1
|
Weigert N, Schweiger AL, Gross J, Matthes M, Corbacioglu S, Sommer G, Heise T. Detection of a 7SL RNA-derived small non-coding RNA using Molecular Beacons in vitro and in cells. Biol Chem 2023; 404:1123-1136. [PMID: 37632732 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2023-0185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Small non-coding RNAs (sncRNA) are involved in many steps of the gene expression cascade and regulate processing and expression of mRNAs by the formation of ribonucleoprotein complexes (RNP) such as the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). By analyzing small RNA Seq data sets, we identified a sncRNA annotated as piR-hsa-1254, which is likely derived from the 3'-end of 7SL RNA2 (RN7SL2), herein referred to as snc7SL RNA. The 7SL RNA is an abundant long non-coding RNA polymerase III transcript and serves as structural component of the cytoplasmic signal recognition particle (SRP). To evaluate a potential functional role of snc7SL RNA, we aimed to define its cellular localization by live cell imaging. Therefore, a Molecular Beacon (MB)-based method was established to compare the subcellular localization of snc7SL RNA with its precursor 7SL RNA. We designed and characterized several MBs in vitro and tested those by live cell fluorescence microscopy. Using a multiplex approach, we show that 7SL RNA localizes mainly to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), as expected for the SRP, whereas snc7SL RNA predominately localizes to the nucleus. This finding suggests a fundamentally different function of 7SL RNA and its derivate snc7SL RNA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nina Weigert
- Department for Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß Allee 11, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Anna-Lena Schweiger
- Department for Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß Allee 11, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Jonas Gross
- Department for Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß Allee 11, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Marie Matthes
- Department for Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß Allee 11, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Selim Corbacioglu
- Department for Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß Allee 11, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Gunhild Sommer
- Department for Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß Allee 11, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Tilman Heise
- Department for Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß Allee 11, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
de Rooij LA, Mastebroek DJ, ten Voorde N, van der Wall E, van Diest PJ, Moelans CB. The microRNA Lifecycle in Health and Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235748. [PMID: 36497229 PMCID: PMC9736740 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs of ~22 nucleotides that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. They can bind to around 60% of all protein-coding genes with an average of 200 targets per miRNA, indicating their important function within physiological and pathological cellular processes. miRNAs can be quickly produced in high amounts through canonical and non-canonical pathways that involve a multitude of steps and proteins. In cancer, miRNA biogenesis, availability and regulation of target expression can be altered to promote tumour progression. This can be due to genetic causes, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms, epigenetic changes, differences in host gene expression, or chromosomal remodelling. Alternatively, post-transcriptional changes in miRNA stability, and defective or absent components and mediators of the miRNA-induced silencing complex can lead to altered miRNA function. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge on the lifecycle of miRNAs in health and cancer. Understanding miRNA function and regulation is fundamental prior to potential future application of miRNAs as cancer biomarkers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Adriana de Rooij
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-887-556-557
| | - Dirk Jan Mastebroek
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Nicky ten Voorde
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Elsken van der Wall
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Paul Joannes van Diest
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Cathy Beatrice Moelans
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Dumetz F, Enright AJ, Zhao J, Kwok CK, Merrick CJ. The in vivo RNA structurome of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, a protozoan with an A/U-rich transcriptome. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270863. [PMID: 36048819 PMCID: PMC9436142 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum, a protozoan parasite and causative agent of human malaria, has one of the most A/T-biased genomes sequenced to date. This may give the genome and the transcriptome unusual structural features. Recent progress in sequencing techniques has made it possible to study the secondary structures of RNA molecules at the transcriptomic level. Thus, in this study we produced the in vivo RNA structurome of a protozoan parasite with a highly A/U-biased transcriptome. We showed that it is possible to probe the secondary structures of P. falciparum RNA molecules in vivo using two different chemical probes, and obtained structures for more than half of all transcripts in the transcriptome. These showed greater stability (lower free energy) than the same structures modelled in silico, and structural features appeared to influence translation efficiency and RNA decay. Finally, we compared the P. falciparum RNA structurome with the predicted RNA structurome of an A/U-balanced species, P. knowlesi, finding a bias towards lower overall transcript stability and more hairpins and multi-stem loops in P. falciparum. This unusual protozoan RNA structurome will provide a basis for similar studies in other protozoans and also in other unusual genomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Franck Dumetz
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Anton J. Enright
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jieyu Zhao
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chun Kit Kwok
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Vahabi M, Blandino G, Di Agostino S. MicroRNAs in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a possible challenge as biomarkers, determinants for the choice of therapy and targets for personalized molecular therapies. Transl Cancer Res 2021; 10:3090-3110. [PMID: 35116619 PMCID: PMC8797920 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-20-2530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are referred to a group of heterogeneous cancers that include structures of aerodigestive tract such as oral and nasal cavity, salivary glands, oropharynx, pharynx, larynx, paranasal sinuses, and local lymph nodes. HNSCC is characterized by frequent alterations of several genes such as TP53, PIK3CA, CDKN2A, NOTCH1, and MET as well as copy number increase in EGFR, CCND1, and PIK3CA. These genomic alterations play a role in terms of resistance to chemotherapy, molecular targeted therapy, and prediction of patient outcome. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small single-stranded noncoding RNAs which are about 19-25 nucleotides. They are involved in the tumorigenesis of HNSCC including dysregulation of cell survival, proliferation, cellular differentiation, adhesion, and invasion. The discovery of the stable presence of the miRNAs in all human body made them attractive biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis or as targets for novel therapeutic ways, enabling personalized treatment for HNSCC. In recent times the number of papers concerning the characterization of miRNAs in the HNSCC tumorigenesis has grown a lot. In this review, we discuss the very recent studies on different aspects of miRNA dysregulation with their clinical significance and we apologize for the many past and most recent works that have not been mentioned. We also discuss miRNA-based therapy that are being tested on patients by clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahrou Vahabi
- IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Laboratory, via Elio Chianesi, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Blandino
- IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Laboratory, via Elio Chianesi, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Di Agostino
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, viale Europa, Catanzaro, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Flynt AS. Insecticidal RNA interference, thinking beyond long dsRNA. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2021; 77:2179-2187. [PMID: 33078549 PMCID: PMC8048086 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Over 20 years ago double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) was described as the trigger of RNAi interference (RNAi)-based gene silencing. This paradigm has held since, especially for insect biopesticide technologies where dsRNAs, similar to those described in 1998, are used to inhibit gene expression. In the intervening years, investigation of RNAi pathways has revealed the small RNA effectors of RNAi are diverse and rapidly evolving. The rich biology of insect small RNAs suggests potential to use multiple RNAi modes for manipulating gene expression. By exploiting different RNAi pathways, the menu of options for pest control can be expanded and could lead to better tailored solutions. Fortunately, basic delivery strategies used for dsRNA such as direct application or transgenic expression will translate well between RNAs transiting different RNAi pathways. Importantly, further engineering of RNAi-based biopesticides may provide an opportunity to address dsRNA insensitivity seen in some pests. Characterization of RNAi pathways unique to target species will be indispensable to this end and may require thinking beyond long dsRNA. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alex S Flynt
- Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Specificity of RNA Folding and Its Association with Evolutionarily Adaptive mRNA Secondary Structures. GENOMICS PROTEOMICS & BIOINFORMATICS 2021; 19:882-900. [PMID: 33607297 PMCID: PMC9403030 DOI: 10.1016/j.gpb.2019.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The secondary structure is a fundamental feature of both noncoding and messenger RNAs. However, our understanding of the secondary structure of mRNA, especially that of the coding regions, remains elusive, likely due to translation and the lack of RNA-binding proteins that sustain the consensus structure, such as those that bind to noncoding RNA. Indeed, mRNA has recently been found to adopt diverse alternative structures, the overall functional significance of which remains untested. We hereby approached this problem by estimating the folding specificity, i.e., the probability that a fragment of RNA folds back to the same partner once refolded. We showed that the folding specificity of mRNA is lower than that of noncoding RNA and exhibits moderate evolutionary conservation. Notably, we found that specific rather than alternative folding is likely evolutionarily adaptive since specific folding is frequently associated with functionally important genes or sites within a gene. Additional analysis in combination with ribosome density suggests the ability to modulate ribosome movement as one potential functional advantage provided by specific folding. Our findings revealed a novel facet of the RNA structurome with important functional and evolutionary implications and indicated a potential method for distinguishing the mRNA secondary structures maintained by natural selection from molecular noise.
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins are important regulators of RNA metabolism and are of critical importance in all steps of the gene expression cascade. The role of aberrantly expressed RBPs in human disease is an exciting research field and the potential application of RBPs as a therapeutic target or a diagnostic marker represents a fast-growing area of research.Aberrant overexpression of the human RNA-binding protein La has been found in various cancer entities including lung, cervical, head and neck, and chronic myelogenous leukaemia. Cancer-associated La protein supports tumour-promoting processes such as proliferation, mobility, invasiveness and tumour growth. Moreover, the La protein maintains the survival of cancer cells by supporting an anti-apoptotic state that may cause resistance to chemotherapeutic therapy.The human La protein represents a multifunctional post-translationally modified RNA-binding protein with RNA chaperone activity that promotes processing of non-coding precursor RNAs but also stimulates the translation of selective messenger RNAs encoding tumour-promoting and anti-apoptotic factors. In our model, La facilitates the expression of those factors and helps cancer cells to cope with cellular stress. In contrast to oncogenes, able to initiate tumorigenesis, we postulate that the aberrantly elevated expression of the human La protein contributes to the non-oncogenic addiction of cancer cells. In this review, we summarize the current understanding about the implications of the RNA-binding protein La in cancer progression and therapeutic resistance. The concept of exploiting the RBP La as a cancer drug target will be discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gunhild Sommer
- Department for Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Tilman Heise
- Department for Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Grafanaki K, Anastasakis D, Kyriakopoulos G, Skeparnias I, Georgiou S, Stathopoulos C. Translation regulation in skin cancer from a tRNA point of view. Epigenomics 2018; 11:215-245. [PMID: 30565492 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2018-0176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein synthesis is a central and dynamic process, frequently deregulated in cancer through aberrant activation or expression of translation initiation factors and tRNAs. The discovery of tRNA-derived fragments, a new class of abundant and, in some cases stress-induced, small Noncoding RNAs has perplexed the epigenomics landscape and highlights the emerging regulatory role of tRNAs in translation and beyond. Skin is the biggest organ in human body, which maintains homeostasis of its multilayers through regulatory networks that induce translational reprogramming, and modulate tRNA transcription, modification and fragmentation, in response to various stress signals, like UV irradiation. In this review, we summarize recent knowledge on the role of translation regulation and tRNA biology in the alarming prevalence of skin cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Grafanaki
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece.,Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Anastasakis
- National Institute of Musculoskeletal & Arthritis & Skin, NIH, 50 South Drive, Room 1152, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - George Kyriakopoulos
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Ilias Skeparnias
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Sophia Georgiou
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Treiber T, Treiber N, Meister G. Regulation of microRNA biogenesis and its crosstalk with other cellular pathways. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2018; 20:5-20. [DOI: 10.1038/s41580-018-0059-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 628] [Impact Index Per Article: 104.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
10
|
Accurate Profiling and Quantification of tRNA Fragments from RNA-Seq Data: A Vade Mecum for MINTmap. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1680:237-255. [PMID: 29030853 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7339-2_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
There is an increasing interest within the scientific community in identifying tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs) and elucidating the roles they play in the cell. Such endeavors can be greatly facilitated by mining the numerous datasets from many cellular contexts that exist publicly. However, the standard mapping tools cannot be used for the purpose. Several factors complicate this endeavor including: the presence of multiple identical or nearly identical isodecoders at various genomic locations; the presence of identical sequence segments that are shared by isodecoders of the same or even different anticodons; the existence of numerous partial tRNA sequences across the genome; the existence of hundreds of "lookalike" sequences that resemble true tRNAs; and others. This is generating a need for specialized tools that can mine deep sequencing data to identify and quantify tRFs. We discuss the various complicating factors and their ramifications, and how to use and run MINTmap, a tool that addresses these considerations.
Collapse
|
11
|
Biogenesis and Function of Ago-Associated RNAs. Trends Genet 2017; 33:208-219. [PMID: 28174021 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2017.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Numerous sophisticated high-throughput sequencing technologies have been developed over the past decade, and these have enabled the discovery of a diverse catalog of small non-coding (nc)RNA molecules that function as regulatory entities by associating with Argonaute (Ago) proteins. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are currently the best-described class of post-transcriptional regulators that follow a specific biogenesis pathway characterized by Drosha/DGCR8 and Dicer processing. However, more exotic miRNA-like species that bypass particular steps of the canonical miRNA biogenesis pathway continue to emerge, with one of the most recent additions being the agotrons, which escape both Drosha/DGCR8- and Dicer-processing. We review here the current knowledge and most recent discoveries relating to alternative functions and biogenesis strategies for Ago-associated RNAs in mammals.
Collapse
|
12
|
Sharma A. Transgenerational epigenetics: Integrating soma to germline communication with gametic inheritance. Mech Ageing Dev 2017; 163:15-22. [PMID: 28093237 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2016.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Revised: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Evidence supporting germline mediated epigenetic inheritance of environmentally induced traits has increasingly emerged over the past several years. Although the mechanisms underlying this inheritance remain unclear, recent findings suggest that parental gamete-borne epigenetic factors, particularly RNAs, affect post-fertilization and developmental gene regulation, ultimately leading to phenotypic appearance in the offspring. Complex processes involving gene expression and epigenetic regulation are considered to perpetuate across generations. In addition to transfer of germline factors, epigenetic inheritance via gametes also requires a mechanism whereby the information pertaining to the induced traits is communicated from soma to germline. Despite violating a century-old view in biology, this communication seems to play a role in transmission of environmental effects across generations. Circulating RNAs, especially those associated with extracellular vesicles like exosomes, are emerging as promising candidates that can transmit gene regulatory information in this direction. Cumulatively, these new observations provide a basis to integrate epigenetic inheritance. With significant implications in health, disease and ageing, the latter appears poised to revolutionize biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abhay Sharma
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Sukhdev Vihar, Mathura Road, New Delhi, 110025, India.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Just W. . FEBS Lett 2016; 590:2325-6. [DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.12305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
|