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Murray-Nerger LA, Lozano C, Burton EM, Liao Y, Ungerleider NA, Guo R, Gewurz BE. The nucleic acid binding protein SFPQ represses EBV lytic reactivation by promoting histone H1 expression. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4156. [PMID: 38755141 PMCID: PMC11099029 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48333-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) uses a biphasic lifecycle of latency and lytic reactivation to infect >95% of adults worldwide. Despite its central role in EBV persistence and oncogenesis, much remains unknown about how EBV latency is maintained. We used a human genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screen to identify that the nuclear protein SFPQ was critical for latency. SFPQ supported expression of linker histone H1, which stabilizes nucleosomes and regulates nuclear architecture, but has not been previously implicated in EBV gene regulation. H1 occupied latent EBV genomes, including the immediate early gene BZLF1 promoter. Upon reactivation, SFPQ was sequestered into sub-nuclear puncta, and EBV genomic H1 occupancy diminished. Enforced H1 expression blocked EBV reactivation upon SFPQ knockout, confirming it as necessary downstream of SFPQ. SFPQ knockout triggered reactivation of EBV in B and epithelial cells, as well as of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus in B cells, suggesting a conserved gamma-herpesvirus role. These findings highlight SFPQ as a major regulator of H1 expression and EBV latency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Murray-Nerger
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 181 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Harvard Program in Virology, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Center for Integrated Solutions to Infectious Diseases, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Clarisel Lozano
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 181 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Eric M Burton
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 181 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Harvard Program in Virology, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Center for Integrated Solutions to Infectious Diseases, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Yifei Liao
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 181 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Harvard Program in Virology, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Center for Integrated Solutions to Infectious Diseases, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | | | - Rui Guo
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Benjamin E Gewurz
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 181 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Harvard Program in Virology, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Center for Integrated Solutions to Infectious Diseases, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA.
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2
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Velázquez-Flores MÁ, Ruiz Esparza-Garrido R. Fragments derived from non-coding RNAs: how complex is genome regulation? Genome 2024. [PMID: 38684113 DOI: 10.1139/gen-2023-0136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
The human genome is highly dynamic and only a small fraction of it codes for proteins, but most of the genome is transcribed, highlighting the importance of non-coding RNAs on cellular functions. In addition, it is now known the generation of non-coding RNA fragments under particular cellular conditions and their functions have revealed unexpected mechanisms of action, converging, in some cases, with the biogenic pathways and action machineries of microRNAs or Piwi-interacting RNAs. This led us to the question why the cell produces so many apparently redundant molecules to exert similar functions and regulate apparently convergent processes? However, non-coding RNAs fragments can also function similarly to aptamers, with secondary and tertiary conformations determining their functions. In the present work, it was reviewed and analyzed the current information about the non-coding RNAs fragments, describing their structure and biogenic pathways, with special emphasis on their cellular functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Ángel Velázquez-Flores
- Laboratorio de RNAs No Codificantes de la Unidad de Investigación Médica en Genética Humana, Hospital de Pediatría del Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), CDMX, México
| | - Ruth Ruiz Esparza-Garrido
- Investigadora por México, Laboratorio de RNAs No Codificantes de la Unidad de Investigación Médica en Genética Humana, Hospital de Pediatría del Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), CDMX, México
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3
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Soheili-Nezhad S, Ibáñez-Solé O, Izeta A, Hoeijmakers JHJ, Stoeger T. Time is ticking faster for long genes in aging. Trends Genet 2024; 40:299-312. [PMID: 38519330 PMCID: PMC11003850 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2024.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Recent studies of aging organisms have identified a systematic phenomenon, characterized by a negative correlation between gene length and their expression in various cell types, species, and diseases. We term this phenomenon gene-length-dependent transcription decline (GLTD) and suggest that it may represent a bottleneck in the transcription machinery and thereby significantly contribute to aging as an etiological factor. We review potential links between GLTD and key aging processes such as DNA damage and explore their potential in identifying disease modification targets. Notably, in Alzheimer's disease, GLTD spotlights extremely long synaptic genes at chromosomal fragile sites (CFSs) and their vulnerability to postmitotic DNA damage. We suggest that GLTD is an integral element of biological aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sourena Soheili-Nezhad
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Olga Ibáñez-Solé
- Stem Cells & Aging Group, Biogipuzkoa Health Research Institute, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain; Institute for Genome Stability in Aging and Disease, Medical Faculty, University and University Hospital of Cologne, Joseph-Stelzmann-Strasse 26, 50931 Cologne, Germany; Cologne Excellence Cluster for Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Joseph-Stelzmann-Strasse 26, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Ander Izeta
- Stem Cells & Aging Group, Biogipuzkoa Health Research Institute, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain; Tecnun-University of Navarra, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain.
| | - Jan H J Hoeijmakers
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, Cluster of Excellence for Aging Research, Institute for Genome Stability in Ageing and Disease, Cologne, Germany; Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Thomas Stoeger
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA; Potocsnak Longevity Institute, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA; Simpson Querrey Lung Institute for Translational Science, Chicago, IL, USA.
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4
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Richardson R, Tejedor Navarro H, Amaral LAN, Stoeger T. Meta-Research: Understudied genes are lost in a leaky pipeline between genome-wide assays and reporting of results. eLife 2024; 12:RP93429. [PMID: 38546716 PMCID: PMC10977968 DOI: 10.7554/elife.93429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Present-day publications on human genes primarily feature genes that already appeared in many publications prior to completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003. These patterns persist despite the subsequent adoption of high-throughput technologies, which routinely identify novel genes associated with biological processes and disease. Although several hypotheses for bias in the selection of genes as research targets have been proposed, their explanatory powers have not yet been compared. Our analysis suggests that understudied genes are systematically abandoned in favor of better-studied genes between the completion of -omics experiments and the reporting of results. Understudied genes remain abandoned by studies that cite these -omics experiments. Conversely, we find that publications on understudied genes may even accrue a greater number of citations. Among 45 biological and experimental factors previously proposed to affect which genes are being studied, we find that 33 are significantly associated with the choice of hit genes presented in titles and abstracts of -omics studies. To promote the investigation of understudied genes, we condense our insights into a tool, find my understudied genes (FMUG), that allows scientists to engage with potential bias during the selection of hits. We demonstrate the utility of FMUG through the identification of genes that remain understudied in vertebrate aging. FMUG is developed in Flutter and is available for download at fmug.amaral.northwestern.edu as a MacOS/Windows app.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reese Richardson
- Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences, Northwestern UniversityEvanstonUnited States
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern UniversityEvanstonUnited States
| | - Heliodoro Tejedor Navarro
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern UniversityEvanstonUnited States
- Northwestern Institute on Complex Systems, Northwestern UniversityEvanstonUnited States
| | - Luis A Nunes Amaral
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern UniversityEvanstonUnited States
- Northwestern Institute on Complex Systems, Northwestern UniversityEvanstonUnited States
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern UniversityEvanstonUnited States
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Northwestern UniversityEvanstonUnited States
| | - Thomas Stoeger
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern UniversityEvanstonUnited States
- The Potocsnak Longevity Institute, Northwestern UniversityChicagoUnited States
- Simpson Querrey Lung Institute for Translational Science, Northwestern UniversityChicagoUnited States
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Yu D, Huang CJ, Tucker HO. Established and Evolving Roles of the Multifunctional Non-POU Domain-Containing Octamer-Binding Protein (NonO) and Splicing Factor Proline- and Glutamine-Rich (SFPQ). J Dev Biol 2024; 12:3. [PMID: 38248868 PMCID: PMC10801543 DOI: 10.3390/jdb12010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
It has been more than three decades since the discovery of multifunctional factors, the Non-POU-Domain-Containing Octamer-Binding Protein, NonO, and the Splicing Factor Proline- and Glutamine-Rich, SFPQ. Some of their functions, including their participation in transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation as well as their contribution to paraspeckle subnuclear body organization, have been well documented. In this review, we focus on several other established roles of NonO and SFPQ, including their participation in the cell cycle, nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ), homologous recombination (HR), telomere stability, childhood birth defects and cancer. In each of these contexts, the absence or malfunction of either or both NonO and SFPQ leads to either genome instability, tumor development or mental impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danyang Yu
- Department of Biology, New York University in Shanghai, Shanghai 200122, China;
| | - Ching-Jung Huang
- Department of Biology, New York University in Shanghai, Shanghai 200122, China;
| | - Haley O. Tucker
- Molecular Biosciences, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station A5000, Austin, TX 78712, USA
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6
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Takeiwa T, Ikeda K, Horie K, Inoue S. Role of RNA binding proteins of the Drosophila behavior and human splicing (DBHS) family in health and cancer. RNA Biol 2024; 21:1-17. [PMID: 38551131 PMCID: PMC10984136 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2024.2332855] [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] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) play crucial roles in the functions and homoeostasis of various tissues by regulating multiple events of RNA processing including RNA splicing, intracellular RNA transport, and mRNA translation. The Drosophila behavior and human splicing (DBHS) family proteins including PSF/SFPQ, NONO, and PSPC1 are ubiquitously expressed RBPs that contribute to the physiology of several tissues. In mammals, DBHS proteins have been reported to contribute to neurological diseases and play crucial roles in cancers, such as prostate, breast, and liver cancers, by regulating cancer-specific gene expression. Notably, in recent years, multiple small molecules targeting DBHS family proteins have been developed for application as cancer therapeutics. This review provides a recent overview of the functions of DBHS family in physiology and pathophysiology, and discusses the application of DBHS family proteins as promising diagnostic and therapeutic targets for cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshihiko Takeiwa
- Department of Systems Aging Science and Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Ikeda
- Division of Systems Medicine & Gene Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Hidaka, Saitama, Japan
| | - Kuniko Horie
- Division of Systems Medicine & Gene Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Hidaka, Saitama, Japan
| | - Satoshi Inoue
- Department of Systems Aging Science and Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Division of Systems Medicine & Gene Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Hidaka, Saitama, Japan
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7
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Takayama KI, Matsuoka S, Adachi S, Honma T, Yoshida M, Doi T, Shin-ya K, Yoshida M, Osada H, Inoue S. Identification of small-molecule inhibitors against the interaction of RNA-binding protein PSF and its target RNA for cancer treatment. PNAS NEXUS 2023; 2:pgad203. [PMID: 37388923 PMCID: PMC10304769 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Diverse cellular activities are modulated through a variety of RNAs, including long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), by binding to certain proteins. The inhibition of oncogenic proteins or RNAs is expected to suppress cancer cell proliferation. We have previously demonstrated that PSF interaction with its target RNAs, such as androgen-induced lncRNA CTBP1-AS, is critical for hormone therapy resistance in prostate and breast cancers. However, the action of protein-RNA interactions remains almost undruggable to date. High-throughput screening (HTS) has facilitated the discovery of drugs for protein-protein interactions. In the present study, we developed an in vitro alpha assay using Flag peptide-conjugated lncRNA, CTBP1-AS, and PSF. We then constructed an effective HTS screening system to explore small compounds that inhibit PSF-RNA interactions. Thirty-six compounds were identified and dose-dependently inhibited PSF-RNA interaction in vitro. Moreover, chemical optimization of these lead compounds and evaluation of cancer cell proliferation revealed two promising compounds, N-3 and C-65. These compounds induced apoptosis and inhibited cell growth in prostate and breast cancer cells. By inhibiting PSF-RNA interaction, N-3 and C-65 up-regulated signals that are repressed by PSF, such as the cell cycle signals by p53 and p27. Furthermore, using a mouse xenograft model for hormone therapy-resistant prostate cancer, we revealed that N-3 and C-65 can significantly suppress tumor growth and downstream target gene expression, such as the androgen receptor (AR). Thus, our findings highlight a therapeutic strategy through the development of inhibitors for RNA-binding events in advanced cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken-ichi Takayama
- Department of Systems Aging Science and Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan
| | - Seiji Matsuoka
- Seed Compounds Exploratory Unit for Drug Discovery Platform, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Shungo Adachi
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0064, Japan
| | - Teruki Honma
- Drug Discovery Computational Chemistry Platform Unit, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Masahito Yoshida
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8578, Japan
| | - Takayuki Doi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8578, Japan
| | - Kazuo Shin-ya
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0064, Japan
| | - Minoru Yoshida
- Chemical Genomics Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Osada
- Drug Discovery Chemical Bank Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
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8
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Watts ME, Oksanen M, Lejerkrans S, Mastropasqua F, Gorospe M, Tammimies K. Circular RNAs arising from synaptic host genes during human neuronal differentiation are modulated by SFPQ RNA-binding protein. BMC Biol 2023; 21:127. [PMID: 37237280 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01627-w] [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: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circular RNA (circRNA) molecules, generated through non-canonical back-splicing of exon-exon junctions, have recently been implicated in diverse biological functions including transcriptional regulation and modulation of protein interactions. CircRNAs are emerging as a key component of the complex neural transcriptome implicated in brain development. However, the specific expression patterns and functions of circRNAs in human neuronal differentiation have not been explored. RESULTS Using total RNA sequencing analysis, we identified expressed circRNAs during the differentiation of human neuroepithelial stem (NES) cells into developing neurons and discovered that many circRNAs originated from host genes associated with synaptic function. Interestingly, when assessing population data, exons giving rise to circRNAs in our dataset had a higher frequency of genetic variants. Additionally, screening for RNA-binding protein sites identified enrichment of Splicing Factor Proline and Glutamine Rich (SFPQ) motifs in increased circRNAs, several of which were reduced by SFPQ knockdown and enriched in SFPQ ribonucleoprotein complexes. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides an in-depth characterisation of circRNAs in a human neuronal differentiation model and highlights SFPQ as both a regulator and binding partner of circRNAs elevated during neuronal maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle E Watts
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marika Oksanen
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, NIH, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sanna Lejerkrans
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Francesca Mastropasqua
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Myriam Gorospe
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, NIH, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kristiina Tammimies
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Karolinska Institutet, BioClinicum J9:30, Visionsgatan 4, 171 56, Solna, Sweden.
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LaForce GR, Philippidou P, Schaffer AE. mRNA isoform balance in neuronal development and disease. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2023; 14:e1762. [PMID: 36123820 PMCID: PMC10024649 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Balanced mRNA isoform diversity and abundance are spatially and temporally regulated throughout cellular differentiation. The proportion of expressed isoforms contributes to cell type specification and determines key properties of the differentiated cells. Neurons are unique cell types with intricate developmental programs, characteristic cellular morphologies, and electrophysiological potential. Neuron-specific gene expression programs establish these distinctive cellular characteristics and drive diversity among neuronal subtypes. Genes with neuron-specific alternative processing are enriched in key neuronal functions, including synaptic proteins, adhesion molecules, and scaffold proteins. Despite the similarity of neuronal gene expression programs, each neuronal subclass can be distinguished by unique alternative mRNA processing events. Alternative processing of developmentally important transcripts alters coding and regulatory information, including interaction domains, transcript stability, subcellular localization, and targeting by RNA binding proteins. Fine-tuning of mRNA processing is essential for neuronal activity and maintenance. Thus, the focus of neuronal RNA biology research is to dissect the transcriptomic mechanisms that underlie neuronal homeostasis, and consequently, predispose neuronal subtypes to disease. This article is categorized under: RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geneva R LaForce
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Polyxeni Philippidou
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Ashleigh E Schaffer
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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Stoeger T. The Road Less Traveled: Uncovering the Convergence Toward Specific Pleiotropic Phenotypes in Aging. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.28.534472. [PMID: 37034589 PMCID: PMC10081180 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.28.534472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Aging is a complex process influenced by a wide range of environmental and molecular factors. Despite this complexity, individuals tend to age in highly similar ways, leading to the question of what drives this convergence. Recent research, including my own discoveries, suggests that the length of transcript molecules plays a crucial role in age-dependent changes to the transcriptome. Drawing inspiration from the road trip analogy of cellular transcription, I propose that a non-linear scaling law drives convergence towards specific pleiotropic phenotypes in biological aging. This scaling law is based on the notion that molecular changes observed during aging may reflect unspecific damage to cellular physiology. By validating this hypothesis, I can improve our understanding of biological aging and identify new candidate compounds for anti-aging interventions, as well as re-identify one known intervention. This work has actionable implications for improving human health and extending lifespans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Stoeger
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
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11
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Suzuki N, Nishiyama A, Warita H, Aoki M. Genetics of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: seeking therapeutic targets in the era of gene therapy. J Hum Genet 2023; 68:131-152. [PMID: 35691950 PMCID: PMC9968660 DOI: 10.1038/s10038-022-01055-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an intractable disease that causes respiratory failure leading to mortality. The main locus of ALS is motor neurons. The success of antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapy in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a motor neuron disease, has triggered a paradigm shift in developing ALS therapies. The causative genes of ALS and disease-modifying genes, including those of sporadic ALS, have been identified one after another. Thus, the freedom of target choice for gene therapy has expanded by ASO strategy, leading to new avenues for therapeutic development. Tofersen for superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) was a pioneer in developing ASO for ALS. Improving protocols and devising early interventions for the disease are vital. In this review, we updated the knowledge of causative genes in ALS. We summarized the genetic mutations identified in familial ALS and their clinical features, focusing on SOD1, fused in sarcoma (FUS), and transacting response DNA-binding protein. The frequency of the C9ORF72 mutation is low in Japan, unlike in Europe and the United States, while SOD1 and FUS are more common, indicating that the target mutations for gene therapy vary by ethnicity. A genome-wide association study has revealed disease-modifying genes, which could be the novel target of gene therapy. The current status and prospects of gene therapy development were discussed, including ethical issues. Furthermore, we discussed the potential of axonal pathology as new therapeutic targets of ALS from the perspective of early intervention, including intra-axonal transcription factors, neuromuscular junction disconnection, dysregulated local translation, abnormal protein degradation, mitochondrial pathology, impaired axonal transport, aberrant cytoskeleton, and axon branching. We simultaneously discuss important pathological states of cell bodies: persistent stress granules, disrupted nucleocytoplasmic transport, and cryptic splicing. The development of gene therapy based on the elucidation of disease-modifying genes and early intervention in molecular pathology is expected to become an important therapeutic strategy in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Suzuki
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Japan.
| | - Ayumi Nishiyama
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Warita
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Japan
| | - Masashi Aoki
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Japan.
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12
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Zhang S, Cooper JAL, Chong YS, Naveed A, Mayoh C, Jayatilleke N, Liu T, Amos S, Kobelke S, Marshall AC, Meers O, Choi YS, Bond CS, Fox AH. NONO enhances mRNA processing of super-enhancer-associated GATA2 and HAND2 genes in neuroblastoma. EMBO Rep 2023; 24:e54977. [PMID: 36416237 PMCID: PMC9900351 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202254977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
High-risk neuroblastoma patients have poor survival rates and require better therapeutic options. High expression of a multifunctional DNA and RNA-binding protein, NONO, in neuroblastoma is associated with poor patient outcome; however, there is little understanding of the mechanism of NONO-dependent oncogenic gene regulatory activity in neuroblastoma. Here, we used cell imaging, biochemical and genome-wide molecular analysis to reveal complex NONO-dependent regulation of gene expression. NONO forms RNA- and DNA-tethered condensates throughout the nucleus and undergoes phase separation in vitro, modulated by nucleic acid binding. CLIP analyses show that NONO mainly binds to the 5' end of pre-mRNAs and modulates pre-mRNA processing, dependent on its RNA-binding activity. NONO regulates super-enhancer-associated genes, including HAND2 and GATA2. Abrogating NONO RNA binding, or phase separation activity, results in decreased expression of HAND2 and GATA2. Thus, future development of agents that target RNA-binding activity of NONO may have therapeutic potential in this cancer context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Zhang
- School of Human SciencesThe University of Western AustraliaCrawleyWAAustralia
| | - Jack AL Cooper
- School of Human SciencesThe University of Western AustraliaCrawleyWAAustralia
| | - Yee Seng Chong
- School of Molecular SciencesThe University of Western AustraliaCrawleyWAAustralia
| | - Alina Naveed
- School of Human SciencesThe University of Western AustraliaCrawleyWAAustralia
| | - Chelsea Mayoh
- Children's Cancer Institute AustraliaRandwickNSWAustralia
- Centre for Childhood Cancer ResearchUNSW SydneyKensingtonNSWAustralia
- School of Women's and Children's HealthUNSW SydneyKensingtonNSWAustralia
| | - Nisitha Jayatilleke
- Children's Cancer Institute AustraliaRandwickNSWAustralia
- Centre for Childhood Cancer ResearchUNSW SydneyKensingtonNSWAustralia
| | - Tao Liu
- Children's Cancer Institute AustraliaRandwickNSWAustralia
- Centre for Childhood Cancer ResearchUNSW SydneyKensingtonNSWAustralia
| | - Sebastian Amos
- School of Human SciencesThe University of Western AustraliaCrawleyWAAustralia
| | - Simon Kobelke
- School of Human SciencesThe University of Western AustraliaCrawleyWAAustralia
| | - Andrew C Marshall
- School of Molecular SciencesThe University of Western AustraliaCrawleyWAAustralia
| | - Oliver Meers
- School of Human SciencesThe University of Western AustraliaCrawleyWAAustralia
| | - Yu Suk Choi
- School of Human SciencesThe University of Western AustraliaCrawleyWAAustralia
| | - Charles S Bond
- School of Molecular SciencesThe University of Western AustraliaCrawleyWAAustralia
| | - Archa H Fox
- School of Human SciencesThe University of Western AustraliaCrawleyWAAustralia
- School of Molecular SciencesThe University of Western AustraliaCrawleyWAAustralia
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13
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Nagai T, Terada N, Fujii M, Nagata Y, Nakahara K, Mukai S, Okasho K, Kamiyama Y, Akamatsu S, Kobayashi T, Iida K, Denawa M, Hagiwara M, Inoue T, Ogawa O, Kamoto T. Identification of the α2 chain of interleukin-13 receptor as a potential biomarker for predicting castration resistance of prostate cancer using patient-derived xenograft models. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2023; 6:e1701. [PMID: 36806727 PMCID: PMC9939991 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1701] [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: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several treatment strategies use upfront chemotherapy or androgen receptor axis-targeting therapies for metastatic prostate cancer. However, there are no useful biomarkers for selecting appropriate patients who urgently require these treatments. METHODS Novel patient-derived xenograft (PDX) castration-sensitive and -resistant models were established and gene expression patterns were comprehensively compared. The function of a gene highly expressed in the castration-resistant models was evaluated by its overexpression in LNCaP prostate cancer cells. Protein expression in the tumors and serum of patients was examined by immunohistochemistry and ELISA, and correlations with castration resistance were analyzed. RESULTS Expression of the α2 chain of interleukin-13 receptor (IL13Rα2) was higher in castration-resistant PDX tumors. LNCaP cells overexpressing IL13Rα2 acquired castration resistance in vitro and in vivo. In tissue samples, IL13Rα2 expression levels were significantly associated with castration-resistant progression (p < 0.05). In serum samples, IL13Rα2 levels could be measured in 5 of 28 (18%) castration-resistant prostate cancer patients. CONCLUSION IL13Rα2 was highly expressed in castration-resistant prostate cancer PDX models and was associated with the castration resistance of prostate cancer cells. It might be a potential tissue and serum biomarker for predicting castration resistance in prostate cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Nagai
- Department of UrologyMiyazaki University Graduate School of MedicineMiyazakiJapan
| | - Naoki Terada
- Department of UrologyMiyazaki University Graduate School of MedicineMiyazakiJapan
| | - Masato Fujii
- Department of UrologyMiyazaki University Graduate School of MedicineMiyazakiJapan
| | - Yasuhisa Nagata
- Department of UrologyMiyazaki University Graduate School of MedicineMiyazakiJapan
| | - Kozue Nakahara
- Department of UrologyMiyazaki University Graduate School of MedicineMiyazakiJapan
| | - Shoichiro Mukai
- Department of UrologyMiyazaki University Graduate School of MedicineMiyazakiJapan
| | - Kosuke Okasho
- Department of UrologyKyoto University Graduate School of MedicineKyotoJapan
| | - Yuki Kamiyama
- Department of UrologyKyoto University Graduate School of MedicineKyotoJapan
| | - Shusuke Akamatsu
- Department of UrologyKyoto University Graduate School of MedicineKyotoJapan
| | - Takashi Kobayashi
- Department of UrologyKyoto University Graduate School of MedicineKyotoJapan
| | - Kei Iida
- Medical Research Support Center, Graduate School of MedicineKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
| | - Masatsugu Denawa
- Medical Research Support Center, Graduate School of MedicineKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
| | - Masatoshi Hagiwara
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Graduate School of MedicineKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
| | - Takahiro Inoue
- Department of Nephro‐Urologic Surgery and AndrologyMie University Graduate School of MedicineTsuJapan
| | - Osamu Ogawa
- Department of UrologyKyoto University Graduate School of MedicineKyotoJapan
| | - Toshiyuki Kamoto
- Department of UrologyMiyazaki University Graduate School of MedicineMiyazakiJapan
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14
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Kleene R, Loers G, Schachner M. The KDET Motif in the Intracellular Domain of the Cell Adhesion Molecule L1 Interacts with Several Nuclear, Cytoplasmic, and Mitochondrial Proteins Essential for Neuronal Functions. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:932. [PMID: 36674445 PMCID: PMC9866381 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24020932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormal functions of the cell adhesion molecule L1 are linked to several neural diseases. Proteolytic L1 fragments were reported to interact with nuclear and mitochondrial proteins to regulate events in the developing and the adult nervous system. Recently, we identified a 55 kDa L1 fragment (L1-55) that interacts with methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) and heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) via the KDET motif. We now show that L1-55 also interacts with histone H1.4 (HistH1e) via this motif. Moreover, we show that this motif binds to NADH dehydrogenase ubiquinone flavoprotein 2 (NDUFV2), splicing factor proline/glutamine-rich (SFPQ), the non-POU domain containing octamer-binding protein (NonO), paraspeckle component 1 (PSPC1), WD-repeat protein 5 (WDR5), heat shock cognate protein 71 kDa (Hsc70), and synaptotagmin 1 (SYT1). Furthermore, applications of HistH1e, NDUFV2, SFPQ, NonO, PSPC1, WDR5, Hsc70, or SYT1 siRNAs or a cell-penetrating KDET-carrying peptide decrease L1-dependent neurite outgrowth and the survival of cultured neurons. These findings indicate that L1's KDET motif binds to an unexpectedly large number of molecules that are essential for nervous system-related functions, such as neurite outgrowth and neuronal survival. In summary, L1 interacts with cytoplasmic, nuclear and mitochondrial proteins to regulate development and, in adults, the formation, maintenance, and flexibility of neural functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Kleene
- Zentrum für Molekulare Neurobiologie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gabriele Loers
- Zentrum für Molekulare Neurobiologie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Melitta Schachner
- Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, 604 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
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15
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Stoeger T, Grant RA, McQuattie-Pimentel AC, Anekalla KR, Liu SS, Tejedor-Navarro H, Singer BD, Abdala-Valencia H, Schwake M, Tetreault MP, Perlman H, Balch WE, Chandel NS, Ridge KM, Sznajder JI, Morimoto RI, Misharin AV, Budinger GRS, Nunes Amaral LA. Aging is associated with a systemic length-associated transcriptome imbalance. NATURE AGING 2022; 2:1191-1206. [PMID: 37118543 PMCID: PMC10154227 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-022-00317-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Aging is among the most important risk factors for morbidity and mortality. To contribute toward a molecular understanding of aging, we analyzed age-resolved transcriptomic data from multiple studies. Here, we show that transcript length alone explains most transcriptional changes observed with aging in mice and humans. We present three lines of evidence supporting the biological importance of the uncovered transcriptome imbalance. First, in vertebrates the length association primarily displays a lower relative abundance of long transcripts in aging. Second, eight antiaging interventions of the Interventions Testing Program of the National Institute on Aging can counter this length association. Third, we find that in humans and mice the genes with the longest transcripts enrich for genes reported to extend lifespan, whereas those with the shortest transcripts enrich for genes reported to shorten lifespan. Our study opens fundamental questions on aging and the organization of transcriptomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Stoeger
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
- Northwestern Institute on Complex Systems, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
| | - Rogan A Grant
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | | | - Kishore R Anekalla
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Sophia S Liu
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | | | - Benjamin D Singer
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Simpson Querrey Lung Institute for Translational Science at Northwestern University (SQLIFTSNU), Evanston, IL, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Hiam Abdala-Valencia
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Michael Schwake
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Marie-Pier Tetreault
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Harris Perlman
- Division of Rheumatology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | | | - Navdeep S Chandel
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Simpson Querrey Lung Institute for Translational Science at Northwestern University (SQLIFTSNU), Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Karen M Ridge
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Simpson Querrey Lung Institute for Translational Science at Northwestern University (SQLIFTSNU), Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Jacob I Sznajder
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Simpson Querrey Lung Institute for Translational Science at Northwestern University (SQLIFTSNU), Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Richard I Morimoto
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
- Rice Institute for Biomedical Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
| | - Alexander V Misharin
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
- Simpson Querrey Lung Institute for Translational Science at Northwestern University (SQLIFTSNU), Evanston, IL, USA.
| | - G R Scott Budinger
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
- Simpson Querrey Lung Institute for Translational Science at Northwestern University (SQLIFTSNU), Evanston, IL, USA.
| | - Luis A Nunes Amaral
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
- Northwestern Institute on Complex Systems, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
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16
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Taylor R, Hamid F, Fielding T, Gordon PM, Maloney M, Makeyev EV, Houart C. Prematurely terminated intron-retaining mRNAs invade axons in SFPQ null-driven neurodegeneration and are a hallmark of ALS. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6994. [PMID: 36414621 PMCID: PMC9681851 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34331-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss of SFPQ is a hallmark of motor degeneration in ALS and prevents maturation of motor neurons when occurring during embryogenesis. Here, we show that in zebrafish, developing motor neurons lacking SFPQ exhibit axon extension, branching and synaptogenesis defects, prior to degeneration. Subcellular transcriptomics reveals that loss of SFPQ in neurons produces a complex set of aberrant intron-retaining (IR) transcripts coding for neuron-specific proteins that accumulate in neurites. Some of these local IR mRNAs are prematurely terminated within the retained intron (PreT-IR). PreT-IR mRNAs undergo intronic polyadenylation, nuclear export, and localise to neurites in vitro and in vivo. We find these IR and PreT-IR mRNAs enriched in RNAseq datasets of tissue from patients with familial and sporadic ALS. This shared signature, between SFPQ-depleted neurons and ALS, functionally implicates SFPQ with the disease and suggests that neurite-centred perturbation of alternatively spliced isoforms drives the neurodegenerative process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Taylor
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology and Medical Research Council Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Guy's Campus, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK.
| | - Fursham Hamid
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology and Medical Research Council Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Guy's Campus, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Triona Fielding
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology and Medical Research Council Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Guy's Campus, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Patricia M Gordon
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology and Medical Research Council Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Guy's Campus, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Megan Maloney
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology and Medical Research Council Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Guy's Campus, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Eugene V Makeyev
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology and Medical Research Council Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Guy's Campus, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Corinne Houart
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology and Medical Research Council Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Guy's Campus, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK.
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17
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Fisher E, Feng J. RNA splicing regulators play critical roles in neurogenesis. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2022; 13:e1728. [PMID: 35388651 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Alternative RNA splicing increases transcript diversity in different cell types and under varying conditions. It is executed with the help of RNA splicing regulators (RSRs), which are operationally defined as RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) that regulate alternative splicing, but not directly catalyzing the chemical reactions of splicing. By systematically searching for RBPs and manually identifying those that regulate splicing, we curated 305 RSRs in the human genome. Surprisingly, most of the RSRs are involved in neurogenesis. Among these RSRs, we focus on nine families (PTBP, NOVA, RBFOX, ELAVL, CELF, DBHS, MSI, PCBP, and MBNL) that play essential roles in the neurogenic pathway. A better understanding of their functions will provide novel insights into the role of splicing in brain development, health, and disease. This comprehensive review serves as a stepping-stone to explore the diverse and complex set of RSRs as fundamental regulators of neural development. This article is categorized under: RNA-Based Catalysis > RNA Catalysis in Splicing and Translation RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein-RNA Interactions: Functional Implications RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Fisher
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
- Veterans Affairs Western New York Healthcare System, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Jian Feng
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
- Veterans Affairs Western New York Healthcare System, Buffalo, New York, USA
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18
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Widagdo J, Udagedara S, Bhembre N, Tan JZA, Neureiter L, Huang J, Anggono V, Lee M. Familial ALS-associated SFPQ variants promote the formation of SFPQ cytoplasmic aggregates in primary neurons. Open Biol 2022; 12:220187. [PMID: 36168806 PMCID: PMC9516340 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.220187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Splicing factor proline- and glutamine-rich (SFPQ) is a nuclear RNA-binding protein that is involved in a wide range of physiological processes including neuronal development and homeostasis. However, the mislocalization and cytoplasmic aggregation of SFPQ are associated with the pathophysiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We have previously reported that zinc mediates SFPQ polymerization and promotes the formation of cytoplasmic aggregates in neurons. Here we characterize two familial ALS (fALS)-associated SFPQ variants, which cause amino acid substitutions in the proximity of the SFPQ zinc-coordinating centre (N533H and L534I). Both mutants display increased zinc-binding affinities, which can be explained by the presence of a second zinc-binding site revealed by the 1.83 Å crystal structure of the human SFPQ L534I mutant. Overexpression of these fALS-associated mutants significantly increases the number of SFPQ cytoplasmic aggregates in primary neurons. Although they do not affect the density of dendritic spines, the presence of SFPQ cytoplasmic aggregates causes a marked reduction in the levels of the GluA1, but not the GluA2 subunit of AMPA-type glutamate receptors on the neuronal surface. Taken together, our data demonstrate that fALS-associated mutations enhance the propensity of SFPQ to bind zinc and form aggregates, leading to the dysregulation of AMPA receptor subunit composition, which may contribute to neuronal dysfunction in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn Widagdo
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Saumya Udagedara
- Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - Nishita Bhembre
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Jing Zhi Anson Tan
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Lara Neureiter
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Jie Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - Victor Anggono
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Mihwa Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia
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19
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Wang J, Sachpatzidis A, Christian TD, Lomakin IB, Garen A, Konigsberg WH. Insight into the Tumor Suppression Mechanism from the Structure of Human Polypyrimidine Splicing Factor (PSF/SFPQ) Complexed with a 30mer RNA from Murine Virus-like 30S Transcript-1. Biochemistry 2022; 61:1723-1734. [PMID: 35998361 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.2c00192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Human polypyrimidine-binding splicing factor (PSF/SFPQ) is a tumor suppressor protein that regulates the gene expression of several proto-oncogenes and binds to the 5'-polyuridine negative-sense template (5'-PUN) of some RNA viruses. The activity of PSF is negatively regulated by long-noncoding RNAs, human metastasis associated in lung adenocarcinoma transcript-1 and murine virus-like 30S transcript-1 (VL30-1). PSF is a 707-amino acid protein that has a DNA-binding domain and two RNA recognition motifs (RRMs). Although the structure of the apo-truncated PSF is known, how PSF recognizes RNA remains elusive. Here, we report the 2.8 Å and 3.5 Å resolution crystal structures of a biologically active truncated construct of PSF (sPSF, consisting of residues 214-598) alone and in a complex with a 30mer fragment of VL30-1 RNA, respectively. The structure of the complex reveals how the 30mer RNA is recognized at two U-specific induced-fit binding pockets, located at the previously unrecognized domain-swapped, inter-subunit RRM1 (of the first subunit)-RRM2 (of the second subunit) interfaces that do not exist in the apo structure. Thus, the sPSF dimer appears to have two conformations in solution: one in a low-affinity state for RNA binding, as seen in the apo-structure, and the other in a high-affinity state for RNA binding, as seen in the sPSF-RNA complex. PSF undergoes an all or nothing transition between having two or no RNA-binding pockets. We predict that the RNA binds with a high degree of positive cooperativity. These structures provide an insight into a new regulatory mechanism that is likely involved in promoting malignancies and other human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimin Wang
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8114, USA
| | - Aristidis Sachpatzidis
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8114, USA
| | - Thomas D Christian
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8114, USA
| | - Ivan B Lomakin
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8114, USA
| | - Alan Garen
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8114, USA
| | - William H Konigsberg
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8114, USA
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20
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Sugasawa T, Komine R, Manevich L, Tamai S, Takekoshi K, Kanki Y. Gene Expression Profile Provides Novel Insights of Fasting-Refeeding Response in Zebrafish Skeletal Muscle. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14112239. [PMID: 35684038 PMCID: PMC9182819 DOI: 10.3390/nu14112239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, fasting has been spotlighted from a healthcare perspective. However, the de-tailed biological mechanisms and significance by which the effects of fasting confer health benefits are not yet clear. Due to certain advantages of the zebrafish as a vertebrate model, it is widely utilized in biological studies. However, the biological responses to nutrient metabolism within zebrafish skeletal muscles have not yet been amply reported. Therefore, we aimed to reveal a gene expression profile in zebrafish skeletal muscles in response to fasting-refeeding. Accordingly, mRNA-sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were performed to examine comprehensive gene expression changes in skeletal muscle tissues during fasting-refeeding. Our results produced a novel set of nutrition-related genes under a fasting-refeeding protocol. Moreover, we found that five genes were dramatically upregulated in each fasting (for 24 h) and refeeding (after 3 h), exhibiting a rapid response to the provided conditional changes. The assessment of the gene length revealed that the gene set whose expression was elevated only after 3 h of refeeding had a shorter length, suggesting that nutrition-related gene function is associated with gene length. Taken together, our results from the bioinformatics analyses provide new insights into biological mechanisms induced by fasting-refeeding conditions within zebrafish skeletal muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takehito Sugasawa
- Laboratory of Clinical Examination and Sports Medicine, Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba 305-8577, Ibaraki, Japan; (T.S.); (S.T.)
- Department of Sports Medicine Analysis, Open Facility Network Office, Organization for Open Facility Initiatives, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba 305-8577, Ibaraki, Japan;
| | - Ritsuko Komine
- Department of Sports Medicine Analysis, Open Facility Network Office, Organization for Open Facility Initiatives, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba 305-8577, Ibaraki, Japan;
- Doctoral Program in Sports Medicine, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba 305-8577, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Lev Manevich
- Experimental Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba 305-8577, Ibaraki, Japan;
- Doctoral Program in Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba 305-8577, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Tamai
- Laboratory of Clinical Examination and Sports Medicine, Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba 305-8577, Ibaraki, Japan; (T.S.); (S.T.)
- Department of Sport Science and Research, Japan Institute of Sports Sciences, 3-15-1 Nishigaoka, Kita-ku, Tokyo 115-0056, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Takekoshi
- Laboratory of Clinical Examination and Sports Medicine, Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba 305-8577, Ibaraki, Japan; (T.S.); (S.T.)
- Correspondence: (K.T.); (Y.K.); Tel.: +81-29-853-3209 (K.T. & Y.K.)
| | - Yasuharu Kanki
- Laboratory of Clinical Examination and Sports Medicine, Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba 305-8577, Ibaraki, Japan; (T.S.); (S.T.)
- Department of Sports Medicine Analysis, Open Facility Network Office, Organization for Open Facility Initiatives, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba 305-8577, Ibaraki, Japan;
- Correspondence: (K.T.); (Y.K.); Tel.: +81-29-853-3209 (K.T. & Y.K.)
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21
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LaForce GR, Farr JS, Liu J, Akesson C, Gumus E, Pinkard O, Miranda HC, Johnson K, Sweet TJ, Ji P, Lin A, Coller J, Philippidou P, Wagner EJ, Schaffer AE. Suppression of premature transcription termination leads to reduced mRNA isoform diversity and neurodegeneration. Neuron 2022; 110:1340-1357.e7. [PMID: 35139363 PMCID: PMC9035109 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Tight regulation of mRNA isoform expression is essential for neuronal development, maintenance, and function; however, the repertoire of proteins that govern isoform composition and abundance remains incomplete. Here, we show that the RNA kinase CLP1 regulates mRNA isoform expression through suppression of proximal cleavage and polyadenylation. We found that human stem-cell-derived motor neurons without CLP1 or with the disease-associated CLP1 p.R140H variant had distinct patterns of RNA-polymerase-II-associated cleavage and polyadenylation complex proteins that correlated with polyadenylation site usage. These changes resulted in imbalanced mRNA isoform expression of long genes important for neuronal function that were recapitulated in vivo. Strikingly, we observed the same pattern of reduced mRNA isoform diversity in 3' end sequencing data from brain tissues of patients with neurodegenerative disease. Together, our results identify a previously uncharacterized role for CLP1 in mRNA 3' end formation and reveal an mRNA misprocessing signature in neurodegeneration that may suggest a common mechanism of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geneva R LaForce
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Jordan S Farr
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Jingyi Liu
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Cydni Akesson
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Evren Gumus
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Mugla Sitki Kocman University, Mugla 48000, Turkey; Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Harran, Sanliurfa 63000, Turkey
| | - Otis Pinkard
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Helen C Miranda
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Katherine Johnson
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Thomas J Sweet
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ping Ji
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Ai Lin
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, WC67+HC Dongcheng, Beijing, China
| | - Jeff Coller
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Polyxeni Philippidou
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Eric J Wagner
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Ashleigh E Schaffer
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
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22
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Shadrina OA, Kikhay TF, Agapkina YY, Gottikh MB. SFPQ and NONO Proteins and Long Non-Coding NEAT1 RNA: Cellular Functions and Role in the HIV-1 Life Cycle. Mol Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893322020133] [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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23
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Xu SJ, Lombroso SI, Fischer DK, Carpenter MD, Marchione DM, Hamilton PJ, Lim CJ, Neve RL, Garcia BA, Wimmer ME, Pierce RC, Heller EA. Chromatin-mediated alternative splicing regulates cocaine-reward behavior. Neuron 2021; 109:2943-2966.e8. [PMID: 34480866 PMCID: PMC8454057 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2021.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal alternative splicing is a key gene regulatory mechanism in the brain. However, the spliceosome machinery is insufficient to fully specify splicing complexity. In considering the role of the epigenome in activity-dependent alternative splicing, we and others find the histone modification H3K36me3 to be a putative splicing regulator. In this study, we found that mouse cocaine self-administration caused widespread differential alternative splicing, concomitant with the enrichment of H3K36me3 at differentially spliced junctions. Importantly, only targeted epigenetic editing can distinguish between a direct role of H3K36me3 in splicing and an indirect role via regulation of splice factor expression elsewhere on the genome. We targeted Srsf11, which was both alternatively spliced and H3K36me3 enriched in the brain following cocaine self-administration. Epigenetic editing of H3K36me3 at Srsf11 was sufficient to drive its alternative splicing and enhanced cocaine self-administration, establishing the direct causal relevance of H3K36me3 to alternative splicing of Srsf11 and to reward behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song-Jun Xu
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Sonia I Lombroso
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Delaney K Fischer
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Marco D Carpenter
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Dylan M Marchione
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Peter J Hamilton
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Carissa J Lim
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Rachel L Neve
- Gene Delivery Technology Core, Massachusetts General Hospital, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Benjamin A Garcia
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Penn Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Mathieu E Wimmer
- Department of Psychology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19121, USA
| | - R Christopher Pierce
- Department of Psychiatry, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Heller
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA,19104, USA; Penn Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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24
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SFPQ rescues F508del-CFTR expression and function in cystic fibrosis bronchial epithelial cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16645. [PMID: 34404863 PMCID: PMC8371023 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96141-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) occurs as a result of mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, which lead to misfolding, trafficking defects, and impaired function of the CFTR protein. Splicing factor proline/glutamine-rich (SFPQ) is a multifunctional nuclear RNA-binding protein (RBP) implicated in the regulation of gene expression pathways and intracellular trafficking. Here, we investigated the role of SFPQ in the regulation of the expression and function of F508del-CFTR in CF lung epithelial cells. We find that the expression of SFPQ is reduced in F508del-CFTR CF epithelial cells compared to WT-CFTR control cells. Interestingly, the overexpression of SFPQ in CF cells increases the expression as well as rescues the function of F508del-CFTR. Further, comprehensive transcriptome analyses indicate that SFPQ plays a key role in activating the mutant F508del-CFTR by modulating several cellular signaling pathways. This is the first report on the role of SFPQ in the regulation of expression and function of F508del-CFTR in CF lung disease. Our findings provide new insights into SFPQ-mediated molecular mechanisms and point to possible novel epigenetic therapeutic targets for CF and related pulmonary diseases.
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25
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Mora Gallardo C, Sánchez de Diego A, Martínez-A C, van Wely KHM. Interplay between splicing and transcriptional pausing exerts genome-wide control over alternative polyadenylation. Transcription 2021; 12:55-71. [PMID: 34365909 PMCID: PMC8555548 DOI: 10.1080/21541264.2021.1959244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have identified multiple polyadenylation sites in nearly all mammalian genes. Although these are interpreted as evidence for alternative polyadenylation, our knowledge of the underlying mechanisms is still limited. Most studies only consider the immediate surroundings of gene ends, even though in vitro experiments have uncovered the involvement of external factors such as splicing. Whereas in vivo splicing manipulation was impracticable until recently, we now used mutants in the Death Inducer Obliterator (DIDO) gene to study their impact on 3ʹ end processing. We observe multiple rounds of readthrough and gene fusions, suggesting that no arbitration between polyadenylation sites occurs. Instead, a window of opportunity seems to control end processing. Through the identification of T-rich sequence motifs, our data indicate that splicing and transcriptional pausing interact to regulate alternative polyadenylation. We propose that 3ʹ splice site activation comprises a variable timer, which determines how long transcription proceeds before polyadenylation signals are recognized. Thus, the role of core polyadenylation signals could be more passive than commonly believed. Our results provide new insights into the mechanisms of alternative polyadenylation and expand the catalog of related aberrations. Abbreviations APA: alternative polyadenylation; bp: basepair; MEF: mouse embryonic fibroblasts; PA: polyadenylation; PAS: polyadenylation site; Pol II: (RNA) polymerase II ; RT-PCR:reverse-transcriptase PCR; SF:splicing factor; SFPQ:splicing factor rich in proline and glutamine; SS:splice site; TRSM:Thymidine rich sequence motif; UTR:untranslated terminal region
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Mora Gallardo
- Department of Immunology and Oncology Centro Nacional De Biotecnología (CNB)/, CSIC Darwin 3, Campus UAM Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ainhoa Sánchez de Diego
- Department of Immunology and Oncology Centro Nacional De Biotecnología (CNB)/, CSIC Darwin 3, Campus UAM Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Martínez-A
- Department of Immunology and Oncology Centro Nacional De Biotecnología (CNB)/, CSIC Darwin 3, Campus UAM Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain
| | - Karel H M van Wely
- Department of Immunology and Oncology Centro Nacional De Biotecnología (CNB)/, CSIC Darwin 3, Campus UAM Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain
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26
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Hogan AL, Grima N, Fifita JA, McCann EP, Heng B, Fat SCM, Wu S, Maharjan R, Cain AK, Henden L, Rayner S, Tarr I, Zhang KY, Zhao Q, Zhang ZH, Wright A, Lee A, Morsch M, Yang S, Williams KL, Blair IP. Splicing factor proline and glutamine rich intron retention, reduced expression and aggregate formation are pathological features of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2021; 47:990-1003. [PMID: 34288034 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIM Splicing factor proline and glutamine rich (SFPQ) is an RNA-DNA binding protein that is dysregulated in Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia. Dysregulation of SFPQ, specifically increased intron retention and nuclear depletion, has been linked to several genetic subtypes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), suggesting that SFPQ pathology may be a common feature of this heterogeneous disease. Our study aimed to investigate this hypothesis by providing the first comprehensive assessment of SFPQ pathology in large ALS case-control cohorts. METHODS We examined SFPQ at the RNA, protein and DNA levels. SFPQ RNA expression and intron retention were examined using RNA-sequencing and quantitative PCR. SFPQ protein expression was assessed by immunoblotting and immunofluorescent staining. At the DNA level, SFPQ was examined for genetic variation novel to ALS patients. RESULTS At the RNA level, retention of SFPQ intron nine was significantly increased in ALS patients' motor cortex. In addition, SFPQ RNA expression was significantly reduced in the central nervous system, but not blood, of patients. At the protein level, neither nuclear depletion nor reduced expression of SFPQ was found to be a consistent feature of spinal motor neurons. However, SFPQ-positive ubiquitinated protein aggregates were observed in patients' spinal motor neurons. At the DNA level, our genetic screen identified two novel and two rare SFPQ sequence variants not previously reported in the literature. CONCLUSIONS Our findings confirm dysregulation of SFPQ as a pathological feature of the central nervous system of ALS patients and indicate that investigation of the functional consequences of this pathology will provide insight into ALS biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison L Hogan
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Natalie Grima
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jennifer A Fifita
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Emily P McCann
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Benjamin Heng
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sandrine Chan Moi Fat
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sharlynn Wu
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ram Maharjan
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Department of Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Amy K Cain
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Department of Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lyndal Henden
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stephanie Rayner
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ingrid Tarr
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Katharine Y Zhang
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Qiongyi Zhao
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Zong-Hong Zhang
- School of Medicine, IMPACT, Bioinformatics Core Research Facility, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Amanda Wright
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Albert Lee
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Marco Morsch
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shu Yang
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kelly L Williams
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ian P Blair
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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27
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Kajitani GS, Nascimento LLDS, Neves MRDC, Leandro GDS, Garcia CCM, Menck CFM. Transcription blockage by DNA damage in nucleotide excision repair-related neurological dysfunctions. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 114:20-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2020.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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28
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Briese M, Sendtner M. Keeping the balance: The noncoding RNA 7SK as a master regulator for neuron development and function. Bioessays 2021; 43:e2100092. [PMID: 34050960 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202100092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The noncoding RNA 7SK is a critical regulator of transcription by adjusting the activity of the kinase complex P-TEFb. Release of P-TEFb from 7SK stimulates transcription at many genes by promoting productive elongation. Conversely, P-TEFb sequestration by 7SK inhibits transcription. Recent studies have shown that 7SK functions are particularly important for neuron development and maintenance and it can thus be hypothesized that 7SK is at the center of many signaling pathways contributing to neuron function. 7SK activates neuronal gene expression programs that are key for terminal differentiation of neurons. Proteomics studies revealed a complex protein interactome of 7SK that includes several RNA-binding proteins. Some of these novel 7SK subcomplexes exert non-canonical cytosolic functions in neurons by regulating axonal mRNA transport and fine-tuning spliceosome production in response to transcription alterations. Thus, a picture emerges according to which 7SK acts as a multi-functional RNA scaffold that is integral for neuron homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Briese
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Michael Sendtner
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
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29
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Katano-Toki A, Yoshino S, Nakajima Y, Tomaru T, Nishikido A, Ishida E, Horiguchi K, Saito T, Ozawa A, Satoh T, Yamada M. SFPQ associated with a co-activator for PPARγ, HELZ2, regulates key nuclear factors for adipocyte differentiation. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 562:139-145. [PMID: 34052659 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
We recently isolated a novel co-activator of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, helicase with zinc finger 2 (HELZ2). HELZ2 null mice were resistant to diet-induced obesity and NAFFL/NASH, and HELZ2 was phosphorylated at tyrosine residues. In order to find a factor related to HELZ2, we analyzed products co-immunoprecipitated with phosphorylated HELZ2 by mass spectrometry analyses. We identified proline- and glutamine-rich (SFPQ) as a protein associating with tyrosine-phosphorylated HELZ2. The knockdown of SFPQ in 3T3-L1 cells downregulated mRNA levels of transcription factors including Krox20, Cebpβ, and Cebpδ: key factors for early-stage adipocyte differentiation. In addition, knockdown of SFPQ inhibited 3T3-L1 cell differentiation to mature adipocytes. These findings demonstrated that SFPQ associating with HELZ2 is an important novel transcriptional regulator of adipocyte differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akiko Katano-Toki
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan.
| | - Satoshi Yoshino
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Yasuyo Nakajima
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Takuya Tomaru
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Ayaka Nishikido
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Emi Ishida
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Horiguchi
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Tsugumichi Saito
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Atsushi Ozawa
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Tetsurou Satoh
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Masanobu Yamada
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
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30
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Rapidly Growing Protein-Centric Technologies to Extensively Identify Protein-RNA Interactions: Application to the Analysis of Co-Transcriptional RNA Processing. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22105312. [PMID: 34070162 PMCID: PMC8158511 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
During mRNA transcription, diverse RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are recruited to RNA polymerase II (RNAP II) transcription machinery. These RBPs bind to distinct sites of nascent RNA to co-transcriptionally operate mRNA processing. Recent studies have revealed a close relationship between transcription and co-transcriptional RNA processing, where one affects the other’s activity, indicating an essential role of protein–RNA interactions for the fine-tuning of mRNA production. Owing to their limited amount in cells, the detection of protein–RNA interactions specifically assembled on the transcribing RNAP II machinery still remains challenging. Currently, cross-linking and immunoprecipitation (CLIP) has become a standard method to detect in vivo protein–RNA interactions, although it requires a large amount of input materials. Several improved methods, such as infrared-CLIP (irCLIP), enhanced CLIP (eCLIP), and target RNA immunoprecipitation (tRIP), have shown remarkable enhancements in the detection efficiency. Furthermore, the utilization of an RNA editing mechanism or proximity labeling strategy has achieved the detection of faint protein–RNA interactions in cells without depending on crosslinking. This review aims to explore various methods being developed to detect endogenous protein–RNA interaction sites and discusses how they may be applied to the analysis of co-transcriptional RNA processing.
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31
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Takayama KI, Honma T, Suzuki T, Kondoh Y, Osada H, Suzuki Y, Yoshida M, Inoue S. Targeting Epigenetic and Posttranscriptional Gene Regulation by PSF Impairs Hormone Therapy-Refractory Cancer Growth. Cancer Res 2021; 81:3495-3508. [PMID: 33975881 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-3819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
RNA-binding protein PSF functions as an epigenetic modifier by interacting with long noncoding RNAs and the corepressor complex. PSF also promotes RNA splicing events to enhance oncogenic signals. In this study, we conducted an in vitro chemical array screen and identified multiple small molecules that interact with PSF. Several molecules inhibited RNA binding by PSF and decreased prostate cancer cell viability. Among these molecules and its derivatives was a promising molecule, No. 10-3 [7,8-dihydroxy-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)chromen-2-one], that was the most effective at blocking PSF RNA-binding ability and suppressing treatment-resistant prostate and breast cancer cell proliferation. Exposure to No. 10-3 inhibited PSF target gene expression at the mRNA level. Treatment with No. 10-3 reversed epigenetically repressed PSF downstream targets, such as cell-cycle inhibitors, at the transcriptional level. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing in prostate cancer cells revealed that No. 10-3 enhances histone acetylation to induce expression of apoptosis as well as cell-cycle inhibitors. Furthermore, No. 10-3 exhibited antitumor efficacy in a hormone therapy-resistant prostate cancer xenograft mouse model, suppressing treatment-resistant tumor growth. Taken together, this study highlights the feasibility of targeting PSF-mediated epigenetic and RNA-splicing activities for the treatment of aggressive cancers. SIGNIFICANCE: This study identifies small molecules that target PSF-RNA interactions and suppress hormone therapy-refractory cancer growth, suggesting the potential of targeting PSF-mediated gene regulation for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken-Ichi Takayama
- Department of Systems Aging Science and Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Teruki Honma
- Drug Discovery Computational Chemistry Platform Unit, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Takashi Suzuki
- Department of Pathology and Histotechnology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Yasumitsu Kondoh
- Chemical Biology Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Wako, Saitama, Japan.,Drug Discovery Chemical Bank Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Osada
- Chemical Biology Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Wako, Saitama, Japan.,Drug Discovery Chemical Bank Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yutaka Suzuki
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Chiba, Japan
| | - Minoru Yoshida
- Chemical Genomics Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Wako, Saitama, Japan.,Drug Discovery Seed Compounds Exploratory Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, RIKEN, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Satoshi Inoue
- Department of Systems Aging Science and Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, Japan. .,Division of Gene Regulation and Signal Transduction, Research Center for Genomic Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Hidaka, Saitama, Japan
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32
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Klotz-Noack K, Klinger B, Rivera M, Bublitz N, Uhlitz F, Riemer P, Lüthen M, Sell T, Kasack K, Gastl B, Ispasanie SSS, Simon T, Janssen N, Schwab M, Zuber J, Horst D, Blüthgen N, Schäfer R, Morkel M, Sers C. SFPQ Depletion Is Synthetically Lethal with BRAF V600E in Colorectal Cancer Cells. Cell Rep 2021; 32:108184. [PMID: 32966782 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncoproteins such as the BRAFV600E kinase endow cancer cells with malignant properties, but they also create unique vulnerabilities. Targeting of BRAFV600E-driven cytoplasmic signaling networks has proved ineffective, as patients regularly relapse with reactivation of the targeted pathways. We identify the nuclear protein SFPQ to be synthetically lethal with BRAFV600E in a loss-of-function shRNA screen. SFPQ depletion decreases proliferation and specifically induces S-phase arrest and apoptosis in BRAFV600E-driven colorectal and melanoma cells. Mechanistically, SFPQ loss in BRAF-mutant cancer cells triggers the Chk1-dependent replication checkpoint, results in decreased numbers and reduced activities of replication factories, and increases collision between replication and transcription. We find that BRAFV600E-mutant cancer cells and organoids are sensitive to combinations of Chk1 inhibitors and chemically induced replication stress, pointing toward future therapeutic approaches exploiting nuclear vulnerabilities induced by BRAFV600E.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Klotz-Noack
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health. Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology and Systems Biology, Institute of Pathology, 10117 Berlin, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bertram Klinger
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health. Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology and Systems Biology, Institute of Pathology, 10117 Berlin, Germany; IRI Life Sciences & Institute of Theoretical Biology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria Rivera
- EPO Experimentelle Pharmakologie und Onkologie Berlin-Buch GmbH, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Natalie Bublitz
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health. Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology and Systems Biology, Institute of Pathology, 10117 Berlin, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Florian Uhlitz
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health. Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology and Systems Biology, Institute of Pathology, 10117 Berlin, Germany; IRI Life Sciences & Institute of Theoretical Biology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Pamela Riemer
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health. Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology and Systems Biology, Institute of Pathology, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Mareen Lüthen
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health. Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology and Systems Biology, Institute of Pathology, 10117 Berlin, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Sell
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health. Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology and Systems Biology, Institute of Pathology, 10117 Berlin, Germany; IRI Life Sciences & Institute of Theoretical Biology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Katharina Kasack
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health. Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology and Systems Biology, Institute of Pathology, 10117 Berlin, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bastian Gastl
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health. Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology and Systems Biology, Institute of Pathology, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sylvia S S Ispasanie
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health. Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology and Systems Biology, Institute of Pathology, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Tincy Simon
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health. Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology and Systems Biology, Institute of Pathology, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Nicole Janssen
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch - Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Auerbachstraße 112, 70376 Stuttgart, Germany; University of Tuebingen, 72074 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Matthias Schwab
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch - Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Auerbachstraße 112, 70376 Stuttgart, Germany; Departments of Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Tuebingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72074 Tuebingen, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Tuebingen and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Johannes Zuber
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria; Medical University of Vienna, VBC, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - David Horst
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health. Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology and Systems Biology, Institute of Pathology, 10117 Berlin, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nils Blüthgen
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health. Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology and Systems Biology, Institute of Pathology, 10117 Berlin, Germany; IRI Life Sciences & Institute of Theoretical Biology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Reinhold Schäfer
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health. Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology and Systems Biology, Institute of Pathology, 10117 Berlin, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Charité Comprehensive Cancer Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Chariteplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Markus Morkel
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health. Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology and Systems Biology, Institute of Pathology, 10117 Berlin, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christine Sers
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health. Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology and Systems Biology, Institute of Pathology, 10117 Berlin, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
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33
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Lee EJ, Neppl RL. Influence of Age on Skeletal Muscle Hypertrophy and Atrophy Signaling: Established Paradigms and Unexpected Links. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12050688. [PMID: 34063658 PMCID: PMC8147613 DOI: 10.3390/genes12050688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle atrophy in an inevitable occurrence with advancing age, and a consequence of disease including cancer. Muscle atrophy in the elderly is managed by a regimen of resistance exercise and increased protein intake. Understanding the signaling that regulates muscle mass may identify potential therapeutic targets for the prevention and reversal of muscle atrophy in metabolic and neuromuscular diseases. This review covers the major anabolic and catabolic pathways that regulate skeletal muscle mass, with a focus on recent progress and potential new players.
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34
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Reid DA, Reed PJ, Schlachetzki JCM, Nitulescu II, Chou G, Tsui EC, Jones JR, Chandran S, Lu AT, McClain CA, Ooi JH, Wang TW, Lana AJ, Linker SB, Ricciardulli AS, Lau S, Schafer ST, Horvath S, Dixon JR, Hah N, Glass CK, Gage FH. Incorporation of a nucleoside analog maps genome repair sites in postmitotic human neurons. Science 2021; 372:91-94. [PMID: 33795458 PMCID: PMC9179101 DOI: 10.1126/science.abb9032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Neurons are the longest-lived cells in our bodies and lack DNA replication, which makes them reliant on a limited repertoire of DNA repair mechanisms to maintain genome fidelity. These repair mechanisms decline with age, but we have limited knowledge of how genome instability emerges and what strategies neurons and other long-lived cells may have evolved to protect their genomes over the human life span. A targeted sequencing approach in human embryonic stem cell-induced neurons shows that, in neurons, DNA repair is enriched at well-defined hotspots that protect essential genes. These hotspots are enriched with histone H2A isoforms and RNA binding proteins and are associated with evolutionarily conserved elements of the human genome. These findings provide a basis for understanding genome integrity as it relates to aging and disease in the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan A. Reid
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037-1002, USA.,Corresponding author. (D.A.R.); (F.H.G.)
| | - Patrick J. Reed
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037-1002, USA
| | - Johannes C. M. Schlachetzki
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037-0651, USA
| | - Ioana I. Nitulescu
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037-1002, USA
| | - Grace Chou
- Next Generation Sequencing Core, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037-1002, USA
| | - Enoch C. Tsui
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037-1002, USA
| | - Jeffrey R. Jones
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037-1002, USA
| | - Sahaana Chandran
- Clayton Foundation Laboratories for Peptide Biology, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037-1002, USA
| | - Ake T. Lu
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Claire A. McClain
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037-1002, USA
| | - Jean H. Ooi
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037-1002, USA
| | - Tzu-Wen Wang
- Next Generation Sequencing Core, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037-1002, USA
| | - Addison J. Lana
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037-0651, USA
| | - Sara B. Linker
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037-1002, USA
| | - Anthony S. Ricciardulli
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037-1002, USA
| | - Shong Lau
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037-1002, USA
| | - Simon T. Schafer
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037-1002, USA
| | - Steve Horvath
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.,Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jesse R. Dixon
- Clayton Foundation Laboratories for Peptide Biology, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037-1002, USA
| | - Nasun Hah
- Next Generation Sequencing Core, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037-1002, USA
| | - Christopher K. Glass
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037-0651, USA
| | - Fred H. Gage
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037-1002, USA.,Corresponding author. (D.A.R.); (F.H.G.)
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35
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Gordon PM, Hamid F, Makeyev EV, Houart C. A conserved role for the ALS-linked splicing factor SFPQ in repression of pathogenic cryptic last exons. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1918. [PMID: 33771997 PMCID: PMC7997972 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22098-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The RNA-binding protein SFPQ plays an important role in neuronal development and has been associated with several neurodegenerative disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and Alzheimer's disease. Here, we report that loss of sfpq leads to premature termination of multiple transcripts due to widespread activation of previously unannotated cryptic last exons (CLEs). These SFPQ-inhibited CLEs appear preferentially in long introns of genes with neuronal functions and can dampen gene expression outputs and/or give rise to short peptides interfering with the normal gene functions. We show that one such peptide encoded by the CLE-containing epha4b mRNA isoform is responsible for neurodevelopmental defects in the sfpq mutant. The uncovered CLE-repressive activity of SFPQ is conserved in mouse and human, and SFPQ-inhibited CLEs are found expressed across ALS iPSC-derived neurons. These results greatly expand our understanding of SFPQ function and uncover a gene regulation mechanism with wide relevance to human neuropathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia M Gordon
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology and MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, IoPPN, Guy's Campus, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK.
| | - Fursham Hamid
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology and MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, IoPPN, Guy's Campus, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Eugene V Makeyev
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology and MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, IoPPN, Guy's Campus, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Corinne Houart
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology and MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, IoPPN, Guy's Campus, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK.
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36
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Malnar M, Rogelj B. SFPQ regulates the accumulation of RNA foci and dipeptide repeat proteins from the expanded repeat mutation in C9orf72. J Cell Sci 2021; 134:jcs.256602. [PMID: 33495278 PMCID: PMC7904093 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.256602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The expanded GGGGCC repeat mutation in the C9orf72 gene is the most common genetic cause of the neurodegenerative diseases amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The expansion is transcribed to sense and antisense RNA, which form RNA foci and bind cellular proteins. This mechanism of action is considered cytotoxic. Translation of the expanded RNA transcripts also leads to the accumulation of toxic dipeptide repeat proteins (DPRs). The RNA-binding protein splicing factor proline and glutamine rich (SFPQ), which is being increasingly associated with ALS and FTD pathology, binds to sense RNA foci. Here, we show that SFPQ plays an important role in the C9orf72 mutation. Overexpression of SFPQ resulted in higher numbers of both sense and antisense RNA foci and DPRs in transfected human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells. Conversely, reduced SPFQ levels resulted in lower numbers of RNA foci and DPRs in both transfected HEK cells and C9orf72 mutation-positive patient-derived fibroblasts and lymphoblasts. Therefore, we have revealed a role of SFPQ in regulating the C9orf72 mutation that has implications for understanding and developing novel therapeutic targets for ALS and FTD. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper. Summary: Expression level modulation of the core paraspeckle protein SFPQ regulates sense and antisense RNA foci and dipeptide repeat protein accumulation in the C9orf72 mutation; SFPQ could be a therapeutic target in C9orf72 ALS and FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjana Malnar
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Graduate School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Boris Rogelj
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia .,Biomedical Research Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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37
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Role of Gene Length in Control of Human Gene Expression: Chromosome-Specific and Tissue-Specific Effects. Int J Genomics 2021; 2021:8902428. [PMID: 33688492 PMCID: PMC7911607 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8902428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was carried out to pursue the observation that the level of gene expression is affected by gene length in the human genome. As transcription is a time-dependent process, it is expected that gene expression will be inversely related to gene length, and this is found to be the case. Here, I describe the results of studies performed to test whether the gene length/gene expression linkage is affected by two factors, the chromosome where the gene is located and the tissue where it is expressed. Studies were performed with a database of 3538 human genes that were divided into short, midlength, and long groups. Chromosome groups were then compared in the expression level of genes with the same length. A similar analysis was performed with 19 human tissues. Tissue-specific groups were compared in the expression level of genes with the same length. Both chromosome and tissue studies revealed new information about the role of gene length in control of gene expression. Chromosome studies led to the identification of two chromosome populations that differ in the expression level of short genes. A high level of expression was observed in chromosomes 2-10, 12-15, and 18 and a low level in 1, 11, 16-17, 19-20, 22, and 24. Studies with tissue-specific genes led to the identification of two tissues, brain and liver, which differ in the expression level of short genes. The results are interpreted to support the view that the level of a gene's expression can be affected by the chromosome and the tissue where the gene is transcribed.
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38
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Lopes I, Altab G, Raina P, de Magalhães JP. Gene Size Matters: An Analysis of Gene Length in the Human Genome. Front Genet 2021; 12:559998. [PMID: 33643374 PMCID: PMC7905317 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.559998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
While it is expected for gene length to be associated with factors such as intron number and evolutionary conservation, we are yet to understand the connections between gene length and function in the human genome. In this study, we show that, as expected, there is a strong positive correlation between gene length, transcript length, and protein size as well as a correlation with the number of genetic variants and introns. Among tissue-specific genes, we find that the longest transcripts tend to be expressed in the blood vessels, nerves, thyroid, cervix uteri, and the brain, while the smallest transcripts tend to be expressed in the pancreas, skin, stomach, vagina, and testis. We report, as shown previously, that natural selection suppresses changes for genes with longer transcripts and promotes changes for genes with smaller transcripts. We also observe that genes with longer transcripts tend to have a higher number of co-expressed genes and protein-protein interactions, as well as more associated publications. In the functional analysis, we show that bigger transcripts are often associated with neuronal development, while smaller transcripts tend to play roles in skin development and in the immune system. Furthermore, pathways related to cancer, neurons, and heart diseases tend to have genes with longer transcripts, with smaller transcripts being present in pathways related to immune responses and neurodegenerative diseases. Based on our results, we hypothesize that longer genes tend to be associated with functions that are important in the early development stages, while smaller genes tend to play a role in functions that are important throughout the whole life, like the immune system, which requires fast responses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - João Pedro de Magalhães
- Integrative Genomics of Ageing Group, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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39
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Stagsted LVW, O'Leary ET, Ebbesen KK, Hansen TB. The RNA-binding protein SFPQ preserves long-intron splicing and regulates circRNA biogenesis in mammals. eLife 2021; 10:e63088. [PMID: 33476259 PMCID: PMC7819710 DOI: 10.7554/elife.63088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) represent an abundant and conserved entity of non-coding RNAs; however, the principles of biogenesis are currently not fully understood. Here, we identify two factors, splicing factor proline/glutamine rich (SFPQ) and non-POU domain-containing octamer-binding protein (NONO), to be enriched around circRNA loci. We observe a subclass of circRNAs, coined DALI circRNAs, with distal inverted Alu elements and long flanking introns to be highly deregulated upon SFPQ knockdown. Moreover, SFPQ depletion leads to increased intron retention with concomitant induction of cryptic splicing, premature transcription termination, and polyadenylation, particularly prevalent for long introns. Aberrant splicing in the upstream and downstream regions of circRNA producing exons are critical for shaping the circRNAome, and specifically, we identify missplicing in the immediate upstream region to be a conserved driver of circRNA biogenesis. Collectively, our data show that SFPQ plays an important role in maintaining intron integrity by ensuring accurate splicing of long introns, and disclose novel features governing Alu-independent circRNA production.
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40
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Ishigaki S, Riku Y, Fujioka Y, Endo K, Iwade N, Kawai K, Ishibashi M, Yokoi S, Katsuno M, Watanabe H, Mori K, Akagi A, Yokota O, Terada S, Kawakami I, Suzuki N, Warita H, Aoki M, Yoshida M, Sobue G. Aberrant interaction between FUS and SFPQ in neurons in a wide range of FTLD spectrum diseases. Brain 2020; 143:2398-2405. [PMID: 32770214 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awaa196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Fused in sarcoma (FUS) is genetically and clinicopathologically linked to frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We have previously reported that intranuclear interactions of FUS and splicing factor, proline- and glutamine-rich (SFPQ) contribute to neuronal homeostasis. Disruption of the FUS-SFPQ interaction leads to an increase in the ratio of 4-repeat tau (4R-tau)/3-repeat tau (3R-tau), which manifests in FTLD-like phenotypes in mice. Here, we examined FUS-SFPQ interactions in 142 autopsied individuals with FUS-related ALS/FTLD (ALS/FTLD-FUS), TDP-43-related ALS/FTLD (ALS/FTLD-TDP), progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal degeneration, Alzheimer's disease, or Pick's disease as well as controls. Immunofluorescent imaging showed impaired intranuclear co-localization of FUS and SFPQ in neurons of ALS/FTLD-FUS, ALS/FTLD-TDP, progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal degeneration cases, but not in Alzheimer's disease or Pick's disease cases. Immunoprecipitation analyses of FUS and SFPQ revealed reduced interactions between the two proteins in ALS/FTLD-TDP and progressive supranuclear palsy cases, but not in those with Alzheimer disease. Furthermore, the ratio of 4R/3R-tau was elevated in cases with ALS/FTLD-TDP and progressive supranuclear palsy, but was largely unaffected in cases with Alzheimer disease. We concluded that impaired interactions between intranuclear FUS and SFPQ and the subsequent increase in the ratio of 4R/3R-tau constitute a common pathogenesis pathway in FTLD spectrum diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinsuke Ishigaki
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan.,Research Division of Dementia and Neurodegenerative Disease, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan.,Brain and Mind Research Center, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yuichi Riku
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan.,Department of Neuropathology, Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yusuke Fujioka
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kuniyuki Endo
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Iwade
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kaori Kawai
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan.,Research Division of Dementia and Neurodegenerative Disease, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Minaka Ishibashi
- Research Division of Dementia and Neurodegenerative Disease, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Satoshi Yokoi
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Masahisa Katsuno
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hirohisa Watanabe
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan.,Brain and Mind Research Center, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan.,Department of Neurology, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Keiko Mori
- Department of Neurology, Oyamada Memorial Spa Hospital, Yokkaichi, Mie, Japan
| | - Akio Akagi
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Aichi, Japan
| | - Osamu Yokota
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan.,Department of Psychiatry, Kinoko Espoir Hospital, Kasaoka, Okayama, Japan
| | - Seishi Terada
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Ito Kawakami
- Dementia Research project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Sciences, Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Psychiatry, Tokyo Metropolitan Matsuzawa Hospital, Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoki Suzuki
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Warita
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Masashi Aoki
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Mari Yoshida
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Aichi, Japan
| | - Gen Sobue
- Research Division of Dementia and Neurodegenerative Disease, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan.,Brain and Mind Research Center, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan.,Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Aichi, Japan
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41
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The Emerging Role of the RNA-Binding Protein SFPQ in Neuronal Function and Neurodegeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197151. [PMID: 32998269 PMCID: PMC7582472 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are a class of proteins known for their diverse roles in RNA biogenesis, from regulating transcriptional processes in the nucleus to facilitating translation in the cytoplasm. With higher demand for RNA metabolism in the nervous system, RBP misregulation has been linked to a wide range of neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. One of the emerging RBPs implicated in neuronal function and neurodegeneration is splicing factor proline- and glutamine-rich (SFPQ). SFPQ is a ubiquitous and abundant RBP that plays multiple regulatory roles in the nucleus such as paraspeckle formation, DNA damage repair, and various transcriptional regulation processes. An increasing number of studies have demonstrated the nuclear and also cytoplasmic roles of SFPQ in neurons, particularly in post-transcriptional regulation and RNA granule formation. Not surprisingly, the misregulation of SFPQ has been linked to pathological features shown by other neurodegenerative disease-associated RBPs such as aberrant RNA splicing, cytoplasmic mislocalization, and aggregation. In this review, we discuss recent findings on the roles of SFPQ with a particular focus on those in neuronal development and homeostasis as well as its implications in neurodegenerative diseases.
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42
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Takeuchi A, Takahashi Y, Iida K, Hosokawa M, Irie K, Ito M, Brown JB, Ohno K, Nakashima K, Hagiwara M. Identification of Qk as a Glial Precursor Cell Marker that Governs the Fate Specification of Neural Stem Cells to a Glial Cell Lineage. Stem Cell Reports 2020; 15:883-897. [PMID: 32976762 PMCID: PMC7562946 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2020.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
During brain development, neural stem cells (NSCs) initially produce neurons and change their fate to generate glias. While the regulation of neurogenesis is well characterized, specific markers for glial precursor cells (GPCs) and the master regulators for gliogenesis remain unidentified. Accumulating evidence suggests that RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) have significant roles in neuronal development and function, as they comprehensively regulate the expression of target genes in a cell-type-specific manner. We systematically investigated the expression profiles of 1,436 murine RBPs in the developing mouse brain and identified quaking (Qk) as a marker of the putative GPC population. Functional analysis of the NSC-specific Qk-null mutant mouse revealed the key role of Qk in astrocyte and oligodendrocyte generation and differentiation from NSCs. Mechanistically, Qk upregulates gliogenic genes via quaking response elements in their 3′ untranslated regions. These results provide crucial directions for identifying GPCs and deciphering the regulatory mechanisms of gliogenesis from NSCs. Differential expression analysis identified Qk as a glial precursor cell marker Loss of Qk ablated both astrocyte and OL production from neural stem cells Qk−/− NSCs failed to become glia and aberrantly expressed neural genes Qk comprehensively upregulates essential genes for gliogenesis as regulons via QREs
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihide Takeuchi
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
| | - Yuji Takahashi
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Kei Iida
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Medical Research Support Center, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Motoyasu Hosokawa
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Koichiro Irie
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Mikako Ito
- Division of Neurogenetics, Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
| | - J B Brown
- Laboratory for Molecular Biosciences, Life Science Informatics Research Unit, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Kinji Ohno
- Division of Neurogenetics, Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
| | - Kinichi Nakashima
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Hagiwara
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
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43
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Tellier M, Maudlin I, Murphy S. Transcription and splicing: A two-way street. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2020; 11:e1593. [PMID: 32128990 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
RNA synthesis by RNA polymerase II and RNA processing are closely coupled during the transcription cycle of protein-coding genes. This coupling affords opportunities for quality control and regulation of gene expression and the effects can go in both directions. For example, polymerase speed can affect splice site selection and splicing can increase transcription and affect the chromatin landscape. Here we review the many ways that transcription and splicing influence one another, including how splicing "talks back" to transcription. We will also place the connections between transcription and splicing in the context of other RNA processing events that define the exons that will make up the final mRNA. This article is categorized under: RNA Processing > Splicing Mechanisms RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Tellier
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Isabella Maudlin
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Shona Murphy
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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44
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Iida K, Hagiwara M, Takeuchi A. Multilateral Bioinformatics Analyses Reveal the Function-Oriented Target Specificities and Recognition of the RNA-Binding Protein SFPQ. iScience 2020; 23:101325. [PMID: 32659723 PMCID: PMC7358709 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) recognize consensus sequences and regulate specific target mRNAs. However, large-scale CLIP-seq revealed loose and broad binding of RBPs to larger proportion of expressed mRNAs: e.g. SFPQ binds to >10,000 pre-mRNAs but distinctly regulates <200 target genes during neuronal development. Identification of crucial binding for regulation and rules of target recognition is highly anticipated for systemic understanding of RBP regulations. For a breakthrough solution, we developed a bioinformatical method for CLIP-seq and transcriptome data by adopting iterative hypothesis testing. Essential binding was successfully identified in C-rich sequences close to the 5' splice sites of long introns, which further proposed target recognition mechanism via association between SFPQ and splicing factors during spliceosome assembly. The identified features of functional binding enabled us to predict regulons and also target genes in different species. This multilateral bioinformatics approach facilitates the elucidation of functionality, regulatory mechanism, and regulatory networks of RBPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Iida
- Medical Research Support Center, Kyoto University, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Konoecho Yoshida Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Hagiwara
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Konoecho Yoshida Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Akihide Takeuchi
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Konoecho Yoshida Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
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45
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Kafer GR, Cesare AJ. A Survey of Essential Genome Stability Genes Reveals That Replication Stress Mitigation Is Critical for Peri-Implantation Embryogenesis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:416. [PMID: 32548123 PMCID: PMC7274024 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Murine development demands that pluripotent epiblast stem cells in the peri-implantation embryo increase from approximately 120 to 14,000 cells between embryonic days (E) 4.5 and E7.5. This is possible because epiblast stem cells can complete cell cycles in under 3 h in vivo. To ensure conceptus fitness, epiblast cells must undertake this proliferative feat while maintaining genome integrity. How epiblast cells maintain genome health under such an immense proliferation demand remains unclear. To illuminate the contribution of genome stability pathways to early mammalian development we systematically reviewed knockout mouse data from 347 DDR and repair associated genes. Cumulatively, the data indicate that while many DNA repair functions are dispensable in embryogenesis, genes encoding replication stress response and homology directed repair factors are essential specifically during the peri-implantation stage of early development. We discuss the significance of these findings in the context of the unique proliferative demands placed on pluripotent epiblast stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia R Kafer
- Genome Integrity Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Anthony J Cesare
- Genome Integrity Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
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46
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Huang J, Ringuet M, Whitten AE, Caria S, Lim YW, Badhan R, Anggono V, Lee M. Structural basis of the zinc-induced cytoplasmic aggregation of the RNA-binding protein SFPQ. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:3356-3365. [PMID: 32034402 PMCID: PMC7102971 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
SFPQ is a ubiquitous nuclear RNA-binding protein implicated in many aspects of RNA biogenesis. Importantly, nuclear depletion and cytoplasmic accumulation of SFPQ has been linked to neuropathological conditions such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Here, we describe a molecular mechanism by which SFPQ is mislocalized to the cytoplasm. We report an unexpected discovery of the infinite polymerization of SFPQ that is induced by zinc binding to the protein. The crystal structure of human SFPQ in complex with zinc at 1.94 Å resolution reveals intermolecular interactions between SFPQ molecules that are mediated by zinc. As anticipated from the crystal structure, the application of zinc to primary cortical neurons induced the cytoplasmic accumulation and aggregation of SFPQ. Mutagenesis of the three zinc-coordinating histidine residues resulted in a significant reduction in the zinc-binding affinity of SFPQ in solution and the zinc-induced cytoplasmic aggregation of SFPQ in cultured neurons. Taken together, we propose that dysregulation of zinc availability and/or localization in neuronal cells may represent a mechanism for the imbalance in the nucleocytoplasmic distribution of SFPQ, which is an emerging hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases including AD and ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - Mitchell Ringuet
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Andrew E Whitten
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Lucas Heights, NSW 2234, Australia
| | - Sofia Caria
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia.,SAXS/WAXS, Australian Synchrotron, ANSTO, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Yee Wa Lim
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - Rahul Badhan
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - Victor Anggono
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Mihwa Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia
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47
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Suzuki N, Akiyama T, Warita H, Aoki M. Omics Approach to Axonal Dysfunction of Motor Neurons in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Front Neurosci 2020; 14:194. [PMID: 32269505 PMCID: PMC7109447 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an intractable adult-onset neurodegenerative disease that leads to the loss of upper and lower motor neurons (MNs). The long axons of MNs become damaged during the early stages of ALS. Genetic and pathological analyses of ALS patients have revealed dysfunction in the MN axon homeostasis. However, the molecular pathomechanism for the degeneration of axons in ALS has not been fully elucidated. This review provides an overview of the proposed axonal pathomechanisms in ALS, including those involving the neuronal cytoskeleton, cargo transport within axons, axonal energy supply, clearance of junk protein, neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), and aberrant axonal branching. To improve understanding of the global changes in axons, the review summarizes omics analyses of the axonal compartments of neurons in vitro and in vivo, including a motor nerve organoid approach that utilizes microfluidic devices developed by this research group. The review also discusses the relevance of intra-axonal transcription factors frequently identified in these omics analyses. Local axonal translation and the relationship among these pathomechanisms should be pursued further. The development of novel strategies to analyze axon fractions provides a new approach to establishing a detailed understanding of resilience of long MN and MN pathology in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Suzuki
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.,Department of Neurology, Shodo-kai Southern Tohoku General Hospital, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Akiyama
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Warita
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Masashi Aoki
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
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48
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Chen JY, Lim DH, Fu XD. Mechanistic Dissection of RNA-Binding Proteins in Regulated Gene Expression at Chromatin Levels. COLD SPRING HARBOR SYMPOSIA ON QUANTITATIVE BIOLOGY 2020; 84:55-66. [PMID: 31900328 PMCID: PMC7332398 DOI: 10.1101/sqb.2019.84.039222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Eukaryotic genomes are known to prevalently transcribe diverse classes of RNAs, virtually all of which, including nascent RNAs from protein-coding genes, are now recognized to have regulatory functions in gene expression, suggesting that RNAs are both the products and the regulators of gene expression. Their functions must enlist specific RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) to execute their regulatory activities, and recent evidence suggests that nearly all biochemically defined chromatin regions in the human genome, whether defined for gene activation or silencing, have the involvement of specific RBPs. Interestingly, the boundary between RNA- and DNA-binding proteins is also melting, as many DNA-binding proteins traditionally studied in the context of transcription are able to bind RNAs, some of which may simultaneously bind both DNA and RNA to facilitate network interactions in three-dimensional (3D) genome. In this review, we focus on RBPs that function at chromatin levels, with particular emphasis on their mechanisms of action in regulated gene expression, which is intended to facilitate future functional and mechanistic dissection of chromatin-associated RBPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Yu Chen
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Institute of Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Do-Hwan Lim
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Institute of Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Xiang-Dong Fu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Institute of Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
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49
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Mora Gallardo C, Sánchez de Diego A, Gutiérrez Hernández J, Talavera-Gutiérrez A, Fischer T, Martínez-A C, van Wely KHM. Dido3-dependent SFPQ recruitment maintains efficiency in mammalian alternative splicing. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 47:5381-5394. [PMID: 30931476 PMCID: PMC6547428 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing is facilitated by accessory proteins that guide spliceosome subunits to the primary transcript. Many of these splicing factors recognize the RNA polymerase II tail, but SFPQ is a notable exception even though essential for mammalian RNA processing. This study reveals a novel role for Dido3, one of three Dido gene products, in alternative splicing. Binding of the Dido3 amino terminus to histones and to the polymerase jaw domain was previously reported, and here we show interaction between its carboxy terminus and SFPQ. We generated a mutant that eliminates Dido3 but preserves other Dido gene products, mimicking reduced Dido3 levels in myeloid neoplasms. Dido mutation suppressed SFPQ binding to RNA and increased skipping for a large group of exons. Exons bearing recognition sequences for alternative splicing factors were nonetheless included more efficiently. Reduced SFPQ recruitment may thus account for increased skipping of SFPQ-dependent exons, but could also generate a splicing factor surplus that becomes available to competing splice sites. Taken together, our data indicate that Dido3 is an adaptor that controls SFPQ utilization in RNA splicing. Distributing splicing factor recruitment over parallel pathways provides mammals with a simple mechanism to regulate exon usage while maintaining RNA splicing efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Mora Gallardo
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB)/CSIC, Darwin 3, Campus UAM Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ainhoa Sánchez de Diego
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB)/CSIC, Darwin 3, Campus UAM Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Julio Gutiérrez Hernández
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB)/CSIC, Darwin 3, Campus UAM Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Amaia Talavera-Gutiérrez
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB)/CSIC, Darwin 3, Campus UAM Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Thierry Fischer
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB)/CSIC, Darwin 3, Campus UAM Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Martínez-A
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB)/CSIC, Darwin 3, Campus UAM Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Karel H M van Wely
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB)/CSIC, Darwin 3, Campus UAM Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
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50
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Wissink EM, Vihervaara A, Tippens ND, Lis JT. Nascent RNA analyses: tracking transcription and its regulation. Nat Rev Genet 2019; 20:705-723. [PMID: 31399713 PMCID: PMC6858503 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-019-0159-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The programmes that direct an organism's development and maintenance are encoded in its genome. Decoding of this information begins with regulated transcription of genomic DNA into RNA. Although transcription and its control can be tracked indirectly by measuring stable RNAs, it is only by directly measuring nascent RNAs that the immediate regulatory changes in response to developmental, environmental, disease and metabolic signals are revealed. Multiple complementary methods have been developed to quantitatively track nascent transcription genome-wide at nucleotide resolution, all of which have contributed novel insights into the mechanisms of gene regulation and transcription-coupled RNA processing. Here we critically evaluate the array of strategies used for investigating nascent transcription and discuss the recent conceptual advances they have provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin M Wissink
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Anniina Vihervaara
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Nathaniel D Tippens
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Tri-Institutional Training Program in Computational Biology and Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - John T Lis
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
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