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Pupak A, Rodríguez-Navarro I, Sathasivam K, Singh A, Essmann A, Del Toro D, Ginés S, Mouro Pinto R, Bates GP, Vang Ørom UA, Martí E, Brito V. m 6A modification of mutant huntingtin RNA promotes the biogenesis of pathogenic huntingtin transcripts. EMBO Rep 2024:10.1038/s44319-024-00283-7. [PMID: 39394467 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-024-00283-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2024] [Accepted: 09/27/2024] [Indexed: 10/13/2024] Open
Abstract
In Huntington's disease (HD), aberrant processing of huntingtin (HTT) mRNA produces HTT1a transcripts that encode the pathogenic HTT exon 1 protein. The mechanisms behind HTT1a production are not fully understood. Considering the role of m6A in RNA processing and splicing, we investigated its involvement in HTT1a generation. Here, we show that m6A methylation is increased before the cryptic poly(A) sites (IpA1 and IpA2) within the huntingtin RNA in the striatum of Hdh+/Q111 mice and human HD samples. We further assessed m6A's role in mutant Htt mRNA processing by pharmacological inhibition and knockdown of METTL3, as well as targeted demethylation of Htt intron 1 using a dCas13-ALKBH5 system in HD mouse cells. Our data reveal that Htt1a transcript levels are regulated by both METTL3 and the methylation status of Htt intron 1. They also show that m6A methylation in intron 1 depends on expanded CAG repeats. Our findings highlight a potential role for m6A in aberrant splicing of Htt mRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anika Pupak
- Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina, Institut de Neurosciències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene Rodríguez-Navarro
- Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina, Institut de Neurosciències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Kirupa Sathasivam
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Huntington's Disease Centre and UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, UCL, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Ankita Singh
- Department for Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Amelie Essmann
- Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina, Institut de Neurosciències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel Del Toro
- Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina, Institut de Neurosciències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Silvia Ginés
- Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina, Institut de Neurosciències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Mouro Pinto
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Gillian P Bates
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Huntington's Disease Centre and UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, UCL, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | | | - Eulàlia Martí
- Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina, Institut de Neurosciències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Verónica Brito
- Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina, Institut de Neurosciències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.
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Zhang J, Tong L, Liu Y, Li X, Wang J, Lin R, Zhou Z, Chen Y, Chen Y, Liu Y, Chen D. The regulatory role of m 6A modification in the maintenance and differentiation of embryonic stem cells. Genes Dis 2024; 11:101199. [PMID: 38947741 PMCID: PMC11214295 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.101199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
As the most prevalent and reversible internal epigenetic modification in eukaryotic mRNAs, N 6-methyladenosine (m6A) post-transcriptionally regulates the processing and metabolism of mRNAs involved in diverse biological processes. m6A modification is regulated by m6A writers, erasers, and readers. Emerging evidence suggests that m6A modification plays essential roles in modulating the cell-fate transition of embryonic stem cells. Mechanistic investigation of embryonic stem cell maintenance and differentiation is critical for understanding early embryonic development, which is also the premise for the application of embryonic stem cells in regenerative medicine. This review highlights the current knowledge of m6A modification and its essential regulatory contribution to the cell fate transition of mouse and human embryonic stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Center for Regeneration and Cell Therapy of Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Lingling Tong
- Center for Reproductive Medicine of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Center for Regeneration and Cell Therapy of Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Yuchen Liu
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Jiayi Wang
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Ruoxin Lin
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Ziyu Zhou
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Yunbing Chen
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Yanxi Chen
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Yirong Liu
- College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Minjiang University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, China
| | - Di Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Center for Regeneration and Cell Therapy of Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
- National Key Laboratory of Biobased Transportation Fuel Technology, Haining, Zhejiang 314400, China
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Shi C, Zou W, Liu X, Zhang H, Li X, Fu G, Fei Q, Qian Q, Shang L. Programmable RNA N 6-methyladenosine editing with CRISPR/dCas13a in plants. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2024; 22:1867-1880. [PMID: 38363049 PMCID: PMC11182597 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.14307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
N6-methyladenonsine (m6A) is the most prevalent internal modification of messenger RNA (mRNA) and plays critical roles in mRNA processing and metabolism. However, perturbation of individual m6A modification to reveal its function and the phenotypic effects is still lacking in plants. Here, we describe the construction and characterization of programmable m6A editing tools by fusing the m6A writers, the core catalytic domain of the MTA and MTB complex, and the AlkB homologue 5 (ALKBH5) eraser, to catalytically dead Cas13a (dCas13a) to edit individual m6A sites on mRNAs. We demonstrated that our m6A editors could efficiently and specifically deposit and remove m6A modifications on specific RNA transcripts in both Nicotiana benthamiana and Arabidopsis thaliana. Moreover, we found that targeting SHORT-ROOT (SHR) transcripts with a methylation editor could significantly increase its m6A levels with limited off-target effects and promote its degradation. This leads to a boost in plant growth with enlarged leaves and roots, increased plant height, plant biomass, and total grain weight in Arabidopsis. Collectively, these findings suggest that our programmable m6A editing tools can be applied to study the functions of individual m6A modifications in plants, and may also have potential applications for future crop improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanlin Shi
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural AffairsAgricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesShenzhenChina
| | - Wenli Zou
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural AffairsAgricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesShenzhenChina
| | - Xiangpei Liu
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural AffairsAgricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesShenzhenChina
| | - Hong Zhang
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural AffairsAgricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesShenzhenChina
| | - Xiaofang Li
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural AffairsAgricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesShenzhenChina
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton BiologyZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Guiling Fu
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural AffairsAgricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesShenzhenChina
- College of AgricultureShanxi Agricultural UniversityTaiyuanShanxiChina
| | - Qili Fei
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural AffairsAgricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesShenzhenChina
| | - Qian Qian
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural AffairsAgricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesShenzhenChina
- State Key Laboratory of Rice BiologyChina National Rice Research InstituteHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Yazhouwan National LaboratorySanya CityHainan ProvinceChina
| | - Lianguang Shang
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural AffairsAgricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesShenzhenChina
- Yazhouwan National LaboratorySanya CityHainan ProvinceChina
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Wang S, Yang Y, Jiang X, Zheng X, Wei Q, Dai W, Zhang X. Nurturing gut health: role of m6A RNA methylation in upholding the intestinal barrier. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:271. [PMID: 38830900 PMCID: PMC11148167 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-02043-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The intestinal lumen acts as a critical interface connecting the external environment with the body's internal state. It's essential to prevent the passage of harmful antigens and bacteria while facilitating nutrient and water absorption. The intestinal barriers encompass microbial, mechanical, immunological, and chemical elements, working together to maintain intestinal balance. Numerous studies have associated m6A modification with intestinal homeostasis. This review comprehensively outlines potential mechanisms through which m6A modification could initiate, exacerbate, or sustain barrier damage from an intestinal perspective. The pivotal role of m6A modification in preserving intestinal equilibrium provides new insights, guiding the exploration of m6A modification as a target for optimizing preventive and therapeutic strategies for intestinal homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yuzhong Yang
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiaohan Jiang
- Department of Pathology, Liuzhou People's Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiang Zheng
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Qiufang Wei
- Department of Pathology, Liuzhou People's Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Wenbin Dai
- Department of Pathology, Liuzhou People's Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China.
| | - Xuemei Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Liuzhou People's Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China.
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Wang W, Zhou L, Li H, Sun T, Wen X, Li W, Esteban MA, Hoffman AR, Hu JF, Cui J. Profiling the role of m6A effectors in the regulation of pluripotent reprogramming. Hum Genomics 2024; 18:33. [PMID: 38566168 PMCID: PMC10986062 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-024-00597-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification plays essential roles in multiple biological processes, including stem cell fate determination. To explore the role of the m6A modification in pluripotent reprogramming, we used RNA-seq to map m6A effectors in human iPSCs, fibroblasts, and H9 ESCs, as well as in mouse ESCs and fibroblasts. By integrating the human and mouse RNA-seq data, we found that 19 m6A effectors were significantly upregulated in reprogramming. Notably, IGF2BPs, particularly IGF2BP1, were among the most upregulated genes in pluripotent cells, while YTHDF3 had high levels of expression in fibroblasts. Using quantitative PCR and Western blot, we validated the pluripotency-associated elevation of IGF2BPs. Knockdown of IGF2BP1 induced the downregulation of stemness genes and exit from pluripotency. Proteome analysis of cells collected at both the beginning and terminal states of the reprogramming process revealed that the IGF2BP1 protein was positively correlated with stemness markers SOX2 and OCT4. The eCLIP-seq target analysis showed that IGF2BP1 interacted with the coding sequence (CDS) and 3'UTR regions of the SOX2 transcripts, in agreement with the location of m6A modifications. This study identifies IGF2BP1 as a vital pluripotency-associated m6A effector, providing new insight into the interplay between m6A epigenetic modifications and pluripotent reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjun Wang
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Lei Zhou
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
| | - Hui Li
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
| | - Tingge Sun
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
| | - Xue Wen
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
| | - Wei Li
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
| | - Miguel A Esteban
- Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510530, PR China
| | - Andrew R Hoffman
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Ji-Fan Hu
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China.
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA.
| | - Jiuwei Cui
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China.
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Zheng J, Lu Y, Lin Y, Si S, Guo B, Zhao X, Cui L. Epitranscriptomic modifications in mesenchymal stem cell differentiation: advances, mechanistic insights, and beyond. Cell Death Differ 2024; 31:9-27. [PMID: 37985811 PMCID: PMC10782030 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-023-01238-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA modifications, known as the "epitranscriptome", represent a key layer of regulation that influences a wide array of biological processes in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). These modifications, catalyzed by specific enzymes, often termed "writers", "readers", and "erasers", can dynamically alter the MSCs' transcriptomic landscape, thereby modulating cell differentiation, proliferation, and responses to environmental cues. These enzymes include members of the classes METTL, IGF2BP, WTAP, YTHD, FTO, NAT, and others. Many of these RNA-modifying agents are active during MSC lineage differentiation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of different RNA modifications in MSCs, their roles in regulating stem cell behavior, and their implications in MSC-based therapies. It delves into how RNA modifications impact MSC biology, the functional significance of individual modifications, and the complex interplay among these modifications. We further discuss how these intricate regulatory mechanisms contribute to the functional diversity of MSCs, and how they might be harnessed for therapeutic applications. The review also highlights current challenges and potential future directions in the study of RNA modifications in MSCs, emphasizing the need for innovative tools to precisely map these modifications and decipher their context-specific effects. Collectively, this work paves the way for a deeper understanding of the role of the epitranscriptome in MSC biology, potentially advancing therapeutic strategies in regenerative medicine and MSC-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiarong Zheng
- Department of Dentistry, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China
| | - Ye Lu
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China
| | - Yunfan Lin
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China
| | - Shanshan Si
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China
| | - Bing Guo
- Department of Dentistry, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Xinyuan Zhao
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China.
| | - Li Cui
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China.
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, 90095, CA, USA.
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Wang MK, Gao CC, Yang YG. Emerging Roles of RNA Methylation in Development. Acc Chem Res 2023; 56:3417-3427. [PMID: 37965760 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.3c00448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
ConspectusMore than 170 different types of chemical modifications have been identified on diverse types of RNA, collectively known as the epitranscriptome. Among them, N6-methyladenine (m6A), 5-methylcytosine (m5C), N1-methyladenine (m1A), and N7-methylguanosine (m7G) as the ubiquitous post-transcriptional modification are widely involved in regulating the metabolic processes such as RNA degradation, translation, stability, and export, mediating important physiological and pathological processes such as stress regulation, immune response, development, and tumorigenesis. Recently, the regulatory role of RNA modification during developmental processes is getting more attention. Therefore, the development of low-input even single-cell and high-resolution sequencing technologies is crucial for the exploration of the regulatory roles of RNA modifications in these important biological events of trace samples.This account focuses on the roles of RNA modifications in various developmental processes. We describe the distribution characteristics of various RNA modifications, catalytic enzymes, binding proteins, and the development of sequencing technologies. RNA modification is dynamically reversible, which can be catalyzed by methyltransferases and eliminated by demethylases. RNA m6A is the most abundant post-transcriptional modification on eukaryote mRNA, which is mainly concentrated near the stop codon, and involves in RNA metabolism regulation. RNA m5C, another most studied RNA modification, has been identified in a various of organisms and RNA species, mainly enriched in the regions downstream of translation initiation sites and broadly distributes across the whole coding sequence (CDS) in mammalian mRNAs. RNA m1A, with a lower abundance than m6A, is widely distributed in various RNA types, mainly locates in the 5' untranslated region (5'UTR) of mRNA and regulates translation. RNA m7G, one of the most common RNA modifications in eukaryotes, has been identified at cap regions and internal positions of RNAs and recently gained considerable attention.Thanks to the development of sequencing technology, m6A has been found to regulate the tumorigenic process, including tumor proliferation, invasion, and metastasis by modulating oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, and affect oocyte maturation and embryonic development through regulating maternal and zygotic genes. m5C related proteins have been identified to participate in embryonic development, plant growth, and neural stem cell differentiation in a m5C dependent manner. m1A also has been revealed to be involved in these developmental processes. m7G dysregulation mainly involves in neurodevelopmental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.Collectively, we summarized the gradually exhibited roles of RNA methylation during development, and discussed the possibility of RNA modifications as candidate biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets. The technological development is anticipated as the major driving force to expand our knowledge in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Ke Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, College of Future Technology, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, P. R. China
| | - Chun-Chun Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, College of Future Technology, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, P. R. China
| | - Yun-Gui Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, College of Future Technology, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, P. R. China
- Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, P. R. China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
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Wu L, Niu L, Yang Z, Xia Q, Xu J, Lu X. RNA N6‑methyladenosine methyltransferase WTAP promotes the differentiation of endothelial progenitor cells. Exp Ther Med 2023; 26:420. [PMID: 37602313 PMCID: PMC10433437 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.12119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) serves a critical role in regulating gene expression and has been associated with various diseases; however, its role in the differentiation of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) remains unclear. The present study used liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry and immunofluorescence assays to quantify the levels of m6A in human peripheral blood-derived EPCs (HPB-EPCs) before and after differentiation into mature cells. The present study performed Cell Counting Kit 8, Transwell, and tube formation assays to determine the effects of overexpression and knockdown of Wilms' tumor 1-associated protein (WTAP) on HPB-EPCs. The results revealed that the level of m6A modification was significantly increased during HPB-EPCs differentiation, and WTAP exhibited the most significant alteration among the enzymes involved in m6A regulation. When WTAP was overexpressed in HPB-EPCs, cell proliferation, invasion, and the formation of tubes were improved, whereas WTAP knockdown yielded the opposite effects. In conclusion, the present study highlighted the involvement of m6A in regulating EPC differentiation, with WTAP acting as a promoter of EPC differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longyun Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai 201399, P.R. China
| | - Lili Niu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai 201399, P.R. China
- Central Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116021, P.R. China
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116021, P.R. China
| | - Zhou Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai 201399, P.R. China
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200120, P.R. China
| | - Qiaoyun Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai 201399, P.R. China
| | - Jingyuan Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai 201399, P.R. China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, P.R. China
| | - Xiaolan Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai 201399, P.R. China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, P.R. China
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9
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Liu R, Zhao E, Yu H, Yuan C, Abbas MN, Cui H. Methylation across the central dogma in health and diseases: new therapeutic strategies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:310. [PMID: 37620312 PMCID: PMC10449936 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01528-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The proper transfer of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein is essential for cell-fate control, development, and health. Methylation of DNA, RNAs, histones, and non-histone proteins is a reversible post-synthesis modification that finetunes gene expression and function in diverse physiological processes. Aberrant methylation caused by genetic mutations or environmental stimuli promotes various diseases and accelerates aging, necessitating the development of therapies to correct the disease-driver methylation imbalance. In this Review, we summarize the operating system of methylation across the central dogma, which includes writers, erasers, readers, and reader-independent outputs. We then discuss how dysregulation of the system contributes to neurological disorders, cancer, and aging. Current small-molecule compounds that target the modifiers show modest success in certain cancers. The methylome-wide action and lack of specificity lead to undesirable biological effects and cytotoxicity, limiting their therapeutic application, especially for diseases with a monogenic cause or different directions of methylation changes. Emerging tools capable of site-specific methylation manipulation hold great promise to solve this dilemma. With the refinement of delivery vehicles, these new tools are well positioned to advance the basic research and clinical translation of the methylation field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruochen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Erhu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Huijuan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Chaoyu Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Muhammad Nadeem Abbas
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China.
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China.
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
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10
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Yi M, Wang M, Xu Y, Cao Z, Ling Y, Zhang Z, Cao H. CRISPR-based m 6A modification and its potential applications in telomerase regulation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1200734. [PMID: 37519297 PMCID: PMC10382234 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1200734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomerase determines cell lifespan by controlling chromosome stability and cell viability, m6A epigenetic modification plays an important role in the regulation of telomerase activity. Using CRISPR epigenome editing to analyze specific m6A modification sites in telomerase will provide an important tool for analyzing the molecular mechanism of m6A modification regulating telomerase activity. In this review, we clarified the relevant applications of CRISPR system, paid special attention to the regulation of m6A modification in stem cells and cancer cells based on CRISPR system, emphasized the regulation of m6A modification on telomerase activity, pointed out that m6A modification sites regulate telomerase activity, and discussed strategies based on telomerase activity and disease treatment, which are helpful to promote the research of anti-aging and tumor related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingliang Yi
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Mingyue Wang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Yongjie Xu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhikun Cao
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Yinghui Ling
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Zijun Zhang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Hongguo Cao
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
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11
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Xu H, Liu G, Gong J, Zhang Y, Gu S, Wan Z, Yang P, Nie Y, Wang Y, Huang Z, Luo G, Chen Z, Zhang D, Cao N. Investigating and Resolving Cardiotoxicity Induced by COVID-19 Treatments using Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes and Engineered Heart Tissues. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2203388. [PMID: 36055796 PMCID: PMC9539280 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202203388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 continues to spread worldwide. Given the urgent need for effective treatments, many clinical trials are ongoing through repurposing approved drugs. However, clinical data regarding the cardiotoxicity of these drugs are limited. Human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hCMs) represent a powerful tool for assessing drug-induced cardiotoxicity. Here, by using hCMs, it is demonstrated that four antiviral drugs, namely, apilimod, remdesivir, ritonavir, and lopinavir, exhibit cardiotoxicity in terms of inducing cell death, sarcomere disarray, and dysregulation of calcium handling and contraction, at clinically relevant concentrations. Human engineered heart tissue (hEHT) model is used to further evaluate the cardiotoxic effects of these drugs and it is found that they weaken hEHT contractile function. RNA-seq analysis reveals that the expression of genes that regulate cardiomyocyte function, such as sarcomere organization (TNNT2, MYH6) and ion homeostasis (ATP2A2, HCN4), is significantly altered after drug treatments. Using high-throughput screening of approved drugs, it is found that ceftiofur hydrochloride, astaxanthin, and quetiapine fumarate can ameliorate the cardiotoxicity of remdesivir, with astaxanthin being the most prominent one. These results warrant caution and careful monitoring when prescribing these therapies in patients and provide drug candidates to limit remdesivir-induced cardiotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Xu
- Center of Translational MedicineThe First Affiliated HospitalZhongshan School of MedicineSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangdong510080China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation (Sun Yat‐Sen University)Guangzhou510080China
| | - Ge Liu
- The Seventh Affiliated HospitalZhongshan School of MedicineSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangdong510080China
| | - Jixing Gong
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of High‐throughput Drug Screening TechnologyState Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme EngineeringHubei Province Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Chinese Traditional MedicineHubei UniversityWuhan430062China
| | - Ying Zhang
- The Seventh Affiliated HospitalZhongshan School of MedicineSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangdong510080China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and RegulationState Key Laboratory of BiocontrolSchool of Life SciencesSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangdong510275China
| | - Shanshan Gu
- The Seventh Affiliated HospitalZhongshan School of MedicineSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangdong510080China
| | - Zhongjun Wan
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of High‐throughput Drug Screening TechnologyState Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme EngineeringHubei Province Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Chinese Traditional MedicineHubei UniversityWuhan430062China
| | - Pengcheng Yang
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of High‐throughput Drug Screening TechnologyState Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme EngineeringHubei Province Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Chinese Traditional MedicineHubei UniversityWuhan430062China
| | - Yage Nie
- The Seventh Affiliated HospitalZhongshan School of MedicineSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangdong510080China
| | - Yinghan Wang
- The Seventh Affiliated HospitalZhongshan School of MedicineSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangdong510080China
| | - Zhan‐peng Huang
- Center of Translational MedicineThe First Affiliated HospitalZhongshan School of MedicineSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangdong510080China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation (Sun Yat‐Sen University)Guangzhou510080China
| | - Guanzheng Luo
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and RegulationState Key Laboratory of BiocontrolSchool of Life SciencesSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangdong510275China
| | - Zhongyan Chen
- The Seventh Affiliated HospitalZhongshan School of MedicineSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangdong510080China
| | - Donghui Zhang
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of High‐throughput Drug Screening TechnologyState Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme EngineeringHubei Province Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Chinese Traditional MedicineHubei UniversityWuhan430062China
| | - Nan Cao
- The Seventh Affiliated HospitalZhongshan School of MedicineSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangdong510080China
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12
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Liu H, Zheng J, Liao A. The regulation and potential roles of m6A modifications in early embryonic development and immune tolerance at the maternal-fetal interface. Front Immunol 2022; 13:988130. [PMID: 36225914 PMCID: PMC9549360 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.988130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune microenvironment at the maternal-fetal interface was determined by the crosstalk between the trophoblast and maternal-derived cells, which dynamically changed during the whole gestation. Trophoblasts act as innate immune cells and dialogue with maternal-derived cells to ensure early embryonic development, depending on the local immune microenvironment. Therefore, dysfunctions in trophoblasts and maternal decidual cells contribute to pregnancy complications, especially recurrent pregnancy loss in early pregnancy. Since many unknown regulatory factors still affect the complex immune status, exploring new potential aspects that could influence early pregnancy is essential. RNA methylation plays an important role in contributing to the transcriptional regulation of various cells. Sufficient studies have shown the crucial roles of N6-methyladenosine (m6A)- and m6A-associated- regulators in embryogenesis during implantation. They are also essential in regulating innate and adaptive immune cells and the immune response and shaping the local and systemic immune microenvironment. However, the function of m6A modifications at the maternal-fetal interface still lacks wide research. This review highlights the critical functions of m6A in early embryonic development, summarizes the reported research on m6A in regulating immune cells and tumor immune microenvironment, and identifies the potential value of m6A modifications in shaping trophoblasts, decidual immune cells, and the microenvironment at the maternal-fetal interface. The m6A modifications are more likely to contribute to embryogenesis, placentation and shape the immune microenvironment at the maternal-fetal interface. Uncovering these crucial regulatory mechanisms could provide novel therapeutic targets for RNA methylation in early pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Liu
- Department of Reproduction, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, Affiliated in Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jie Zheng
- Department of Reproduction, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, Affiliated in Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Jie Zheng, ; Aihua Liao,
| | - Aihua Liao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Jie Zheng, ; Aihua Liao,
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13
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Epigenetics as "conductor" in "orchestra" of pluripotent states. Cell Tissue Res 2022; 390:141-172. [PMID: 35838826 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-022-03667-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Pluripotent character is described as the potency of cells to differentiate into all three germ layers. The best example to reinstate the term lies in the context of embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Pluripotent ESC describes the in vitro status of those cells that originate during the complex process of embryogenesis. Pre-implantation to post-implantation development of embryo embrace cells with different levels of stemness. Currently, four states of pluripotency have been recognized, in the progressing order of "naïve," "poised," "formative," and "primed." Epigenetics act as the "conductor" in this "orchestra" of transition in pluripotent states. With a distinguishable gene expression profile, these four states associate with different epigenetic signatures, sometimes distinct while otherwise overlapping. The present review focuses on how epigenetic factors, including DNA methylation, bivalent chromatin, chromatin remodelers, chromatin/nuclear architecture, and microRNA, could dictate pluripotent states and their transition among themselves.
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14
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Sun X, Wang DO, Wang J. Targeted manipulation of m 6A RNA modification through CRISPR-Cas-based strategies. Methods 2022; 203:56-61. [PMID: 35306148 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2022.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a reversible and prevalent internal modification in RNAs and can be dynamically modulated by methyltransferase and demethylase. Targeted manipulation of m6A RNA modification is critical in studying the functions of specific m6A sites as well as developing molecular therapies through targeting m6A. The CRISPR-Cas systems including CRISPR-Cas9 and CRISPR-Cas13 have been widely used to edit and modify specific nucleotides on DNA and RNA through fusing effective proteins such as enzymes with Cas9/13. Through taking advantage of the m6A methyltransferase and demethylase, a series of CRISPR-Cas-based methods have also been developed to manipulate the m6A methylation at specific RNA sites. This review summarizes the latest CRISPR-Cas13 and Cas9 toolkits for m6A site-specific manipulation, including fundamental components, on-target efficiency, editing window, PAM/PFS requirement, and subcellularly localized targeting as well as potential limitations. We thus aim to provide an overview to assist researchers to choose an optimal tool to manipulate m6A for different purposes and also point out possible optimization strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Sun
- Department of Medical Informatics, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
| | - Dan Ohtan Wang
- Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, 2-2-3 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan; Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Yoshida hon-machi, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Jinkai Wang
- Department of Medical Informatics, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; RNA Biomedical Institute, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
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15
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Rösner L, Reichert D, Rau K, Muthmann N, Rentmeister A. Sequence-specific targeting of RNA. Methods 2022; 205:73-82. [PMID: 35764247 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2022.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-transcriptional modifications play an important role in several processes, including translation, splicing, and RNA degradation in eukaryotic cells. To investigate the function of specific modifications it is of high interest to develop tools for sequence-specific RNA-targeting. This work focuses on two abundant modifications of eukaryotic mRNA, namely methylation of the guanine-N7 position of the 5'-cap and internal N6-methyladenosine (m6A). We describe the sequence-specific targeting of model RNA transcripts via RNA-binding proteins, such as nuclease-deficient RNA-targeting Cas9 (RCas9) and the Pumilio homology domain (PumHD) fused to two different effector enzymes, the dioxygenase FTO and the guanine-N7 methyltransferase Ecm1. With this tool, we were able to install and remove the methylation at the respective positions with high specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Rösner
- University of Münster, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, Corrensstraße 36, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Dennis Reichert
- University of Münster, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, Corrensstraße 36, 48149 Münster, Germany; Cells in Motion Interfaculty Center, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Kristina Rau
- University of Münster, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, Corrensstraße 36, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Nils Muthmann
- University of Münster, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, Corrensstraße 36, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Andrea Rentmeister
- University of Münster, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, Corrensstraße 36, 48149 Münster, Germany; Cells in Motion Interfaculty Center, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
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16
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Imanishi M. Mechanisms and Strategies for Determining m 6 A RNA Modification Sites by Natural and Engineered m 6 A Effector Proteins. Chem Asian J 2022; 17:e202200367. [PMID: 35750635 DOI: 10.1002/asia.202200367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
N6 -Methyladenosine (m6 A) is the most common internal RNA modification in the consensus sequence of 5'-RRACH-3'. The methyl mark is added by writer proteins (METTL3/METTL14 metyltransferase complex) and removed by eraser proteins (m6 A demethylases; FTO and ALKBH5). Recognition of this methyl mark by m6 A reader proteins leads to changes in RNA metabolism. How the writer and eraser proteins determine their targets is not well-understood, despite the importance of this information in understanding the regulatory mechanisms and physiological roles of m6 A. However, approaches for targeted manipulation of the methylation state at specific sites are being developed. In this review, I summarize the recent findings on the mechanisms of target identification of m6 A regulatory proteins, as well as recent approaches for targeted m6 A modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miki Imanishi
- Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto, 611-0011, Japan
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17
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Fan N, Bian X, Li M, Chen J, Wu H, Peng Q, Bai H, Cheng W, Kong L, Ding S, Li S, Cheng W. Hierarchical self-uncloaking CRISPR-Cas13a-customized RNA nanococoons for spatial-controlled genome editing and precise cancer therapy. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabn7382. [PMID: 35584220 PMCID: PMC9116607 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn7382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas13a holds enormous potential for developing precise RNA editing. However, spatial manipulation of CRISPR-Cas13a activity remains a daunting challenge for elaborately regulating localized RNase function. Here, we designed hierarchical self-uncloaking CRISPR-Cas13a-customized RNA nanococoons (RNCOs-D), featuring tumor-specific recognition and spatial-controlled activation of Cas13a, for precise cancer synergistic therapy. RNCOs-D consists of programmable RNA nanosponges (RNSs) capable of targeted delivery and caging chemotherapeutic drug, and nanocapsules (NCs) anchored on RNSs for cloaking Cas13a/crRNA ribonucleoprotein (Cas13a RNP) activity. The acidic endo/lysosomal microenvironment stimulates the outer decomposition of NCs with concomitant Cas13a RNP activity revitalization, while the inner disassembly through trans-cleavage of RNSs initiated by cis-recognition and cleavage of EGFR variant III (EGFRvIII) mRNA. RNCOs-D demonstrates the effective EGFRvIII mRNA silencing for synergistic therapy of glioblastoma cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. The engineering of RNSs, together with efficient Cas13a activity regulation, holds immense prospect for multimodal and synergistic cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningke Fan
- The Center for Clinical Molecular Medical Detection, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics (Ministry of Education), College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Xintong Bian
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics (Ministry of Education), College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Meng Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Junman Chen
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics (Ministry of Education), College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Haiping Wu
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics (Ministry of Education), College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Qiling Peng
- Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Huijie Bai
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics (Ministry of Education), College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Wenqian Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics (Ministry of Education), College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Liangsheng Kong
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics (Ministry of Education), College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Shijia Ding
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics (Ministry of Education), College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Siqiao Li
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Corresponding author. (S.L.); (Wei Cheng)
| | - Wei Cheng
- The Center for Clinical Molecular Medical Detection, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Corresponding author. (S.L.); (Wei Cheng)
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18
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Wei B, Zeng M, Yang J, Li S, Zhang J, Ding N, Jiang Z. N6-Methyladenosine RNA Modification: A Potential Regulator of Stem Cell Proliferation and Differentiation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:835205. [PMID: 35445023 PMCID: PMC9013802 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.835205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cell transplantation (SCT) holds great promise for overcoming diseases by regenerating damaged cells, tissues and organs. The potential for self-renewal and differentiation is the key to SCT. RNA methylation, a dynamic and reversible epigenetic modification, is able to regulate the ability of stem cells to differentiate and regenerate. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the richest form of RNA methylation in eukaryotes and is regulated by three classes of proteins: methyltransferase complexes, demethylase complexes and m6A binding proteins. Through the coordination of these proteins, RNA methylation precisely modulates the expression of important target genes by affecting mRNA stability, translation, selective splicing, processing and microRNA maturation. In this review, we summarize the most recent findings on the regulation of m6A modification in embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells and adult stem cells, hoping to provide new insights into improving SCT technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wei
- Research Lab of Translational Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Human International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic Disease, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Meiyu Zeng
- Research Lab of Translational Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Research Lab of Translational Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Shuainan Li
- Research Lab of Translational Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Jiantao Zhang
- Institution of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Nan Ding
- Institution of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- *Correspondence: Nan Ding, ; Zhisheng Jiang,
| | - Zhisheng Jiang
- Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Human International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic Disease, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- *Correspondence: Nan Ding, ; Zhisheng Jiang,
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19
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Song D, Shyh-Chang N. An RNA methylation code to regulate protein translation and cell fate. Cell Prolif 2022; 55:e13224. [PMID: 35355346 PMCID: PMC9136488 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Song
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ng Shyh-Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
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Li G, Luo R, Zhang W, He S, Wang B, Liang H, Song Y, Ke W, Shi Y, Feng X, Zhao K, Wu X, Zhang Y, Wang K, Yang C. m6A hypomethylation of DNMT3B regulated by ALKBH5 promotes intervertebral disc degeneration via E4F1 deficiency. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e765. [PMID: 35340126 PMCID: PMC8957938 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is the leading cause of low back pain, which accounts for a main cause of disability. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant internal modification in eukaryotic messenger RNAs and is involved in various diseases and cellular processes by modulating mRNA fate. However, the critical role of m6A regulation in IVD degeneration remains unclear. Nucleus pulposus cell (NPC) senescence is critical for the progression of IVD degeneration. Here, we uncovered the role and explored the regulatory mechanism of m6A in NPC senescence during IVD degeneration. METHODS Identification of NPC senescence during IVD degeneration was based on the analysis of tissue samples and the cellular model. ALKBH5 upregulation inducing cellular senescence was confirmed by functional experiments in vivo and in vitro. ChIP-qPCR and DNA-Pulldown were used to reveal increased ALKBH5 was regulated by KDM4A-mediated H3K9me3. Furthermore, Me-RIP-seq was performed to identify m6A hypomethylation of DNMT3B transcripts in senescent NPCs. Stability analysis showed that DNMT3B expression was enhanced for less YTHDF2 recognition and increased DNMT3B promoted NPC senescence and IVD degeneration via E4F1 methylation by in vivo and in vitro analyses. RESULTS Expression of ALKBH5 is enhanced during IVD degeneration and NPC senescence, due to decreased KDM4A-mediated H3K9me3 modification. Functionally, ALKBH5 causes NPC senescence by demethylating DNMT3B transcripts and in turn promoting its expression via less YTHDF2 recognition and following degradation due to transcript hypomethylation in vitro and in vivo. Increased DNMT3B promotes the development of IVD degeneration and NPC senescence, mechanistically by methylating CpG islands of E4F1 at the promoter region and thus restraining its transcription and expression. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our findings reveal an epigenetic interplay mechanism in NPC senescence and IVD degeneration, presenting a critical pro-senescence role of ALKBH5 and m6A hypomethylation, highlighting the therapeutic potential of targeting the m6A/DNMT3B/E4F1 axis for treating IVD degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaocai Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Rongjin Luo
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Weifeng Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Shujie He
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy of the Ministry of EducationTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Bingjin Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Huaizhen Liang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Yu Song
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Wencan Ke
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Yunsong Shi
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Xiaobo Feng
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Kangcheng Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Xinghuo Wu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Yukun Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Kun Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Cao Yang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
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Cheng W, Liu F, Ren Z, Chen W, Chen Y, Liu T, Ma Y, Cao N, Wang J. Parallel functional assessment of m6A sites in human endodermal differentiation with base editor screens. Nat Commun 2022; 13:478. [PMID: 35078991 PMCID: PMC8789821 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28106-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractN6-methyladenosine (m6A) plays important role in lineage specifications of embryonic stem cells. However, it is still difficult to systematically dissect the specific m6A sites that are essential for early lineage differentiation. Here, we develop an adenine base editor-based strategy to systematically identify functional m6A sites that control lineage decisions of human embryonic stem cells. We design 7999 sgRNAs targeting 6048 m6A sites to screen for m6A sites that act as either boosters or barriers to definitive endoderm specification of human embryonic stem cells. We identify 78 sgRNAs enriched in the non-definitive endoderm cells and 137 sgRNAs enriched in the definitive endoderm cells. We successfully validate two definitive endoderm promoting m6A sites on SOX2 and SDHAF1 as well as a definitive endoderm inhibiting m6A site on ADM. Our study provides a functional screening of m6A sites and paves the way for functional studies of m6A at individual m6A site level.
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Su Y, Maimaitiyiming Y, Wang L, Cheng X, Hsu CH. Modulation of Phase Separation by RNA: A Glimpse on N 6-Methyladenosine Modification. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:786454. [PMID: 34957114 PMCID: PMC8703171 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.786454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Phase separation is the driving force behind formation of various biomolecular condensates (BioMCs), which sub-compartmentalize certain cellular components in a membraneless manner to orchestrate numerous biological processes. Many BioMCs are composed of proteins and RNAs. While the features and functions of proteins are well studied, less attention was paid to the other essential component RNAs. Here, we describe how RNA contributes to the biogenesis, dissolution, and properties of BioMCs as a multivalence providing scaffold for proteins/RNA to undergo phase separation. Specifically, we focus on N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most widely distributed dynamic post-transcriptional modification, which would change the charge, conformation, and RNA-binding protein (RBP) anchoring of modified RNA. m6A RNA-modulated phase separation is a new perspective to illustrate m6A-mediated various biological processes. We summarize m6A main functions as “beacon” to recruit reader proteins and “structural switcher” to alter RNA–protein and RNA–RNA interactions to modulate phase separation and regulate the related biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingfeng Su
- Women's Hospital, Institute of Genetics, Department of Environmental Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yasen Maimaitiyiming
- Women's Hospital, Institute of Genetics, Department of Environmental Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Hematology of First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lingfang Wang
- Women's Hospital, Institute of Genetics, Department of Environmental Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaodong Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chih-Hung Hsu
- Women's Hospital, Institute of Genetics, Department of Environmental Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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