1
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Alsina FC, Lupan BM, Lin LJ, Musso CM, Mosti F, Newman CR, Wood LM, Suzuki A, Agostino M, Moore JK, Silver DL. The RNA-binding protein EIF4A3 promotes axon development by direct control of the cytoskeleton. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114666. [PMID: 39182224 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114666] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The exon junction complex (EJC), nucleated by EIF4A3, is indispensable for mRNA fate and function throughout eukaryotes. We discover that EIF4A3 directly controls microtubules, independent of RNA, which is critical for neural wiring. While neuronal survival in the developing mouse cerebral cortex depends upon an intact EJC, axonal tract development requires only Eif4a3. Using human cortical organoids, we show that EIF4A3 disease mutations also impair neuronal growth, highlighting conserved functions relevant for neurodevelopmental pathology. Live imaging of growing neurons shows that EIF4A3 is essential for microtubule dynamics. Employing biochemistry and competition experiments, we demonstrate that EIF4A3 directly binds to microtubules, mutually exclusive of the EJC. Finally, in vitro reconstitution assays and rescue experiments demonstrate that EIF4A3 is sufficient to promote microtubule polymerization and that EIF4A3-microtubule association is a major contributor to axon growth. This reveals a fundamental mechanism by which neurons re-utilize core gene expression machinery to directly control the cytoskeleton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando C Alsina
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
| | - Bianca M Lupan
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Lydia J Lin
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Camila M Musso
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Federica Mosti
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Carly R Newman
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Lisa M Wood
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Aussie Suzuki
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Mark Agostino
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin Medical School, and Curtin Institute for Computation, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Jeffrey K Moore
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Debra L Silver
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Departments of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Duke Institute for Brain Sciences and Duke Regeneration Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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2
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Mukhopadhyay A, Deshpande SN, Bhatia T, Thelma BK. Significance of an altered lncRNA landscape in schizophrenia and cognition: clues from a case-control association study. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2023; 273:1677-1691. [PMID: 37009928 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-023-01596-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
Genetic etiology of schizophrenia is poorly understood despite large genome-wide association data. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) with a probable regulatory role are emerging as important players in neuro-psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia. Prioritising important lncRNAs and analyses of their holistic interaction with their target genes may provide insights into disease biology/etiology. Of the 3843 lncRNA SNPs reported in schizophrenia GWASs extracted using lincSNP 2.0, we prioritised n = 247 based on association strength, minor allele frequency and regulatory potential and mapped them to lncRNAs. lncRNAs were then prioritised based on their expression in brain using lncRBase, epigenetic role using 3D SNP and functional relevance to schizophrenia etiology. 18 SNPs were finally tested for association with schizophrenia (n = 930) and its endophenotypes-tardive dyskinesia (n = 176) and cognition (n = 565) using a case-control approach. Associated SNPs were characterised by ChIP seq, eQTL, and transcription factor binding site (TFBS) data using FeatSNP. Of the eight SNPs significantly associated, rs2072806 in lncRNA hsaLB_IO39983 with regulatory effect on BTN3A2 was associated with schizophrenia (p = 0.006); rs2710323 in hsaLB_IO_2331 with role in dysregulation of ITIH1 with tardive dyskinesia (p < 0.05); and four SNPs with significant cognition score reduction (p < 0.05) in cases. Two of these with two additional variants in eQTL were observed among controls (p < 0.05), acting likely as enhancer SNPs and/or altering TFBS of eQTL mapped downstream genes. This study highlights important lncRNAs in schizophrenia and provides a proof of concept of novel interactions of lncRNAs with protein-coding genes to elicit alterations in immune/inflammatory pathways of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anirban Mukhopadhyay
- Department of Genetics, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Marg, New Delhi, 110021, India
| | - Smita N Deshpande
- Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research-Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Triptish Bhatia
- Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research-Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - B K Thelma
- Department of Genetics, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Marg, New Delhi, 110021, India.
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3
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Ribeiro JH, Altinisik N, Rajan N, Verslegers M, Baatout S, Gopalakrishnan J, Quintens R. DNA damage and repair: underlying mechanisms leading to microcephaly. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1268565. [PMID: 37881689 PMCID: PMC10597653 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1268565] [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: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA-damaging agents and endogenous DNA damage constantly harm genome integrity. Under genotoxic stress conditions, the DNA damage response (DDR) machinery is crucial in repairing lesions and preventing mutations in the basic structure of the DNA. Different repair pathways are implicated in the resolution of such lesions. For instance, the non-homologous DNA end joining and homologous recombination pathways are central cellular mechanisms by which eukaryotic cells maintain genome integrity. However, defects in these pathways are often associated with neurological disorders, indicating the pivotal role of DDR in normal brain development. Moreover, the brain is the most sensitive organ affected by DNA-damaging agents compared to other tissues during the prenatal period. The accumulation of lesions is believed to induce cell death, reduce proliferation and premature differentiation of neural stem and progenitor cells, and reduce brain size (microcephaly). Microcephaly is mainly caused by genetic mutations, especially genes encoding proteins involved in centrosomes and DNA repair pathways. However, it can also be induced by exposure to ionizing radiation and intrauterine infections such as the Zika virus. This review explains mammalian cortical development and the major DNA repair pathways that may lead to microcephaly when impaired. Next, we discuss the mechanisms and possible exposures leading to DNA damage and p53 hyperactivation culminating in microcephaly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Honorato Ribeiro
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Mol, Belgium
- Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nazlican Altinisik
- Laboratory for Centrosome and Cytoskeleton Biology, Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Nicholas Rajan
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Mol, Belgium
| | - Mieke Verslegers
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Mol, Belgium
| | - Sarah Baatout
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Mol, Belgium
- Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jay Gopalakrishnan
- Laboratory for Centrosome and Cytoskeleton Biology, Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Roel Quintens
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Mol, Belgium
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4
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Larizza L, Calzari L, Alari V, Russo S. Genes for RNA-binding proteins involved in neural-specific functions and diseases are downregulated in Rubinstein-Taybi iNeurons. Neural Regen Res 2022; 17:5-14. [PMID: 34100419 PMCID: PMC8451555 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.314286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Taking advantage of the fast-growing knowledge of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) we review the signature of downregulated genes for RBPs in the transcriptome of induced pluripotent stem cell neurons (iNeurons) modelling the neurodevelopmental Rubinstein Taybi Syndrome (RSTS) caused by mutations in the genes encoding CBP/p300 acetyltransferases. We discuss top and functionally connected downregulated genes sorted to “RNA processing” and “Ribonucleoprotein complex biogenesis” Gene Ontology clusters. The first set of downregulated RBPs includes members of hnRNHP (A1, A2B1, D, G, H2-H1, MAGOHB, PAPBC), core subunits of U small nuclear ribonucleoproteins and Serine-Arginine splicing regulators families, acting in precursor messenger RNA alternative splicing and processing. Consistent with literature findings on reduced transcript levels of serine/arginine repetitive matrix 4 (SRRM4) protein, the main regulator of the neural-specific microexons splicing program upon depletion of Ep300 and Crebbp in mouse neurons, RSTS iNeurons show downregulated genes for proteins impacting this network. We link downregulated genes to neurological disorders including the new HNRNPH1-related intellectual disability syndrome with clinical overlap to RSTS. The set of downregulated genes for Ribosome biogenesis includes several components of ribosomal subunits and nucleolar proteins, such NOP58 and fibrillarin that form complexes with snoRNAs with a central role in guiding post-transcriptional modifications needed for rRNA maturation. These nucleolar proteins are “dual” players as fibrillarin is also required for epigenetic regulation of ribosomal genes and conversely NOP58-associated snoRNA levels are under the control of NOP58 interactor BMAL1, a transcriptional regulator of the circadian rhythm. Additional downregulated genes for “dual specificity” RBPs such as RUVBL1 and METTL1 highlight the links between chromatin and the RBP-ome and the contribution of perturbations in their cross-talk to RSTS. We underline the hub position of CBP/p300 in chromatin regulation, the impact of its defect on neurons’ post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression and the potential use of epidrugs in therapeutics of RBP-caused neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Larizza
- Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milano, Italy
| | - Luciano Calzari
- Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milano, Italy
| | - Valentina Alari
- Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Russo
- Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milano, Italy
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5
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Wang B, Rong X, Zhou Y, Liu Y, Sun J, Zhao B, Deng B, Lu L, Lu L, Li Y, Zhou J. Eukaryotic initiation factor 4A3 inhibits Wnt/β-catenin signaling and regulates axis formation in zebrafish embryos. Development 2021; 148:261699. [PMID: 33914867 DOI: 10.1242/dev.198101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
A key step in the activation of canonical Wnt signaling is the interaction between β-catenin and Tcf/Lefs that forms the transcription activation complex and facilitates the expression of target genes. Eukaryotic initiation factor 4A3 (EIF4A3) is an ATP-dependent DEAD box-family RNA helicase and acts as a core subunit of the exon junction complex (EJC) to control a series of RNA post-transcriptional processes. In this study, we uncover that EIF4A3 functions as a Wnt inhibitor by interfering with the formation of β-catenin/Tcf transcription activation complex. As Wnt stimulation increases, accumulated β-catenin displaces EIF4A3 from a transcriptional complex with Tcf/Lef, allowing the active complex to facilitate the expression of target genes. In zebrafish embryos, eif4a3 depletion inhibited the development of the dorsal organizer and pattern formation of the anterior neuroectoderm by increasing Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Conversely, overexpression of eif4a3 decreased Wnt/β-catenin signaling and inhibited the formation of the dorsal organizer before gastrulation. Our results reveal previously unreported roles of EIF4A3 in the inhibition of Wnt signaling and the regulation of embryonic development in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs (Ocean University of China), Chinese Ministry of Education, and School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Xiaozhi Rong
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs (Ocean University of China), Chinese Ministry of Education, and School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China.,Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yumei Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs (Ocean University of China), Chinese Ministry of Education, and School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yunzhang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs (Ocean University of China), Chinese Ministry of Education, and School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Jiqin Sun
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs (Ocean University of China), Chinese Ministry of Education, and School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Beibei Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs (Ocean University of China), Chinese Ministry of Education, and School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Bei Deng
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs (Ocean University of China), Chinese Ministry of Education, and School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Lei Lu
- Model Animal Research Center of Nanjing University and MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animals for Disease Study, 12 Xuefu Road, Pukou High-Tech Zone, Nanjing 210061, China
| | - Ling Lu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs (Ocean University of China), Chinese Ministry of Education, and School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yun Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs (Ocean University of China), Chinese Ministry of Education, and School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China.,Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Jianfeng Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs (Ocean University of China), Chinese Ministry of Education, and School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China.,Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao 266003, China
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6
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Kwon OS, Mishra R, Safieddine A, Coleno E, Alasseur Q, Faucourt M, Barbosa I, Bertrand E, Spassky N, Le Hir H. Exon junction complex dependent mRNA localization is linked to centrosome organization during ciliogenesis. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1351. [PMID: 33649372 PMCID: PMC7921557 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21590-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Exon junction complexes (EJCs) mark untranslated spliced mRNAs and are crucial for the mRNA lifecycle. An imbalance in EJC dosage alters mouse neural stem cell (mNSC) division and is linked to human neurodevelopmental disorders. In quiescent mNSC and immortalized human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE1) cells, centrioles form a basal body for ciliogenesis. Here, we report that EJCs accumulate at basal bodies of mNSC or RPE1 cells and decline when these cells differentiate or resume growth. A high-throughput smFISH screen identifies two transcripts accumulating at centrosomes in quiescent cells, NIN and BICD2. In contrast to BICD2, the localization of NIN transcripts is EJC-dependent. NIN mRNA encodes a core component of centrosomes required for microtubule nucleation and anchoring. We find that EJC down-regulation impairs both pericentriolar material organization and ciliogenesis. An EJC-dependent mRNA trafficking towards centrosome and basal bodies might contribute to proper mNSC division and brain development. Exon junction complexes (EJCs) that mark untranslated mRNA are involved in transport, translation and nonsense-mediated mRNA decay. Here the authors show centrosomal localization of EJCs which appears to be required for both the localization of NIN mRNA around centrosomes and ciliogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oh Sung Kwon
- Institut de Biologie de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure (IBENS), Ecole Normale Supérieure, CNRS, INSERM, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Rahul Mishra
- Institut de Biologie de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure (IBENS), Ecole Normale Supérieure, CNRS, INSERM, PSL Research University, Paris, France.,Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Adham Safieddine
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France.,Equipe labélisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Emeline Coleno
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France.,Equipe labélisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Quentin Alasseur
- Institut de Biologie de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure (IBENS), Ecole Normale Supérieure, CNRS, INSERM, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Marion Faucourt
- Institut de Biologie de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure (IBENS), Ecole Normale Supérieure, CNRS, INSERM, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Barbosa
- Institut de Biologie de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure (IBENS), Ecole Normale Supérieure, CNRS, INSERM, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Edouard Bertrand
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France.,Equipe labélisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Nathalie Spassky
- Institut de Biologie de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure (IBENS), Ecole Normale Supérieure, CNRS, INSERM, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Hervé Le Hir
- Institut de Biologie de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure (IBENS), Ecole Normale Supérieure, CNRS, INSERM, PSL Research University, Paris, France.
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7
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Sheehan CJ, McMahon JJ, Serdar LD, Silver DL. Dosage-dependent requirements of Magoh for cortical interneuron generation and survival. Development 2020; 147:dev.182295. [PMID: 31857347 DOI: 10.1242/dev.182295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Embryonic interneuron development underlies cortical function and its disruption contributes to neurological disease. Yet the mechanisms by which viable interneurons are produced from progenitors remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate dosage-dependent requirements of the exon junction complex component Magoh for interneuron genesis in mouse. Conditional Magoh ablation from interneuron progenitors, but not post-mitotic neurons, depletes cortical interneuron number through adulthood, with increased severity in homozygotes. Using live imaging, we discover that Magoh deficiency delays progenitor mitotic progression in a dosage-sensitive fashion, with 40% of homozygous progenitors failing to divide. This shows that Magoh is required in progenitors for both generation and survival of newborn progeny. Transcriptome analysis implicates p53 signaling; moreover, p53 ablation in Magoh haploinsufficient progenitors rescues apoptosis, completely recovering interneuron number. In striking contrast, in Magoh homozygotes, p53 loss fails to rescue interneuron number and mitotic delay, further implicating mitotic defects in interneuron loss. Our results demonstrate that interneuron development is intimately dependent upon progenitor mitosis duration and uncover a crucial post-transcriptional regulator of interneuron fate relevant for neurodevelopmental pathologies.This article has an associated 'The people behind the papers' interview.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles J Sheehan
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - John J McMahon
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Lucas D Serdar
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Debra L Silver
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA .,Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.,Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.,Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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8
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Bartkowska K, Tepper B, Turlejski K, Djavadian RL. Roles of the exon junction complex components in the central nervous system: a mini review. Rev Neurosci 2019; 29:817-824. [PMID: 29791316 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2017-0113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The exon junction complex (EJC) consists of four core proteins: Magoh, RNA-binding motif 8A (Rbm8a, also known as Y14), eukaryotic initiation factor 4A3 (eIF4A3, also known as DDX48), and metastatic lymph node 51 (MLN51, also known as Casc3 or Barentsz), which are involved in the regulation of many processes occurring between gene transcription and protein translation. Its main role is to assemble into spliceosomes at the exon-exon junction of mRNA during splicing. It is, therefore, a range of functions concerning post-splicing events such as mRNA translocation, translation, and nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD). Apart from this, proteins of the EJC control the splicing of specific pre-mRNAs, for example, splicing of the mapk transcript. Recent studies support essential functions of EJC proteins in oocytes and, after fertilization, in all stages of zygote development, as well as the growth of the embryo, including the development of the nervous system. During the development of the central nervous system (CNS), the EJC controls mitosis, regulating both symmetric and asymmetric cell divisions. Reduced levels of EJC components cause microcephaly. In the adult brain, Y14 and eIF4A3 appear to be involved in synaptic plasticity and in learning and memory. In this review, we focus on the involvement of EJC components in brain development and its functioning under normal conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Bartkowska
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Beata Tepper
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kris Turlejski
- Faculty of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ruzanna L Djavadian
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw 02-093, Poland
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9
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Lennox AL, Mao H, Silver DL. RNA on the brain: emerging layers of post-transcriptional regulation in cerebral cortex development. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2017; 7. [PMID: 28837264 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Revised: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Embryonic development is a critical period during which neurons of the brain are generated and organized. In the developing cerebral cortex, this requires complex processes of neural progenitor proliferation, neuronal differentiation, and migration. Each step relies upon highly regulated control of gene expression. In particular, RNA splicing, stability, localization, and translation have emerged as key post-transcriptional regulatory nodes of mouse corticogenesis. Trans-regulators of RNA metabolism, including microRNAs (miRs) and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), orchestrate diverse steps of cortical development. These trans-factors function either individually or cooperatively to influence RNAs, often of similar classes, termed RNA regulons. New technological advances raise the potential for an increasingly sophisticated understanding of post-transcriptional control in the developing neocortex. Many RNA-binding factors are also implicated in neurodevelopmental diseases of the cortex. Therefore, elucidating how RBPs and miRs converge to influence mRNA expression in progenitors and neurons will give valuable insights into mechanisms of cortical development and disease. WIREs Dev Biol 2018, 7:e290. doi: 10.1002/wdev.290 This article is categorized under: Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Regulatory RNA Nervous System Development > Vertebrates: Regional Development Adult Stem Cells, Tissue Renewal, and Regeneration > Stem Cells and Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley L Lennox
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Hanqian Mao
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.,Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Debra L Silver
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.,Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.,Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
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10
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Mao H, Brown HE, Silver DL. Mouse models of Casc3 reveal developmental functions distinct from other components of the exon junction complex. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2017; 23:23-31. [PMID: 27780844 PMCID: PMC5159646 DOI: 10.1261/rna.058826.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The exon junction complex (EJC) is a multiprotein complex integral to mRNA metabolism. Biochemistry and genetic studies have concluded that the EJC is composed of four core proteins, MAGOH, EIF4A3, RBM8A, and CASC3. Yet recent studies in Drosophila indicate divergent physiological functions for Barentsz, the mammalian Casc3 ortholog, raising the question as to whether CASC3 is a constitutive component of the EJC. This issue remains poorly understood, particularly in an in vivo mammalian context. We previously found that haploinsufficiency for Magoh, Eif4a3, or Rbm8a disrupts neuronal viability and neural progenitor proliferation, resulting in severe microcephaly. Here, we use two new Casc3 mouse alleles to demonstrate developmental phenotypes that sharply contrast those of other core EJC components. Homozygosity for either null or hypomorphic Casc3 alleles led to embryonic and perinatal lethality, respectively. Compound embryos lacking Casc3 expression were smaller with proportionately reduced brain size. Mutant brains contained fewer neurons and progenitors, but no apoptosis, all phenotypes explained by developmental delay. This finding, which contrasts with severe neural phenotypes evident in other EJC mutants, indicates Casc3 is largely dispensable for brain development. In the developing brain, CASC3 protein expression is substoichiometric relative to MAGOH, EIF4A3, and RBM8A. Taken together, this argues that CASC3 is not an essential EJC component in brain development and suggests it could function in a tissue-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanqian Mao
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Hannah E Brown
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Debra L Silver
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
- Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
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11
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Lang PY, Nanjangud GJ, Sokolsky-Papkov M, Shaw C, Hwang D, Parker JS, Kabanov AV, Gershon TR. ATR maintains chromosomal integrity during postnatal cerebellar neurogenesis and is required for medulloblastoma formation. Development 2016; 143:4038-4052. [PMID: 27803059 PMCID: PMC5117143 DOI: 10.1242/dev.139022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Microcephaly and medulloblastoma may both result from mutations that compromise genomic stability. We report that ATR, which is mutated in the microcephalic disorder Seckel syndrome, sustains cerebellar growth by maintaining chromosomal integrity during postnatal neurogenesis. Atr deletion in cerebellar granule neuron progenitors (CGNPs) induced proliferation-associated DNA damage, p53 activation, apoptosis and cerebellar hypoplasia in mice. Co-deletions of either p53 or Bax and Bak prevented apoptosis in Atr-deleted CGNPs, but failed to fully rescue cerebellar growth. ATR-deficient CGNPs had impaired cell cycle checkpoint function and continued to proliferate, accumulating chromosomal abnormalities. RNA-Seq demonstrated that the transcriptional response to ATR-deficient proliferation was highly p53 dependent and markedly attenuated by p53 co-deletion. Acute ATR inhibition in vivo by nanoparticle-formulated VE-822 reproduced the developmental disruptions seen with Atr deletion. Genetic deletion of Atr blocked tumorigenesis in medulloblastoma-prone SmoM2 mice. Our data show that p53-driven apoptosis and cell cycle arrest - and, in the absence of p53, non-apoptotic cell death - redundantly limit growth in ATR-deficient progenitors. These mechanisms may be exploited for treatment of CGNP-derived medulloblastoma using ATR inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Y Lang
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Neurology, UNC School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Gouri J Nanjangud
- Molecular Cytogenetics Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Research Center, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Marina Sokolsky-Papkov
- Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery and Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Christine Shaw
- Molecular Cytogenetics Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Research Center, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Duhyeong Hwang
- Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery and Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Joel S Parker
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Alexander V Kabanov
- Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery and Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Timothy R Gershon
- Department of Neurology, UNC School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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12
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Mao H, McMahon JJ, Tsai YH, Wang Z, Silver DL. Haploinsufficiency for Core Exon Junction Complex Components Disrupts Embryonic Neurogenesis and Causes p53-Mediated Microcephaly. PLoS Genet 2016; 12:e1006282. [PMID: 27618312 PMCID: PMC5019403 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The exon junction complex (EJC) is an RNA binding complex comprised of the core components Magoh, Rbm8a, and Eif4a3. Human mutations in EJC components cause neurodevelopmental pathologies. Further, mice heterozygous for either Magoh or Rbm8a exhibit aberrant neurogenesis and microcephaly. Yet despite the requirement of these genes for neurodevelopment, the pathogenic mechanisms linking EJC dysfunction to microcephaly remain poorly understood. Here we employ mouse genetics, transcriptomic and proteomic analyses to demonstrate that haploinsufficiency for each of the 3 core EJC components causes microcephaly via converging regulation of p53 signaling. Using a new conditional allele, we first show that Eif4a3 haploinsufficiency phenocopies aberrant neurogenesis and microcephaly of Magoh and Rbm8a mutant mice. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of embryonic brains at the onset of neurogenesis identifies common pathways altered in each of the 3 EJC mutants, including ribosome, proteasome, and p53 signaling components. We further demonstrate all 3 mutants exhibit defective splicing of RNA regulatory proteins, implying an EJC dependent RNA regulatory network that fine-tunes gene expression. Finally, we show that genetic ablation of one downstream pathway, p53, significantly rescues microcephaly of all 3 EJC mutants. This implicates p53 activation as a major node of neurodevelopmental pathogenesis following EJC impairment. Altogether our study reveals new mechanisms to help explain how EJC mutations influence neurogenesis and underlie neurodevelopmental disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanqian Mao
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - John J. McMahon
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Yi-Hsuan Tsai
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Zefeng Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Debra L. Silver
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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13
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Pilaz LJ, McMahon JJ, Miller EE, Lennox AL, Suzuki A, Salmon E, Silver DL. Prolonged Mitosis of Neural Progenitors Alters Cell Fate in the Developing Brain. Neuron 2016; 89:83-99. [PMID: 26748089 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2015.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2014] [Revised: 09/27/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Embryonic neocortical development depends on balanced production of progenitors and neurons. Genetic mutations disrupting progenitor mitosis frequently impair neurogenesis; however, the link between altered mitosis and cell fate remains poorly understood. Here we demonstrate that prolonged mitosis of radial glial progenitors directly alters neuronal fate specification and progeny viability. Live imaging of progenitors from a neurogenesis mutant, Magoh(+/-), reveals that mitotic delay significantly correlates with preferential production of neurons instead of progenitors, as well as apoptotic progeny. Independently, two pharmacological approaches reveal a causal relationship between mitotic delay and progeny fate. As mitotic duration increases, progenitors produce substantially more apoptotic progeny or neurons. We show that apoptosis, but not differentiation, is p53 dependent, demonstrating that these are distinct outcomes of mitotic delay. Together our findings reveal that prolonged mitosis is sufficient to alter fates of radial glia progeny and define a new paradigm to understand how mitosis perturbations underlie brain size disorders such as microcephaly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis-Jan Pilaz
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - John J McMahon
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Emily E Miller
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Ashley L Lennox
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Aussie Suzuki
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Edward Salmon
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Debra L Silver
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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14
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McMahon JJ, Miller EE, Silver DL. The exon junction complex in neural development and neurodevelopmental disease. Int J Dev Neurosci 2016; 55:117-123. [PMID: 27071691 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2016.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-transcriptional mRNA metabolism has emerged as a critical regulatory nexus in proper development and function of the nervous system. In particular, recent studies highlight roles for the exon junction complex (EJC) in neurodevelopment. The EJC is an RNA binding complex composed of 3 core proteins, EIF4A3 (DDX48), RBM8A (Y14), and MAGOH, and is a major hub of post-transcriptional regulation. Following deposition onto mRNA, the EJC serves as a platform for the binding of peripheral factors which together regulate splicing, nonsense mediated decay, translation, and RNA localization. While fundamental molecular roles of the EJC have been well established, the in vivo relevance in mammals has only recently been examined. New genetic models and cellular assays have revealed core and peripheral EJC components play critical roles in brain development, stem cell function, neuronal outgrowth, and neuronal activity. Moreover, human genetics studies increasingly implicate EJC components in the etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders. Collectively, these findings indicate that proper dosage of EJC components is necessary for diverse aspects of neuronal development and function. Going forward, genetic models of EJC components will provide valuable tools for further elucidating functions in the nervous system relevant for neurodevelopmental disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J McMahon
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States
| | - E E Miller
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States
| | - D L Silver
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States; Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States; Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States; Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States.
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15
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Abstract
The cerebral cortex is built during embryonic neurogenesis, a period when excitatory neurons are generated from progenitors. Defects in neurogenesis can cause acute neurodevelopmental disorders, such as microcephaly (reduced brain size). Altered dosage of the 1q21.1 locus has been implicated in the etiology of neurodevelopmental phenotypes; however, the role of 1q21.1 genes in neurogenesis has remained elusive. Here, we show that haploinsufficiency for Rbm8a, an exon junction complex (EJC) component within 1q21.1, causes severe microcephaly and defective neurogenesis in the mouse. At the onset of neurogenesis, Rbm8a regulates radial glia proliferation and prevents premature neuronal differentiation. Reduced Rbm8a levels result in subsequent apoptosis of neurons, and to a lesser extent, radial glia. Hence, compared to control, Rbm8a-haploinsufficient brains have fewer progenitors and neurons, resulting in defective cortical lamination. To determine whether reciprocal dosage change of Rbm8a alters embryonic neurogenesis, we overexpressed human RBM8A in two animal models. Using in utero electroporation of mouse neocortices as well as zebrafish models, we find RBM8A overexpression does not significantly perturb progenitor number or head size. Our findings demonstrate that Rbm8a is an essential neurogenesis regulator, and add to a growing literature highlighting roles for EJC components in cortical development and neurodevelopmental pathology. Our results indicate that disruption of RBM8A may contribute to neurodevelopmental phenotypes associated with proximal 1q21.1 microdeletions.
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16
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Zou D, McSweeney C, Sebastian A, Reynolds DJ, Dong F, Zhou Y, Deng D, Wang Y, Liu L, Zhu J, Zou J, Shi Y, Albert I, Mao Y. A critical role of RBM8a in proliferation and differentiation of embryonic neural progenitors. Neural Dev 2015; 10:18. [PMID: 26094033 PMCID: PMC4479087 DOI: 10.1186/s13064-015-0045-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2015] [Accepted: 06/17/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Nonsense mediated mRNA decay (NMD) is an RNA surveillance mechanism that controls RNA stability and ensures the speedy degradation of erroneous and unnecessary transcripts. This mechanism depends on several core factors in the exon junction complex (EJC), eIF4A3, RBM8a, Magoh, and BTZ, as well as peripheral factors to distinguish premature stop codons (PTCs) from normal stop codons in transcripts. Recently, emerging evidence has indicated that NMD factors are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID). However, the mechanism in which these factors control embryonic brain development is not clear. Result We found that RBM8a is critical for proliferation and differentiation in cortical neural progenitor cells (NPCs). RBM8a is highly expressed in the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the early embryonic cortex, suggesting that RBM8a may play a role in regulating NPCs. RBM8a overexpression stimulates embryonic NPC proliferation and suppresses neuronal differentiation. Conversely, knockdown of RBM8a in the neocortex reduces NPC proliferation and promotes premature neuronal differentiation. Moreover, overexpression of RBM8a suppresses cell cycle exit and keeps cortical NPCs in a proliferative state. To uncover the underlying mechanisms of this phenotype, genome-wide RNAseq was used to identify potential downstream genes of RBM8a in the brain, which have been implicated in autism and neurodevelopmental disorders. Interestingly, autism and schizophrenia risk genes are highly represented in downstream transcripts of RBM8a. In addition, RBM8a regulates multiple alternative splicing genes and NMD targets that are implicated in ASD. Taken together, this data suggests a novel role of RBM8a in the regulation of neurodevelopment. Conclusions Our studies provide some insight into causes of mental illnesses and will facilitate the development of new therapeutic strategies for neurodevelopmental illnesses. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13064-015-0045-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghua Zou
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Province, 530021, China. .,Department of Geriatrics, The 303 Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Nanning, Guangxi Province, 530021, China. .,Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
| | - Colleen McSweeney
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
| | - Aswathy Sebastian
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
| | - Derrick James Reynolds
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
| | - Fengping Dong
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
| | - Yijing Zhou
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
| | - Dazhi Deng
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA. .,Department of Emergency, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region People's Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi Province, 530021, China.
| | - Yonggang Wang
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200127, China.
| | - Long Liu
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA. .,Department of Chemistry and Biology, College of Science, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, 410073, China.
| | - Jun Zhu
- Systems Biology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| | - Jizhong Zou
- Center for Molecular Medicine, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| | - Yongsheng Shi
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
| | - Istvan Albert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
| | - Yingwei Mao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Province, 530021, China. .,Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
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17
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Pilaz LJ, Silver DL. Post-transcriptional regulation in corticogenesis: how RNA-binding proteins help build the brain. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2015; 6:501-15. [PMID: 26088328 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Revised: 05/01/2015] [Accepted: 05/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The cerebral cortex, the brain structure responsible for our higher cognitive functions, is built during embryonic development in a process called corticogenesis. During corticogenesis, neural stem cells generate distinct populations of progenitors and excitatory neurons. These new neurons migrate radially in the cortex, eventually forming neuronal layers and establishing synaptic connections with other neurons both within and outside the cortex. Perturbations to corticogenesis can result in severe neurodevelopmental disorders, thus emphasizing the need to better understand molecular regulation of brain development. Recent studies in both model organisms and humans have collectively highlighted roles for post-transcriptional regulation in virtually all steps of corticogenesis. Genomic approaches have revealed global RNA changes associated with spatial and temporal regulation of cortical development. Additionally, genetic studies have uncovered RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) critical for cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration within the developing neocortex. Many of these same RBPs play causal roles in neurodevelopmental pathologies. In the developing neocortex, RBPs influence diverse steps of mRNA metabolism, including splicing, stability, translation, and localization. With the advent of new technologies, researchers have begun to uncover key transcripts regulated by these RBPs. Given the complexity of the developing mammalian cortex, a major challenge for the future will be to understand how dynamic RNA regulation occurs within heterogeneous cell populations, across space and time. In sum, post-transcriptional regulation has emerged as a critical mechanism for driving corticogenesis and exciting direction of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis-Jan Pilaz
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Debra L Silver
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.,Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.,Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.,Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
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