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Erdmann EA, Forbes M, Becker M, Perez S, Hundley HA. ADR-2 regulates fertility and oocyte fate in C. elegans. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.11.01.565157. [PMID: 37961348 PMCID: PMC10635048 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.01.565157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
RNA binding proteins play essential roles in coordinating germline gene expression and development in all organisms. Here, we report that loss of ADR-2, a member of the Adenosine DeAminase acting on RNA (ADAR) family of RNA binding proteins and the sole adenosine-to-inosine RNA editing enzyme in C. elegans, can improve fertility in multiple genetic backgrounds. First, we show that loss of RNA editing by ADR-2 restores normal embryo production to subfertile animals that transgenically express a vitellogenin (yolk protein) fusion to green fluorescent protein. Using this phenotype, a high-throughput screen was designed to identify RNA binding proteins that when depleted yield synthetic phenotypes with loss of adr-2. The screen uncovered a genetic interaction between ADR-2 and SQD-1, a member of the heterogenous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) family of RNA binding proteins. Microscopy, reproductive assays, and high-throughput sequencing reveal that sqd-1 is essential for the onset of oogenesis and oogenic gene expression in young adult animals, and that loss of adr-2 can counteract the effects of loss of sqd-1 on gene expression and rescue the switch from spermatogenesis to oogenesis. Together, these data demonstrate that ADR-2 can contribute to the suppression of fertility and suggest novel roles for both RNA editing-dependent and independent mechanisms in regulating embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A Erdmann
- Genome, Cell and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, Indiana University, Bloomington IN, US 47405
| | - Melanie Forbes
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington IN, US 47405
| | - Margaret Becker
- Medical Sciences Program, Indiana University School of Medicine-Bloomington, Bloomington IN, US 47405
| | - Sarina Perez
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington IN, US 47405
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2
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Park Y, Gaddy M, Hyun M, Jones ME, Aslam HM, Lee MH. Genetic and Chemical Controls of Sperm Fate and Spermatocyte Dedifferentiation via PUF-8 and MPK-1 in Caenorhabditis elegans. Cells 2023; 12:cells12030434. [PMID: 36766775 PMCID: PMC9913519 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Using the nematode C. elegans germline as a model system, we previously reported that PUF-8 (a PUF RNA-binding protein) and LIP-1 (a dual-specificity phosphatase) repress sperm fate at 20 °C and the dedifferentiation of spermatocytes into mitotic cells (termed "spermatocyte dedifferentiation") at 25 °C. Thus, double mutants lacking both PUF-8 and LIP-1 produce excess sperm at 20 °C, and their spermatocytes return to mitotically dividing cells via dedifferentiation at 25 °C, resulting in germline tumors. To gain insight into the molecular competence for spermatocyte dedifferentiation, we compared the germline phenotypes of three mutant strains that produce excess sperm-fem-3(q20gf), puf-8(q725); fem-3(q20gf), and puf-8(q725); lip-1(zh15). Spermatocyte dedifferentiation was not observed in fem-3(q20gf) mutants, but it was more severe in puf-8(q725); lip-1(zh15) than in puf-8(q725); fem-3(q20gf) mutants. These results suggest that MPK-1 (the C. elegans ERK1/2 MAPK ortholog) activation in the absence of PUF-8 is required to promote spermatocyte dedifferentiation. This idea was confirmed using Resveratrol (RSV), a potential activator of MPK-1 and ERK1/2 in C. elegans and human cells, respectively. Notably, spermatocyte dedifferentiation was significantly enhanced by RSV treatment in the absence of PUF-8, and its effect was blocked by mpk-1 RNAi. We, therefore, conclude that PUF-8 and MPK-1 are essential regulators for spermatocyte dedifferentiation and tumorigenesis. Since these regulators are broadly conserved, we suggest that similar regulatory circuitry may control cellular dedifferentiation and tumorigenesis in other organisms, including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngyong Park
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Matthew Gaddy
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Moonjung Hyun
- Biological Resources Research Group, Bioenvironmental Science & Toxicology Division, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Jinju 52834, Gyeongsangnam-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Mariah E. Jones
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Hafiz M. Aslam
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Myon Hee Lee
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
- Correspondence:
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Albarqi MMY, Ryder SP. The role of RNA-binding proteins in orchestrating germline development in Caenorhabditis elegans. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 10:1094295. [PMID: 36684428 PMCID: PMC9846511 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1094295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA passed from parents to progeny controls several aspects of early development. The germline of the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans contains many families of evolutionarily conserved RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) that target the untranslated regions of mRNA transcripts to regulate their translation and stability. In this review, we summarize what is known about the binding specificity of C. elegans germline RNA-binding proteins and the mechanisms of mRNA regulation that contribute to their function. We examine the emerging role of miRNAs in translational regulation of germline and embryo development. We also provide an overview of current technology that can be used to address the gaps in our understanding of RBP regulation of mRNAs. Finally, we present a hypothetical model wherein multiple 3'UTR-mediated regulatory processes contribute to pattern formation in the germline to ensure the proper and timely localization of germline proteins and thus a functional reproductive system.
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Xu Z, Zhao J, Hong M, Zeng C, Guang S, Shi Y. Structural recognition of the mRNA 3' UTR by PUF-8 restricts the lifespan of C. elegans. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:10082-10097. [PMID: 34478557 PMCID: PMC8464079 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab754] [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: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms of aging are unsolved fundamental biological questions. Caenorhabditis elegans is an ideal model organism for investigating aging. PUF-8, a PUF (Pumilio and FBF) protein in C. elegans, is crucial for germline development through binding with the 3′ untranslated regions (3′ UTR) in the target mRNAs. Recently, PUF-8 was reported to alter mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy by regulating MFF-1, a mitochondrial fission factor, and subsequently regulated longevity. Here, we determined the crystal structure of the PUF domain of PUF-8 with an RNA substrate. Mutagenesis experiments were performed to alter PUF-8 recognition of its target mRNAs. Those mutations reduced the fertility and extended the lifespan of C. elegans. Deep sequencing of total mRNAs from wild-type and puf-8 mutant worms as well as in vivo RNA Crosslinking and Immunoprecipitation (CLIP) experiments identified six PUF-8 regulated genes, which contain at least one PUF-binding element (PBE) at the 3′ UTR. One of the six genes, pqm-1, is crucial for lipid storage and aging process. Knockdown of pqm-1 could revert the lifespan extension of puf-8 mutant animals. We conclude that PUF-8 regulate the lifespan of C. elegans may not only via MFF but also via modulating pqm-1-related pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Xu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, P.R. China
| | - Jie Zhao
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, P.R. China
| | - Minjie Hong
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, P.R. China
| | - Chenming Zeng
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, P.R. China
| | - Shouhong Guang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, P.R. China
| | - Yunyu Shi
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, P.R. China
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5
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Huggins HP, Subash JS, Stoffel H, Henderson MA, Hoffman JL, Buckner DS, Sengupta MS, Boag PR, Lee MH, Keiper BD. Distinct roles of two eIF4E isoforms in the germline of Caenorhabditis elegans. J Cell Sci 2020; 133:jcs237990. [PMID: 32079657 PMCID: PMC7132772 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.237990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Germ cells use both positive and negative mRNA translational control to regulate gene expression that drives their differentiation into gametes. mRNA translational control is mediated by RNA-binding proteins, miRNAs and translation initiation factors. We have uncovered the discrete roles of two translation initiation factor eIF4E isoforms (IFE-1, IFE-3) that bind 7-methylguanosine (m7G) mRNA caps during Caenorhabditiselegans germline development. IFE-3 plays important roles in germline sex determination (GSD), where it promotes oocyte cell fate and is dispensable for spermatogenesis. IFE-3 is expressed throughout the germline and localizes to germ granules, but is distinct from IFE-1 and PGL-1, and facilitates oocyte growth and viability. This contrasts with the robust expression in spermatocytes of IFE-1, the isoform that resides within P granules in spermatocytes and oocytes, and promotes late spermatogenesis. Each eIF4E is localized by its cognate eIF4E-binding protein (IFE-1:PGL-1 and IFE-3:IFET-1). IFE-3 and IFET-1 regulate translation of several GSD mRNAs, but not those under control of IFE-1. Distinct mutant phenotypes, in vivo localization and differential mRNA translation suggest independent dormant and active periods for each eIF4E isoform in the germline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayden P Huggins
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Jacob S Subash
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Hamilton Stoffel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Melissa A Henderson
- Department of Molecular Sciences, DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, TN 37752, USA
| | - Jenna L Hoffman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - David S Buckner
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Madhu S Sengupta
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Peter R Boag
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Myon-Hee Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Brett D Keiper
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
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6
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Park Y, O'Rourke S, Taki FA, Alfhili MA, Lee MH. Dose-Dependent Effects of GLD-2 and GLD-1 on Germline Differentiation and Dedifferentiation in the Absence of PUF-8. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:5. [PMID: 32039211 PMCID: PMC6992537 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PUMILIO/FBF (PUF) proteins have a conserved function in stem cell regulation. Caenorhabditis elegans PUF-8 protein inhibits the translation of target mRNAs by interacting with PUF binding element (PBE) in the 3′ untranslated region (3′ UTR). In this work, an in silico analysis has identified gld-2 [a poly(A) polymerase] as a putative PUF-8 target. Biochemical and reporter analyses showed that PUF-8 specifically binds to a PBE in gld-2 3′ UTR and represses a GFP reporter gene carrying gld-2 3′ UTR in the C. elegans mitotic germ cells. GLD-2 enhances meiotic entry at least in part by activating GLD-1 (a KH motif-containing RNA-binding protein). Our genetic analyses also demonstrated that heterozygous gld-2(+/−) gld-1(+/−) genes in the absence of PUF-8 are competent for meiotic entry (early differentiation), but haplo-insufficient for the meiotic division (terminal differentiation) of spermatocytes. Indeed, the arrested spermatocytes return to mitotic cells via dedifferentiation, which results in germline tumors. Since these regulators are broadly conserved, we thus suggest that similar molecular mechanisms may control differentiation, dedifferentiation, and tumorigenesis in other organisms, including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngyong Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Samuel O'Rourke
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Faten A Taki
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Mohammad A Alfhili
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States.,Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Myon Hee Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
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7
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Lee MH, Wu X, Zhu Y. RNA-binding protein PUM2 regulates mesenchymal stem cell fate via repression of JAK2 and RUNX2 mRNAs. J Cell Physiol 2019; 235:3874-3885. [PMID: 31595981 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into unwanted lineages can generate potential problems in clinical trials. Thus, understanding the molecular mechanisms, involved in this process, would help prevent unexpected complications. Regulation of gene expression, at the posttranscriptional level, is a new approach in cell therapies. PUMILIO is a conserved posttranscriptional regulator. However, the underlying mechanisms of PUMILIO, in vertebrate stem cells, remain elusive. Here, we show that depletion of PUMILIO2 (PUM2) blocks MSC adipogenesis and enhances osteogenesis. We also demonstrate that PUM2 works as a negative regulator on the 3'-untranslated regions of JAK2 and RUNX2 via direct binding. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene silencing of Pum2 inhibited lipid accumulation and induced excessive bone formation in zebrafish larvae. Our findings reveal novel roles of PUM2 in MSCs and provide potential therapeutic targets for related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myon-Hee Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology/Oncology Division, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina
| | - Xinjun Wu
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina
| | - Yong Zhu
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina
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8
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Heck AM, Wilusz J. The Interplay between the RNA Decay and Translation Machinery in Eukaryotes. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2018; 10:a032839. [PMID: 29311343 PMCID: PMC5932591 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a032839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
RNA decay plays a major role in regulating gene expression and is tightly networked with other aspects of gene expression to effectively coordinate post-transcriptional regulation. The goal of this work is to provide an overview of the major factors and pathways of general messenger RNA (mRNA) decay in eukaryotic cells, and then discuss the effective interplay of this cytoplasmic process with the protein synthesis machinery. Given the transcript-specific and fluid nature of mRNA stability in response to changing cellular conditions, understanding the fundamental networking between RNA decay and translation will provide a foundation for a complete mechanistic understanding of this important aspect of cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam M Heck
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80525
- Program in Cell & Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80525
| | - Jeffrey Wilusz
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80525
- Program in Cell & Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80525
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9
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Singh R, Hansen D. Regulation of the Balance Between Proliferation and Differentiation in Germ Line Stem Cells. Results Probl Cell Differ 2017; 59:31-66. [PMID: 28247045 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-44820-6_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In many animals, reproductive fitness is dependent upon the production of large numbers of gametes over an extended period of time. This level of gamete production is possible due to the continued presence of germ line stem cells. These cells can produce two types of daughter cells, self-renewing daughter cells that will maintain the stem cell population and differentiating daughter cells that will become gametes. A balance must be maintained between the proliferating self-renewing cells and those that differentiate for long-term gamete production to be maintained. Too little proliferation can result in depletion of the stem cell population, while too little differentiation can lead to a lack of gamete formation and possible tumor formation. In this chapter, we discuss our current understanding of how the balance between proliferation and differentiation is achieved in three well-studied germ line model systems: the Drosophila female, the mouse male, and the C. elegans hermaphrodite. While these three systems have significant differences in how this balance is regulated, including differences in stem cell population size, signaling pathways utilized, and the use of symmetric and/or asymmetric cell divisions, there are also similarities found between them. These similarities include the reliance on a predominant signaling pathway to promote proliferation, negative feedback loops to rapidly shutoff proliferation-promoting cues, close association of the germ line stem cells with a somatic niche, cytoplasmic connections between cells, projections emanating from the niche cell, and multiple mechanisms to limit the spatial influence of the niche. A comparison between different systems may help to identify elements that are essential for a proper balance between proliferation and differentiation to be achieved and elements that may be achieved through various mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramya Singh
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada, T2N 1N4
| | - Dave Hansen
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada, T2N 1N4.
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10
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Lee MH, Mamillapalli SS, Keiper BD, Cha DS. A systematic mRNA control mechanism for germline stem cell homeostasis and cell fate specification. BMB Rep 2016; 49:93-8. [PMID: 26303971 PMCID: PMC4915122 DOI: 10.5483/bmbrep.2016.49.2.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Germline stem cells (GSCs) are the best understood adult stem cell types in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, and have provided an important model system for studying stem cells and their cell fate in vivo, in mammals. In this review, we propose a mechanism that controls GSCs and their cell fate through selective activation, repression and mobilization of the specific mRNAs. This mechanism is acutely controlled by known signal transduction pathways (e.g., Notch signaling and Ras-ERK MAPK signaling pathways) and P granule (analogous to mammalian germ granule)-associated mRNA regulators (FBF-1, FBF-2, GLD-1, GLD-2, GLD-3, RNP-8 and IFE-1). Importantly, all regulators are highly conserved in many multi-cellular animals. Therefore, GSCs from a simple animal may provide broad insight into vertebrate stem cells (e.g., hematopoietic stem cells) and their cell fate specification. [BMB Reports 2016; 49(2): 93-98]
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Affiliation(s)
- Myon-Hee Lee
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology Division, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Srivalli Swathi Mamillapalli
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology Division, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Brett D Keiper
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Dong Seok Cha
- Department of Oriental Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Woosuk University, Jeonju 55338, Korea
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11
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Scott RE, Ghule PN, Stein JL, Stein GS. Cell cycle gene expression networks discovered using systems biology: Significance in carcinogenesis. J Cell Physiol 2015; 230:2533-42. [PMID: 25808367 PMCID: PMC4481160 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.24990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The early stages of carcinogenesis are linked to defects in the cell cycle. A series of cell cycle checkpoints are involved in this process. The G1/S checkpoint that serves to integrate the control of cell proliferation and differentiation is linked to carcinogenesis and the mitotic spindle checkpoint is associated with the development of chromosomal instability. This paper presents the outcome of systems biology studies designed to evaluate if networks of covariate cell cycle gene transcripts exist in proliferative mammalian tissues including mice, rats, and humans. The GeneNetwork website that contains numerous gene expression datasets from different species, sexes, and tissues represents the foundational resource for these studies (www.genenetwork.org). In addition, WebGestalt, a gene ontology tool, facilitated the identification of expression networks of genes that co-vary with key cell cycle targets, especially Cdc20 and Plk1 (www.bioinfo.vanderbilt.edu/webgestalt). Cell cycle expression networks of such covariate mRNAs exist in multiple proliferative tissues including liver, lung, pituitary, adipose, and lymphoid tissues among others but not in brain or retina that have low proliferative potential. Sixty-three covariate cell cycle gene transcripts (mRNAs) compose the average cell cycle network with P = e(-13) to e(-36) . Cell cycle expression networks show species, sex and tissue variability, and they are enriched in mRNA transcripts associated with mitosis, many of which are associated with chromosomal instability.
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Affiliation(s)
- RE Scott
- Varigenix, Inc., Memphis, Tennessee
| | - PN Ghule
- Department of Biochemistry and University of Vermont Cancer Center, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - JL Stein
- Department of Biochemistry and University of Vermont Cancer Center, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - GS Stein
- Department of Biochemistry and University of Vermont Cancer Center, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont, USA
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12
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Kobet RA, Pan X, Zhang B, Pak SC, Asch AS, Lee MH. Caenorhabditis elegans: A Model System for Anti-Cancer Drug Discovery and Therapeutic Target Identification. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2014; 22:371-83. [PMID: 25414766 PMCID: PMC4201220 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2014.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2014] [Revised: 08/14/2014] [Accepted: 08/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) offers a unique opportunity for biological and basic medical researches due to its genetic tractability and well-defined developmental lineage. It also provides an exceptional model for genetic, molecular, and cellular analysis of human disease-related genes. Recently, C. elegans has been used as an ideal model for the identification and functional analysis of drugs (or small-molecules) in vivo. In this review, we describe conserved oncogenic signaling pathways (Wnt, Notch, and Ras) and their potential roles in the development of cancer stem cells. During C. elegans germline development, these signaling pathways regulate multiple cellular processes such as germline stem cell niche specification, germline stem cell maintenance, and germ cell fate specification. Therefore, the aberrant regulations of these signaling pathways can cause either loss of germline stem cells or overproliferation of a specific cell type, resulting in sterility. This sterility phenotype allows us to identify drugs that can modulate the oncogenic signaling pathways directly or indirectly through a high-throughput screening. Current in vivo or in vitro screening methods are largely focused on the specific core signaling components. However, this phenotype-based screening will identify drugs that possibly target upstream or downstream of core signaling pathways as well as exclude toxic effects. Although phenotype-based drug screening is ideal, the identification of drug targets is a major challenge. We here introduce a new technique, called Drug Affinity Responsive Target Stability (DARTS). This innovative method is able to identify the target of the identified drug. Importantly, signaling pathways and their regulators in C. elegans are highly conserved in most vertebrates, including humans. Therefore, C. elegans will provide a great opportunity to identify therapeutic drugs and their targets, as well as to understand mechanisms underlying the formation of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Kobet
- Department of Medicine, Department of Oncology, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834
| | - Xiaoping Pan
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858
| | - Baohong Zhang
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858
| | - Stephen C Pak
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224
| | - Adam S Asch
- Department of Medicine, Department of Oncology, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834 ; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 ; Current address: Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Myon-Hee Lee
- Department of Medicine, Department of Oncology, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834 ; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
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