1
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Fakim H, Vande Velde C. The implications of physiological biomolecular condensates in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 156:176-189. [PMID: 37268555 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2023.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, there has been an emphasis on the role of phase-separated biomolecular condensates, especially stress granules, in neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This is largely due to several ALS-associated mutations occurring in genes involved in stress granule assembly and observations that pathological inclusions detected in ALS patient neurons contain stress granule proteins, including the ALS-linked proteins TDP-43 and FUS. However, protein components of stress granules are also found in numerous other phase-separated biomolecular condensates under physiological conditions which are inadequately discussed in the context of ALS. In this review, we look beyond stress granules and describe the roles of TDP-43 and FUS in physiological condensates occurring in the nucleus and neurites, such as the nucleolus, Cajal bodies, paraspeckles and neuronal RNA transport granules. We also discuss the consequences of ALS-linked mutations in TDP-43 and FUS on their ability to phase separate into these stress-independent biomolecular condensates and perform their respective functions. Importantly, biomolecular condensates sequester multiple overlapping protein and RNA components, and their dysregulation could contribute to the observed pleiotropic effects of both sporadic and familial ALS on RNA metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana Fakim
- Department of Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, and CHUM Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Christine Vande Velde
- Department of Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, and CHUM Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada.
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2
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Otis JP, Mowry KL. Hitting the mark: Localization of mRNA and biomolecular condensates in health and disease. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2023; 14:e1807. [PMID: 37393916 PMCID: PMC10758526 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1807] [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: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Subcellular mRNA localization is critical to a multitude of biological processes such as development of cellular polarity, embryogenesis, tissue differentiation, protein complex formation, cell migration, and rapid responses to environmental stimuli and synaptic depolarization. Our understanding of the mechanisms of mRNA localization must now be revised to include formation and trafficking of biomolecular condensates, as several biomolecular condensates that transport and localize mRNA have recently been discovered. Disruptions in mRNA localization can have catastrophic effects on developmental processes and biomolecular condensate biology and have been shown to contribute to diverse diseases. A fundamental understanding of mRNA localization is essential to understanding how aberrations in this biology contribute the etiology of numerous cancers though support of cancer cell migration and biomolecular condensate dysregulation, as well as many neurodegenerative diseases, through misregulation of mRNA localization and biomolecular condensate biology. This article is categorized under: RNA Export and Localization > RNA Localization RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica P. Otis
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States, 02912
| | - Kimberly L. Mowry
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States, 02912
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3
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El-Agamy SE, Guillaud L, Kono K, Wu Y, Terenzio M. FMRP Long-Range Transport and Degradation Are Mediated by Dynlrb1 in Sensory Neurons. Mol Cell Proteomics 2023; 22:100653. [PMID: 37739344 PMCID: PMC10625159 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2023.100653] [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: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMRP) is a multifunctional RNA-binding protein implicated in human neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. FMRP mediates the localization and activity-dependent translation of its associated mRNAs through the formation of phase-separated condensates that are trafficked by microtubule-based motors in axons. Axonal transport and localized mRNA translation are critical processes for long-term neuronal survival and are closely linked to the pathogenesis of neurological diseases. FMRP dynein-mediated axonal trafficking is still largely unexplored but likely to constitute a key process underlying FMRP spatiotemporal translational regulation. Here, we show that dynein light chain roadblock 1 (Dynlrb1), a subunit of the dynein complex, is a critical regulator of FMRP function. In sensory axons, FMRP associates with endolysosomal organelles, likely through annexin A11, and is retrogradely trafficked by the dynein complex in a Dynlrb1-dependent manner. Moreover, Dynlrb1 silencing induced FMRP granule accumulation and repressed the translation of microtubule-associated protein 1b, one of its primary mRNA targets. Our findings suggest that Dynlrb1 regulates FMRP function through the control of its transport and targeted degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Emad El-Agamy
- Molecular Neuroscience Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Laurent Guillaud
- Molecular Neuroscience Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Keiko Kono
- Membranology Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Yibo Wu
- YCI Laboratory for Next-Generation Proteomics, RIKEN Center of Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan; Chemical Biology Mass Spectrometry Platform (ChemBioMS), Faculty of Science, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Marco Terenzio
- Molecular Neuroscience Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa, Japan.
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4
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Gundermann DG, Lymer S, Blau J. A rapid and dynamic role for FMRP in the plasticity of adult neurons. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.01.555985. [PMID: 37693612 PMCID: PMC10491314 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.01.555985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a neuro-developmental disorder caused by silencing Fmr1, which encodes the RNA-binding protein FMRP. Although Fmr1 is expressed in adult neurons, it has been challenging to separate acute from chronic effects of loss of Fmr1 in models of FXS. We have used the precision of Drosophila genetics to test if Fmr1 acutely affects adult neuronal plasticity in vivo, focusing on the s-LNv circadian pacemaker neurons that show 24 hour rhythms in structural plasticity. We found that over-expressing Fmr1 for only 4 hours blocks the activity-dependent expansion of s-LNv projections without altering the circadian clock or activity-regulated gene expression. Conversely, acutely reducing Fmr1 expression prevented s-LNv projections from retracting. One FMRP target that we identified in s-LNvs is sif, which encodes a Rac1 GEF. Our data indicate that FMRP normally reduces sif mRNA translation at dusk to reduce Rac1 activity. Overall, our data reveal a previously unappreciated rapid and direct role for FMRP in acutely regulating neuronal plasticity in adult neurons, and underscore the importance of RNA-binding proteins in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel G Gundermann
- Department of Biology, New York University, 100 Washington Square East, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Seana Lymer
- Department of Biology, New York University, 100 Washington Square East, New York, NY 10003, USA
- Current address: Proteintech Genomics, 11588 Sorrento Valley Rd, San Diego, CA 92121
| | - Justin Blau
- Department of Biology, New York University, 100 Washington Square East, New York, NY 10003, USA
- Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE
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5
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Nam J, Gwon Y. Neuronal biomolecular condensates and their implications in neurodegenerative diseases. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1145420. [PMID: 37065458 PMCID: PMC10102667 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1145420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomolecular condensates are subcellular organizations where functionally related proteins and nucleic acids are assembled through liquid-liquid phase separation, allowing them to develop on a larger scale without a membrane. However, biomolecular condensates are highly vulnerable to disruptions from genetic risks and various factors inside and outside the cell and are strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative diseases. In addition to the classical view of the nucleation-polymerization process that triggers the protein aggregation from the misfolded seed, the pathologic transition of biomolecular condensates can also promote the aggregation of proteins found in the deposits of neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, it has been suggested that several protein or protein-RNA complexes located in the synapse and along the neuronal process are neuron-specific condensates displaying liquid-like properties. As their compositional and functional modifications play a crucial role in the context of neurodegeneration, further research is needed to fully understand the role of neuronal biomolecular condensates. In this article, we will discuss recent findings that explore the pivotal role of biomolecular condensates in the development of neuronal defects and neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Youngdae Gwon
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
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6
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Lin L, Tijjani I, Guo H, An Q, Cao J, Chen X, Liu W, Wang Z, Norvienyeku J. Cytoplasmic dynein1 intermediate-chain2 regulates cellular trafficking and physiopathological development in Magnaporthe oryzae. iScience 2023; 26:106050. [PMID: 36866040 PMCID: PMC9971887 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106050] [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: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The cytoplasmic dynein 1, a minus end-directed motor protein, is an essential microtubule-based molecular motor that mediates the movement of molecules to intracellular destinations in eukaryotes. However, the role of dynein in the pathogenesis of Magnaporthe oryzae is unknown. Here, we identified cytoplasmic dynein 1 intermediate-chain 2 genes in M. oryzae and functionally characterized it using genetic manipulations, and biochemical approaches. We observed that targeted the deletion of MoDYNC1I2 caused significant vegetative growth defects, abolished conidiation, and rendered the ΔModync1I2 strains non-pathogenic. Microscopic examinations revealed significant defects in microtubule network organization, nuclear positioning, and endocytosis ΔModync1I2 strains. MoDync1I2 is localized exclusively to microtubules during fungal developmental stages but co-localizes with the histone OsHis1 in plant nuclei upon infection. The exogenous expression of a histone gene, MoHis1, restored the homeostatic phenotypes of ΔModync1I2 strains but not pathogenicity. These findings could facilitate the development of dynein-directed remedies for managing the rice blast disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily Lin
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China,State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Ibrahim Tijjani
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Hengyuan Guo
- Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control of Tropical Plant Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, College of Plant Protection, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Qiuli An
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Jiaying Cao
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Xiaomin Chen
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Wende Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zonghua Wang
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China,Institute of Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou 350108, China,Corresponding author
| | - Justice Norvienyeku
- Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control of Tropical Plant Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, College of Plant Protection, Hainan University, Haikou, China,Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, Sanya Nanfan Research Institute of Hainan University, Sanya, China,Corresponding author
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7
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Di Liegro CM, Schiera G, Schirò G, Di Liegro I. RNA-Binding Proteins as Epigenetic Regulators of Brain Functions and Their Involvement in Neurodegeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314622. [PMID: 36498959 PMCID: PMC9739182 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A central aspect of nervous system development and function is the post-transcriptional regulation of mRNA fate, which implies time- and site-dependent translation, in response to cues originating from cell-to-cell crosstalk. Such events are fundamental for the establishment of brain cell asymmetry, as well as of long-lasting modifications of synapses (long-term potentiation: LTP), responsible for learning, memory, and higher cognitive functions. Post-transcriptional regulation is in turn dependent on RNA-binding proteins that, by recognizing and binding brief RNA sequences, base modifications, or secondary/tertiary structures, are able to control maturation, localization, stability, and translation of the transcripts. Notably, most RBPs contain intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) that are thought to be involved in the formation of membrane-less structures, probably due to liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). Such structures are evidenced as a variety of granules that contain proteins and different classes of RNAs. The other side of the peculiar properties of IDRs is, however, that, under altered cellular conditions, they are also prone to form aggregates, as observed in neurodegeneration. Interestingly, RBPs, as part of both normal and aggregated complexes, are also able to enter extracellular vesicles (EVs), and in doing so, they can also reach cells other than those that produced them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Maria Di Liegro
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche) (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Gabriella Schiera
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche) (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Schirò
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (Dipartimento di Biomedicina, Neuroscienze e Diagnostica Avanzata) (Bi.N.D.), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Italia Di Liegro
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (Dipartimento di Biomedicina, Neuroscienze e Diagnostica Avanzata) (Bi.N.D.), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-091-238-97 (ext. 415/446)
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8
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Yang C, Zhang X. Research progress on vesicular trafficking in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Zhejiang Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban 2022; 51:380-387. [PMID: 36161717 PMCID: PMC9511476 DOI: 10.3724/zdxbyxb-2022-0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Vesicular trafficking is a basic physiological process by which vesicles transport materials between cells and environment (intercellular transport) and between different cellular compartments (intracellular trafficking). In recent years, more and more evidences have suggested that vesicular trafficking dysfunction plays a key role in pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Abnormal vesicular trafficking promotes the propagation of misfolded proteins by mechanisms involving endocytosis, endosomal-lysosomal pathway, endosomal escape and exosome release, leading to further acceleration of disease progression. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), as a neurodegenerative disease, is characterized by the selective death of upper and lower motor neurons. A variety of causative genes for ALS have been implicated in vesicle trafficking dysfunction, such as C9ORF72, TARDBP and SOD1. Therefore, the aggregation and propagation of misfolded proteins may be prevented through regulation of vesicle trafficking-related proteins, thus delay the progression of ALS. A more in-depth understanding of vesicular trafficking in ALS will be helpful in revealing the mechanism and clinical treatment of ALS. This review focuses on molecular mechanisms of vesicular trafficking in ALS, to provide reference for exploring new therapeutic strategies.
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9
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Landínez-Macías M, Urwyler O. The Fine Art of Writing a Message: RNA Metabolism in the Shaping and Remodeling of the Nervous System. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:755686. [PMID: 34916907 PMCID: PMC8670310 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.755686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronal morphogenesis, integration into circuits, and remodeling of synaptic connections occur in temporally and spatially defined steps. Accordingly, the expression of proteins and specific protein isoforms that contribute to these processes must be controlled quantitatively in time and space. A wide variety of post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms, which act on pre-mRNA and mRNA molecules contribute to this control. They are thereby critically involved in physiological and pathophysiological nervous system development, function, and maintenance. Here, we review recent findings on how mRNA metabolism contributes to neuronal development, from neural stem cell maintenance to synapse specification, with a particular focus on axon growth, guidance, branching, and synapse formation. We emphasize the role of RNA-binding proteins, and highlight their emerging roles in the poorly understood molecular processes of RNA editing, alternative polyadenylation, and temporal control of splicing, while also discussing alternative splicing, RNA localization, and local translation. We illustrate with the example of the evolutionary conserved Musashi protein family how individual RNA-binding proteins are, on the one hand, acting in different processes of RNA metabolism, and, on the other hand, impacting multiple steps in neuronal development and circuit formation. Finally, we provide links to diseases that have been associated with the malfunction of RNA-binding proteins and disrupted post-transcriptional regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Landínez-Macías
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Molecular Life Sciences Program, Life Science Zurich Graduate School, University of Zurich and Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Urwyler
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Molecular Life Sciences Program, Life Science Zurich Graduate School, University of Zurich and Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich (ZNZ), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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10
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Regulation of spatially restricted gene expression: linking RNA localization and phase separation. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:2591-2600. [PMID: 34821361 DOI: 10.1042/bst20210320] [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: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Subcellular restriction of gene expression is crucial to the functioning of a wide variety of cell types. The cellular machinery driving spatially restricted gene expression has been studied for many years, but recent advances have highlighted novel mechanisms by which cells can generate subcellular microenvironments with specialized gene expression profiles. Particularly intriguing are recent findings that phase separation plays a role in certain RNA localization pathways. The burgeoning field of phase separation has revolutionized how we view cellular compartmentalization, revealing that, in addition to membrane-bound organelles, phase-separated cytoplasmic microenvironments - termed biomolecular condensates - are compositionally and functionally distinct from the surrounding cytoplasm, without the need for a lipid membrane. The coupling of phase separation and RNA localization allows for precise subcellular targeting, robust translational repression and dynamic recruitment of accessory proteins. Despite the growing interest in the intersection between RNA localization and phase separation, it remains to be seen how exactly components of the localization machinery, particularly motor proteins, are able to associate with these biomolecular condensates. Further studies of the formation, function, and transport of biomolecular condensates promise to provide a new mechanistic understanding of how cells restrict gene expression at a subcellular level.
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11
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Titus MB, Chang AW, Olesnicky EC. Exploring the Diverse Functional and Regulatory Consequences of Alternative Splicing in Development and Disease. Front Genet 2021; 12:775395. [PMID: 34899861 PMCID: PMC8652244 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.775395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing is a fundamental mechanism of eukaryotic RNA regulation that increases the transcriptomic and proteomic complexity within an organism. Moreover, alternative splicing provides a framework for generating unique yet complex tissue- and cell type-specific gene expression profiles, despite using a limited number of genes. Recent efforts to understand the negative consequences of aberrant splicing have increased our understanding of developmental and neurodegenerative diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy, frontotemporal dementia and Parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17, myotonic dystrophy, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Moreover, these studies have led to the development of innovative therapeutic treatments for diseases caused by aberrant splicing, also known as spliceopathies. Despite this, a paucity of information exists on the physiological roles and specific functions of distinct transcript spliceforms for a given gene. Here, we will highlight work that has specifically explored the distinct functions of protein-coding spliceforms during development. Moreover, we will discuss the use of alternative splicing of noncoding exons to regulate the stability and localization of RNA transcripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Brandon Titus
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
| | - Adeline W Chang
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
| | - Eugenia C Olesnicky
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
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12
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Müntjes K, Devan SK, Reichert AS, Feldbrügge M. Linking transport and translation of mRNAs with endosomes and mitochondria. EMBO Rep 2021; 22:e52445. [PMID: 34402186 PMCID: PMC8490996 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202152445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In eukaryotic cells, proteins are targeted to their final subcellular locations with precise timing. A key underlying mechanism is the active transport of cognate mRNAs, which in many systems can be linked intimately to membrane trafficking. A prominent example is the long-distance endosomal transport of mRNAs and their local translation. Here, we describe current highlights of fundamental mechanisms of the underlying transport process as well as of biological functions ranging from endosperm development in plants to fungal pathogenicity and neuronal processes. Translation of endosome-associated mRNAs often occurs at the cytoplasmic surface of endosomes, a process that is needed for membrane-assisted formation of heteromeric protein complexes and for accurate subcellular targeting of proteins. Importantly, endosome-coupled translation of mRNAs encoding mitochondrial proteins, for example, seems to be particularly important for efficient organelle import and for regulating subcellular mitochondrial activity. In essence, these findings reveal a new mechanism of loading newly synthesised proteins onto endocytic membranes enabling intimate crosstalk between organelles. The novel link between endosomes and mitochondria adds an inspiring new level of complexity to trafficking and organelle biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kira Müntjes
- Institute of MicrobiologyCluster of Excellence on Plant SciencesHeinrich Heine University DüsseldorfDüsseldorfGermany
| | - Senthil Kumar Devan
- Institute of MicrobiologyCluster of Excellence on Plant SciencesHeinrich Heine University DüsseldorfDüsseldorfGermany
| | - Andreas S Reichert
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology IMedical Faculty and University Hospital DüsseldorfHeinrich Heine University DüsseldorfDüsseldorfGermany
| | - Michael Feldbrügge
- Institute of MicrobiologyCluster of Excellence on Plant SciencesHeinrich Heine University DüsseldorfDüsseldorfGermany
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13
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Lashkevich KA, Dmitriev SE. mRNA Targeting, Transport and Local Translation in Eukaryotic Cells: From the Classical View to a Diversity of New Concepts. Mol Biol 2021; 55:507-537. [PMID: 34092811 PMCID: PMC8164833 DOI: 10.1134/s0026893321030080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Spatial organization of protein biosynthesis in the eukaryotic cell has been studied for more than fifty years, thus many facts have already been included in textbooks. According to the classical view, mRNA transcripts encoding secreted and transmembrane proteins are translated by ribosomes associated with endoplasmic reticulum membranes, while soluble cytoplasmic proteins are synthesized on free polysomes. However, in the last few years, new data has emerged, revealing selective translation of mRNA on mitochondria and plastids, in proximity to peroxisomes and endosomes, in various granules and at the cytoskeleton (actin network, vimentin intermediate filaments, microtubules and centrosomes). There are also long-standing debates about the possibility of protein synthesis in the nucleus. Localized translation can be determined by targeting signals in the synthesized protein, nucleotide sequences in the mRNA itself, or both. With RNA-binding proteins, many transcripts can be assembled into specific RNA condensates and form RNP particles, which may be transported by molecular motors to the sites of active translation, form granules and provoke liquid-liquid phase separation in the cytoplasm, both under normal conditions and during cell stress. The translation of some mRNAs occurs in specialized "translation factories," assemblysomes, transperons and other structures necessary for the correct folding of proteins, interaction with functional partners and formation of oligomeric complexes. Intracellular localization of mRNA has a significant impact on the efficiency of its translation and presumably determines its response to cellular stress. Compartmentalization of mRNAs and the translation machinery also plays an important role in viral infections. Many viruses provoke the formation of specific intracellular structures, virus factories, for the production of their proteins. Here we review the current concepts of the molecular mechanisms of transport, selective localization and local translation of cellular and viral mRNAs, their effects on protein targeting and topogenesis, and on the regulation of protein biosynthesis in different compartments of the eukaryotic cell. Special attention is paid to new systems biology approaches, providing new cues to the study of localized translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kseniya A Lashkevich
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia.,Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey E Dmitriev
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia.,Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia.,Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
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14
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Almasi S, Jasmin BJ. The multifunctional RNA-binding protein Staufen1: an emerging regulator of oncogenesis through its various roles in key cellular events. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:7145-7160. [PMID: 34633481 PMCID: PMC8629789 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03965-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The double-stranded multifunctional RNA-binding protein (dsRBP) Staufen was initially discovered in insects as a regulator of mRNA localization. Later, its mammalian orthologs have been described in different organisms, including humans. Two human orthologues of Staufen, named Staufen1 (STAU1) and Staufen2 (STAU2), share some structural and functional similarities. However, given their different spatio-temporal expression patterns, each of these orthologues plays distinct roles in cells. In the current review, we focus on the role of STAU1 in cell functions and cancer development. Since its discovery, STAU1 has mostly been studied for its involvement in various aspects of RNA metabolism. Given the pivotal role of RNA metabolism within cells, recent studies have explored the mechanistic impact of STAU1 in a wide variety of cell functions ranging from cell growth to cell death, as well as in various disease states. In particular, there has been increasing attention on the role of STAU1 in neuromuscular disorders, neurodegeneration, and cancer. Here, we provide an overview of the current knowledge on the role of STAU1 in RNA metabolism and cell functions. We also highlight the link between STAU1-mediated control of cellular functions and cancer development, progression, and treatment. Hence, our review emphasizes the potential of STAU1 as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for cancer diagnosis and treatment, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shekoufeh Almasi
- grid.28046.380000 0001 2182 2255Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5 Canada
| | - Bernard J. Jasmin
- grid.28046.380000 0001 2182 2255Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5 Canada ,grid.28046.380000 0001 2182 2255The Eric J. Poulin Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, K1H 8M5 Canada
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