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Johansson J, Lidéus S, Frykholm C, Gunnarsson C, Mihalic F, Gudmundsson S, Ekvall S, Molin AM, Pham M, Vihinen M, Lagerstedt-Robinson K, Nordgren A, Jemth P, Ameur A, Annerén G, Wilbe M, Bondeson ML. Gustavson syndrome is caused by an in-frame deletion in RBMX associated with potentially disturbed SH3 domain interactions. Eur J Hum Genet 2024; 32:333-341. [PMID: 37277488 PMCID: PMC10923852 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-023-01392-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA binding motif protein X-linked (RBMX) encodes the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein G (hnRNP G) that regulates splicing, sister chromatid cohesion and genome stability. RBMX knock down experiments in various model organisms highlight the gene's importance for brain development. Deletion of the RGG/RG motif in hnRNP G has previously been associated with Shashi syndrome, however involvement of other hnRNP G domains in intellectual disability remain unknown. In the current study, we present the underlying genetic and molecular cause of Gustavson syndrome. Gustavson syndrome was first reported in 1993 in a large Swedish five-generation family presented with profound X-linked intellectual disability and an early death. Extensive genomic analyses of the family revealed hemizygosity for a novel in-frame deletion in RBMX in affected individuals (NM_002139.4; c.484_486del, p.(Pro162del)). Carrier females were asymptomatic and presented with skewed X-chromosome inactivation, indicating silencing of the pathogenic allele. Affected individuals presented minor phenotypic overlap with Shashi syndrome, indicating a different disease-causing mechanism. Investigation of the variant effect in a neuronal cell line (SH-SY5Y) revealed differentially expressed genes enriched for transcription factors involved in RNA polymerase II transcription. Prediction tools and a fluorescence polarization assay imply a novel SH3-binding motif of hnRNP G, and potentially a reduced affinity to SH3 domains caused by the deletion. In conclusion, we present a novel in-frame deletion in RBMX segregating with Gustavson syndrome, leading to disturbed RNA polymerase II transcription, and potentially reduced SH3 binding. The results indicate that disruption of different protein domains affects the severity of RBMX-associated intellectual disabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josefin Johansson
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Biomedical Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sarah Lidéus
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Biomedical Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Carina Frykholm
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Biomedical Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Gunnarsson
- Department of Clinical Genetics, and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Centre for Rare Diseases in South East Region of Sweden, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Filip Mihalic
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Box 582, Husargatan 3, 751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sanna Gudmundsson
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Biomedical Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sara Ekvall
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Biomedical Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anna-Maja Molin
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Biomedical Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mai Pham
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Biomedical Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mauno Vihinen
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, BMC B13, Lund University, SE-22 184, Lund, Sweden
| | - Kristina Lagerstedt-Robinson
- Clinical Genetics, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Sweden
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ann Nordgren
- Clinical Genetics, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Sweden
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Genetics and Genomics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Per Jemth
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Box 582, Husargatan 3, 751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Adam Ameur
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Biomedical Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Göran Annerén
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Biomedical Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Maria Wilbe
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Biomedical Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Marie-Louise Bondeson
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Biomedical Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Zhu Y, Xia T, Chen DQ, Xiong X, Shi L, Zuo Y, Xiao H, Liu L. Promising role of protein arginine methyltransferases in overcoming anti-cancer drug resistance. Drug Resist Updat 2024; 72:101016. [PMID: 37980859 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2023.101016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Drug resistance remains a major challenge in cancer treatment, necessitating the development of novel strategies to overcome it. Protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) are enzymes responsible for epigenetic arginine methylation, which regulates various biological and pathological processes, as a result, they are attractive therapeutic targets for overcoming anti-cancer drug resistance. The ongoing development of small molecules targeting PRMTs has resulted in the generation of chemical probes for modulating most PRMTs and facilitated clinical treatment for the most advanced oncology targets, including PRMT1 and PRMT5. In this review, we summarize various mechanisms underlying protein arginine methylation and the roles of specific PRMTs in driving cancer drug resistance. Furthermore, we highlight the potential clinical implications of PRMT inhibitors in decreasing cancer drug resistance. PRMTs promote the formation and maintenance of drug-tolerant cells via several mechanisms, including altered drug efflux transporters, autophagy, DNA damage repair, cancer stem cell-related function, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and disordered tumor microenvironment. Multiple preclinical and ongoing clinical trials have demonstrated that PRMT inhibitors, particularly PRMT5 inhibitors, can sensitize cancer cells to various anti-cancer drugs, including chemotherapeutic, targeted therapeutic, and immunotherapeutic agents. Combining PRMT inhibitors with existing anti-cancer strategies will be a promising approach for overcoming anti-cancer drug resistance. Furthermore, enhanced knowledge of the complex functions of arginine methylation and PRMTs in drug resistance will guide the future development of PRMT inhibitors and may help identify new clinical indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongxia Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Tong Xia
- Department of Dermatology, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Da-Qian Chen
- Department of Medicine Oncology, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Shenzhen 518110, China
| | - Xia Xiong
- Department of Dermatology, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Lihong Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yueqi Zuo
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Institute of Basic Translational Medicine, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an 710021, China.
| | - Hongtao Xiao
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Dermatology, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China.
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3
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Dery KJ, Wong Z, Wei M, Kupiec-Weglinski JW. Mechanistic Insights into Alternative Gene Splicing in Oxidative Stress and Tissue Injury. Antioxid Redox Signal 2023. [PMID: 37776178 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2023.0437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Significance: Oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation are inducers of tissue injury. Alternative splicing (AS) is an essential regulatory step for diversifying the eukaryotic proteome. Human diseases link AS to OS; however, the underlying mechanisms must be better understood. Recent Advances: Genome‑wide profiling studies identify new differentially expressed genes induced by OS-dependent ischemia/reperfusion injury. Overexpression of RNA-binding protein RBFOX1 protects against inflammation. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α directs polypyrimidine tract binding protein 1 to regulate mouse carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (Ceacam1) AS under OS conditions. Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein L variant 1 contains an RGG/RG motif that coordinates with transcription factors to influence human CEACAM1 AS. Hypoxia intervention involving short interfering RNAs directed to long-noncoding RNA 260 polarizes M2 macrophages toward an anti-inflammatory phenotype and alleviates OS by inhibiting IL-28RA gene AS. Critical Issues: Protective mechanisms that eliminate reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important for resolving imbalances that lead to chronic inflammation. Defects in AS can cause ROS generation, cell death regulation, and the activation of innate and adaptive immune factors. We propose that AS pathways link redox regulation to the activation or suppression of the inflammatory response during cellular stress. Future Directions: Emergent studies using molecule-mediated RNA splicing are being conducted to exploit the immunogenicity of AS protein products. Deciphering the mechanisms that connect misspliced OS and pathologies should remain a priority. Controlled release of RNA directly into cells with clinical applications is needed as the demand for innovative nucleic acid delivery systems continues to be demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth J Dery
- The Dumont-UCLA Transplantation Center, Division of Liver and Pancreas Transplantation, Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Zeriel Wong
- The Dumont-UCLA Transplantation Center, Division of Liver and Pancreas Transplantation, Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Megan Wei
- The Dumont-UCLA Transplantation Center, Division of Liver and Pancreas Transplantation, Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jerzy W Kupiec-Weglinski
- The Dumont-UCLA Transplantation Center, Division of Liver and Pancreas Transplantation, Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Liu X, Sun Q, Cao Z, Liu W, Zhang H, Xue Z, Zhao J, Feng Y, Zhao F, Wang J, Wang X. Identification of RNA N6-methyladenosine regulation in epilepsy: Significance of the cell death mode, glycometabolism, and drug reactivity. Front Genet 2022; 13:1042543. [PMID: 36468034 PMCID: PMC9714553 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1042543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy, a functional disease caused by abnormal discharge of neurons, has attracted the attention of neurologists due to its complex characteristics. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a reversible mRNA modification that plays essential role in various biological processes. Nevertheless, no previous study has systematically evaluated the role of m6A regulators in epilepsy. Here, using gene expression screening in the Gene Expression Omnibus GSE143272, we identified seven significant m6A regulator genes in epileptic and non-epileptic patients. The random forest (RF) model was applied to the screening, and seven m6A regulators (HNRNPC, WATP, RBM15, YTHDC1, YTHDC2, CBLL1, and RBMX) were selected as the candidate genes for predicting the risk of epilepsy. A nomogram model was then established based on the seven-candidate m6A regulators. Decision curve analysis preliminarily showed that patients with epilepsy could benefit from the nomogram model. The consensus clustering method was performed to divide patients with epilepsy into two m6A patterns (clusterA and clusterB) based on the selected significant m6A regulators. Principal component analysis algorithms were constructed to calculate the m6A score for each sample to quantify the m6A patterns. Patients in clusterB had higher m6A scores than those in clusterA. Furthermore, the patients in each cluster had unique immune cell components and different cell death patterns. Meanwhile, based on the M6A classification, a correlation between epilepsy and glucose metabolism was laterally verified. In conclusion, the m6A regulation pattern plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. The research on m6A regulatory factors will play a key role in guiding the immune-related treatment, drug selection, and identification of metabolism conditions and mechanisms of epilepsy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuchen Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory and Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, China
- School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Qingyuan Sun
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory and Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, China
- School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zexin Cao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory and Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, China
| | - Wenyu Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory and Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, China
| | - Hengrui Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory and Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, China
| | - Zhiwei Xue
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory and Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, China
| | - Jiangli Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory and Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, China
- School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yifei Feng
- School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Feihu Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory and Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, China
| | - Jiwei Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory and Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory and Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, China
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5
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Thonda S, Vinnakota RL, Kona SV, Kalivendi SV. Identification of RBMX as a splicing regulator in Parkinsonian mimetic induced alternative splicing of α-synuclein. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2022; 1865:194825. [PMID: 35577270 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2022.194825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
α-Synuclein (α-syn) plays a precipitating role in Parkinson's disease (PD) due to its tendency to form oligomers and fibrils. The presence of smaller isoforms of α-syn was widely noticed in the affected brain regions of PD patients. 112-synuclein (112-syn) which lacks exon-5, possess enhanced aggregation propensity and forms intracellular inclusions. However, the factors responsible for the skipping of exon-5 are not completely understood. In this context, we aimed to identity the cis & trans-acting elements governing alternative splicing (AS) events by the Parkinsonian agent (MPP+) using minigene constructs. Minigene-I and -II were constructed by pruning the intron-4 and -5 regions respectively without altering the branch point adenosine to preserve splicing machinery. Also, chimeric minigenes were engineered by replacing either 5' (Mini-III) or 3' (Mini-IV) flanking intronic regions of exon-5 with other intronic regions (intron-3 and -2) that are not responsive to MPP+ induced splicing. While all the above minigenes exhibited MPP+-induced skipping of exon-5, Minigene-III did not generate the spliced product indicating that the 5' flanking intronic region (316 bp) of exon-5 possess cis-acting elements responsible for oxidant-induced alternative splicing. RNA-Binding Protein Database (RBDP) analysis revealed the presence of four putative RNA binding proteins (RBPs), namely, RBMX, MBNL1, KHDRBS3 and SFRS1 that may bind to the 316 bp region of intron-4and their expression was substantially reduced following MPP+ treatment. Further, overexpression of RBMX mitigated MPP+-induced generation of 112-syn and also reduced intracellular α-syn aggregates. Overall, our study identified the pivotal role of the splicing regulator, RBMX, in the pathophysiology of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swaroop Thonda
- Department of Applied Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500007, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Ravali L Vinnakota
- Department of Applied Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500007, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Swathi V Kona
- Department of Applied Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500007, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Shasi V Kalivendi
- Department of Applied Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500007, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
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Zeke A, Schád É, Horváth T, Abukhairan R, Szabó B, Tantos A. Deep structural insights into RNA-binding disordered protein regions. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2022; 13:e1714. [PMID: 35098694 PMCID: PMC9539567 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Recent efforts to identify RNA binding proteins in various organisms and cellular contexts have yielded a large collection of proteins that are capable of RNA binding in the absence of conventional RNA recognition domains. Many of the recently identified RNA interaction motifs fall into intrinsically disordered protein regions (IDRs). While the recognition mode and specificity of globular RNA binding elements have been thoroughly investigated and described, much less is known about the way IDRs can recognize their RNA partners. Our aim was to summarize the current state of structural knowledge on the RNA binding modes of disordered protein regions and to propose a classification system based on their sequential and structural properties. Through a detailed structural analysis of the complexes that contain disordered protein regions binding to RNA, we found two major binding modes that represent different recognition strategies and, most likely, functions. We compared these examples with DNA binding disordered proteins and found key differences stemming from the nucleic acids as well as similar binding strategies, implying a broader substrate acceptance by these proteins. Due to the very limited number of known structures, we integrated molecular dynamics simulations in our study, whose results support the proposed structural preferences of specific RNA‐binding IDRs. To broaden the scope of our review, we included a brief analysis of RNA‐binding small molecules and compared their structural characteristics and RNA recognition strategies to the RNA‐binding IDRs. This article is categorized under:RNA Structure and Dynamics > RNA Structure, Dynamics, and Chemistry RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Recognition RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Small Molecule–RNA Interactions
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Affiliation(s)
- András Zeke
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Éva Schád
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tamás Horváth
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Rawan Abukhairan
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Beáta Szabó
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Agnes Tantos
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
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Aldalaqan S, Dalgliesh C, Luzzi S, Siachisumo C, Reynard LN, Ehrmann I, Elliott DJ. Cryptic splicing: common pathological mechanisms involved in male infertility and neuronal diseases. Cell Cycle 2021; 21:219-227. [PMID: 34927545 PMCID: PMC8855859 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2021.2015672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
High levels of transcription and alternative splicing are recognized hallmarks of gene expression in the testis and largely driven by cells in meiosis. Because of this, the male meiosis stage of the cell cycle is often viewed as having a relatively permissive environment for gene expression. In this review, we highlight recent findings that identify the RNA binding protein RBMXL2 as essential for male meiosis. RBMXL2 functions as a “guardian of the transcriptome” that protects against the use of aberrant (or “cryptic”) splice sites that would disrupt gene expression. This newly discovered protective role during meiosis links with a wider field investigating mechanisms of cryptic splicing control that protect neurons from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease. We discuss how the mechanism repressing cryptic splicing patterns during meiosis evolved, and why it may be essential for sperm production and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saad Aldalaqan
- Newcastle University Bioscience Institute, Newcastle University, Central Parkway Newcastle, UK
| | - Caroline Dalgliesh
- Newcastle University Bioscience Institute, Newcastle University, Central Parkway Newcastle, UK
| | - Sara Luzzi
- Newcastle University Bioscience Institute, Newcastle University, Central Parkway Newcastle, UK
| | - Chileleko Siachisumo
- Newcastle University Bioscience Institute, Newcastle University, Central Parkway Newcastle, UK
| | - Louise N Reynard
- Newcastle University Bioscience Institute, Newcastle University, Central Parkway Newcastle, UK
| | - Ingrid Ehrmann
- Newcastle University Bioscience Institute, Newcastle University, Central Parkway Newcastle, UK
| | - David J Elliott
- Newcastle University Bioscience Institute, Newcastle University, Central Parkway Newcastle, UK
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Xu J, Richard S. Cellular pathways influenced by protein arginine methylation: Implications for cancer. Mol Cell 2021; 81:4357-4368. [PMID: 34619091 PMCID: PMC8571027 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2021.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Arginine methylation is an influential post-translational modification occurring on histones, RNA binding proteins, and many other cellular proteins, affecting their function by altering their protein-protein and protein-nucleic acid interactions. Recently, a wealth of information has been gathered, implicating protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs), enzymes that deposit arginine methylation, in transcription, pre-mRNA splicing, DNA damage signaling, and immune signaling with major implications for cancer therapy, especially immunotherapy. This review summarizes this recent progress and the current state of PRMT inhibitors, some in clinical trials, as promising drug targets for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Xu
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Stéphane Richard
- Segal Cancer Center, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, and Departments of Medicine, Human Genetics, and Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada.
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