1
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Chen W, Li S, Huang D, Su Y, Wang J, Liang Z. Identification of prognostic RNA editing profiles for clear cell renal carcinoma. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1390803. [PMID: 39091293 PMCID: PMC11291244 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1390803] [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: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common type of renal cancer and currently lacks effective biomarkers. This research aims to analyze and identify RNA editing profile associated with ccRCC prognosis through bioinformatics and in vitro experiments. Methods Transcriptome data and clinical information for ccRCC were retrieved from the TCGA database, and RNA editing files were obtained from the Synapse database. Prognostic models were screened, developed, and assessed using consistency index analysis and independent prognostic analysis, etc. Internal validation models were also constructed for further evaluation. Differential genes were investigated using GO, KEGG, and GSEA enrichment analyses. Furthermore, qPCR was performed to determine gene expression in human renal tubular epithelial cells HK-2 and ccRCC cells A-498, 786-O, and Caki-2. Results An RNA editing-based risk score, that effectively distinguishes between high and low-risk populations, has been identified. It includes CHD3| chr17:7815229, MYO19| chr17:34853704, OIP5-AS1| chr15:41590962, MRI1| chr19:13883962, GBP4| chr1:89649327, APOL1| chr22:36662830, FCF1| chr14:75203040 edited sites or genes and could serve as an independent prognostic factor for ccRCC patients. qPCR results showed significant up-regulation of CHD3, MYO19, MRI1, APOL1, and FCF1 in A-498, 786-O, and Caki-2 cells, while the expression of OIP5-AS1 and GBP4 was significantly down-regulated. Conclusion RNA editing site-based prognostic models are valuable in differentiating between high and low-risk populations. The seven identified RNA editing sites may be utilized as potential biomarkers for ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihong Chen
- Department of Anxi County Hospital, Quanzhou, China
| | - Shaobin Li
- Department of Anxi County Hospital, Quanzhou, China
| | | | - Yuchao Su
- Department of Anxi County Hospital, Quanzhou, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Xilin Gol League Central Hospital, Xilin Hot, China
| | - Zhiru Liang
- Xilin Gol League Central Hospital, Xilin Hot, China
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2
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Hu SB, Li JB. RNA editing and immune control: from mechanism to therapy. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2024; 86:102195. [PMID: 38643591 PMCID: PMC11162905 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2024.102195] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Adenosine-to-inosine RNA editing, catalyzed by the enzymes ADAR1 and ADAR2, stands as a pervasive RNA modification. A primary function of ADAR1-mediated RNA editing lies in labeling endogenous double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) as 'self', thereby averting their potential to activate innate immune responses. Recent findings have highlighted additional roles of ADAR1, independent of RNA editing, that are crucial for immune control. Here, we focus on recent progress in understanding ADAR1's RNA editing-dependent and -independent roles in immune control. We describe how ADAR1 regulates various dsRNA innate immune receptors through distinct mechanisms. Furthermore, we discuss the implications of ADAR1 and RNA editing in diseases, including autoimmune diseases and cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Bin Hu
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| | - Jin Billy Li
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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3
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Bass BL. Adenosine deaminases that act on RNA, then and now. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2024; 30:521-529. [PMID: 38531651 PMCID: PMC11019741 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079990.124] [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: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
In this article, I recount my memories of key experiments that led to my entry into the RNA editing/modification field. I highlight initial observations made by the pioneers in the ADAR field, and how they fit into our current understanding of this family of enzymes. I discuss early mysteries that have now been solved, as well as those that still linger. Finally, I discuss important, outstanding questions and acknowledge my hope for the future of the RNA editing/modification field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda L Bass
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
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4
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Cottrell KA, Andrews RJ, Bass BL. The competitive landscape of the dsRNA world. Mol Cell 2024; 84:107-119. [PMID: 38118451 PMCID: PMC10843539 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.11.033] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
The ability to sense and respond to infection is essential for life. Viral infection produces double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) that are sensed by proteins that recognize the structure of dsRNA. This structure-based recognition of viral dsRNA allows dsRNA sensors to recognize infection by many viruses, but it comes at a cost-the dsRNA sensors cannot always distinguish between "self" and "nonself" dsRNAs. "Self" RNAs often contain dsRNA regions, and not surprisingly, mechanisms have evolved to prevent aberrant activation of dsRNA sensors by "self" RNA. Here, we review current knowledge about the life of endogenous dsRNAs in mammals-the biosynthesis and processing of dsRNAs, the proteins they encounter, and their ultimate degradation. We highlight mechanisms that evolved to prevent aberrant dsRNA sensor activation and the importance of competition in the regulation of dsRNA sensors and other dsRNA-binding proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle A Cottrell
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
| | - Ryan J Andrews
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Brenda L Bass
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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5
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Keegan LP, Hajji K, O’Connell MA. Adenosine Deaminase Acting on RNA (ADAR) Enzymes: A Journey from Weird to Wondrous. Acc Chem Res 2023; 56:3165-3174. [PMID: 37906879 PMCID: PMC10666284 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.3c00433] [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: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
The adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR) enzymes that catalyze the conversion of adenosine to inosine in double-stranded (ds)RNA are evolutionarily conserved and are essential for many biological functions including nervous system function, hematopoiesis, and innate immunity. Initially it was assumed that the wide-ranging biological roles of ADARs are due to inosine in mRNA being read as guanosine by the translational machinery, allowing incomplete RNA editing in a target codon to generate two different proteins from the same primary transcript. In humans, there are approximately seventy-six positions that undergo site-specific editing in tissues at greater than 20% efficiency that result in recoding. Many of these transcripts are expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) and edited by ADAR2. Exploiting mouse genetic models revealed that transgenic mice lacking the gene encoding Adar2 die within 3 weeks of birth. Therefore, the role of ADAR2 in generating protein diversity in the nervous system is clear, but why is ADAR RNA editing activity essential in other biological processes, particularly editing mainly involving ADAR1? ADAR1 edits human transcripts having embedded Alu element inverted repeats (AluIRs), but the link from this activity to innate immunity activation was elusive. Mice lacking the gene encoding Adar1 are embryonically lethal, and a major breakthrough was the discovery that the role of Adar1 in innate immunity is due to its ability to edit such repetitive element inverted repeats which have the ability to form dsRNA in transcripts. The presence of inosine prevents activation of the dsRNA sensor melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 (Mda5). Thus, inosine helps the cell discriminate self from non-self RNA, acting like a barcode on mRNA. As innate immunity is key to many different biological processes, the basis for this widespread biological role of the ADAR1 enzyme became evident.Our group has been studying ADARs from the outset of research on these enzymes. In this Account, we give a historical perspective, moving from the initial purification of ADAR1 and ADAR2 and cloning of their encoding genes up to the current research focus in the field and what questions still remain to be addressed. We discuss the characterizations of the proteins, their localizations, posttranslational modifications, and dimerization, and how all of these affect their biological activities. Another aspect we explore is the use of mouse and Drosophila genetic models to study ADAR functions and how these were crucial in determining the biological functions of the ADAR proteins. Finally, we describe the severe consequences of rare mutations found in the human genes encoding ADAR1 and ADAR2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam P. Keegan
- CEITEC, Masaryk
University, Kamenice 735/5, E35, Brno 62500, Czechia
| | - Khadija Hajji
- CEITEC, Masaryk
University, Kamenice 735/5, E35, Brno 62500, Czechia
| | - Mary A. O’Connell
- CEITEC, Masaryk
University, Kamenice 735/5, E35, Brno 62500, Czechia
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6
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Mollon JD, Danilova MV, Zhuravlev AV. A possible mechanism of neural read-out from a molecular engram. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2023; 200:107748. [PMID: 36907505 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2023.107748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
What is the physical basis of declarative memory? The predominant view holds that stored information is embedded in the structure of a neural net, that is, in the signs and weights of its synaptic connections. An alternative possibility is that storage and processing are separated, and that the engram is encoded chemically, most probably in the sequence of a nucleic acid. One deterrent to adoption of the latter hypothesis has been the difficulty of envisaging how neural actively could be converted to and from a molecular code. Our purpose here is limited to suggesting how a molecular sequence could be read out from nucleic acid to neural activity by means of nanopores.
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Affiliation(s)
- J D Mollon
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Downing St., Cambridge CB2 3EB, United Kingdom.
| | - M V Danilova
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Downing St., Cambridge CB2 3EB, United Kingdom; I.P. Pavlov Institute of Physiology, nab Makarova 6, 199034 St Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - A V Zhuravlev
- I.P. Pavlov Institute of Physiology, nab Makarova 6, 199034 St Petersburg, Russian Federation
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7
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Recurrent RNA edits in human preimplantation potentially enhance maternal mRNA clearance. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1400. [PMID: 36543858 PMCID: PMC9772385 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04338-0] [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: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Posttranscriptional modification plays an important role in key embryonic processes. Adenosine-to-inosine RNA editing, a common example of such modifications, is widespread in human adult tissues and has various functional impacts and clinical consequences. However, whether it persists in a consistent pattern in most human embryos, and whether it supports embryonic development, are poorly understood. To address this problem, we compiled the largest human embryonic editome from 2,071 transcriptomes and identified thousands of recurrent embryonic edits (>=50% chances of occurring in a given stage) for each early developmental stage. We found that these recurrent edits prefer exons consistently across stages, tend to target genes related to DNA replication, and undergo organized loss in abnormal embryos and embryos from elder mothers. In particular, these recurrent edits are likely to enhance maternal mRNA clearance, a possible mechanism of which could be introducing more microRNA binding sites to the 3'-untranslated regions of clearance targets. This study suggests a potentially important, if not indispensable, role of RNA editing in key human embryonic processes such as maternal mRNA clearance; the identified editome can aid further investigations.
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8
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Li M, Yan C, Jiao Y, Xu Y, Bai C, Miao R, Jiang J, Liu J. Site-directed RNA editing by harnessing ADARs: advances and challenges. Funct Integr Genomics 2022; 22:1089-1103. [DOI: 10.1007/s10142-022-00910-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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9
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Donato L, Scimone C, Alibrandi S, Scalinci SZ, Rinaldi C, D’Angelo R, Sidoti A. Epitranscriptome Analysis of Oxidative Stressed Retinal Epithelial Cells Depicted a Possible RNA Editing Landscape of Retinal Degeneration. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11101967. [PMID: 36290689 PMCID: PMC9598096 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11101967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress represents one of the principal causes of inherited retinal dystrophies, with many related molecular mechanisms still unknown. We investigated the posttranscriptional RNA editing landscape of human retinal pigment epithelium cells (RPE) exposed to the oxidant agent N-retinylidene-N-retinyl ethanolamine (A2E) for 1 h, 2 h, 3 h and 6 h. Using a transcriptomic approach, refined with a specific multialgorithm pipeline, 62,880 already annotated and de novo RNA editing sites within about 3000 genes were identified among all samples. Approximately 19% of these RNA editing sites were found within 3' UTR, including sites common to all time points that were predicted to change the binding capacity of 359 miRNAs towards 9654 target genes. A2E exposure also determined significant gene expression differences in deaminase family ADAR, APOBEC and ADAT members, involved in canonical and tRNA editing events. On GO and KEGG enrichment analyses, genes that showed different RNA editing levels are mainly involved in pathways strongly linked to a possible neovascularization of retinal tissue, with induced apoptosis mediated by the ECM and surface protein altered signaling. Collectively, this work demonstrated dynamic RNA editome profiles in RPE cells for the first time and shed more light on new mechanisms at the basis of retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Donato
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
- Department of Biomolecular Strategies, Genetics and Cutting-Edge Therapies, I.E.ME.S.T., 90139 Palermo, Italy
| | - Concetta Scimone
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
- Department of Biomolecular Strategies, Genetics and Cutting-Edge Therapies, I.E.ME.S.T., 90139 Palermo, Italy
| | - Simona Alibrandi
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
- Department of Biomolecular Strategies, Genetics and Cutting-Edge Therapies, I.E.ME.S.T., 90139 Palermo, Italy
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-090-221-3136
| | - Sergio Zaccaria Scalinci
- DIMEC (Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences), University of Bologna, 40121 Bologna, Italy
| | - Carmela Rinaldi
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Rosalia D’Angelo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Antonina Sidoti
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
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10
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Scimone C, Alibrandi S, Donato L, Alafaci C, Germanò A, Vinci SL, D'Angelo R, Sidoti A. Editome landscape of CCM-derived endothelial cells. RNA Biol 2022; 19:852-865. [PMID: 35771000 PMCID: PMC9248949 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2022.2091306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
By regulating several phases of gene expression, RNA editing modifications contribute to maintaining physiological RNA expression levels. RNA editing dysregulation can affect RNA molecule half-life, coding/noncoding RNA interaction, alternative splicing, and circular RNA biogenesis. Impaired RNA editing has been observed in several pathological conditions, including cancer and Alzheimer's disease. No data has been published yet on the editome profile of endothelial cells (ECs) isolated from human cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) lesions. Here, we describe a landscape of editome modifications in sporadic CCM-derived ECs (CCM-ECs) by comparing editing events with those observed in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs). With a whole transcriptome-based variant calling pipeline, we identified differential edited genes in CCM-ECs that were enriched in pathways related to angiogenesis, apoptosis and cell survival, inflammation and, in particular, to thrombin signalling mediated by protease-activated receptors and non-canonical Wnt signalling. These pathways, not yet associated to CCM development, could be a novel field for further investigations on CCM molecular mechanisms. Moreover, enrichment analysis of differentially edited miRNAs suggested additional small noncoding transcripts to consider for development of targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Concetta Scimone
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.,therapies, I.E.ME.S.TDepartment of Biomolecular strategies, genetics, cutting-edge, Palermo, Italy
| | - Simona Alibrandi
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.,therapies, I.E.ME.S.TDepartment of Biomolecular strategies, genetics, cutting-edge, Palermo, Italy.,Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Luigi Donato
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.,therapies, I.E.ME.S.TDepartment of Biomolecular strategies, genetics, cutting-edge, Palermo, Italy
| | - Concetta Alafaci
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Antonino Germanò
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Sergio L Vinci
- Neuroradiology Unit, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Rosalia D'Angelo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.,therapies, I.E.ME.S.TDepartment of Biomolecular strategies, genetics, cutting-edge, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonina Sidoti
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.,therapies, I.E.ME.S.TDepartment of Biomolecular strategies, genetics, cutting-edge, Palermo, Italy
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11
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Guo X, Liu S, Yan R, Nguyen V, Zenati M, Billiar TR, Wang Q. ADAR1 RNA editing regulates endothelial cell functions via the MDA-5 RNA sensing signaling pathway. Life Sci Alliance 2022; 5:5/3/e202101191. [PMID: 34969816 PMCID: PMC8739526 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202101191] [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: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The RNA-sensing signaling pathway has been well studied as an essential antiviral mechanism of innate immunity. However, its role in non-infected cells is yet to be thoroughly characterized. Here, we demonstrated that the RNA sensing signaling pathway also reacts to the endogenous cellular RNAs in endothelial cells (ECs), and this reaction is regulated by the RNA-editing enzyme ADAR1. Cellular RNA sequencing analysis showed that EC RNAs endure extensive RNA editing, especially in the RNA transcripts of short interspersed nuclear elements. The EC-specific deletion of ADAR1 dramatically reduced the editing level on short interspersed nuclear element RNAs, resulting in newborn death in mice with damage evident in multiple organs. Genome-wide gene expression analysis revealed a prominent innate immune activation with a dramatically elevated expression of interferon-stimulated genes. However, blocking the RNA sensing signaling pathway by deletion of the cellular RNA receptor MDA-5 prevented interferon-stimulated gene expression and rescued the newborn mice from death. This evidence demonstrated that the RNA-editing/RNA-sensing signaling pathway dramatically modulates EC function, representing a novel molecular mechanism for the regulation of EC functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinfeng Guo
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Silvia Liu
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Rose Yan
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Vy Nguyen
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mazen Zenati
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Timothy R Billiar
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Qingde Wang
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA .,Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,VA Pittsburgh Health System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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12
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Abstract
Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is produced both by virus and host. Its recognition by the melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) initiates type I interferon responses. How can a host distinguish self-transcripts from nonself to ensure that responses are targeted correctly? Here, I discuss a role for MDA5 helicase in inducing Z-RNA formation by Alu inverted repeat (AIR) elements. These retroelements have highly conserved sequences that favor Z-formation, creating a site for the dsRNA-specific deaminase enzyme ADAR1 to dock. The subsequent editing destabilizes the dsRNA, ending further interaction with MDA5 and terminating innate immune responses directed against self. By enabling self-recognition, Alu retrotransposons, once invaders, now are genetic elements that keep immune responses in check. I also discuss the possible but less characterized roles of the other helicases in modulating innate immune responses, focusing on DExH-box helicase 9 (DHX9) and Mov10 RISC complex RNA helicase (MOV10). DHX9 and MOV10 function differently from MDA5, but still use nucleic acid structure, rather than nucleotide sequence, to define self. Those genetic elements encoding the alternative conformations involved, referred to as flipons, enable helicases to dynamically shape a cell's repertoire of responses. In the case of MDA5, Alu flipons switch off the dsRNA-dependent responses against self. I suggest a number of genetic systems in which to study interactions between flipons and helicases further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Herbert
- Discovery, InsideOutBio, Charlestown, Massachusetts, United States of America
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13
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Schaefer MR. The Regulation of RNA Modification Systems: The Next Frontier in Epitranscriptomics? Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12030345. [PMID: 33652758 PMCID: PMC7996938 DOI: 10.3390/genes12030345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA modifications, long considered to be molecular curiosities embellishing just abundant and non-coding RNAs, have now moved into the focus of both academic and applied research. Dedicated research efforts (epitranscriptomics) aim at deciphering the underlying principles by determining RNA modification landscapes and investigating the molecular mechanisms that establish, interpret and modulate the information potential of RNA beyond the combination of four canonical nucleotides. This has resulted in mapping various epitranscriptomes at high resolution and in cataloguing the effects caused by aberrant RNA modification circuitry. While the scope of the obtained insights has been complex and exciting, most of current epitranscriptomics appears to be stuck in the process of producing data, with very few efforts to disentangle cause from consequence when studying a specific RNA modification system. This article discusses various knowledge gaps in this field with the aim to raise one specific question: how are the enzymes regulated that dynamically install and modify RNA modifications? Furthermore, various technologies will be highlighted whose development and use might allow identifying specific and context-dependent regulators of epitranscriptomic mechanisms. Given the complexity of individual epitranscriptomes, determining their regulatory principles will become crucially important, especially when aiming at modifying specific aspects of an epitranscriptome both for experimental and, potentially, therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias R Schaefer
- Centre for Anatomy & Cell Biology, Division of Cell-and Developmental Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, Haus C, 1st Floor, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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