771-11789. [PMID: 31722409 PMCID: PMC7145601 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz1053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Rediscovered as a potential eukaryotic epigenetic mark, DNA N6-adenine methylation (6mA) varies across species in abundance and its relationships with transcription. Here we characterize AMT1—representing a distinct MT-A70 family methyltransferase—in the ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila. AMT1 loss-of-function leads to severe defects in growth and development. Single Molecule, Real-Time (SMRT) sequencing reveals that AMT1 is required for the bulk of 6mA and all symmetric methylation at the ApT dinucleotides. The detection of hemi-methylated ApT sites suggests a semi-conservative mechanism for maintaining symmetric methylation. AMT1 affects expression of many genes; in particular, RAB46, encoding a Rab family GTPase involved in contractile vacuole function, is likely a direct target. The distribution of 6mA resembles H3K4 methylation and H2A.Z, two conserved epigenetic marks associated with RNA polymerase II transcription. Furthermore, strong 6mA and nucleosome positioning in wild-type cells is attenuated in ΔAMT1 cells. Our results support that AMT1-catalyzed 6mA is an integral part of the transcription-associated epigenetic landscape. AMT1 homologues are generally found in protists and basal fungi featuring ApT hyper-methylation associated with transcription, which are missing in animals, plants, and true fungi. This dichotomy of 6mA functions and the underlying molecular mechanisms may have implications in eukaryotic diversification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Wang
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China.,Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China.,MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yalan Sheng
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China.,Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China.,MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yongqiang Liu
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China.,Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China.,MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Wenxin Zhang
- School of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Ting Cheng
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China.,Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China.,MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Lili Duan
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China.,Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China.,MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Bo Pan
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China.,Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China.,MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yu Qiao
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China.,Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China.,MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yifan Liu
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Shan Gao
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China.,Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China.,MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
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67
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Adenine DNA methylation, 3D genome organization, and gene expression in the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:13033-13043. [PMID: 32461362 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1917286117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis is a common sexually transmitted parasite that colonizes the human urogenital tract causing infections that range from asymptomatic to highly inflammatory. Recent works have highlighted the importance of histone modifications in the regulation of transcription and parasite pathogenesis. However, the nature of DNA methylation in the parasite remains unexplored. Using a combination of immunological techniques and ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC), we analyzed the abundance of DNA methylation in strains with differential pathogenicity demonstrating that N6-methyladenine (6mA), and not 5-methylcytosine (5mC), is the main DNA methylation mark in T. vaginalis Genome-wide distribution of 6mA reveals that this mark is enriched at intergenic regions, with a preference for certain superfamilies of DNA transposable elements. We show that 6mA in T. vaginalis is associated with silencing when present on genes. Interestingly, bioinformatics analysis revealed the presence of transcriptionally active or repressive intervals flanked by 6mA-enriched regions, and results from chromatin conformation capture (3C) experiments suggest these 6mA flanked regions are in close spatial proximity. These associations were disrupted when parasites were treated with the demethylation activator ascorbic acid. This finding revealed a role for 6mA in modulating three-dimensional (3D) chromatin structure and gene expression in this divergent member of the Excavata.
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Jovčevska I. Next Generation Sequencing and Machine Learning Technologies Are Painting the Epigenetic Portrait of Glioblastoma. Front Oncol 2020; 10:798. [PMID: 32500035 PMCID: PMC7243123 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Even with a rare occurrence of only 1.35% of cancer cases in the United States of America, brain tumors are considered as one of the most lethal malignancies. The most aggressive and invasive type of brain tumor, glioblastoma, accounts for 60–70% of all gliomas and presents with life expectancy of only 12–18 months. Despite trimodal treatment and advances in diagnostic and therapeutic methods, there are no significant changes in patient outcome. Our understanding of glioblastoma was significantly improved with the introduction of next generation sequencing technologies. This led to the identification of different genetic and molecular subtypes, which greatly improve glioblastoma diagnosis. Still, because of the poor life expectancy, novel diagnostic, and treatment methods are broadly explored. Epigenetic modifications like methylation and changes in histone acetylation are such examples. Recently, in addition to genetic and molecular characteristics, epigenetic profiling of glioblastomas is also used for sample classification. Further advancement of next generation sequencing technologies is expected to identify in detail the epigenetic signature of glioblastoma that can open up new therapeutic opportunities for glioblastoma patients. This should be complemented with the use of computational power i.e., machine and deep learning algorithms for objective diagnostics and design of individualized therapies. Using a combination of phenotypic, genotypic, and epigenetic parameters in glioblastoma diagnostics will bring us closer to precision medicine where therapies will be tailored to suit the genetic profile and epigenetic signature of the tumor, which will grant longer life expectancy and better quality of life. Still, a number of obstacles including potential bias, availability of data for minorities in heterogeneous populations, data protection, and validation and independent testing of the learning algorithms have to be overcome on the way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Jovčevska
- Medical Centre for Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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69
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Liberman N, O’Brown ZK, Earl AS, Boulias K, Gerashchenko MV, Wang SY, Fritsche C, Fady PE, Dong A, Gladyshev VN, Greer EL. N6-adenosine methylation of ribosomal RNA affects lipid oxidation and stress resistance. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eaaz4370. [PMID: 32494643 PMCID: PMC7176415 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aaz4370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
During stress, global translation is reduced, but specific transcripts are actively translated. How stress-responsive mRNAs are selectively translated is unknown. We show that METL-5 methylates adenosine 1717 on 18S ribosomal RNA in C. elegans, enhancing selective ribosomal binding and translation of specific mRNAs. One of these mRNAs, CYP-29A3, oxidizes the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid to eicosanoids, key stress signaling molecules. While metl-5-deficient animals grow normally under homeostatic conditions, they are resistant to a variety of stresses. metl-5 mutant worms also show reduced bioactive lipid eicosanoids and dietary supplementation of eicosanoid products of CYP-29A3 restores stress sensitivity of metl-5 mutant worms. Thus, methylation of a specific residue of 18S rRNA by METL-5 selectively enhances translation of cyp-29A3 to increase production of eicosanoids, and blocking this pathway increases stress resistance. This study suggests that ribosome methylation can facilitate selective translation, providing another layer of regulation of the stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noa Liberman
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Zach K. O’Brown
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Andrew Scott Earl
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Konstantinos Boulias
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Maxim V. Gerashchenko
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Simon Yuan Wang
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Colette Fritsche
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Paul-Enguerrand Fady
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Anna Dong
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Vadim N. Gladyshev
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Eric Lieberman Greer
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Hao Z, Wu T, Cui X, Zhu P, Tan C, Dou X, Hsu KW, Lin YT, Peng PH, Zhang LS, Gao Y, Hu L, Sun HL, Zhu A, Liu J, Wu KJ, He C. N 6-Deoxyadenosine Methylation in Mammalian Mitochondrial DNA. Mol Cell 2020; 78:382-395.e8. [PMID: 32183942 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2020.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
N6-Methyldeoxyadenosine (6mA) has recently been shown to exist and play regulatory roles in eukaryotic genomic DNA (gDNA). However, the biological functions of 6mA in mammals have yet to be adequately explored, largely due to its low abundance in most mammalian genomes. Here, we report that mammalian mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is enriched for 6mA. The level of 6mA in HepG2 mtDNA is at least 1,300-fold higher than that in gDNA under normal growth conditions, corresponding to approximately four 6mA modifications on each mtDNA molecule. METTL4, a putative mammalian methyltransferase, can mediate mtDNA 6mA methylation, which contributes to attenuated mtDNA transcription and a reduced mtDNA copy number. Mechanistically, the presence of 6mA could repress DNA binding and bending by mitochondrial transcription factor (TFAM). Under hypoxia, the 6mA level in mtDNA could be further elevated, suggesting regulatory roles for 6mA in mitochondrial stress response. Our study reveals DNA 6mA as a regulatory mark in mammalian mtDNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyang Hao
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, 929 East 57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Tong Wu
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, 929 East 57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Xiaolong Cui
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, 929 East 57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Pingping Zhu
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, 929 East 57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; School of Life Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Caiping Tan
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, 929 East 57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Xiaoyang Dou
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, 929 East 57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Kai-Wen Hsu
- Cancer Genome Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Yueh-Te Lin
- Cancer Genome Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Hua Peng
- Cancer Genome Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Li-Sheng Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, 929 East 57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Yawei Gao
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, 929 East 57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Lulu Hu
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, 929 East 57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Hui-Lung Sun
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, 929 East 57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Allen Zhu
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, 929 East 57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Jianzhao Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, 929 East 57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Kou-Juey Wu
- Cancer Genome Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Chuan He
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, 929 East 57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
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72
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LIO CHANWANGJ, YUE XIAOJING, LÓPEZ-MOYADO ISAACF, TAHILIANI MAMTA, ARAVIND L, RAO ANJANA. TET methylcytosine oxidases: new insights from a decade of research. J Biosci 2020; 45:21. [PMID: 31965999 PMCID: PMC7216820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In mammals, DNA methyltransferases transfer a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine to the 5 position of cytosine in DNA. The product of this reaction, 5-methylcytosine (5mC), has many roles, particularly in suppressing transposable and repeat elements in DNA. Moreover, in many cellular systems, cell lineage specification is accompanied by DNA demethylation at the promoters of genes expressed at high levels in the differentiated cells. However, since direct cleavage of the C-C bond connecting the methyl group to the 5 position of cytosine is thermodynamically disfavoured, the question of whether DNA methylation was reversible remained unclear for many decades. This puzzle was solved by our discovery of the TET (Ten- Eleven Translocation) family of 5-methylcytosine oxidases, which use reduced iron, molecular oxygen and the tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolite 2-oxoglutarate (also known as a-ketoglutarate) to oxidise the methyl group of 5mC to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) and beyond. TET-generated oxidised methylcytosines are intermediates in at least two pathways of DNA demethylation, which differ in their dependence on DNA replication. In the decade since their discovery, TET enzymes have been shown to have important roles in embryonic development, cell lineage specification, neuronal function and cancer. We review these findings and discuss their implications here.
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Affiliation(s)
- CHAN-WANG J. LIO
- Division of Signaling and Gene Expression, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - XIAOJING YUE
- Division of Signaling and Gene Expression, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - ISAAC F. LÓPEZ-MOYADO
- Division of Signaling and Gene Expression, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Graduate Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - MAMTA TAHILIANI
- Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10012, USA
- Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - L. ARAVIND
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - ANJANA RAO
- Division of Signaling and Gene Expression, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Graduate Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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Hu Y, Wang S, Liu J, Huang Y, Gong C, Liu J, Xiao Y, Yang S. New sights in cancer: Component and function of N6-methyladenosine modification. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 122:109694. [PMID: 31918269 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
M6A is the most prevalent modification among epigenetics. M6A occurs on different sites of RNA and exerts important functions in specific circumstances, such as mRNA splicing, stability, nuclear export, translation or damage response. Different aspects of the concrete machinery of m6A modification have been studied, including its writing, erasing and reading capabilities. The molecular and biological functions of the m6A modification and enzymes, as well as their functions in different cancers have been substantially published. The present review summarizes these findings and provides clear description of the problems involved. The probable roles of m6A modification may acts on other cancers, suggesting that it may be a treatment target for these cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyang Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Sumin Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Jiao Liu
- Department of Endoscope, The General Hospital of Shenyang Military Region, China
| | - Yu Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Chunli Gong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Jingjing Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Yufeng Xiao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China.
| | - Shiming Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China.
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How Epigenetic Modifications Drive the Expression and Mediate the Action of PGC-1α in the Regulation of Metabolism. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20215449. [PMID: 31683747 PMCID: PMC6862278 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20215449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic changes are a hallmark of short- and long-term transcriptional regulation, and hence instrumental in the control of cellular identity and plasticity. Epigenetic mechanisms leading to changes in chromatin structure, accessibility for recruitment of transcriptional complexes, and interaction of enhancers and promoters all contribute to acute and chronic adaptations of cells, tissues and organs to internal and external perturbations. Similarly, the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) is activated by stimuli that alter the cellular energetic demand, and subsequently controls complex transcriptional networks responsible for cellular plasticity. It thus is of no surprise that PGC-1α is under the control of epigenetic mechanisms, and constitutes a mediator of epigenetic changes in various tissues and contexts. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the link between epigenetics and PGC-1α in health and disease.
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Methylation content sensitive enzyme ddRAD (MCSeEd): a reference-free, whole genome profiling system to address cytosine/adenine methylation changes. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14864. [PMID: 31619715 PMCID: PMC6795852 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51423-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Methods for investigating DNA methylation nowadays either require a reference genome and high coverage, or investigate only CG methylation. Moreover, no large-scale analysis can be performed for N6-methyladenosine (6 mA) at an affordable price. Here we describe the methylation content sensitive enzyme double-digest restriction-site-associated DNA (ddRAD) technique (MCSeEd), a reduced-representation, reference-free, cost-effective approach for characterizing whole genome methylation patterns across different methylation contexts (e.g., CG, CHG, CHH, 6 mA). MCSeEd can also detect genetic variations among hundreds of samples. MCSeEd is based on parallel restrictions carried out by combinations of methylation insensitive and sensitive endonucleases, followed by next-generation sequencing. Moreover, we present a robust bioinformatic pipeline (available at https://bitbucket.org/capemaster/mcseed/src/master/ ) for differential methylation analysis combined with single nucleotide polymorphism calling without or with a reference genome.
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76
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Zaccara S, Ries RJ, Jaffrey SR. Reading, writing and erasing mRNA methylation. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2019; 20:608-624. [PMID: 31520073 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-019-0168-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1276] [Impact Index Per Article: 255.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
RNA methylation to form N6-methyladenosine (m6A) in mRNA accounts for the most abundant mRNA internal modification and has emerged as a widespread regulatory mechanism that controls gene expression in diverse physiological processes. Transcriptome-wide m6A mapping has revealed the distribution and pattern of m6A in cellular RNAs, referred to as the epitranscriptome. These maps have revealed the specific mRNAs that are regulated by m6A, providing mechanistic links connecting m6A to cellular differentiation, cancer progression and other processes. The effects of m6A on mRNA are mediated by an expanding list of m6A readers and m6A writer-complex components, as well as potential erasers that currently have unclear relevance to m6A prevalence in the transcriptome. Here we review new and emerging methods to characterize and quantify the epitranscriptome, and we discuss new concepts - in some cases, controversies - regarding our understanding of the mechanisms and functions of m6A readers, writers and erasers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Zaccara
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ryan J Ries
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Samie R Jaffrey
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA.
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Sharma N, Pasala MS, Prakash A. Mitochondrial DNA: Epigenetics and environment. ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 2019; 60:668-682. [PMID: 31335990 PMCID: PMC6941438 DOI: 10.1002/em.22319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Maintenance of the mitochondrial genome is essential for proper cellular function. For this purpose, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) needs to be faithfully replicated, transcribed, translated, and repaired in the face of constant onslaught from endogenous and environmental agents. Although only 13 polypeptides are encoded within mtDNA, the mitochondrial proteome comprises over 1500 proteins that are encoded by nuclear genes and translocated to the mitochondria for the purpose of maintaining mitochondrial function. Regulation of mtDNA and mitochondrial proteins by epigenetic changes and post-translational modifications facilitate crosstalk between the nucleus and the mitochondria and ultimately lead to the maintenance of cellular health and homeostasis. DNA methyl transferases have been identified in the mitochondria implicating that methylation occurs within this organelle; however, the extent to which mtDNA is methylated has been debated for many years. Mechanisms of demethylation within this organelle have also been postulated, but the exact mechanisms and their outcomes is still an active area of research. Mitochondrial dysfunction in the form of altered gene expression and ATP production, resulting from epigenetic changes, can lead to various conditions including aging-related neurodegenerative disorders, altered metabolism, changes in circadian rhythm, and cancer. Here, we provide an overview of the epigenetic regulation of mtDNA via methylation, long and short noncoding RNAs, and post-translational modifications of nucleoid proteins (as mitochondria lack histones). We also highlight the influence of xenobiotics such as airborne environmental pollutants, contamination from heavy metals, and therapeutic drugs on mtDNA methylation. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 60:668-682, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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78
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Edgar JA. L-ascorbic acid and the evolution of multicellular eukaryotes. J Theor Biol 2019; 476:62-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2019.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Transcriptome-wide dynamics of extensive m 6A mRNA methylation during Plasmodium falciparum blood-stage development. Nat Microbiol 2019; 4:2246-2259. [PMID: 31384004 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-019-0521-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Malaria pathogenesis results from the asexual replication of Plasmodium falciparum within human red blood cells, which relies on a precisely timed cascade of gene expression over a 48-h life cycle. Although substantial post-transcriptional regulation of this hardwired program has been observed, it remains unclear how these processes are mediated on a transcriptome-wide level. To this end, we identified mRNA modifications in the P. falciparum transcriptome and performed a comprehensive characterization of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) over the course of blood-stage development. Using mass spectrometry and m6A RNA sequencing, we demonstrate that m6A is highly developmentally regulated, exceeding m6A levels known in any other eukaryote. We characterize a distinct m6A writer complex and show that knockdown of the putative m6A methyltransferase, PfMT-A70, by CRISPR interference leads to increased levels of transcripts that normally contain m6A. In accordance, we find an inverse correlation between m6A methylation and mRNA stability or translational efficiency. We further identify two putative m6A-binding YTH proteins that are likely to be involved in the regulation of these processes across the parasite's life cycle. Our data demonstrate unique features of an extensive m6A mRNA methylation programme in malaria parasites and reveal its crucial role in dynamically fine-tuning the transcriptional cascade of a unicellular eukaryote.
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80
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Sendinc E, Valle-Garcia D, Dhall A, Chen H, Henriques T, Navarrete-Perea J, Sheng W, Gygi SP, Adelman K, Shi Y. PCIF1 Catalyzes m6Am mRNA Methylation to Regulate Gene Expression. Mol Cell 2019; 75:620-630.e9. [PMID: 31279659 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2019.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
mRNA modifications play important roles in regulating gene expression. One of the most abundant mRNA modifications is N6,2-O-dimethyladenosine (m6Am). Here, we demonstrate that m6Am is an evolutionarily conserved mRNA modification mediated by the Phosphorylated CTD Interacting Factor 1 (PCIF1), which catalyzes m6A methylation on 2-O-methylated adenine located at the 5' ends of mRNAs. Furthermore, PCIF1 catalyzes only 5' m6Am methylation of capped mRNAs but not internal m6A methylation in vitro and in vivo. To study the biological role of m6Am, we developed a robust methodology (m6Am-Exo-Seq) to map its transcriptome-wide distribution, which revealed no global crosstalk between m6Am and m6A under assayed conditions, suggesting that m6Am is functionally distinct from m6A. Importantly, we find that m6Am does not alter mRNA transcription or stability but negatively impacts cap-dependent translation of methylated mRNAs. Together, we identify the only human mRNA m6Am methyltransferase and demonstrate a mechanism of gene expression regulation through PCIF1-mediated m6Am mRNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erdem Sendinc
- Division of Newborn Medicine and Epigenetics Program, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - David Valle-Garcia
- Division of Newborn Medicine and Epigenetics Program, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Abhinav Dhall
- Division of Newborn Medicine and Epigenetics Program, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Hao Chen
- Division of Newborn Medicine and Epigenetics Program, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Telmo Henriques
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Wanqiang Sheng
- Division of Newborn Medicine and Epigenetics Program, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Steven P Gygi
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Karen Adelman
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yang Shi
- Division of Newborn Medicine and Epigenetics Program, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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81
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Boulias K, Toczydłowska-Socha D, Hawley BR, Liberman N, Takashima K, Zaccara S, Guez T, Vasseur JJ, Debart F, Aravind L, Jaffrey SR, Greer EL. Identification of the m 6Am Methyltransferase PCIF1 Reveals the Location and Functions of m 6Am in the Transcriptome. Mol Cell 2019; 75:631-643.e8. [PMID: 31279658 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2019.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
mRNAs are regulated by nucleotide modifications that influence their cellular fate. Two of the most abundant modified nucleotides are N6-methyladenosine (m6A), found within mRNAs, and N6,2'-O-dimethyladenosine (m6Am), which is found at the first transcribed nucleotide. Distinguishing these modifications in mapping studies has been difficult. Here, we identify and biochemically characterize PCIF1, the methyltransferase that generates m6Am. We find that PCIF1 binds and is dependent on the m7G cap. By depleting PCIF1, we generated transcriptome-wide maps that distinguish m6Am and m6A. We find that m6A and m6Am misannotations arise from mRNA isoforms with alternative transcription start sites (TSSs). These isoforms contain m6Am that maps to "internal" sites, increasing the likelihood of misannotation. We find that depleting PCIF1 does not substantially affect mRNA translation but is associated with reduced stability of a subset of m6Am-annotated mRNAs. The discovery of PCIF1 and our accurate mapping technique will facilitate future studies to characterize m6Am's function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Boulias
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Diana Toczydłowska-Socha
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA; Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Protein Engineering, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ben R Hawley
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Noa Liberman
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ken Takashima
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sara Zaccara
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Théo Guez
- IBMM, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Françoise Debart
- IBMM, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France
| | - L Aravind
- NCBI, National Library of Medicine, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA
| | - Samie R Jaffrey
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| | - Eric Lieberman Greer
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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82
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Li Z, Zhao P, Xia Q. Epigenetic Methylations on N6-Adenine and N6-Adenosine with the same Input but Different Output. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20122931. [PMID: 31208067 PMCID: PMC6627651 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20122931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications on individual bases in DNA and RNA can encode inheritable genetic information beyond the canonical bases. Among the nucleic acid modifications, DNA N6-methadenine (6mA) and RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) have recently been well-studied due to the technological development of detection strategies and the functional identification of modification enzymes. The current findings demonstrate a wide spectrum of 6mA and m6A distributions from prokaryotes to eukaryotes and critical roles in multiple cellular processes. It is interesting that the processes of modification in which the methyl group is added to adenine and adenosine are the same, but the outcomes of these modifications in terms of their physiological impacts in organisms are quite different. In this review, we summarize the latest progress in the study of enzymes involved in the 6mA and m6A methylation machinery, including methyltransferases and demethylases, and their functions in various biological pathways. In particular, we focus on the mechanisms by which 6mA and m6A regulate the expression of target genes, and we highlight the future challenges in epigenetic regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqing Li
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Ping Zhao
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Qingyou Xia
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
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83
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Beh LY, Debelouchina GT, Clay DM, Thompson RE, Lindblad KA, Hutton ER, Bracht JR, Sebra RP, Muir TW, Landweber LF. Identification of a DNA N6-Adenine Methyltransferase Complex and Its Impact on Chromatin Organization. Cell 2019; 177:1781-1796.e25. [PMID: 31104845 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2019.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
DNA N6-adenine methylation (6mA) has recently been described in diverse eukaryotes, spanning unicellular organisms to metazoa. Here, we report a DNA 6mA methyltransferase complex in ciliates, termed MTA1c. It consists of two MT-A70 proteins and two homeobox-like DNA-binding proteins and specifically methylates dsDNA. Disruption of the catalytic subunit, MTA1, in the ciliate Oxytricha leads to genome-wide loss of 6mA and abolishment of the consensus ApT dimethylated motif. Mutants fail to complete the sexual cycle, which normally coincides with peak MTA1 expression. We investigate the impact of 6mA on nucleosome occupancy in vitro by reconstructing complete, full-length Oxytricha chromosomes harboring 6mA in native or ectopic positions. We show that 6mA directly disfavors nucleosomes in vitro in a local, quantitative manner, independent of DNA sequence. Furthermore, the chromatin remodeler ACF can overcome this effect. Our study identifies a diverged DNA N6-adenine methyltransferase and defines the role of 6mA in chromatin organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie Y Beh
- Departments of Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics and Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA; Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | | | - Derek M Clay
- Departments of Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics and Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Robert E Thompson
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Kelsi A Lindblad
- Departments of Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics and Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Elizabeth R Hutton
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - John R Bracht
- Department of Biology, American University, Washington, DC 20016, USA
| | - Robert P Sebra
- Icahn Institute and Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Tom W Muir
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA.
| | - Laura F Landweber
- Departments of Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics and Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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84
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Kweon SM, Chen Y, Moon E, Kvederaviciutė K, Klimasauskas S, Feldman DE. An Adversarial DNA N 6-Methyladenine-Sensor Network Preserves Polycomb Silencing. Mol Cell 2019; 74:1138-1147.e6. [PMID: 30982744 PMCID: PMC6591016 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2019.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Adenine N6 methylation in DNA (6mA) is widespread among bacteria and phage and is detected in mammalian genomes, where its function is largely unexplored. Here we show that 6mA deposition and removal are catalyzed by the Mettl4 methyltransferase and Alkbh4 dioxygenase, respectively, and that 6mA accumulation in genic elements corresponds with transcriptional silencing. Inactivation of murine Mettl4 depletes 6mA and causes sublethality and craniofacial dysmorphism in incross progeny. We identify distinct 6mA sensor domains of prokaryotic origin within the MPND deubiquitinase and ASXL1, a component of the Polycomb repressive deubiquitinase (PR-DUB) complex, both of which act to remove monoubiquitin from histone H2A (H2A-K119Ub), a repressive mark. Deposition of 6mA by Mettl4 triggers the proteolytic destruction of both sensor proteins, preserving genome-wide H2A-K119Ub levels. Expression of the bacterial 6mA methyltransferase Dam, in contrast, fails to destroy either sensor. These findings uncover a native, adversarial 6mA network architecture that preserves Polycomb silencing. 6mA deposition and erasure by mammalian Mettl4 and Alkbh4, respectively Mettl4-deficient mice display craniofacial dysmorphism 6mA triggers proteolysis of its cognate sensor proteins ASXL1 and MPND Adversarial 6mA network architecture preserves Polycomb silencing
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo-Mi Kweon
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Yibu Chen
- Bioinformatics Service, Department of Health Sciences Libraries, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Eugene Moon
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Kotryna Kvederaviciutė
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania
| | - Saulius Klimasauskas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania
| | - Douglas E Feldman
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
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85
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The DNA modification N6-methyl-2'-deoxyadenosine (m6dA) drives activity-induced gene expression and is required for fear extinction. Nat Neurosci 2019; 22:534-544. [PMID: 30778148 PMCID: PMC6462436 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-019-0339-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
DNA modification is known to regulate experience-dependent gene expression. However, beyond cytosine methylation and its oxidated derivatives, very little is known about the functional importance of chemical modifications on other nucleobases in the brain. Here we report that in adult mice trained in fear extinction the DNA modification N6-methyl-2’-deoxyadenosine (m6dA) accumulates along promoters and coding sequences in activated prefrontal cortical neurons. The deposition of m6dA is associated with increased genome-wide occupancy of the mammalian m6dA methyltransferase, N6amt1, and this correlates with extinction-induced gene expression. The accumulation of m6dA is associated with transcriptional activation at the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) P4 promoter, which is required for Bdnf exon IV mRNA expression and for the extinction of conditioned fear. These results expand the scope of DNA modifications in the adult brain and highlight changes in m6dA as an epigenetic mechanism associated with activity-induced gene expression and the formation of fear extinction memory.
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86
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Bi Z, Liu Y, Zhao Y, Yao Y, Wu R, Liu Q, Wang Y, Wang X. A dynamic reversible RNA N 6 -methyladenosine modification: current status and perspectives. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:7948-7956. [PMID: 30644095 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
N6 -methyladenosine (m6 A), as the most abundant RNA epigenetic modifications, has been shown to play critical roles in various biological functions. Research about enzymes that can catalyze and remove m6 A have revealed its comprehensive roles in messenger RNA (mRNA) metabolism and other physiological processes. The "readers" including YTH domain-containing proteins, hnRNPC, hnRNPG, hnRNPA2B1, IGF2BP1, IGF2BP2, and IGF2BP3, which can affect the fates of mRNA in an m6 A-dependent manner. In this review, we focus on recent advances in the research of the m6 A modifications, especially about the latest functions of its writers, erasers, readers in RNA metabolism, cancer, and lipid metabolism. In the end, we provide insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms of m6 A modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Bi
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition & Feed Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Feed and Animal Nutrition, No. 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Youhua Liu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition & Feed Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Feed and Animal Nutrition, No. 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuanling Zhao
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition & Feed Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Feed and Animal Nutrition, No. 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yongxi Yao
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition & Feed Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Feed and Animal Nutrition, No. 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ruifan Wu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition & Feed Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Feed and Animal Nutrition, No. 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qing Liu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition & Feed Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Feed and Animal Nutrition, No. 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yizhen Wang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition & Feed Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Feed and Animal Nutrition, No. 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xinxia Wang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition & Feed Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Feed and Animal Nutrition, No. 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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87
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Abstract
The central dogma of molecular biology introduced by Crick describes a linear flow of information from DNA to mRNA to protein. Since then it has become evident that RNA undergoes several maturation steps such as capping, splicing, 3'-end processing, and editing. Likewise, nucleotide modifications are common in mRNA and are present in all organisms impacting on the regulation of gene expression. The most abundant modification found in mRNA is N6-methyladenosine (m6A). Deposition of m6A is a nuclear process and is performed by a megadalton writer complex primarily on mRNAs, but also on microRNAs and lncRNAs. The m6A methylosome is composed of the enzymatic core components METTL3 and METTL14, and several auxiliary proteins necessary for its correct positioning and functioning, which are WTAP, VIRMA, FLACC, RBM15, and HAKAI. The m6A epimark is decoded by YTH domain-containing reader proteins YTHDC and YTHDF, but METTLs can act as "readers" as well. Eraser proteins, such as FTO and ALKBH5, can remove the methyl group. Here we review recent progress on the role of m6A in regulating gene expression in light of Crick's central dogma of molecular biology. In particular, we address the complexity of the writer complex from an evolutionary perspective to obtain insights into the mechanism of ancient m6A methylation and its regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario L Balacco
- School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences , University of Birmingham , Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT , United Kingdom
| | - Matthias Soller
- School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences , University of Birmingham , Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT , United Kingdom
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88
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Kumar S, Chinnusamy V, Mohapatra T. Epigenetics of Modified DNA Bases: 5-Methylcytosine and Beyond. Front Genet 2018; 9:640. [PMID: 30619465 PMCID: PMC6305559 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Modification of DNA bases plays vital roles in the epigenetic control of gene expression in both animals and plants. Though much attention is given to the conventional epigenetic signature 5-methylcytosine (5-mC), the field of epigenetics is attracting increased scientific interest through the discovery of additional modifications of DNA bases and their roles in controlling gene expression. Theoretically, each of the DNA bases can be modified; however, modifications of cytosine and adenine only are known so far. This review focuses on the recent findings of the well-studied cytosine modifications and yet poorly characterized adenine modification which serve as an additional layer of epigenetic regulation in animals and discuss their potential roles in plants. Cytosine modification at symmetric (CG, CHG) and asymmetric (CHH) contexts is a key epigenetic feature. In addition to the ROS1 family mediated demethylation, Ten-Eleven Translocation family proteins-mediated hydroxylation of 5-mC to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine as additional active demethylation pathway are also discussed. The epigenetic marks are known to be associated with the regulation of several cellular and developmental processes, pluripotency of stem cells, neuron cell development, and tumor development in animals. Therefore, the most recently discovered N6-methyladenine, an additional epigenetic mark with regulatory potential, is also described. Interestingly, these newly discovered modifications are also found in the genomes which lack canonical 5-mC, signifying their independent epigenetic functions. These modified DNA bases are considered to be important players in epigenomics. The potential for combinatorial interaction among the known modified DNA bases suggests that epigenetic codon is likely to be substantially more complicated than it is thought today.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suresh Kumar
- Division of Biochemistry, Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR), New Delhi, India
| | - Viswanathan Chinnusamy
- Division of Plant Physiology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR), New Delhi, India
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89
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Rajecka V, Skalicky T, Vanacova S. The role of RNA adenosine demethylases in the control of gene expression. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2018; 1862:343-355. [PMID: 30550773 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2018.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
RNA modifications are being recognized as an essential factor in gene expression regulation. They play essential roles in germ line development, differentiation and disease. In eukaryotic mRNAs, N6-adenosine methylation (m6A) is the most prevalent internal chemical modification identified to date. The m6A pathway involves factors called writers, readers and erasers. m6A thus offers an interesting concept of dynamic reversible modification with implications in fine-tuning the cellular metabolism. In mammals, FTO and ALKBH5 have been initially identified as m6A erasers. Recently, FTO m6A specificity has been debated as new reports identify FTO targeting N6,2'-O-dimethyladenosine (m6Am). The two adenosine demethylases have diverse roles in the metabolism of mRNAs and their activity is involved in key processes, such as embryogenesis, disease or infection. In this article, we review the current knowledge of their function and mechanisms and discuss the existing contradictions in the field. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: mRNA modifications in gene expression control edited by Dr. Soller Matthias and Dr. Fray Rupert.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Rajecka
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, Brno 625 00, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Skalicky
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, Brno 625 00, Czech Republic
| | - Stepanka Vanacova
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, Brno 625 00, Czech Republic.
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90
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Sun H, Zhang M, Li K, Bai D, Yi C. Cap-specific, terminal N 6-methylation by a mammalian m 6Am methyltransferase. Cell Res 2018; 29:80-82. [PMID: 30487554 PMCID: PMC6318281 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-018-0117-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hanxiao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Meiling Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Kai Li
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.,Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Dongsheng Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Chengqi Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China. .,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China. .,Department of Chemical Biology and Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
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91
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Akichika S, Hirano S, Shichino Y, Suzuki T, Nishimasu H, Ishitani R, Sugita A, Hirose Y, Iwasaki S, Nureki O, Suzuki T. Cap-specific terminal N 6-methylation of RNA by an RNA polymerase II-associated methyltransferase. Science 2018; 363:science.aav0080. [PMID: 30467178 DOI: 10.1126/science.aav0080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 234] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
N 6-methyladenosine (m6A), a major modification of messenger RNAs (mRNAs), plays critical roles in RNA metabolism and function. In addition to the internal m6A, N 6, 2'-O-dimethyladenosine (m6Am) is present at the transcription start nucleotide of capped mRNAs in vertebrates. However, its biogenesis and functional role remain elusive. Using a reverse genetics approach, we identified PCIF1, a factor that interacts with the serine-5-phosphorylated carboxyl-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II, as a cap-specific adenosine methyltransferase (CAPAM) responsible for N 6-methylation of m6Am. The crystal structure of CAPAM in complex with substrates revealed the molecular basis of cap-specific m6A formation. A transcriptome-wide analysis revealed that N 6-methylation of m6Am promotes the translation of capped mRNAs. Thus, a cap-specific m6A writer promotes translation of mRNAs starting from m6Am.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinichiro Akichika
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Seiichi Hirano
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Yuichi Shichino
- RNA System Biochemistry Laboratory, Cluster for Pioneering Research, RIKEN, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Takeo Suzuki
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Nishimasu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Ryuichiro Ishitani
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Ai Sugita
- Laboratory of Gene Regulation, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Yutaka Hirose
- Laboratory of Gene Regulation, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Shintaro Iwasaki
- RNA System Biochemistry Laboratory, Cluster for Pioneering Research, RIKEN, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan.,Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo 277-8562, Japan
| | - Osamu Nureki
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
| | - Tsutomu Suzuki
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan.
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92
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Luo GZ, Hao Z, Luo L, Shen M, Sparvoli D, Zheng Y, Zhang Z, Weng X, Chen K, Cui Q, Turkewitz AP, He C. N 6-methyldeoxyadenosine directs nucleosome positioning in Tetrahymena DNA. Genome Biol 2018; 19:200. [PMID: 30454035 PMCID: PMC6245762 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-018-1573-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND N6-methyldeoxyadenosine (6mA or m6dA) was shown more than 40 years ago in simple eukaryotes. Recent studies revealed the presence of 6mA in more prevalent eukaryotes, even in vertebrates. However, functional characterizations have been limited. RESULTS We use Tetrahymena thermophila as a model organism to examine the effects of 6mA on nucleosome positioning. Independent methods reveal the enrichment of 6mA near and after transcription start sites with a periodic pattern and anti-correlation relationship with the positions of nucleosomes. The distribution pattern can be recapitulated by in vitro nucleosome assembly on native Tetrahymena genomic DNA but not on DNA without 6mA. Model DNA containing artificially installed 6mA resists nucleosome assembling compared to unmodified DNA in vitro. Computational simulation indicates that 6mA increases dsDNA rigidity, which disfavors nucleosome wrapping. Knockout of a potential 6mA methyltransferase leads to a transcriptome-wide change of gene expression. CONCLUSIONS These findings uncover a mechanism by which DNA 6mA assists to shape the nucleosome positioning and potentially affects gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guan-Zheng Luo
- The State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, 929 East 57th Street, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, 929 East 57th Street, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
| | - Ziyang Hao
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, 929 East 57th Street, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, 929 East 57th Street, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Liangzhi Luo
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, 929 East 57th Street, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, 929 East 57th Street, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
- Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Mingren Shen
- Graduate Program in Biophysics, Department of Chemistry and Theoretical Chemistry Institute, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1101 Univ. Ave., Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Daniela Sparvoli
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, The University of Chicago, 920 East 58th Street, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Yuqing Zheng
- Graduate Program in Biophysics, Department of Chemistry and Theoretical Chemistry Institute, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1101 Univ. Ave., Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Zijie Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, 929 East 57th Street, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, 929 East 57th Street, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Xiaocheng Weng
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, 929 East 57th Street, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, 929 East 57th Street, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Kai Chen
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, 929 East 57th Street, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, 929 East 57th Street, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Qiang Cui
- Graduate Program in Biophysics, Department of Chemistry and Theoretical Chemistry Institute, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1101 Univ. Ave., Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Aaron P Turkewitz
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, The University of Chicago, 920 East 58th Street, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Chuan He
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, 929 East 57th Street, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, 929 East 57th Street, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
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93
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Chen H, Shu H, Wang L, Zhang F, Li X, Ochola SO, Mao F, Ma H, Ye W, Gu T, Jiang L, Wu Y, Wang Y, Kamoun S, Dong S. Phytophthora methylomes are modulated by 6mA methyltransferases and associated with adaptive genome regions. Genome Biol 2018; 19:181. [PMID: 30382931 PMCID: PMC6211444 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-018-1564-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Filamentous plant pathogen genomes often display a bipartite architecture with gene-sparse, repeat-rich compartments serving as a cradle for adaptive evolution. The extent to which this two-speed genome architecture is associated with genome-wide DNA modifications is unknown. RESULTS We show that the oomycetes Phytophthora infestans and Phytophthora sojae possess functional adenine N6-methylation (6mA) methyltransferases that modulate patterns of 6mA marks across the genome. In contrast, 5-methylcytosine could not be detected in these species. Methylated DNA IP sequencing (MeDIP-seq) of each species reveals 6mA is depleted around the transcription start sites (TSSs) and is associated with lowly expressed genes, particularly transposable elements. Genes occupying the gene-sparse regions have higher levels of 6mA in both genomes, possibly implicating the methylome in adaptive evolution. All six putative adenine methyltransferases from P. infestans and P. sojae, except PsDAMT2, display robust enzymatic activities. Surprisingly, single knockouts in P. sojae significantly reduce in vivo 6mA levels, indicating that the three enzymes are not fully redundant. MeDIP-seq of the psdamt3 mutant reveals uneven 6mA methylation reduction across genes, suggesting that PsDAMT3 may have a preference for gene body methylation after the TSS. Furthermore, transposable elements such as DNA elements are more active in the psdamt3 mutant. A large number of genes, particularly those from the adaptive genomic compartment, are differentially expressed. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide evidence that 6mA modification is potentially an epigenetic mark in Phytophthora genomes, and complex patterns of 6mA methylation may be associated with adaptive evolution in these important plant pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Chen
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Haidong Shu
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Liyuan Wang
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Xi Li
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | | | - Fei Mao
- National Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Hongyu Ma
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Wenwu Ye
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Tingting Gu
- College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Lubin Jiang
- Institute Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yufeng Wu
- National Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Yuanchao Wang
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Sophien Kamoun
- The Sainsbury Laboratory, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Suomeng Dong
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
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94
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Duan HC, Wang Y, Jia G. Dynamic and reversible RNA N 6 -methyladenosine methylation. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2018; 10:e1507. [PMID: 30252201 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Revised: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
N6 -methyladenosine (m6 A) is the most abundant internal chemical modification in eukaryotic messenger RNAs (mRNAs). The discovery in 2011 that m6 A is reversed by the fat mass and obesity-associated protein stimulated extensive worldwide research efforts on the regulatory biological functions of dynamic m6 A and other RNA modifications. The epitranscriptomic mark m6 A is written, read, and erased through the activities of a complicated network of enzymes and other proteins. m6 A-binding proteins read m6 A marks and transduce their downstream regulatory effects by altering RNA metabolic processes. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of m6 A modifications, with particular focus on the functions of its writer, eraser, and reader proteins in posttranscriptional gene regulation and discuss the impact of m6 A marks on human health. This article is categorized under: RNA Processing > RNA Editing and Modification RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Chao Duan
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Ye Wang
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Guifang Jia
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
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95
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Faughn JD, Dean WL, Schaner Tooley CE. The N-terminal methyltransferase homologs NRMT1 and NRMT2 exhibit novel regulation of activity through heterotrimer formation. Protein Sci 2018; 27:1585-1599. [PMID: 30151928 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Revised: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Protein, DNA, and RNA methyltransferases have an ever-expanding list of novel substrates and catalytic activities. Even within families and between homologs, it is becoming clear the intricacies of methyltransferase specificity and regulation are far more diverse than originally thought. In addition to specific substrates and distinct methylation levels, methyltransferase activity can be altered by complex formation with close homologs. We work with the N-terminal methyltransferase homologs NRMT1 and NRMT2. NRMT1 is a ubiquitously expressed distributive trimethylase. NRMT2 is a monomethylase expressed at low levels in a tissue-specific manner. They are both nuclear methyltransferases with overlapping consensus sequences but have distinct enzymatic activities and tissue expression patterns. Co-expression with NRMT2 increases the trimethylation rate of NRMT1, and here we aim to understand how this occurs. We use analytical ultracentrifugation to show that while NRMT1 primarily exists as a dimer and NRMT2 as a monomer, when co-expressed they form a heterotrimer. We use co-immunoprecipitation and molecular modeling to demonstrate in vivo binding and map areas of interaction. While overexpression of NRMT2 increases the half-life of NRMT1, the converse is not true, indicating that NRMT2 may be increasing NRMT1 activity by stabilizing the enzyme. Accordingly, the catalytic activity of NRMT2 is not needed to increase NRMT1 activity or increase its affinity for less preferred substrates. Monomethylation can also not rescue phenotypes seen with loss of trimethylation. Taken together, these data support a model where NRMT2 expression activates NRMT1 activity, not through priming, but by increasing its stability and substrate affinity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon D Faughn
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, 40202
| | - William L Dean
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, 40202
| | - Christine E Schaner Tooley
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, 14203
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96
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Doxtader KA, Wang P, Scarborough AM, Seo D, Conrad NK, Nam Y. Structural Basis for Regulation of METTL16, an S-Adenosylmethionine Homeostasis Factor. Mol Cell 2018; 71:1001-1011.e4. [PMID: 30197297 PMCID: PMC6367934 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2018.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) is an essential metabolite that acts as a cofactor for most methylation events in the cell. The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methyltransferase METTL16 controls SAM homeostasis by regulating the abundance of SAM synthetase MAT2A mRNA in response to changing intracellular SAM levels. Here we present crystal structures of METTL16 in complex with MAT2A RNA hairpins to uncover critical molecular mechanisms underlying the regulated activity of METTL16. The METTL16-RNA complex structures reveal atomic details of RNA substrates that drive productive methylation by METTL16. In addition, we identify a polypeptide loop in METTL16 near the SAM binding site with an autoregulatory role. We show that mutations that enhance or repress METTL16 activity in vitro correlate with changes in MAT2A mRNA levels in cells. Thus, we demonstrate the structural basis for the specific activity of METTL16 and further suggest the molecular mechanisms by which METTL16 efficiency is tuned to regulate SAM homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn A Doxtader
- Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences and Division of Basic Reproductive Biology Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Ping Wang
- Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences and Division of Basic Reproductive Biology Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Anna M Scarborough
- Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Dahee Seo
- Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences and Division of Basic Reproductive Biology Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Nicholas K Conrad
- Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Yunsun Nam
- Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences and Division of Basic Reproductive Biology Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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97
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Boriack-Sjodin PA, Ribich S, Copeland RA. RNA-modifying proteins as anticancer drug targets. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2018; 17:435-453. [PMID: 29773918 DOI: 10.1038/nrd.2018.71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
All major biological macromolecules (DNA, RNA, proteins and lipids) undergo enzyme-catalysed covalent modifications that impact their structure, function and stability. A variety of covalent modifications of RNA have been identified and demonstrated to affect RNA stability and translation to proteins; these mechanisms of translational control have been termed epitranscriptomics. Emerging data suggest that some epitranscriptomic mechanisms are altered in human cancers as well as other human diseases. In this Review, we examine the current understanding of RNA modifications with a focus on mRNA methylation, highlight their possible roles in specific cancer indications and discuss the emerging potential of RNA-modifying proteins as therapeutic targets.
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98
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Huang J, Yin P. Structural Insights into N 6-methyladenosine (m 6A) Modification in the Transcriptome. GENOMICS PROTEOMICS & BIOINFORMATICS 2018; 16:85-98. [PMID: 29709557 PMCID: PMC6112310 DOI: 10.1016/j.gpb.2018.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Revised: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
More than 100 types of chemical modifications in RNA have been well documented. Recently, several modifications, such as N6-methyladenosine (m6A), have been detected in mRNA, opening the window into the realm of epitranscriptomics. The m6A modification is the most abundant modification in mRNA and non-coding RNA (ncRNA). At the molecular level, m6A affects almost all aspects of mRNA metabolism, including splicing, translation, and stability, as well as microRNA (miRNA) maturation, playing essential roles in a range of cellular processes. The m6A modification is regulated by three classes of proteins generally referred to as the “writer” (adenosine methyltransferase), “eraser” (m6A demethylating enzyme), and “reader” (m6A-binding protein). The m6A modification is reversibly installed and removed by writers and erasers, respectively. Readers, which are members of the YT521-B homology (YTH) family proteins, selectively bind to RNA and affect its fate in an m6A-dependent manner. In this review, we summarize the structures of the functional proteins that modulate the m6A modification, and provide our insights into the m6A-mediated gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinbo Huang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Center of Plant Gene Research, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Ping Yin
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Center of Plant Gene Research, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
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99
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Sánchez-Vásquez E, Alata Jimenez N, Vázquez NA, Strobl-Mazzulla PH. Emerging role of dynamic RNA modifications during animal development. Mech Dev 2018; 154:24-32. [PMID: 29654887 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2018.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Revised: 04/07/2018] [Accepted: 04/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The central dogma of molecular biology statically says that the information flows from DNA to messenger RNA to protein. But the recent advances in mass spectrometry and high throughput technology have helped the scientists to view RNA as little more than a courier of genetic information encoded in the DNA. The dynamics of RNA modifications in coding and non-coding RNAs are just emerging as a carrier of non-genetic information, uncovering a new layer of complexity in the regulation of gene expression and protein translation. In this review, we summarize about the current knowledge of N6-methyladenosine (m6A), N1-methyladenosine (m1A), 5-methylcytosine (m5C) and pseudouridine (Ψ) modifications in RNA, and described how these RNA modifications are implicated in early animal development and in several human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estefanía Sánchez-Vásquez
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas- Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (CONICET-UNSAM), Int. Marino 8200, Chascomús 7130, Argentina
| | - Nagif Alata Jimenez
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas- Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (CONICET-UNSAM), Int. Marino 8200, Chascomús 7130, Argentina
| | - Nicolás A Vázquez
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas- Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (CONICET-UNSAM), Int. Marino 8200, Chascomús 7130, Argentina
| | - Pablo H Strobl-Mazzulla
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas- Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (CONICET-UNSAM), Int. Marino 8200, Chascomús 7130, Argentina.
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100
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Ruszkowska A, Ruszkowski M, Dauter Z, Brown JA. Structural insights into the RNA methyltransferase domain of METTL16. Sci Rep 2018; 8:5311. [PMID: 29593291 PMCID: PMC5871880 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-23608-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is an abundant modification in messenger RNA and noncoding RNAs that affects RNA metabolism. Methyltransferase-like protein 16 (METTL16) is a recently confirmed m6A RNA methyltransferase that methylates U6 spliceosomal RNA and interacts with the 3′-terminal RNA triple helix of MALAT1 (metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1). Here, we present two X-ray crystal structures of the N-terminal methyltransferase domain (residues 1–291) of human METTL16 (METTL16_291): an apo structure at 1.9 Å resolution and a post-catalytic S-adenosylhomocysteine-bound complex at 2.1 Å resolution. The structures revealed a highly conserved Rossmann fold that is characteristic of Class I S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methyltransferases and a large, positively charged groove. This groove likely represents the RNA-binding site and it includes structural elements unique to METTL16. In-depth analysis of the active site led to a model of the methyl transfer reaction catalyzed by METTL16. In contrast to the major m6A methyltransferase heterodimer METTL3/METTL14, full-length METTL16 forms a homodimer and METTL16_291 exists as a monomer based on size-exclusion chromatography. A native gel-shift assay shows that METTL16 binds to the MALAT1 RNA triple helix, but monomeric METTL16_291 does not. Our results provide insights into the molecular structure of METTL16, which is distinct from METTL3/METTL14.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Ruszkowska
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
| | - Milosz Ruszkowski
- Synchrotron Radiation Research Section of MCL, National Cancer Institute, Argonne, IL, 60439, USA
| | - Zbigniew Dauter
- Synchrotron Radiation Research Section of MCL, National Cancer Institute, Argonne, IL, 60439, USA
| | - Jessica A Brown
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA.
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