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Shi X, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Wang J, Gao Y, Wang R, Wang L, Xiong M, Cao Y, Ou N, Liu Q, Ma H, Cai J, Chen H. The tRNA Gm18 methyltransferase TARBP1 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression via metabolic reprogramming of glutamine. Cell Death Differ 2024; 31:1219-1234. [PMID: 38867004 PMCID: PMC11368932 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-024-01323-4] [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: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells rely on metabolic reprogramming to sustain the prodigious energetic requirements for rapid growth and proliferation. Glutamine metabolism is frequently dysregulated in cancers and is being exploited as a potential therapeutic target. Using CRISPR/Cas9 interference (CRISPRi) screening, we identified TARBP1 (TAR (HIV-1) RNA Binding Protein 1) as a critical regulator involved in glutamine reliance of cancer cell. Consistent with this discovery, TARBP1 amplification and overexpression are frequently observed in various cancers. Knockout of TARBP1 significantly suppresses cell proliferation, colony formation and xenograft tumor growth. Mechanistically, TARBP1 selectively methylates and stabilizes a small subset of tRNAs, which promotes efficient protein synthesis of glutamine transporter-ASCT2 (also known as SLC1A5) and glutamine import to fuel the growth of cancer cell. Moreover, we found that the gene expression of TARBP1 and ASCT2 are upregulated in combination in clinical cohorts and their upregulation is associated with unfavorable prognosis of HCC (hepatocellular carcinoma). Taken together, this study reveals the unexpected role of TARBP1 in coordinating the tRNA availability and glutamine uptake during HCC progression and provides a potential target for tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Shi
- Department of Human Cell Biology and Genetics, Joint Laboratory of Guangdong & Hong Kong Universities for Vascular Homeostasis and Diseases, School of Medicine; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yangyi Zhang
- Department of Human Cell Biology and Genetics, Joint Laboratory of Guangdong & Hong Kong Universities for Vascular Homeostasis and Diseases, School of Medicine; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yuci Wang
- Department of Human Cell Biology and Genetics, Joint Laboratory of Guangdong & Hong Kong Universities for Vascular Homeostasis and Diseases, School of Medicine; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Department of Ultrasound, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Med-X Center for Materials, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Ruiqi Wang
- Department of Human Cell Biology and Genetics, Joint Laboratory of Guangdong & Hong Kong Universities for Vascular Homeostasis and Diseases, School of Medicine; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Liyong Wang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Minggang Xiong
- Department of Human Cell Biology and Genetics, Joint Laboratory of Guangdong & Hong Kong Universities for Vascular Homeostasis and Diseases, School of Medicine; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Yanlan Cao
- Department of Human Cell Biology and Genetics, Joint Laboratory of Guangdong & Hong Kong Universities for Vascular Homeostasis and Diseases, School of Medicine; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Ningjing Ou
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Rice Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding of High Quality Rice in Southern China (Co-construction by Ministry and Province), Guangzhou, 510640, China.
| | - Honghui Ma
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Shenzhen Ruipuxun Academy for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Jiabin Cai
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Human Cell Biology and Genetics, Joint Laboratory of Guangdong & Hong Kong Universities for Vascular Homeostasis and Diseases, School of Medicine; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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Wang Z, Xu X, Li X, Fang J, Huang Z, Zhang M, Liu J, Qiu X. Investigations of Single-Subunit tRNA Methyltransferases from Yeast. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:1030. [PMID: 37888286 PMCID: PMC10608323 DOI: 10.3390/jof9101030] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
tRNA methylations, including base modification and 2'-O-methylation of ribose moiety, play critical roles in the structural stabilization of tRNAs and the fidelity and efficiency of protein translation. These modifications are catalyzed by tRNA methyltransferases (TRMs). Some of the TRMs from yeast can fully function only by a single subunit. In this study, after performing the primary bioinformatic analyses, the progress of the studies of yeast single-subunit TRMs, as well as the studies of their homologues from yeast and other types of eukaryotes and the corresponding TRMs from other types of organisms was systematically reviewed, which will facilitate the understanding of the evolutionary origin of functional diversity of eukaryotic single-subunit TRM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongyuan Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315800, China; (Z.W.); (X.L.); (J.F.); (Z.H.); (M.Z.); (J.L.)
- College of Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315800, China;
- Li Dak Sum Yip Yio Chin Kenneth Li Marine Biopharmaceutical Research Centre, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315800, China
| | - Xiangbin Xu
- College of Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315800, China;
- Li Dak Sum Yip Yio Chin Kenneth Li Marine Biopharmaceutical Research Centre, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315800, China
| | - Xinhai Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315800, China; (Z.W.); (X.L.); (J.F.); (Z.H.); (M.Z.); (J.L.)
- College of Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315800, China;
- Li Dak Sum Yip Yio Chin Kenneth Li Marine Biopharmaceutical Research Centre, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315800, China
| | - Jiaqi Fang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315800, China; (Z.W.); (X.L.); (J.F.); (Z.H.); (M.Z.); (J.L.)
- College of Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315800, China;
- Li Dak Sum Yip Yio Chin Kenneth Li Marine Biopharmaceutical Research Centre, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315800, China
| | - Zhenkuai Huang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315800, China; (Z.W.); (X.L.); (J.F.); (Z.H.); (M.Z.); (J.L.)
- College of Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315800, China;
- Li Dak Sum Yip Yio Chin Kenneth Li Marine Biopharmaceutical Research Centre, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315800, China
| | - Mengli Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315800, China; (Z.W.); (X.L.); (J.F.); (Z.H.); (M.Z.); (J.L.)
- College of Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315800, China;
- Li Dak Sum Yip Yio Chin Kenneth Li Marine Biopharmaceutical Research Centre, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315800, China
| | - Jiameng Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315800, China; (Z.W.); (X.L.); (J.F.); (Z.H.); (M.Z.); (J.L.)
- College of Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315800, China;
- Li Dak Sum Yip Yio Chin Kenneth Li Marine Biopharmaceutical Research Centre, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315800, China
| | - Xiaoting Qiu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315800, China; (Z.W.); (X.L.); (J.F.); (Z.H.); (M.Z.); (J.L.)
- College of Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315800, China;
- Li Dak Sum Yip Yio Chin Kenneth Li Marine Biopharmaceutical Research Centre, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315800, China
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Lundregan SL, Mäkinen H, Buer A, Holand H, Jensen H, Husby A. Infection by a helminth parasite is associated with changes in DNA methylation in the house sparrow. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e9539. [PMID: 36447599 PMCID: PMC9702581 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9539] [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: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasites can exert strong selective pressures on their hosts and influence the evolution of host immunity. While several studies have examined the genetic basis for parasite resistance, the role of epigenetics in the immune response to parasites is less understood. Yet, epigenetic modifications, such as changes in DNA methylation, may allow species to respond rapidly to parasite prevalence or virulence. To test the role of DNA methylation in relation to parasite infection, we examined genome-wide DNA methylation before and during infection by a parasitic nematode, Syngamus trachea, in a natural population of house sparrows (Passer domesticus) using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS). We found that DNA methylation levels were slightly lower in infected house sparrows, and we identified candidate genes relating to the initial immune response, activation of innate and adaptive immunity, and mucus membrane functional integrity that were differentially methylated between infected and control birds. Subsequently, we used methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting (MS-HRM) analyses to verify the relationship between methylation proportion and S. trachea infection status at two candidate genes in a larger sample dataset. We found that methylation level at NR1D1, but not CLDN22, remained related to infection status and that juvenile recruitment probability was positively related to methylation level at NR1D1. This underscores the importance of performing follow-up studies on candidate genes. Our findings demonstrate that plasticity in the immune response to parasites can be epigenetically mediated and highlight the potential for epigenetic studies in natural populations to provide further mechanistic insight into host-parasite interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L. Lundregan
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity DynamicsNorwegian University of Science and TechnologyTrondheimNorway
| | - Hannu Mäkinen
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity DynamicsNorwegian University of Science and TechnologyTrondheimNorway
- Evolutionary Biology, Department of Ecology and GeneticsUppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
| | - Amberly Buer
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity DynamicsNorwegian University of Science and TechnologyTrondheimNorway
| | - Håkon Holand
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity DynamicsNorwegian University of Science and TechnologyTrondheimNorway
| | - Henrik Jensen
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity DynamicsNorwegian University of Science and TechnologyTrondheimNorway
| | - Arild Husby
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity DynamicsNorwegian University of Science and TechnologyTrondheimNorway
- Evolutionary Biology, Department of Ecology and GeneticsUppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
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Strassler SE, Bowles IE, Dey D, Jackman JE, Conn GL. Tied up in knots: Untangling substrate recognition by the SPOUT methyltransferases. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102393. [PMID: 35988649 PMCID: PMC9508554 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The SpoU-TrmD (SPOUT) methyltransferase superfamily was designated when structural similarity was identified between the transfer RNA-modifying enzymes TrmH (SpoU) and TrmD. SPOUT methyltransferases are found in all domains of life and predominantly modify transfer RNA or ribosomal RNA substrates, though one instance of an enzyme with a protein substrate has been reported. Modifications placed by SPOUT methyltransferases play diverse roles in regulating cellular processes such as ensuring translational fidelity, altering RNA stability, and conferring bacterial resistance to antibiotics. This large collection of S-adenosyl-L-methionine-dependent methyltransferases is defined by a unique α/β fold with a deep trefoil knot in their catalytic (SPOUT) domain. Herein, we describe current knowledge of SPOUT enzyme structure, domain architecture, and key elements of catalytic function, including S-adenosyl-L-methionine co-substrate binding, beginning with a new sequence alignment that divides the SPOUT methyltransferase superfamily into four major clades. Finally, a major focus of this review will be on our growing understanding of how these diverse enzymes accomplish the molecular feat of specific substrate recognition and modification, as highlighted by recent advances in our knowledge of protein-RNA complex structures and the discovery of the dependence of one SPOUT methyltransferase on metal ion binding for catalysis. Considering the broad biological roles of RNA modifications, developing a deeper understanding of the process of substrate recognition by the SPOUT enzymes will be critical for defining many facets of fundamental RNA biology with implications for human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Strassler
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology, Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Isobel E Bowles
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Center for RNA Biology and Ohio State Biochemistry Program, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Debayan Dey
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jane E Jackman
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Center for RNA Biology and Ohio State Biochemistry Program, Columbus, Ohio, USA.
| | - Graeme L Conn
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology, Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
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5
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DNA methylation associated with persistent ADHD suggests TARBP1 as novel candidate. Neuropharmacology 2020; 184:108370. [PMID: 33137342 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by age-inappropriate symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity. ADHD is highly prevalent in childhood and often persists into adulthood. Both genetic variants and environmental factors play a role in the onset and persistence of ADHD, and epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation are considered as a link for their interplay. To investigate this, we studied DNA methylation in 37 candidate genes by performing targeted bisulfite sequencing of DNA isolated from whole blood of N = 88 individuals diagnosed with adult ADHD and N = 91 unaffected individuals (mean age 34.2 years). Differentially methylated sites were assessed by generalized linear models testing ADHD status and ADHD symptoms, accounting for a methylation-based smoking score, age, sex, and blood cell count. DNA methylation of single sites within DRD4 and KLDR1 was associated with adult ADHD status, and multiple DNA methylation sites within TARBP1 were associated with ADHD symptoms in adulthood and childhood. Awaiting replication, findings of this pilot study point to TARBP1 as a new candidate gene for ADHD symptoms. Our work also stresses the need for research to further examine the effects of environmental factors, such as nicotine exposure, on epigenetic modifications associated with psychiatric traits.
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Manning M, Jiang Y, Wang R, Liu L, Rode S, Bonahoom M, Kim S, Yang ZQ. Pan-cancer analysis of RNA methyltransferases identifies FTSJ3 as a potential regulator of breast cancer progression. RNA Biol 2020; 17:474-486. [PMID: 31957540 PMCID: PMC7237164 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2019.1708549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA methylation, catalysed by a set of RNA methyltransferases (RNMTs), modulates RNA structures, properties, and biological functions. RNMTs are increasingly documented to be dysregulated in various human diseases, particularly developmental disorders and cancer. However, the genomic and transcriptomic alterations of RNMTs, as well as their functional roles in human cancer, are limited. In this study, we utilized an unbiased approach to examine copy number alterations and mutation rates of 58 RNMTs in more than 10,000 clinical samples across 32 human cancer types. We also investigated these alterations and RNMT expression level as they related to clinical features such as tumour subtype, grade, and survival in a large cohort of tumour samples, focusing on breast cancer. Loss-of-function analysis was performed to examine RNMT candidates with important roles in growth and viability of breast cancer cells. We identified a subset of RNMTs, notably TRMT12, NSUN2, TARBP1, and FTSJ3, that were amplified or mutated in a subset of human cancers. Several RNMTs were significantly associated with breast cancer aggressiveness and poor prognosis. Loss-of-function analysis indicated FTSJ3, a 2'-O-Me methyltransferase, as a candidate RNMT with functional roles in promoting cancer growth and survival. A subset of RNMTs, like FTSJ3, represents promising novel targets for anticancer drug discovery. Our findings provide a framework for further study of the functional consequences of RNMT alterations in human cancer and for developing therapies that target cancer-promoting RNMTs in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morenci Manning
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Yuanyuan Jiang
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Diagnostics of Chinese Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Hebei, China
| | - Lanxin Liu
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Shomita Rode
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Madison Bonahoom
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Seongho Kim
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.,Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Zeng-Quan Yang
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.,Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, USA
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Transfer RNA methyltransferases with a SpoU-TrmD (SPOUT) fold and their modified nucleosides in tRNA. Biomolecules 2017; 7:biom7010023. [PMID: 28264529 PMCID: PMC5372735 DOI: 10.3390/biom7010023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The existence of SpoU-TrmD (SPOUT) RNA methyltransferase superfamily was first predicted by bioinformatics. SpoU is the previous name of TrmH, which catalyzes the 2’-O-methylation of ribose of G18 in tRNA; TrmD catalyzes the formation of N1-methylguanosine at position 37 in tRNA. Although SpoU (TrmH) and TrmD were originally considered to be unrelated, the bioinformatics study suggested that they might share a common evolution origin and form a single superfamily. The common feature of SPOUT RNA methyltransferases is the formation of a deep trefoil knot in the catalytic domain. In the past decade, the SPOUT RNA methyltransferase superfamily has grown; furthermore, knowledge concerning the functions of their modified nucleosides in tRNA has also increased. Some enzymes are potential targets in the design of anti-bacterial drugs. In humans, defects in some genes may be related to carcinogenesis. In this review, recent findings on the tRNA methyltransferases with a SPOUT fold and their methylated nucleosides in tRNA, including classification of tRNA methyltransferases with a SPOUT fold; knot structures, domain arrangements, subunit structures and reaction mechanisms; tRNA recognition mechanisms, and functions of modified nucleosides synthesized by this superfamily, are summarized. Lastly, the future perspective for studies on tRNA modification enzymes are considered.
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Coloma J, Jain R, Rajashankar KR, García-Sastre A, Aggarwal AK. Structures of NS5 Methyltransferase from Zika Virus. Cell Rep 2016; 16:3097-3102. [PMID: 27633330 PMCID: PMC5074680 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.08.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Revised: 08/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The Zika virus (ZIKV) poses a major public health emergency. To aid in the development of antivirals, we present two high-resolution crystal structures of the ZIKV NS5 methyltransferase: one bound to S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and the other bound to SAM and 7-methyl guanosine diphosphate (7-MeGpp). We identify features of ZIKV NS5 methyltransferase that lend to structure-based antiviral drug discovery. Specifically, SAM analogs with functionalities on the Cβ atom of the methionine portion of the molecules that occupy the RNA binding tunnel may provide better specificity relative to human RNA methyltransferases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Coloma
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Rinku Jain
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Kanagalaghatta R Rajashankar
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA; NE-CAT, Advanced Photon Source, Argonne, IL 60439, USA
| | - Adolfo García-Sastre
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Aneel K Aggarwal
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
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Abstract
Recent experiments have conclusively shown that proteins are able to fold from an unknotted, denatured polypeptide to the knotted, native state without the aid of chaperones. These experiments are consistent with a growing body of theoretical work showing that a funneled, minimally frustrated energy landscape is sufficient to fold small proteins with complex topologies. Here, we present a theoretical investigation of the folding of a knotted protein, 2ouf, engineered in the laboratory by a domain fusion that mimics an evolutionary pathway for knotted proteins. Unlike a previously studied knotted protein of similar length, we see reversible folding/knotting and a surprising lack of deep topological traps with a coarse-grained structure-based model. Our main interest is to investigate how evolution might further select the geometry and stiffness of the threading region of the newly fused protein. We compare the folding of the wild-type protein to several mutants. Similarly to the wild-type protein, all mutants show robust and reversible folding, and knotting coincides with the transition state ensemble. As observed experimentally, our simulations show that the knotted protein folds about ten times slower than an unknotted construct with an identical contact map. Simulated folding kinetics reflect the experimentally observed rollover in the folding limbs of chevron plots. Successful folding of the knotted protein is restricted to a narrow range of temperature as compared to the unknotted protein and fits of the kinetic folding data below folding temperature suggest slow, nondiffusive dynamics for the knotted protein.
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Towns WL, Begley TJ. Transfer RNA methytransferases and their corresponding modifications in budding yeast and humans: activities, predications, and potential roles in human health. DNA Cell Biol 2012; 31:434-54. [PMID: 22191691 PMCID: PMC3322404 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2011.1437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2011] [Revised: 11/07/2011] [Accepted: 11/11/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Throughout the kingdoms of life, transfer RNA (tRNA) undergoes over 100 enzyme-catalyzed, methyl-based modifications. Although a majority of the methylations are conserved from bacteria to mammals, the functions of a number of these modifications are unknown. Many of the proteins responsible for tRNA methylation, named tRNA methyltransferases (Trms), have been characterized in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In contrast, only a few human Trms have been characterized. A BLAST search for human homologs of each S. cerevisiae Trm revealed a total of 34 human proteins matching our search criteria for an S. cerevisiae Trm homolog candidate. We have compiled a database cataloging basic information about each human and yeast Trm. Every S. cerevisiae Trm has at least one human homolog, while several Trms have multiple candidates. A search of cancer cell versus normal cell mRNA expression studies submitted to Oncomine found that 30 of the homolog genes display a significant change in mRNA expression levels in at least one data set. While 6 of the 34 human homolog candidates have confirmed tRNA methylation activity, the other candidates remain uncharacterized. We believe that our database will serve as a resource for investigating the role of human Trms in cellular stress signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- William L. Towns
- College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, University at Albany, Albany, New York
| | - Thomas J. Begley
- College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, University at Albany, Albany, New York
- RNA Institute, University at Albany, Rensselaer, New York
- Cancer Research Center, University at Albany, Rensselaer, New York
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11
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Dong H, Liu L, Zou G, Zhao Y, Li Z, Lim SP, Shi PY, Li H. Structural and functional analyses of a conserved hydrophobic pocket of flavivirus methyltransferase. J Biol Chem 2010; 285:32586-95. [PMID: 20685660 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.129197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The flavivirus methyltransferase (MTase) sequentially methylates the N7 and 2'-O positions of the viral RNA cap (GpppA-RNA → m(7)GpppA-RNA → m(7)GpppAm-RNA), using S-adenosyl-l-methionine (AdoMet) as a methyl donor. We report here that sinefungin (SIN), an AdoMet analog, inhibits several flaviviruses through suppression of viral MTase. The crystal structure of West Nile virus MTase in complex with SIN inhibitor at 2.0-Å resolution revealed a flavivirus-conserved hydrophobic pocket located next to the AdoMet-binding site. The pocket is functionally critical in the viral replication and cap methylations. In addition, the N7 methylation efficiency was found to correlate with the viral replication ability. Thus, SIN analogs with modifications that interact with the hydrophobic pocket are potential specific inhibitors of flavivirus MTase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongping Dong
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York 12201, USA
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