1
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Liu S, Huang J, Zhou J, Chen S, Zheng W, Liu C, Lin Q, Zhang P, Wu D, He S, Ye J, Liu S, Zhou K, Li B, Qu L, Yang J. NAP-seq reveals multiple classes of structured noncoding RNAs with regulatory functions. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2425. [PMID: 38499544 PMCID: PMC10948791 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46596-y] [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: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Up to 80% of the human genome produces "dark matter" RNAs, most of which are noncapped RNAs (napRNAs) that frequently act as noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) to modulate gene expression. Here, by developing a method, NAP-seq, to globally profile the full-length sequences of napRNAs with various terminal modifications at single-nucleotide resolution, we reveal diverse classes of structured ncRNAs. We discover stably expressed linear intron RNAs (sliRNAs), a class of snoRNA-intron RNAs (snotrons), a class of RNAs embedded in miRNA spacers (misRNAs) and thousands of previously uncharacterized structured napRNAs in humans and mice. These napRNAs undergo dynamic changes in response to various stimuli and differentiation stages. Importantly, we show that a structured napRNA regulates myoblast differentiation and a napRNA DINAP interacts with dyskerin pseudouridine synthase 1 (DKC1) to promote cell proliferation by maintaining DKC1 protein stability. Our approach establishes a paradigm for discovering various classes of ncRNAs with regulatory functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shurong Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, Guangdong, China
| | - Junhong Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, Guangdong, China
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519082, Guangdong, China
| | - Jie Zhou
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, Guangdong, China
| | - Siyan Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, Guangdong, China
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519082, Guangdong, China
| | - Wujian Zheng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, Guangdong, China
| | - Chang Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiao Lin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, Guangdong, China
| | - Ping Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, Guangdong, China
| | - Di Wu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, Guangdong, China
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519082, Guangdong, China
| | - Simeng He
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519082, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiayi Ye
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, Guangdong, China
| | - Shun Liu
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Keren Zhou
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA, 91016, USA
| | - Bin Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, Guangdong, China.
| | - Lianghu Qu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, Guangdong, China.
| | - Jianhua Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, Guangdong, China.
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519082, Guangdong, China.
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2
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Yin M, Li Y, Liu H. The first intron of EIJ1 confers a specific response to wounding and herbivore stresses. PLANT BIOLOGY (STUTTGART, GERMANY) 2024; 26:197-203. [PMID: 38198233 DOI: 10.1111/plb.13617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Plants are constantly exposed to different kinds of biotic stress, such as herbivore attack and wounding. To deal with these stresses, plants have evolved sophisticated defence mechanisms to protect themselves. Previously, we found that EIJ1 (EDS1-interacting J protein 1) plays a negative regulatory role in plant disease resistance in Arabidopsis thaliana. Follow-up studies revealed that EIJ1 specifically responds to wounding and herbivore stresses. The expression of EIJ1 was specifically induced by wounding or herbivore stress, as demonstrated by similar results in EIJ1 protein assay. Interestingly, GUS staining found that the promoter of EIJ1 is not involved in the induction of expression under wounding stress. Instead, we identified the first intron of EIJ1 as a key factor in response to wounding stress. Deleting the first intron of EIJ1 resulted in a loss of response to wounding stress in plants. Our results broaden the role of EIJ1 in plant resistance to biotic stress and provide new insights into plant responses to biotic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Yin
- Institute of Fruit Tree Research, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Key Laboratory of South Subtropical Fruit Biology and Genetic Resource Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fruit Tree Research, Guangzhou, China
| | - Y Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany and State Key Laboratory of Plant Diversity and Prominent Crops, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - H Liu
- Institute of Fruit Tree Research, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Key Laboratory of South Subtropical Fruit Biology and Genetic Resource Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fruit Tree Research, Guangzhou, China
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3
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Wang W, Hu J, Li H, Yan J, Sun X. PlantIntronDB: a database for plant introns that host functional elements. Database (Oxford) 2023; 2023:baad082. [PMID: 37951713 PMCID: PMC10640381 DOI: 10.1093/database/baad082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Although more and more attention has been focused on introns and the important role of plant introns in plant growth and development has been discovered, there is still a lack of an open and comprehensive database on plant introns with functional elements in current research. In order to make full use of large-scale sequencing data and help researchers in related fields to achieve high-throughput functional verification of identified plant introns with functional elements, we designed a database containing five plant species, PlantIntronDB and systematically analyzed 358, 59, 185, 210 and 141 RNA-seq samples from Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis), Gossypium raimondii (cotton), Zea mays (maize), Brassica napus (oilseed rape) and Oryza sativa Japonica Group (rice). In total, we found 100 126 introns that host functional elements in these five species. Specifically, we found that among all species, the number of introns with functional elements on the positive and negative strands is similar, with a length mostly smaller than 1500 bp, and the Adenine/Thymine (A/T) content is much higher than that of Guanine/Cytosine (G/C). In addition, the distribution of functional elements in introns varies among different species. All the above data can be downloaded for free in this database. This database provides a concise, comprehensive and user-friendly web interface, allowing users to easily retrieve target data based on their needs, using relevant organizational options. The database operation is simple and convenient, aiming to provide strong data support for researchers in related fields to study plant introns that host functional elements, including circular RNAs, lncRNAs, etc. Database URL: http://deepbiology.cn/PlantIntronDB/.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jiming Hu
- Agricultural Big Data Research Center, College of Information Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271018, China
| | - Han Li
- Agricultural Big Data Research Center, College of Information Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271018, China
| | - Jun Yan
- Agricultural Big Data Research Center, College of Information Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271018, China
| | - Xiaoyong Sun
- Agricultural Big Data Research Center, College of Information Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271018, China
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4
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Faustine I, Marteka D, Malik A, Supriyanto E, Syafhan NF. Genotype variation of ACE and ACE2 genes affects the severity of COVID-19 patients. BMC Res Notes 2023; 16:194. [PMID: 37667339 PMCID: PMC10478384 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-023-06483-z] [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: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Genetic polymorphisms in ACE and ACE2 genes are involved in the RAS regulation of blood pressure and their activity may confer susceptibility to hypertension. In addition, they may play a role in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and the severity of COVID-19. This study aims to determine the effect of genetic variations in the ACE (rs4331) and ACE2 (rs2074192) genes with hypertension comorbidity on the severity of COVID-19 in the Indonesian population. RESULT 186 patients were enrolled and assigned into the COVID-19 group (n = 95) and non-COVID-19 group (n = 91) in this cross-sectional study. GG genotype frequency was dominant in ACE gene, but there were no significant differences between the groups (p = 0.163). The two groups had a significant difference (p = 0.000) for the CC genotype frequency (0,37 vs. 0.01) in the ACE2 gene. The proportion of women with COVID-19 is higher (51%), but men with hypertension had more severe symptoms (44%). Men with hypertension comorbidity, GG (ACE), and TT (ACE2) genotypes tended to have moderate-to-severe symptoms (25%). Similarly, women with hypertension as well as GG and CT genotypes tended to have moderate-to-severe symptoms (21%). We conclude that hypertension and mutations in the ACE (rs4331) and ACE2 (rs2074192) genes affect the severity of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Faustine
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, 16424, West Java, Indonesia
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Tadulako University, Palu, 94148, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia
| | - Deli Marteka
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, 16424, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Amarila Malik
- Division of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, 16424, West Java, Indonesia.
| | - Eko Supriyanto
- Department of Biomedical Engineering & Health Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Johor, 81310, Malaysia
| | - Nadia F Syafhan
- Division of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, 16424, West Java, Indonesia
- Universitas Indonesia Hospital, Jl. Prof. Dr. Bahder Djohan, Pondok Cina, Depok, 16424, West Java, Indonesia
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5
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Wang S, Sun S. Translation dysregulation in neurodegenerative diseases: a focus on ALS. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:58. [PMID: 37626421 PMCID: PMC10464328 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00642-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA translation is tightly controlled in eukaryotic cells to regulate gene expression and maintain proteome homeostasis. RNA binding proteins, translation factors, and cell signaling pathways all modulate the translation process. Defective translation is involved in multiple neurological diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and poses a major public health challenge worldwide. Over the past few years, tremendous advances have been made in the understanding of the genetics and pathogenesis of ALS. Dysfunction of RNA metabolisms, including RNA translation, has been closely associated with ALS. Here, we first introduce the general mechanisms of translational regulation under physiological and stress conditions and review well-known examples of translation defects in neurodegenerative diseases. We then focus on ALS-linked genes and discuss the recent progress on how translation is affected by various mutant genes and the repeat expansion-mediated non-canonical translation in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaopeng Wang
- Department of Physiology and Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Shuying Sun
- Department of Physiology and Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
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6
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Myburgh MW, Schwerdtfeger KS, Cripwell RA, van Zyl WH, Viljoen-Bloom M. Promoters and introns as key drivers for enhanced gene expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. ADVANCES IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 2023; 124:1-29. [PMID: 37597945 DOI: 10.1016/bs.aambs.2023.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
The transcription of genes in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is governed by multiple layers of regulatory elements and proteins, cooperating to ensure optimum expression of the final protein product based on the cellular requirements. Promoters have always been regarded as the most important determinant of gene transcription, but introns also play a key role in the expression of intron-encoding genes. Some introns can enhance transcription when introduced either promoter-proximal or embedded in the open reading frame of genes. However, the outcome is seldom predictable, with some introns increasing or decreasing transcription depending on the promoter and reporter gene employed. This chapter provides an overview of the general structure and function of promoters and introns and how they may cooperate during transcription to allow intron-mediated enhancement of gene expression. Since S. cerevisiae is a suitable host for recombinant protein production on a commercial level, stronger and more controllable promoters are in high demand. Enhanced gene expression can be achieved via promoter engineering, which may include introns that increase the efficacy of recombinant expression cassettes. Different models for the role of introns in transcription are briefly discussed to show how these intervening sequences can actively interact with the transcription machinery. Furthermore, recent examples of improved protein production via the introduction of promoter-proximal introns are highlighted to showcase the potential value of intron-mediated enhancement of gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rosemary Anne Cripwell
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa
| | - Willem Heber van Zyl
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa
| | - Marinda Viljoen-Bloom
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa.
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7
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Girardini KN, Olthof AM, Kanadia RN. Introns: the "dark matter" of the eukaryotic genome. Front Genet 2023; 14:1150212. [PMID: 37260773 PMCID: PMC10228655 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1150212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of introns was a significant evolutionary leap that is a major distinguishing feature between prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes. While historically introns were regarded merely as the sequences that are removed to produce spliced transcripts encoding functional products, increasingly data suggests that introns play important roles in the regulation of gene expression. Here, we use an intron-centric lens to review the role of introns in eukaryotic gene expression. First, we focus on intron architecture and how it may influence mechanisms of splicing. Second, we focus on the implications of spliceosomal snRNAs and their variants on intron splicing. Finally, we discuss how the presence of introns and the need to splice them influences transcription regulation. Despite the abundance of introns in the eukaryotic genome and their emerging role regulating gene expression, a lot remains unexplored. Therefore, here we refer to introns as the "dark matter" of the eukaryotic genome and discuss some of the outstanding questions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin N. Girardini
- Physiology and Neurobiology Department, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Anouk M. Olthof
- Physiology and Neurobiology Department, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rahul N. Kanadia
- Physiology and Neurobiology Department, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
- Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
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8
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Villarreal L, Witzany G. Self-empowerment of life through RNA networks, cells and viruses. F1000Res 2023; 12:138. [PMID: 36785664 PMCID: PMC9918806 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.130300.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of the key players in evolution and of the development of all organisms in all domains of life has been aided by current knowledge about RNA stem-loop groups, their proposed interaction motifs in an early RNA world and their regulative roles in all steps and substeps of nearly all cellular processes, such as replication, transcription, translation, repair, immunity and epigenetic marking. Cooperative evolution was enabled by promiscuous interactions between single-stranded regions in the loops of naturally forming stem-loop structures in RNAs. It was also shown that cooperative RNA stem-loops outcompete selfish ones and provide foundational self-constructive groups (ribosome, editosome, spliceosome, etc.). Self-empowerment from abiotic matter to biological behavior does not just occur at the beginning of biological evolution; it is also essential for all levels of socially interacting RNAs, cells and viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Villarreal
- Center for Virus Research, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Guenther Witzany
- Telos - Philosophische Praxis, Buermoos, Salzburg, 5111, Austria
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9
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Abstract
Our understanding of the key players in evolution and of the development of all organisms in all domains of life has been aided by current knowledge about RNA stem-loop groups, their proposed interaction motifs in an early RNA world and their regulative roles in all steps and substeps of nearly all cellular processes, such as replication, transcription, translation, repair, immunity and epigenetic marking. Cooperative evolution was enabled by promiscuous interactions between single-stranded regions in the loops of naturally forming stem-loop structures in RNAs. It was also shown that cooperative RNA stem-loops outcompete selfish ones and provide foundational self-constructive groups (ribosome, editosome, spliceosome, etc.). Self-empowerment from abiotic matter to biological behavior does not just occur at the beginning of biological evolution; it is also essential for all levels of socially interacting RNAs, cells and viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Villarreal
- Center for Virus Research, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Guenther Witzany
- Telos - Philosophische Praxis, Buermoos, Salzburg, 5111, Austria
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10
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Mechanistic and Therapeutic Insights into Ataxic Disorders with Pentanucleotide Expansions. Cells 2022; 11:cells11091567. [PMID: 35563872 PMCID: PMC9099484 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Pentanucleotide expansion diseases constitute a special class of neurodegeneration. The repeat expansions occur in non-coding regions, have likely arisen from Alu elements, and often result in autosomal dominant or recessive phenotypes with underlying cerebellar neuropathology. When transcribed (potentially bidirectionally), the expanded RNA forms complex secondary and tertiary structures that can give rise to RNA-mediated toxicity, including protein sequestration, pentapeptide synthesis, and mRNA dysregulation. Since several of these diseases have recently been discovered, our understanding of their pathological mechanisms is limited, and their therapeutic interventions underexplored. This review aims to highlight new in vitro and in vivo insights into these incurable diseases.
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11
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Unique and Repeated Stwintrons (Spliceosomal Twin Introns) in the Hypoxylaceae. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8040397. [PMID: 35448628 PMCID: PMC9024468 DOI: 10.3390/jof8040397] [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: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Introns are usually non-coding sequences interrupting open reading frames in pre-mRNAs [D1,2]. Stwintrons are nested spliceosomal introns, where an internal intron splits a second donor sequence into two consecutive splicing reactions leading to mature mRNA. In Hypoxylon sp. CO27-5, 36 highly sequence-similar [D1,2] stwintrons are extant (sister stwintrons). An additional 81 [D1,2] sequence-unrelated stwintrons are described here. Most of them are located at conserved gene positions rooted deep in the Hypoxylaceae. Absence of exonic sequence bias at the exon–stwintron junctions and a very similar phase distribution were noted for both groups. The presence of an underlying sequence symmetry in all 117 stwintrons was striking. This symmetry, more pronounced near the termini of most of the full-length sister stwintrons, may lead to a secondary structure that brings into close proximity the most distal splice sites, the donor of the internal and the acceptor of the external intron. The Hypoxylon stwintrons were overwhelmingly excised by consecutive splicing reactions precisely removing the whole intervening sequence, whereas one excision involving the distal splice sites led to a frameshift. Alternative (mis)splicing took place for both sister and uniquely occurring stwintrons. The extraordinary symmetry of the sister stwintrons thus seems dispensable for the infrequent, direct utilisation of the distal splice sites.
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12
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Li T, Qin P, Chen B, Niu X, Wang Y, Niu Y, Wei C, Hou D, Ma H, Han R, Li H, Liu X, Kang X, Li Z. A novel 27-bp indel in the intron region of the YBX3 gene is associated with growth traits in chickens. Br Poult Sci 2022; 63:590-596. [PMID: 35382648 DOI: 10.1080/00071668.2022.2059340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
1. The DNA/RNA binding protein YBX3 is associated with gene transcription, DNA repair, and the progression of various diseases and is highly conserved from bacteria to humans.2. The following experiment found a 27-bp insertion/deletion polymorphism in the intron region of the YBX3 gene through resequencing. In cross-designed, F2 resource groups, the indel was significantly associated with broiler weight and body size at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks of age and several other traits (semi evisceration weight (SEW), evisceration weight (EW), semi evisceration rate (SER), evisceration rate (ER), head weight (HW), claw weight (CLW), wing weight (DWW), gizzard weight (GW), pancreas weight (PW), chest muscle weight (CMW), leg weight (LW), leg muscle weight (LMW), shedding weight (SW), carcass weight (CW) and pectoral area (PA)) (P<0.05).3. The insertion-insertion (II) genotype was significantly associated with the greatest growth traits and carcass traits, whereas the values associated with the insertion-deletion (ID) genotype were the lowest in the F2 reciprocal cross chickens.4. The mutation sites were genotyped in 3611 individuals from 13 different chicken breeds and cross-designed F2 resource groups. The II genotype is the most important in commercial broilers, and the I allele frequency observed in these breeds was relatively high. However, there is still considerable potential in breeding dual-purpose chickens and commercial laying hens.5. The mRNA expression of the YBX3 gene in tissues from different breeds and developmental stages demonstrated that the 27-bp indel may affect the entire development process of poultry by affecting muscle development. These findings are beneficial for elucidating the function of the YBX3 gene and facilitating enhanced reproduction in the chicken industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Panpan Qin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Bingjie Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Xinran Niu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Yanxing Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Yufang Niu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Chengjie Wei
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Dan Hou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Haoxiang Ma
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Ruili Han
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Hong Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Xiaojun Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China.,Henan Innovative Engineering Research Centre of Poultry Germplasm Resource, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Xiangtao Kang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China.,Henan Innovative Engineering Research Centre of Poultry Germplasm Resource, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Zhuanjian Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China.,Henan Innovative Engineering Research Centre of Poultry Germplasm Resource, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
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13
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Internally Symmetrical Stwintrons and Related Canonical Introns in Hypoxylaceae Species. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7090710. [PMID: 34575748 PMCID: PMC8469720 DOI: 10.3390/jof7090710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Spliceosomal introns are pervasive in eukaryotes. Intron gains and losses have occurred throughout evolution, but the origin of new introns is unclear. Stwintrons are complex intervening sequences where one of the sequence elements (5′-donor, lariat branch point element or 3′-acceptor) necessary for excision of a U2 intron (external intron) is itself interrupted by a second (internal) U2 intron. In Hypoxylaceae, a family of endophytic fungi, we uncovered scores of donor-disrupted stwintrons with striking sequence similarity among themselves and also with canonical introns. Intron–exon structure comparisons suggest that these stwintrons have proliferated within diverging taxa but also give rise to proliferating canonical introns in some genomes. The proliferated (stw)introns have integrated seamlessly at novel gene positions. The recently proliferated (stw)introns appear to originate from a conserved ancestral stwintron characterised by terminal inverted repeats (45–55 nucleotides), a highly symmetrical structure that may allow the formation of a double-stranded intron RNA molecule. No short tandem duplications flank the putatively inserted intervening sequences, which excludes a DNA transposition-based mechanism of proliferation. It is tempting to suggest that this highly symmetrical structure may have a role in intron proliferation by (an)other mechanism(s).
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14
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Linking circular intronic RNA degradation and function in transcription by RNase H1. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2021; 64:1795-1809. [PMID: 34453665 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-021-1993-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Circular intronic RNAs (ciRNAs) escaping from DBR1 debranching of intron lariats are co-transcriptionally produced from pre-mRNA splicing, but their turnover and mechanism of action have remained elusive. We report that RNase H1 degrades a subgroup of ciRNAs in human cells. Many ciRNAs contain high GC% and tend to form DNA:RNA hybrids (R-loops) for RNase H1 cleavage, a process that appears to promote Pol II transcriptional elongation at ciRNA-producing loci. One ciRNA, ciankrd52, shows a stronger ability of R-loop formation than that of its cognate pre-mRNA by maintaining a locally open RNA structure in vitro. This allows the release of pre-mRNA from R-loops by ci-ankrd52 replacement and subsequent ciRNA removal via RNase H1 for efficient transcriptional elongation. We propose that such an R-loop dependent ciRNA degradation likely represents a mechanism that on one hand limits ciRNA accumulation by recruiting RNase H1 and on the other hand resolves R-loops for transcriptional elongation at some GC-rich ciRNA-producing loci.
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15
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Villarreal LP, Witzany G. Social Networking of Quasi-Species Consortia drive Virolution via Persistence. AIMS Microbiol 2021; 7:138-162. [PMID: 34250372 PMCID: PMC8255905 DOI: 10.3934/microbiol.2021010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of cooperative quasi-species consortia (QS-C) thinking from the more accepted quasispecies equations of Manfred Eigen, provides a conceptual foundation from which concerted action of RNA agents can now be understood. As group membership becomes a basic criteria for the emergence of living systems, we also start to understand why the history and context of social RNA networks become crucial for survival and function. History and context of social RNA networks also lead to the emergence of a natural genetic code. Indeed, this QS-C thinking can also provide us with a transition point between the chemical world of RNA replicators and the living world of RNA agents that actively differentiate self from non-self and generate group identity with membership roles. Importantly the social force of a consortia to solve complex, multilevel problems also depend on using opposing and minority functions. The consortial action of social networks of RNA stem-loops subsequently lead to the evolution of cellular organisms representing a tree of life.
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16
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Willbanks A, Wood S, Cheng JX. RNA Epigenetics: Fine-Tuning Chromatin Plasticity and Transcriptional Regulation, and the Implications in Human Diseases. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12050627. [PMID: 33922187 PMCID: PMC8145807 DOI: 10.3390/genes12050627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromatin structure plays an essential role in eukaryotic gene expression and cell identity. Traditionally, DNA and histone modifications have been the focus of chromatin regulation; however, recent molecular and imaging studies have revealed an intimate connection between RNA epigenetics and chromatin structure. Accumulating evidence suggests that RNA serves as the interplay between chromatin and the transcription and splicing machineries within the cell. Additionally, epigenetic modifications of nascent RNAs fine-tune these interactions to regulate gene expression at the co- and post-transcriptional levels in normal cell development and human diseases. This review will provide an overview of recent advances in the emerging field of RNA epigenetics, specifically the role of RNA modifications and RNA modifying proteins in chromatin remodeling, transcription activation and RNA processing, as well as translational implications in human diseases.
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17
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Viceconte N, Loriot A, Lona Abreu P, Scheibe M, Fradera Sola A, Butter F, De Smet C, Azzalin CM, Arnoult N, Decottignies A. PAR-TERRA is the main contributor to telomeric repeat-containing RNA transcripts in normal and cancer mouse cells. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2021; 27:106-121. [PMID: 33127860 PMCID: PMC7749631 DOI: 10.1261/rna.076281.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Telomeric repeat-containing RNA (TERRA) molecules play important roles at telomeres, from heterochromatin regulation to telomerase activity control. In human cells, TERRA is transcribed from subtelomeric promoters located on most chromosome ends and associates with telomeres. The origin of mouse TERRA molecules is, however, unclear, as transcription from the pseudoautosomal PAR locus was recently suggested to account for the vast majority of TERRA in embryonic stem cells (ESC). Here, we confirm the production of TERRA from both the chromosome 18q telomere and the PAR locus in mouse embryonic fibroblasts, ESC, and various mouse cancer and immortalized cell lines, and we identify two novel sources of TERRA on mouse chromosome 2 and X. Using various approaches, we show that PAR-TERRA molecules account for the majority of TERRA transcripts, displaying an increase of two to four orders of magnitude compared to the telomeric 18q transcript. Finally, we present a SILAC-based pull-down screen revealing a large overlap between TERRA-interacting proteins in human and mouse cells, including PRC2 complex subunits, chromatin remodeling factors, DNA replication proteins, Aurora kinases, shelterin complex subunits, Bloom helicase, Coilin, and paraspeckle proteins. Hence, despite originating from distinct genomic regions, mouse and human TERRA are likely to play similar functions in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikenza Viceconte
- Genetic and Epigenetic Alterations of Genomes, de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Axelle Loriot
- Genetic and Epigenetic Alterations of Genomes, de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Patrícia Lona Abreu
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Marion Scheibe
- Quantitative Proteomics, Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Albert Fradera Sola
- Quantitative Proteomics, Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Falk Butter
- Quantitative Proteomics, Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Charles De Smet
- Genetic and Epigenetic Alterations of Genomes, de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Claus M Azzalin
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Nausica Arnoult
- MCBD-University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0347, USA
| | - Anabelle Decottignies
- Genetic and Epigenetic Alterations of Genomes, de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium
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18
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Rajan KS, Doniger T, Cohen-Chalamish S, Rengaraj P, Galili B, Aryal S, Unger R, Tschudi C, Michaeli S. Developmentally Regulated Novel Non-coding Anti-sense Regulators of mRNA Translation in Trypanosoma b rucei. iScience 2020; 23:101780. [PMID: 33294788 PMCID: PMC7683347 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The parasite Trypanosoma brucei is the causative agent of sleeping sickness and cycles between insect and mammalian hosts. The parasite appears to lack conventional transcriptional regulation of protein coding genes, and mRNAs are processed from polycistronic transcripts by the concerted action of trans-splicing and polyadenylation. Regulation of mRNA function is mediated mainly by RNA binding proteins affecting mRNA stability and translation. In this study, we describe the identification of 62 non-coding (nc) RNAs that are developmentally regulated and/or respond to stress. We characterized two novel anti-sense RNA regulators (TBsRNA-33 and 37) that originate from the rRNA loci, associate with ribosomes and polyribosomes, and interact in vivo with distinct mRNA species to regulate translation. Thus, this study suggests for the first-time anti-sense RNA regulators as an additional layer for controlling gene expression in these parasites. Trypanosome non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are developmentally regulated during cycling between two hosts ncRNAs originate from rRNA locus and associate with the ribosome en route to cytoplasm In vivo cross-linking enable identification of target RNA species regulated by ncRNAs Trypanosomes possess anti-sense ncRNAs that regulate translation
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Affiliation(s)
- K Shanmugha Rajan
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology Institute, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Tirza Doniger
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology Institute, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Smadar Cohen-Chalamish
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology Institute, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Praveenkumar Rengaraj
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology Institute, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Beathrice Galili
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology Institute, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Saurav Aryal
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology Institute, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Ron Unger
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology Institute, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Christian Tschudi
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06536, USA
| | - Shulamit Michaeli
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology Institute, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel
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19
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Zamai L. Unveiling Human Non-Random Genome Editing Mechanisms Activated in Response to Chronic Environmental Changes: I. Where Might These Mechanisms Come from and What Might They Have Led To? Cells 2020; 9:E2362. [PMID: 33121045 PMCID: PMC7693803 DOI: 10.3390/cells9112362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This article challenges the notion of the randomness of mutations in eukaryotic cells by unveiling stress-induced human non-random genome editing mechanisms. To account for the existence of such mechanisms, I have developed molecular concepts of the cell environment and cell environmental stressors and, making use of a large quantity of published data, hypothesised the origin of some crucial biological leaps along the evolutionary path of life on Earth under the pressure of natural selection, in particular, (1) virus-cell mating as a primordial form of sexual recombination and symbiosis; (2) Lamarckian CRISPR-Cas systems; (3) eukaryotic gene development; (4) antiviral activity of retrotransposon-guided mutagenic enzymes; and finally, (5) the exaptation of antiviral mutagenic mechanisms to stress-induced genome editing mechanisms directed at "hyper-transcribed" endogenous genes. Genes transcribed at their maximum rate (hyper-transcribed), yet still unable to meet new chronic environmental demands generated by "pollution", are inadequate and generate more and more intronic retrotransposon transcripts. In this scenario, RNA-guided mutagenic enzymes (e.g., Apolipoprotein B mRNA editing catalytic polypeptide-like enzymes, APOBECs), which have been shown to bind to retrotransposon RNA-repetitive sequences, would be surgically targeted by intronic retrotransposons on opened chromatin regions of the same "hyper-transcribed" genes. RNA-guided mutagenic enzymes may therefore "Lamarkianly" generate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and gene copy number variations (CNV), as well as transposon transposition and chromosomal translocations in the restricted areas of hyper-functional and inadequate genes, leaving intact the rest of the genome. CNV and SNP of hyper-transcribed genes may allow cells to surgically explore a new fitness scenario, which increases their adaptability to stressful environmental conditions. Like the mechanisms of immunoglobulin somatic hypermutation, non-random genome editing mechanisms may generate several cell mutants, and those codifying for the most environmentally adequate proteins would have a survival advantage and would therefore be Darwinianly selected. Non-random genome editing mechanisms represent tools of evolvability leading to organismal adaptation including transgenerational non-Mendelian gene transmission or to death of environmentally inadequate genomes. They are a link between environmental changes and biological novelty and plasticity, finally providing a molecular basis to reconcile gene-centred and "ecological" views of evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loris Zamai
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy; ; Tel./Fax: +39-0722-304-319
- National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN)-Gran Sasso National Laboratory (LNGS), 67100 Assergi, L’Aquila, Italy
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20
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Meyer SM, Williams CC, Akahori Y, Tanaka T, Aikawa H, Tong Y, Childs-Disney JL, Disney MD. Small molecule recognition of disease-relevant RNA structures. Chem Soc Rev 2020; 49:7167-7199. [PMID: 32975549 PMCID: PMC7717589 DOI: 10.1039/d0cs00560f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Targeting RNAs with small molecules represents a new frontier in drug discovery and development. The rich structural diversity of folded RNAs offers a nearly unlimited reservoir of targets for small molecules to bind, similar to small molecule occupancy of protein binding pockets, thus creating the potential to modulate human biology. Although the bacterial ribosome has historically been the most well exploited RNA target, advances in RNA sequencing technologies and a growing understanding of RNA structure have led to an explosion of interest in the direct targeting of human pathological RNAs. This review highlights recent advances in this area, with a focus on the design of small molecule probes that selectively engage structures within disease-causing RNAs, with micromolar to nanomolar affinity. Additionally, we explore emerging RNA-target strategies, such as bleomycin A5 conjugates and ribonuclease targeting chimeras (RIBOTACs), that allow for the targeted degradation of RNAs with impressive potency and selectivity. The compounds discussed in this review have proven efficacious in human cell lines, patient-derived cells, and pre-clinical animal models, with one compound currently undergoing a Phase II clinical trial and another that recently garnerd FDA-approval, indicating a bright future for targeted small molecule therapeutics that affect RNA function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M Meyer
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA.
| | - Christopher C Williams
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA.
| | - Yoshihiro Akahori
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA.
| | - Toru Tanaka
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA.
| | - Haruo Aikawa
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA.
| | - Yuquan Tong
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA.
| | - Jessica L Childs-Disney
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA.
| | - Matthew D Disney
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA.
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21
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Li X, Zhang B, Li F, Yu K, Bai Y. The mechanism and detection of alternative splicing events in circular RNAs. PeerJ 2020; 8:e10032. [PMID: 33033662 PMCID: PMC7521338 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are considered as functional biomolecules with tissue/development-specific expression patterns. Generally, a single gene may generate multiple circRNA variants by alternative splicing, which contain different combinations of exons and/or introns. Due to the low abundance of circRNAs as well as overlapped with their linear counterparts, circRNA enrichment protocol is needed prior to sequencing. Compared with numerous algorithms, which use back-splicing reads for detection and functional characterization of circRNAs, original bioinformatic analyzing tools have been developed to large-scale determination of full-length circRNAs and accurate quantification. This review provides insights into the complexity of circRNA biogenesis and surveys the recent progresses in the experimental and bioinformatic methodologies that focus on accurately full-length circRNAs identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Sciences and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Sciences and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fuyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Sciences and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kequan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Sciences and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yunfei Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Sciences and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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22
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Robic A, Demars J, Kühn C. In-Depth Analysis Reveals Production of Circular RNAs from Non-Coding Sequences. Cells 2020; 9:cells9081806. [PMID: 32751504 PMCID: PMC7464727 DOI: 10.3390/cells9081806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The sequencing of total RNA depleted for ribosomal sequences remains the method of choice for the study of circRNAs. Our objective was to characterize non-canonical circRNAs, namely not originating from back splicing and circRNA produced by non-coding genes. To this end, we analyzed a dataset from porcine testis known to contain about 100 intron-derived circRNAs. Labelling reads containing a circular junction and originating from back splicing provided information on the very small contribution of long non-coding genes to the production of canonical circRNAs. Analyses of the other reads revealed two origins for non-canonical circRNAs: (1) Intronic sequences for lariat-derived intronic circRNAs and intron circles, (2) Mono-exonic genes (mostly non-coding) for either a new type of circRNA (including only part of the exon: sub-exonic circRNAs) or, even more rarely, mono-exonic canonical circRNAs. The most complex set of sub-exonic circRNAs was produced by RNase_MRP (ribozyme RNA). We specifically investigated the intronic circRNA of ATXN2L, which is probably an independently transcribed sisRNA (stable intronic sequence RNA). We may be witnessing the emergence of a new non-coding gene in the porcine genome. Our results are evidence that most non-canonical circRNAs originate from non-coding sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Robic
- GenPhySE, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, 31326 Castanet Tolosan, France;
- Correspondence:
| | - Julie Demars
- GenPhySE, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, 31326 Castanet Tolosan, France;
| | - Christa Kühn
- Institute of Genome Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany;
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Rostock, 18059 Rostock, Germany
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23
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Benhamou RI, Angelbello AJ, Wang ET, Disney MD. A Toxic RNA Catalyzes the Cellular Synthesis of Its Own Inhibitor, Shunting It to Endogenous Decay Pathways. Cell Chem Biol 2020; 27:223-231.e4. [PMID: 31981476 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2020.01.003] [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: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 2 (DM2) is a genetically defined disease caused by a toxic expanded repeat of r(CCUG) [r(CCUG)exp], harbored in intron 1 of CCHC-type zinc-finger nucleic acid binding protein (CNBP) pre-mRNA. This r(CCUG)exp causes toxicity via a gain-of-function mechanism, resulting in three pathological hallmarks: aggregation into nuclear foci; sequestration of muscleblind-like-1 (MBNL1) protein, leading to splicing defects; and retention of CNBP intron 1. We studied two types of small molecules with different modes of action, ones that simply bind and ones that are templated by r(CCUG)exp in cells, i.e., the RNA synthesizes its own drug. Indeed, our studies completed in DM2 patient-derived fibroblasts showed that the compounds disrupt the r(CCUG)exp-MBNL1 complex, reduce intron retention, subjecting the liberated intronic r(CCUG)exp to native decay pathways, and rescue other DM2-associated cellular defects. Importantly, this study shows that small molecules can modulate RNA biology by shunting toxic transcripts toward native decay pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael I Benhamou
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Alicia J Angelbello
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Eric T Wang
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, Center for NeuroGenetics, UF Genetics Institute, University of Florida, 2033 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Matthew D Disney
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA.
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24
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De Nijs Y, De Maeseneire SL, Soetaert WK. 5' untranslated regions: the next regulatory sequence in yeast synthetic biology. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2019; 95:517-529. [PMID: 31863552 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12575] [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: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
When developing industrial biotechnology processes, Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker's yeast or brewer's yeast) is a popular choice as a microbial host. Many tools have been developed in the fields of synthetic biology and metabolic engineering to introduce heterologous pathways and tune their expression in yeast. Such tools mainly focus on controlling transcription, whereas post-transcriptional regulation is often overlooked. Herein we discuss regulatory elements found in the 5' untranslated region (UTR) and their influence on protein synthesis. We provide not only an overall picture, but also a set of design rules on how to engineer a 5' UTR. The reader is also referred to currently available models that allow gene expression to be tuned predictably using different 5' UTRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yatti De Nijs
- Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Centre for Industrial Biotechnology and Biocatalysis (InBio.be), Department Biotechnology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sofie L De Maeseneire
- Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Centre for Industrial Biotechnology and Biocatalysis (InBio.be), Department Biotechnology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wim K Soetaert
- Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Centre for Industrial Biotechnology and Biocatalysis (InBio.be), Department Biotechnology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
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25
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Parenteau J, Abou Elela S. Introns: Good Day Junk Is Bad Day Treasure. Trends Genet 2019; 35:923-934. [PMID: 31668856 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2019.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Introns are ubiquitous in eukaryotic transcripts. They are often viewed as junk RNA but the huge energetic burden of transcribing, removing, and degrading them suggests a significant evolutionary advantage. Ostensibly, an intron functions within the host pre-mRNA to regulate its splicing, transport, and degradation. However, recent studies have revealed an entirely new class of trans-acting functions where the presence of intronic RNA in the cell impacts the expression of other genes in trans. Here, we review possible new mechanisms of intron functions, with a focus on the role of yeast introns in regulating the cell growth response to starvation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Parenteau
- Département de microbiologie et d'infectiologie, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Sherif Abou Elela
- Département de microbiologie et d'infectiologie, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1E 4K8, Canada.
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26
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Briese M, Haberman N, Sibley CR, Faraway R, Elser AS, Chakrabarti AM, Wang Z, König J, Perera D, Wickramasinghe VO, Venkitaraman AR, Luscombe NM, Saieva L, Pellizzoni L, Smith CWJ, Curk T, Ule J. A systems view of spliceosomal assembly and branchpoints with iCLIP. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2019; 26:930-940. [PMID: 31570875 PMCID: PMC6859068 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-019-0300-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Studies of spliceosomal interactions are challenging due to their dynamic nature. Here we used spliceosome iCLIP, which immunoprecipitates SmB along with small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particles and auxiliary RNA binding proteins, to map spliceosome engagement with pre-messenger RNAs in human cell lines. This revealed seven peaks of spliceosomal crosslinking around branchpoints (BPs) and splice sites. We identified RNA binding proteins that crosslink to each peak, including known and candidate splicing factors. Moreover, we detected the use of over 40,000 BPs with strong sequence consensus and structural accessibility, which align well to nearby crosslinking peaks. We show how the position and strength of BPs affect the crosslinking patterns of spliceosomal factors, which bind more efficiently upstream of strong or proximally located BPs and downstream of weak or distally located BPs. These insights exemplify spliceosome iCLIP as a broadly applicable method for transcriptomic studies of splicing mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Briese
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Nejc Haberman
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Department of Neuromuscular Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Christopher R Sibley
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Neuromuscular Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- Division of Brain Sciences, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Institute of Quantitative Biology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Edinburgh University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Rupert Faraway
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Department of Neuromuscular Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Andrea S Elser
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Department of Neuromuscular Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Anob M Chakrabarti
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Department of Genetics, Environment and Evolution, UCL Genetics Institute, London, UK
| | - Zhen Wang
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | - Julian König
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
- Institute of Molecular Biology GmbH, Mainz, Germany
| | - David Perera
- MRC Cancer Unit at the University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Vihandha O Wickramasinghe
- MRC Cancer Unit at the University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- RNA Biology and Cancer Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Nicholas M Luscombe
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Department of Genetics, Environment and Evolution, UCL Genetics Institute, London, UK
- Okinawa Institute of Science & Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Luciano Saieva
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Livio Pellizzoni
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Tomaž Curk
- Faculty of Computer and Information Science, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jernej Ule
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK.
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK.
- Department of Neuromuscular Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK.
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Boivin V, Faucher-Giguère L, Scott M, Abou-Elela S. The cellular landscape of mid-size noncoding RNA. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2019; 10:e1530. [PMID: 30843375 PMCID: PMC6619189 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Noncoding RNA plays an important role in all aspects of the cellular life cycle, from the very basic process of protein synthesis to specialized roles in cell development and differentiation. However, many noncoding RNAs remain uncharacterized and the function of most of them remains unknown. Mid-size noncoding RNAs (mncRNAs), which range in length from 50 to 400 nucleotides, have diverse regulatory functions but share many fundamental characteristics. Most mncRNAs are produced from independent promoters although others are produced from the introns of other genes. Many are found in multiple copies in genomes. mncRNAs are highly structured and carry many posttranscriptional modifications. Both of these facets dictate their RNA-binding protein partners and ultimately their function. mncRNAs have already been implicated in translation, catalysis, as guides for RNA modification, as spliceosome components and regulatory RNA. However, recent studies are adding new mncRNA functions including regulation of gene expression and alternative splicing. In this review, we describe the different classes, characteristics and emerging functions of mncRNAs and their relative expression patterns. Finally, we provide a portrait of the challenges facing their detection and annotation in databases. This article is categorized under: Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs RNA Structure and Dynamics > RNA Structure, Dynamics, and Chemistry RNA Structure and Dynamics > Influence of RNA Structure in Biological Systems RNA Evolution and Genomics > RNA and Ribonucleoprotein Evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Boivin
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Laurence Faucher-Giguère
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Michelle Scott
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sherif Abou-Elela
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
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28
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Nozawa RS, Gilbert N. RNA: Nuclear Glue for Folding the Genome. Trends Cell Biol 2019; 29:201-211. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2018.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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29
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Excised linear introns regulate growth in yeast. Nature 2019; 565:606-611. [PMID: 30651636 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-018-0828-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Spliceosomal introns are ubiquitous non-coding RNAs that are typically destined for rapid debranching and degradation. Here we describe 34 excised introns in Saccharomyces cerevisiae that-despite being rapidly degraded in log-phase growth-accumulate as linear RNAs under either saturated-growth conditions or other stresses that cause prolonged inhibition of TORC1, which is a key integrator of growth signalling. Introns that become stabilized remain associated with components of the spliceosome and differ from other spliceosomal introns in having a short distance between their lariat branch point and 3' splice site, which is necessary and sufficient for their stabilization. Deletion of these unusual introns is disadvantageous in saturated conditions and causes aberrantly high growth rates in yeast that are chronically challenged with the TORC1 inhibitor rapamycin. The reintroduction of native or engineered stable introns suppresses this aberrant rapamycin response. Thus, excised introns function within the TOR growth-signalling network of S. cerevisiae and, more generally, excised spliceosomal introns can have biological functions.
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30
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Stable Intronic Sequence RNAs (sisRNAs): An Expanding Universe. Trends Biochem Sci 2018; 44:258-272. [PMID: 30391089 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2018.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Intronic sequences are often regarded as 'nonsense' transcripts that are rapidly degraded. We highlight here recent studies on intronic sequences that play regulatory roles as long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) which are classified as sisRNAs. Interestingly, sisRNAs come in different forms and are produced via a variety of ways. They regulate genes at the DNA, RNA, and protein levels, and frequently engage in autoregulatory feedback loops to ensure cellular homeostasis under normal and stress conditions. Future directions, evolutionary insights, and potential implications of dysregulated sisRNAs are also discussed, especially in relation to human pathogenesis.
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31
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Lakhotia SC. From Heterochromatin to Long Noncoding RNAs in Drosophila: Expanding the Arena of Gene Function and Regulation. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1008:75-118. [PMID: 28815537 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-5203-3_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Recent years have witnessed a remarkable interest in exploring the significance of pervasive noncoding transcripts in diverse eukaryotes. Classical cytogenetic studies using the Drosophila model system unraveled the perplexing attributes and "functions" of the "gene"-poor heterochromatin. Recent molecular studies in the fly model are likewise revealing the very diverse and significant roles played by long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in development, gene regulation, chromatin organization, cell and nuclear architecture, etc. There has been a rapid increase in the number of identified lncRNAs, although a much larger number still remains unknown. The diversity of modes of actions and functions of the limited number of Drosophila lncRNAs, which have been examined, already reflects the profound roles of such RNAs in generating and sustaining the biological complexities of eukaryotes. Several of the known Drosophila lncRNAs originate as independent sense or antisense transcripts from promoter or intergenic, intronic, or 5'/3'-UTR regions, while many of them are independent genes that produce only lncRNAs or coding as well as noncoding RNAs. The different lncRNAs affect chromatin organization (local or large-scale pan-chromosomal), transcription, RNA processing/stability, or translation either directly through interaction with their target DNA sequences or indirectly by acting as intermediary molecules for specific regulatory proteins or may act as decoys/sinks, or storage sites for specific proteins or groups of proteins, or may provide a structural framework for the assembly of substructures in nucleus/cytoplasm. It is interesting that many of the "functions" alluded to heterochromatin in earlier cytogenetic studies appear to find correlates with the known subtle as well as far-reaching actions of the different small and long noncoding RNAs. Further studies exploiting the very rich and powerful genetic and molecular resources available for the Drosophila model are expected to unravel the mystery underlying the long reach of ncRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhash C Lakhotia
- Cytogenetics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India.
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32
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Cheng W, Wang S, Mestre AA, Fu C, Makarem A, Xian F, Hayes LR, Lopez-Gonzalez R, Drenner K, Jiang J, Cleveland DW, Sun S. C9ORF72 GGGGCC repeat-associated non-AUG translation is upregulated by stress through eIF2α phosphorylation. Nat Commun 2018; 9:51. [PMID: 29302060 PMCID: PMC5754368 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-02495-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Hexanucleotide repeat expansion in C9ORF72 is the most frequent cause of both amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Here we demonstrate that the repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN) translation of (GGGGCC) n -containing RNAs into poly-dipeptides can initiate in vivo without a 5'-cap. The primary RNA substrate for RAN translation of C9ORF72 sense repeats is shown to be the spliced first intron, following its excision from the initial pre-mRNA and transport to the cytoplasm. Cap-independent RAN translation is shown to be upregulated by various stress stimuli through phosphorylation of the α subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor-2 (eIF2α), the core event of an integrated stress response (ISR). Compounds inhibiting phospho-eIF2α-signaling pathways are shown to suppress RAN translation. Since the poly-dipeptides can themselves induce stress, these findings support a feedforward loop with initial repeat-mediated toxicity enhancing RAN translation and subsequent production of additional poly-dipeptides through ISR, thereby promoting progressive disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Cheng
- Department of Pathology and Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Shaopeng Wang
- Department of Pathology and Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Alexander A Mestre
- Department of Pathology and Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Chenglai Fu
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Andres Makarem
- Department of Pathology and Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Fengfan Xian
- Department of Pathology and Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Lindsey R Hayes
- Brain Science Institute and Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Rodrigo Lopez-Gonzalez
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Kevin Drenner
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Jie Jiang
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Don W Cleveland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Shuying Sun
- Department of Pathology and Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
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Eger N, Schoppe L, Schuster S, Laufs U, Boeckel JN. Circular RNA Splicing. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1087:41-52. [PMID: 30259356 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-1426-1_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are covalently closed single-stranded RNA molecules derived from exons by alternative mRNA splicing. Circularization of single-stranded RNA molecules was already described in 1976 for viroids in plants. Since then several additional types of circular RNAs in many species have been described such as the circular single-stranded RNA genome of the hepatitis delta virus (HDV) or circular RNAs as products or intermediates of tRNA and rRNA maturation in archaea. CircRNAs are generally formed by covalent binding of the 5' site of an upstream exon with the 3' of the same or a downstream exon. Meanwhile, two different models of circRNA biogenesis have been described, the lariat or exon skipping model and the direct backsplicing model. In the lariat model, canonical splicing occurs before backsplicing, whereas in the direct backsplicing model, the circRNA is generated first. In this chapter, we will review the formation of circular RNAs and highlight the derivation of different types of circular RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Eger
- University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Susanne Schuster
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Cardiology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ulrich Laufs
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Cardiology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jes-Niels Boeckel
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Cardiology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
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34
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Rohilla KJ, Gagnon KT. RNA biology of disease-associated microsatellite repeat expansions. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2017; 5:63. [PMID: 28851463 PMCID: PMC5574247 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-017-0468-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Microsatellites, or simple tandem repeat sequences, occur naturally in the human genome and have important roles in genome evolution and function. However, the expansion of microsatellites is associated with over two dozen neurological diseases. A common denominator among the majority of these disorders is the expression of expanded tandem repeat-containing RNA, referred to as xtrRNA in this review, which can mediate molecular disease pathology in multiple ways. This review focuses on the potential impact that simple tandem repeat expansions can have on the biology and metabolism of RNA that contain them and underscores important gaps in understanding. Merging the molecular biology of repeat expansion disorders with the current understanding of RNA biology, including splicing, transcription, transport, turnover and translation, will help clarify mechanisms of disease and improve therapeutic development.
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35
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RNA splicing in human disease and in the clinic. Clin Sci (Lond) 2017; 131:355-368. [PMID: 28202748 DOI: 10.1042/cs20160211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Revised: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Defects at the level of the pre-mRNA splicing process represent a major cause of human disease. Approximately 15-50% of all human disease mutations have been shown to alter functioning of basic and auxiliary splicing elements. These elements are required to ensure proper processing of pre-mRNA splicing molecules, with their disruption leading to misprocessing of the pre-mRNA molecule and disease. The splicing process is a complex process, with much still to be uncovered before we are able to accurately predict whether a reported genomic sequence variant (GV) represents a splicing-associated disease mutation or a harmless polymorphism. Furthermore, even when a mutation is correctly identified as affecting the splicing process, there still remains the difficulty of providing an exact evaluation of the potential impact on disease onset, severity and duration. In this review, we provide a brief overview of splicing diagnostic methodologies, from in silico bioinformatics approaches to wet lab in vitro and in vivo systems to evaluate splicing efficiencies. In particular, we provide an overview of how the latest developments in high-throughput sequencing can be applied to the clinic, and are already changing clinical approaches.
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36
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Ietswaart R, Rosa S, Wu Z, Dean C, Howard M. Cell-Size-Dependent Transcription of FLC and Its Antisense Long Non-coding RNA COOLAIR Explain Cell-to-Cell Expression Variation. Cell Syst 2017. [PMID: 28624615 PMCID: PMC5493185 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2017.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Single-cell quantification of transcription kinetics and variability promotes a mechanistic understanding of gene regulation. Here, using single-molecule RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization and mathematical modeling, we dissect cellular RNA dynamics for Arabidopsis FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC). FLC expression quantitatively determines flowering time and is regulated by antisense (COOLAIR) transcription. In cells without observable COOLAIR expression, we quantify FLC transcription initiation, elongation, intron processing, and lariat degradation, as well as mRNA release from the locus and degradation. In these heterogeneously sized cells, FLC mRNA number increases linearly with cell size, resulting in a large cell-to-cell variability in transcript level. This variation is accounted for by cell-size-dependent, Poissonian FLC mRNA production, but not by large transcriptional bursts. In COOLAIR-expressing cells, however, antisense transcription increases with cell size and contributes to FLC transcription decreasing with cell size. Our analysis therefore reveals an unexpected role for antisense transcription in modulating the scaling of transcription with cell size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Ietswaart
- Computational and Systems Biology, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Stefanie Rosa
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Zhe Wu
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Caroline Dean
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK.
| | - Martin Howard
- Computational and Systems Biology, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK.
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37
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Sawyer IA, Hager GL, Dundr M. Specific genomic cues regulate Cajal body assembly. RNA Biol 2017; 14:791-803. [PMID: 27715441 PMCID: PMC5519236 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2016.1243648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Revised: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The assembly of specialized sub-nuclear microenvironments known as nuclear bodies (NBs) is important for promoting efficient nuclear function. In particular, the Cajal body (CB), a prominent NB that facilitates spliceosomal snRNP biogenesis, assembles in response to genomic cues. Here, we detail the factors that regulate CB assembly and structural maintenance. These include the importance of transcription at nucleating gene loci, the grouping of these genes on human chromosomes 1, 6 and 17, as well as cell cycle and biochemical regulation of CB protein function. We also speculate on the correlation between CB formation and RNA splicing levels in neurons and cancer. The timing and location of these specific molecular events is critical to CB assembly and its contribution to genome function. However, further work is required to explore the emerging biophysical characteristics of CB assembly and the impact upon subsequent genome reorganization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iain A. Sawyer
- Department of Cell Biology, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science, Chicago Medical School, North Chicago, IL, USA
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Gordon L. Hager
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Miroslav Dundr
- Department of Cell Biology, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science, Chicago Medical School, North Chicago, IL, USA
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38
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Abstract
The pervasive expression of circular RNAs (circRNAs) is a recently discovered feature of gene expression in highly diverged eukaryotes. Numerous algorithms that are used to detect genome-wide circRNA expression from RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data have been developed in the past few years, but there is little overlap in their predictions and no clear gold-standard method to assess the accuracy of these algorithms. We review sources of experimental and bioinformatic biases that complicate the accurate discovery of circRNAs and discuss statistical approaches to address these biases. We conclude with a discussion of the current experimental progress on the topic.
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39
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Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a novel class of non-coding RNA characterized by a covalently closed-loop structure generated through a special type of alternative splicing termed backsplicing. CircRNAs are emerging as a heterogeneous class of molecules involved in modulating gene expression by regulation of transcription, protein and miRNA functions. CircRNA expression is cell type and tissue specific and can be largely independent of the expression level of the linear host gene, indicating that regulation of expression might be an important aspect with regard to control of circRNA function. In this review, a brief introduction to the characteristics that define a circRNA will be given followed by a discussion of putative biogenesis pathways and modulators of circRNA expression as well as of the stage at which circRNA formation takes place. A brief summary of circRNA functions will also be provided and lastly, an outlook with a focus on unanswered questions regarding circRNA biology will be included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karoline K Ebbesen
- a Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics (MBG) and Aarhus University , Aarhus , Denmark.,b Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO) , Aarhus University , Aarhus , Denmark
| | - Thomas B Hansen
- a Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics (MBG) and Aarhus University , Aarhus , Denmark
| | - Jørgen Kjems
- a Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics (MBG) and Aarhus University , Aarhus , Denmark.,b Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO) , Aarhus University , Aarhus , Denmark
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40
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Differential Toxicity of Nuclear RNA Foci versus Dipeptide Repeat Proteins in a Drosophila Model of C9ORF72 FTD/ALS. Neuron 2015; 87:1207-1214. [PMID: 26402604 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2015.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Revised: 08/24/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Dipeptide repeat (DPR) proteins are toxic in various models of FTD/ALS with GGGGCC (G4C2) repeat expansion. However, it is unclear whether nuclear G4C2 RNA foci also induce neurotoxicity. Here, we describe a Drosophila model expressing 160 G4C2 repeats (160R) flanked by human intronic and exonic sequences. Spliced intronic 160R formed nuclear G4C2 sense RNA foci in glia and neurons about ten times more abundantly than in human neurons; however, they had little effect on global RNA processing and neuronal survival. In contrast, highly toxic 36R in the context of poly(A)(+) mRNA were exported to the cytoplasm, where DPR proteins were produced at >100-fold higher level than in 160R flies. Moreover, the modest toxicity of intronic 160R expressed at higher temperature correlated with increased DPR production, but not RNA foci. Thus, nuclear RNA foci are neutral intermediates or possibly neuroprotective through preventing G4C2 RNA export and subsequent DPR production.
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41
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Quantitative regulation of FLC via coordinated transcriptional initiation and elongation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 113:218-23. [PMID: 26699513 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1518369112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The basis of quantitative regulation of gene expression is still poorly understood. In Arabidopsis thaliana, quantitative variation in expression of FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) influences the timing of flowering. In ambient temperatures, FLC expression is quantitatively modulated by a chromatin silencing mechanism involving alternative polyadenylation of antisense transcripts. Investigation of this mechanism unexpectedly showed that RNA polymerase II (Pol II) occupancy changes at FLC did not reflect RNA fold changes. Mathematical modeling of these transcriptional dynamics predicted a tight coordination of transcriptional initiation and elongation. This prediction was validated by detailed measurements of total and chromatin-bound FLC intronic RNA, a methodology appropriate for analyzing elongation rate changes in a range of organisms. Transcription initiation was found to vary ∼ 25-fold with elongation rate varying ∼ 8- to 12-fold. Premature sense transcript termination contributed very little to expression differences. This quantitative variation in transcription was coincident with variation in H3K36me3 and H3K4me2 over the FLC gene body. We propose different chromatin states coordinately influence transcriptional initiation and elongation rates and that this coordination is likely to be a general feature of quantitative gene regulation in a chromatin context.
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42
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Derks KWJ, Misovic B, van den Hout MCGN, Kockx CEM, Gomez CP, Brouwer RWW, Vrieling H, Hoeijmakers JHJ, van IJcken WFJ, Pothof J. Deciphering the RNA landscape by RNAome sequencing. RNA Biol 2015; 12:30-42. [PMID: 25826412 PMCID: PMC4615683 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2015.1017202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Current RNA expression profiling methods rely on enrichment steps for specific RNA classes, thereby not detecting all RNA species in an unperturbed manner. We report strand-specific RNAome sequencing that determines expression of small and large RNAs from rRNA-depleted total RNA in a single sequence run. Since current analysis pipelines cannot reliably analyze small and large RNAs simultaneously, we developed TRAP, Total Rna Analysis Pipeline, a robust interface that is also compatible with existing RNA sequencing protocols. RNAome sequencing quantitatively preserved all RNA classes, allowing cross-class comparisons that facilitates the identification of relationships between different RNA classes. We demonstrate the strength of RNAome sequencing in mouse embryonic stem cells treated with cisplatin. MicroRNA and mRNA expression in RNAome sequencing significantly correlated between replicates and was in concordance with both existing RNA sequencing methods and gene expression arrays generated from the same samples. Moreover, RNAome sequencing also detected additional RNA classes such as enhancer RNAs, anti-sense RNAs, novel RNA species and numerous differentially expressed RNAs undetectable by other methods. At the level of complete RNA classes, RNAome sequencing also identified a specific global repression of the microRNA and microRNA isoform classes after cisplatin treatment whereas all other classes such as mRNAs were unchanged. These characteristics of RNAome sequencing will significantly improve expression analysis as well as studies on RNA biology not covered by existing methods.
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Key Words
- DEGs, differentially expressed genes
- NGS, next generation sequencing
- RNA abundance
- RNA expression
- RNAome
- eRNA, enhancer RNA
- isomiRs, microRNA isoforms.
- lncRNAs, long non-coding RNA
- mRNASeq, mRNA sequencing
- non-coding RNA
- poly(A), poly-adenylation
- rRNA, ribosomal RNA
- smallRNASeq, small non-coding RNA sequencing
- snoRNAs, small nucleolar RNAs
- strand-specific RNA-sequencing
- whole transcriptome
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasper W J Derks
- a Department of Genetics; Netherlands Toxicogenomics Center; Erasmus University Medical Center ; Rotterdam , The Netherlands
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43
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Fortes P, Morris KV. Long noncoding RNAs in viral infections. Virus Res 2015; 212:1-11. [PMID: 26454188 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2015.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 10/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Viral infections induce strong modifications in the cell transcriptome. Among the RNAs whose expression is altered by infection are long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). LncRNAs are transcripts with potential to function as RNA molecules. Infected cells may express viral lncRNAs, cellular lncRNAs and chimeric lncRNAs formed by viral and cellular sequences. Some viruses express viral lncRNAs whose function is essential for viral viability. They are transcribed by polymerase II or III and some of them can be processed by unique maturation steps performed by host cell machineries. Some viral lncRNAs control transcription, stability or translation of cellular and viral genes. Surprisingly, similar functions can be exerted by cellular lncRNAs induced by infection. Expression of cellular lncRNAs may be altered in response to viral replication or viral protein expression. However, many cellular lncRNAs respond to the antiviral pathways induced by infection. In fact, many lncRNAs function as positive or negative regulators of the innate antiviral response. Our current knowledge about the identity and function of lncRNAs in infected cells is very limited. However, research into this field has already helped in the identification of novel cellular pathways and may help in the development of therapeutic tools for the treatment of viral infections, autoimmune diseases, neurological disorders and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puri Fortes
- Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA) and Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Department of Gene Therapy and Hepatology, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
| | - Kevin V Morris
- Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA; School of Biotechnology and Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
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Abstract
Viral infections induce strong modifications in the cell transcriptome. Among the RNAs whose expression is altered by infection are long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). LncRNAs are transcripts with potential to function as RNA molecules. Infected cells may express viral lncRNAs, cellular lncRNAs and chimeric lncRNAs formed by viral and cellular sequences. Some viruses express viral lncRNAs whose function is essential for viral viability. They are transcribed by polymerase II or III and some of them can be processed by unique maturation steps performed by host cell machineries. Some viral lncRNAs control transcription, stability or translation of cellular and viral genes. Surprisingly, similar functions can be exerted by cellular lncRNAs induced by infection. Expression of cellular lncRNAs may be altered in response to viral replication or viral protein expression. However, many cellular lncRNAs respond to the antiviral pathways induced by infection. In fact, many lncRNAs function as positive or negative regulators of the innate antiviral response. Our current knowledge about the identity and function of lncRNAs in infected cells is very limited. However, research into this field has already helped in the identification of novel cellular pathways and may help in the development of therapeutic tools for the treatment of viral infections, autoimmune diseases, neurological disorders and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puri Fortes
- Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA) and Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Department of Gene Therapy and Hepatology, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
| | - Kevin V Morris
- Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA; School of Biotechnology and Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
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45
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Tago N, Katolik A, Clark NE, Montemayor EJ, Seio K, Sekine M, Hart PJ, Damha MJ. Design, Synthesis, and Properties of Phosphoramidate 2',5'-Linked Branched RNA: Toward the Rational Design of Inhibitors of the RNA Lariat Debranching Enzyme. J Org Chem 2015; 80:10108-18. [PMID: 26378468 PMCID: PMC4749351 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.5b01719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Two RNA fragments linked by means of a 2',5' phosphodiester bridge (2' hydroxyl of one fragment connected to the 5' hydroxyl of the other) constitute a class of nucleic acids known as 2'-5' branched RNAs (bRNAs). In this report we show that bRNA analogues containing 2'-5' phosphoramidate linkages (bN-RNAs) inhibit the lariat debranching enzyme, a 2',5'-phosphodiesterase that has recently been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases associated with aging. bN-RNAs were efficiently generated using automated solid-phase synthesis and suitably protected branchpoint building blocks. Two orthogonally removable groups, namely the 4-monomethoxytrityl (MMTr) group and the fluorenylmethyl-oxycarbonyl (Fmoc) groups, were evaluated as protecting groups of the 2' amino functionality. The 2'-N-Fmoc methodology was found to successfully produce bN-RNAs on solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis. The synthesized bN-RNAs resisted hydrolysis by the lariat debranching enzyme (Dbr1) and, in addition, were shown to attenuate the Dbr1-mediated hydrolysis of native bRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuhiro Tago
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke Street West, Montréal, Québec H3A 0B8, Canada
- Department of Life Science, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta, Midoriku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8501, Japan
| | - Adam Katolik
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke Street West, Montréal, Québec H3A 0B8, Canada
| | - Nathaniel E. Clark
- Department of Veterans Affairs, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX 78229, United States
| | - Eric J. Montemayor
- Department of Veterans Affairs, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX 78229, United States
- Departments of Biochemistry and Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 433 Babcock Dr., Madison, WI 53706, United States
| | - Kohji Seio
- Department of Life Science, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta, Midoriku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8501, Japan
| | - Mitsuo Sekine
- Department of Life Science, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta, Midoriku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8501, Japan
| | - P. John Hart
- Department of Veterans Affairs, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX 78229, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Health Science Center, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, United States
| | - Masad J. Damha
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke Street West, Montréal, Québec H3A 0B8, Canada
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46
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Abstract
Eukaryotic cells produce several classes of long and small noncoding RNA (ncRNA). Many DNA and RNA viruses synthesize their own ncRNAs. Like their host counterparts, viral ncRNAs associate with proteins that are essential for their stability, function, or both. Diverse biological roles--including the regulation of viral replication, viral persistence, host immune evasion, and cellular transformation--have been ascribed to viral ncRNAs. In this review, we focus on the multitude of functions played by ncRNAs produced by animal viruses. We also discuss their biogenesis and mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazimierz T Tycowski
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boyer Center for Molecular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06536, USA
| | - Yang Eric Guo
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boyer Center for Molecular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06536, USA
| | - Nara Lee
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boyer Center for Molecular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06536, USA
| | - Walter N Moss
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boyer Center for Molecular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06536, USA
| | - Tenaya K Vallery
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boyer Center for Molecular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06536, USA
| | - Mingyi Xie
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boyer Center for Molecular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06536, USA
| | - Joan A Steitz
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boyer Center for Molecular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06536, USA
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47
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Pan K, Lee JTH, Huang Z, Wong CM. Coupling and coordination in gene expression processes with pre-mRNA splicing. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:5682-96. [PMID: 25768347 PMCID: PMC4394499 DOI: 10.3390/ijms16035682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2014] [Revised: 02/28/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA processing is a tightly regulated and highly complex pathway which includes transcription, splicing, editing, transportation, translation and degradation. It has been well-documented that splicing of RNA polymerase II medicated nascent transcripts occurs co-transcriptionally and is functionally coupled to other RNA processing. Recently, increasing experimental evidence indicated that pre-mRNA splicing influences RNA degradation and vice versa. In this review, we summarized the recent findings demonstrating the coupling of these two processes. In addition, we highlighted the importance of splicing in the production of intronic miRNA and circular RNAs, and hence the discovery of the novel mechanisms in the regulation of gene expression.
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48
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Conti A, Carnevali D, Bollati V, Fustinoni S, Pellegrini M, Dieci G. Identification of RNA polymerase III-transcribed Alu loci by computational screening of RNA-Seq data. Nucleic Acids Res 2014; 43:817-35. [PMID: 25550429 PMCID: PMC4333407 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gku1361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Of the ∼1.3 million Alu elements in the human genome, only a tiny number are estimated to be active in transcription by RNA polymerase (Pol) III. Tracing the individual loci from which Alu transcripts originate is complicated by their highly repetitive nature. By exploiting RNA-Seq data sets and unique Alu DNA sequences, we devised a bioinformatic pipeline allowing us to identify Pol III-dependent transcripts of individual Alu elements. When applied to ENCODE transcriptomes of seven human cell lines, this search strategy identified ∼1300 Alu loci corresponding to detectable transcripts, with ∼120 of them expressed in at least three cell lines. In vitro transcription of selected Alus did not reflect their in vivo expression properties, and required the native 5′-flanking region in addition to internal promoter. We also identified a cluster of expressed AluYa5-derived transcription units, juxtaposed to snaR genes on chromosome 19, formed by a promoter-containing left monomer fused to an Alu-unrelated downstream moiety. Autonomous Pol III transcription was also revealed for Alus nested within Pol II-transcribed genes. The ability to investigate Alu transcriptomes at single-locus resolution will facilitate both the identification of novel biologically relevant Alu RNAs and the assessment of Alu expression alteration under pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Conti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Davide Carnevali
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Valentina Bollati
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milano and Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via S. Barnaba, 8-20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Fustinoni
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milano and Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via S. Barnaba, 8-20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Matteo Pellegrini
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7239, USA
| | - Giorgio Dieci
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
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49
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Witzany G. RNA sociology: group behavioral motifs of RNA consortia. Life (Basel) 2014; 4:800-18. [PMID: 25426799 PMCID: PMC4284468 DOI: 10.3390/life4040800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2014] [Revised: 11/11/2014] [Accepted: 11/12/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA sociology investigates the behavioral motifs of RNA consortia from the social science perspective. Besides the self-folding of RNAs into single stem loop structures, group building of such stem loops results in a variety of essential agents that are highly active in regulatory processes in cellular and non-cellular life. RNA stem loop self-folding and group building do not depend solely on sequence syntax; more important are their contextual (functional) needs. Also, evolutionary processes seem to occur through RNA stem loop consortia that may act as a complement. This means the whole entity functions only if all participating parts are coordinated, although the complementary building parts originally evolved for different functions. If complementary groups, such as rRNAs and tRNAs, are placed together in selective pressure contexts, new evolutionary features may emerge. Evolution initiated by competent agents in natural genome editing clearly contrasts with statistical error replication narratives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guenther Witzany
- Telos-Philosophische Praxis, Vogelsangstraße 18c, 5111-Buermoos, Austria.
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50
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Garrey SM, Katolik A, Prekeris M, Li X, York K, Bernards S, Fields S, Zhao R, Damha MJ, Hesselberth JR. A homolog of lariat-debranching enzyme modulates turnover of branched RNA. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2014; 20:1337-48. [PMID: 24919400 PMCID: PMC4105757 DOI: 10.1261/rna.044602.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Turnover of the branched RNA intermediates and products of pre-mRNA splicing is mediated by the lariat-debranching enzyme Dbr1. We characterized a homolog of Dbr1 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Drn1/Ygr093w, that has a pseudo-metallophosphodiesterase domain with primary sequence homology to Dbr1 but lacks essential active site residues found in Dbr1. Whereas loss of Dbr1 results in lariat-introns failing broadly to turnover, loss of Drn1 causes low levels of lariat-intron accumulation. Conserved residues in the Drn1 C-terminal CwfJ domains, which are not present in Dbr1, are required for efficient intron turnover. Drn1 interacts with Dbr1, components of the Nineteen Complex, U2 snRNA, branched intermediates, and products of splicing. Drn1 enhances debranching catalyzed by Dbr1 in vitro, but does so without significantly improving the affinity of Dbr1 for branched RNA. Splicing carried out in in vitro extracts in the absence of Drn1 results in an accumulation of branched splicing intermediates and products released from the spliceosome, likely due to less active debranching, as well as the promiscuous release of cleaved 5'-exon. Drn1 enhances Dbr1-mediated turnover of lariat-intermediates and lariat-intron products, indicating that branched RNA turnover is regulated at multiple steps during splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen M Garrey
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
| | - Adam Katolik
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2K6, Canada
| | - Mantas Prekeris
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
| | - Xueni Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
| | - Kerri York
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
| | - Sarah Bernards
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
| | - Stanley Fields
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
| | - Rui Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
| | - Masad J Damha
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2K6, Canada
| | - Jay R Hesselberth
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
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