Structural and functional studies of a large winged Z-DNA-binding domain of Danio rerio protein kinase PKZ

A-to-I RNA editing and hematopoiesis

Adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing plays essential roles in modulating normal development and homeostasis. This process is catalyzed by adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR) family proteins. The most well-understood biological processes modulated by A-to-I editing are innate immunity and neurological development, attributed to ADAR1 and ADAR2, respectively. A-to-I editing by ADAR1 is also critical in regulating hematopoiesis. This review will focus on the role of A-to-I RNA editing and ADAR enzymes, particularly ADAR1, during normal hematopoiesis in humans and mice. Furthermore, we will discuss Adar1 mouse models that have been developed to understand the contribution of ADAR1 to hematopoiesis and its role in innate immune pathways.

The ancient Z-DNA and Z-RNA specific Zα fold has evolved modern roles in immunity and transcription through the natural selection of flipons

The Zα fold specifically binds to both Z-DNA and Z-RNA, left-handed nucleic acid structures that form under physiological conditions and are encoded by flipons. I trace the Zα fold back to unicellular organisms representing all three domains of life and to the realm of giant nucleocytoplasmic DNA viruses (NCVs). The canonical Zα fold is present in the earliest known holozoan unicellular symbiont Capsaspora owczarzaki and persists in vertebrates and some invertebrates, but not in plants or fungi. In metazoans, starting with porifera, Zα is incorporated into the double-stranded RNA editing enzyme ADAR and reflects an early symbiont relationship with NCV. In vertebrates, Zα is also present in ZBP1 and PKZ proteins that recognize host-derived Z-RNAs to defend against modern-day viruses. A related Zα fold, also likely to bind Z-DNA, is present in proteins thought to modulate gene expression, including a subset of prokaryote arsR proteins and the p15 (PC4) family present in algae. Other Zα variants that probably play a more general role in the reinitiation of transcription include the archaeal and human transcription factor E and the human RNA polymerase 3 subunit C proteins. The roles in immunity and transcription underlie the natural selection of flipons.

Zα domain proteins mediate the immune response

The Zα domain has a compact α/β architecture containing a three-helix bundle flanked on one side by a twisted antiparallel β sheet. This domain displays a specific affinity for double-stranded nucleic acids that adopt a left-handed helical conformation. Currently, only three Zα-domain proteins have been identified in eukaryotes, specifically ADAR1, ZBP1, and PKZ. ADAR1 is a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) binding protein that catalyzes the conversion of adenosine residues to inosine, resulting in changes in RNA structure, function, and expression. In addition to its editing function, ADAR1 has been shown to play a role in antiviral defense, gene regulation, and cellular differentiation. Dysregulation of ADAR1 expression and activity has been associated with various disease states, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and neurological disorders. As a sensing molecule, ZBP1 exhibits the ability to recognize nucleic acids with a left-handed conformation. ZBP1 harbors a RIP homotypic interaction motif (RHIM), composed of a highly charged surface region and a leucine-rich hydrophobic core, enabling the formation of homotypic interactions between proteins with similar structure. Upon activation, ZBP1 initiates a downstream signaling cascade leading to programmed cell death, a process mediated by RIPK3 via the RHIM motif. PKZ was identified in fish, and contains two Zα domains at the N-terminus. PKZ is essential for normal growth and development and may contribute to the regulation of immune system function in fish. Interestingly, some pathogenic microorganisms also encode Zα domain proteins, such as, Vaccinia virus and Cyprinid Herpesvirus. Zα domain proteins derived from pathogenic microorganisms have been demonstrated to be pivotal contributors in impeding the host immune response and promoting virus replication and spread. This review focuses on the mammalian Zα domain proteins: ADAR1 and ZBP1, and thoroughly elucidates their functions in the immune response.

The phenotype of the most common human ADAR1p150 Zα mutation P193A in mice is partially penetrant

ADAR1 -mediated A-to-I RNA editing is a self-/non-self-discrimination mechanism for cellular double-stranded RNAs. ADAR mutations are one cause of Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome, an inherited paediatric encephalopathy, classed as a "Type I interferonopathy." The most common ADAR1 mutation is a proline 193 alanine (p.P193A) mutation, mapping to the ADAR1p150 isoform-specific Zα domain. Here, we report the development of an independent murine P195A knock-in mouse, homologous to human P193A. The Adar1P195A/P195A mice are largely normal and the mutation is well tolerated. When the P195A mutation is compounded with an Adar1 null allele (Adar1P195A/- ), approximately half the animals are runted with a shortened lifespan while the remaining Adar1P195A/- animals are normal, contrasting with previous reports. The phenotype of the Adar1P195A/- animals is both associated with the parental genotype and partly non-genetic/environmental. Complementation with an editing-deficient ADAR1 (Adar1P195A/E861A ), or the loss of MDA5, rescues phenotypes in the Adar1P195A/- mice.

Characterization of Z-DNA Using Circular Dichroism

The B-DNA to Z-DNA transition is a remarkable conformational change in DNA, which was originally observed in poly-GC DNA in the presence of high salt concentration. This eventually prompted the observation of the crystal structure of Z-DNA, a left-handed double-helical DNA, at atomic resolution. Despite advances in Z-DNA research, the application of circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy as the fundamental technique to characterize this unique DNA conformation has remained constant. In this chapter, we describe a CD spectroscopic method for characterizing the B-DNA to Z-DNA transition of a CG-repeat double-stranded DNA fragment formed from a protein or chemical inducer.

Z-DNA and Z-RNA: Methods-Past and Future

A quote attributed to Yogi Berra makes the observation that "It's tough to make predictions, especially about the future," highlighting the difficulties posed to an author writing a manuscript like the present. The history of Z-DNA shows that earlier postulates about its biology have failed the test of time, both those from proponents who were wildly enthusiastic in enunciating roles that till this day still remain elusive to experimental validation and those from skeptics within the larger community who considered the field a folly, presumably because of the limitations in the methods available at that time. If anything, the biological roles we now know for Z-DNA and Z-RNA were not anticipated by anyone, even when those early predictions are interpreted in the most favorable way possible. The breakthroughs in the field were made using a combination of methods, especially those based on human and mouse genetic approaches informed by the biochemical and biophysical characterization of the Zα family of proteins. The first success was with the p150 Zα isoform of ADAR1 (adenosine deaminase RNA specific), with insights into the functions of ZBP1 (Z-DNA-binding protein 1) following soon after from the cell death community. Just as the replacement of mechanical clocks by more accurate designs changed expectations about navigation, the discovery of the roles assigned by nature to alternative conformations like Z-DNA has forever altered our view of how the genome operates. These recent advances have been driven by better methodology and by better analytical approaches. This article will briefly describe the methods that were key to these discoveries and highlight areas where new method development is likely to further advance our knowledge.

Oligonucleotide Containing 8-Trifluoromethyl-2'-Deoxyguanosine as a Z-DNA Probe

Z-DNA structure is a noncanonical left-handed alternative form of DNA, which has been suggested to be biologically important and is related to several genetic diseases and cancer. Therefore, investigation of Z-DNA structure associated with biological events is of great importance to understanding the functions of these molecules. Here, we described the development of a trifluoromethyl labeled deoxyguanosine derivative and employed it as a ¹⁹F NMR probe to study Z-form DNA structure in vitro and in living cells.

BZ Junctions and Its Application as Probe (2AP) to Detect Z-DNA Formation and Its Effector

The left-handed Z-DNA is surrounded by right-handed canonical B-DNA, and thus the junction between B- and Z-DNA has been occurred during temporal Z-DNA formation in the genome. The base extrusion structure of the BZ junction may help detect Z-DNA formation in DNAs. Here we describe the BZ junction structural detection by using 2-aminopurine (2AP) fluorescent probe. BZ junction formation can be measured in solution by this method.

A fish herpesvirus highlights functional diversities among Zα domains related to phase separation induction and A-to-Z conversion

Zalpha (Zα) domains bind to left-handed Z-DNA and Z-RNA. The Zα domain protein family includes cellular (ADAR1, ZBP1 and PKZ) and viral (vaccinia virus E3 and cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV-3) ORF112) proteins. We studied CyHV-3 ORF112, which contains an intrinsically disordered region and a Zα domain. Genome editing of CyHV-3 indicated that the expression of only the Zα domain of ORF112 was sufficient for normal viral replication in cell culture and virulence in carp. In contrast, its deletion was lethal for the virus. These observations revealed the potential of the CyHV-3 model as a unique platform to compare the exchangeability of Zα domains expressed alone in living cells. Attempts to rescue the ORF112 deletion by a broad spectrum of cellular, viral, and artificial Zα domains showed that only those expressing Z-binding activity, the capacity to induce liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), and A-to-Z conversion, could rescue viral replication. For the first time, this study reports the ability of some Zα domains to induce LLPS and supports the biological relevance of dsRNA A-to-Z conversion mediated by Zα domains. This study expands the functional diversity of Zα domains and stimulates new hypotheses concerning the mechanisms of action of proteins containing Zα domains.

Oligonucleotides DNA containing 8-trifluoromethyl-2'-deoxyguanosine for observing Z-DNA structure

Z-DNA is known to be a left-handed alternative form of DNA and has important biological roles as well as being related to cancer and other genetic diseases. It is therefore important to investigate Z-DNA structure and related biological events in living cells. However, the development of molecular probes for the observation of Z-DNA structures inside living cells has not yet been realized. Here, we have succeeded in developing site-specific trifluoromethyl oligonucleotide DNA by incorporation of 8-trifluoromethyl-2′-deoxyguanosine (^FG). 2D NMR strongly suggested that ^FG adopted a syn conformation. Trifluoromethyl oligonucleotides dramatically stabilized Z-DNA, even under physiological salt concentrations. Furthermore, the trifluoromethyl DNA can be used to directly observe Z-form DNA structure and interaction of DNA with proteins in vitro, as well as in living human cells by¹⁹F NMR spectroscopy for the first time. These results provide valuable information to allow understanding of the structure and function of Z-DNA.

PKZ, a Fish-Unique eIF2α Kinase Involved in Innate Immune Response

PKZ is a novel and unique eIF2α protein kinase identified in fish. Although PKZ is most homologous to PKR, particularly in the C-terminal catalytic domain, it contains two N-terminal Z-DNA-binding domains (Zα1 and Zα2) instead of the dsRNA binding domains (dsRBDs) in PKR. As a novel member of eIF2α kinase family, the available data suggest that PKZ has some distinct mechanisms for recognition, binding, and B-Z DNA transition. Functionally, PKZ seems to be activated by the binding of Zα to Z-DNA and participates in innate immune responses. In this review, we summarize the recent progress on fish PKZ.

The Fish-Specific Protein Kinase (PKZ) Initiates Innate Immune Responses via IRF3- and ISGF3-Like Mediated Pathways

PKZ is a fish-specific protein kinase containing Zα domains. PKZ is known to induce apoptosis through phosphorylating eukaryotic initiation factor 2α kinase (eIF2α) in the same way as double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR), but its exact role in detecting pathogens remains to be fully elucidated. Herein, we have found that PKZ acts as a fish-specific DNA sensor by initiating IFN expression through IRF3- or ISGF3-like mediated pathways. The expression pattern of PKZ is similar to those of innate immunity mediators stimulated by poly (dA:dT) and poly (dG:dC). DNA-PKZ interaction can enhance PKZ phosphorylation and dimerization in vitro. These findings indicate that PKZ participates in cytoplasmic DNA-mediated signaling. Subcellular localization assays have also shown that PKZ is located in the cytoplasm, which suggests that PKZ acts as a cytoplasmic PRR. Meanwhile, co-IP assays have shown that PKZ can separately interact with IRF3, STING, ZDHHC1, eIF2α, IRF9, and STAT2. Further investigations have revealed that PKZ can activate IRF3 and STAT2; and that IRF3-dependent and ISGF3-like dependent mediators are critical for PKZ-induced IFN expression. These results demonstrate that PKZ acts as a special DNA pattern-recognition receptor, and that PKZ can trigger immune responses through IRF3-mediated or ISGF3-like mediated pathways in fish.

The immune evasion strategies of fish viruses

Viral infection of a host rapidly triggers intracellular signaling events that induce interferon production and a cellular antiviral state. Viral diseases are important concerns in fish aquaculture. The major mechanisms of the fish antiviral immune response are suggested to be similar to those of mammals, although the specific details of the process require further studies. Throughout the process of pathogen-host coevolution, fish viruses have developed a battery of distinct strategies to overcome the biochemical and immunological defenses of the host. Such strategies include signaling interference, effector modulation, and manipulation of host apoptosis. This review provide an overview of the different mechanisms that fish viruses use to evade host immune responses. The basic mechanisms of immune evasion of fish virus are discussed, and some examples are provided to illustrate particular points.

Z-DNA and Z-RNA in human disease

Left-handed Z-DNA/Z-RNA is bound with high affinity by the Zα domain protein family that includes ADAR (a double-stranded RNA editing enzyme), ZBP1 and viral orthologs regulating innate immunity. Loss-of-function mutations in ADAR p150 allow persistent activation of the interferon system by Alu dsRNAs and are causal for Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome. Heterodimers of ADAR and DICER1 regulate the switch from RNA- to protein-centric immunity. Loss of DICER1 function produces age-related macular degeneration, a different type of Alu-mediated disease. The overlap of Z-forming sites with those for the signal recognition particle likely limits invasion of primate genomes by Alu retrotransposons.

Chemical-induced formation of BZ-junction with base extrusion

The crystal structure of BZ-junction reveals that left-handed Z-DNA stabilized by Z-DNA binding domain (Zα) is continuously stacked to right-handed B-DNA with AT bases' extrusion in the junction site. However, this structure might not fully represent the BZ-junction in solution due to the possibility of the junction formation either by crystal packing or Zα interaction. Therefore, we investigated BZ-junction in solution with chemical Z-DNA inducers using CD and 2-aminopurine base-extrusion assay. We confirmed the formation of Z-DNA and BZ-junction with base-extrusion by chemical Z-DNA inducers. However, neither typical Z-DNA nor base-extrusion could be detected with some inducers such as spermine, suggesting that the energy barrier for the formation of the BZ junction might vary depending on the Z-DNA induction conditions.

Stability and properties of Z-DNA containing artificial nucleobase 2'-O-methyl-8-methyl guanosine

We synthesized several DNA oligonucleotides containing one or several 2'-O-methyl-8-methyl guanosine (m⁸Gm) and demonstrated that these oligonucleotides not only stabilize the Z-DNA with a wide range of sequences under low salt conditions but also possess high thermal stability. Using artificial nucleobase-containing oligonucleotides, we studied the interaction of the Zα domain with Z-DNA. Furthermore, we showed that the m⁸Gm-contained oligonucleotides allow to study the photochemical reaction of Z-DNA.