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Wang S, Cai Y, Li T, Wang Y, Bao Z, Wang R, Qin J, Wang Z, Liu Y, Liu Z, Chan W, Chen X, Lu G, Chen Z, Huang T, Liu H. CWF19L2 is Essential for Male Fertility and Spermatogenesis by Regulating Alternative Splicing. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2403866. [PMID: 38889293 PMCID: PMC11336944 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202403866] [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: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The progression of spermatogenesis along specific developmental trajectories depends on the coordinated regulation of pre-mRNA alternative splicing (AS) at the post-transcriptional level. However, the fundamental mechanism of AS in spermatogenesis remains to be investigated. Here, it is demonstrated that CWF19L2 plays a pivotal role in spermatogenesis and male fertility. In germline conditional Cwf19l2 knockout mice exhibiting male sterility, impaired spermatogenesis characterized by increased apoptosis and decreased differentiated spermatogonia and spermatocytes is observed. That CWF19L2 interacted with several spliceosome proteins to participate in the proper assembly and stability of the spliceosome is discovered. By integrating RNA-seq and LACE-seq data, it is further confirmed CWF19L2 directly bound and regulated the splicing of genes related to spermatogenesis (Znhit1, Btrc, and Fbxw7) and RNA splicing (Rbfox1, Celf1, and Rbm10). Additionally, CWF19L2 can indirectly amplify its effect on splicing regulation through modulating RBFOX1. Collectively, this research establishes that CWF19L2 orchestrates a splicing factor network to ensure accurate pre-mRNA splicing during the early steps of spermatogenesis.
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Netherton JK, Ogle RA, Robinson BR, Molloy M, Krisp C, Velkov T, Casagranda F, Dominado N, Silva Balbin Villaverde AI, Zhang XD, Hime GR, Baker MA. The role of HnrnpF/H as a driver of oligoteratozoospermia. iScience 2024; 27:110198. [PMID: 39092172 PMCID: PMC11292545 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Male subfertility or infertility is a common condition often characterized by men producing a low number of sperm with poor quality. To gain insight into this condition, we performed a quantitative proteomic analysis of semen samples obtained from infertile and fertile men. At least 6 proteins showed significant differences in regulation of alternatively spliced isoforms. To investigate this link between aberrant alternative splicing and production of poor-quality spermatozoa, we overexpressed the hnrnpH/F-orthologue Glorund (Glo) in Drosophila, which was also found to be abundant in poor quality human sperm. Transgenic animals produced low numbers of morphologically defective spermatozoa and aberrant formation of the "dense body," an organelle akin to the mammalian manchette. Furthermore, fertility trials demonstrated that transgenic flies were either completely infertile or highly subfertile. These findings suggest that dysregulation of hnrnpH/F is likely to result in the production of low-quality semen, leading to subfertility or infertility in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob K. Netherton
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Rachel A. Ogle
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Benjamin R. Robinson
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Mark Molloy
- Australian Proteome Analysis Facility, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW 2109 Australia
| | - Christoph Krisp
- Australian Proteome Analysis Facility, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW 2109 Australia
| | - Tony Velkov
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Infection & Immunity Program and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Franca Casagranda
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Nicole Dominado
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | | | - Xu Dong Zhang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Gary R. Hime
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Mark A. Baker
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
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Cesari E, Farini D, Medici V, Ehrmann I, Guerra M, Testa E, Naro C, Geloso MC, Pagliarini V, La Barbera L, D’Amelio M, Orsini T, Vecchioli SF, Tamagnone L, Fort P, Viscomi MT, Elliott DJ, Sette C. Differential expression of paralog RNA binding proteins establishes a dynamic splicing program required for normal cerebral cortex development. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:4167-4184. [PMID: 38324473 PMCID: PMC11077083 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Sam68 and SLM2 are paralog RNA binding proteins (RBPs) expressed in the cerebral cortex and display similar splicing activities. However, their relative functions during cortical development are unknown. We found that these RBPs exhibit an opposite expression pattern during development. Sam68 expression declines postnatally while SLM2 increases after birth, and this developmental pattern is reinforced by hierarchical control of Sam68 expression by SLM2. Analysis of Sam68:Slm2 double knockout (Sam68:Slm2dko) mice revealed hundreds of exons that respond to joint depletion of these proteins. Moreover, parallel analysis of single and double knockout cortices indicated that exons regulated mainly by SLM2 are characterized by a dynamic splicing pattern during development, whereas Sam68-dependent exons are spliced at relatively constant rates. Dynamic splicing of SLM2-sensitive exons is completely suppressed in the Sam68:Slm2dko developing cortex. Sam68:Slm2dko mice die perinatally with defects in neurogenesis and in neuronal differentiation, and develop a hydrocephalus, consistent with splicing alterations in genes related to these biological processes. Thus, our study reveals that developmental control of separate Sam68 and Slm2 paralog genes encoding homologous RBPs enables the orchestration of a dynamic splicing program needed for brain development and viability, while ensuring a robust redundant mechanism that supports proper cortical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Cesari
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Donatella Farini
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, Via del Fosso di Fiorano, 64, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Vanessa Medici
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Ingrid Ehrmann
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University Institute of Biosciences, Newcastle NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Marika Guerra
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Erika Testa
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Section of Histology and Embryology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome
| | - Chiara Naro
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Concetta Geloso
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Vittoria Pagliarini
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Livia La Barbera
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, Via del Fosso di Fiorano, 64, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Marcello D’Amelio
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, Via del Fosso di Fiorano, 64, 00143 Rome, Italy
- Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Álvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Tiziana Orsini
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (IBBC/CNR), Monterotondo, 00015 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Farioli Vecchioli
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (IBBC/CNR), Monterotondo, 00015 Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Tamagnone
- Fondazione Policlinico Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Section of Histology and Embryology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome
| | - Philippe Fort
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie Cellulaire de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier Cedex 05, France
| | - Maria Teresa Viscomi
- Fondazione Policlinico Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Section of Histology and Embryology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome
| | - David J Elliott
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University Institute of Biosciences, Newcastle NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Claudio Sette
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli, 00168 Rome, Italy
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da Silva AM, Yevdokimova V, Benoit YD. Sam68 is a druggable vulnerability point in cancer stem cells. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:441-456. [PMID: 37792222 PMCID: PMC11016129 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10145-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Sam68 (Src associated in mitosis of 68 kDa) is an RNA-binding and multifunctional protein extensively characterized in numerous cellular functions, such as RNA processing, cell cycle regulation, kinase- and growth factor signaling. Recent investigations highlighted Sam68 as a primary target of a class of reverse-turn peptidomimetic drugs, initially developed as inhibitors of Wnt/β-catenin mediated transcription. Further investigations on such compounds revealed their capacity to selectively eliminate cancer stem cell (CSC) activity upon engaging Sam68. This work highlighted previously unappreciated roles for Sam68 in the maintenance of neoplastic self-renewal and tumor-initiating functions. Here, we discuss the implication of Sam68 in tumorigenesis, where central findings support its contribution to chromatin regulation processes essential to CSCs. We also review advances in CSC-targeting drug discovery aiming to modulate Sam68 cellular distribution and protein-protein interactions. Ultimately, Sam68 constitutes a vulnerability point of CSCs and an attractive therapeutic target to impede neoplastic stemness in human tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Mendes da Silva
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Veronika Yevdokimova
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Yannick D Benoit
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada.
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada.
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5
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Naro C, Sette C, Geremia R. Purification by STA-PUT Technique of Male Germ Cells from Single Mouse and RNA-Extraction for Transcriptomic Analysis. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2770:37-52. [PMID: 38351445 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3698-5_4] [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] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Transcriptomic analyses of germ cells at different stages of differentiation have shed light on the transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms regulating gene expression that ensure the correct progression of spermatogenesis and male fertility. In this chapter, we describe a method to isolate meiotic and post-meiotic germ cells, based on gravimetric sedimentation, starting from a testicular germ cell suspension isolated from a single adult mouse. We also describe how to assess the purity and quality of the collected fractions of germ cells and how to optimize the extraction from these samples of RNA for subsequent RNA-sequencing experiment. In our experience, this protocol is suitable for germ cell isolation and transcriptomic analysis for mouse models with spermatogenic defects, overcoming the limits that reduced fertility poses to the obtaining of experimental animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Naro
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
- GSTeP-Organoids Research Core Facility, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Sette
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
- GSTeP-Organoids Research Core Facility, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele Geremia
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
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Verdile V, Palombo R, Ferrante G, Ferri A, Amadio S, Volonté C, Paronetto MP. Dysregulation of alternative splicing underlies synaptic defects in familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Prog Neurobiol 2023; 231:102529. [PMID: 37739207 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2023.102529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable neurodegenerative disease characterized by the degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons, progressive wasting and paralysis of voluntary muscles. A hallmark of ALS is the frequent nuclear loss and cytoplasmic accumulation of RNA binding proteins (RBPs) in motor neurons (MN), which leads to aberrant alternative splicing regulation. However, whether altered splicing patterns are also present in familial models of ALS without mutations in RBP-encoding genes has not been investigated yet. Herein, we found that altered splicing of synaptic genes is a common trait of familial ALS MNs. Similar deregulation was also observed in hSOD1G93A MN-like cells. In silico analysis identified the potential regulators of these pre-mRNAs, including the RBP Sam68. Immunofluorescence analysis and biochemical fractionation experiments revealed that Sam68 accumulates in the cytoplasmic insoluble ribonucleoprotein fraction of MN. Remarkably, the synaptic splicing events deregulated in ALS MNs were also affected in Sam68-/- spinal cords. Recombinant expression of Sam68 protein was sufficient to rescue these splicing changes in ALS hSOD1G93A MN-like cells. Hence, our study highlights an aberrant function of Sam68, which leads to splicing changes in synaptic genes and may contribute to the MN phenotype that characterizes ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Verdile
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Piazza Lauro de Bosis 6, 00135 Rome, Italy; Division of Experimental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, Rome 00143, Italy
| | - Ramona Palombo
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Piazza Lauro de Bosis 6, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Ferrante
- Division of Experimental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, Rome 00143, Italy
| | - Alberto Ferri
- Division of Experimental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, Rome 00143, Italy; National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), Rome, Italy
| | - Susanna Amadio
- Division of Experimental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, Rome 00143, Italy
| | - Cinzia Volonté
- Division of Experimental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, Rome 00143, Italy; National Research Council (CNR), Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science (IASI), Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Paronetto
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Piazza Lauro de Bosis 6, 00135 Rome, Italy; Division of Experimental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, Rome 00143, Italy.
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7
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Darwish M, Ito M, Iijima Y, Takase A, Ayukawa N, Suzuki S, Tanaka M, Komori K, Kaida D, Iijima T. Neuronal SAM68 differentially regulates alternative last exon splicing and ensures proper synapse development and function. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105168. [PMID: 37595869 PMCID: PMC10562862 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105168] [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: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing in the 3'UTR of mammalian genes plays a crucial role in diverse biological processes, including cell differentiation and development. SAM68 is a key splicing regulator that controls the diversity of 3'UTR isoforms through alternative last exon (ALE) selection. However, the tissue/cell type-specific mechanisms underlying the splicing control at the 3' end and its functional significance remain unclear. Here, we show that SAM68 regulates ALE splicing in a dose-dependent manner and the neuronal splicing is differentially regulated depending on the characteristics of the target transcript. Specifically, we found that SAM68 regulates interleukin-1 receptor-associated protein splicing through the interaction with U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein. In contrast, the ALE splicing of protocadherin-15 (Pcdh15), a gene implicated in several neuropsychiatric disorders, is independent of U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein but modulated by the calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase signaling pathway. We found that the aberrant ALE selection of Pcdh15 led to a conversion from a membrane-bound to a soluble isoform and consequently disrupted its localization into excitatory and inhibitory synapses. Notably, the neuronal expression of the soluble form of PCDH15 preferentially affected the number of inhibitory synapses. Moreover, the soluble form of PCDH15 interacted physically with α-neurexins and further disrupted neuroligin-2-induced inhibitory synapses in artificial synapse formation assays. Our findings provide novel insights into the role of neuron-specific alternative 3'UTR isoform selections in synapse development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Darwish
- Division of Basic Medical Science and Molecular Medicine, Department of Molecular Life Science, School of Medicine, Tokai University, Kanagawa, Japan; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Masatoshi Ito
- The Support Center for Medical Research and Education, Tokai University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yoko Iijima
- Division of Basic Medical Science and Molecular Medicine, Department of Molecular Life Science, School of Medicine, Tokai University, Kanagawa, Japan; Tokai University Institute of Innovative Science and Technology, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Akinori Takase
- The Support Center for Medical Research and Education, Tokai University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Noriko Ayukawa
- Tokai University Institute of Innovative Science and Technology, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Satoko Suzuki
- Tokai University Institute of Innovative Science and Technology, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Masami Tanaka
- Tokai University Institute of Innovative Science and Technology, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kanae Komori
- Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Daisuke Kaida
- Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Takatoshi Iijima
- Division of Basic Medical Science and Molecular Medicine, Department of Molecular Life Science, School of Medicine, Tokai University, Kanagawa, Japan; Tokai University Institute of Innovative Science and Technology, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan.
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Panzeri V, Pieraccioli M, Cesari E, de la Grange P, Sette C. CDK12/13 promote splicing of proximal introns by enhancing the interaction between RNA polymerase II and the splicing factor SF3B1. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:5512-5526. [PMID: 37026485 PMCID: PMC10287901 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription-associated cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) regulate the transcription cycle through sequential phosphorylation of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII). Herein, we report that dual inhibition of the highly homologous CDK12 and CDK13 impairs splicing of a subset of promoter-proximal introns characterized by weak 3' splice sites located at larger distance from the branchpoint. Nascent transcript analysis indicated that these introns are selectively retained upon pharmacological inhibition of CDK12/13 with respect to downstream introns of the same pre-mRNAs. Retention of these introns was also triggered by pladienolide B (PdB), an inhibitor of the U2 small nucelar ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) factor SF3B1 that recognizes the branchpoint. CDK12/13 activity promotes the interaction of SF3B1 with RNAPII phosphorylated on Ser2, and disruption of this interaction by treatment with the CDK12/13 inhibitor THZ531 impairs the association of SF3B1 with chromatin and its recruitment to the 3' splice site of these introns. Furthermore, by using suboptimal doses of THZ531 and PdB, we describe a synergic effect of these inhibitors on intron retention, cell cycle progression and cancer cell survival. These findings uncover a mechanism by which CDK12/13 couple RNA transcription and processing, and suggest that combined inhibition of these kinases and the spliceosome represents an exploitable anticancer approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Panzeri
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Pieraccioli
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
- Gemelli Science and Technology Park (GSTeP)-Organoids Research Core Facility, Fondazione Policlinico Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Cesari
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
- Gemelli Science and Technology Park (GSTeP)-Organoids Research Core Facility, Fondazione Policlinico Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Claudio Sette
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
- Gemelli Science and Technology Park (GSTeP)-Organoids Research Core Facility, Fondazione Policlinico Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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9
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Cesari E, Ciucci A, Pieraccioli M, Caggiano C, Nero C, Bonvissuto D, Sillano F, Buttarelli M, Piermattei A, Loverro M, Camarda F, Greco V, De Bonis M, Minucci A, Gallo D, Urbani A, Vizzielli G, Scambia G, Sette C. Dual inhibition of CDK12 and CDK13 uncovers actionable vulnerabilities in patient-derived ovarian cancer organoids. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:126. [PMID: 37202753 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02682-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is highly lethal, partly due to chemotherapy resistance and limited availability of targeted approaches. Cyclin dependent kinases 12 and 13 (CDK12/13) are promising therapeutic targets in human cancers, including HGSOC. Nevertheless, the effects of their inhibition in HGSOC and the potential synergy with other drugs are poorly known. METHODS We analyzed the effects of the CDK12/13 inhibitor THZ531 in HGSOC cells and patient-derived organoids (PDOs). RNA sequencing and quantitative PCR analyses were performed to identify the genome-wide effects of short-term CDK12/13 inhibition on the transcriptome of HGSOC cells. Viability assays with HGSOC cells and PDOs were performed to assess the efficacy of THZ531 as single agent or in combination with clinically relevant drugs. RESULTS The CDK12 and CDK13 genes are deregulated in HGSOC and their concomitant up-regulation with the oncogene MYC predicts poor prognosis. HGSOC cells and PDOs display high sensitivity to CDK12/13 inhibition, which synergizes with drugs in clinical use for HGSOC. Transcriptome analyses revealed cancer-relevant genes whose expression is repressed by dual CDK12/13 inhibition through impaired splicing. Combined treatment with THZ531 and inhibitors of pathways regulated by these cancer relevant genes (EGFR, RPTOR, ATRIP) exerted synergic effects on HGSOC PDO viability. CONCLUSIONS CDK12 and CDK13 represent valuable therapeutic targets for HGSOC. We uncovered a wide spectrum of CDK12/13 targets as potential therapeutic vulnerabilities for HGSOC. Moreover, our study indicates that CDK12/13 inhibition enhances the efficacy of approved drugs that are already in use for HGSOC or other human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Cesari
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168, Rome, Italy
- GSTeP Organoids Research Core Facility, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Ciucci
- GSTeP Organoids Research Core Facility, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, 00168, Rome, Italy
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Pieraccioli
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168, Rome, Italy
- GSTeP Organoids Research Core Facility, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Caggiano
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168, Rome, Italy
- GSTeP Organoids Research Core Facility, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Camilla Nero
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168, Rome, Italy
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Gynecologic Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Bonvissuto
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Sillano
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Marianna Buttarelli
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168, Rome, Italy
- Unit of Translational Medicine for Woman and Child Health, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Piermattei
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Loverro
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168, Rome, Italy
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Gynecologic Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Floriana Camarda
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168, Rome, Italy
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Gynecologic Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Viviana Greco
- Department of Diagnostic and Laboratory Medicine, Unity of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Clinical Molecular Biology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensive Care and Perioperative Clinics Research, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria De Bonis
- Department of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensive Care and Perioperative Clinics Research, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Minucci
- Department of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensive Care and Perioperative Clinics Research, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Gallo
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168, Rome, Italy
- Unit of Translational Medicine for Woman and Child Health, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Urbani
- Department of Diagnostic and Laboratory Medicine, Unity of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Clinical Molecular Biology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensive Care and Perioperative Clinics Research, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Vizzielli
- Department of Medical Area (DAME), University of Udine, Udine, Italy
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "Santa Maria Della Misericordia" University Hospital, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Friuli Centrale, Udine, Italy
| | - Giovanni Scambia
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168, Rome, Italy.
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Gynecologic Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy.
| | - Claudio Sette
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168, Rome, Italy.
- GSTeP Organoids Research Core Facility, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, 00168, Rome, Italy.
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10
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Pieraccioli M, Caggiano C, Mignini L, Zhong C, Babini G, Lattanzio R, Di Stasi S, Tian B, Sette C, Bielli P. The transcriptional terminator XRN2 and the RNA-binding protein Sam68 link alternative polyadenylation to cell cycle progression in prostate cancer. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2022; 29:1101-1112. [PMID: 36344846 PMCID: PMC9872553 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-022-00853-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Alternative polyadenylation (APA) yields transcripts differing in their 3'-end, and its regulation is altered in cancer, including prostate cancer. Here we have uncovered a mechanism of APA regulation impinging on the interaction between the exonuclease XRN2 and the RNA-binding protein Sam68, whose increased expression in prostate cancer is promoted by the transcription factor MYC. Genome-wide transcriptome profiling revealed a widespread impact of the Sam68/XRN2 complex on APA. XRN2 promotes recruitment of Sam68 to its target transcripts, where it competes with the cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor for binding to strong polyadenylation signals at distal ends of genes, thus promoting usage of suboptimal proximal polyadenylation signals. This mechanism leads to 3' untranslated region shortening and translation of transcripts encoding proteins involved in G1/S progression and proliferation. Thus, our findings indicate that the APA program driven by Sam68/XRN2 promotes cell cycle progression and may represent an actionable target for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Pieraccioli
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Hearth, Rome, Italy.,GSTEP-Organoids Core Facility, Fondazione Policlinico Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Caggiano
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Hearth, Rome, Italy.,GSTEP-Organoids Core Facility, Fondazione Policlinico Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Mignini
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Chuwei Zhong
- Gene Expression and Regulation Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gabriele Babini
- GSTEP-Organoids Core Facility, Fondazione Policlinico Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Rossano Lattanzio
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, G. d’Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy.,Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), G. d’Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Savino Di Stasi
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Bin Tian
- Gene Expression and Regulation Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Claudio Sette
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Hearth, Rome, Italy. .,GSTEP-Organoids Core Facility, Fondazione Policlinico Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Pamela Bielli
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy. .,Laboratory of Neuroembryology, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.
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11
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DNA Damage Regulates the Functions of the RNA Binding Protein Sam68 through ATM-Dependent Phosphorylation. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14163847. [PMID: 36010841 PMCID: PMC9405969 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14163847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Alterations of the complex network of interactions between the DNA damage response pathway and RNA metabolism have been described in several tumors, and increasing efforts are devoted to the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms involved in this network. Previous large-scale proteomic studies identified the RNA binding protein Sam68 as a putative target of the ATM kinase. Herein, we demonstrate that ATM phosphorylates Sam68 upon DNA damage induction, and this post-translational modification regulates both the signaling function of Sam68 in the initial phase of the DNA damage response and its RNA processing activity. Thus, our study uncovers anew crosstalk between ATM and Sam68, which may represent a paradigm for the functional interaction between the DDR pathway and RNA binding proteins, and a possible actionabletarget in human cancers. Abstract Cancer cells frequently exhibit dysregulation of the DNA damage response (DDR), genomic instability, and altered RNA metabolism. Recent genome-wide studies have strongly suggested an interaction between the pathways involved in the cellular response to DDR and in the regulation of RNA metabolism, but the molecular mechanism(s) involved in this crosstalk are largely unknown. Herein, we found that activation of the DDR kinase ATM promotes its interaction with Sam68, leading to phosphorylation of this multifunctional RNA binding protein (RBP) on three residues: threonine 61, serine 388 and serine 390. Moreover, we demonstrate that ATM-dependent phosphorylation of threonine 61 promotes the function of Sam68 in the DDR pathway and enhances its RNA processing activity. Importantly, ATM-mediated phosphorylation of Sam68 in prostate cancer cells modulates alternative polyadenylation of transcripts that are targets of Sam68, supporting the notion that the ATM–Sam68 axis exerts a multifaceted role in the response to DNA damage. Thus, our work validates Sam68 as an ATM kinase substrate and uncovers an unexpected bidirectional interplay between ATM and Sam68, which couples the DDR pathway to modulation of RNA metabolism in response to genotoxic stress.
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12
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hnRNPH1 recruits PTBP2 and SRSF3 to modulate alternative splicing in germ cells. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3588. [PMID: 35739118 PMCID: PMC9226075 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31364-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Coordinated regulation of alternative pre-mRNA splicing is essential for germ cell development. However, the underlying molecular mechanism that controls alternative mRNA expression during germ cell development remains elusive. Herein, we show that hnRNPH1 is highly expressed in the reproductive system and recruits the PTBP2 and SRSF3 to modulate the alternative splicing in germ cells. Conditional knockout Hnrnph1 in spermatogenic cells causes many abnormal splicing events, thus affecting the genes related to meiosis and communication between germ cells and Sertoli cells. This is characterized by asynapsis of chromosomes and impairment of germ-Sertoli communications, which ultimately leads to male sterility. Markedly, Hnrnph1 germline-specific mutant female mice are also infertile, and Hnrnph1-deficient oocytes exhibit a similar defective synapsis and cell-cell junction as seen in Hnrnph1-deficient male germ cells. Collectively, our data support a molecular model wherein hnRNPH1 governs a network of alternative splicing events in germ cells via recruitment of PTBP2 and SRSF3. Coordinated regulation of alternative splicing is essential for germ cell development. Here, the authors report that hnRNPH1 interacts with alternative splicing factors PTBP2 and SRSF3 in the germline to regulate pre-mRNA alternative splicing.
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13
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Rovira E, Moreno B, Razquin N, Hjerpe R, Gonzalez-Lopez M, Barrio R, Ruiz de los Mozos I, Ule J, Pastor F, Blazquez L, Fortes P. U1A is a positive regulator of the expression of heterologous and cellular genes involved in cell proliferation and migration. MOLECULAR THERAPY - NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 28:831-846. [PMID: 35664701 PMCID: PMC9136276 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Here, we show that direct recruitment of U1A to target transcripts can increase gene expression. This is a new regulatory role, in addition to previous knowledge showing that U1A decreases the levels of U1A mRNA and other specific targets. In fact, genome-wide, U1A more often increases rather than represses gene expression and many U1A-upregulated transcripts are directly bound by U1A according to individual nucleotide resolution crosslinking and immunoprecipitation (iCLIP) studies. Interestingly, U1A-mediated positive regulation can be transferred to a heterologous system for biotechnological purposes. Finally, U1A-bound genes are enriched for those involved in cell cycle and adhesion. In agreement with this, higher U1A mRNA expression associates with lower disease-free survival and overall survival in many cancer types, and U1A mRNA levels positively correlate with those of some oncogenes involved in cell proliferation. Accordingly, U1A depletion leads to decreased expression of these genes and the migration-related gene CCN2/CTGF, which shows the strongest regulation by U1A. A decrease in U1A causes a strong drop in CCN2 expression and CTGF secretion and defects in the expression of CTGF EMT targets, cell migration, and proliferation. These results support U1A as a putative therapeutic target for cancer treatment. In addition, U1A-binding sequences should be considered in biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Rovira
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra (UNAV), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Beatriz Moreno
- Department of Molecular Therapy, Aptamer Unit, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra (UNAV), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Nerea Razquin
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra (UNAV), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Roland Hjerpe
- Department of Functional Genomics, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, Building 801A, 48160 Derio, Spain
| | - Monika Gonzalez-Lopez
- Department of Functional Genomics, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, Building 801A, 48160 Derio, Spain
| | - Rosa Barrio
- Department of Functional Genomics, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, Building 801A, 48160 Derio, Spain
| | - Igor Ruiz de los Mozos
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Institute of Neurology, UCL, WC1B5EH London, UK
- RNA Networks Lab, The Francis Crick Institute, NW11BF London, UK
| | - Jernej Ule
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Institute of Neurology, UCL, WC1B5EH London, UK
- RNA Networks Lab, The Francis Crick Institute, NW11BF London, UK
| | - Fernando Pastor
- Department of Molecular Therapy, Aptamer Unit, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra (UNAV), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Lorea Blazquez
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Institute of Neurology, UCL, WC1B5EH London, UK
- RNA Networks Lab, The Francis Crick Institute, NW11BF London, UK
- Neurosciences Area, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 San Sebastian, Spain
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, 48009 Bilbao, Spain
- Corresponding author. Lorea Blazquez, Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Institute of Neurology, UCL, WC1B5EH London, UK.
| | - Puri Fortes
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra (UNAV), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Liver and Digestive Diseases Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBERehd), Spain
- Spanish Network for Advanced Therapies (TERAV ISCIII), Spain
- Corresponding author. Puri Fortes, Neurosciences Area, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 San Sebastian, Spain.
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14
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Naro C, Barbagallo F, Caggiano C, De Musso M, Panzeri V, Di Agostino S, Paronetto MP, Sette C. Functional Interaction Between the Oncogenic Kinase NEK2 and Sam68 Promotes a Splicing Program Involved in Migration and Invasion in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:880654. [PMID: 35530315 PMCID: PMC9068942 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.880654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents the most aggressive breast cancer subtype. Poor prognosis in TNBC is partly due to lack of efficacious targeted therapy and high propensity to metastasize. Dysregulation of alternative splicing has recently emerged as a trait of TNBC, suggesting that unveiling the molecular mechanisms underlying its regulation could uncover new druggable cancer vulnerabilities. The oncogenic kinase NEK2 is significantly upregulated in TNBC and contributes to shaping their unique splicing profile. Herein, we found that NEK2 interacts with the RNA binding protein Sam68 in TNBC cells and that NEK2-mediated phosphorylation of Sam68 enhances its splicing activity. Genome-wide transcriptome analyses identified the splicing targets of Sam68 in TNBC cells and revealed a common set of exons that are co-regulated by NEK2. Functional annotation of splicing-regulated genes highlighted cell migration and spreading as biological processes regulated by Sam68. Accordingly, Sam68 depletion reduces TNBC cell migration and invasion, and these effects are potentiated by the concomitant inhibition of NEK2 activity. Our findings indicate that Sam68 and NEK2 functionally cooperate in the regulation of a splicing program that sustains the pro-metastatic features of TNBC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Naro
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, University of the Sacred Hearth, Rome, Italy.,Gemelli SCIENCE and TECHNOLOGY PARK (GSTeP)-Organoids Research Core Facility, Fondazione Policlinico Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Barbagallo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Caggiano
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, University of the Sacred Hearth, Rome, Italy.,Gemelli SCIENCE and TECHNOLOGY PARK (GSTeP)-Organoids Research Core Facility, Fondazione Policlinico Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Monica De Musso
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, University of the Sacred Hearth, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Panzeri
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, University of the Sacred Hearth, Rome, Italy.,Gemelli SCIENCE and TECHNOLOGY PARK (GSTeP)-Organoids Research Core Facility, Fondazione Policlinico Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Di Agostino
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Paronetto
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome Foro Italico, Rome, Italy.,Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Sette
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, University of the Sacred Hearth, Rome, Italy.,Gemelli SCIENCE and TECHNOLOGY PARK (GSTeP)-Organoids Research Core Facility, Fondazione Policlinico Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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15
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Zhang JY, Du Y, Gong LP, Shao YT, Pan LJ, Feng ZY, Pan YH, Huang JT, Wen JY, Sun LP, Chen GF, Chen JN, Shao CK. ebv-circRPMS1 promotes the progression of EBV-associated gastric carcinoma via Sam68-dependent activation of METTL3. Cancer Lett 2022; 535:215646. [PMID: 35304258 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a tumor virus that is associated with a variety of neoplasms, including EBV-associated gastric carcinoma (EBVaGC). Recently, EBV was reported to generate various circular RNAs (circRNAs). CircRNAs are important regulators of tumorigenesis by modulating the malignant behaviors of tumor cells. However, to date, the functions of ebv-circRNAs in EBVaGC remain poorly understood. In the present study, we observed high ebv-circRPMS1 expression in EBVaGC and showed that ebv-circRPMS1 promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion and inhibited the apoptosis of EBVaGC cells. In addition, METTL3 was upregulated in GC cells overexpressing ebv-circRPMS1. Mechanistically, ebv-circRPMS1 bound to Sam68 to facilitate its physical interaction with the METTL3 promotor, resulting in the transactivation of METTL3 and cancer progression. In clinical EBVaGC samples, ebv-circRPMS1 was associated with distant metastasis and a poor prognosis. Based on these findings, ebv-circRPMS1 contributed to EBVaGC progression by recruiting Sam68 to the METTL3 promoter to induce METTL3 expression. ebv-circRPMS1, Sam68, and METTL3 might serve as therapeutic targets for EBVaGC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Yue Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Yu Du
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Li-Ping Gong
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Yi-Ting Shao
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510055, China
| | - Li-Jie Pan
- Vaccine Research of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Zhi-Ying Feng
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Yu-Hang Pan
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Jun-Ting Huang
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China; The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510182, China
| | - Jing-Yun Wen
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Li-Ping Sun
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Gao-Feng Chen
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Jian-Ning Chen
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
| | - Chun-Kui Shao
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
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16
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Malard F, Mackereth CD, Campagne S. Principles and correction of 5'-splice site selection. RNA Biol 2022; 19:943-960. [PMID: 35866748 PMCID: PMC9311317 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2022.2100971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
In Eukarya, immature mRNA transcripts (pre-mRNA) often contain coding sequences, or exons, interleaved by non-coding sequences, or introns. Introns are removed upon splicing, and further regulation of the retained exons leads to alternatively spliced mRNA. The splicing reaction requires the stepwise assembly of the spliceosome, a macromolecular machine composed of small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs). This review focuses on the early stage of spliceosome assembly, when U1 snRNP defines each intron 5'-splice site (5'ss) in the pre-mRNA. We first introduce the splicing reaction and the impact of alternative splicing on gene expression regulation. Thereafter, we extensively discuss splicing descriptors that influence the 5'ss selection by U1 snRNP, such as sequence determinants, and interactions mediated by U1-specific proteins or U1 small nuclear RNA (U1 snRNA). We also include examples of diseases that affect the 5'ss selection by U1 snRNP, and discuss recent therapeutic advances that manipulate U1 snRNP 5'ss selectivity with antisense oligonucleotides and small-molecule splicing switches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Malard
- Inserm U1212, CNRS UMR5320, ARNA Laboratory, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux Cedex, France
| | - Cameron D Mackereth
- Inserm U1212, CNRS UMR5320, ARNA Laboratory, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux Cedex, France
| | - Sébastien Campagne
- Inserm U1212, CNRS UMR5320, ARNA Laboratory, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux Cedex, France
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17
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Naro C, Bielli P, Sette C. Oncogenic dysregulation of pre-mRNA processing by protein kinases: challenges and therapeutic opportunities. FEBS J 2021; 288:6250-6272. [PMID: 34092037 PMCID: PMC8596628 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Alternative splicing and polyadenylation represent two major steps in pre-mRNA-processing, which ensure proper gene expression and diversification of human transcriptomes. Deregulation of these processes contributes to oncogenic programmes involved in the onset, progression and evolution of human cancers, which often result in the acquisition of resistance to existing therapies. On the other hand, cancer cells frequently increase their transcriptional rate and develop a transcriptional addiction, which imposes a high stress on the pre-mRNA-processing machinery and establishes a therapeutically exploitable vulnerability. A prominent role in fine-tuning pre-mRNA-processing mechanisms is played by three main families of protein kinases: serine arginine protein kinase (SRPK), CDC-like kinase (CLK) and cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK). These kinases phosphorylate the RNA polymerase, splicing factors and regulatory proteins involved in cleavage and polyadenylation of the nascent transcripts. The activity of SRPKs, CLKs and CDKs can be altered in cancer cells, and their inhibition was shown to exert anticancer effects. In this review, we describe key findings that have been reported on these topics and discuss challenges and opportunities of developing therapeutic approaches targeting splicing factor kinases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Naro
- Department of NeuroscienceSection of Human AnatomyCatholic University of the Sacred HeartRomeItaly
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. GemelliIRCCSRomeItaly
| | - Pamela Bielli
- Department of Biomedicine and PreventionUniversity of Rome Tor VergataItaly
- Fondazione Santa LuciaIRCCSRomeItaly
| | - Claudio Sette
- Department of NeuroscienceSection of Human AnatomyCatholic University of the Sacred HeartRomeItaly
- Fondazione Santa LuciaIRCCSRomeItaly
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18
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Ruta V, Pagliarini V, Sette C. Coordination of RNA Processing Regulation by Signal Transduction Pathways. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11101475. [PMID: 34680108 PMCID: PMC8533259 DOI: 10.3390/biom11101475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Signal transduction pathways transmit the information received from external and internal cues and generate a response that allows the cell to adapt to changes in the surrounding environment. Signaling pathways trigger rapid responses by changing the activity or localization of existing molecules, as well as long-term responses that require the activation of gene expression programs. All steps involved in the regulation of gene expression, from transcription to processing and utilization of new transcripts, are modulated by multiple signal transduction pathways. This review provides a broad overview of the post-translational regulation of factors involved in RNA processing events by signal transduction pathways, with particular focus on the regulation of pre-mRNA splicing, cleavage and polyadenylation. The effects of several post-translational modifications (i.e., sumoylation, ubiquitination, methylation, acetylation and phosphorylation) on the expression, subcellular localization, stability and affinity for RNA and protein partners of many RNA-binding proteins are highlighted. Moreover, examples of how some of the most common signal transduction pathways can modulate biological processes through changes in RNA processing regulation are illustrated. Lastly, we discuss challenges and opportunities of therapeutic approaches that correct RNA processing defects and target signaling molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Ruta
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy; (V.R.); (V.P.)
- Organoids Facility, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Vittoria Pagliarini
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy; (V.R.); (V.P.)
- Organoids Facility, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Sette
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy; (V.R.); (V.P.)
- Laboratory of Neuroembryology, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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19
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Non-Coding RNAs and Splicing Activity in Testicular Germ Cell Tumors. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11080736. [PMID: 34440480 PMCID: PMC8399856 DOI: 10.3390/life11080736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are the most common tumors in adolescent and young men. Recently, genome-wide studies have made it possible to progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of tumors. It is becoming increasingly clear that aberrant regulation of RNA metabolism can drive tumorigenesis and influence chemotherapeutic response. Notably, the expression of non-coding RNAs as well as specific splice variants is deeply deregulated in human cancers. Since these cancer-related RNA species are considered promising diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic targets, understanding their function in cancer development is becoming a major challenge. Here, we summarize how the different expression of RNA species repertoire, including non-coding RNAs and protein-coding splicing variants, impacts on TGCTs’ onset and progression and sustains therapeutic resistance. Finally, the role of transcription-associated R-loop misregulation in the maintenance of genomic stability in TGCTs is also discussed.
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20
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A CRISPR RNA-binding protein screen reveals regulators of RUNX1 isoform generation. Blood Adv 2021; 5:1310-1323. [PMID: 33656539 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2020002090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The proper balance of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) self-renewal and differentiation is critical for normal hematopoiesis and is disrupted in hematologic malignancy. Among regulators of HSC fate, transcription factors have a well-defined central role, and mutations promote malignant transformation. More recently, studies have illuminated the importance of posttranscriptional regulation by RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) in hematopoiesis and leukemia development. However, the RBPs involved and the breadth of regulation are only beginning to be elucidated. Furthermore, the intersection between posttranscriptional regulation and hematopoietic transcription factor function is poorly understood. Here, we studied the posttranscriptional regulation of RUNX1, a key hematopoietic transcription factor. Alternative polyadenylation (APA) of RUNX1 produces functionally antagonistic protein isoforms (RUNX1a vs RUNX1b/c) that mediate HSC self-renewal vs differentiation, an RNA-processing event that is dysregulated in malignancy. Consequently, RBPs that regulate this event directly contribute to healthy and aberrant hematopoiesis. We modeled RUNX1 APA using a split GFP minigene reporter and confirmed the sensitivity of our model to detect changes in RNA processing. We used this reporter in a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) screen consisting of single guide RNAs exclusively targeting RBPs and uncovered HNRNPA1 and KHDRBS1 as antagonistic regulators of RUNX1a isoform generation. Overall, our study provides mechanistic insight into the posttranscriptional regulation of a key hematopoietic transcription factor and identifies RBPs that may have widespread and important functions in hematopoiesis.
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21
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Farini D, Cesari E, Weatheritt RJ, La Sala G, Naro C, Pagliarini V, Bonvissuto D, Medici V, Guerra M, Di Pietro C, Rizzo FR, Musella A, Carola V, Centonze D, Blencowe BJ, Marazziti D, Sette C. A Dynamic Splicing Program Ensures Proper Synaptic Connections in the Developing Cerebellum. Cell Rep 2021; 31:107703. [PMID: 32492419 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.107703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Tight coordination of gene expression in the developing cerebellum is crucial for establishment of neuronal circuits governing motor and cognitive function. However, transcriptional changes alone do not explain all of the switches underlying neuronal differentiation. Here we unveiled a widespread and highly dynamic splicing program that affects synaptic genes in cerebellar neurons. The motifs enriched in modulated exons implicated the splicing factor Sam68 as a regulator of this program. Sam68 controls splicing of exons with weak branchpoints by directly binding near the 3' splice site and competing with U2AF recruitment. Ablation of Sam68 disrupts splicing regulation of synaptic genes associated with neurodevelopmental diseases and impairs synaptic connections and firing of Purkinje cells, resulting in motor coordination defects, ataxia, and abnormal social behavior. These findings uncover an unexpectedly dynamic splicing regulatory network that shapes the synapse in early life and establishes motor and cognitive circuitry in the developing cerebellum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Farini
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Cesari
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Robert J Weatheritt
- Donnelly Centre and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; EMBL Australia, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Gina La Sala
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, CNR, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Naro
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Vittoria Pagliarini
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Bonvissuto
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Vanessa Medici
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Marika Guerra
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Di Pietro
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, CNR, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Romana Rizzo
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; San Raffaele Pisana and University San Raffaele, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Valeria Carola
- Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Diego Centonze
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; Unit of Neurology, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Isernia, Italy
| | - Benjamin J Blencowe
- Donnelly Centre and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Daniela Marazziti
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, CNR, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Sette
- Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.
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22
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Chao Y, Jiang Y, Zhong M, Wei K, Hu C, Qin Y, Zuo Y, Yang L, Shen Z, Zou C. Regulatory roles and mechanisms of alternative RNA splicing in adipogenesis and human metabolic health. Cell Biosci 2021; 11:66. [PMID: 33795017 PMCID: PMC8017860 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-021-00581-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing (AS) regulates gene expression patterns at the post-transcriptional level and generates a striking expansion of coding capacities of genomes and cellular protein diversity. RNA splicing could undergo modulation and close interaction with genetic and epigenetic machinery. Notably, during the adipogenesis processes of white, brown and beige adipocytes, AS tightly interplays with the differentiation gene program networks. Here, we integrate the available findings on specific splicing events and distinct functions of different splicing regulators as examples to highlight the directive biological contribution of AS mechanism in adipogenesis and adipocyte biology. Furthermore, accumulating evidence has suggested that mutations and/or altered expression in splicing regulators and aberrant splicing alterations in the obesity-associated genes are often linked to humans’ diet-induced obesity and metabolic dysregulation phenotypes. Therefore, significant attempts have been finally made to overview novel detailed discussion on the prospects of splicing machinery with obesity and metabolic disorders to supply featured potential management mechanisms in clinical applicability for obesity treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunqi Chao
- Department of Endocrinology, The Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310052, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yonghui Jiang
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Mianling Zhong
- Department of Endocrinology, The Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310052, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kaiyan Wei
- Department of Endocrinology, The Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310052, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chenxi Hu
- Department of Endocrinology, The Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310052, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yifang Qin
- Department of Endocrinology, The Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310052, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yiming Zuo
- Department of Endocrinology, The Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310052, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lili Yang
- Department of Endocrinology, The Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310052, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zheng Shen
- Department of Endocrinology, The Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310052, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chaochun Zou
- Department of Endocrinology, The Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310052, Zhejiang, China.
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23
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Novel Gene Regulation in Normal and Abnormal Spermatogenesis. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030666. [PMID: 33802813 PMCID: PMC8002376 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex and dynamic process which is precisely controlledby genetic and epigenetic factors. With the development of new technologies (e.g., single-cell RNA sequencing), increasingly more regulatory genes related to spermatogenesis have been identified. In this review, we address the roles and mechanisms of novel genes in regulating the normal and abnormal spermatogenesis. Specifically, we discussed the functions and signaling pathways of key new genes in mediating the proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of rodent and human spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), as well as in controlling the meiosis of spermatocytes and other germ cells. Additionally, we summarized the gene regulation in the abnormal testicular microenvironment or the niche by Sertoli cells, peritubular myoid cells, and Leydig cells. Finally, we pointed out the future directions for investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying human spermatogenesis. This review could offer novel insights into genetic regulation in the normal and abnormal spermatogenesis, and it provides new molecular targets for gene therapy of male infertility.
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24
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Naro C, Cesari E, Sette C. Splicing regulation in brain and testis: common themes for highly specialized organs. Cell Cycle 2021; 20:480-489. [PMID: 33632061 PMCID: PMC8018374 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2021.1889187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Expansion of the coding and regulatory capabilities of eukaryotic transcriptomes by alternative splicing represents one of the evolutionary forces underlying the increased structural complexity of metazoans. Brain and testes stand out as the organs that mostly exploit the potential of alternative splicing, thereby expressing the largest repertoire of splice variants. Herein, we will review organ-specific as well as common mechanisms underlying the high transcriptome complexity of these organs and discuss the impact exerted by this widespread alternative splicing regulation on the functionality and differentiation of brain and testicular cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Naro
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
- Organoids Facility, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Cesari
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
- Organoids Facility, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Sette
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
- Laboratory of Neuroembryology, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
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25
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Noncoding RNAs Set the Stage for RNA Polymerase II Transcription. Trends Genet 2020; 37:279-291. [PMID: 33046273 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2020.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Effective synthesis of mammalian messenger (m)RNAs depends on many factors that together direct RNA polymerase II (pol II) through the different stages of the transcription cycle and ensure efficient cotranscriptional processing of mRNAs. In addition to the many proteins involved in transcription initiation, elongation, and termination, several noncoding (nc)RNAs also function as global transcriptional regulators. Understanding the mode of action of these non-protein regulators has been an intense area of research in recent years. Here, we describe how these ncRNAs influence key regulatory steps of the transcription process, to affect large numbers of genes. Through direct association with pol II or by modulating the activity of transcription or RNA processing factors, these regulatory RNAs perform critical roles in gene expression.
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26
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Pankivskyi S, Pastré D, Steiner E, Joshi V, Rynditch A, Hamon L. ITSN1 regulates SAM68 solubility through SH3 domain interactions with SAM68 proline-rich motifs. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 78:1745-1763. [PMID: 32780150 PMCID: PMC7904728 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03610-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
SAM68 is an mRNA-binding protein involved in mRNA processing in the nucleus that forms membraneless compartments called SAM68 Nuclear Bodies (SNBs). We found that intersectin 1 (ITSN1), a multidomain scaffold protein harboring five soluble SH3 domains, interacts with SAM68 proline-rich motifs (PRMs) surrounded by self-adhesive low complexity domains. While SAM68 is poorly soluble in vitro, the interaction of ITSN1 SH3 domains and mRNA with SAM68 enhances its solubility. In HeLa cells, the interaction between the first ITSN1 SH3 domain (SH3A) and P0, the N-terminal PRM of SAM68, induces the dissociation of SNBs. In addition, we reveal the ability of another SH3 domain (SH3D) of ITSN1 to bind to mRNAs. ITSN1 and mRNA may thus act in concert to promote SAM68 solubilization, consistent with the absence of mRNA in SNBs in cells. Together, these results support the notion of a specific chaperoning of PRM-rich SAM68 within nuclear ribonucleoprotein complexes by ITSN1 that may regulate the processing of a fraction of nuclear mRNAs, notably SAM68-controlled splicing events related to higher neuronal functions or cancer progression. This observation may also serve as a putative model of the interaction between other PRM-rich RBPs and signaling proteins harboring SH3 domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Pankivskyi
- SABNP, Univ Evry, INSERM U1204, Université Paris-Saclay, 91025, Evry, France.,Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, The National Academy of Sciences, 150 Zabolotnogo Street, Kyiv, 03680, Ukraine
| | - D Pastré
- SABNP, Univ Evry, INSERM U1204, Université Paris-Saclay, 91025, Evry, France
| | - E Steiner
- SABNP, Univ Evry, INSERM U1204, Université Paris-Saclay, 91025, Evry, France
| | - V Joshi
- SABNP, Univ Evry, INSERM U1204, Université Paris-Saclay, 91025, Evry, France
| | - A Rynditch
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, The National Academy of Sciences, 150 Zabolotnogo Street, Kyiv, 03680, Ukraine.
| | - L Hamon
- SABNP, Univ Evry, INSERM U1204, Université Paris-Saclay, 91025, Evry, France.
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27
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Cesari E, Loiarro M, Naro C, Pieraccioli M, Farini D, Pellegrini L, Pagliarini V, Bielli P, Sette C. Combinatorial control of Spo11 alternative splicing by modulation of RNA polymerase II dynamics and splicing factor recruitment during meiosis. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:240. [PMID: 32303676 PMCID: PMC7165175 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-2443-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Homologous recombination and chromosome segregation in meiosis rely on the timely expression of two splice variants of the endonuclease SPO11, named α and β, which respectively skip or include exon 2. However, in spite of its physiological importance, the mechanism underlying Spo11 alternative splicing in meiosis is still unknown. By screening the activity of factors that are predicted to bind the alternatively spliced region of Spo11, we identified hnRNPH as a key regulator of SPO11α splicing in mouse spermatocytes. Although hnRNPH was not upregulated in meiosis concomitantly with the switch in splicing, its recruitment to Spo11 pre-mRNA was favored by selective modulation of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) phosphorylation and processivity in proximity of exon 2. The hnRNPH binding sites were localized near those of splicing factors that promote SPO11β splicing, suggesting that hnRNPH favors exon 2 skipping by competing out positive regulators. Indeed, hnRNPH binds proximal to a consensus motif for Sam68, a positive regulator of SPO11β splicing in vitro and in vivo, and it interferes with Sam68 binding to the Spo11 pre-mRNA. Thus, our work reveals that modulation of RNAPII dynamics in concert with hnRNPH recruitment exerts a combinatorial control of the timely regulated Spo11 splicing during meiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Cesari
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168, Rome, Italy.,Laboratory of Neuroembryology, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Loiarro
- Laboratory of Neuroembryology, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Naro
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168, Rome, Italy.,Laboratory of Neuroembryology, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Pieraccioli
- Laboratory of Neuroembryology, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143, Rome, Italy
| | - Donatella Farini
- Laboratory of Neuroembryology, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143, Rome, Italy.,Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Livia Pellegrini
- Laboratory of Neuroembryology, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143, Rome, Italy.,Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Vittoria Pagliarini
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168, Rome, Italy.,Laboratory of Neuroembryology, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143, Rome, Italy
| | - Pamela Bielli
- Laboratory of Neuroembryology, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143, Rome, Italy.,Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Sette
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168, Rome, Italy. .,Laboratory of Neuroembryology, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143, Rome, Italy.
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28
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Broseus L, Ritchie W. Challenges in detecting and quantifying intron retention from next generation sequencing data. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2020; 18:501-508. [PMID: 32206209 PMCID: PMC7078297 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2020.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Intron retention (IR) occurs when an intron is transcribed into pre-mRNA and remains in the final mRNA. An increasing body of literature has demonstrated a major role for IR in numerous biological functions and in disease. Here we give an overview of the different computational approaches for detecting IR events from sequencing data. We show that these are based on different biological and computational assumptions that may lead to dramatically different results. We describe the various approaches for mitigating errors in detecting intron retention and for discovering IR signatures between different conditions.
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29
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Xu C, Ke D, Zou L, Li N, Wang Y, Fan X, Zhu C, Xia W. Cold-induced RNA-binding protein (CIRBP) regulates the expression of Src-associated during mitosis of 68 kDa (Sam68) and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) during heat stress-induced testicular injury. Reprod Fertil Dev 2020; 32:1357-1364. [DOI: 10.1071/rd20253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, the ability of cold-induced RNA-binding protein (CIRBP) to regulate the expression of Src-associated during mitosis of 68 kDa (Sam68) and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) in the mouse testis and mouse primary spermatocytes (GC-2spd cell line) before and after heat stress was examined to explore the molecular mechanism by which CIRBP decreases testicular injury. A mouse testicular hyperthermia model, a mouse primary spermatocyte hyperthermia model and a low CIRBP gene-expression cell model were constructed and their relevant parameters were analysed. The mRNA and protein levels of CIRBP and Sam68 were significantly decreased in the 3-h and 12-h testicular heat-stress groups, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) protein expression was not significantly affected but phospho-ERK1/2 protein levels were significantly decreased. GC-2spd cellular heat-stress results showed that the mRNA and protein concentrations of CIRBP and Sam68 were reduced 48h after heat stress. In the low CIRBP gene-expression cell model, CIRBP protein expression was significantly decreased. Sam68 mRNA expression was significantly decreased only at the maximum transfection concentration of 50nM and Sam68 protein expression was not significantly affected. These findings suggest that CIRBP may regulate the expression of Sam68 at the transcriptional level and the expression of phospho-ERK1/2 protein, both of which protect against heat-stress-induced testicular injury in mice.
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30
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Iijima Y, Tanaka M, Suzuki S, Hauser D, Tanaka M, Okada C, Ito M, Ayukawa N, Sato Y, Ohtsuka M, Scheiffele P, Iijima T. SAM68-Specific Splicing Is Required for Proper Selection of Alternative 3' UTR Isoforms in the Nervous System. iScience 2019; 22:318-335. [PMID: 31805436 PMCID: PMC6909182 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2019.11.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal alternative splicing is a core mechanism for functional diversification. We previously found that STAR family proteins (SAM68, SLM1, SLM2) regulate spatiotemporal alternative splicing in the nervous system. However, the whole aspect of alternative splicing programs by STARs remains unclear. Here, we performed a transcriptomic analysis using SAM68 knockout and SAM68/SLM1 double-knockout midbrains. We revealed different alternative splicing activity between SAM68 and SLM1; SAM68 preferentially targets alternative 3′ UTR exons. SAM68 knockout causes a long-to-short isoform switch of a number of neuronal targets through the alteration in alternative last exon (ALE) selection or alternative polyadenylation. The altered ALE usage of a novel target, interleukin 1 receptor accessory protein (Il1rap), results in remarkable conversion from a membrane-bound type to a secreted type in Sam68KO brains. Proper ALE selection is necessary for IL1RAP neuronal function. Thus the SAM68-specific splicing program provides a mechanism for neuronal selection of alternative 3′ UTR isoforms. SAM68 and the related protein SLM1 exhibit distinct alternative splicing activity SAM68 specifically controls 3′ UTR selection of multiple neuronal genes Proper 3′ UTR selection is necessary for IL1RAP neuronal function Neuronal expression of SAM68 requires proper 3′ UTR selection in the nervous system
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoko Iijima
- Tokai University Institute of Innovative Science and Technology, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara City, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan; Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Tokai University, 143, Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan
| | - Masami Tanaka
- Tokai University Institute of Innovative Science and Technology, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara City, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan
| | - Satoko Suzuki
- Tokai University Institute of Innovative Science and Technology, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara City, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan
| | - David Hauser
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50-70, Basel 4056, Switzerland
| | - Masayuki Tanaka
- The Support Center for Medical Research and Education, Tokai University, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara City, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan
| | - Chisa Okada
- The Support Center for Medical Research and Education, Tokai University, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara City, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Ito
- The Support Center for Medical Research and Education, Tokai University, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara City, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan
| | - Noriko Ayukawa
- Tokai University Institute of Innovative Science and Technology, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara City, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan
| | - Yuji Sato
- Tokai University Institute of Innovative Science and Technology, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara City, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan; Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Tokai University, 143, Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan
| | - Masato Ohtsuka
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Tokai University, 143, Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan
| | - Peter Scheiffele
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50-70, Basel 4056, Switzerland
| | - Takatoshi Iijima
- Tokai University Institute of Innovative Science and Technology, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara City, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan; Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Tokai University, 143, Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan.
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31
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So BR, Di C, Cai Z, Venters CC, Guo J, Oh JM, Arai C, Dreyfuss G. A Complex of U1 snRNP with Cleavage and Polyadenylation Factors Controls Telescripting, Regulating mRNA Transcription in Human Cells. Mol Cell 2019; 76:590-599.e4. [PMID: 31522989 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2019.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Full-length transcription in the majority of human genes depends on U1 snRNP (U1) to co-transcriptionally suppress transcription-terminating premature 3' end cleavage and polyadenylation (PCPA) from cryptic polyadenylation signals (PASs) in introns. However, the mechanism of this U1 activity, termed telescripting, is unknown. Here, we captured a complex, comprising U1 and CPA factors (U1-CPAFs), that binds intronic PASs and suppresses PCPA. U1-CPAFs are distinct from U1-spliceosomal complexes; they include CPA's three main subunits, CFIm, CPSF, and CstF; lack essential splicing factors; and associate with transcription elongation and mRNA export complexes. Telescripting requires U1:pre-mRNA base-pairing, which can be disrupted by U1 antisense oligonucleotide (U1 AMO), triggering PCPA. U1 AMO remodels U1-CPAFs, revealing changes, including recruitment of CPA-stimulating factors, that explain U1-CPAFs' switch from repressive to activated states. Our findings outline this U1 telescripting mechanism and demonstrate U1's unique role as central regulator of pre-mRNA processing and transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byung Ran So
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Chao Di
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Zhiqiang Cai
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Christopher C Venters
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jiannan Guo
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jung-Min Oh
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Chie Arai
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Gideon Dreyfuss
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Kamieniarz-Gdula K, Proudfoot NJ. Transcriptional Control by Premature Termination: A Forgotten Mechanism. Trends Genet 2019; 35:553-564. [PMID: 31213387 PMCID: PMC7471841 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2019.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The concept of early termination as an important means of transcriptional control has long been established. Even so, its role in metazoan gene expression is underappreciated. Recent technological advances provide novel insights into premature transcription termination (PTT). This process is frequent, widespread, and can occur close to the transcription start site (TSS), or within the gene body. Stable prematurely terminated transcripts contribute to the transcriptome as instances of alternative polyadenylation (APA). Independently of transcript stability and function, premature termination opposes the formation of full-length transcripts, thereby negatively regulating gene expression, especially of transcriptional regulators. Premature termination can be beneficial or harmful, depending on its context. As a result, multiple factors have evolved to control this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Kamieniarz-Gdula
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RE, UK; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznań, Poland; Center for Advanced Technology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 89c, 61-614 Poznań, Poland.
| | - Nick J Proudfoot
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RE, UK
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