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Liu X, Xie H, Liu W, Zuo J, Li S, Tian Y, Zhao J, Bai M, Li J, Bao L, Han J, Zhang ZC. Dynamic regulation of alternative polyadenylation by PQBP1 during neurogenesis. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114525. [PMID: 39037895 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Alternative polyadenylation (APA) is a critical post-transcriptional process that generates mRNA isoforms with distinct 3' untranslated regions (3' UTRs), thereby regulating mRNA localization, stability, and translational efficiency. Cell-type-specific APA extensively shapes the diversity of the cellular transcriptome, particularly during cell fate transition. Despite its recognized significance, the precise regulatory mechanisms governing cell-type-specific APA remain unclear. In this study, we uncover PQBP1 as an emerging APA regulator that actively maintains cell-specific APA profiles in neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and delicately manages the equilibrium between NPC proliferation and differentiation. Multi-omics analysis shows that PQBP1 directly interacts with the upstream UGUA elements, impeding the recruitment of the CFIm complex and influencing polyadenylation site selection within genes associated with the cell cycle. Our findings elucidate the molecular mechanism by which PQBP1 orchestrates dynamic APA changes during neurogenesis, providing valuable insights into the precise regulation of cell-type-specific APA and the underlying pathogenic mechanisms in neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Basic Medicine Research and Innovation Center of Ministry of Education, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Hao Xie
- School of Life Science and Technology, The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Basic Medicine Research and Innovation Center of Ministry of Education, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Wenhua Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Basic Medicine Research and Innovation Center of Ministry of Education, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Jian Zuo
- School of Life Science and Technology, The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Basic Medicine Research and Innovation Center of Ministry of Education, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Song Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Basic Medicine Research and Innovation Center of Ministry of Education, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Yao Tian
- School of Life Science and Technology, The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Basic Medicine Research and Innovation Center of Ministry of Education, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | | | - Meizhu Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Jinsong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Lan Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Junhai Han
- School of Life Science and Technology, The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Basic Medicine Research and Innovation Center of Ministry of Education, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China; Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China.
| | - Zi Chao Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Basic Medicine Research and Innovation Center of Ministry of Education, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China.
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2
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Ozbulut HC, Hilgers V. Neuronal RNA processing: cross-talk between transcriptional regulation and RNA-binding proteins. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1426410. [PMID: 39149613 PMCID: PMC11324583 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1426410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
In the nervous system, alternative RNA processing is particularly prevalent, which results in the expression of thousands of transcript variants found in no other tissue. Neuron-specific RNA-binding proteins co-transcriptionally regulate alternative splicing, alternative polyadenylation, and RNA editing, thereby shaping the RNA identity of nervous system cells. Recent evidence suggests that interactions between RNA-binding proteins and cis-regulatory elements such as promoters and enhancers play a role in the determination of neuron-specific expression profiles. Here, we discuss possible mechanisms through which transcription and RNA processing cross-talk to generate the uniquely complex neuronal transcriptome, with a focus on alternative 3'-end formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Can Ozbulut
- Max-Planck-Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, Albert Ludwig University, Freiburg, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School for Immunobiology, Epigenetics, and Metabolism (IMPRS-IEM), Freiburg, Germany
| | - Valérie Hilgers
- Max-Planck-Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany
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3
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Ulicevic J, Shao Z, Jasnovidova O, Bressin A, Gajos M, Ng AH, Annaldasula S, Meierhofer D, Church GM, Busskamp V, Mayer A. Uncovering the dynamics and consequences of RNA isoform changes during neuronal differentiation. Mol Syst Biol 2024; 20:767-798. [PMID: 38755290 PMCID: PMC11219738 DOI: 10.1038/s44320-024-00039-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Static gene expression programs have been extensively characterized in stem cells and mature human cells. However, the dynamics of RNA isoform changes upon cell-state-transitions during cell differentiation, the determinants and functional consequences have largely remained unclear. Here, we established an improved model for human neurogenesis in vitro that is amenable for systems-wide analyses of gene expression. Our multi-omics analysis reveals that the pronounced alterations in cell morphology correlate strongly with widespread changes in RNA isoform expression. Our approach identifies thousands of new RNA isoforms that are expressed at distinct differentiation stages. RNA isoforms mainly arise from exon skipping and the alternative usage of transcription start and polyadenylation sites during human neurogenesis. The transcript isoform changes can remodel the identity and functions of protein isoforms. Finally, our study identifies a set of RNA binding proteins as a potential determinant of differentiation stage-specific global isoform changes. This work supports the view of regulated isoform changes that underlie state-transitions during neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Ulicevic
- Otto-Warburg-Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Zhihao Shao
- Otto-Warburg-Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Olga Jasnovidova
- Otto-Warburg-Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Annkatrin Bressin
- Otto-Warburg-Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martyna Gajos
- Otto-Warburg-Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alex Hm Ng
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, USA
| | - Siddharth Annaldasula
- Otto-Warburg-Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - David Meierhofer
- Mass Spectrometry Facility, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - George M Church
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, USA
| | - Volker Busskamp
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Bonn, Medical Faculty, Bonn, Germany
| | - Andreas Mayer
- Otto-Warburg-Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany.
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4
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Sachkova MY. Evolutionary origin of the nervous system from Ctenophora prospective. Evol Dev 2024; 26:e12472. [PMID: 38390763 DOI: 10.1111/ede.12472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Nervous system is one of the key adaptations underlying the evolutionary success of the majority of animal groups. Ctenophores (or comb jellies) are gelatinous marine invertebrates that were probably the first lineage to diverge from the rest of animals. Due to the key phylogenetic position and multiple unique adaptations, the noncentralized nervous system of comb jellies has been in the center of the debate around the origin of the nervous system in the animal kingdom and whether it happened only once or twice. Here, we discuss the latest findings in ctenophore neuroscience and multiple challenges on the way to build a clear evolutionary picture of the origin of the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Y Sachkova
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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5
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Kim Y, You JH, Ryu Y, Park G, Lee U, Moon HE, Park HR, Song CW, Ku JL, Park SH, Paek SH. ELAVL2 loss promotes aggressive mesenchymal transition in glioblastoma. NPJ Precis Oncol 2024; 8:79. [PMID: 38548861 PMCID: PMC10978835 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-024-00566-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM), the most lethal primary brain cancer, exhibits intratumoral heterogeneity and molecular plasticity, posing challenges for effective treatment. Despite this, the regulatory mechanisms underlying such plasticity, particularly mesenchymal (MES) transition, remain poorly understood. In this study, we elucidate the role of the RNA-binding protein ELAVL2 in regulating aggressive MES transformation in GBM. We found that ELAVL2 is most frequently deleted in GBM compared to other cancers and associated with distinct clinical and molecular features. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that ELAVL2-mediated alterations correspond to specific GBM subtype signatures. Notably, ELAVL2 expression negatively correlated with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes, and its loss promoted MES process and chemo-resistance in GBM cells, whereas ELAVL2 overexpression exerted the opposite effect. Further investigation via tissue microarray analysis demonstrated that high ELAVL2 protein expression confers a favorable survival outcome in GBM patients. Mechanistically, ELAVL2 was shown to directly bind to the transcripts of EMT-inhibitory molecules, SH3GL3 and DNM3, modulating their mRNA stability, potentially through an m6A-dependent mechanism. In summary, our findings identify ELAVL2 as a critical tumor suppressor and mRNA stabilizer that regulates MES transition in GBM, underscoring its role in transcriptomic plasticity and glioma progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yona Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cancer Research Institute and Ischemic/Hypoxic Disease Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Seoul National University College of Biological Sciences, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji Hyeon You
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cancer Research Institute and Ischemic/Hypoxic Disease Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in Caner Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yeonjoo Ryu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cancer Research Institute and Ischemic/Hypoxic Disease Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Seoul National University College of Biological Sciences, Seoul, Korea
| | - Gyuri Park
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cancer Research Institute and Ischemic/Hypoxic Disease Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in Caner Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Urim Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cancer Research Institute and Ischemic/Hypoxic Disease Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in Caner Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyo Eun Moon
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cancer Research Institute and Ischemic/Hypoxic Disease Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hye Ran Park
- Department of Neurosurgery, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chang W Song
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Ja-Lok Ku
- Korean Cell Line Bank, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung-Hye Park
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sun Ha Paek
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cancer Research Institute and Ischemic/Hypoxic Disease Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- Advanced Institute of Convergence Technology, Seoul National University, Suwon, Korea.
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6
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Smith PR, Campbell ZT. RNA-binding proteins in pain. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2024; 15:e1843. [PMID: 38576117 PMCID: PMC11003723 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1843] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
RNAs are meticulously controlled by proteins. Through direct and indirect associations, every facet in the brief life of an mRNA is subject to regulation. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) permeate biology. Here, we focus on their roles in pain. Chronic pain is among the largest challenges facing medicine and requires new strategies. Mounting pharmacologic and genetic evidence obtained in pre-clinical models suggests fundamental roles for a broad array of RBPs. We describe their diverse roles that span RNA modification, splicing, stability, translation, and decay. Finally, we highlight opportunities to expand our understanding of regulatory interactions that contribute to pain signaling. This article is categorized under: RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein-RNA Interactions: Functional Implications Translation > Regulation RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick R. Smith
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA 53792
| | - Zachary T. Campbell
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA 53792
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA 53792
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7
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Upreti A, Hoang TV, Li M, Tangeman JA, Dierker DS, Wagner BD, Tsonis PA, Liang C, Lachke SA, Robinson ML. miR-26 deficiency causes alterations in lens transcriptome and results in adult-onset cataract. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.29.577818. [PMID: 38352453 PMCID: PMC10862774 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.29.577818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Purpose Despite strong evidence demonstrating that normal lens development requires regulation governed by miRNAs, the functional role of specific miRNAs in mammalian lens development remains largely unexplored. Methods A comprehensive analysis of miRNA transcripts in the newborn mouse lens, exploring both differential expression between lens epithelial cells and lens fiber cells and overall miRNA abundance was conducted by miRNA-seq. Mouse lenses lacking each of three abundantly expressed lens miRNAs: miR-184, miR-26 and miR-1 were analyzed to explore the role of these miRNAs in lens development. Results Mice lacking all three copies of miR-26 (miR-26TKO) developed postnatal cataracts as early as 4-6 weeks of age. RNA-seq analysis of neonatal lenses from miR-26TKO mice exhibited abnormal reduced expression of a cohort of genes found to be lens-enriched and linked to cataract (e.g. Foxe3, Hsf4, Mip, Tdrd7, and numerous crystallin genes), and abnormal elevated expression of genes related to neural development (Lhx3, Neurod4, Shisa7, Elavl3 ), inflammation (Ccr1, Tnfrsf12a, Csf2ra), the complement pathway, and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (Tnfrsf1a, Ccl7, Stat3, Cntfr). Conclusion miR-1, miR-184 and miR-26 are each dispensable for normal embryonic lens development. However, loss of miR-26 causes lens transcriptome changes and drives cataract formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil Upreti
- Cell, Molecular and Structural Biology Program, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
- Department of Biology and Center for Visual Sciences, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Thanh V Hoang
- Cell, Molecular and Structural Biology Program, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
- Department of Biology and Center for Visual Sciences, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Minghua Li
- Department of Biology and Center for Visual Sciences, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Jared A Tangeman
- Cell, Molecular and Structural Biology Program, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
- Department of Biology and Center for Visual Sciences, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - David S Dierker
- Department of Biology and Center for Visual Sciences, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Brad D Wagner
- Department of Biology and Center for Visual Sciences, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | | | - Chun Liang
- Department of Biology and Center for Visual Sciences, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Salil A Lachke
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
- Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Michael L Robinson
- Cell, Molecular and Structural Biology Program, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
- Department of Biology and Center for Visual Sciences, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
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8
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Mulligan MR, Bicknell LS. The molecular genetics of nELAVL in brain development and disease. Eur J Hum Genet 2023; 31:1209-1217. [PMID: 37697079 PMCID: PMC10620143 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-023-01456-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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Embryonic development requires tight control of gene expression levels, activity, and localisation. This control is coordinated by multiple levels of regulation on DNA, RNA and protein. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are recognised as key regulators of post-transcriptional gene regulation, where their binding controls splicing, polyadenylation, nuclear export, mRNA stability, translation rate and decay. In brain development, the ELAVL family of RNA binding proteins undertake essential functions across spatiotemporal windows to help regulate and specify transcriptomic programmes for cell specialisation. Despite their recognised importance in neural tissues, their molecular roles and connections to pathology are less explored. Here we provide an overview of the neuronal ELAVL family, noting commonalities and differences amongst different species, their molecular characteristics, and roles in the cell. We bring together the available molecular genetics evidence to link different ELAVL proteins to phenotypes and disease, in both the brain and beyond, including ELAVL2, which is the least studied ELAVL family member. We find that ELAVL-related pathology shares a common neurological theme, but different ELAVL proteins are more strongly connected to different phenotypes, reflecting their specialised expression across time and space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan R Mulligan
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Louise S Bicknell
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
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9
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Marchesi N, Linciano P, Campagnoli LIM, Fahmideh F, Rossi D, Costa G, Ambrosio FA, Barbieri A, Collina S, Pascale A. Short- and Long-Term Regulation of HuD: A Molecular Switch Mediated by Folic Acid? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12201. [PMID: 37569576 PMCID: PMC10418318 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The RNA-binding protein HuD has been shown to play a crucial role in gene regulation in the nervous system and is involved in various neurological and psychiatric diseases. In this study, through the creation of an interaction network on HuD and its potential targets, we identified a strong association between HuD and several diseases of the nervous system. Specifically, we focused on the relationship between HuD and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), whose protein is implicated in several neuronal diseases and is involved in the regulation of neuronal development, survival, and function. To better investigate this relationship and given that we previously demonstrated that folic acid (FA) is able to directly bind HuD itself, we performed in vitro experiments in neuron-like human SH-SY5Y cells in the presence of FA, also known to be a pivotal environmental factor influencing the nervous system development. Our findings show that FA exposure results in a significant increase in both HuD and BDNF transcripts and proteins after 2 and 4 h of treatment, respectively. Similar data were obtained after 2 h of FA incubation followed by 2 h of washout. This increase was no longer detected upon 24 h of FA exposure, probably due to a signaling shutdown mechanism. Indeed, we observed that following 24 h of FA exposure HuD is methylated. These findings indicate that FA regulates BDNF expression via HuD and suggest that FA can behave as an epigenetic modulator of HuD in the nervous system acting via short- and long-term mechanisms. Finally, the present results also highlight the potential of BDNF as a therapeutic target for specific neurological and psychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoletta Marchesi
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.I.M.C.); (F.F.); (A.B.)
| | - Pasquale Linciano
- Department of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (P.L.); (D.R.); (S.C.)
| | | | - Foroogh Fahmideh
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.I.M.C.); (F.F.); (A.B.)
| | - Daniela Rossi
- Department of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (P.L.); (D.R.); (S.C.)
| | - Giosuè Costa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Campus “S. Venuta”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (G.C.); (F.A.A.)
- Net4Science Academic Spin-Off, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Associazione CRISEA-Centro di Ricerca e Servizi Avanzati per l’Innovazione Rurale, 88055 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesca Alessandra Ambrosio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Campus “S. Venuta”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (G.C.); (F.A.A.)
| | - Annalisa Barbieri
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.I.M.C.); (F.F.); (A.B.)
| | - Simona Collina
- Department of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (P.L.); (D.R.); (S.C.)
| | - Alessia Pascale
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.I.M.C.); (F.F.); (A.B.)
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10
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Alfonso-Gonzalez C, Legnini I, Holec S, Arrigoni L, Ozbulut HC, Mateos F, Koppstein D, Rybak-Wolf A, Bönisch U, Rajewsky N, Hilgers V. Sites of transcription initiation drive mRNA isoform selection. Cell 2023; 186:2438-2455.e22. [PMID: 37178687 PMCID: PMC10228280 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The generation of distinct messenger RNA isoforms through alternative RNA processing modulates the expression and function of genes, often in a cell-type-specific manner. Here, we assess the regulatory relationships between transcription initiation, alternative splicing, and 3' end site selection. Applying long-read sequencing to accurately represent even the longest transcripts from end to end, we quantify mRNA isoforms in Drosophila tissues, including the transcriptionally complex nervous system. We find that in Drosophila heads, as well as in human cerebral organoids, 3' end site choice is globally influenced by the site of transcription initiation (TSS). "Dominant promoters," characterized by specific epigenetic signatures including p300/CBP binding, impose a transcriptional constraint to define splice and polyadenylation variants. In vivo deletion or overexpression of dominant promoters as well as p300/CBP loss disrupted the 3' end expression landscape. Our study demonstrates the crucial impact of TSS choice on the regulation of transcript diversity and tissue identity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Alfonso-Gonzalez
- Max-Planck-Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, 79108 Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Biology, Albert Ludwig University, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; International Max Planck Research School for Molecular and Cellular Biology (IMPRS-MCB), 79108 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ivano Legnini
- Laboratory for Systems Biology of Gene Regulatory Elements, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sarah Holec
- Max-Planck-Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, 79108 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Laura Arrigoni
- Max-Planck-Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, 79108 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hasan Can Ozbulut
- Max-Planck-Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, 79108 Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Biology, Albert Ludwig University, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Fernando Mateos
- Max-Planck-Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, 79108 Freiburg, Germany
| | - David Koppstein
- Max-Planck-Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, 79108 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Agnieszka Rybak-Wolf
- Organoid Platform, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrike Bönisch
- Max-Planck-Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, 79108 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nikolaus Rajewsky
- Laboratory for Systems Biology of Gene Regulatory Elements, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 10115 Berlin, Germany; Charité - Universitätsmedizin, Charitépl. 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany; NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Berlin, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK); National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Valérie Hilgers
- Max-Planck-Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, 79108 Freiburg, Germany; Signalling Research Centre CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.
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11
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Garsetti DE, Sahay K, Wang Y, Rogers MB. Sex and the basal mRNA synthesis machinery. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2023; 14:e1765. [PMID: 36195437 PMCID: PMC10070566 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1765] [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: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Evolution and change generated an incredible diversity of organisms on this earth. Yet, some processes are so central to life that change is strongly selected against. Synthesis of the eukaryotic messenger RNA is one example. The assemblies that carry out transcription and processing (capping, polyadenylation, and splicing) are so conserved that most genes have recognizable orthologs in yeast and humans. Naturally, most would conclude transcription and processing are identical in both sexes. However, this is an assumption. Men and women vastly differ in their physiologies. The incidence of pathologies, symptom presentation, disease outcome, and therapeutic response in each sex vary enormously. Despite the harm ignorance causes women, biological research has been historically carried out without regard to sex. The male mouse was the default mammal. A cultured cell's sex was considered irrelevant. Attempts to fill this knowledge gap have revealed molecular dissimilarities. For example, the earliest embryonic male and female transcriptomes differ long before fetal sex hormones appear. We used public data to challenge the assumption of sameness by reviewing reports of sex-biased gene expression and gene targeting. We focused on 120 genes encoding nonregulatory proteins involved in mRNA synthesis. Remarkably, genes with recognizable orthologs in yeast and thus LEAST likely to differ, did differ between the sexes. The rapidly growing public databases can be used to compare the expression of any gene in male and female tissues. Appreciating the principles that drive sex differences will enrich our understanding of RNA biology in all humans-men and women. This article is categorized under: RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Development RNA Evolution and Genomics > Computational Analyses of RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane E Garsetti
- Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School (NJMS), Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Genetics, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Khushboo Sahay
- Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School (NJMS), Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Genetics, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Yue Wang
- Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School (NJMS), Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Genetics, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Melissa B Rogers
- Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School (NJMS), Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Genetics, Newark, New Jersey, USA
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Lin WY, Liu CH, Cheng J, Liu HP. Alterations of RNA-binding protein found in neurons in Drosophila neurons and glia influence synaptic transmission and lifespan. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1006455. [DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1006455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The found in neurons (fne), a paralog of the RNA-binding protein ELAV gene family in Drosophila, is required for post-transcriptional regulation of neuronal development and differentiation. Previous explorations into the functions of the FNE protein have been limited to neurons. The function of fne in Drosophila glia remains unclear. We induced the knockdown or overexpression of fne in Drosophila neurons and glia to determine how fne affects different types of behaviors, neuronal transmission and the lifespan. Our data indicate that changes in fne expression impair associative learning, thermal nociception, and phototransduction. Examination of synaptic transmission at presynaptic and postsynaptic terminals of the larval neuromuscular junction (NMJ) revealed that loss of fne in motor neurons and glia significantly decreased excitatory junction currents (EJCs) and quantal content, while flies with glial fne knockdown facilitated short-term synaptic plasticity. In muscle cells, overexpression of fne reduced both EJC and quantal content and increased short-term synaptic facilitation. In both genders, the lifespan could be extended by the knockdown of fne in neurons and glia; the overexpression of fne shortened the lifespan. Our results demonstrate that disturbances of fne in neurons and glia influence the function of the Drosophila nervous system. Further explorations into the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal and glial fne and elucidation of how fne affects neuronal activity may clarify certain brain functions.
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