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Lu J, Zhu P, Zhang X, Zeng L, Xu B, Zhou P. tRNA-derived fragments: Unveiling new roles and molecular mechanisms in cancer progression. Int J Cancer 2024; 155:1347-1360. [PMID: 38867475 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.35041] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs) are novel small noncoding RNAs (sncRNAs) that range from approximately 14 to 50 nt. They are generated by the cleavage of mature tRNAs or precursor tRNAs (pre-tRNAs) at specific sites. Based on their origin and length, tRFs can be classified into three categories: (1) tRF-1 s; (2) tRF-3 s, tRF-5 s, and internal tRFs (i-tRFs); and (3) tRNA halves. They play important roles in stress response, signal transduction, and gene expression processes. Recent studies have identified differential expression of tRFs in various tumors. Aberrantly expressed tRFs have critical clinical value and show promise as new biomarkers for tumor diagnosis and prognosis and as therapeutic targets. tRFs regulate the malignant progression of tumors via various mechanisms, primarily including modulation of noncoding RNA biogenesis, global chromatin organization, gene expression regulation, modulation of protein translation, regulation of epigenetic modification, and alternative splicing regulation. In conclusion, tRF-mediated regulatory pathways could present new avenues for tumor treatment, and tRFs could serve as promising therapeutic targets for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Lu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Ping Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiufen Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Oncology Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Linzi Zeng
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bujie Xu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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2
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Chen S, Cai Y, Yang H, Zhang B, Li N, Ren G. PBOX-sRNA-seq uncovers novel features of miRNA modification and identifies selected 5'-tRNA fragments bearing 2'-O-modification. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:e65. [PMID: 38908023 PMCID: PMC11317152 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae537] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The concomitant cloning of RNA degradation products is a major concern in standard small RNA-sequencing practices. This not only complicates the characterization of bona fide sRNAs but also hampers cross-batch experimental replicability and sometimes even results in library construction failure. Given that all types of plant canonical small RNAs possess the 3' end 2'-O-methylation modification, a new small RNA sequencing (sRNA-seq) method, designated as PBOX-sRNA-seq, has been developed specifically to capture this modification. PBOX-sRNA-seq, as its name implies, relies on the sequential treatment of RNA samples with phenylboronic acid-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PBA-PAGE) and sodium periodate (NaIO4) oxidation, before sRNA library construction and sequencing. PBOX-sRNA-seq outperformed separate treatments (i.e. PBA-PAGE only or NaIO4 only) in terms of the depletion of unmethylated RNA species and capture 2'-O-modified sRNAs with extra-high purity. Using PBOX-sRNA-seq, we discovered that nascent miRNA-5p/-3p duplexes may undergo mono-cytidylation/uridylation before 2'-O-methylation. We also identified two highly conserved types of 5'-tRNA fragments (tRF) bearing HEN1-independent 2'-O modification (mainly the 13-nt tRF-5aAla and the 26-nt tRF-5bGly). We believe that PBOX-sRNA-seq is powerful for both qualitative and quantitative analyses of sRNAs in plants and piRNAs in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Zhangjiang mRNA Innovation and Translation Center, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
- Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Yuchen Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Zhangjiang mRNA Innovation and Translation Center, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Huiru Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Zhangjiang mRNA Innovation and Translation Center, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Zhangjiang mRNA Innovation and Translation Center, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Ning Li
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Zhangjiang mRNA Innovation and Translation Center, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Guodong Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Zhangjiang mRNA Innovation and Translation Center, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
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3
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Chen Y, Liu X, Chen W, Zhu L. RNS2 is required for the biogenesis of a wounding responsive 16 nts tsRNA in Arabidopsis thaliana. PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 114:6. [PMID: 38265739 DOI: 10.1007/s11103-023-01399-5] [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: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs), a new category of regulatory small non-coding RNA existing in almost all branches of life, have recently attracted broad attention. Increasing evidence has shown that tsRNAs are not random degradation debris of tRNAs, but products cleaved by specific endoribonucleases, with versatile functions in response to various developmental and environmental cues. However, it is still unclear about the diversity, biogenesis and function of tsRNAs in plants. In this study, we comprehensively profiled 10-60 nts small RNAs in Arabidopsis thaliana leaf with or without wounding stress and identified four 16 nts tiny tRFs (tRNA-derived fragments) sharply increased after wounding, namely tRF5'Ala. Notably, genetic, biochemical and bioinformatic data indicated that RNS2, a member of class II RNase T2 enzymes, was the main endoribonuclease responsible for the biogenesis of tRF5'Ala. Moreover, tRF5'Ala was highly abundant and conserved in Arabidopsis and rice pollen. However, tRF5'Ala did not associate with AGO 1 in vivo or display any inhibitory effect on the translation of a luciferase mRNA in vitro. Altogether, our study highlights the discovery of a novel class of tiny tsRNAs drastically increased under wounding stress as well as their generation by RNS2, which provides a new insight into tsRNAs research in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Chen
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Editing, Innovative Center of Molecular Genetics and Evolution, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, 230 Waihuanxi Road, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Xiaobin Liu
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Editing, Innovative Center of Molecular Genetics and Evolution, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, 230 Waihuanxi Road, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Weiqiang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Beijing for Identification and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
- Prescription Laboratory of Xinjiang Traditional Uyghur Medicine, Xinjiang Institute of Traditional Uyghur Medicine, Urmuqi, 830000, China.
| | - Lei Zhu
- Institute of Thoracic Oncology and Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 6100041, China.
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4
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Panstruga R, Spanu P. Transfer RNA and ribosomal RNA fragments - emerging players in plant-microbe interactions. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2024; 241:567-577. [PMID: 37985402 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
According to current textbooks, the principal task of transfer and ribosomal RNAs (tRNAs and rRNAs, respectively) is synthesizing proteins. During the last decade, additional cellular roles for precisely processed tRNA and rRNAs fragments have become evident in all kingdoms of life. These RNA fragments were originally overlooked in transcriptome datasets or regarded as unspecific degradation products. Upon closer inspection, they were found to engage in a variety of cellular processes, in particular the modulation of translation and the regulation of gene expression by sequence complementarity- and Argonaute protein-dependent gene silencing. More recently, the presence of tRNA and rRNA fragments has also been recognized in the context of plant-microbe interactions, both on the plant and the microbial side. While most of these fragments are likely to affect endogenous processes, there is increasing evidence for their transfer across kingdoms in the course of such interactions; these processes may involve mutual exchange in association with extracellular vesicles. Here, we summarize the state-of-the-art understanding of tRNA and rRNA fragment's roles in the context of plant-microbe interactions, their potential biogenesis, presumed delivery routes, and presumptive modes of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralph Panstruga
- RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, Aachen, 52056, Germany
| | - Pietro Spanu
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Imperial College Road, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
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Zhu S, Li Y, Wu Y, Shen Y, Wang Y, Yan Y, Chen W, Fu Q, Wang Y, Yu X, Yu F. The FERONIA-YUELAO module participates in translational control by modulating the abundance of tRNA fragments in Arabidopsis. Dev Cell 2023; 58:2930-2946.e9. [PMID: 37977150 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.10.014] [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: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
tRNA fragments (tRFs) are a recently identified class of small noncoding RNAs. To date, the regulation of tRF abundance and its functional mechanisms have been largely unclear in plants. We investigated how the Arabidopsis thaliana receptor kinase FERONIA (FER) regulates the abundance of tRFs to inhibit global mRNA translation. We demonstrate that FER regulates tRF abundance by directly phosphorylating the tRNA-binding protein YUELAO (YL) to modulate its function. Downregulation of FER and YL prevented the modification of tRNA via cytosine-5-methylation and 2'-O-methylation, thereby increasing tRF abundance. Furthermore, we show that YL acts as an important genetic downstream target of FER signaling, and knockdown of a specific tRF partially rescues the root hair growth defects of fer and yl mutants. Our findings shed light on the abundance and regulatory mechanisms of tRF and their role in inhibiting translation in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirui Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology and Hunan Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Yuelushan Laboratory, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology and Hunan Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - You Wu
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yanan Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology and Hunan Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Ying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology and Hunan Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Yujie Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology and Hunan Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Weijun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology and Hunan Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Qiong Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology and Hunan Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Yirong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology and Hunan Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Yuelushan Laboratory, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Xiang Yu
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Feng Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology and Hunan Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Yuelushan Laboratory, Changsha 410128, China.
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6
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Li Y, Gao J, Wang Y, Cai J, Wu D, Wang L, Pu W, Yu F, Zhu S. The functions of a 5' tRNA-Ala-derived fragment in gene expression. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 193:1126-1141. [PMID: 37350495 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiad361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Transfer RNA (tRNA) can produce smaller RNA fragments called tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs). tRFs play critical roles in multiple cellular programs, although the functional mechanisms of tRFs remain largely unknown in plants. In this study, we examined the phenotype associated with 5' tRF-Ala (tRF-Ala, produced from tRNA-Ala) overexpression and knockdown lines (tDR-Ala-OE and tDR-Ala-kd, respectively) and the mechanisms by which tRF-Ala affects mRNA levels in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). We investigated the candidate proteins associated with tRF-Ala by quantitative proteomics and confirmed the direct interaction between tRF-Ala and the splicing factor SERINE-ARGININE RICH PROTEIN 34 (SR34). A transcriptome sequencing analysis showed that 318 genes among all the genes (786) with substantial alternative splicing (AS) variance in tDR-Ala-OE lines are targets of SR34. tRF-Ala diminished the binding affinity between SR34 and its targets by direct competition for interaction with SR34. These findings reveal the critical roles of tRF-Ala in regulating mRNA levels and splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, and Hunan Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Junping Gao
- Technology Center, China Tobacco Hunan Industrial Co., Ltd., Changsha 410007, China
| | - Ying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, and Hunan Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Jun Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, and Hunan Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Dousheng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, and Hunan Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Long Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, and Hunan Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Wenxuan Pu
- Technology Center, China Tobacco Hunan Industrial Co., Ltd., Changsha 410007, China
| | - Feng Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, and Hunan Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Sirui Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, and Hunan Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
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7
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Kusch S, Singh M, Thieron H, Spanu PD, Panstruga R. Site-specific analysis reveals candidate cross-kingdom small RNAs, tRNA and rRNA fragments, and signs of fungal RNA phasing in the barley-powdery mildew interaction. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2023; 24:570-587. [PMID: 36917011 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.13324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The establishment of host-microbe interactions requires molecular communication between both partners, which may involve the mutual transfer of noncoding small RNAs. Previous evidence suggests that this is also true for powdery mildew disease in barley, which is caused by the fungal pathogen Blumeria hordei. However, previous studies lacked spatial resolution regarding the accumulation of small RNAs upon host infection by B. hordei. Here, we analysed site-specific small RNA repertoires in the context of the barley-B. hordei interaction. To this end, we dissected infected leaves into separate fractions representing different sites that are key to the pathogenic process: epiphytic fungal mycelium, infected plant epidermis, isolated haustoria, a vesicle-enriched fraction from infected epidermis, and extracellular vesicles. Unexpectedly, we discovered enrichment of specific 31-33-base 5'-terminal fragments of barley 5.8S ribosomal RNA in extracellular vesicles and infected epidermis, as well as particular B. hordei transfer RNA fragments in haustoria. We describe canonical small RNAs from both the plant host and the fungal pathogen that may confer cross-kingdom RNA interference activity. Interestingly, we found first evidence of phased small interfering RNAs in B. hordei, a feature usually attributed to plants, which may be associated with the posttranscriptional control of fungal coding genes, pseudogenes, and transposable elements. Our data suggest a key and possibly site-specific role for cross-kingdom RNA interference and noncoding RNA fragments in the host-pathogen communication between B. hordei and its host barley.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Kusch
- Unit of Plant Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Biology I, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Mansi Singh
- Unit of Plant Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Biology I, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Hannah Thieron
- Unit of Plant Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Biology I, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Pietro D Spanu
- Unit of Plant Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Biology I, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Ralph Panstruga
- Unit of Plant Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Biology I, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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8
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Rawal HC, Ali S, Mondal TK. Role of non-coding RNAs against salinity stress in Oryza species: Strategies and challenges in analyzing miRNAs, tRFs and circRNAs. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 242:125172. [PMID: 37268077 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125172] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Salinity is an imbalanced concentration of mineral salts in the soil or water that causes yield loss in salt-sensitive crops. Rice plant is vulnerable to soil salinity stress at seedling and reproductive stages. Different non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) post-transcriptionally regulate different sets of genes during different developmental stages under varying salinity tolerance levels. While microRNAs (miRNAs) are well known small endogenous ncRNAs, tRNA-derived RNA fragments (tRFs) are an emerging class of small ncRNAs derived from tRNA genes with a demonstrated regulatory role, like miRNAs, in humans but unexplored in plants. Circular RNA (circRNA), another ncRNA produced by back-splicing events, acts as target mimics by preventing miRNAs from binding with their target mRNAs, thereby reducing the miRNA's action upon its target. Same may hold true between circRNAs and tRFs. Hence, the work done on these ncRNAs was reviewed and no reports were found for circRNAs and tRFs under salinity stress in rice, either at seedling or reproductive stages. Even the reports on miRNAs are restricted to seedling stage only, in spite of severe effects on rice crop production due to salt stress during reproductive stage. Moreover, this review sheds light on strategies to predict and analyze these ncRNAs in an effective manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hukam Chand Rawal
- ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, LBS Centre, Pusa, New Delhi 110012, India; School of Interdisciplinary Sciences and Technology, Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard University), Hamdard Nagar, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Shakir Ali
- School of Interdisciplinary Sciences and Technology, Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard University), Hamdard Nagar, New Delhi 110062, India; Department of Biochemistry, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard University), Hamdard Nagar, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Tapan Kumar Mondal
- ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, LBS Centre, Pusa, New Delhi 110012, India.
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9
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Manavella PA, Godoy Herz MA, Kornblihtt AR, Sorenson R, Sieburth LE, Nakaminami K, Seki M, Ding Y, Sun Q, Kang H, Ariel FD, Crespi M, Giudicatti AJ, Cai Q, Jin H, Feng X, Qi Y, Pikaard CS. Beyond transcription: compelling open questions in plant RNA biology. THE PLANT CELL 2023; 35:1626-1653. [PMID: 36477566 PMCID: PMC10226580 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koac346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The study of RNAs has become one of the most influential research fields in contemporary biology and biomedicine. In the last few years, new sequencing technologies have produced an explosion of new and exciting discoveries in the field but have also given rise to many open questions. Defining these questions, together with old, long-standing gaps in our knowledge, is the spirit of this article. The breadth of topics within RNA biology research is vast, and every aspect of the biology of these molecules contains countless exciting open questions. Here, we asked 12 groups to discuss their most compelling question among some plant RNA biology topics. The following vignettes cover RNA alternative splicing; RNA dynamics; RNA translation; RNA structures; R-loops; epitranscriptomics; long non-coding RNAs; small RNA production and their functions in crops; small RNAs during gametogenesis and in cross-kingdom RNA interference; and RNA-directed DNA methylation. In each section, we will present the current state-of-the-art in plant RNA biology research before asking the questions that will surely motivate future discoveries in the field. We hope this article will spark a debate about the future perspective on RNA biology and provoke novel reflections in the reader.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo A Manavella
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología del Litoral (CONICET-UNL), Cátedra de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe 3000, Argentina
| | - Micaela A Godoy Herz
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular and CONICET-UBA, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires C1428EHA, Argentina
| | - Alberto R Kornblihtt
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular and CONICET-UBA, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires C1428EHA, Argentina
| | - Reed Sorenson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of UtahSalt Lake City 84112, USA
| | - Leslie E Sieburth
- School of Biological Sciences, University of UtahSalt Lake City 84112, USA
| | - Kentaro Nakaminami
- Center for Sustainable Resource Science, RIKEN, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Motoaki Seki
- Center for Sustainable Resource Science, RIKEN, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
- Cluster for Pioneering Research, RIKEN, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
- Kihara Institute for Biological Research, Yokohama City University, Kanagawa 244-0813, Japan
| | - Yiliang Ding
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Qianwen Sun
- Center for Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Hunseung Kang
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea
| | - Federico D Ariel
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología del Litoral (CONICET-UNL), Cátedra de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe 3000, Argentina
| | - Martin Crespi
- Institute of Plant Sciences Paris Saclay IPS2, CNRS, INRA, Université Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, Bâtiment 630, Orsay 91405, France
- Institute of Plant Sciences Paris-Saclay IPS2, Université de Paris, Bâtiment 630, Orsay 91405, France
| | - Axel J Giudicatti
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología del Litoral (CONICET-UNL), Cátedra de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe 3000, Argentina
| | - Qiang Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, College of Life Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Hailing Jin
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology and Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, California 92507, USA
| | - Xiaoqi Feng
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Yijun Qi
- Center for Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Craig S Pikaard
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, USA
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10
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Wang C, Chen W, Aili M, Zhu L, Chen Y. tRNA-derived small RNAs in plant response to biotic and abiotic stresses. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1131977. [PMID: 36798699 PMCID: PMC9928184 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1131977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) represent a novel category of small non-coding RNAs and serve as a new regulator of gene expression at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Growing evidence indicates that tsRNAs can be induced by diverse stimuli and regulate stress-responsive target genes, allowing plants to adapt to unfavorable environments. Here, we discuss the latest developments about the biogenesis and classification of tsRNAs and highlight the expression regulation and potential function of tsRNAs in plant biotic and abiotic stress responses. Of note, we also collect useful bioinformatics tools and resources for tsRNAs study in plants. Finally, we propose current limitations and future directions for plant tsRNAs research. These recent discoveries have refined our understanding of whether and how tsRNAs enhance plant stress tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaojun Wang
- Institute of Education Science, Leshan Normal University, Leshan, China
| | - Weiqiang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Beijing for Identification and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Xinjiang Institute of Traditional Uyghur Medicine, Urumqi, China
| | - Maimaiti Aili
- Xinjiang Institute of Traditional Uyghur Medicine, Urumqi, China
| | - Lei Zhu
- Institute of Thoracic Oncology and Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Editing, Innovative Center of Molecular Genetics and Evolution, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
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11
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Wang Z, Sun J, Zu X, Gong J, Deng H, Hang R, Zhang X, Liu C, Deng X, Luo L, Wei X, Song X, Cao X. Pseudouridylation of chloroplast ribosomal RNA contributes to low temperature acclimation in rice. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2022; 236:1708-1720. [PMID: 36093745 DOI: 10.1111/nph.18479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) undergo many modifications during transcription and maturation; homeostasis of rRNA modifications is essential for chloroplast biogenesis in plants. The chloroplast acts as a hub to sense environmental signals, such as cold temperature. However, how RNA modifications contribute to low temperature responses remains unknown. Here we reveal that pseudouridine (Ψ) modification of rice chloroplast rRNAs mediated by the pseudouridine synthase (OsPUS1) contributes to cold tolerance at seedling stage. Loss-function of OsPUS1 leads to abnormal chloroplast development and albino seedling phenotype at low temperature. We find that OsPUS1 is accumulated upon cold and binds to chloroplast precursor rRNAs (pre-rRNAs) to catalyse the pseudouridylation on rRNA. These modifications on chloroplast rRNAs could be required for their processing, as the reduction of mature chloroplast rRNAs and accumulation of pre-rRNAs are observed in ospus1-1 at low temperature. Therefore, the ribosome activity and translation in chloroplasts is disturbed in ospus1-1. Furthermore, transcriptome and translatome analysis reveals that OsPUS1 balances growth and stress-responsive state, preventing excess reactive oxygen species accumulation. Taken together, our findings unveil a crucial function of Ψ in chloroplast ribosome biogenesis and cold tolerance in rice, with potential applications in crop improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics and National Center for Plant Gene Research, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Jing Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics and National Center for Plant Gene Research, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics and National Center for Plant Gene Research, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Jie Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics and National Center for Plant Gene Research, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- The Municipal Key Laboratory of the Molecular Genetics of Hybrid Wheat, Institute of Hybrid Wheat, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Hongjing Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics and National Center for Plant Gene Research, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Runlai Hang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics and National Center for Plant Gene Research, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xiaofan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics and National Center for Plant Gene Research, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Chunyan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics and National Center for Plant Gene Research, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xian Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics and National Center for Plant Gene Research, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Lilan Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics and National Center for Plant Gene Research, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xiangjin Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou, 311401, China
| | - Xianwei Song
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics and National Center for Plant Gene Research, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xiaofeng Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics and National Center for Plant Gene Research, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100039, China
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12
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George S, Rafi M, Aldarmaki M, ElSiddig M, Al Nuaimi M, Amiri KMA. tRNA derived small RNAs—Small players with big roles. Front Genet 2022; 13:997780. [PMID: 36199575 PMCID: PMC9527309 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.997780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past 2 decades, small non-coding RNAs derived from tRNA (tsRNAs or tRNA derived fragments; tRFs) have emerged as new powerful players in the field of small RNA mediated regulation of gene expression, translation, and epigenetic control. tRFs have been identified from evolutionarily divergent organisms from Archaea, the higher plants, to humans. Recent studies have confirmed their roles in cancers and other metabolic disorders in humans and experimental models. They have been implicated in biotic and abiotic stress responses in plants as well. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on tRFs including types of tRFs, their biogenesis, and mechanisms of action. The review also highlights recent studies involving differential expression profiling of tRFs and elucidation of specific functions of individual tRFs from various species. We also discuss potential considerations while designing experiments involving tRFs identification and characterization and list the available bioinformatics tools for this purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suja George
- Khalifa Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohammed Rafi
- Khalifa Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Maitha Aldarmaki
- Khalifa Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohamed ElSiddig
- Khalifa Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mariam Al Nuaimi
- Khalifa Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Khaled M. A. Amiri
- Khalifa Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- *Correspondence: Khaled M. A. Amiri,
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13
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Hummel G, Liu C. Organization and epigenomic control of RNA polymerase III-transcribed genes in plants. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 67:102199. [PMID: 35364484 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2022.102199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The genetic information linearly scripted in chromosomes is wrapped in a ribonucleoprotein complex called chromatin. The adaptation of its compaction level and spatiotemporal organization refines gene expression in response to developmental and environmental cues. RNA polymerase III (RNAPIII) is responsible for the biogenesis of elementary non-coding RNAs. Their genes are subjected to high duplication and mutational rates, and invade nuclear genomes. Their insertion into different epigenomic environments raises the question of how chromatin packing affects their individual transcription. In this review, we provide a unique perspective to this issue in plants. In addition, we discuss how the genomic organization of RNAPIII-transcribed loci, combined with epigenetic differences, might participate to plant trait variations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Hummel
- Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 30, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Chang Liu
- Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 30, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany.
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14
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An Expanded Landscape of Unusually Short RNAs in 11 Samples from Six Eukaryotic Organisms. Noncoding RNA 2022; 8:ncrna8030034. [PMID: 35645341 PMCID: PMC9149858 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna8030034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Small RNA sequencing (sRNA-Seq) approaches unveiled sequences derived from longer non-coding RNAs, such as transfer RNA (tRNA) and ribosomal RNA (rRNA) fragments, known as tRFs and rRFs, respectively. However, rRNAs and RNAs shorter than 16 nt are often depleted from library preparations/sequencing analyses, although they may be functional. Here, we sought to obtain a complete repertoire of small RNAs by sequencing the total RNA from 11 samples of 6 different eukaryotic organisms, from yeasts to human, in an extended 8- to 30-nt window of RNA length. The 8- to 15-nt window essentially contained fragments of longer non-coding RNAs, such as microRNAs, PIWI-associated RNAs (piRNAs), small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs), tRNAs and rRNAs. Notably, unusually short RNAs < 16 nt were more abundant than those >16 nt in bilaterian organisms. A new RT-qPCR method confirmed that two unusually short rRFs of 12 and 13 nt were more overly abundant (~3-log difference) than two microRNAs. We propose to not deplete rRNA and to reduce the lower threshold of RNA length to include unusually short RNAs in sRNA-Seq analyses and datasets, as their abundance and diversity support their potential role and importance as biomarkers of disease and/or mediators of cellular function.
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15
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Liu C, Cao B, Cao X. Biogenesis, action and biological functions of an Arabidopsis 5' tRF, 5' tsR-Ala. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2022; 65:1050-1052. [PMID: 35029780 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-021-2053-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics and National Center for Plant Gene Research (Beijing), Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Bo Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Xiaofeng Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics and National Center for Plant Gene Research (Beijing), Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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16
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Luo K, Li S, Zheng Z, Lai X, Ju M, Li C, Wan X. tsRNAs及其对植物响应非生物胁迫时基因表达的调控. CHINESE SCIENCE BULLETIN-CHINESE 2022. [DOI: 10.1360/tb-2022-0133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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17
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Sun Z, Hu Y, Zhou Y, Jiang N, Hu S, Li L, Li T. tRNA-derived fragments from wheat are potentially involved in susceptibility to Fusarium head blight. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 22:3. [PMID: 34979923 PMCID: PMC8722339 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-021-03393-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fusarium head blight (FHB) caused by Fusarium graminearum is a devastating fungal disease of wheat. The mechanism underlying F. graminearum-wheat interaction remains largely unknown. tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs) are RNase-dependent small RNAs derived from tRNAs, and they have not been reported in wheat yet, and whether tRFs are involved in wheat-F. graminearum interactions remains unknown. RESULTS Herein, small RNAs from the spikelets inoculated with F. graminearum and mock from an FHB-susceptible variety Chinese Spring (CS) and an FHB-resistant variety Sumai3 (SM) were sequenced respectively. A total of 1249 putative tRFs were identified, in which 15 tRFs was CS-specific and 12 SM-specific. Compared with mock inoculation, 39 tRFs were significantly up-regulated across both wheat varieties after F. graminearum challenge and only nine tRFs were significantly down-regulated. tRFGlu, tRFLys and tRFThr were dramatically induced by F. graminearum infection, with significantly higher fold changes in CS than those in SM. The expression patterns of the three highly induced tRFs were further validated by stem-loop qRT-PCR. The accumulation of tRFs were closely related to ribonucleases T2 family members, which were induced by F. graminearum challenge. The tRFs' targets in host were predicted and were validated by RNA sequencing. CONCLUSION Integrative analysis of the differentially expressed tRFs and their candidate targets indicated that tRFGlu, tRFLys and tRFThr might negatively regulate wheat resistance to FHB. Our results unvealed the potential roles of tRFs in wheat-F. graminearum interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengxi Sun
- Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education/Jiangsu, Key Laboratory of Crop Genomics and Molecular Breeding/Collaborative Innovation of Modern Crops and Food Crops in Jiangsu/Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology, College of Agriculture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Yi Hu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education/Jiangsu, Key Laboratory of Crop Genomics and Molecular Breeding/Collaborative Innovation of Modern Crops and Food Crops in Jiangsu/Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology, College of Agriculture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Yilei Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education/Jiangsu, Key Laboratory of Crop Genomics and Molecular Breeding/Collaborative Innovation of Modern Crops and Food Crops in Jiangsu/Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology, College of Agriculture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Ning Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education/Jiangsu, Key Laboratory of Crop Genomics and Molecular Breeding/Collaborative Innovation of Modern Crops and Food Crops in Jiangsu/Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology, College of Agriculture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Sijia Hu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education/Jiangsu, Key Laboratory of Crop Genomics and Molecular Breeding/Collaborative Innovation of Modern Crops and Food Crops in Jiangsu/Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology, College of Agriculture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Lei Li
- Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education/Jiangsu, Key Laboratory of Crop Genomics and Molecular Breeding/Collaborative Innovation of Modern Crops and Food Crops in Jiangsu/Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology, College of Agriculture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Tao Li
- Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education/Jiangsu, Key Laboratory of Crop Genomics and Molecular Breeding/Collaborative Innovation of Modern Crops and Food Crops in Jiangsu/Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology, College of Agriculture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
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18
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He W, Wang L, Lin Q, Yu F. Rice seed storage proteins: Biosynthetic pathways and the effects of environmental factors. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2021; 63:1999-2019. [PMID: 34581486 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.13176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the most important food crop for at least half of the world's population. Due to improved living standards, the cultivation of high-quality rice for different purposes and markets has become a major goal. Rice quality is determined by the presence of many nutritional components, including seed storage proteins (SSPs), which are the second most abundant nutrient components of rice grains after starch. Rice SSP biosynthesis requires the participation of multiple organelles and is influenced by the external environment, making it challenging to understand the molecular details of SSP biosynthesis and improve rice protein quality. In this review, we highlight the current knowledge of rice SSP biosynthesis, including a detailed description of the key molecules involved in rice SSP biosynthetic processes and the major environmental factors affecting SSP biosynthesis. The effects of these factors on SSP accumulation and their contribution to rice quality are also discussed based on recent findings. This recent knowledge suggests not only new research directions for exploring rice SSP biosynthesis but also innovative strategies for breeding high-quality rice varieties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei He
- National Engineering Laboratory for Rice and By-product Deep Processing, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, 410004, China
- College of Biology, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, and Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Long Wang
- College of Biology, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, and Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Qinlu Lin
- National Engineering Laboratory for Rice and By-product Deep Processing, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, 410004, China
| | - Feng Yu
- College of Biology, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, and Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
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19
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Liu K, Sun Q. Intragenic tRNA-promoted R-loops orchestrate transcription interference for plant oxidative stress responses. THE PLANT CELL 2021; 33:3574-3591. [PMID: 34463741 PMCID: PMC8566210 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koab220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Eukaryotic genomes are transcribed by at least three RNA polymerases, RNAPI, II, and III. Co-transcriptional R-loops play diverse roles in genome regulation and maintenance. However, little is known about how R-loops regulate transcription interference, the transcriptional event that is caused by different RNA polymerases transcribing the same genomic templates. Here, we established that the intragenic transfer RNA (tRNA) genes can promote sense R-loop enrichment (named intra-tR-loops) in Arabidopsis thaliana, and found that intra-tR-loops are decreased in an RNAPIII mutant, NUCLEAR RNA POLYMERASE C, SUBUNIT 7(nrpc7-1). NRPC7 is co-localized with RNAPIIS2P at intragenic tRNA genes and interferes with RNAPIIS2P elongation. Conversely, the binding of NRPC7 at intragenic tRNA genes is increased following inhibition of RNAPII elongation. The transcription of specific tRNA host genes is inhibited by RNAPIII, and the inhibition of tRNA host genes is intra-tR-loop dependent. Moreover, alleviating the inhibition of tRNAPro-induced intra-tR-loops on its host gene AtNUDX1 promotes oxidative stress tolerance in A. thaliana. Our work suggests intra-tR-loops regulate host gene expression by modulating RNA polymerases interference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunpeng Liu
- Center for Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
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20
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Gu H, Lian B, Yuan Y, Kong C, Li Y, Liu C, Qi Y. A 5' tRNA-Ala-derived small RNA regulates anti-fungal defense in plants. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2021; 65:1-15. [PMID: 34705222 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-021-2017-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Apart from their primordial role in protein synthesis, tRNAs can be cleaved to produce tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs). The biological functions of tsRNAs in plants remain largely unknown. In this study, we developed RtcB ligation-based small RNA (sRNA) sequencing, a method that captures and distinguishes between 3'-2',3'-cyclic-phosphate (cP)/phosphate (P)-terminated sRNAs and 3'-OH-terminated sRNAs, and profiled 5' tsRNAs and 5' tRNA halves in Arabidopsis thaliana. We found that Arabidopsis 5' tsRNAs and 5' tRNA halves predominantly contain a cP at the 3' end and require S-like RNase 1 (RNS1) and RNS3 for their production. One of the most abundant 5' tsRNAs, 5' tsR-Ala, by associating with AGO1, negatively regulates Cytochrome P450 71A13 (CYP71A13) expression and camalexin biosynthesis to repress anti-fungal defense. Interestingly, 5' tsR-Ala is downregulated upon fungal infection. Our study provides a global view of 5' tsRNAs and 5' tRNA halves in Arabidopsis and unravels an important role of a 5' tsRNA in regulating anti-fungal defense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanqing Gu
- Center for Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.,Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Bi Lian
- Center for Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.,Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yuxiang Yuan
- Center for Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.,Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Ci Kong
- Center for Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.,Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yan Li
- Center for Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.,Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Center for Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.,Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yijun Qi
- Center for Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China. .,Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
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21
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Ma X, Liu C, Cao X. Plant transfer RNA-derived fragments: Biogenesis and functions. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2021; 63:1399-1409. [PMID: 34114725 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.13143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Processing of mature transfer RNAs (tRNAs) produces complex populations of tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs). Emerging evidence shows that tRFs have important functions in bacteria, animals, and plants. Here, we review recent advances in understanding plant tRFs, focusing on their biological and cellular functions, such as regulating stress responses, mediating plant-pathogen interactions, and modulating post-transcriptional gene silencing and translation. We also review sequencing strategies and bioinformatics resources for studying tRFs in plants. Finally, we discuss future directions for plant tRF research, which will expand our knowledge of plant non-coding RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Ma
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal and Plant Resistance, College of Life Sciences, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, 300387, China
| | - Chunyan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics and National Center for Plant Gene Research, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xiaofeng Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics and National Center for Plant Gene Research, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
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