151
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Agris PF, Narendran A, Sarachan K, Väre VYP, Eruysal E. The Importance of Being Modified: The Role of RNA Modifications in Translational Fidelity. Enzymes 2017; 41:1-50. [PMID: 28601219 DOI: 10.1016/bs.enz.2017.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The posttranscriptional modifications of tRNA's anticodon stem and loop (ASL) domain represent a third level, a third code, to the accuracy and efficiency of translating mRNA codons into the correct amino acid sequence of proteins. Modifications of tRNA's ASL domain are enzymatically synthesized and site specifically located at the anticodon wobble position-34 and 3'-adjacent to the anticodon at position-37. Degeneracy of the 64 Universal Genetic Codes and the limitation in the number of tRNA species require some tRNAs to decode more than one codon. The specific modification chemistries and their impact on the tRNA's ASL structure and dynamics enable one tRNA to decode cognate and "wobble codons" or to expand recognition to synonymous codons, all the while maintaining the translational reading frame. Some modified nucleosides' chemistries prestructure tRNA to read the two codons of a specific amino acid that shares a twofold degenerate codon box, and other chemistries allow a different tRNA to respond to all four codons of a fourfold degenerate codon box. Thus, tRNA ASL modifications are critical and mutations in genes for the modification enzymes and tRNA, the consequences of which is a lack of modification, lead to mistranslation and human disease. By optimizing tRNA anticodon chemistries, structure, and dynamics in all organisms, modifications ensure translational fidelity of mRNA transcripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul F Agris
- The RNA Institute, State University of New York, Albany, NY, United States.
| | - Amithi Narendran
- The RNA Institute, State University of New York, Albany, NY, United States
| | - Kathryn Sarachan
- The RNA Institute, State University of New York, Albany, NY, United States
| | - Ville Y P Väre
- The RNA Institute, State University of New York, Albany, NY, United States
| | - Emily Eruysal
- The RNA Institute, State University of New York, Albany, NY, United States
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152
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Self-Referential Encoding on Modules of Anticodon Pairs-Roots of the Biological Flow System. Life (Basel) 2017; 7:life7020016. [PMID: 28383509 PMCID: PMC5492138 DOI: 10.3390/life7020016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Revised: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The proposal that the genetic code was formed on the basis of (proto)tRNA Dimer-Directed Protein Synthesis is reviewed and updated. The tRNAs paired through the anticodon loops are an indication on the process. Dimers are considered mimics of the ribosomes-structures that hold tRNAs together and facilitate the transferase reaction, and of the translation process-anticodons are at the same time codons for each other. The primitive protein synthesis system gets stabilized when the product peptides are stable and apt to bind the producers therewith establishing a self-stimulating production cycle. The chronology of amino acid encoding starts with Glycine and Serine, indicating the metabolic support of the Glycine-Serine C1-assimilation pathway, which is also consistent with evidence on origins of bioenergetics mechanisms. Since it is not possible to reach for substrates simpler than C1 and compounds in the identified pathway are apt for generating the other central metabolic routes, it is considered that protein synthesis is the beginning and center of a succession of sink-effective mechanisms that drive the formation and evolution of the metabolic flow system. Plasticity and diversification of proteins construct the cellular system following the orientation given by the flow and implementing it. Nucleic acid monomers participate in bioenergetics and the polymers are conservative memory systems for the synthesis of proteins. Protoplasmic fission is the final sink-effective mechanism, part of cell reproduction, guaranteeing that proteins don't accumulate to saturation, which would trigger inhibition.
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153
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Lorenz C, Lünse CE, Mörl M. tRNA Modifications: Impact on Structure and Thermal Adaptation. Biomolecules 2017; 7:E35. [PMID: 28375166 PMCID: PMC5485724 DOI: 10.3390/biom7020035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 216] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2017] [Revised: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are central players in translation, functioning as adapter molecules between the informational level of nucleic acids and the functional level of proteins. They show a highly conserved secondary and tertiary structure and the highest density of post-transcriptional modifications among all RNAs. These modifications concentrate in two hotspots-the anticodon loop and the tRNA core region, where the D- and T-loop interact with each other, stabilizing the overall structure of the molecule. These modifications can cause large rearrangements as well as local fine-tuning in the 3D structure of a tRNA. The highly conserved tRNA shape is crucial for the interaction with a variety of proteins and other RNA molecules, but also needs a certain flexibility for a correct interplay. In this context, it was shown that tRNA modifications are important for temperature adaptation in thermophilic as well as psychrophilic organisms, as they modulate rigidity and flexibility of the transcripts, respectively. Here, we give an overview on the impact of modifications on tRNA structure and their importance in thermal adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Lorenz
- Institute of Biochemistry, Leipzig University, Brüderstraße 34, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Christina E Lünse
- Institute of Biochemistry, Leipzig University, Brüderstraße 34, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Mario Mörl
- Institute of Biochemistry, Leipzig University, Brüderstraße 34, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
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154
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Zheng C, Black KA, Dos Santos PC. Diverse Mechanisms of Sulfur Decoration in Bacterial tRNA and Their Cellular Functions. Biomolecules 2017; 7:biom7010033. [PMID: 28327539 PMCID: PMC5372745 DOI: 10.3390/biom7010033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Revised: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Sulfur-containing transfer ribonucleic acids (tRNAs) are ubiquitous biomolecules found in all organisms that possess a variety of functions. For decades, their roles in processes such as translation, structural stability, and cellular protection have been elucidated and appreciated. These thionucleosides are found in all types of bacteria; however, their biosynthetic pathways are distinct among different groups of bacteria. Considering that many of the thio-tRNA biosynthetic enzymes are absent in Gram-positive bacteria, recent studies have addressed how sulfur trafficking is regulated in these prokaryotic species. Interestingly, a novel proposal has been given for interplay among thionucleosides and the biosynthesis of other thiocofactors, through participation of shared-enzyme intermediates, the functions of which are impacted by the availability of substrate as well as metabolic demand of thiocofactors. This review describes the occurrence of thio-modifications in bacterial tRNA and current methods for detection of these modifications that have enabled studies on the biosynthesis and functions of S-containing tRNA across bacteria. It provides insight into potential modes of regulation and potential evolutionary events responsible for divergence in sulfur metabolism among prokaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenkang Zheng
- Department of Chemistry, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA.
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155
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Väre VYP, Eruysal ER, Narendran A, Sarachan KL, Agris PF. Chemical and Conformational Diversity of Modified Nucleosides Affects tRNA Structure and Function. Biomolecules 2017; 7:E29. [PMID: 28300792 PMCID: PMC5372741 DOI: 10.3390/biom7010029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
RNAs are central to all gene expression through the control of protein synthesis. Four major nucleosides, adenosine, guanosine, cytidine and uridine, compose RNAs and provide sequence variation, but are limited in contributions to structural variation as well as distinct chemical properties. The ability of RNAs to play multiple roles in cellular metabolism is made possible by extensive variation in length, conformational dynamics, and the over 100 post-transcriptional modifications. There are several reviews of the biochemical pathways leading to RNA modification, but the physicochemical nature of modified nucleosides and how they facilitate RNA function is of keen interest, particularly with regard to the contributions of modified nucleosides. Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are the most extensively modified RNAs. The diversity of modifications provide versatility to the chemical and structural environments. The added chemistry, conformation and dynamics of modified nucleosides occurring at the termini of stems in tRNA's cloverleaf secondary structure affect the global three-dimensional conformation, produce unique recognition determinants for macromolecules to recognize tRNAs, and affect the accurate and efficient decoding ability of tRNAs. This review will discuss the impact of specific chemical moieties on the structure, stability, electrochemical properties, and function of tRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ville Y P Väre
- The RNA Institute, Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA.
| | - Emily R Eruysal
- The RNA Institute, Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA.
| | - Amithi Narendran
- The RNA Institute, Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA.
| | - Kathryn L Sarachan
- The RNA Institute, Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA.
| | - Paul F Agris
- The RNA Institute, Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA.
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156
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Edvardson S, Prunetti L, Arraf A, Haas D, Bacusmo JM, Hu JF, Ta-Shma A, Dedon PC, de Crécy-Lagard V, Elpeleg O. tRNA N6-adenosine threonylcarbamoyltransferase defect due to KAE1/TCS3 (OSGEP) mutation manifest by neurodegeneration and renal tubulopathy. Eur J Hum Genet 2017; 25:545-551. [PMID: 28272532 DOI: 10.1038/ejhg.2017.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Revised: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-transcriptional tRNA modifications are numerous and require a large set of highly conserved enzymes in humans and other organisms. In yeast, the loss of many modifications is tolerated under unstressed conditions; one exception is the N6-threonyl-carbamoyl-adenosine (t6A) modification, loss of which causes a severe growth phenotype. Here we aimed at a molecular diagnosis in a brother and sister from a consanguineous family who presented with global developmental delay, failure to thrive and a renal defect manifesting in proteinuria and hypomagnesemia. Using exome sequencing, the patients were found to be homozygous for the c.974G>A (p.(Arg325Gln)) variant of the KAE1 gene. KAE1 is a constituent of the KEOPS complex, a five-subunit complex that catalyzes the second biosynthetic step of t6A in the cytosol. The yeast KAE1 allele carrying the equivalent mutation did not rescue the t6A deficiency of the kae1Δ yeast strain as efficiently as the WT allele; furthermore, t6A levels quantified by LC-MS/MS were lower in the kae1Δ strain which was complemented by the mutation than in the kae1Δ strain, which was complemented by the WT allele. We conclude that homozygosity for c.974G>A (p.(Arg325Gln)) in KAE1 likely exerts its pathogenic effect by perturbing t6A synthesis, thereby interfering with global protein production. This is the first report of t6A biosynthesis defect in human. KAE1 joins the growing list of cytoplasmic tRNA modification enzymes, all associated with severe neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Edvardson
- Monique and Jacques Roboh Department of Genetic Research, Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.,Pediatric Neurology Unit, Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Laurence Prunetti
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences and Genetic Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Aiman Arraf
- Hebrew University School of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Drago Haas
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences and Genetic Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jo Marie Bacusmo
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences and Genetic Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jennifer F Hu
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Asas Ta-Shma
- Monique and Jacques Roboh Department of Genetic Research, Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Peter C Dedon
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Infectious Disease Interdisciplinary Research Group, Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Valérie de Crécy-Lagard
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences and Genetic Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Orly Elpeleg
- Monique and Jacques Roboh Department of Genetic Research, Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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157
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David R, Burgess A, Parker B, Li J, Pulsford K, Sibbritt T, Preiss T, Searle IR. Transcriptome-Wide Mapping of RNA 5-Methylcytosine in Arabidopsis mRNAs and Noncoding RNAs. THE PLANT CELL 2017; 29:445-460. [PMID: 28062751 PMCID: PMC5385953 DOI: 10.1105/tpc.16.00751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Revised: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/02/2017] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Posttranscriptional methylation of RNA cytosine residues to 5-methylcytosine (m5C) is an important modification with diverse roles, such as regulating stress responses, stem cell proliferation, and RNA metabolism. Here, we used RNA bisulfite sequencing for transcriptome-wide quantitative mapping of m5C in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana We discovered more than a thousand m5C sites in Arabidopsis mRNAs, long noncoding RNAs, and other noncoding RNAs across three tissue types (siliques, seedling shoots, and roots) and validated a number of these sites. Quantitative differences in methylated sites between these three tissues suggest tissue-specific regulation of m5C. Perturbing the RNA m5C methyltransferase TRM4B resulted in the loss of m5C sites on mRNAs and noncoding RNAs and reduced the stability of tRNAAsp(GTC) We also demonstrate the importance of m5C in plant development, as trm4b mutants have shorter primary roots than the wild type due to reduced cell division in the root apical meristem. In addition, trm4b mutants show increased sensitivity to oxidative stress. Finally, we provide insights into the targeting mechanism of TRM4B by demonstrating that a 50-nucleotide sequence flanking m5C C3349 in MAIGO5 mRNA is sufficient to confer methylation of a transgene reporter in Nicotiana benthamiana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh David
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, The University of Adelaide and Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint International Centre for Agriculture and Health, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Alice Burgess
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, The University of Adelaide and Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint International Centre for Agriculture and Health, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Brian Parker
- Department of Biology, New York University, New York, New York 1003-6688
- EMBL-Australia Collaborating Group, Department of Genome Sciences, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - Jun Li
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, The University of Adelaide and Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint International Centre for Agriculture and Health, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Kalinya Pulsford
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, The University of Adelaide and Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint International Centre for Agriculture and Health, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Tennille Sibbritt
- EMBL-Australia Collaborating Group, Department of Genome Sciences, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - Thomas Preiss
- EMBL-Australia Collaborating Group, Department of Genome Sciences, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia
| | - Iain Robert Searle
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, The University of Adelaide and Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint International Centre for Agriculture and Health, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
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158
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David R, Burgess A, Parker B, Li J, Pulsford K, Sibbritt T, Preiss T, Searle IR. Transcriptome-Wide Mapping of RNA 5-Methylcytosine in Arabidopsis mRNAs and Noncoding RNAs. THE PLANT CELL 2017. [PMID: 28062751 DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.3408193.v2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Posttranscriptional methylation of RNA cytosine residues to 5-methylcytosine (m5C) is an important modification with diverse roles, such as regulating stress responses, stem cell proliferation, and RNA metabolism. Here, we used RNA bisulfite sequencing for transcriptome-wide quantitative mapping of m5C in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana We discovered more than a thousand m5C sites in Arabidopsis mRNAs, long noncoding RNAs, and other noncoding RNAs across three tissue types (siliques, seedling shoots, and roots) and validated a number of these sites. Quantitative differences in methylated sites between these three tissues suggest tissue-specific regulation of m5C. Perturbing the RNA m5C methyltransferase TRM4B resulted in the loss of m5C sites on mRNAs and noncoding RNAs and reduced the stability of tRNAAsp(GTC) We also demonstrate the importance of m5C in plant development, as trm4b mutants have shorter primary roots than the wild type due to reduced cell division in the root apical meristem. In addition, trm4b mutants show increased sensitivity to oxidative stress. Finally, we provide insights into the targeting mechanism of TRM4B by demonstrating that a 50-nucleotide sequence flanking m5C C3349 in MAIGO5 mRNA is sufficient to confer methylation of a transgene reporter in Nicotiana benthamiana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh David
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, The University of Adelaide and Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint International Centre for Agriculture and Health, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Alice Burgess
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, The University of Adelaide and Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint International Centre for Agriculture and Health, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Brian Parker
- Department of Biology, New York University, New York, New York 1003-6688
- EMBL-Australia Collaborating Group, Department of Genome Sciences, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - Jun Li
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, The University of Adelaide and Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint International Centre for Agriculture and Health, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Kalinya Pulsford
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, The University of Adelaide and Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint International Centre for Agriculture and Health, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Tennille Sibbritt
- EMBL-Australia Collaborating Group, Department of Genome Sciences, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - Thomas Preiss
- EMBL-Australia Collaborating Group, Department of Genome Sciences, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia
| | - Iain Robert Searle
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, The University of Adelaide and Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint International Centre for Agriculture and Health, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
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159
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Paulines MJ, Limbach PA. Stable Isotope Labeling for Improved Comparative Analysis of RNA Digests by Mass Spectrometry. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2017; 28:551-561. [PMID: 28105550 DOI: 10.1007/s13361-017-1593-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Revised: 01/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Even with the advent of high throughput methods to detect modified ribonucleic acids (RNAs), mass spectrometry remains a reliable method to detect, characterize, and place post-transcriptional modifications within an RNA sequence. Here we have developed a stable isotope labeling comparative analysis of RNA digests (SIL-CARD) approach, which improves upon the original 18O/16O labeling CARD method. Like the original, SIL-CARD allows sequence or modification information from a previously uncharacterized in vivo RNA sample to be obtained by direct comparison with a reference RNA, the sequence of which is known. This reference is in vitro transcribed using a 13C/15N isotopically enriched nucleoside triphosphate (NTP). The two RNAs are digested with an endonuclease, the specificity of which matches the labeled NTP used for transcription. As proof of concept, several transfer RNAs (tRNAs) were characterized by SIL-CARD, where labeled guanosine triphosphate was used for the reference in vitro transcription. RNase T1 digestion products from the in vitro transcript will be 15 Da higher in mass than the same digestion products from the in vivo tRNA that are unmodified, leading to a doublet in the mass spectrum. Singlets, rather than doublets, arise if a sequence variation or a post-transcriptional modification is present that results in a relative mass shift different from 15 Da. Moreover, the use of the in vitro synthesized tRNA transcript allows for quantitative measurement of RNA abundance. Overall, SIL-CARD simplifies data analysis and enhances quantitative RNA modification mapping by mass spectrometry. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mellie June Paulines
- Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, PO Box 210172, Cincinnati, OH, 45221-0172, USA
| | - Patrick A Limbach
- Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, PO Box 210172, Cincinnati, OH, 45221-0172, USA.
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160
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Abstract
Wobble uridines (U34) are generally modified in all species. U34 modifications can be essential in metazoans but are not required for viability in fungi. In this review, we provide an overview on the types of modifications and how they affect the physico-chemical properties of wobble uridines. We describe the molecular machinery required to introduce these modifications into tRNA posttranscriptionally and discuss how posttranslational regulation may affect the activity of the modifying enzymes. We highlight the activity of anticodon specific RNases that target U34 containing tRNA. Finally, we discuss how defects in wobble uridine modifications lead to phenotypes in different species. Importantly, this review will mainly focus on the cytoplasmic tRNAs of eukaryotes. A recent review has extensively covered their bacterial and mitochondrial counterparts.1
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffael Schaffrath
- a Institut für Biologie, FG Mikrobiologie , Universität Kassel , Germany
| | - Sebastian A Leidel
- b Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine , Germany.,c Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence , University of Münster , Münster , Germany.,d Medical Faculty , University of Münster , Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Münster , Germany
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161
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Mapping Post-Transcriptional Modifications onto Transfer Ribonucleic Acid Sequences by Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry. Biomolecules 2017; 7:biom7010021. [PMID: 28241457 PMCID: PMC5372733 DOI: 10.3390/biom7010021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Liquid chromatography, coupled with tandem mass spectrometry, has become one of the most popular methods for the analysis of post-transcriptionally modified transfer ribonucleic acids (tRNAs). Given that the information collected using this platform is entirely determined by the mass of the analyte, it has proven to be the gold standard for accurately assigning nucleobases to the sequence. For the past few decades many labs have worked to improve the analysis, contiguous to instrumentation manufacturers developing faster and more sensitive instruments. With biological discoveries relating to ribonucleic acid happening more frequently, mass spectrometry has been invaluable in helping to understand what is happening at the molecular level. Here we present a brief overview of the methods that have been developed and refined for the analysis of modified tRNAs by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.
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162
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Sulfur Modifications of the Wobble U 34 in tRNAs and their Intracellular Localization in Eukaryotic Cells. Biomolecules 2017; 7:biom7010017. [PMID: 28218716 PMCID: PMC5372729 DOI: 10.3390/biom7010017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Revised: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The wobble uridine (U34) of transfer RNAs (tRNAs) for two-box codon recognition, i.e., tRNALysUUU, tRNAGluUUC, and tRNAGlnUUG, harbor a sulfur- (thio-) and a methyl-derivative structure at the second and fifth positions of U34, respectively. Both modifications are necessary to construct the proper anticodon loop structure and to enable them to exert their functions in translation. Thio-modification of U34 (s2U34) is found in both cytosolic tRNAs (cy-tRNAs) and mitochondrial tRNAs (mt-tRNAs). Although l-cysteine desulfurase is required in both cases, subsequent sulfur transfer pathways to cy-tRNAs and mt-tRNAs are different due to their distinct intracellular locations. The s2U34 formation in cy-tRNAs involves a sulfur delivery system required for the biosynthesis of iron-sulfur (Fe/S) clusters and certain resultant Fe/S proteins. This review addresses presumed sulfur delivery pathways for the s2U34 formation in distinct intracellular locations, especially that for cy-tRNAs in comparison with that for mt-tRNAs.
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163
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The Long Noncoding RNA Transcriptome of Dictyostelium discoideum Development. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2017; 7:387-398. [PMID: 27932387 PMCID: PMC5295588 DOI: 10.1534/g3.116.037150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Dictyostelium discoideum live in the soil as single cells, engulfing bacteria and growing vegetatively. Upon starvation, tens of thousands of amoebae enter a developmental program that includes aggregation, multicellular differentiation, and sporulation. Major shifts across the protein-coding transcriptome accompany these developmental changes. However, no study has presented a global survey of long noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) in D. discoideum To characterize the antisense and long intergenic noncoding RNA (lncRNA) transcriptome, we analyzed previously published developmental time course samples using an RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) library preparation method that selectively depletes ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs). We detected the accumulation of transcripts for 9833 protein-coding messenger RNAs (mRNAs), 621 lncRNAs, and 162 putative antisense RNAs (asRNAs). The noncoding RNAs were interspersed throughout the genome, and were distinct in expression level, length, and nucleotide composition. The noncoding transcriptome displayed a temporal profile similar to the coding transcriptome, with stages of gradual change interspersed with larger leaps. The transcription profiles of some noncoding RNAs were strongly correlated with known differentially expressed coding RNAs, hinting at a functional role for these molecules during development. Examining the mitochondrial transcriptome, we modeled two novel antisense transcripts. We applied yet another ribosomal depletion method to a subset of the samples to better retain transfer RNA (tRNA) transcripts. We observed polymorphisms in tRNA anticodons that suggested a post-transcriptional means by which D. discoideum compensates for codons missing in the genomic complement of tRNAs. We concluded that the prevalence and characteristics of long ncRNAs indicate that these molecules are relevant to the progression of molecular and cellular phenotypes during development.
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164
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Yu JM, Wang D, Pierson LS, Pierson EA. Disruption of MiaA provides insights into the regulation of phenazine biosynthesis under suboptimal growth conditions in Pseudomonas chlororaphis 30-84. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2017; 163:94-108. [PMID: 27926818 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.000409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Many products of secondary metabolism are activated by quorum sensing (QS), yet even at cell densities sufficient for QS, their production may be repressed under suboptimal growth conditions via mechanisms that still require elucidation. For many beneficial plant-associated bacteria, secondary metabolites such as phenazines are important for their competitive survival and plant-protective activities. Previous work established that phenazine biosynthesis in Pseudomonas chlororaphis 30-84 is regulated by the PhzR/PhzI QS system, which in turn is regulated by transcriptional regulator Pip, two-component system RpeA/RpeB and stationary phase/stress sigma factor RpoS. Disruption of MiaA, a tRNA modification enzyme, altered primary metabolism and growth leading to widespread effects on secondary metabolism, including reduced phenazine production and oxidative stress tolerance. Thus, the miaA mutant provided the opportunity to examine the regulation of phenazine production in response to altered metabolism and growth or stress tolerance. Despite the importance of MiaA for translation efficiency, the most significant effect of miaA disruption on phenazine production was the reduction in the transcription of phzR, phzI and pip, whereas neither the transcription nor translation of RpeB, a transcriptional regulator of pip, was affected. Constitutive expression of rpeB or pip in the miaA mutant completely restored phenazine production, but it resulted in further growth impairment. Constitutive expression of RpoS alleviated sensitivity to oxidative stress resulting from RpoS translation inefficiency in the miaA mutant, but it did not restore phenazine production. Our results support the model that cells curtail phenazine biosynthesis under suboptimal growth conditions via RpeB/Pip-mediated regulation of QS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Myoung Yu
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77943-2133, USA
| | - Dongping Wang
- Earth and Environmental Sciences, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87544, USA
| | - Leland S Pierson
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77943-2133, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Pierson
- Department of Horticultural Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77943-2133, USA.,Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77943-2133, USA
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165
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Fislage M, Wauters L, Versées W. Invited review: MnmE, a GTPase that drives a complex tRNA modification reaction. Biopolymers 2017; 105:568-79. [PMID: 26832457 DOI: 10.1002/bip.22813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2015] [Revised: 01/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
MnmE is a multi-domain GTPase that is conserved from bacteria to man. Together with its partner protein MnmG it is involved in the synthesis of a tRNA wobble uridine modification. The orthologues of these proteins in eukaryotes are targeted to mitochondria and mutations in the encoding genes are associated with severe mitochondrial diseases. While classical small GTP-binding proteins are regulated via auxiliary GEFs and GAPs, the GTPase activity of MnmE is activated via potassium-dependent homodimerization of its G domains. In this review we focus on the catalytic mechanism of GTP hydrolysis by MnmE and the large scale conformational changes that are triggered throughout the GTPase cycle. We also discuss how these conformational changes might be used to drive and tune the complex tRNA modification reaction. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 105: 568-579, 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Fislage
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032
| | - Lina Wauters
- Department of Cell Biochemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, Groningen, 9747 AG, Netherlands.,Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, Brussel, 1050, Belgium.,Structural Biology Research Center, VIB, Pleinlaan 2, Brussel, 1050, Belgium
| | - Wim Versées
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, Brussel, 1050, Belgium.,Structural Biology Research Center, VIB, Pleinlaan 2, Brussel, 1050, Belgium
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166
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Limbach PA, June Paulines M. Going global: the new era of mapping modifications in RNA. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2017; 8:10.1002/wrna.1367. [PMID: 27251302 PMCID: PMC5133204 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2016] [Revised: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The post-transcriptional modification of RNA by the addition of one or more chemical groups has been known for over 50 years. These chemical modifications, once thought to be static, are now being discovered to play key regulatory roles in gene expression. The advent of massive parallel sequencing of RNA (RNA-seq) now allows us to probe the complexity of cellular RNA and how chemically altering RNA structure expands the RNA vocabulary. Here we present an overview of the various strategies and technologies that are available to profile RNA chemical modifications at the cellular level. These strategies can be characterized as targeted and untargeted approaches: targeted strategies are developed for one single chemical modification while untargeted strategies are more broadly applicable to a range of such chemical changes. Key for all of these approaches is the ability to locate modifications within the RNA sequence. While most of these methods are built upon an RNA-Seq pipeline, alternative approaches based on mass spectrometry or conventional DNA sequencing retain value in the overall analysis process. We also look forward toward future opportunities and technologies that may expand the types of modifications that can be globally profiled. Given the ever increasing recognition that these RNA chemical modifications play important biological roles, a variety of methods, preferably orthogonal approaches, will be required to globally identify, validate and quantify RNA chemical modifications found in the transcriptome. WIREs RNA 2017, 8:e1367. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1367 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
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167
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Sierant M, Leszczynska G, Sadowska K, Dziergowska A, Rozanski M, Sochacka E, Nawrot B. S-Geranyl-2-thiouridine wobble nucleosides of bacterial tRNAs; chemical and enzymatic synthesis of S-geranylated-RNAs and their physicochemical characterization. Nucleic Acids Res 2016; 44:10986-10998. [PMID: 27566149 PMCID: PMC5159532 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkw727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Revised: 07/30/2016] [Accepted: 08/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, highly lipophilic S-geranylated derivatives of 5-methylaminomethyl-2-thiouridine (mnm5geS2U) and 5-carboxymethylaminomethyl-2-thiouridine (cmnm5geS2U) were found at the first (wobble) anticodon position in bacterial tRNAs specific for Lys, Glu and Gln. The function and cellular biogenesis of these unique tRNAs remain poorly understood. Here, we present one direct and two post-synthetic chemical routes for preparing model geS2U-RNAs. Our experimental data demonstrate that geS2U-RNAs are more lipophilic than their parent S2U-RNAs as well as non-modified U-RNAs. Thermodynamic studies revealed that the S-geranyl-2-thiouridine-containing RNA has higher affinity toward complementary RNA strand with G opposite the modified unit than with A. Recombinant tRNA selenouridine synthase (SelU) exhibits sulfur-specific geranylation activity toward model S2U-RNA, which is composed of the anticodon-stem-loop (ASL) from the human tRNALys3 sequence. In addition, the presence of magnesium ions is required to achieve appreciable geranylation efficiencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata Sierant
- Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Sienkiewicza 112, 90-363 Lodz, Poland
| | - Grazyna Leszczynska
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Zeromskiego 116, 90-924 Lodz, Poland
| | - Klaudia Sadowska
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Zeromskiego 116, 90-924 Lodz, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Dziergowska
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Zeromskiego 116, 90-924 Lodz, Poland
| | - Michal Rozanski
- Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Sienkiewicza 112, 90-363 Lodz, Poland
| | - Elzbieta Sochacka
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Zeromskiego 116, 90-924 Lodz, Poland
| | - Barbara Nawrot
- Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Sienkiewicza 112, 90-363 Lodz, Poland
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168
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Sloan KE, Warda AS, Sharma S, Entian KD, Lafontaine DLJ, Bohnsack MT. Tuning the ribosome: The influence of rRNA modification on eukaryotic ribosome biogenesis and function. RNA Biol 2016; 14:1138-1152. [PMID: 27911188 PMCID: PMC5699541 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2016.1259781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 413] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
rRNAs are extensively modified during their transcription and subsequent maturation in the nucleolus, nucleus and cytoplasm. RNA modifications, which are installed either by snoRNA-guided or by stand-alone enzymes, generally stabilize the structure of the ribosome. However, they also cluster at functionally important sites of the ribosome, such as the peptidyltransferase center and the decoding site, where they facilitate efficient and accurate protein synthesis. The recent identification of sites of substoichiometric 2'-O-methylation and pseudouridylation has overturned the notion that all rRNA modifications are constitutively present on ribosomes, highlighting nucleotide modifications as an important source of ribosomal heterogeneity. While the mechanisms regulating partial modification and the functions of specialized ribosomes are largely unknown, changes in the rRNA modification pattern have been observed in response to environmental changes, during development, and in disease. This suggests that rRNA modifications may contribute to the translational control of gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E Sloan
- a Institute for Molecular Biology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August-University , Göttingen , Germany
| | - Ahmed S Warda
- a Institute for Molecular Biology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August-University , Göttingen , Germany
| | - Sunny Sharma
- b RNA Molecular Biology and Center for Microscopy and Molecular Imaging, F.R.S./FNRS, Université Libre de Bruxelles , Charleroi-Gosselies , Belgium
| | - Karl-Dieter Entian
- c Institute for Molecular Biosciences, Goethe University , Frankfurt am Main , Germany
| | - Denis L J Lafontaine
- b RNA Molecular Biology and Center for Microscopy and Molecular Imaging, F.R.S./FNRS, Université Libre de Bruxelles , Charleroi-Gosselies , Belgium
| | - Markus T Bohnsack
- a Institute for Molecular Biology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August-University , Göttingen , Germany.,d Göttingen Centre for Molecular Biosciences, Georg-August-University , Göttingen , Germany
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169
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Abstract
Apolipoprotein B mRNA Editing Catalytic Polypeptide-like 1 or APOBEC1 was discovered in 1993 as the zinc-dependent cytidine deaminase responsible for the production of an in frame stop codon in apoB mRNA through modification of cytidine at nucleotide position 6666 to uridine. At the time of this discovery there was much speculation concerning the mechanism of base modification RNA editing which has been rekindled by the discovery of multiple C to U RNA editing events in the 3′ UTRs of mRNAs and the finding that other members of the APOBEC family while able to bind RNA, have the biological function of being DNA mutating enzymes. Current research is addressing the mechanism for these nucleotide modification events that appear not to adhere to the mooring sequence-dependent model for APOBEC1 involving the assembly of a multi protein containing editosome. This review will summarize our current understanding of the structure and function of APOBEC proteins and examine how RNA binding to them may be a regulatory mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harold C Smith
- a University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry , Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics , Rochester , NY , USA
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170
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Flavin-Dependent Methylation of RNAs: Complex Chemistry for a Simple Modification. J Mol Biol 2016; 428:4867-4881. [PMID: 27825927 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2016.10.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Revised: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
RNA methylation is the most abundant and evolutionarily conserved chemical modification of bases or ribose in noncoding and coding RNAs. This rather simple modification has nevertheless major consequences on the function of maturated RNA molecules and ultimately on their cellular fates. The methyl group employed in the methylation is almost universally derived from S-adenosyl-L-methionine via a simple SN2 displacement reaction. However, in some rare cases, the carbon originates from N5,N10-methylenetetrahydrofolate (CH2=THF). Here, a methylene group is transferred first and requires a subsequent reduction step (2e-+H+) via the flavin adenine dinucleotide hydroquinone (FADH-) to form the final methylated derivative. This FAD/folate-dependent mode of chemical reaction, called reductive methylation, is thus far more complex than the usual simple S-adenosyl-L-methionine-dependent one. This reaction is catalyzed by flavoenzymes, now named TrmFO and RlmFO, which respectively modify transfer and ribosomal RNAs. In this review, we briefly recount how these new RNA methyltransferases were discovered and describe a novel aspect of the chemistry of flavins, wherein this versatile biological cofactor is not just a simple redox catalyst but is also a new methyl transfer agent acting via a critical CH2=(N5)FAD iminium intermediate. The enigmatic structural reorganization of these enzymes that needs to take place during catalysis in order to build their active center is also discussed. Finally, recent findings demonstrated that this flavin-dependent mechanism is also employed by enzymatic systems involved in DNA synthesis, suggesting that the use of this cofactor as a methylating agent of biomolecules could be far more usual than initially anticipated.
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171
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Burgess A, David R, Searle IR. Deciphering the epitranscriptome: A green perspective. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2016; 58:822-835. [PMID: 27172004 PMCID: PMC5094531 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.12483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The advent of high-throughput sequencing technologies coupled with new detection methods of RNA modifications has enabled investigation of a new layer of gene regulation - the epitranscriptome. With over 100 known RNA modifications, understanding the repertoire of RNA modifications is a huge undertaking. This review summarizes what is known about RNA modifications with an emphasis on discoveries in plants. RNA ribose modifications, base methylations and pseudouridylation are required for normal development in Arabidopsis, as mutations in the enzymes modifying them have diverse effects on plant development and stress responses. These modifications can regulate RNA structure, turnover and translation. Transfer RNA and ribosomal RNA modifications have been mapped extensively and their functions investigated in many organisms, including plants. Recent work exploring the locations, functions and targeting of N6 -methyladenosine (m6 A), 5-methylcytosine (m5 C), pseudouridine (Ψ), and additional modifications in mRNAs and ncRNAs are highlighted, as well as those previously known on tRNAs and rRNAs. Many questions remain as to the exact mechanisms of targeting and functions of specific modified sites and whether these modifications have distinct functions in the different classes of RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Burgess
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, South Australia,, 5005, Australia
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The Waite Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, South Australia,, 5005, Australia
| | - Rakesh David
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, South Australia,, 5005, Australia
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The Waite Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, South Australia,, 5005, Australia
| | - Iain Robert Searle
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, South Australia,, 5005, Australia.
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The Waite Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, South Australia,, 5005, Australia.
- The University of Adelaide and Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint International Centre for Agriculture and Health, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, Adelaide, Australia.
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172
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Abstract
The removal of transcriptional 5' and 3' extensions is an essential step in tRNA biogenesis. In some bacteria, tRNA 5'- and 3'-end maturation require no further steps, because all their genes encode the full tRNA sequence. Often however, the ends are incomplete, and additional maturation, repair or editing steps are needed. In all Eukarya, but also many Archaea and Bacteria, e.g., the universal 3'-terminal CCA is not encoded and has to be added by the CCA-adding enzyme. Apart from such widespread "repair/maturation" processes, tRNA genes in some cases apparently cannot give rise to intact, functional tRNA molecules without further, more specific end repair or editing. Interestingly, the responsible enzymes as far as identified appear to be polymerases usually involved in regular tRNA repair after damage. Alternatively, enzymes are recruited from other non-tRNA pathways; e.g., in animal mitochondria, poly(A) polymerase plays a crucial role in the 3'-end repair/editing of tRNAs. While these repair/editing pathways apparently allowed peculiar tRNA-gene overlaps or mismatching mutations in the acceptor stem to become genetically fixed in some present-day organisms, they may have also driven some global changes in tRNA maturation on a greater evolutionary scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Rammelt
- a Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg , Halle , Germany
| | - Walter Rossmanith
- b Center for Anatomy & Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna , Vienna , Austria
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173
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Dowling DP, Miles ZD, Köhrer C, Maiocco SJ, Elliott SJ, Bandarian V, Drennan CL. Molecular basis of cobalamin-dependent RNA modification. Nucleic Acids Res 2016; 44:9965-9976. [PMID: 27638883 PMCID: PMC5175355 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkw806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Revised: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Queuosine (Q) was discovered in the wobble position of a transfer RNA (tRNA) 47 years ago, yet the final biosynthetic enzyme responsible for Q-maturation, epoxyqueuosine (oQ) reductase (QueG), was only recently identified. QueG is a cobalamin (Cbl)-dependent, [4Fe-4S] cluster-containing protein that produces the hypermodified nucleoside Q in situ on four tRNAs. To understand how QueG is able to perform epoxide reduction, an unprecedented reaction for a Cbl-dependent enzyme, we have determined a series of high resolution structures of QueG from Bacillus subtilis. Our structure of QueG bound to a tRNATyr anticodon stem loop shows how this enzyme uses a HEAT-like domain to recognize the appropriate anticodons and position the hypermodified nucleoside into the enzyme active site. We find Q bound directly above the Cbl, consistent with a reaction mechanism that involves the formation of a covalent Cbl-tRNA intermediate. Using protein film electrochemistry, we show that two [4Fe-4S] clusters adjacent to the Cbl have redox potentials in the range expected for Cbl reduction, suggesting how Cbl can be activated for nucleophilic attack on oQ. Together, these structural and electrochemical data inform our understanding of Cbl dependent nucleic acid modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel P Dowling
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.,Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Zachary D Miles
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Caroline Köhrer
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | - Sean J Elliott
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Vahe Bandarian
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Catherine L Drennan
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA .,Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.,Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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174
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Veneziano D, Di Bella S, Nigita G, Laganà A, Ferro A, Croce CM. Noncoding RNA: Current Deep Sequencing Data Analysis Approaches and Challenges. Hum Mutat 2016; 37:1283-1298. [PMID: 27516218 DOI: 10.1002/humu.23066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
One of the most significant biological discoveries of the last decade is represented by the reality that the vast majority of the transcribed genomic output comprises diverse classes of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) that may play key roles and/or be affected by many biochemical cellular processes (i.e., RNA editing), with implications in human health and disease. With 90% of the human genome being transcribed and novel classes of ncRNA emerging (tRNA-derived small RNAs and circular RNAs among others), the great majority of the human transcriptome suggests that many important ncRNA functions/processes are yet to be discovered. An approach to filling such vast void of knowledge has been recently provided by the increasing application of next-generation sequencing (NGS), offering the unprecedented opportunity to obtain a more accurate profiling with higher resolution, increased throughput, sequencing depth, and low experimental complexity, concurrently posing an increasing challenge in terms of efficiency, accuracy, and usability of data analysis software. This review provides an overview of ncRNAs, NGS technology, and the most recent/popular computational approaches and the challenges they attempt to solve, which are essential to a more sensitive and comprehensive ncRNA annotation capable of furthering our understanding of this still vastly uncharted genomic territory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Veneziano
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, 43210
| | | | - Giovanni Nigita
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, 43210
| | - Alessandro Laganà
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, 10029
| | - Afredo Ferro
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, University of Catania, Catania, 95125, Italy
| | - Carlo M Croce
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, 43210
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175
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Burger G, Moreira S, Valach M. Genes in Hiding. Trends Genet 2016; 32:553-565. [PMID: 27460648 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2016.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Revised: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Unrecognizable genes are an unsettling problem in genomics. Here, we survey the various types of cryptic genes and the corresponding deciphering strategies employed by cells. Encryption that renders genes substantially different from homologs in other species includes sequence substitution, insertion, deletion, fragmentation plus scrambling, and invasion by mobile genetic elements. Cells decode cryptic genes at the DNA, RNA or protein level. We will focus on a recently discovered case of unparalleled encryption involving massive gene fragmentation and nucleotide deletions and substitutions, occurring in the mitochondrial genome of a poorly understood protist group, the diplonemids. This example illustrates that comprehensive gene detection requires not only auxiliary sequence information - transcriptome and proteome data - but also knowledge about a cell's deciphering arsenal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gertraud Burger
- Department of Biochemistry and Robert-Cedergren Centre for Bioinformatics and Genomics, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.
| | - Sandrine Moreira
- Department of Biochemistry and Robert-Cedergren Centre for Bioinformatics and Genomics, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Matus Valach
- Department of Biochemistry and Robert-Cedergren Centre for Bioinformatics and Genomics, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
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176
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Structural effects of modified ribonucleotides and magnesium in transfer RNAs. Bioorg Med Chem 2016; 24:4826-4834. [PMID: 27364608 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2016.06.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Revised: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Modified nucleotides are ubiquitous and important to tRNA structure and function. To understand their effect on tRNA conformation, we performed a series of molecular dynamics simulations on yeast tRNAPhe and tRNAinit, Escherichia coli tRNAinit and HIV tRNALys. Simulations were performed with the wild type modified nucleotides, using the recently developed CHARMM compatible force field parameter set for modified nucleotides (J. Comput. Chem.2016, 37, 896), or with the corresponding unmodified nucleotides, and in the presence or absence of Mg2+. Results showed a stabilizing effect associated with the presence of the modifications and Mg2+ for some important positions, such as modified guanosine in position 37 and dihydrouridines in 16/17 including both structural properties and base interactions. Some other modifications were also found to make subtle contributions to the structural properties of local domains. While we were not able to investigate the effect of adenosine 37 in tRNAinit and limitations were observed in the conformation of E. coli tRNAinit, the presence of the modified nucleotides and of Mg2+ better maintained the structural features and base interactions of the tRNA systems than in their absence indicating the utility of incorporating the modified nucleotides in simulations of tRNA and other RNAs.
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177
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Sen A, Karasik A, Shanmuganathan A, Mirkovic E, Koutmos M, Cox RT. Loss of the mitochondrial protein-only ribonuclease P complex causes aberrant tRNA processing and lethality in Drosophila. Nucleic Acids Res 2016; 44:6409-22. [PMID: 27131785 PMCID: PMC5291253 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkw338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 04/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteins encoded by mitochondrial DNA are translated using mitochondrially encoded tRNAs and rRNAs. As with nuclear encoded tRNAs, mitochondrial tRNAs must be processed to become fully functional. The mitochondrial form of ribonuclease P (mt:RNase P) is responsible for 5′-end maturation and is comprised of three proteins; mitochondrial RNase P protein (MRPP) 1 and 2 together with proteinaceous RNase P (PRORP). However, its mechanism and impact on development is not yet known. Using homology searches, we have identified the three proteins composing Drosophila mt:RNase P: Mulder (PRORP), Scully (MRPP2) and Roswell (MRPP1). Here, we show that each protein is essential and localizes with mitochondria. Furthermore, reducing levels of each causes mitochondrial deficits, which appear to be due at least in part to defective mitochondrial tRNA processing. Overexpressing two members of the complex, Mulder and Roswell, is also lethal, and in the case of Mulder, causes abnormal mitochondrial morphology. These data are the first evidence that defective mt:RNase P causes mitochondrial dysfunction, lethality and aberrant mitochondrial tRNA processing in vivo, underscoring its physiological importance. This in vivo mt:RNase P model will advance our understanding of how loss of mitochondrial tRNA processing causes tissue failure, an important aspect of human mitochondrial disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya Sen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Agnes Karasik
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | | | | | - Markos Koutmos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Rachel T Cox
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
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178
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Deb I, Pal R, Sarzynska J, Lahiri A. Reparameterizations of theχTorsion and Lennard-JonesσParameters Improve the Conformational Characteristics of Modified Uridines. J Comput Chem 2016; 37:1576-88. [DOI: 10.1002/jcc.24374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Indrajit Deb
- Department of Biophysics, Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics; University of Calcutta; 92 APC Road Kolkata West Bengal 700009 India
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences; Noskowskiego 12/14 Poznan 61-704 Poland
| | - Rupak Pal
- Department of Biophysics, Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics; University of Calcutta; 92 APC Road Kolkata West Bengal 700009 India
| | - Joanna Sarzynska
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences; Noskowskiego 12/14 Poznan 61-704 Poland
| | - Ansuman Lahiri
- Department of Biophysics, Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics; University of Calcutta; 92 APC Road Kolkata West Bengal 700009 India
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179
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Ross R, Cao X, Yu N, Limbach PA. Sequence mapping of transfer RNA chemical modifications by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Methods 2016; 107:73-8. [PMID: 27033178 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2016.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Revised: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mass spectrometry is a powerful analytical tool for identifying and characterizing structural modifications to the four canonical bases in RNA, information that is lost when using techniques such as PCR for RNA analysis. Here we described an updated method for sequence mapping of modified nucleosides in transfer RNA. This modification mapping approach utilizes knowledge of the modified nucleosides present in the sample along with the genome-derived tRNA sequence to readily locate modifications site-specifically in the tRNA sequence. The experimental approach involves isolation of the tRNA of interest followed by separate enzymatic digestion to nucleosides and oligonucleotides. Both samples are analyzed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and the data sets are then combined to yield the modification profile of the tRNA. Data analysis is facilitated by the use of unmodified sequence exclusion lists and new developments in software that can automate MS/MS spectral annotation. The method is illustrated using tRNA-Asn isolated from Thermus thermophilus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Ross
- Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, PO Box 210172, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0172, United States
| | - Xiaoyu Cao
- Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, PO Box 210172, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0172, United States
| | - Ningxi Yu
- Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, PO Box 210172, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0172, United States
| | - Patrick A Limbach
- Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, PO Box 210172, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0172, United States.
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180
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tRNAmodpred: A computational method for predicting posttranscriptional modifications in tRNAs. Methods 2016; 107:34-41. [PMID: 27016142 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2016.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Revised: 03/19/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
tRNA molecules contain numerous chemically altered nucleosides, which are formed by enzymatic modification of the primary transcripts during the complex tRNA maturation process. Some of the modifications are introduced by single reactions, while other require complex series of reactions carried out by several different enzymes. The location and distribution of various types of modifications vary greatly between different tRNA molecules, organisms and organelles. We have developed a computational method tRNAmodpred, for predicting modifications in tRNA sequences. Briefly, our method takes as an input one or more unmodified tRNA sequences and a set of protein sequences corresponding to a proteome of a cell. Subsequently it identifies homologs of known tRNA modification enzymes in the proteome, predicts tRNA modification activities and maps them onto known pathways of RNA modification from the MODOMICS database. Thereby, theoretically possible modification pathways are identified, and products of these modification reactions are proposed for query tRNAs. This method allows for predicting modification patterns for newly sequenced genomes as well as for checking tentative modification status of tRNAs from one species treated with enzymes from another source, e.g. to predict the possible modifications of eukaryotic tRNAs expressed in bacteria. tRNAmodpred is freely available as a web server at http://genesilico.pl/trnamodpred/.
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181
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Huang HY, Hopper AK. Multiple Layers of Stress-Induced Regulation in tRNA Biology. Life (Basel) 2016; 6:life6020016. [PMID: 27023616 PMCID: PMC4931453 DOI: 10.3390/life6020016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Revised: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
tRNAs are the fundamental components of the translation machinery as they deliver amino acids to the ribosomes during protein synthesis. Beyond their essential function in translation, tRNAs also function in regulating gene expression, modulating apoptosis and several other biological processes. There are multiple layers of regulatory mechanisms in each step of tRNA biogenesis. For example, tRNA 3′ trailer processing is altered upon nutrient stress; tRNA modification is reprogrammed under various stresses; nuclear accumulation of tRNAs occurs upon nutrient deprivation; tRNA halves accumulate upon oxidative stress. Here we address how environmental stresses can affect nearly every step of tRNA biology and we describe the possible regulatory mechanisms that influence the function or expression of tRNAs under stress conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiao-Yun Huang
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, 915 E third St., Myers 300, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA.
| | - Anita K Hopper
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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182
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Moreira S, Valach M, Aoulad-Aissa M, Otto C, Burger G. Novel modes of RNA editing in mitochondria. Nucleic Acids Res 2016; 44:4907-19. [PMID: 27001515 PMCID: PMC4889940 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkw188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene structure and expression in diplonemid mitochondria are unparalleled. Genes are fragmented in pieces (modules) that are separately transcribed, followed by the joining of module transcripts to contiguous RNAs. Some instances of unique uridine insertion RNA editing at module boundaries were noted, but the extent and potential occurrence of other editing types remained unknown. Comparative analysis of deep transcriptome and genome data from Diplonema papillatum mitochondria reveals ∼220 post-transcriptional insertions of uridines, but no insertions of other nucleotides nor deletions. In addition, we detect in total 114 substitutions of cytosine by uridine and adenosine by inosine, amassed into unusually compact clusters. Inosines in transcripts were confirmed experimentally. This is the first report of adenosine-to-inosine editing of mRNAs and ribosomal RNAs in mitochondria. In mRNAs, editing causes mostly amino-acid additions and non-synonymous substitutions; in ribosomal RNAs, it permits formation of canonical secondary structures. Two extensively edited transcripts were compared across four diplonemids. The pattern of uridine-insertion editing is strictly conserved, whereas substitution editing has diverged dramatically, but still rendering diplonemid proteins more similar to other eukaryotic orthologs. We posit that RNA editing not only compensates but also sustains, or even accelerates, ultra-rapid evolution of genome structure and sequence in diplonemid mitochondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandrine Moreira
- Department of Biochemistry and Robert-Cedergren Centre for Bioinformatics and Genomics; Université de Montréal, Montreal, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Matus Valach
- Department of Biochemistry and Robert-Cedergren Centre for Bioinformatics and Genomics; Université de Montréal, Montreal, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Mohamed Aoulad-Aissa
- Department of Biochemistry and Robert-Cedergren Centre for Bioinformatics and Genomics; Université de Montréal, Montreal, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Christian Otto
- Bioinformatics Group, Department of Computer Science, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, D-04109, Germany
| | - Gertraud Burger
- Department of Biochemistry and Robert-Cedergren Centre for Bioinformatics and Genomics; Université de Montréal, Montreal, H3C 3J7, Canada
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183
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McKenney KM, Alfonzo JD. From Prebiotics to Probiotics: The Evolution and Functions of tRNA Modifications. Life (Basel) 2016; 6:E13. [PMID: 26985907 PMCID: PMC4810244 DOI: 10.3390/life6010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Revised: 02/27/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
All nucleic acids in cells are subject to post-transcriptional chemical modifications. These are catalyzed by a myriad of enzymes with exquisite specificity and that utilize an often-exotic array of chemical substrates. In no molecule are modifications more prevalent than in transfer RNAs. In the present document, we will attempt to take a chemical rollercoaster ride from prebiotic times to the present, with nucleoside modifications as key players and tRNA as the centerpiece that drove the evolution of biological systems to where we are today. These ideas will be put forth while touching on several examples of tRNA modification enzymes and their modus operandi in cells. In passing, we submit that the choice of tRNA is not a whimsical one but rather highlights its critical function as an essential invention for the evolution of protein enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M McKenney
- The Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
- The Ohio State Biochemistry Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Juan D Alfonzo
- The Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
- The Ohio State Biochemistry Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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184
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Wang N, Shang X, Cerny R, Niu W, Guo J. Systematic Evolution and Study of UAGN Decoding tRNAs in a Genomically Recoded Bacteria. Sci Rep 2016; 6:21898. [PMID: 26906548 PMCID: PMC4764823 DOI: 10.1038/srep21898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
We report the first systematic evolution and study of tRNA variants that are able to read a set of UAGN (N = A, G, U, C) codons in a genomically recoded E. coli strain that lacks any endogenous in-frame UAGN sequences and release factor 1. Through randomizing bases in anticodon stem-loop followed by a functional selection, we identified tRNA mutants with significantly improved UAGN decoding efficiency, which will augment the current efforts on genetic code expansion through quadruplet decoding. We found that an extended anticodon loop with an extra nucleotide was required for a detectable efficiency in UAGN decoding. We also observed that this crucial extra nucleotide was converged to a U (position 33.5) in all of the top tRNA hits no matter which UAGN codon they suppress. The insertion of U33.5 in the anticodon loop likely causes tRNA distortion and affects anticodon-codon interaction, which induces +1 frameshift in the P site of ribosome. A new model was proposed to explain the observed features of UAGN decoding. Overall, our findings elevate our understanding of the +1 frameshift mechanism and provide a useful guidance for further efforts on the genetic code expansion using a non-canonical quadruplet reading frame.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanxi Wang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, 68588, United States
| | - Xin Shang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, 68588, United States
| | - Ronald Cerny
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, 68588, United States
| | - Wei Niu
- Department of Chemical &Biomolecular Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, 68588, United States
| | - Jiantao Guo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, 68588, United States
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185
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Silent Polymorphisms: Can the tRNA Population Explain Changes in Protein Properties? Life (Basel) 2016; 6:life6010009. [PMID: 26901226 PMCID: PMC4810240 DOI: 10.3390/life6010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Revised: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 02/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Silent mutations are being intensively studied. We previously showed that the estrogen receptor alpha Ala87’s synonymous polymorphism affects its functional properties. Whereas a link has been clearly established between the effect of silent mutations, tRNA abundance and protein folding in prokaryotes, this connection remains controversial in eukaryotic systems. Although a synonymous polymorphism can affect mRNA structure or the interaction with specific ligands, it seems that the relative frequencies of isoacceptor tRNAs could play a key role in the protein-folding process, possibly through modulation of translation kinetics. Conformational changes could be subtle but enough to cause alterations in solubility, proteolysis profiles, functional parameters or intracellular targeting. Interestingly, recent advances describe dramatic changes in the tRNA population associated with proliferation, differentiation or response to chemical, physical or biological stress. In addition, several reports reveal changes in tRNAs’ posttranscriptional modifications in different physiological or pathological conditions. In consequence, since changes in the cell state imply quantitative and/or qualitative changes in the tRNA pool, they could increase the likelihood of protein conformational variants, related to a particular codon usage during translation, with consequences of diverse significance. These observations emphasize the importance of genetic code flexibility in the co-translational protein-folding process.
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186
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Xu Y, Vanommeslaeghe K, Aleksandrov A, MacKerell AD, Nilsson L. Additive CHARMM force field for naturally occurring modified ribonucleotides. J Comput Chem 2016; 37:896-912. [PMID: 26841080 PMCID: PMC4801715 DOI: 10.1002/jcc.24307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Revised: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
More than 100 naturally occurring modified nucleotides have been found in RNA molecules, in particular in tRNAs. We have determined molecular mechanics force field parameters compatible with the CHARMM36 all‐atom additive force field for all these modifications using the CHARMM force field parametrization strategy. Emphasis was placed on fine tuning of the partial atomic charges and torsion angle parameters. Quantum mechanics calculations on model compounds provided the initial set of target data, and extensive molecular dynamics simulations of nucleotides and oligonucleotides in aqueous solutions were used for further refinement against experimental data. The presented parameters will allow for computational studies of a wide range of RNAs containing modified nucleotides, including the ribosome and transfer RNAs. © 2016 The Authors. Journal of Computational Chemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- You Xu
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, HUDDINGE, SE-141 83, Sweden
| | - Kenno Vanommeslaeghe
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, 20 Penn Street, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201.,Department of Analytical Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology (FABI), Center for Pharmaceutical Research (CePhaR), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels, B-1090, Belgium
| | - Alexey Aleksandrov
- Department of Biology, Ecole Polytechnique, Laboratoire De Biochimie (CNRS UMR7654), Palaiseau, F-91128, France
| | - Alexander D MacKerell
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, 20 Penn Street, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
| | - Lennart Nilsson
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, HUDDINGE, SE-141 83, Sweden
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187
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Van Laer B, Roovers M, Wauters L, Kasprzak JM, Dyzma M, Deyaert E, Kumar Singh R, Feller A, Bujnicki JM, Droogmans L, Versées W. Structural and functional insights into tRNA binding and adenosine N1-methylation by an archaeal Trm10 homologue. Nucleic Acids Res 2016; 44:940-53. [PMID: 26673726 PMCID: PMC4737155 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkv1369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Revised: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 11/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purine nucleosides on position 9 of eukaryal and archaeal tRNAs are frequently modified in vivo by the post-transcriptional addition of a methyl group on their N1 atom. The methyltransferase Trm10 is responsible for this modification in both these domains of life. While certain Trm10 orthologues specifically methylate either guanosine or adenosine at position 9 of tRNA, others have a dual specificity. Until now structural information about this enzyme family was only available for the catalytic SPOUT domain of Trm10 proteins that show specificity toward guanosine. Here, we present the first crystal structure of a full length Trm10 orthologue specific for adenosine, revealing next to the catalytic SPOUT domain also N- and C-terminal domains. This structure hence provides crucial insights in the tRNA binding mechanism of this unique monomeric family of SPOUT methyltransferases. Moreover, structural comparison of this adenosine-specific Trm10 orthologue with guanosine-specific Trm10 orthologues suggests that the N1 methylation of adenosine relies on additional catalytic residues.
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MESH Headings
- Adenosine/chemistry
- Adenosine/metabolism
- Archaeal Proteins/chemistry
- Archaeal Proteins/genetics
- Archaeal Proteins/metabolism
- Catalytic Domain
- Crystallography, X-Ray
- Methylation
- Models, Molecular
- Molecular Docking Simulation
- Protein Structure, Tertiary
- RNA, Transfer/chemistry
- RNA, Transfer/metabolism
- RNA, Transfer, Met/chemistry
- RNA, Transfer, Met/metabolism
- Scattering, Small Angle
- Sulfolobus acidocaldarius/enzymology
- X-Ray Diffraction
- tRNA Methyltransferases/chemistry
- tRNA Methyltransferases/genetics
- tRNA Methyltransferases/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Van Laer
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussel, Belgium Structural Biology Research Center, VIB, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussel, Belgium
| | - Martine Roovers
- Institut de Recherches Microbiologiques Jean-Marie Wiame, Avenue E. Gryson 1, 1070 Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Lina Wauters
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussel, Belgium Structural Biology Research Center, VIB, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussel, Belgium Department of Cell Biochemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, Groningen 9747 AG, Netherlands
| | - Joanna M Kasprzak
- International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Trojdena 4 St, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, 61-614 Poznan, Poland
| | - Michal Dyzma
- International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Trojdena 4 St, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Egon Deyaert
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussel, Belgium Structural Biology Research Center, VIB, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussel, Belgium
| | - Ranjan Kumar Singh
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussel, Belgium Structural Biology Research Center, VIB, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussel, Belgium
| | - André Feller
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie, Université libre de Bruxelles, 12 Rue des Professeurs Jeener et Brachet, 6041 Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Janusz M Bujnicki
- International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Trojdena 4 St, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, 61-614 Poznan, Poland
| | - Louis Droogmans
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie, Université libre de Bruxelles, 12 Rue des Professeurs Jeener et Brachet, 6041 Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Wim Versées
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussel, Belgium Structural Biology Research Center, VIB, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussel, Belgium
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188
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Ho PY, Yu AM. Bioengineering of noncoding RNAs for research agents and therapeutics. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2016; 7:186-97. [PMID: 26763749 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Revised: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 11/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of functional small noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as microRNAs and small interfering RNAs, in the control of human cellular processes has opened new avenues to develop RNA-based therapies for various diseases including viral infections and cancers. However, studying ncRNA functions and developing RNA-based therapeutics relies on access to large quantities of affordable ncRNA agents. Currently, synthetic RNAs account for the major source of agents for RNA research and development, yet carry artificial modifications on the ribose ring and phosphate backbone in sharp contrast to posttranscriptional modifications present on the nucleobases or unmodified natural RNA molecules produced within cells. Therefore, large efforts have been made in recent years to develop recombinant RNA techniques to cost-effectively produce biological RNA agents that may better capture the structure, function, and safety properties of natural RNAs. In this article, we summarize and compare current in vitro and in vivo methods for the production of RNA agents including chemical synthesis, in vitro transcription, and bioengineering approaches. We highlight the latest recombinant RNA approaches using transfer RNA (tRNA), ribosomal RNA (rRNA), and optimal ncRNA scaffold (OnRS), and discuss the applications of bioengineered ncRNA agents (BERAs) that should facilitate RNA research and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pui Yan Ho
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Ai-Ming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
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189
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Abstract
tRNA molecules undergo extensive post-transcriptional processing to generate the mature functional tRNA species that are essential for translation in all organisms. These processing steps include the introduction of numerous specific chemical modifications to nucleotide bases and sugars; among these modifications, methylation reactions are by far the most abundant. The tRNA methyltransferases comprise a diverse enzyme superfamily, including members of multiple structural classes that appear to have arisen independently during evolution. Even among closely related family members, examples of unusual substrate specificity and chemistry have been observed. Here we review recent advances in tRNA methyltransferase mechanism and function with a particular emphasis on discoveries of alternative substrate specificities and chemistry associated with some methyltransferases. Although the molecular function for a specific tRNA methylation may not always be clear, mutations in tRNA methyltransferases have been increasingly associated with human disease. The impact of tRNA methylation on human biology is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- William E Swinehart
- a Center for RNA Biology and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry ; Ohio State University ; Columbus , OH USA
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190
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Dyubankova N, Sochacka E, Kraszewska K, Nawrot B, Herdewijn P, Lescrinier E. Contribution of dihydrouridine in folding of the D-arm in tRNA. Org Biomol Chem 2015; 13:4960-6. [PMID: 25815904 DOI: 10.1039/c5ob00164a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Posttranscriptional modifications of transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are proven to be critical for all core aspects of tRNA function. While the majority of tRNA modifications were discovered in the 1970s, their contribution in tRNA folding, stability, and decoding often remains elusive. In this work an NMR study was performed to obtain more insight in the role of the dihydrouridine (D) modification in the D-arm of tRNAi(Met) from S. pombe. While the unmodified oligonucleotide adopted several undefined conformations that interconvert in solution, the presence of a D nucleoside triggered folding into a hairpin with a stable stem and flexible loop region. Apparently the D modification is required in the studied sequence to fold into a stable hairpin. Therefore we conclude that D contributes to the correct folding and stability of D-arm in tRNA. In contrast to what is generally assumed for nucleic acids, the sharp 'imino' signal for the D nucleobase at 10 ppm in 90% H2O is not indicative for the presence of a stable hydrogen bond. The strong increase in pKa upon loss of the aromatic character in the modified nucleobase slows down the exchange of its 'imino' proton significantly, allowing its observation even in an isolated D nucleoside in 90% H2O in acidic to neutral conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Dyubankova
- Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Minderbroedersstraat 10, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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191
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Deffit SN, Hundley HA. To edit or not to edit: regulation of ADAR editing specificity and efficiency. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2015; 7:113-27. [PMID: 26612708 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Revised: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Hundreds to millions of adenosine (A)-to-inosine (I) modifications are present in eukaryotic transcriptomes and play an essential role in the creation of proteomic and phenotypic diversity. As adenosine and inosine have different base-pairing properties, the functional consequences of these modifications or 'edits' include altering coding potential, splicing, and miRNA-mediated gene silencing of transcripts. However, rather than serving as a static control of gene expression, A-to-I editing provides a means to dynamically rewire the genetic code during development and in a cell-type specific manner. Interestingly, during normal development, in specific cells, and in both neuropathological diseases and cancers, the extent of RNA editing does not directly correlate with levels of the substrate mRNA or the adenosine deaminase that act on RNA (ADAR) editing enzymes, implying that cellular factors are required for spatiotemporal regulation of A-to-I editing. The factors that affect the specificity and extent of ADAR activity have been thoroughly dissected in vitro. Yet, we still lack a complete understanding of how specific ADAR family members can selectively deaminate certain adenosines while others cannot. Additionally, in the cellular environment, ADAR specificity and editing efficiency is likely to be influenced by cellular factors, which is currently an area of intense investigation. Data from many groups have suggested two main mechanisms for controlling A-to-I editing in the cell: (1) regulating ADAR accessibility to target RNAs and (2) protein-protein interactions that directly alter ADAR enzymatic activity. Recent studies suggest cis- and trans-acting RNA elements, heterodimerization and RNA-binding proteins play important roles in regulating RNA editing levels in vivo. WIREs RNA 2016, 7:113-127. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1319.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah N Deffit
- Medical Sciences Program, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
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192
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Selitsky SR, Sethupathy P. tDRmapper: challenges and solutions to mapping, naming, and quantifying tRNA-derived RNAs from human small RNA-sequencing data. BMC Bioinformatics 2015; 16:354. [PMID: 26530785 PMCID: PMC4632369 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-015-0800-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Small RNA-sequencing has revealed the diversity and high abundance of small RNAs derived from tRNAs, referred to as tRNA-derived RNAs. However, at present, there is no standardized nomenclature and there are no methods for accurate annotation and quantification of these small RNAs. tRNA-derived RNAs have unique features that limit the utility of conventional alignment tools and quantification methods. Results We describe here the challenges of mapping, naming, and quantifying tRNA-derived RNAs and present a novel method that addresses them, called tDRmapper. We then use tDRmapper to perform a comparative analysis of tRNA-derived RNA profiles across different human cell types and diseases. We found that (1) tRNA-derived RNA profiles can differ dramatically across different cell types and disease states, (2) that positions and types of chemical modifications of tRNA-derived RNAs vary by cell type and disease, and (3) that entirely different tRNA-derived RNA species can be produced from the same parental tRNA depending on the cell type. Conclusion tDRmappernot only provides a standardized nomenclature and quantification scheme, but also includes graphical visualization that facilitates the discovery of novel tRNA and tRNA-derived RNA biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara R Selitsky
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Curriculum, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. .,Departments of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. .,Microbiology & Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Praveen Sethupathy
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Curriculum, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. .,Departments of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. .,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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193
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Read LK, Lukeš J, Hashimi H. Trypanosome RNA editing: the complexity of getting U in and taking U out. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2015; 7:33-51. [PMID: 26522170 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Revised: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
RNA editing, which adds sequence information to RNAs post-transcriptionally, is a widespread phenomenon throughout eukaryotes. The most complex form of this process is the uridine (U) insertion/deletion editing that occurs in the mitochondria of kinetoplastid protists. RNA editing in these flagellates is specified by trans-acting guide RNAs and entails the insertion of hundreds and deletion of dozens of U residues from mitochondrial RNAs to produce mature, translatable mRNAs. An emerging model indicates that the machinery required for trypanosome RNA editing is much more complicated than previously appreciated. A family of RNA editing core complexes (RECCs), which contain the required enzymes and several structural proteins, catalyze cycles of U insertion and deletion. A second, dynamic multiprotein complex, the Mitochondrial RNA Binding 1 (MRB1) complex, has recently come to light as another essential component of the trypanosome RNA editing machinery. MRB1 likely serves as the platform for kinetoplastid RNA editing, and plays critical roles in RNA utilization and editing processivity. MRB1 also appears to act as a hub for coordination of RNA editing with additional mitochondrial RNA processing events. This review highlights the current knowledge regarding the complex molecular machinery involved in trypanosome RNA editing. WIREs RNA 2016, 7:33-51. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1313 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurie K Read
- University at Buffalo School of Medicine, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Julius Lukeš
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.,Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Hassan Hashimi
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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194
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Thiaville PC, Iwata-Reuyl D, de Crécy-Lagard V. Diversity of the biosynthesis pathway for threonylcarbamoyladenosine (t(6)A), a universal modification of tRNA. RNA Biol 2015; 11:1529-39. [PMID: 25629598 PMCID: PMC4615747 DOI: 10.4161/15476286.2014.992277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The tRNA modification field has a rich literature covering biochemical analysis going back more than 40 years, but many of the corresponding genes were only identified in the last decade. In recent years, comparative genomic-driven analysis has allowed for the identification of the genes and subsequent characterization of the enzymes responsible for N6-threonylcarbamoyladenosine (t6A). This universal modification, located in the anticodon stem-loop at position 37 adjacent to the anticodon of tRNAs, is found in nearly all tRNAs that decode ANN codons. The t6A biosynthesis enzymes and synthesis pathways have now been identified, revealing both a core set of enzymes and kingdom-specific variations. This review focuses on the elucidation of the pathway, diversity of the synthesis genes, and proposes a new nomenclature for t6A synthesis enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick C Thiaville
- a Genetics and Genomics Graduate Program ; University of Florida ; Gainesville , FL USA
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195
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Machnicka MA, Olchowik A, Grosjean H, Bujnicki JM. Distribution and frequencies of post-transcriptional modifications in tRNAs. RNA Biol 2015; 11:1619-29. [PMID: 25611331 DOI: 10.4161/15476286.2014.992273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional tRNA molecules always contain a wide variety of post-transcriptionally modified nucleosides. These modifications stabilize tRNA structure, allow for proper interaction with other macromolecules and fine-tune the decoding of mRNAs during translation. Their presence in functionally important regions of tRNA is conserved in all domains of life. However, the identities of many of these modified residues depend much on the phylogeny of organisms the tRNAs are found in, attesting for domain-specific strategies of tRNA maturation. In this work we present a new tool, tRNAmodviz web server (http://genesilico.pl/trnamodviz) for easy comparative analysis and visualization of modification patterns in individual tRNAs, as well as in groups of selected tRNA sequences. We also present results of comparative analysis of tRNA sequences derived from 7 phylogenetically distinct groups of organisms: Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria, cytosol of eukaryotic single cell organisms, Fungi and Metazoa, cytosol of Viridiplantae, mitochondria, plastids and Euryarchaeota. These data update the study conducted 20 y ago with the tRNA sequences available at that time.
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196
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Manna S, Harman A. Horizontal gene transfer of a Chlamydial tRNA-guanine transglycosylase gene to eukaryotic microbes. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2015; 94:392-6. [PMID: 26435002 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2015.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2015] [Revised: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/26/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
tRNA-guanine transglycosylases are found in all domains of life and mediate the base exchange of guanine with queuine in the anticodon loop of tRNAs. They can also regulate virulence in bacteria such as Shigella flexneri, which has prompted the development of drugs that inhibit the function of these enzymes. Here we report a group of tRNA-guanine transglycosylases in eukaryotic microbes (algae and protozoa) which are more similar to their bacterial counterparts than previously characterized eukaryotic tRNA-guanine transglycosylases. We provide evidence demonstrating that the genes encoding these enzymes were acquired by these eukaryotic lineages via horizontal gene transfer from the Chlamydiae group of bacteria. Given that the S. flexneri tRNA-guanine transglycosylase can be targeted by drugs, we propose that the bacterial-like tRNA-guanine transglycosylases could potentially be targeted in a similar fashion in pathogenic amoebae that possess these enzymes such as Acanthamoeba castellanii. This work also presents ancient prokaryote-to-eukaryote horizontal gene transfer events as an untapped resource of potential drug target identification in pathogenic eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Manna
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Microbiology, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Ashley Harman
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Microbiology, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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197
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Müller M, Hartmann M, Schuster I, Bender S, Thüring KL, Helm M, Katze JR, Nellen W, Lyko F, Ehrenhofer-Murray AE. Dynamic modulation of Dnmt2-dependent tRNA methylation by the micronutrient queuine. Nucleic Acids Res 2015; 43:10952-62. [PMID: 26424849 PMCID: PMC4678861 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkv980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 09/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Dnmt2 enzymes are cytosine-5 methyltransferases that methylate C38 of several tRNAs. We report here that the activities of two Dnmt2 homologs, Pmt1 from Schizosaccharomyces pombe and DnmA from Dictyostelium discoideum, are strongly stimulated by prior queuosine (Q) modification of the substrate tRNA. In vivo tRNA methylation levels were stimulated by growth of cells in queuine-containing medium; in vitro Pmt1 activity was enhanced on Q-containing RNA; and queuine-stimulated in vivo methylation was abrogated by the absence of the enzyme that inserts queuine into tRNA, eukaryotic tRNA-guanine transglycosylase. Global analysis of tRNA methylation in S. pombe showed a striking selectivity of Pmt1 for tRNA(Asp) methylation, which distinguishes Pmt1 from other Dnmt2 homologs. The present analysis also revealed a novel Pmt1- and Q-independent tRNA methylation site in S. pombe, C34 of tRNA(Pro). Notably, queuine is a micronutrient that is scavenged by higher eukaryotes from the diet and gut microflora. This work therefore reveals an unanticipated route by which the environment can modulate tRNA modification in an organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Müller
- Institut für Biologie, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Mark Hartmann
- Division of Epigenetics, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Sebastian Bender
- Division of Epigenetics, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kathrin L Thüring
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Biochemie, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, 55099 Mainz, Germany
| | - Mark Helm
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Biochemie, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, 55099 Mainz, Germany
| | - Jon R Katze
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Wolfgang Nellen
- Abteilung für Genetik, Universität Kassel, 34132 Kassel, Germany
| | - Frank Lyko
- Division of Epigenetics, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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198
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Shigematsu M, Kirino Y. tRNA-Derived Short Non-coding RNA as Interacting Partners of Argonaute Proteins. GENE REGULATION AND SYSTEMS BIOLOGY 2015; 9:27-33. [PMID: 26401098 PMCID: PMC4567038 DOI: 10.4137/grsb.s29411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Revised: 06/28/2015] [Accepted: 07/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The advent of next-generation sequencing technologies has not only accelerated findings on various novel non-coding RNA (ncRNA) species but also led to the revision of the biological significance and versatility of fundamental RNA species with canonical function, such as transfer RNAs (tRNAs). Although tRNAs are best known as adapter components of translational machinery, recent studies suggest that tRNAs are not always end products but can further serve as a source for short ncRNAs. In many organisms, various tRNA-derived ncRNA species are produced from mature tRNAs or their precursor transcripts as functional molecules involved in various biological processes beyond translation. In this review, we focus on the tRNA-derived ncRNAs associated with Argonaute proteins and summarize recent studies on their conceivable biogenesis factors and on their emerging roles in gene expression regulation as regulatory RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megumi Shigematsu
- Computational Medicine Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yohei Kirino
- Computational Medicine Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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199
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Burgess AL, David R, Searle IR. Conservation of tRNA and rRNA 5-methylcytosine in the kingdom Plantae. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2015; 15:199. [PMID: 26268215 PMCID: PMC4535395 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-015-0580-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2015] [Accepted: 07/24/2015] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-transcriptional methylation of RNA cytosine residues to 5-methylcytosine (m(5)C) is an important modification that regulates RNA metabolism and occurs in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Yet, to date, no transcriptome-wide identification of m(5)C sites has been undertaken in plants. Plants provide a unique comparative system for investigating the origin and evolution of m(5)C as they contain three different genomes, the nucleus, mitochondria and chloroplast. Here we use bisulfite conversion of RNA combined with high-throughput IIlumina sequencing (RBS-seq) to identify single-nucleotide resolution of m(5)C sites in non-coding ribosomal RNAs and transfer RNAs of all three sub-cellular transcriptomes across six diverse species that included, the single-celled algae Nannochloropsis oculata, the macro algae Caulerpa taxifolia and multi-cellular higher plants Arabidopsis thaliana, Brassica rapa, Triticum durum and Ginkgo biloba. RESULTS Using the plant model Arabidopsis thaliana, we identified a total of 39 highly methylated m(5)C sites in predicted structural positions of nuclear tRNAs and 7 m(5)C sites in rRNAs from nuclear, chloroplast and mitochondrial transcriptomes. Both the nucleotide position and percent methylation of tRNAs and rRNAs m(5)C sites were conserved across all species analysed, from single celled algae N. oculata to multicellular plants. Interestingly the mitochondrial and chloroplast encoded tRNAs were devoid of m(5)C in A. thaliana and this is generally conserved across Plantae. This suggests independent evolution of organelle methylation in animals and plants, as animal mitochondrial tRNAs have m(5)C sites. Here we characterize 5 members of the RNA 5-methylcytosine family in Arabidopsis and extend the functional characterization of TRDMT1 and NOP2A/OLI2. We demonstrate that nuclear tRNA methylation requires two evolutionarily conserved methyltransferases, TRDMT1 and TRM4B. trdmt1 trm4b double mutants are hypersensitive to the antibiotic hygromycin B, demonstrating the function of tRNA methylation in regulating translation. Additionally we demonstrate that nuclear large subunit 25S rRNA methylation requires the conserved RNA methyltransferase NSUN5. Our results also suggest functional redundancy of at least two of the NOP2 paralogs in Arabidopsis. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrates widespread occurrence and conservation of non-coding RNA methylation in the kingdom Plantae, suggesting important and highly conserved roles of this post-transcriptional modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Louise Burgess
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia.
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The Waite Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia.
| | - Rakesh David
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia.
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The Waite Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia.
| | - Iain Robert Searle
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia.
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The Waite Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia.
- The University of Adelaide and Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint International Centre for Agriculture and Health, Adelaide, Australia.
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200
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Miles ZD, Myers WK, Kincannon WM, Britt RD, Bandarian V. Biochemical and Spectroscopic Studies of Epoxyqueuosine Reductase: A Novel Iron-Sulfur Cluster- and Cobalamin-Containing Protein Involved in the Biosynthesis of Queuosine. Biochemistry 2015; 54:4927-35. [PMID: 26230193 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.5b00335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Queuosine is a hypermodified nucleoside present in the wobble position of tRNAs with a 5'-GUN-3' sequence in their anticodon (His, Asp, Asn, and Tyr). The 7-deazapurine core of the base is synthesized de novo in prokaryotes from guanosine 5'-triphosphate in a series of eight sequential enzymatic transformations, the final three occurring on tRNA. Epoxyqueuosine reductase (QueG) catalyzes the final step in the pathway, which entails the two-electron reduction of epoxyqueuosine to form queuosine. Biochemical analyses reveal that this enzyme requires cobalamin and two [4Fe-4S] clusters for catalysis. Spectroscopic studies show that the cobalamin appears to bind in a base-off conformation, whereby the dimethylbenzimidazole moiety of the cofactor is removed from the coordination sphere of the cobalt but not replaced by an imidazole side chain, which is a hallmark of many cobalamin-dependent enzymes. The bioinformatically identified residues are shown to have a role in modulating the primary coordination sphere of cobalamin. These studies provide the first demonstration of the cofactor requirements for QueG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary D Miles
- †Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - William K Myers
- ‡Department of Chemistry, University of California-Davis, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - William M Kincannon
- †Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - R David Britt
- ‡Department of Chemistry, University of California-Davis, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Vahe Bandarian
- †Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
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