1
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Lee U, Mozeika SM, Zhao L. A Synergistic, Cultivator Model of De Novo Gene Origination. Genome Biol Evol 2024; 16:evae103. [PMID: 38748819 PMCID: PMC11152449 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evae103] [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] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The origin and fixation of evolutionarily young genes is a fundamental question in evolutionary biology. However, understanding the origins of newly evolved genes arising de novo from noncoding genomic sequences is challenging. This is partly due to the low likelihood that several neutral or nearly neutral mutations fix prior to the appearance of an important novel molecular function. This issue is particularly exacerbated in large effective population sizes where the effect of drift is small. To address this problem, we propose a regulation-focused, cultivator model for de novo gene evolution. This cultivator-focused model posits that each step in a novel variant's evolutionary trajectory is driven by well-defined, selectively advantageous functions for the cultivator genes, rather than solely by the de novo genes, emphasizing the critical role of genome organization in the evolution of new genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- UnJin Lee
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Genetics and Genomics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shawn M Mozeika
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Genetics and Genomics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Li Zhao
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Genetics and Genomics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
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2
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Munro V, Kelly V, Messner CB, Kustatscher G. Cellular control of protein levels: A systems biology perspective. Proteomics 2024; 24:e2200220. [PMID: 38012370 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202200220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
How cells regulate protein levels is a central question of biology. Over the past decades, molecular biology research has provided profound insights into the mechanisms and the molecular machinery governing each step of the gene expression process, from transcription to protein degradation. Recent advances in transcriptomics and proteomics have complemented our understanding of these fundamental cellular processes with a quantitative, systems-level perspective. Multi-omic studies revealed significant quantitative, kinetic and functional differences between the genome, transcriptome and proteome. While protein levels often correlate with mRNA levels, quantitative investigations have demonstrated a substantial impact of translation and protein degradation on protein expression control. In addition, protein-level regulation appears to play a crucial role in buffering protein abundances against undesirable mRNA expression variation. These findings have practical implications for many fields, including gene function prediction and precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Munro
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Van Kelly
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Christoph B Messner
- Precision Proteomics Center, Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), University of Zurich, Davos, Switzerland
| | - Georg Kustatscher
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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3
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Yang KB, Rasouly A, Epshtein V, Martinez C, Nguyen T, Shamovsky I, Nudler E. Persistence of backtracking by human RNA polymerase II. Mol Cell 2024; 84:897-909.e4. [PMID: 38340716 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2024.01.019] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
RNA polymerase II (RNA Pol II) can backtrack during transcription elongation, exposing the 3' end of nascent RNA. Nascent RNA sequencing can approximate the location of backtracking events that are quickly resolved; however, the extent and genome-wide distribution of more persistent backtracking are unknown. Consequently, we developed a method to directly sequence the extruded, "backtracked" 3' RNA. Our data show that RNA Pol II slides backward more than 20 nt in human cells and can persist in this backtracked state. Persistent backtracking mainly occurs where RNA Pol II pauses near promoters and intron-exon junctions and is enriched in genes involved in translation, replication, and development, where gene expression is decreased if these events are unresolved. Histone genes are highly prone to persistent backtracking, and the resolution of such events is likely required for timely expression during cell division. These results demonstrate that persistent backtracking can potentially affect diverse gene expression programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin B Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Aviram Rasouly
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Vitaly Epshtein
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Criseyda Martinez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Thao Nguyen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Ilya Shamovsky
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Evgeny Nudler
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA.
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4
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Liu X, Xiao C, Xu X, Zhang J, Mo F, Chen JY, Delihas N, Zhang L, An NA, Li CY. Origin of functional de novo genes in humans from "hopeful monsters". WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2024; 15:e1845. [PMID: 38605485 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1845] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
For a long time, it was believed that new genes arise only from modifications of preexisting genes, but the discovery of de novo protein-coding genes that originated from noncoding DNA regions demonstrates the existence of a "motherless" origination process for new genes. However, the features, distributions, expression profiles, and origin modes of these genes in humans seem to support the notion that their origin is not a purely "motherless" process; rather, these genes arise preferentially from genomic regions encoding preexisting precursors with gene-like features. In such a case, the gene loci are typically not brand new. In this short review, we will summarize the definition and features of human de novo genes and clarify their process of origination from ancestral non-coding genomic regions. In addition, we define the favored precursors, or "hopeful monsters," for the origin of de novo genes and present a discussion of the functional significance of these young genes in brain development and tumorigenesis in humans. This article is categorized under: RNA Evolution and Genomics > RNA and Ribonucleoprotein Evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoge Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Genomic Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Chunfu Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Genomic Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinwei Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Genomic Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Genomic Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Mo
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jia-Yu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Nicholas Delihas
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Li Zhang
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
| | - Ni A An
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Genomic Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Chuan-Yun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Genomic Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
- Southwest United Graduate School, Kunming, China
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5
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Tremblay BJM, Santini CP, Cheng Y, Zhang X, Rosa S, Qüesta JI. Interplay between coding and non-coding regulation drives the Arabidopsis seed-to-seedling transition. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1724. [PMID: 38409232 PMCID: PMC10897432 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46082-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Translation of seed stored mRNAs is essential to trigger germination. However, when RNAPII re-engages RNA synthesis during the seed-to-seedling transition has remained in question. Combining csRNA-seq, ATAC-seq and smFISH in Arabidopsis thaliana we demonstrate that active transcription initiation is detectable during the entire germination process. Features of non-coding regulation such as dynamic changes in chromatin accessible regions, antisense transcription, as well as bidirectional non-coding promoters are widespread throughout the Arabidopsis genome. We show that sensitivity to exogenous ABSCISIC ACID (ABA) during germination depends on proximal promoter accessibility at ABA-responsive genes. Moreover, we provide genetic validation of the existence of divergent transcription in plants. Our results reveal that active enhancer elements are transcribed producing non-coding enhancer RNAs (eRNAs) as widely documented in metazoans. In sum, this study defining the extent and role of coding and non-coding transcription during key stages of germination expands our understanding of transcriptional mechanisms underlying plant developmental transitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J M Tremblay
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina P Santini
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yajiao Cheng
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xue Zhang
- Plant Biology Department, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Stefanie Rosa
- Plant Biology Department, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Julia I Qüesta
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
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6
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Son K, Takhaveev V, Mor V, Yu H, Dillier E, Zilio N, Püllen NJL, Ivanov D, Ulrich HD, Sturla SJ, Schärer OD. Trabectedin derails transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair to induce DNA breaks in highly transcribed genes. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1388. [PMID: 38360910 PMCID: PMC10869700 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45664-7] [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: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Most genotoxic anticancer agents fail in tumors with intact DNA repair. Therefore, trabectedin, anagent more toxic to cells with active DNA repair, specifically transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair (TC-NER), provides therapeutic opportunities. To unlock the potential of trabectedin and inform its application in precision oncology, an understanding of the mechanism of the drug's TC-NER-dependent toxicity is needed. Here, we determine that abortive TC-NER of trabectedin-DNA adducts forms persistent single-strand breaks (SSBs) as the adducts block the second of the two sequential NER incisions. We map the 3'-hydroxyl groups of SSBs originating from the first NER incision at trabectedin lesions, recording TC-NER on a genome-wide scale. Trabectedin-induced SSBs primarily occur in transcribed strands of active genes and peak near transcription start sites. Frequent SSBs are also found outside gene bodies, connecting TC-NER to divergent transcription from promoters. This work advances the use of trabectedin for precision oncology and for studying TC-NER and transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kook Son
- Center for Genomic Integrity, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), 44919, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Vakil Takhaveev
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, 8092, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Visesato Mor
- Center for Genomic Integrity, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), 44919, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hobin Yu
- Center for Genomic Integrity, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), 44919, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), 44919, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Emma Dillier
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, 8092, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Nicola Zilio
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Nikolai J L Püllen
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, 8092, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Dmitri Ivanov
- Center for Genomic Integrity, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), 44919, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Helle D Ulrich
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Shana J Sturla
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, 8092, Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Orlando D Schärer
- Center for Genomic Integrity, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), 44919, Ulsan, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), 44919, Ulsan, Republic of Korea.
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7
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Wang L. RNA polymerase collisions and their role in transcription. Transcription 2024; 15:38-47. [PMID: 38357902 DOI: 10.1080/21541264.2024.2316972] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
RNA polymerases are the central enzymes of gene expression and function frequently in either a head-on or co-directional manner on the busy DNA track. Whether and how these collisions between RNA polymerases contribute to transcriptional regulation is mysterious. Increasing evidence from biochemical and single-molecule studies suggests that RNA polymerase collisions function as an important regulator to fine-tune transcription, rather than creating deleterious "traffic jams". This review summarizes the recent progress on elucidating the consequences of RNA polymerase collisions during transcription and highlights the significance of cooperation and coordination between RNA polymerases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Wang
- Department of Chemical Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
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8
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Yang KB, Rasouly A, Epshtein V, Martinez C, Nguyen T, Shamovsky I, Nudler E. Persistence of backtracking by human RNA polymerase II. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.13.571520. [PMID: 38168453 PMCID: PMC10760130 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.13.571520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
RNA polymerase II (pol II) can backtrack during transcription elongation, exposing the 3' end of nascent RNA. Nascent RNA sequencing can approximate the location of backtracking events that are quickly resolved; however, the extent and genome wide distribution of more persistent backtracking is unknown. Consequently, we developed a novel method to directly sequence the extruded, "backtracked" 3' RNA. Our data shows that pol II slides backwards more than 20 nucleotides in human cells and can persist in this backtracked state. Persistent backtracking mainly occurs where pol II pauses near promoters and intron-exon junctions, and is enriched in genes involved in translation, replication, and development, where gene expression is decreased if these events are unresolved. Histone genes are highly prone to persistent backtracking, and the resolution of such events is likely required for timely expression during cell division. These results demonstrate that persistent backtracking has the potential to affect diverse gene expression programs.
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9
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Yang Y, Xiong Z, Li W, Lin Y, Huang W, Zhang S. FHIP1A-DT is a potential novel diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic biomarker of colorectal cancer: A pan-cancer analysis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 679:191-204. [PMID: 37703762 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.08.059] [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: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND FHIP1A-DT is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) obtained by divergent transcription whose mechanism in pan-cancer and colorectal cancer (CRC) is unclear. We elucidated the molecular mechanism of FHIP1A-DT through bioinformatics analysis and in vitro experiments. METHODS Pan-cancer and CRC data were downloaded from the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) Genome Browser and the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). We analyzed FHIP1A-DT expression and its relationship with clinical stage, diagnosis, prognosis, and immunity characteristics in pan-cancer. We also analyzed FHIP1A-DT expression in CRC and explored the relationship between FHIP1A-DT and CRC diagnosis and prognosis. Then, we analyzed the correlation between FHIP1A-DT and drug sensitivity, immune cell infiltration, and the biological processes involved in FHIP1A-DT. The competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network associated with FHIP1A-DT was explored. External validation was conducted using external data sets GSE17538 and GSE39582 and in vitro experiments. RESULTS FHIP1A-DT expression was different in pan-cancer and had excellent diagnostic and prognostic capability for pan-cancer. FHIP1A-DT was also related to the pan-cancer tumor mutation burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), and immune cell content. FHIP1A-DT was downregulated in CRC, where patients with CRC with low FHIP1A-DT expression had a worse prognosis. A nomogram combined with FHIP1A-DT expression demonstrated excellent predictive ability for prognosis. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses indicated that FHIP1A-DT was associated with epigenetic modification and regulated many cancer-related pathways. The ceRNA network demonstrated the potential gene regulation of FHIP1A-DT. FHIP1A-DT was related to many chemotherapeutic drug sensitivities and immune cell infiltration such as CD4 memory resting T cells, monocytes, plasma cells, neutrophils, and M2 macrophages. The FHIP1A-DT expression and prognostic analysis of GSE17538 and GSE39582, and qPCR yielded similar external verification results. CONCLUSION FHIP1A-DT was a novel CRC-related lncRNA related to CRC diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment sensitivity. It could be used as a significant CRC biomarker in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjun Yang
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, PR China
| | - Zuming Xiong
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, PR China
| | - Wenxin Li
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, PR China
| | - Yirong Lin
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, PR China
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, PR China
| | - Sen Zhang
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, PR China.
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10
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Malfait J, Wan J, Spicuglia S. Epromoters are new players in the regulatory landscape with potential pleiotropic roles. Bioessays 2023; 45:e2300012. [PMID: 37246247 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202300012] [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: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Precise spatiotemporal control of gene expression during normal development and cell differentiation is achieved by the combined action of proximal (promoters) and distal (enhancers) cis-regulatory elements. Recent studies have reported that a subset of promoters, termed Epromoters, works also as enhancers to regulate distal genes. This new paradigm opened novel questions regarding the complexity of our genome and raises the possibility that genetic variation within Epromoters has pleiotropic effects on various physiological and pathological traits by differentially impacting multiple proximal and distal genes. Here, we discuss the different observations pointing to an important role of Epromoters in the regulatory landscape and summarize the evidence supporting a pleiotropic impact of these elements in disease. We further hypothesize that Epromoter might represent a major contributor to phenotypic variation and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Malfait
- Aix-Marseille University, Inserm, TAGC, UMR1090, Marseille, France
- Equipe Labélisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, LIGUE, Marseille, France
| | - Jing Wan
- Aix-Marseille University, Inserm, TAGC, UMR1090, Marseille, France
- Equipe Labélisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, LIGUE, Marseille, France
| | - Salvatore Spicuglia
- Aix-Marseille University, Inserm, TAGC, UMR1090, Marseille, France
- Equipe Labélisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, LIGUE, Marseille, France
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11
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Suzuki M, Sakai S, Ota K, Bando Y, Uchida C, Niida H, Kitagawa M, Ohhata T. CCIVR2 facilitates comprehensive identification of both overlapping and non-overlapping antisense transcripts within specified regions. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14807. [PMID: 37684517 PMCID: PMC10491648 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42044-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Pairs of sense and antisense transcriptions that are adjacent at their 5' and 3' regions are called divergent and convergent transcription, respectively. However, the structural properties of divergent/convergent transcription in different species or RNA biotypes are poorly characterized. Here, we developed CCIVR2, a program that facilitates identification of both overlapping and non-overlapping antisense transcripts produced from divergent/convergent transcription whose transcription start sites (TSS) or transcript end sites (TES) are located within a specified region. We used CCIVR2 to analyze antisense transcripts starting around the sense TSS (from divergent transcription) or ending around the sense TES (from convergent transcription) in 11 different species and found species- and RNA biotype-specific features of divergent/convergent transcription. Furthermore, we confirmed that CCIVR2 enables the identification of multiple sense/antisense transcript pairs from divergent transcription, including those with known functions in processes such as embryonic stem cell differentiation and TGFβ stimulation. CCIVR2 is therefore a valuable bioinformatics tool that facilitates the characterization of divergent/convergent transcription in different species and aids the identification of functional sense/antisense transcript pairs from divergent transcription in specified biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Suzuki
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 431-3192, Japan
| | - Satoshi Sakai
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 431-3192, Japan
| | - Kosuke Ota
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 431-3192, Japan
| | - Yuki Bando
- Department of Organ and Tissue Anatomy, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 431-3192, Japan
| | - Chiharu Uchida
- Advanced Research Facilities and Services, Preeminent Medical Photonics Education and Research Center, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 431-3192, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Niida
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 431-3192, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Kitagawa
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 431-3192, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Ohhata
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 431-3192, Japan.
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12
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Choudhuri S. Long noncoding RNAs: biogenesis, regulation, function, and their emerging significance in toxicology. Toxicol Mech Methods 2023; 33:541-551. [PMID: 36992569 DOI: 10.1080/15376516.2023.2197489] [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: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
The repertoire of regulatory noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) has been enriched by the inclusion of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) that are longer than 200 nt. Some of the currently known lncRNAs, were reported in the 1990s before the term lncRNA was introduced. These lncRNAs have diverse regulatory functions including regulation of transcription via interactions with proteins and RNAs, chromatin remodeling, translation, posttranslational protein modification, protein trafficking and cell signaling. Predictably, the dysregulation of lncRNA expression due to exposure to toxicants may precipitate adverse health consequences. Dysregulation of lncRNAs has also been implicated in various adverse human health outcomes. There is an increasing agreement that lncRNA expression profiling data needs to be closely examined to determine whether their altered expression can be used as biomarkers of toxicity as well as adverse human health outcomes. This review summarizes the biogenesis, regulation, function of lncRNA and their emerging significance in toxicology and disease conditions. Because our understanding of the lncRNA-toxicity relationship is still evolving, this review discusses this developing field using some examples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supratim Choudhuri
- Division of Food Ingredients, Office of Food Additive Safety, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD, USA
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13
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Fan K, Pfister E, Weng Z. Toward a comprehensive catalog of regulatory elements. Hum Genet 2023; 142:1091-1111. [PMID: 36935423 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-023-02519-3] [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: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
Regulatory elements are the genomic regions that interact with transcription factors to control cell-type-specific gene expression in different cellular environments. A precise and complete catalog of functional elements encoded by the human genome is key to understanding mammalian gene regulation. Here, we review the current state of regulatory element annotation. We first provide an overview of assays for characterizing functional elements, including genome, epigenome, transcriptome, three-dimensional chromatin interaction, and functional validation assays. We then discuss computational methods for defining regulatory elements, including peak-calling and other statistical modeling methods. Finally, we introduce several high-quality lists of regulatory element annotations and suggest potential future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaili Fan
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, ASC5-1069, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Edith Pfister
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, ASC5-1069, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Zhiping Weng
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, ASC5-1069, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
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14
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Tokunaga M, Imamura T. Emerging concepts involving inhibitory and activating RNA functionalization towards the understanding of microcephaly phenotypes and brain diseases in humans. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1168072. [PMID: 37408531 PMCID: PMC10318543 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1168072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Microcephaly is characterized as a small head circumference, and is often accompanied by developmental disorders. Several candidate risk genes for this disease have been described, and mutations in non-coding regions are occasionally found in patients with microcephaly. Various non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as microRNAs (miRNAs), SINEUPs, telomerase RNA component (TERC), and promoter-associated lncRNAs (pancRNAs) are now being characterized. These ncRNAs regulate gene expression, enzyme activity, telomere length, and chromatin structure through RNA binding proteins (RBPs)-RNA interaction. Elucidating the potential roles of ncRNA-protein coordination in microcephaly pathogenesis might contribute to its prevention or recovery. Here, we introduce several syndromes whose clinical features include microcephaly. In particular, we focus on syndromes for which ncRNAs or genes that interact with ncRNAs may play roles. We discuss the possibility that the huge ncRNA field will provide possible new therapeutic approaches for microcephaly and also reveal clues about the factors enabling the evolutionary acquisition of the human-specific "large brain."
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15
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Gorbea Colón JJ, Palao L, Chen SF, Kim HJ, Snyder L, Chang YW, Tsai KL, Murakami K. Structural basis of a transcription pre-initiation complex on a divergent promoter. Mol Cell 2023; 83:574-588.e11. [PMID: 36731470 PMCID: PMC10162435 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Most eukaryotic promoter regions are divergently transcribed. As the RNA polymerase II pre-initiation complex (PIC) is intrinsically asymmetric and responsible for transcription in a single direction, it is unknown how divergent transcription arises. Here, the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Mediator complexed with a PIC (Med-PIC) was assembled on a divergent promoter and analyzed by cryoelectron microscopy. The structure reveals two distinct Med-PICs forming a dimer through the Mediator tail module, induced by a homodimeric activator protein localized near the dimerization interface. The tail dimer is associated with ∼80-bp upstream DNA, such that two flanking core promoter regions are positioned and oriented in a suitable form for PIC assembly in opposite directions. Also, cryoelectron tomography visualized the progress of the PIC assembly on the two core promoter regions, providing direct evidence for the role of the Med-PIC dimer in divergent transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose J Gorbea Colón
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Leon Palao
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Shin-Fu Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hee Jong Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Laura Snyder
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yi-Wei Chang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Kuang-Lei Tsai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Kenji Murakami
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Penn Center for Genome Integrity, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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16
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Zhu Y, Tan Y, Li L, Xiang Y, Huang Y, Zhang X, Yin J, Li J, Lan F, Qian M, Hu J. Genome-wide mapping of protein-DNA damage interaction by PADD-seq. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:e32. [PMID: 36715337 PMCID: PMC10085696 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein-DNA damage interactions are critical for understanding the mechanism of DNA repair and damage response. However, due to the relatively random distributions of UV-induced damage and other DNA bulky adducts, it is challenging to measure the interactions between proteins and these lesions across the genome. To address this issue, we developed a new method named Protein-Associated DNA Damage Sequencing (PADD-seq) that uses Damage-seq to detect damage distribution in chromatin immunoprecipitation-enriched DNA fragments. It is possible to delineate genome-wide protein-DNA damage interactions at base resolution with this strategy. Using PADD-seq, we observed that RNA polymerase II (Pol II) was blocked by UV-induced damage on template strands, and the interaction declined within 2 h in transcription-coupled repair-proficient cells. On the other hand, Pol II was clearly restrained at damage sites in the absence of the transcription-repair coupling factor CSB during the same time course. Furthermore, we used PADD-seq to examine local changes in H3 acetylation at lysine 9 (H3K9ac) around cisplatin-induced damage, demonstrating the method's broad utility. In conclusion, this new method provides a powerful tool for monitoring the dynamics of protein-DNA damage interaction at the genomic level, and it encourages comprehensive research into DNA repair and damage response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongchang Zhu
- Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yuanqing Tan
- Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lin Li
- Institute of Pediatrics and Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yuening Xiang
- Institute of Pediatrics and Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yanchao Huang
- Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiping Zhang
- Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jiayong Yin
- Institute of Pediatrics and Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jie Li
- Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Fei Lan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Maoxiang Qian
- Institute of Pediatrics and Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jinchuan Hu
- Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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17
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Kashkin KN, Kotova ES, Alekseenko IV, Bulanenkova SS, Akopov SB, Kopantzev EP, Nikolaev LG, Chernov IP, Didych DA. Efficient Selection of Enhancers and Promoters from MIA PaCa-2 Pancreatic Cancer Cells by ChIP-lentiMPRA. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315011. [PMID: 36499347 PMCID: PMC9740945 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
A library of active genome regulatory elements (putative promoters and enhancers) from MIA PaCa-2 pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells was constructed using a specially designed lentiviral vector and a massive parallel reporter assay (ChIP-lentiMPRA). Chromatin immunoprecipitation of the cell genomic DNA by H3K27ac antibodies was used for primary enrichment of the library for regulatory elements. Totally, 11,264 unique genome regions, many of which are capable of enhancing the expression of the CopGFP reporter gene from the minimal CMV promoter, were identified. The regions tend to be located near promoters. Based on the proximity assay, we found an enrichment of highly expressed genes among those associated with three or more mapped distal regions (2 kb distant from the 5'-ends of genes). It was shown significant enrichment of genes related to carcinogenesis or Mia PaCa-2 cell identity genes in this group. In contrast, genes associated with 1-2 distal regions or only with proximal regions (within 2 kbp of the 5'-ends of genes) are more often related to housekeeping functions. Thus, ChIP-lentiMPRA is a useful strategy for creating libraries of regulatory elements for the study of tumor-specific gene transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirill Nikitich Kashkin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya, 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena Sergeevna Kotova
- Laboratory of Human Molecular Genetics, Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Malaya Pirogovskaya Street, 1a, 119435 Moscow, Russia
| | - Irina Vasilievna Alekseenko
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya, 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Svetlana Sergeevna Bulanenkova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya, 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey Borisovich Akopov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya, 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Eugene Pavlovich Kopantzev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya, 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Lev Grigorievich Nikolaev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya, 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Igor Pavlovich Chernov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya, 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry Alexandrovich Didych
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya, 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-919-777-4620
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18
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Ha T, DiPrima M, Koparde V, Jailwala P, Ohnuki H, Feng JX, Palangat M, Larson D, Tosato G. Antisense transcription from lentiviral gene targeting linked to an integrated stress response in colorectal cancer cells. MOLECULAR THERAPY - NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 28:877-891. [PMID: 35694213 PMCID: PMC9163427 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Advances in gene therapy research have resulted in the successful development of new therapies for clinical use. Here, we explored a gene targeting approach to deplete ephrinB2 from colorectal cancer cells using an inducible lentiviral vector. EphrinB2, a transmembrane ephrin ligand, promotes colorectal cancer cell growth and viability and predicts poor patient survival when expressed at high levels in colorectal cancer tissues. We discovered that lentiviral vector integration and expression in the host DNA frequently drive divergent host gene transcription, generating antisense reads coupled with splicing events and generation of chimeric vector/host transcripts. Antisense transcription of host DNA was linked to development of an integrated stress response and cell death. Despite recent successes, off-target effects remain a concern in genetic medicine. Our results provide evidence that divergent gene transcription is a previously unrecognized off-target effect of lentiviral vector integration with built-in properties for regulation of gene expression.
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19
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Costallat M, Batsché E, Rachez C, Muchardt C. The 'Alu-ome' shapes the epigenetic environment of regulatory elements controlling cellular defense. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:5095-5110. [PMID: 35544277 PMCID: PMC9122584 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Promoters and enhancers are sites of transcription initiation (TSSs) and carry specific histone modifications, including H3K4me1, H3K4me3, and H3K27ac. Yet, the principles governing the boundaries of such regulatory elements are still poorly characterized. Alu elements are good candidates for a boundary function, being highly abundant in gene-rich regions, while essentially excluded from regulatory elements. Here, we show that the interval ranging from TSS to first upstream Alu, accommodates all H3K4me3 and most H3K27ac marks, while excluding DNA methylation. Remarkably, the average length of these intervals greatly varies in-between tissues, being longer in stem- and shorter in immune-cells. The very shortest TSS-to-first-Alu intervals were observed at promoters active in T-cells, particularly at immune genes, where first-Alus were traversed by RNA polymerase II transcription, while accumulating H3K4me1 signal. Finally, DNA methylation at first-Alus was found to evolve with age, regressing from young to middle-aged, then recovering later in life. Thus, the first-Alus upstream of TSSs appear as dynamic boundaries marking the transition from DNA methylation to active histone modifications at regulatory elements, while also participating in the recording of immune gene transcriptional events by positioning H3K4me1-modified nucleosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mickael Costallat
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, Biological Adaptation and Ageing, B2A-IBPS, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Eric Batsché
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, Biological Adaptation and Ageing, B2A-IBPS, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Christophe Rachez
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, Biological Adaptation and Ageing, B2A-IBPS, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Christian Muchardt
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, Biological Adaptation and Ageing, B2A-IBPS, 75005, Paris, France
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20
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Park K, Zhong J, Jang JS, Kim J, Kim HJ, Lee JH, Kim J. ZWC complex-mediated SPT5 phosphorylation suppresses divergent antisense RNA transcription at active gene promoters. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:3835-3851. [PMID: 35325203 PMCID: PMC9023261 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The human genome encodes large numbers of non-coding RNAs, including divergent antisense transcripts at transcription start sites (TSSs). However, molecular mechanisms by which divergent antisense transcription is regulated have not been detailed. Here, we report a novel ZWC complex composed of ZC3H4, WDR82 and CK2 that suppresses divergent antisense transcription. The ZWC complex preferentially localizes at TSSs of active genes through direct interactions of ZC3H4 and WDR82 subunits with the S5p RNAPII C-terminal domain. ZC3H4 depletion leads to increased divergent antisense transcription, especially at genes that naturally produce divergent antisense transcripts. We further demonstrate that the ZWC complex phosphorylates the previously uncharacterized N-terminal acidic domain of SPT5, a subunit of the transcription-elongation factor DSIF, and that this phosphorylation is responsible for suppressing divergent antisense transcription. Our study provides evidence that the newly identified ZWC-DSIF axis regulates the direction of transcription during the transition from early to productive elongation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kihyun Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, South Korea
| | - Jian Zhong
- Epigenomics Program, Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Jin Sung Jang
- Medical Genome Facility, Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Division of Experimental Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Jihyun Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, South Korea
| | - Hye-Jung Kim
- New Drug Development Center, OSONG Medical Innovation Foundation, Cheongju 28160, South Korea
| | - Jeong-Heon Lee
- Epigenomics Program, Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Division of Experimental Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Jaehoon Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, South Korea
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21
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Cherezov RO, Vorontsova JE, Simonova OB. The Phenomenon of Evolutionary “De Novo Generation” of Genes. Russ J Dev Biol 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062360421060035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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22
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Lin N, Lin JZ, Tanaka Y, Sun P, Zhou X. Identification and validation of a five-lncRNA signature for predicting survival with targeted drug candidates in ovarian cancer. Bioengineered 2021; 12:3263-3274. [PMID: 34224310 PMCID: PMC8806566 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1946632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The dysregulation of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) plays a crucial role in ovarian cancer (OC). In this study, we screened out five differentially expressed lncRNAs (AC092718.4, AC138035.1, BMPR1B-DT, RNF157-AS1, and TPT1-AS1) between OC and normal ovarian based on TCGA and GTEx RNA-seq databases by using Kaplan-Meier analysis and univariate Cox, LASSO, and multivariate Cox regression. Then, a risk signature was constructed, with 1, 3, 5-year survival prediction accuracy confirmed by ROC curves, and an online survival calculator for easier clinical use. With lncRNA-microRNA-mRNA regulatory networks established, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed, suggesting the involvement of a variety of cancer-related functions and pathways. Finally, five candidate small-molecule drugs (thioridazine, trifluoperazine, loperamide, LY294002, and puromycin) were predicted by Connectivity Map. In conclusion, we identified a 5-lncRNA signature of prognostic value with its ceRNA networks, and five candidate drugs against OC.[Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuan Lin
- Obstetrics & Gynecology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, People’s Republic of China
- Stem Cell Research Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, People’s Republic of China
- The Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jia-zhe Lin
- Neurosurgical Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yoshiaki Tanaka
- Department of Genetics, Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Pingnan Sun
- Stem Cell Research Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, People’s Republic of China
- The Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoling Zhou
- Stem Cell Research Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, People’s Republic of China
- The Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, People’s Republic of China
- CONTACT Xiaoling Zhou Stem Cell Research Center, the Center for Reproductive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou515041, China
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23
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Santiago-Algarra D, Souaid C, Singh H, Dao LTM, Hussain S, Medina-Rivera A, Ramirez-Navarro L, Castro-Mondragon JA, Sadouni N, Charbonnier G, Spicuglia S. Epromoters function as a hub to recruit key transcription factors required for the inflammatory response. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6660. [PMID: 34795220 PMCID: PMC8602369 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26861-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene expression is controlled by the involvement of gene-proximal (promoters) and distal (enhancers) regulatory elements. Our previous results demonstrated that a subset of gene promoters, termed Epromoters, work as bona fide enhancers and regulate distal gene expression. Here, we hypothesized that Epromoters play a key role in the coordination of rapid gene induction during the inflammatory response. Using a high-throughput reporter assay we explored the function of Epromoters in response to type I interferon. We find that clusters of IFNa-induced genes are frequently associated with Epromoters and that these regulatory elements preferentially recruit the STAT1/2 and IRF transcription factors and distally regulate the activation of interferon-response genes. Consistently, we identified and validated the involvement of Epromoter-containing clusters in the regulation of LPS-stimulated macrophages. Our findings suggest that Epromoters function as a local hub recruiting the key TFs required for coordinated regulation of gene clusters during the inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Santiago-Algarra
- Aix-Marseille University, INSERM, TAGC, UMR 1090, Marseille, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Charbel Souaid
- Aix-Marseille University, INSERM, TAGC, UMR 1090, Marseille, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Himanshu Singh
- Aix-Marseille University, INSERM, TAGC, UMR 1090, Marseille, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Lan T M Dao
- Aix-Marseille University, INSERM, TAGC, UMR 1090, Marseille, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
- Vinmec Research Institute of Stem cell and Gene technology, Vinmec Healthcare System, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Saadat Hussain
- Aix-Marseille University, INSERM, TAGC, UMR 1090, Marseille, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Alejandra Medina-Rivera
- Laboratorio Internacional de Investigación sobre el Genoma Humano, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Juriquilla, Mexico
| | - Lucia Ramirez-Navarro
- Laboratorio Internacional de Investigación sobre el Genoma Humano, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Juriquilla, Mexico
| | - Jaime A Castro-Mondragon
- Aix-Marseille University, INSERM, TAGC, UMR 1090, Marseille, France
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (NCMM), Nordic EMBL Partnership, University of Oslo, 0318, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nori Sadouni
- Aix-Marseille University, INSERM, TAGC, UMR 1090, Marseille, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Charbonnier
- Aix-Marseille University, INSERM, TAGC, UMR 1090, Marseille, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Salvatore Spicuglia
- Aix-Marseille University, INSERM, TAGC, UMR 1090, Marseille, France.
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France.
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24
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Heterogeneity among enhancer RNAs: origins, consequences and perspectives. Essays Biochem 2021; 65:709-721. [PMID: 34414426 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20200064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Enhancer RNAs (eRNAs) are non-coding RNAs transcribed from distal cis-regulatory elements (i.e. enhancers), which are stereotyped as short, rarely spliced and unstable. In fact, a non-negligible fraction of eRNAs seems to be longer, spliced and more stable, and their cognate enhancers are epigenomically and functionally distinguishable from typical enhancers. In this review, we first summarized the genomic and molecular origins underlying the observed heterogeneity among eRNAs. Then, we discussed how their heterogeneous properties (e.g. stability) affect the modes of interaction with their regulatory partners, from promiscuous cis-interactions to specific trans-interactions. Finally, we highlighted the existence of a seemingly continuous spectrum of eRNA properties and its implications in the genomic origins of non-coding RNA genes from an evolutionary perspective.
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25
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Liu B, Shyr Y, Liu Q. Pan-Cancer Analysis Reveals Common and Specific Relationships between Intragenic miRNAs and Their Host Genes. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1263. [PMID: 34572448 PMCID: PMC8471046 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9091263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small endogenous non-coding RNAs that play important roles in regulating gene expression. Most miRNAs are located within or close to genes (host). miRNAs and their host genes have either coordinated or independent transcription. We performed a comprehensive investigation on co-transcriptional patterns of miRNAs and host genes based on 4707 patients across 21 cancer types. We found that only 11.6% of miRNA-host pairs were co-transcribed consistently and strongly across cancer types. Most miRNA-host pairs showed a strong coexpression only in some specific cancer types, demonstrating a high heterogenous pattern. For two particular types of intergenic miRNAs, readthrough and divergent miRNAs, readthrough miRNAs showed higher coexpression with their host genes than divergent ones. miRNAs located within non-coding genes had tighter co-transcription with their hosts than those located within protein-coding genes, especially exonic and junction miRNAs. A few precursor miRNAs changed their dominate form between 5' and 3' strands in different cancer types, including miR-486, miR-99b, let-7e, miR-125a, let-7g, miR-339, miR-26a, miR-16, and miR-218, whereas only two miRNAs with multiple host genes switched their co-transcriptional partner in different cancer types (miR-219a-1 with SLC39A7/HSD17B8 and miR-3615 with RAB37/SLC9A3R1). miRNAs generated from distinct precursors (such as miR-125b from miR-125b-1 or miR-125b-2) were more likely to have cancer-dependent main contributors. miRNAs and hosts were less co-expressed in KIRC than other cancer types, possibly due to its frequent VHL mutations. Our findings shed new light on miRNA biogenesis and cancer diagnosis and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baohong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China
| | - Yu Shyr
- Center for Quantitative Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA;
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Qi Liu
- Center for Quantitative Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA;
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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26
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The evolutionary acquisition and mode of functions of promoter-associated non-coding RNAs (pancRNAs) for mammalian development. Essays Biochem 2021; 65:697-708. [PMID: 34328174 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20200143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence has shown that many long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in gene regulation in a variety of ways such as transcriptional, post-transcriptional and epigenetic regulation. Promoter-associated non-coding RNAs (pancRNAs), which are categorized into the most abundant single-copy lncRNA biotype, play vital regulatory roles in finely tuning cellular specification at the epigenomic level. In short, pancRNAs can directly or indirectly regulate downstream genes to participate in the development of organisms in a cell-specific manner. In this review, we will introduce the evolutionarily acquired characteristics of pancRNAs as determined by comparative epigenomics and elaborate on the research progress on pancRNA-involving processes in mammalian embryonic development, including neural differentiation.
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Zeng X, Park SJ, Nakai K. Characterizing Promoter and Enhancer Sequences by a Deep Learning Method. Front Genet 2021; 12:681259. [PMID: 34211503 PMCID: PMC8239401 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.681259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Promoters and enhancers are well-known regulatory elements modulating gene expression. As confirmed by high-throughput sequencing technologies, these regulatory elements are bidirectionally transcribed. That is, promoters produce stable mRNA in the sense direction and unstable RNA in the antisense direction, while enhancers transcribe unstable RNA in both directions. Although it is thought that enhancers and promoters share a similar architecture of transcription start sites (TSSs), how the transcriptional machinery distinctly uses these genomic regions as promoters or enhancers remains unclear. To address this issue, we developed a deep learning (DL) method by utilizing a convolutional neural network (CNN) and the saliency algorithm. In comparison with other classifiers, our CNN presented higher predictive performance, suggesting the overarching importance of the high-order sequence features, captured by the CNN. Moreover, our method revealed that there are substantial sequence differences between the enhancers and promoters. Remarkably, the 20–120 bp downstream regions from the center of bidirectional TSSs seemed to contribute to the RNA stability. These regions in promoters tend to have a larger number of guanines and cytosines compared to those in enhancers, and this feature contributed to the classification of the regulatory elements. Our CNN-based method can capture the complex TSS architectures. We found that the genomic regions around TSSs for promoters and enhancers contribute to RNA stability and show GC-biased characteristics as a critical determinant for promoter TSSs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zeng
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Sung-Joon Park
- Human Genome Center, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenta Nakai
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan.,Human Genome Center, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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28
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Hata T, Takada N, Hayakawa C, Kazama M, Uchikoba T, Tachikawa M, Matsuo M, Satoh S, Obokata J. De novo activated transcription of inserted foreign coding sequences is inheritable in the plant genome. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252674. [PMID: 34111139 PMCID: PMC8191969 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The manner in which inserted foreign coding sequences become transcriptionally activated and fixed in the plant genome is poorly understood. To examine such processes of gene evolution, we performed an artificial evolutionary experiment in Arabidopsis thaliana. As a model of gene-birth events, we introduced a promoterless coding sequence of the firefly luciferase (LUC) gene and established 386 T2-generation transgenic lines. Among them, we determined the individual LUC insertion loci in 76 lines and found that one-third of them were transcribed de novo even in the intergenic or inherently unexpressed regions. In the transcribed lines, transcription-related chromatin marks were detected across the newly activated transcribed regions. These results agreed with our previous findings in A. thaliana cultured cells under a similar experimental scheme. A comparison of the results of the T2-plant and cultured cell experiments revealed that the de novo-activated transcription concomitant with local chromatin remodelling was inheritable. During one-generation inheritance, it seems likely that the transcription activities of the LUC inserts trapped by the endogenous genes/transcripts became stronger, while those of de novo transcription in the intergenic/untranscribed regions became weaker. These findings may offer a clue for the elucidation of the mechanism by which inserted foreign coding sequences become transcriptionally activated and fixed in the plant genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Hata
- Graduate School of Life and Environfmental Sciences, Kyoto Prefectural University, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, Japan
- Faculty of Agriculture, Setsunan University, Hirakata-shi, Osaka, Japan
| | - Naoto Takada
- Graduate School of Life and Environfmental Sciences, Kyoto Prefectural University, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Chihiro Hayakawa
- Graduate School of Life and Environfmental Sciences, Kyoto Prefectural University, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Mei Kazama
- Graduate School of Life and Environfmental Sciences, Kyoto Prefectural University, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Uchikoba
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Kyoto Prefectural University, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Makoto Tachikawa
- Graduate School of Life and Environfmental Sciences, Kyoto Prefectural University, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Matsuo
- Faculty of Agriculture, Setsunan University, Hirakata-shi, Osaka, Japan
| | - Soichirou Satoh
- Graduate School of Life and Environfmental Sciences, Kyoto Prefectural University, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, Japan
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Kyoto Prefectural University, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Junichi Obokata
- Faculty of Agriculture, Setsunan University, Hirakata-shi, Osaka, Japan
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29
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Widespread divergent transcription from bacterial and archaeal promoters is a consequence of DNA-sequence symmetry. Nat Microbiol 2021; 6:746-756. [PMID: 33958766 PMCID: PMC7612053 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-021-00898-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Transcription initiates at promoters, DNA regions recognized by a DNA-dependent RNA polymerase. We previously identified horizontally acquired Escherichia coli promoters from which the direction of transcription was unclear. In the present study, we show that more than half of these promoters are bidirectional and drive divergent transcription. Using genome-scale approaches, we demonstrate that 19% of all transcription start sites detected in E. coli are associated with a bidirectional promoter. Bidirectional promoters are similarly common in diverse bacteria and archaea, and have inherent symmetry: specific bases required for transcription initiation are reciprocally co-located on opposite DNA strands. Bidirectional promoters enable co-regulation of divergent genes and are enriched in both intergenic and horizontally acquired regions. Divergent transcription is conserved among bacteria, archaea and eukaryotes, but the underlying mechanisms for bidirectionality are different.
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30
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Shen H, Yang M, Li S, Zhang J, Peng B, Wang C, Chang Z, Ong J, Du P. Mouse totipotent stem cells captured and maintained through spliceosomal repression. Cell 2021; 184:2843-2859.e20. [PMID: 33991488 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Since establishment of the first embryonic stem cells (ESCs), in vitro culture of totipotent cells functionally and molecularly comparable with in vivo blastomeres with embryonic and extraembryonic developmental potential has been a challenge. Here we report that spliceosomal repression in mouse ESCs drives a pluripotent-to-totipotent state transition. Using the splicing inhibitor pladienolide B, we achieve stable in vitro culture of totipotent ESCs comparable at molecular levels with 2- and 4-cell blastomeres, which we call totipotent blastomere-like cells (TBLCs). Mouse chimeric assays combined with single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) demonstrate that TBLCs have a robust bidirectional developmental capability to generate multiple embryonic and extraembryonic cell lineages. Mechanically, spliceosomal repression causes widespread splicing inhibition of pluripotent genes, whereas totipotent genes, which contain few short introns, are efficiently spliced and transcriptionally activated. Our study provides a means for capturing and maintaining totipotent stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Shen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Min Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Shiyu Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Bing Peng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Chunhui Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Zai Chang
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jennie Ong
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Peng Du
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
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31
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Cvekl A, Eliscovich C. Crystallin gene expression: Insights from studies of transcriptional bursting. Exp Eye Res 2021; 207:108564. [PMID: 33894228 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Cellular differentiation is marked by temporally and spatially regulated gene expression. The ocular lens is one of the most powerful mammalian model system since it is composed from only two cell subtypes, called lens epithelial and fiber cells. Lens epithelial cells differentiate into fiber cells through a series of spatially and temporally orchestrated processes, including massive production of crystallins, cellular elongation and the coordinated degradation of nuclei and other organelles. Studies of transcriptional and posttranscriptional gene regulatory mechanisms in lens provide a wide range of opportunities to understand global molecular mechanisms of gene expression as steady-state levels of crystallin mRNAs reach very high levels comparable to globin genes in erythrocytes. Importantly, dysregulation of crystallin gene expression results in lens structural abnormalities and cataracts. The mRNA life cycle is comprised of multiple stages, including transcription, splicing, nuclear export into cytoplasm, stabilization, localization, translation and ultimate decay. In recent years, development of modern mRNA detection methods with single molecule and single cell resolution enabled transformative studies to visualize the mRNA life cycle to generate novel insights into the sequential regulatory mechanisms of gene expression during embryogenesis. This review is focused on recent major advancements in studies of transcriptional bursting in differentiating lens fiber cells, analysis of nascent mRNA expression from bi-directional promoters, transient nuclear accumulation of specific mRNAs, condensation of chromatin prior lens fiber cell denucleation, and outlines future studies to probe the interactions of individual mRNAs with specific RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) in the cytoplasm and regulation of translation and mRNA decay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ales Cvekl
- Department of Ophthalmology and VIsual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA; Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
| | - Carolina Eliscovich
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA; Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
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32
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Gil N, Ulitsky I. Inefficient splicing curbs noncoding RNA transcription. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2021; 28:327-328. [PMID: 33767453 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-021-00582-w] [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]
Affiliation(s)
- Noa Gil
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Igor Ulitsky
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
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33
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Majic P, Payne JL. Enhancers Facilitate the Birth of De Novo Genes and Gene Integration into Regulatory Networks. Mol Biol Evol 2021; 37:1165-1178. [PMID: 31845961 PMCID: PMC7086177 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msz300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory networks control the spatiotemporal gene expression patterns that give rise to and define the individual cell types of multicellular organisms. In eumetazoa, distal regulatory elements called enhancers play a key role in determining the structure of such networks, particularly the wiring diagram of “who regulates whom.” Mutations that affect enhancer activity can therefore rewire regulatory networks, potentially causing adaptive changes in gene expression. Here, we use whole-tissue and single-cell transcriptomic and chromatin accessibility data from mouse to show that enhancers play an additional role in the evolution of regulatory networks: They facilitate network growth by creating transcriptionally active regions of open chromatin that are conducive to de novo gene evolution. Specifically, our comparative transcriptomic analysis with three other mammalian species shows that young, mouse-specific intergenic open reading frames are preferentially located near enhancers, whereas older open reading frames are not. Mouse-specific intergenic open reading frames that are proximal to enhancers are more highly and stably transcribed than those that are not proximal to enhancers or promoters, and they are transcribed in a limited diversity of cellular contexts. Furthermore, we report several instances of mouse-specific intergenic open reading frames proximal to promoters showing evidence of being repurposed enhancers. We also show that open reading frames gradually acquire interactions with enhancers over macroevolutionary timescales, helping integrate genes—those that have arisen de novo or by other means—into existing regulatory networks. Taken together, our results highlight a dual role of enhancers in expanding and rewiring gene regulatory networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paco Majic
- Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Joshua L Payne
- Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Corresponding author: E-mail:
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34
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The new chimeric chiron genes evolved essential roles in zebrafish embryonic development by regulating NAD + levels. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2021; 64:1929-1948. [PMID: 33521859 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-020-1851-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The origination of new genes is important for generating genetic novelties for adaptive evolution and biological diversity. However, their potential roles in embryonic development, evolutionary processes into ancient networks, and contributions to adaptive evolution remain poorly investigated. Here, we identified a novel chimeric gene family, the chiron family, and explored its genetic basis and functional evolution underlying the adaptive evolution of Danioninae fishes. The ancestral chiron gene originated through retroposition of nampt in Danioninae 48-54 million years ago (Mya) and expanded into five duplicates (chiron1-5) in zebrafish 1-4 Mya. The chiron genes (chirons) likely originated in embryonic development and gradually extended their expression in the testis. Functional experiments showed that chirons were essential for zebrafish embryo development. By integrating into the NAD+ synthesis pathway, chirons could directly catalyze the NAD+ rate-limiting reaction and probably impact two energy metabolism genes (nmnat1 and naprt) to be under positive selection in Danioninae fishes. Together, these results mainly demonstrated that the origin of new chimeric chiron genes may be involved in adaptive evolution by integrating and impacting the NAD+ biosynthetic pathway. This coevolution may contribute to the physiological adaptation of Danioninae fishes to widespread and varied biomes in Southeast Asian.
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35
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Fraga de Andrade I, Mehta C, Bresnick EH. Post-transcriptional control of cellular differentiation by the RNA exosome complex. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:11913-11928. [PMID: 33119769 PMCID: PMC7708067 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Given the complexity of intracellular RNA ensembles and vast phenotypic remodeling intrinsic to cellular differentiation, it is instructive to consider the role of RNA regulatory machinery in controlling differentiation. Dynamic post-transcriptional regulation of protein-coding and non-coding transcripts is vital for establishing and maintaining proteomes that enable or oppose differentiation. By contrast to extensively studied transcriptional mechanisms governing differentiation, many questions remain unanswered regarding the involvement of post-transcriptional mechanisms. Through its catalytic activity to selectively process or degrade RNAs, the RNA exosome complex dictates the levels of RNAs comprising multiple RNA classes, thereby regulating chromatin structure, gene expression and differentiation. Although the RNA exosome would be expected to control diverse biological processes, studies to elucidate its biological functions and how it integrates into, or functions in parallel with, cell type-specific transcriptional mechanisms are in their infancy. Mechanistic analyses have demonstrated that the RNA exosome confers expression of a differentiation regulatory receptor tyrosine kinase, downregulates the telomerase RNA component TERC, confers genomic stability and promotes DNA repair, which have considerable physiological and pathological implications. In this review, we address how a broadly operational RNA regulatory complex interfaces with cell type-specific machinery to control cellular differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabela Fraga de Andrade
- Wisconsin Blood Cancer Research Institute, Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 1111 Highland Avenue, 4009 WIMR, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Charu Mehta
- Wisconsin Blood Cancer Research Institute, Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 1111 Highland Avenue, 4009 WIMR, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Emery H Bresnick
- Wisconsin Blood Cancer Research Institute, Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 1111 Highland Avenue, 4009 WIMR, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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36
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Rothschild G, Zhang W, Lim J, Giri PK, Laffleur B, Chen Y, Fang M, Chen Y, Nair L, Liu ZP, Deng H, Hammarström L, Wang J, Basu U. Noncoding RNA transcription alters chromosomal topology to promote isotype-specific class switch recombination. Sci Immunol 2020; 5:5/44/eaay5864. [PMID: 32034089 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.aay5864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
B cells undergo two types of genomic alterations to increase antibody diversity: introduction of point mutations into immunoglobulin heavy- and light-chain (IgH and IgL) variable regions by somatic hypermutation (SHM) and alteration of antibody effector functions by changing the expressed IgH constant region exons through IgH class switch recombination (CSR). SHM and CSR require the B cell-specific activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) protein, the transcription of germline noncoding RNAs, and the activity of the 3' regulatory region (3'RR) super-enhancer. Although many transcription regulatory elements (e.g., promoters and enhancers) reside inside the IgH and IgL sequences, the question remains whether clusters of regulatory elements outside IgH control CSR. Using RNA exosome-deficient mouse B cells where long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are easily detected, we identified a cluster of three RNA-expressing elements that includes lncCSRIgA (that expresses lncRNA-CSRIgA). B cells isolated from a mouse model lacking lncRNA-CSRIgA transcription fail to undergo normal levels of CSR to IgA both in B cells of the Peyer's patches and grown in ex vivo culture conditions. lncRNA-CSRIgA is expressed from an enhancer site (lncCSRIgA ) to facilitate the recruitment of regulatory proteins to a nearby CTCF site (CTCFlncCSR) that alters the chromosomal interactions inside the TADlncCSRIgA and long-range interactions with the 3'RR super-enhancer. Humans with IgA deficiency show polymorphisms in the lncCSRIgA locus compared with the normal population. Thus, we provide evidence for an evolutionarily conserved topologically associated domain (TADlncCSRIgA) that coordinates IgA CSR in Peyer's patch B cells through an lncRNA (lncRNA-CSRIgA) transcription-dependent mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerson Rothschild
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Wanwei Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Junghyun Lim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Pankaj Kumar Giri
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Brice Laffleur
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Yiyun Chen
- Division of Life Science, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Center for Systems Biology and Human Health, and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Mingyan Fang
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China.,Division of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, SE-141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yuling Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Lekha Nair
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Zhi-Ping Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Control Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250061, China
| | - Haiteng Deng
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Lennart Hammarström
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China.,Division of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, SE-141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jiguang Wang
- Division of Life Science, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Center for Systems Biology and Human Health, and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Uttiya Basu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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37
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Yan P, Lu JY, Niu J, Gao J, Zhang MQ, Yin Y, Shen X. LncRNA Platr22 promotes super-enhancer activity and stem cell pluripotency. J Mol Cell Biol 2020; 13:295-313. [PMID: 33049031 PMCID: PMC8339366 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjaa056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Super-enhancers (SEs) comprise large clusters of enhancers, which are co-occupied by multiple lineage-specific and master transcription factors, and play pivotal roles in regulating gene expression and cell fate determination. However, it is still largely unknown whether and how SEs are regulated by the noncoding portion of the genome. Here, through genome-wide analysis, we found that long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) genes preferentially lie next to SEs. In mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs), depletion of SE-associated lncRNA transcripts dysregulated the activity of their nearby SEs. Specifically, we revealed a critical regulatory role of the lncRNA gene Platr22 in modulating the activity of a nearby SE and the expression of the nearby pluripotency regulator ZFP281. Through these regulatory events, Platr22 contributes to pluripotency maintenance and proper differentiation of mESCs. Mechanistically, Platr22 transcripts coat chromatin near the SE region and interact with DDX5 and hnRNP-L. DDX5 further recruits p300 and other factors related to active transcription. We propose that these factors assemble into a transcription hub, thus promoting an open and active epigenetic chromatin state. Our study highlights an unanticipated role for a class of lncRNAs in epigenetically controlling the activity and vulnerability to perturbation of nearby SEs for cell fate determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pixi Yan
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Medicine and School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - J Yuyang Lu
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Medicine and School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Niu
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Medicine and School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Juntao Gao
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Medicine and School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Michael Q Zhang
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Medicine and School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yafei Yin
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Medicine and School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohua Shen
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Medicine and School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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38
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Ntini E, Marsico A. Functional impacts of non-coding RNA processing on enhancer activity and target gene expression. J Mol Cell Biol 2020; 11:868-879. [PMID: 31169884 PMCID: PMC6884709 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjz047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tight regulation of gene expression is orchestrated by enhancers. Through recent research advancements, it is becoming clear that enhancers are not solely distal regulatory elements harboring transcription factor binding sites and decorated with specific histone marks, but they rather display signatures of active transcription, showing distinct degrees of transcription unit organization. Thereby, a substantial fraction of enhancers give rise to different species of non-coding RNA transcripts with an unprecedented range of potential functions. In this review, we bring together data from recent studies indicating that non-coding RNA transcription from active enhancers, as well as enhancer-produced long non-coding RNA transcripts, may modulate or define the functional regulatory potential of the cognate enhancer. In addition, we summarize supporting evidence that RNA processing of the enhancer-associated long non-coding RNA transcripts may constitute an additional layer of regulation of enhancer activity, which contributes to the control and final outcome of enhancer-targeted gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenia Ntini
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany.,Free University Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Annalisa Marsico
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany.,Free University Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, München, Germany
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39
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First Come, First Served: Sui Generis Features of the First Intron. PLANTS 2020; 9:plants9070911. [PMID: 32707681 PMCID: PMC7411622 DOI: 10.3390/plants9070911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Most of the transcribed genes in eukaryotic cells are interrupted by intervening sequences called introns that are co-transcriptionally removed from nascent messenger RNA through the process of splicing. In Arabidopsis, 79% of genes contain introns and more than 60% of intron-containing genes undergo alternative splicing (AS), which ostensibly is considered to increase protein diversity as one of the intrinsic mechanisms for fitness to the varying environment or the internal developmental program. In addition, recent findings have prevailed in terms of overlooked intron functions. Here, we review recent progress in the underlying mechanisms of intron function, in particular by focusing on unique features of the first intron that is located in close proximity to the transcription start site. The distinct deposition of epigenetic marks and nucleosome density on the first intronic DNA sequence, the impact of the first intron on determining the transcription start site and elongation of its own expression (called intron-mediated enhancement, IME), translation control in 5′-UTR, and the new mechanism of the trans-acting function of the first intron in regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level are summarized.
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40
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Zhao Y, Teng H, Yao F, Yap S, Sun Y, Ma L. Challenges and Strategies in Ascribing Functions to Long Noncoding RNAs. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061458. [PMID: 32503290 PMCID: PMC7352683 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in many physiological and pathological processes, such as development, aging, immunity, and cancer. Mechanistically, lncRNAs exert their functions through interaction with proteins, genomic DNA, and other RNA, leading to transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression, either in cis or in trans; it is often difficult to distinguish between these two regulatory mechanisms. A variety of approaches, including RNA interference, antisense oligonucleotides, CRISPR-based methods, and genetically engineered mouse models, have yielded abundant information about lncRNA functions and underlying mechanisms, albeit with many discrepancies. In this review, we elaborate on the challenges in ascribing functions to lncRNAs based on the features of lncRNAs, including the genomic location, copy number, domain structure, subcellular localization, stability, evolution, and expression pattern. We also describe a framework for the investigation of lncRNA functions and mechanisms of action. Rigorous characterization of cancer-implicated lncRNAs is critical for the identification of bona fide anticancer targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhao
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Y.Z.); (H.T.); (F.Y.); (S.Y.)
| | - Hongqi Teng
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Y.Z.); (H.T.); (F.Y.); (S.Y.)
| | - Fan Yao
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Y.Z.); (H.T.); (F.Y.); (S.Y.)
| | - Shannon Yap
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Y.Z.); (H.T.); (F.Y.); (S.Y.)
| | - Yutong Sun
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Li Ma
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Y.Z.); (H.T.); (F.Y.); (S.Y.)
- UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-713-792-6590
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41
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Chellini L, Frezza V, Paronetto MP. Dissecting the transcriptional regulatory networks of promoter-associated noncoding RNAs in development and cancer. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2020; 39:51. [PMID: 32183847 PMCID: PMC7079525 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-020-01552-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In-depth analysis of global RNA sequencing has enabled a comprehensive overview of cellular transcriptomes and revealed the pervasive transcription of divergent RNAs from promoter regions across eukaryotic genomes. These studies disclosed that genomes encode a vast repertoire of RNAs beyond the well-known protein-coding messenger RNAs. Furthermore, they have provided novel insights into the regulation of eukaryotic epigenomes, and transcriptomes, including the identification of novel classes of noncoding transcripts, such as the promoter-associated noncoding RNAs (pancRNAs). PancRNAs are defined as transcripts transcribed within few hundred bases from the transcription start sites (TSSs) of protein-coding or non-coding genes. Unlike the long trans-acting ncRNAs that regulate expression of target genes located in different chromosomal domains and displaying their function both in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm, the pancRNAs operate as cis-acting elements in the transcriptional regulation of neighboring genes. PancRNAs are very recently emerging as key players in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression programs in development and diseases. Herein, we review the complex epigenetic network driven by pancRNAs in eukaryotic cells, their impact on physiological and pathological states, which render them promising targets for novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Chellini
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Frezza
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Paronetto
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143, Rome, Italy. .,Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Piazza Lauro de Bosis 6, 00135, Rome, Italy.
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42
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Ruiz-Orera J, Villanueva-Cañas JL, Albà MM. Evolution of new proteins from translated sORFs in long non-coding RNAs. Exp Cell Res 2020; 391:111940. [PMID: 32156600 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2020.111940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
High throughput RNA sequencing techniques have revealed that a large fraction of the genome is transcribed into long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Unlike canonical protein-coding genes, lncRNAs do not contain long open reading frames (ORFs) and tend to be poorly conserved across species. However, many of them contain small ORFs (sORFs) that exhibit translation signatures according to ribosome profiling or proteomics data. These sORFs are a source of putative novel proteins; some of them may confer a selective advantage and be maintained over time, a process known as de novo gene birth. Here we review the mechanisms by which randomly occurring sORFs in lncRNAs can become new functional proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Ruiz-Orera
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | | | - M Mar Albà
- Evolutionary Genomics Group, Research Programme in Biomedical Informatics, Hospital Del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, 08010, Spain.
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43
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Lee JH, Xiong F, Li W. Enhancer RNAs in cancer: regulation, mechanisms and therapeutic potential. RNA Biol 2020; 17:1550-1559. [PMID: 31916476 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2020.1712895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Enhancers are distal genomic elements critical for gene regulation and cell identify control during development and diseases. Many human cancers were found to associate with enhancer malfunction, due to genetic and epigenetic alterations, which in some cases directly drive tumour growth. Conventionally, enhancers are known to provide DNA binding motifs to recruit transcription factors (TFs) and to control target genes. However, recent progress found that most, if not all, active enhancers pervasively transcribe noncoding RNAs that are referred to as enhancer RNAs (eRNAs). Increasing evidence points to functional roles of at least a subset of eRNAs in gene regulation in both normal and cancer cells, adding new insights into the action mechanisms of enhancers. eRNA expression was observed to be widespread but also specific to tumour types and individual patients, serving as opportunities to exploit them as potential diagnosis markers or therapeutic targets. In this review, we discuss the brief history of eRNA research, their functional mechanisms and importance in cancer gene regulation, as well as their therapeutic and diagnostic values in cancer. We propose that further studies of eRNAs in cancer will offer a promising 'eRNA targeted therapy' for human cancer intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joo-Hyung Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center , Houston, TX, USA
| | - Feng Xiong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center , Houston, TX, USA
| | - Wenbo Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center , Houston, TX, USA.,Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and UTHealth , Houston, TX, USA
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44
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Xiang D, Quilichini TD, Liu Z, Gao P, Pan Y, Li Q, Nilsen KT, Venglat P, Esteban E, Pasha A, Wang Y, Wen R, Zhang Z, Hao Z, Wang E, Wei Y, Cuthbert R, Kochian LV, Sharpe A, Provart N, Weijers D, Gillmor CS, Pozniak C, Datla R. The Transcriptional Landscape of Polyploid Wheats and Their Diploid Ancestors during Embryogenesis and Grain Development. THE PLANT CELL 2019; 31:2888-2911. [PMID: 31628162 PMCID: PMC6925018 DOI: 10.1105/tpc.19.00397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Modern wheat production comes from two polyploid species, Triticum aestivum and Triticum turgidum (var durum), which putatively arose from diploid ancestors Triticum urartu, Aegilops speltoides, and Aegilops tauschii How gene expression during embryogenesis and grain development in wheats has been shaped by the differing contributions of diploid genomes through hybridization, polyploidization, and breeding selection is not well understood. This study describes the global landscape of gene activities during wheat embryogenesis and grain development. Using comprehensive transcriptomic analyses of two wheat cultivars and three diploid grasses, we investigated gene expression at seven stages of embryo development, two endosperm stages, and one pericarp stage. We identified transcriptional signatures and developmental similarities and differences among the five species, revealing the evolutionary divergence of gene expression programs and the contributions of A, B, and D subgenomes to grain development in polyploid wheats. The characterization of embryonic transcriptional programming in hexaploid wheat, tetraploid wheat, and diploid grass species provides insight into the landscape of gene expression in modern wheat and its ancestral species. This study presents a framework for understanding the evolution of domesticated wheat and the selective pressures placed on grain production, with important implications for future performance and yield improvements.plantcell;31/12/2888/FX1F1fx1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daoquan Xiang
- Aquatic and Crop Resource Development, National Research Council Canada, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 0W9, Canada
| | - Teagen D Quilichini
- Aquatic and Crop Resource Development, National Research Council Canada, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 0W9, Canada
| | - Ziying Liu
- Digital Technologies Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Peng Gao
- Aquatic and Crop Resource Development, National Research Council Canada, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 0W9, Canada
| | - Youlian Pan
- Digital Technologies Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Qiang Li
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Kirby T Nilsen
- Crop Development Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5A8, Canada
| | - Prakash Venglat
- Department of Plant Sciences and Crop Development Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5A8, Canada
| | - Eddi Esteban
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology/Centre for the Analysis of Genome Evolution and Function, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3B2, Canada
| | - Asher Pasha
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology/Centre for the Analysis of Genome Evolution and Function, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3B2, Canada
| | - Yejun Wang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Rui Wen
- Aquatic and Crop Resource Development, National Research Council Canada, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 0W9, Canada
| | - Zhongjuan Zhang
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Wageningen University, 6703HA Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Zhaodong Hao
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Wageningen University, 6703HA Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Edwin Wang
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Yangdou Wei
- College of Art and Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5A5, Canada
| | - Richard Cuthbert
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Swift Current, Saskatchewan S9H 3X2, Canada
| | - Leon V Kochian
- Global Institute for Food Security, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 4J8, Canada
| | - Andrew Sharpe
- Global Institute for Food Security, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 4J8, Canada
| | - Nicholas Provart
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology/Centre for the Analysis of Genome Evolution and Function, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3B2, Canada
| | - Dolf Weijers
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Wageningen University, 6703HA Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - C Stewart Gillmor
- Laboratorio Nacional de Genómica para la Biodiversidad, Unidad de Genómica Avanzada, Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Irapuato, Guanajuato 36824, México
| | - Curtis Pozniak
- Crop Development Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5A8, Canada
| | - Raju Datla
- Aquatic and Crop Resource Development, National Research Council Canada, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 0W9, Canada
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45
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Barrows JK, Long DT. Cell-free transcription in Xenopus egg extract. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:19645-19654. [PMID: 31732562 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.011350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Soluble extracts prepared from Xenopus eggs have been used extensively to study various aspects of cellular and developmental biology. During early egg development, transcription of the zygotic genome is suppressed. As a result, traditional extracts derived from unfertilized and early stage eggs possess little or no intrinsic transcriptional activity. In this study, we show that Xenopus nucleoplasmic extract (NPE) supports robust transcription of a chromatinized plasmid substrate. Although prepared from eggs in a transcriptionally inactive state, the process of making NPE resembles some aspects of egg fertilization and early embryo development that lead to transcriptional activation. With this system, we observed that promoter-dependent recruitment of transcription factors and RNA polymerase II leads to conventional patterns of divergent transcription and pre-mRNA processing, including intron splicing and 3' cleavage and polyadenylation. We also show that histone density controls transcription factor binding and RNA polymerase II activity, validating a mechanism proposed to regulate genome activation during development. Together, these results establish a new cell-free system to study the regulation, initiation, and processing of mRNA transcripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- John K Barrows
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - David T Long
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
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46
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Duttke SH, Chang MW, Heinz S, Benner C. Identification and dynamic quantification of regulatory elements using total RNA. Genome Res 2019; 29:1836-1846. [PMID: 31649059 PMCID: PMC6836739 DOI: 10.1101/gr.253492.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The spatial and temporal regulation of transcription initiation is pivotal for controlling gene expression. Here, we introduce capped-small RNA-seq (csRNA-seq), which uses total RNA as starting material to detect transcription start sites (TSSs) of both stable and unstable RNAs at single-nucleotide resolution. csRNA-seq is highly sensitive to acute changes in transcription and identifies an order of magnitude more regulated transcripts than does RNA-seq. Interrogating tissues from species across the eukaryotic kingdoms identified unstable transcripts resembling enhancer RNAs, pri-miRNAs, antisense transcripts, and promoter upstream transcripts in multicellular animals, plants, and fungi spanning 1.6 billion years of evolution. Integration of epigenomic data from these organisms revealed that histone H3 trimethylation (H3K4me3) was largely confined to TSSs of stable transcripts, whereas H3K27ac marked nucleosomes downstream from all active TSSs, suggesting an ancient role for posttranslational histone modifications in transcription. Our findings show that total RNA is sufficient to identify transcribed regulatory elements and capture the dynamics of initiated stable and unstable transcripts at single-nucleotide resolution in eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sascha H Duttke
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Max W Chang
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Sven Heinz
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Christopher Benner
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
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47
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Determinants of enhancer and promoter activities of regulatory elements. Nat Rev Genet 2019; 21:71-87. [DOI: 10.1038/s41576-019-0173-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 284] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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48
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Kuznetsov VA, Bondarenko V, Wongsurawat T, Yenamandra SP, Jenjaroenpun P. Toward predictive R-loop computational biology: genome-scale prediction of R-loops reveals their association with complex promoter structures, G-quadruplexes and transcriptionally active enhancers. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:7566-7585. [PMID: 29945198 PMCID: PMC6125637 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
R-loops are three-stranded RNA:DNA hybrid structures essential for many normal and pathobiological processes. Previously, we generated a quantitative R-loop forming sequence (RLFS) model, quantitative model of R-loop-forming sequences (QmRLFS) and predicted ∼660 000 RLFSs; most of them located in genes and gene-flanking regions, G-rich regions and disease-associated genomic loci in the human genome. Here, we conducted a comprehensive comparative analysis of these RLFSs using experimental data and demonstrated the high performance of QmRLFS predictions on the nucleotide and genome scales. The preferential co-localization of RLFS with promoters, U1 splice sites, gene ends, enhancers and non-B DNA structures, such as G-quadruplexes, provides evidence for the mechanical linkage between DNA tertiary structures, transcription initiation and R-loops in critical regulatory genome regions. We introduced and characterized an abundant class of reverse-forward RLFS clusters highly enriched in non-B DNA structures, which localized to promoters, gene ends and enhancers. The RLFS co-localization with promoters and transcriptionally active enhancers suggested new models for in cis and in trans regulation by RNA:DNA hybrids of transcription initiation and formation of 3D-chromatin loops. Overall, this study provides a rationale for the discovery and characterization of the non-B DNA regulatory structures involved in the formation of the RNA:DNA interactome as the basis for an emerging quantitative R-loop biology and pathobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir A Kuznetsov
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138671, Singapore.,Department of Urology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Vladyslav Bondarenko
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138671, Singapore
| | - Thidathip Wongsurawat
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138671, Singapore.,Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Surya P Yenamandra
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138671, Singapore
| | - Piroon Jenjaroenpun
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138671, Singapore.,Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
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49
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Dynamic regulation of chromatin topology and transcription by inverted repeat-derived small RNAs in sunflower. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:17578-17583. [PMID: 31409706 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1903131116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) are extremely abundant in complex plant genomes. siRNAs of 24 nucleotides in length control transposon activity in a process that involves de novo methylation of targeted loci. Usually, these epigenetic modifications trigger nucleosome condensation and a permanent silencing of the affected loci. Here, we show that a TE-derived inverted repeat (IR) element, inserted near the sunflower HaWRKY6 locus, dynamically regulates the expression of the gene by altering chromatin topology. The transcripts of this IR element are processed into 24-nt siRNAs, triggering DNA methylation on its locus. These epigenetic marks stabilize the formation of tissue-specific loops in the chromatin. In leaves, an intragenic loop is formed, blocking HaWRKY6 transcription. While in cotyledons (Cots), formation of an alternative loop, encompassing the whole HaWRKY6 gene, enhances transcription of the gene. The formation of this loop changes the promoter directionality, reducing IR transcription, and ultimately releasing the loop. Our results provide evidence that TEs can act as active and dynamic regulatory elements within coding loci in a mechanism that combines RNA silencing, epigenetic modification, and chromatin remodeling machineries.
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50
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Suzuki IK. Molecular drivers of human cerebral cortical evolution. Neurosci Res 2019; 151:1-14. [PMID: 31175883 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2019.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
One of the most important questions in human evolutionary biology is how our ancestor has acquired an expanded volume of the cerebral cortex, which may have significantly impacted on improving our cognitive abilities. Recent comparative approaches have identified developmental features unique to the human or hominid cerebral cortex, not shared with other animals including conventional experimental models. In addition, genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic signatures associated with human- or hominid-specific processes of the cortical development are becoming identified by virtue of technical progress in the deep nucleotide sequencing. This review discusses ontogenic and phylogenetic processes of the human cerebral cortex, followed by the introduction of recent comprehensive approaches identifying molecular mechanisms potentially driving the evolutionary changes in the cortical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikuo K Suzuki
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033 Japan; VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, KULeuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Université Libre de Bruxelles (U.L.B.), Institut de Recherches en Biologie Humaine et Moléculaire (IRIBHM), ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI), 1070 Brussels, Belgium.
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