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Abstract
N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) is one of the most abundant modifications of the epitranscriptome and is found in cellular RNAs across all kingdoms of life. Advances in detection and mapping methods have improved our understanding of the effects of m6A on mRNA fate and ribosomal RNA function, and have uncovered novel functional roles in virtually every species of RNA. In this Review, we explore the latest studies revealing roles for m6A-modified RNAs in chromatin architecture, transcriptional regulation and genome stability. We also summarize m6A functions in biological processes such as stem-cell renewal and differentiation, brain function, immunity and cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Boulias
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School Initiative for RNA Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eric Lieberman Greer
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School Initiative for RNA Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
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Jiménez-Ramírez IA, Pijeira-Fernández G, Moreno-Cálix DM, De-la-Peña C. Same modification, different location: the mythical role of N 6-adenine methylation in plant genomes. PLANTA 2022; 256:9. [PMID: 35696004 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-022-03926-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The present review summarizes recent advances in the understanding of 6mA in DNA as an emergent epigenetic mark with distinctive characteristics, discusses its importance in plant genomes, and highlights its chemical nature and functions. Adenine methylation is an epigenetic modification present in DNA (6mA) and RNA (m6A) that has a regulatory function in many cellular processes. This modification occurs through a reversible reaction that covalently binds a methyl group, usually at the N6 position of the purine ring. This modification carries biophysical properties that affect the stability of nucleic acids as well as their binding affinity with other molecules. DNA 6mA has been related to genome stability, gene expression, DNA replication, and repair mechanisms. Recent advances have shown that 6mA in plant genomes is related to development and stress response. In this review, we present recent advances in the understanding of 6mA in DNA as an emergent epigenetic mark with distinctive characteristics. We discuss the key elements of this modification, focusing mainly on its importance in plant genomes. Furthermore, we highlight its chemical nature and the regulatory effects that it exerts on gene expression and plant development. Finally, we emphasize the functions of 6mA in photosynthesis, stress, and flowering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irma A Jiménez-Ramírez
- Unidad de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular de Plantas, Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, Calle 43 No. 130 x 32 y 34. Col. Chuburná de Hidalgo, 97205, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Gema Pijeira-Fernández
- Unidad de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular de Plantas, Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, Calle 43 No. 130 x 32 y 34. Col. Chuburná de Hidalgo, 97205, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Delia M Moreno-Cálix
- Unidad de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular de Plantas, Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, Calle 43 No. 130 x 32 y 34. Col. Chuburná de Hidalgo, 97205, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Clelia De-la-Peña
- Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, Unidad de Biotecnología, Calle 43 No. 130 x 32 y 34. Col. Chuburná de Hidalgo, 97205, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico.
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Boulias K, Greer EL. Means, mechanisms and consequences of adenine methylation in DNA. Nat Rev Genet 2022; 23:411-428. [PMID: 35256817 PMCID: PMC9354840 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-022-00456-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
N6-methyl-2'-deoxyadenosine (6mA or m6dA) has been reported in the DNA of prokaryotes and eukaryotes ranging from unicellular protozoa and algae to multicellular plants and mammals. It has been proposed to modulate DNA structure and transcription, transmit information across generations and have a role in disease, among other functions. However, its existence in more recently evolved eukaryotes remains a topic of debate. Recent technological advancements have facilitated the identification and quantification of 6mA even when the modification is exceptionally rare, but each approach has limitations. Critical assessment of existing data, rigorous design of future studies and further development of methods will be required to confirm the presence and biological functions of 6mA in multicellular eukaryotes.
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O’Brown ZK, Greer EL. N6-methyladenine: A Rare and Dynamic DNA Mark. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1389:177-210. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-11454-0_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Liang Z, Kidwell RL, Deng H, Xie Q. Epigenetic N6-methyladenosine modification of RNA and DNA regulates cancer. Cancer Biol Med 2021; 17:9-19. [PMID: 32296573 PMCID: PMC7142843 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2019.0347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The biological roles of N6 methylation of nucleic acids have been extensively studied. Adenine methylation of RNA is the most prevalent RNA modification and has widespread effects on RNA splicing, translation, localization, and stability. Aberrant dynamic regulation of RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) has been reported in numerous human diseases, including several cancers. In recent years, eukaryotic DNA N6-methyladenosine (6mA) has also been reported and implicated in cancer progression and tumorigenesis. In this review, we summarize the contributions of N6-methyladenosine modification to cancer biology and pathogenesis in the context of both RNA and DNA. We also highlight the clinical relevance of targeting these modifications as a therapeutic strategy for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixian Liang
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China.,Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Reilly L Kidwell
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92037, USA.,University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Haijing Deng
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China.,Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Qi Xie
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China.,Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, China
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Abstract
DNA methylation serves to mark DNA as either a directed epigenetic signaling modification or in response to DNA lesions. Methods for detecting DNA methylation have become increasingly more specific and sensitive over time. Conventional methods for detecting DNA methylation, ranging from paper chromatography to differential restriction enzyme digestion preference to dot blots, have more recently been supplemented by ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) to accurately quantify specific DNA methylation. Methylated DNA can also be sequenced by either methylated DNA immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (MeDIP-seq) or single-molecule real-time sequencing (SMRTseq) for identifying genomic locations of DNA methylation. Here we describe a protocol for the detection and quantification of epigenetic signaling DNA methylation modifications including, N6-methyladenine (6mA), N4-methylcytosine (4mC) and C5-methylcytosine (5mC) in genomic DNA by triple quadrupole liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (QQQ-LC-MS/MS). The high sensitivity of the UHPLC-MS/MS methodology and the use of calibration standards of pure nucleosides allow for the accurate quantification of DNA methylation.
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Karanthamalai J, Chodon A, Chauhan S, Pandi G. DNA N 6-Methyladenine Modification in Plant Genomes-A Glimpse into Emerging Epigenetic Code. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 9:E247. [PMID: 32075056 PMCID: PMC7076483 DOI: 10.3390/plants9020247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
N6-methyladenine (6mA) is a DNA base modification at the 6th nitrogen position; recently, it has been resurfaced as a potential reversible epigenetic mark in eukaryotes. Despite its existence, 6mA was considered to be absent due to its undetectable level. However, with the new advancements in methods, considerable 6mA distribution is identified across the plant genome. Unlike 5-methylcytosine (5mC) in the gene promoter, 6mA does not have a definitive role in repression but is exposed to have divergent regulation in gene expression. Though 6mA information is less known, the available evidences suggest its function in plant development, tissue differentiation, and regulations in gene expression. The current review article emphasizes the research advances in DNA 6mA modifications, identification, available databases, analysis tools and its significance in plant development, cellular functions and future perspectives of research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Gopal Pandi
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai625021, Tamil Nadu, India; (J.K.); (A.C.); (S.C.)
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Chen J, Chaurio RA, Maueröder C, Derer A, Rauh M, Kost A, Liu Y, Mo X, Hueber A, Bilyy R, Herrmann M, Zhao Y, Muñoz LE. Inosine Released from Dying or Dead Cells Stimulates Cell Proliferation via Adenosine Receptors. Front Immunol 2017; 8:504. [PMID: 28496447 PMCID: PMC5406388 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Many antitumor therapies induce apoptotic cell death in order to cause tumor regression. Paradoxically, apoptotic cells are also known to promote wound healing, cell proliferation, and tumor cell repopulation in multicellular organisms. We aimed to characterize the nature of the regenerative signals concentrated in the micromilieu of dead and dying cells. Methods Cultures of viable melanoma B16F10 cells, mouse fibroblasts, and primary human fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) in the presence of dead and dying cells, their supernatants (SNs), or purified agonists and antagonists were used to evaluate the stimulation of proliferation. Viable cell quantification was performed by either flow cytometry of harvested cells or by crystal violet staining of adherent cells. High-performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry of cell SNs were deployed to identify the nature of growth-promoting factors. Coimplantation of living cells in the presence of SNs collected from dead and dying cells and specific agonists was used to evaluate tumor growth in vivo. Results The stimulation of proliferation of few surviving cells by bystander dead cells was confirmed for melanoma cells, mouse fibroblasts, and primary FLS. We found that small soluble molecules present in the protein-free fraction of SNs of dead and dying cells were responsible for the promotion of proliferation. The nucleoside inosine released by dead and dying cells acting via adenosine receptors was identified as putative inducer of proliferation of surviving tumor cells after irradiation and heat treatment. Conclusion Inosine released by dead and dying cells mediates tumor cell proliferation via purinergic receptors. Therapeutic strategies surmounting this pathway may help to reduce the rate of recurrence after radio- and chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ricardo A Chaurio
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christian Maueröder
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anja Derer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Manfred Rauh
- Kinder- und Jugendklinik, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andriy Kost
- Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xianming Mo
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Axel Hueber
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Rostyslav Bilyy
- Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine
| | - Martin Herrmann
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Yi Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Luis E Muñoz
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
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O'Brown ZK, Greer EL. N6-Methyladenine: A Conserved and Dynamic DNA Mark. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 945:213-246. [PMID: 27826841 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-43624-1_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Chromatin, consisting of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) wrapped around histone proteins, facilitates DNA compaction and allows identical DNA codes to confer many different cellular phenotypes. This biological versatility is accomplished in large part by posttranslational modifications to histones and chemical modifications to DNA. These modifications direct the cellular machinery to expand or compact specific chromatin regions and mark regions of the DNA as important for cellular functions. While each of the four bases that make up DNA can be modified (Iyer et al. 2011), this chapter will focus on methylation of the sixth position on adenines (6mA), as this modification has been poorly characterized in recently evolved eukaryotes, but shows promise as a new conserved layer of epigenetic regulation. 6mA was previously thought to be restricted to unicellular organisms, but recent work has revealed its presence in metazoa. Here, we will briefly describe the history of 6mA, examine its evolutionary conservation, and evaluate the current methods for detecting 6mA. We will discuss the enzymes that bind and regulate this mark and finally examine known and potential functions of 6mA in eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zach Klapholz O'Brown
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Eric Lieberman Greer
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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Fujii T, Itaya T. The 11 Positional Isomers of Nx, Ny-Dimethyladenine: Their Chemistry, Physicochemical Properties, and Biological Activities. HETEROCYCLES 1999. [DOI: 10.3987/rev-98-511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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11
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Xue WL, Carlson RM. Separation characteristics of alkylated guanines in high-performance liquid chromatography. J Chromatogr A 1988; 447:81-90. [PMID: 3209668 DOI: 10.1016/0021-9673(88)90008-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The retention behavior of thirteen alkylated guanines on normal-phase silica gel and amino columns and on reversed-phase ODS and phenyl columns was studied. The larger the alkyl substituent at the same position of guanine the weaker was the retention in the normal-phase chromatographic system and the greater the retention during reversed-phase chromatography. O6-Derivatives possess the lowest polarity in each set of isomers. An amino column was found to be of highest efficiency in terms of separation of the set of ethylguanine isomers and of benzylguanines studied. A phenyl column provided the best resolution of methylated guanines.
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Affiliation(s)
- W L Xue
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Duluth 55812
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Kuo KC, McCune RA, Gehrke CW, Midgett R, Ehrlich M. Quantitative reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatographic determination of major and modified deoxyribonucleosides in DNA. Nucleic Acids Res 1980; 8:4763-76. [PMID: 7003544 PMCID: PMC324386 DOI: 10.1093/nar/8.20.4763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 215] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
We have developed a method to accurately determine (< 3% RSD) the complete major and modified base composition of a few micrograms of unlabeled DNA. The DNA samples were quantitatively hydrolyzed with DNase 1, Nuclease P1, and bacterial alkaline phosphatase. The resulting deoxyribonucleosides were directly separated in 70 min by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography with detection by ultraviolet absorption at 254 nm and 280 nm (RP-HPLC). The highly sensitive and selective dual wavelength quantitation greatly enhances the precision and accuracy of the chromatographic analysis. Contamination of DNA preparations with RNA does not interfere with the DNA analysis due to the high resolution of the chromatography. We have used this method for the quantitation of m5dCyd in 5 microgram of calf thymus and salmon sperm DNA in which the m5dCyd comprises only 1 to 2% of the total bases. This method should be a useful research tool in studies on various DNAs and DNA subfractions and should help to elucidate the functions of methylation of DNA.
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