151
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Fletcher CE, Dart DA, Bevan CL. Interplay between steroid signalling and microRNAs: implications for hormone-dependent cancers. Endocr Relat Cancer 2014; 21:R409-29. [PMID: 25062737 DOI: 10.1530/erc-14-0208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Hormones are key drivers of cancer development. To date, interest has largely been focussed on the classical model of hormonal gene regulation, but there is increasing evidence for a role of hormone signalling pathways in post-translational regulation of gene expression. In particular, a complex and dynamic network of bi-directional interactions with microRNAs (miRs) at all stages of biogenesis and during target gene repression is emerging. miRs, which act mainly by negatively regulating gene expression through association with 3'-UTRs of mRNA species, are increasingly understood to be important in development, normal physiology and pathogenesis. Given recent demonstrations of altered miR profiles in a diverse range of cancers, their ability to function as oncogenes or tumour suppressors, and hormonal regulation of miRs, understanding mechanisms by which miRs are generated and regulated is vitally important. miRs are transcribed by RNA polymerase II and then processed in the nucleus by the Drosha-containing Microprocessor complex and in the cytoplasm by Dicer, before mature miRs are incorporated into the RNA-induced silencing complex. It is increasingly evident that multiple cellular signalling pathways converge upon the miR biogenesis cascade, adding further layers of regulatory complexity to modulate miR maturation. This review summarises recent advances in identification of novel components and regulators of the Microprocessor and Dicer complexes, with particular emphasis on the role of hormone signalling pathways in regulating their activity. Understanding hormone regulation of miR production and how this is perturbed in cancer are critical for the development of miR-based therapeutics and biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire E Fletcher
- Department of Surgery and CancerImperial College London, Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UKCardiff University School of MedicineCardiff University Peking University Cancer Institute, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - D Alwyn Dart
- Department of Surgery and CancerImperial College London, Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UKCardiff University School of MedicineCardiff University Peking University Cancer Institute, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK Department of Surgery and CancerImperial College London, Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UKCardiff University School of MedicineCardiff University Peking University Cancer Institute, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Charlotte L Bevan
- Department of Surgery and CancerImperial College London, Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UKCardiff University School of MedicineCardiff University Peking University Cancer Institute, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
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152
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Rbfox3 controls the biogenesis of a subset of microRNAs. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2014; 21:901-10. [PMID: 25240799 PMCID: PMC4189996 DOI: 10.1038/nsmb.2892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Accepted: 08/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) regulate numerous aspects of gene expression; thus, identification of their endogenous targets is important for understanding their cellular functions. Here we identified transcriptome-wide targets of Rbfox3 in neuronally differentiated P19 cells and mouse brain by using photoactivatable ribonucleoside-enhanced cross-linking and immunoprecipitation (PAR-CLIP). Although Rbfox3 is known to regulate pre-mRNA splicing through binding the UGCAUG motif, PAR-CLIP analysis revealed diverse Rbfox3 targets including primary microRNAs (pri-miRNAs) that lack the UGCAUG motif. Induced expression and depletion of Rbfox3 led to changes in the expression levels of a subset of PAR-CLIP-detected miRNAs. In vitro analyses revealed that Rbfox3 functions as a positive and a negative regulator at the stage of pri-miRNA processing to precursor miRNA (pre-miRNA). Rbfox3 binds directly to pri-miRNAs and regulates the recruitment of the microprocessor complex to pri-miRNAs. Our study proposes a new function for Rbfox3 in miRNA biogenesis.
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153
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Campos-Melo D, Droppelmann CA, Volkening K, Strong MJ. RNA-binding proteins as molecular links between cancer and neurodegeneration. Biogerontology 2014; 15:587-610. [PMID: 25231915 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-014-9531-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2014] [Accepted: 09/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
For many years, epidemiological studies have suggested an association between cancer and neurodegenerative disorders-two disease processes that seemingly have little in common. Although these two disease processes share disruptions in a wide range of cellular pathways, including cell survival, cell death and the cell cycle, the end result is very divergent: uncontrolled cell survival and proliferation in cancer and progressive neuronal cell death in neurodegeneration. Despite the clinical data connecting these two disease processes, little is known about the molecular links between them. Among the mechanisms affected in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, alterations in RNA metabolism are obtaining significant attention given the critical role for RNA transcription, maturation, transport, stability, degradation and translation in normal cellular function. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are integral to each stage of RNA metabolism through their participation in the formation of ribonucleoprotein complexes (RNPs). RBPs have a broad range of functions including posttranscriptional regulation of mRNA stability, splicing, editing and translation, mRNA export and localization, mRNA polyadenylation and miRNA biogenesis, ultimately impacting the expression of every single gene in the cell. In this review, we examine the evidence for RBPs as being key a molecular linkages between cancer and neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danae Campos-Melo
- Molecular Medicine Group, Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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154
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Freischmidt A, Müller K, Zondler L, Weydt P, Volk AE, Božič AL, Walter M, Bonin M, Mayer B, von Arnim CAF, Otto M, Dieterich C, Holzmann K, Andersen PM, Ludolph AC, Danzer KM, Weishaupt JH. Serum microRNAs in patients with genetic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and pre-manifest mutation carriers. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 137:2938-50. [PMID: 25193138 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awu249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge about the nature of pathomolecular alterations preceding onset of symptoms in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is largely lacking. It could not only pave the way for the discovery of valuable therapeutic targets but might also govern future concepts of pre-manifest disease modifying treatments. MicroRNAs are central regulators of transcriptome plasticity and participate in pathogenic cascades and/or mirror cellular adaptation to insults. We obtained comprehensive expression profiles of microRNAs in the serum of patients with familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, asymptomatic mutation carriers and healthy control subjects. We observed a strikingly homogenous microRNA profile in patients with familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis that was largely independent from the underlying disease gene. Moreover, we identified 24 significantly downregulated microRNAs in pre-manifest amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mutation carriers up to two decades or more before the estimated time window of disease onset; 91.7% of the downregulated microRNAs in mutation carriers overlapped with the patients with familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Bioinformatic analysis revealed a consensus sequence motif present in the vast majority of downregulated microRNAs identified in this study. Our data thus suggest specific common denominators regarding molecular pathogenesis of different amyotrophic lateral sclerosis genes. We describe the earliest pathomolecular alterations in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mutation carriers known to date, which provide a basis for the discovery of novel therapeutic targets and strongly argue for studies evaluating presymptomatic disease-modifying treatment in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lisa Zondler
- 1 Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Patrick Weydt
- 1 Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | | | | | - Michael Walter
- 4 Department of Medical Genetics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Michael Bonin
- 4 Department of Medical Genetics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Benjamin Mayer
- 5 Institute for Epidemiology and Medical Biometry, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Markus Otto
- 1 Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Karlheinz Holzmann
- 6 Genomics-Core Facility, University Hospital Ulm, Centre for Biomedical Research, Ulm, Germany
| | - Peter M Andersen
- 1 Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany 7 The Institute of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden 8 Virtual Helmholtz Institute RNA dysmetabolism in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Fronto-temporal Dementia, Germany
| | - Albert C Ludolph
- 1 Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany 8 Virtual Helmholtz Institute RNA dysmetabolism in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Fronto-temporal Dementia, Germany
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155
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Abstract
Embryonic stem cell maintenance, differentiation, and somatic cell reprogramming require the interplay of multiple pluripotency factors, epigenetic remodelers, and extracellular signaling pathways. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are involved in a wide range of regulatory pathways, from RNA metabolism to epigenetic modifications. In recent years we have witnessed more and more studies on the discovery of new RBPs and the assessment of their functions in a variety of biological systems, including stem cells. We review the current studies on RBPs and focus on those that have functional implications in pluripotency, differentiation, and/or reprogramming in both the human and mouse systems.
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156
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Orticello M, Fiore M, Totta P, Desideri M, Barisic M, Passeri D, Lenzi J, Rosa A, Orlandi A, Maiato H, Del Bufalo D, Degrassi F. N-terminus-modified Hec1 suppresses tumour growth by interfering with kinetochore-microtubule dynamics. Oncogene 2014; 34:3325-35. [PMID: 25132262 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2014.265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2013] [Revised: 06/11/2014] [Accepted: 07/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Mitotic proteins are attractive targets to develop molecular cancer therapeutics due to the intimate interdependence between cell proliferation and mitosis. In this work, we have explored the therapeutic potential of the kinetochore (KT) protein Hec1 (Highly Expressed in Cancer protein 1) as a molecular target to produce massive chromosome missegregation and cell death in cancer cells. Hec1 is a constituent of the Ndc80 complex, which mediates KT-microtubule (MT) attachments at mitosis and is upregulated in various cancer types. We expressed Hec1 fused with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) at its N-terminus MT-interaction domain in HeLa cells and showed that expression of this modified Hec1, which localized at KTs, blocked cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis in tumour cells. EGFP-Hec1 was extremely potent in tumour cell killing and more efficient than siRNA-induced Hec1 depletion. In striking contrast, normal cells showed no apparent cell proliferation defects or cell death following EGFP-Hec1 expression. Live-cell imaging demonstrated that cancer cell death was associated with massive chromosome missegregation within multipolar spindles after a prolonged mitotic arrest. Moreover, EGFP-Hec1 expression was found to increase KT-MT attachment stability, providing a molecular explanation for the abnormal spindle architecture and the cytotoxic activity of this modified protein. Consistent with cell culture data, EGFP-Hec1 expression was found to strongly inhibit tumour growth in a mouse xenograft model by disrupting mitosis and inducing multipolar spindles. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that stimulation of massive chromosome segregation defects can be used as an anti-cancer strategy through the activation of mitotic catastrophe after a multipolar mitosis. Importantly, this study represents a clear proof of concept that targeting KT proteins required for proper KT-MT attachment dynamics constitutes a powerful approach in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Orticello
- Institute of Biology, Molecular Medicine and Nanobiotechnology, CNR National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - M Fiore
- Institute of Biology, Molecular Medicine and Nanobiotechnology, CNR National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - P Totta
- Institute of Biology, Molecular Medicine and Nanobiotechnology, CNR National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - M Desideri
- Experimental Chemotherapy Laboratory, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - M Barisic
- Chromosome Instability and Dynamics Laboratory, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - D Passeri
- Anatomic Pathology Institute, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - J Lenzi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology 'Charles Darwin', Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - A Rosa
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology 'Charles Darwin', Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - A Orlandi
- Anatomic Pathology Institute, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - H Maiato
- 1] Chromosome Instability and Dynamics Laboratory, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal [2] Cell Division Unit, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - D Del Bufalo
- Experimental Chemotherapy Laboratory, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - F Degrassi
- Institute of Biology, Molecular Medicine and Nanobiotechnology, CNR National Research Council, Rome, Italy
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157
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An ALS-associated mutation in the FUS 3'-UTR disrupts a microRNA-FUS regulatory circuitry. Nat Commun 2014; 5:4335. [PMID: 25004804 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms5335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2014] [Accepted: 06/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
While the physiologic functions of the RNA-binding protein FUS still await thorough characterization, the pathonegetic role of FUS mutations in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is clearly established. Here we find that a human FUS mutation that leads to increased protein expression, and was identified in two ALS patients with severe outcome, maps to the seed sequence recognized by miR-141 and miR-200a in the 3'-UTR of FUS. We demonstrate that FUS and these microRNAs are linked by a feed-forward regulatory loop where FUS upregulates miR-141/200a, which in turn impact FUS protein synthesis. We also show that Zeb1, a target of miR-141/200a and transcriptional repressor of these two microRNAs, is part of the circuitry and reinforces it. Our results reveal a possible correlation between deregulation of this regulatory circuit and ALS pathogenesis, and open interesting perspectives in the treatment of these mutations through ad hoc-modified microRNAs.
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158
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Mori M, Triboulet R, Mohseni M, Schlegelmilch K, Shrestha K, Camargo FD, Gregory RI. Hippo signaling regulates microprocessor and links cell-density-dependent miRNA biogenesis to cancer. Cell 2014; 156:893-906. [PMID: 24581491 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2013.12.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 278] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2013] [Revised: 11/21/2013] [Accepted: 12/31/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Global downregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) is commonly observed in human cancers and can have a causative role in tumorigenesis. The mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon remain poorly understood. Here, we show that YAP, the downstream target of the tumor-suppressive Hippo-signaling pathway regulates miRNA biogenesis in a cell-density-dependent manner. At low cell density, nuclear YAP binds and sequesters p72 (DDX17), a regulatory component of the miRNA-processing machinery. At high cell density, Hippo-mediated cytoplasmic retention of YAP facilitates p72 association with Microprocessor and binding to a specific sequence motif in pri-miRNAs. Inactivation of the Hippo pathway or expression of constitutively active YAP causes widespread miRNA suppression in cells and tumors and a corresponding posttranscriptional induction of MYC expression. Thus, the Hippo pathway links contact-inhibition regulation to miRNA biogenesis and may be responsible for the widespread miRNA repression observed in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Mori
- Stem Cell Program, Boston Children's Hospital, MA 02115, USA; Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology and Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Robinson Triboulet
- Stem Cell Program, Boston Children's Hospital, MA 02115, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology and Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Morvarid Mohseni
- Stem Cell Program, Boston Children's Hospital, MA 02115, USA; Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Karin Schlegelmilch
- Stem Cell Program, Boston Children's Hospital, MA 02115, USA; Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kriti Shrestha
- Stem Cell Program, Boston Children's Hospital, MA 02115, USA; Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Fernando D Camargo
- Stem Cell Program, Boston Children's Hospital, MA 02115, USA; Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Richard I Gregory
- Stem Cell Program, Boston Children's Hospital, MA 02115, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology and Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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159
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Abstract
microRNAs (miRNAs) are a family of small, non-coding RNAs, which provides broad silencing activity of mRNA targets in a sequence-dependent fashion. This review explores the hypothesis that the miRNA machinery is intimately linked with the cellular stress pathway and apparatus. Stress signaling potentially alters the function of the miRNA-bioprocessing core components and decompensates regulation. In addition, dysregulation of miRNA activity renders the cell more prone to stress and emerges as a new pathway for age-related insults and diseases, such as neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Emde
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Eran Hornstein
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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160
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Deng H, Gao K, Jankovic J. The role of FUS gene variants in neurodegenerative diseases. Nat Rev Neurol 2014; 10:337-48. [DOI: 10.1038/nrneurol.2014.78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 197] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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161
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Kovanda A, Režen T, Rogelj B. MicroRNA in skeletal muscle development, growth, atrophy, and disease. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2014; 5:509-25. [DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2014] [Revised: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anja Kovanda
- Department of Biotechnology; Jozef Stefan Institute; Ljubljana Slovenia
- Biomedical Research Institute BRIS; Ljubljana Slovenia
| | - Tadeja Režen
- Biomedical Research Institute BRIS; Ljubljana Slovenia
| | - Boris Rogelj
- Department of Biotechnology; Jozef Stefan Institute; Ljubljana Slovenia
- Biomedical Research Institute BRIS; Ljubljana Slovenia
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162
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Droppelmann CA, Campos-Melo D, Ishtiaq M, Volkening K, Strong MJ. RNA metabolism in ALS: When normal processes become pathological. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2014; 15:321-36. [DOI: 10.3109/21678421.2014.881377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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163
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Gascon E, Gao FB. The emerging roles of microRNAs in the pathogenesis of frontotemporal dementia-amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (FTD-ALS) spectrum disorders. J Neurogenet 2014; 28:30-40. [PMID: 24506814 DOI: 10.3109/01677063.2013.876021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) share some clinical, pathological, and molecular features as part of a common neurodegenerative spectrum disorder. In recent years, enormous progress has been made in identifying both pathological proteins and genetic mutations associated with FTD-ALS. However, the molecular pathogenic mechanisms of disease onset and progression remain largely unknown. Recent studies have uncovered unexpected links between FTD-ALS and multiple aspects of RNA metabolism, setting the stage for further understanding of the disorder. Here, the authors will focus on microRNAs and review the emerging roles of these small RNAs in several aspects of FTD-ALS pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Gascon
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts , USA
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164
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Kye MJ, Gonçalves IDCG. The role of miRNA in motor neuron disease. Front Cell Neurosci 2014; 8:15. [PMID: 24523674 PMCID: PMC3906579 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2013] [Accepted: 01/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
microRNA is a subset of endogenous non-coding RNA. It binds to partially complementary sequences in mRNAs and inhibits mRNA translation by either blocking translational machinery or degrading mRNAs. It is involved in various cellular processes including cell cycle, development, metabolism, and synaptic plasticity. Dysregulation of miRNA expression and function is reported in various diseases including cancer, metabolic disorders as well as neurological disorders. In nervous system, miRNA related pathways play a very important role in development and function of neuronal cells. Moreover, numerous evidences suggest that dysregulated miRNA related pathways contribute to pathology of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Here, we review current knowledge about the role of miRNAs in motor neuron disorders, especially about two common diseases: SMA and ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Jeong Kye
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Cologne Cologne, Germany ; Institute for Genetics, University of Cologne Cologne, Germany
| | - Inês do Carmo G Gonçalves
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Cologne Cologne, Germany ; Institute for Genetics, University of Cologne Cologne, Germany
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165
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Legnini I, Morlando M, Mangiavacchi A, Fatica A, Bozzoni I. A feedforward regulatory loop between HuR and the long noncoding RNA linc-MD1 controls early phases of myogenesis. Mol Cell 2014; 53:506-14. [PMID: 24440503 PMCID: PMC3919156 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2013.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2013] [Revised: 10/25/2013] [Accepted: 12/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The muscle-specific long noncoding RNA linc-MD1 was shown to be expressed during early phases of muscle differentiation and to trigger the switch to later stages by acting as a sponge for miR-133 and miR-135. Notably, linc-MD1 is also the host transcript of miR-133b, and their biogenesis is mutually exclusive. Here, we describe that this alternative synthesis is controlled by the HuR protein, which favors linc-MD1 accumulation through its ability to bind linc-MD1 and repress Drosha cleavage. We show that HuR is under the repressive control of miR-133 and that the sponging activity of linc-MD1 consolidates HuR expression in a feedforward positive loop. Finally, we show that HuR also acts in the cytoplasm, reinforcing linc-MD1 sponge activity by cooperating for miRNA recruitment. An increase in miR-133 synthesis, mainly from the two unrelated miR-133a coding genomic loci, is likely to trigger the exit from this circuitry and progression to later differentiation stages. A feedforward positive loop exists between linc-MD1 and HuR during myogenesis HuR controls the relative biogenesis of miR-133b and its host linc-MD1 RNA Linc-MD1, by sponging miR-133, alleviates its repression on HuR expression Cytoplasmic HuR reinforces linc-MD1 activity by cooperating for miRNA recruitment
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivano Legnini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin" and IBPM, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Mariangela Morlando
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin" and IBPM, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Arianna Mangiavacchi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin" and IBPM, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Fatica
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin" and IBPM, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Irene Bozzoni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin" and IBPM, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy; Institute Pasteur Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
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166
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Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) represent the two major forms of motoneuron disease. In both forms of disease, spinal and bulbar motoneurons become dysfunctional and degenerate. In ALS, cortical motoneurons are also affected, which contributes to the clinical phenotype. The gene defects for most familial forms of ALS and SMA have been discovered and they point to a broad spectrum of disease mechanisms, including defects in RNA processing, pathological protein aggregation, altered apoptotic signaling, and disturbed energy metabolism. Despite the fact that lack of neurotrophic factors or their corresponding receptors are not found as genetic cause of motoneuron disease, signaling pathways initiated by neurotrophic factors for motoneuron survival, axon growth, presynaptic development, and synaptic function are disturbed in ALS and SMA. Better understanding of how neurotrophic factors and downstream signaling pathways interfere with these disease mechanisms could help to develop new therapies for motoneuron disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Sendtner
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology, University of Würzburg, Versbacherstr. 5, 97078, Würzburg, Germany,
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167
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Maciotta S, Meregalli M, Torrente Y. The involvement of microRNAs in neurodegenerative diseases. Front Cell Neurosci 2013; 7:265. [PMID: 24391543 PMCID: PMC3867638 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2013.00265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2013] [Accepted: 12/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) originate from a loss of neurons in the central nervous system and are severely debilitating. The incidence of NDDs increases with age, and they are expected to become more common due to extended life expectancy. Because no cure is available, these diseases have become a major challenge in neurobiology. The increasing relevance of microRNAs (miRNAs) in biology has prompted investigation into their possible involvement in neurodegeneration in order to identify new therapeutic targets. The idea of using miRNAs as therapeutic targets is not far from realization, but important issues need to be addressed before moving into the clinics. Here, we review what is known about the involvement of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of NDDs. We also report the miRNA expression levels in peripheral tissues of patients affected by NDDs in order to evaluate their application as biomarkers of disease. Finally, discrepancies, innovations, and the effectiveness of collected data will be elucidated and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Maciotta
- Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Centro Dino Ferrari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milan, Italy ; Diabetes Research Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Miami, FL, USA
| | - Mirella Meregalli
- Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Centro Dino Ferrari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milan, Italy
| | - Yvan Torrente
- Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Centro Dino Ferrari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milan, Italy
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168
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Abstract
Regulating the expression of individual miRNAs (microRNAs) is important for cell development and function. The up- or down-regulation of the processing of specific miRNA precursors to the mature active form represents one tool to control miRNA concentration and is mediated by proteins that recognize the terminal loop of the RNA precursors. Terminal loop recognition is achieved by the combined action of several RNA-binding domains. The proteins can then regulate the processing by recruiting RNA enzymes, changing the RNA structure and preventing or enhancing the accessibility and processing activity of the core processing complexes. The present review focuses on how terminal loop-binding proteins recognize their RNA targets and mediate their regulatory function(s), and highlights how terminal loop-mediated regulation relates to the broader regulation of mRNA metabolism.
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169
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Zhang Z, Almeida S, Lu Y, Nishimura AL, Peng L, Sun D, Wu B, Karydas AM, Tartaglia MC, Fong JC, Miller BL, Farese RV, Moore MJ, Shaw CE, Gao FB. Downregulation of microRNA-9 in iPSC-derived neurons of FTD/ALS patients with TDP-43 mutations. PLoS One 2013; 8:e76055. [PMID: 24143176 PMCID: PMC3797144 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0076055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2013] [Accepted: 08/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) is a major pathological protein in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). There are many disease-associated mutations in TDP-43, and several cellular and animal models with ectopic overexpression of mutant TDP-43 have been established. Here we sought to study altered molecular events in FTD and ALS by using induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived patient neurons. We generated multiple iPSC lines from an FTD/ALS patient with the TARDBP A90V mutation and from an unaffected family member who lacked the mutation. After extensive characterization, two to three iPSC lines from each subject were selected, differentiated into postmitotic neurons, and screened for relevant cell-autonomous phenotypes. Patient-derived neurons were more sensitive than control neurons to 100 nM straurosporine but not to other inducers of cellular stress. Three disease-relevant cellular phenotypes were revealed under staurosporine-induced stress. First, TDP-43 was localized in the cytoplasm of a higher percentage of patient neurons than control neurons. Second, the total TDP-43 level was lower in patient neurons with the A90V mutation. Third, the levels of microRNA-9 (miR-9) and its precursor pri-miR-9-2 decreased in patient neurons but not in control neurons. The latter is likely because of reduced TDP-43, as shRNA-mediated TDP-43 knockdown in rodent primary neurons also decreased the pri-miR-9-2 level. The reduction in miR-9 expression was confirmed in human neurons derived from iPSC lines containing the more pathogenic TARDBP M337V mutation, suggesting miR-9 downregulation might be a common pathogenic event in FTD/ALS. These results show that iPSC models of FTD/ALS are useful for revealing stress-dependent cellular defects of human patient neurons containing rare TDP-43 mutations in their native genetic contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijun Zhang
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Sandra Almeida
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Yubing Lu
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Agnes L. Nishimura
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lingtao Peng
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Danqiong Sun
- Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Bei Wu
- Center for Neurologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Anna M. Karydas
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Maria C. Tartaglia
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Jamie C. Fong
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Bruce L. Miller
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Robert V. Farese
- Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Departments of Medicine and Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Melissa J. Moore
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Christopher E. Shaw
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, London, United Kingdom
| | - Fen-Biao Gao
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
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170
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TDP-43 regulates the microprocessor complex activity during in vitro neuronal differentiation. Mol Neurobiol 2013; 48:952-63. [PMID: 24113842 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-013-8564-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2013] [Accepted: 09/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
TDP-43 (TAR DNA-binding protein 43) is an RNA-binding protein implicated in RNA metabolism at several levels. Even if ubiquitously expressed, it is considered as a neuronal activity-responsive factor and a major signature for neurological pathologies, making the comprehension of its activity in the nervous system a very challenging issue. TDP-43 has also been described as an accessory component of the Drosha-DGCR8 (DiGeorge syndrome critical region gene 8) microprocessor complex, which is crucially involved in basal and tissue-specific RNA processing events. In the present study, we exploited in vitro neuronal differentiation systems to investigate the TDP-43 demand for the microprocessor function, focusing on both its canonical microRNA biosynthetic activity and its alternative role as a post-transcriptional regulator of gene expression. Our findings reveal a novel role for TDP-43 as an essential factor that controls the stability of Drosha protein during neuronal differentiation, thus globally affecting the production of microRNAs. We also demonstrate that TDP-43 is required for the Drosha-mediated regulation of Neurogenin 2, a master gene orchestrating neurogenesis, whereas post-transcriptional control of Dgcr8, another Drosha target, resulted to be TDP-43-independent. These results implicate a previously uncovered contribution of TDP-43 in regulating the abundance and the substrate specificity of the microprocessor complex and provide new insights into TDP-43 as a key player in neuronal differentiation.
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171
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Goodall EF, Heath PR, Bandmann O, Kirby J, Shaw PJ. Neuronal dark matter: the emerging role of microRNAs in neurodegeneration. Front Cell Neurosci 2013; 7:178. [PMID: 24133413 PMCID: PMC3794211 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2013.00178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2013] [Accepted: 09/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, abundant RNA molecules that constitute part of the cell's non-coding RNA “dark matter.” In recent years, the discovery of miRNAs has revolutionised the traditional view of gene expression and our understanding of miRNA biogenesis and function has expanded. Altered expression of miRNAs is increasingly recognized as a feature of many disease states, including neurodegeneration. Here, we review the emerging role for miRNA dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Huntington's disease pathogenesis. We emphasize the complex nature of gene regulatory networks and the need for systematic studies, with larger sample cohorts than have so far been reported, to reveal the most important miRNA regulators in disease. Finally, miRNA diversity and their potential to target multiple pathways, offers novel clinical applications for miRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic agents in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily F Goodall
- Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield Sheffield, UK
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172
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Filosa G, Barabino SML, Bachi A. Proteomics strategies to identify SUMO targets and acceptor sites: a survey of RNA-binding proteins SUMOylation. Neuromolecular Med 2013; 15:661-76. [PMID: 23979992 DOI: 10.1007/s12017-013-8256-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2013] [Accepted: 08/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
SUMOylation is a protein posttranslational modification that participates in the regulation of numerous biological processes within the cells. Small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) proteins are members of the ubiquitin-like protein family and, similarly to ubiquitin, are covalently linked to a lysine residue on a target protein via a multi-enzymatic cascade. To assess the specific mechanism triggered by SUMOylation, the identification of SUMO protein substrates and of the precise acceptor site to which SUMO is bound is of critical relevance. Despite hundreds of mammalian proteins have been described as targets of SUMOylation, the identification of the precise acceptor sites still represents an important analytical challenge because of the relatively low stoichiometry in vivo and the highly dynamic nature of this modification. Moreover, mass spectrometry-based identification of SUMOylated sites is hampered by the large peptide remnant of SUMO proteins that are left on the modified lysine residue upon tryptic digestion. The present review provides a survey of the strategies that have been exploited in order to enrich, purify and identify SUMOylation substrates and acceptor sites in human cells on a large-scale format. The success of the presented strategies helped to unravel the numerous activities of this modification, as it was shown by the exemplary case of the RNA-binding protein family, whose SUMOylation is here reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Filosa
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126, Milan, Italy
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173
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Thomsen C, Grundevik P, Elias P, Ståhlberg A, Aman P. A conserved N-terminal motif is required for complex formation between FUS, EWSR1, TAF15 and their oncogenic fusion proteins. FASEB J 2013; 27:4965-74. [PMID: 23975937 DOI: 10.1096/fj.13-234435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The three FET (FUS, EWSR1, and TAF15) family RNA binding proteins are expressed in all tissues and almost all cell types. The disordered N-terminal parts are always present in FET fusion oncoproteins of sarcomas and leukemia. Mutations in FUS and TAF15 cause aggregation of FET proteins in neurological disorders. Here we used recombinant proteins in pulldown experiments and mass spectrometry to identify major interaction partners of the FET N-terminal parts. We report that FUS, EWSR1, and TAF15 form homo- and heterocomplexes as major binding partners and identify an evolutionarily conserved N-terminal motif (FETBM1) that is required for this interaction. The binding is RNA and DNA independent and robust up to 1 M of NaCl. The localization of FETBM1 and its target sequences supports a simple model for FET protein aggregation as reported in neurological disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia, and essential tremor. The FETBM1 localization also explains the binding of normal full-length FET proteins to their oncogenic fusion proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christer Thomsen
- 1Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Pathology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 425, 40530, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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174
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Freischmidt A, Müller K, Ludolph AC, Weishaupt JH. Systemic dysregulation of TDP-43 binding microRNAs in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2013; 1:42. [PMID: 24252274 PMCID: PMC3893596 DOI: 10.1186/2051-5960-1-42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2013] [Accepted: 07/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A pathological hallmark of most amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) cases are intracellular aggregates of the protein TDP-43. The pathophysiological relevance of TDP-43 is underlined by familial ALS cases caused by TDP-43 mutations. TDP-43 is involved in processing of both coding RNAs and microRNAs, which are key epigenetic regulators of transcriptome plasticity and suspected to contribute to neurological diseases. We therefore asked whether the TDP-43 binding microRNAs recently identified in cell lines are also dysregulated in ALS patients. We compared their abundance in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), serum and immortalized lymphoblast cell lines (LCLs) derived from ALS patients and healthy controls. RESULTS We found that expression levels of 5 out of 9 TDP-43 binding microRNAs were altered in the CSF and serum of sporadic ALS cases. The differentially regulated serum microRNAs together with a poor correlation between CSF and serum levels indicate a systemic dysregulation of microRNA abundance independent from the CSF compartment, in line with the ubiquitous expression of TDP-43. The most strongly regulated microRNAs could be confirmed in LCLs from genetically defined ALS patients. While dysregulation of miR-143-5p/3p seems to be a common feature of ALS pathology, downregulation of miR-132-5p/3p and miR-574-5p/3p was evident in sporadic, TARDBP, FUS and C9ORF72, but not SOD1 mutant patients. This parallels the TDP-43 pathology found in most ALS cases, but usually not in patients with SOD1 mutation. CONCLUSIONS We thus report a systemic and genotype-dependent dysregulation of TDP-43 binding microRNAs in human biomaterial that might reflect an easily accessible biological measure of TDP-43 dysfunction. Furthermore we suggest an independent regulation of TDP-43 binding microRNAs in the serum and CSF compartment as well as a generally low transition of microRNAs across the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel Freischmidt
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Kathrin Müller
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Albert C Ludolph
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Jochen H Weishaupt
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, Ulm 89081, Germany
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175
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Mattioli C, Pianigiani G, Pagani F. A competitive regulatory mechanism discriminates between juxtaposed splice sites and pri-miRNA structures. Nucleic Acids Res 2013; 41:8680-91. [PMID: 23863840 PMCID: PMC3794580 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkt614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
We have explored the functional relationships between spliceosome and Microprocessor complex activities in a novel class of microRNAs (miRNAs), named Splice site Overlapping (SO) miRNAs, whose pri-miRNA hairpins overlap splice sites. We focused on the evolutionarily conserved SO miR-34b, and we identified two indispensable elements for recognition of its 3′ splice site: a branch point located in the hairpin and a downstream purine-rich exonic splicing enhancer. In minigene systems, splicing inhibition owing to exonic splicing enhancer deletion or AG 3′ss mutation increases miR-34b levels. Moreover, small interfering-mediated silencing of Drosha and/or DGCR8 improves splicing efficiency and abolishes miR-34b production. Thus, the processing of this 3′ SO miRNA is regulated in an antagonistic manner by the Microprocessor and the spliceosome owing to competition between these two machineries for the nascent transcript. We propose that this novel mechanism is commonly used to regulate the relative amount of SO miRNA and messenger RNA produced from primary transcripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mattioli
- Human Molecular Genetics, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Padriciano 99, 34149, Trieste, Italy
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176
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Bicchi I, Morena F, Montesano S, Polidoro M, Martino S. MicroRNAs and Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration. Genes (Basel) 2013; 4:244-63. [PMID: 24705162 PMCID: PMC3899972 DOI: 10.3390/genes4020244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2013] [Revised: 05/09/2013] [Accepted: 05/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
During the last few years microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as key mediators of post-transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of gene expression. MiRNAs targets, identified through gene expression profiling and studies in animal models, depict a scenario where miRNAs are fine-tuning metabolic pathways and genetic networks in both plants and animals. MiRNAs have shown to be differentially expressed in brain areas and alterations of miRNAs homeostasis have been recently correlated to pathological conditions of the nervous system, such as cancer and neurodegeneration. Here, we review and discuss the most recent insights into the involvement of miRNAs in the neurodegenerative mechanisms and their correlation with significant neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Bicchi
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Francesco Morena
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Simona Montesano
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Mario Polidoro
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Sabata Martino
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
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177
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Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRs) have emerged recently as important regulators of gene expression in the cell. Frequently dysregulated in cancer, miRs have shed new light on molecular mechanisms of oncogenesis, and have generated substantial interest as biomarkers, and novel therapeutic agents and targets. Recently, a number of studies have examined miR biology in Ewing sarcoma. Findings indicate that alterations in miR expression in Ewing Sarcoma are widespread, involve both EWS/Ets oncogenic fusion-dependent and independent mechanisms, and contribute to malignant phenotypes. miRs with prognostic potential have been identified, and several preclinical studies suggest that miR manipulation could be therapeutically useful in this aggressive disease. These and future studies of miR biology stand to expand our understanding of Ewing sarcoma pathogenesis, and may identify new biomarkers and treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Layne Dylla
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Colorado DenverDenver, CO, USA
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Colorado DenverDenver, CO, USA
- Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado DenverDenver, CO, USA
| | - Colin Moore
- Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado DenverDenver, CO, USA
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, University of Colorado DenverAurora, CO, USA
- Departments of Pediatrics, University of Colorado DenverDenver, CO, USA
- Children’s Hospital ColoradoAurora, CO, USA
| | - Paul Jedlicka
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Colorado DenverDenver, CO, USA
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Colorado DenverDenver, CO, USA
- Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado DenverDenver, CO, USA
- Children’s Hospital ColoradoAurora, CO, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado DenverDenver, CO, USA
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