1
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Theune WC, Chen J, Theune EV, Ye X, Ménoret A, Vella AT, Wang K. Interleukin-17 directly stimulates tumor infiltrating Tregs to prevent cancer development. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1408710. [PMID: 38947320 PMCID: PMC11211274 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1408710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Interleukin-17 (IL-17) family cytokines promote protective inflammation for pathogen resistance, but also facilitate autoimmunity and tumor development. A direct signal of IL-17 to regulatory T cells (Tregs) has not been reported and may help explain these dichotomous responses. Methods We generated a conditional knockout of Il17ra in Tregs by crossing Foxp3-YFP-Cre mice to Il17ra-flox mice (Il17ra ΔTreg mice). Subsequently, we adoptively transferred bone marrow cells from Il17ra ΔTreg mice to a mouse model of sporadic colorectal cancer (Cdx2-Cre +/Apc F/+), to selectively ablate IL-17 direct signaling on Tregs in colorectal cancer. Single cell RNA sequencing and bulk RNA sequencing were performed on purified Tregs from mouse colorectal tumors, and compared to those of human tumor infiltrating Treg cells. Results IL-17 Receptor A (IL-17RA) is expressed in Tregs that reside in mouse mesenteric lymph nodes and colon tumors. Ablation of IL-17RA, specifically in Tregs, resulted in increased Th17 cells, and exacerbated tumor development. Mechanistically, tumor-infiltrating Tregs exhibit a unique gene signature that is linked to their activation, maturation, and suppression function, and this signature is in part supported by the direct signaling of IL-17 to Tregs. To study pathways of Treg programming, we found that loss of IL-17RA in tumor Tregs resulted in reduced RNA splicing, and downregulation of several RNA binding proteins that are known to regulate alternative splicing and promote Treg function. Conclusion IL-17 directly signals to Tregs and promotes their maturation and function. This signaling pathway constitutes a negative feedback loop that controls cancer-promoting inflammation in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- William C. Theune
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Ju Chen
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, United States
- The Eighth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Eileen Victoria Theune
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Xiaoyang Ye
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Antoine Ménoret
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Anthony T. Vella
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Kepeng Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, United States
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2
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Agrawal S, Buyan A, Severin J, Koido M, Alam T, Abugessaisa I, Chang HY, Dostie J, Itoh M, Kere J, Kondo N, Li Y, Makeev VJ, Mendez M, Okazaki Y, Ramilowski JA, Sigorskikh AI, Strug LJ, Yagi K, Yasuzawa K, Yip CW, Hon CC, Hoffman MM, Terao C, Kulakovskiy IV, Kasukawa T, Shin JW, Carninci P, de Hoon MJL. Annotation of nuclear lncRNAs based on chromatin interactions. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0295971. [PMID: 38709794 PMCID: PMC11073715 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The human genome is pervasively transcribed and produces a wide variety of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), constituting the majority of transcripts across human cell types. Some specific nuclear lncRNAs have been shown to be important regulatory components acting locally. As RNA-chromatin interaction and Hi-C chromatin conformation data showed that chromatin interactions of nuclear lncRNAs are determined by the local chromatin 3D conformation, we used Hi-C data to identify potential target genes of lncRNAs. RNA-protein interaction data suggested that nuclear lncRNAs act as scaffolds to recruit regulatory proteins to target promoters and enhancers. Nuclear lncRNAs may therefore play a role in directing regulatory factors to locations spatially close to the lncRNA gene. We provide the analysis results through an interactive visualization web portal at https://fantom.gsc.riken.jp/zenbu/reports/#F6_3D_lncRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saumya Agrawal
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Andrey Buyan
- Autosome.org, Russia
- FANTOM Consortium, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Jessica Severin
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Masaru Koido
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
- Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tanvir Alam
- College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Howard Y. Chang
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulome, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Josée Dostie
- Department of Biochemistry, Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Research Center, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Masayoshi Itoh
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
- RIKEN Preventive Medicine and Diagnosis Innovation Program, Wako, Japan
| | - Juha Kere
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, University of Helsinki and Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Naoto Kondo
- RIKEN Center for Life Science Technologies, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yunjing Li
- Division of Biostatistics, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Mickaël Mendez
- Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yasushi Okazaki
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Jordan A. Ramilowski
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
- Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | | | - Lisa J. Strug
- Division of Biostatistics, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- The Centre for Applied Genomics and Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ken Yagi
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Kayoko Yasuzawa
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Chi Wai Yip
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Chung Chau Hon
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Michael M. Hoffman
- Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Vector Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chikashi Terao
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
| | | | - Takeya Kasukawa
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Jay W. Shin
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
- Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Piero Carninci
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
- Human Technopole, Milan, Italy
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3
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Mizui M, Kono M. Novel therapeutic strategies targeting abnormal T-cell signaling in systemic lupus erythematosus. Clin Immunol 2024; 262:110182. [PMID: 38458302 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2024.110182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Therapeutic strategies for autoimmune diseases have been based on the use of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive agents that broadly suppress immune responses. Therefore, organ damage from long-term use and infections due to immunocompromised status have been significant issues. Safer immunosuppressants and biological agents are now available, but there is still an urgent need to develop specific drugs to replace glucocorticoids. T-lymphocytes, central players in immune responses, could be crucial targets in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Extensive research has been conducted on the phenotypic changes of T-cells in systemic lupus erythematosus, which has led to the discovery of various therapeutic strategies. In this comprehensive review, we discuss novel treatment approaches and target molecules with expected effectiveness in humans and mice, based on research for lymphocytes involved in autoimmune diseases, especially T-cells in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayuki Mizui
- Department of Nephrology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Michihito Kono
- Department of Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
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4
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Lee FFY, Harris C, Alper S. RNA Binding Proteins that Mediate LPS-induced Alternative Splicing of the MyD88 Innate Immune Regulator. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168497. [PMID: 38369277 PMCID: PMC11001520 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2024.168497] [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: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Inflammation driven by Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathways is required to combat infection. However, inflammation can damage host tissues; thus it is essential that TLR signaling ultimately is terminated to prevent chronic inflammatory disorders. One mechanism that terminates persistent TLR signaling is alternative splicing of the MyD88 signaling adaptor, which functions in multiple TLR signaling pathways. While the canonical long isoform of MyD88 (MyD88-L) mediates TLR signaling and promotes inflammation, an alternatively-spliced shorter isoform of MyD88 (MyD88-S) produces a dominant negative inhibitor of TLR signaling. MyD88-S production is induced by inflammatory agonists including lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and thus MyD88-S induction is thought to act as a negative feedback loop that prevents chronic inflammation. Despite the potential role that MyD88-S production plays in inflammatory disorders, the mechanisms controlling MyD88 alternative splicing remain unclear. Here, we identify two RNA binding proteins, SRSF1 and HNRNPU, that regulate LPS-induced alternative splicing of MyD88.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Fang Yao Lee
- Department of Immunology and Genomic Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO 80206, USA; Center for Genes, Environment and Health, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO 80206, USA; Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz, CO 80045, USA
| | - Chelsea Harris
- Department of Immunology and Genomic Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO 80206, USA; Center for Genes, Environment and Health, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO 80206, USA; Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz, CO 80045, USA
| | - Scott Alper
- Department of Immunology and Genomic Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO 80206, USA; Center for Genes, Environment and Health, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO 80206, USA; Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz, CO 80045, USA.
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5
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Scott HM, Smith MH, Coleman AK, Armijo KS, Chapman MJ, Apostalo SL, Wagner AR, Watson RO, Patrick KL. Serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 7 promotes the type I interferon response by activating Irf7 transcription. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113816. [PMID: 38393946 PMCID: PMC11056844 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113816] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Tight regulation of macrophage immune gene expression is required to fight infection without risking harmful inflammation. The contribution of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) to shaping the macrophage response to pathogens remains poorly understood. Transcriptomic analysis reveals that a member of the serine/arginine-rich (SR) family of mRNA processing factors, SRSF7, is required for optimal expression of a cohort of interferon-stimulated genes in macrophages. Using genetic and biochemical assays, we discover that in addition to its canonical role in regulating alternative splicing, SRSF7 drives transcription of interferon regulatory transcription factor 7 (IRF7) to promote antiviral immunity. At the Irf7 promoter, SRSF7 maximizes STAT1 transcription factor binding and RNA polymerase II elongation via cooperation with the H4K20me1 histone methyltransferase KMT5a (SET8). These studies define a role for an SR protein in activating transcription and reveal an RBP-chromatin network that orchestrates macrophage antiviral gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haley M Scott
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M Health, College of Medicine, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
| | - Mackenzie H Smith
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M Health, College of Medicine, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
| | - Aja K Coleman
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M Health, College of Medicine, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
| | - Kaitlyn S Armijo
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M Health, College of Medicine, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
| | - Morgan J Chapman
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M Health, College of Medicine, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
| | - Summer L Apostalo
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M Health, College of Medicine, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
| | - Allison R Wagner
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M Health, College of Medicine, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
| | - Robert O Watson
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M Health, College of Medicine, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
| | - Kristin L Patrick
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M Health, College of Medicine, Bryan, TX 77807, USA.
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6
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Sun L, Lv Z, Chen X, Ye R, Tian S, Wang C, Xie X, Yan L, Yao X, Shao Y, Cui S, Chen J, Liu J. Splicing factor SRSF1 is essential for homing of precursor spermatogonial stem cells in mice. eLife 2024; 12:RP89316. [PMID: 38271475 PMCID: PMC10945694 DOI: 10.7554/elife.89316] [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] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are essential for continuous spermatogenesis and male fertility. The underlying mechanisms of alternative splicing (AS) in mouse SSCs are still largely unclear. We demonstrated that SRSF1 is essential for gene expression and splicing in mouse SSCs. Crosslinking immunoprecipitation and sequencing data revealed that spermatogonia-related genes (e.g. Plzf, Id4, Setdb1, Stra8, Tial1/Tiar, Bcas2, Ddx5, Srsf10, Uhrf1, and Bud31) were bound by SRSF1 in the mouse testes. Specific deletion of Srsf1 in mouse germ cells impairs homing of precursor SSCs leading to male infertility. Whole-mount staining data showed the absence of germ cells in the testes of adult conditional knockout (cKO) mice, which indicates Sertoli cell-only syndrome in cKO mice. The expression of spermatogonia-related genes (e.g. Gfra1, Pou5f1, Plzf, Dnd1, Stra8, and Taf4b) was significantly reduced in the testes of cKO mice. Moreover, multiomics analysis suggests that SRSF1 may affect survival of spermatogonia by directly binding and regulating Tial1/Tiar expression through AS. In addition, immunoprecipitation mass spectrometry and co-immunoprecipitation data showed that SRSF1 interacts with RNA splicing-related proteins (e.g. SART1, RBM15, and SRSF10). Collectively, our data reveal the critical role of SRSF1 in spermatogonia survival, which may provide a framework to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of the posttranscriptional network underlying homing of precursor SSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longjie Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Zheng Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Xuexue Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Rong Ye
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Shuang Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Chaofan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Xiaomei Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Lu Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Xiaohong Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yujing Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Sheng Cui
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou UniversityJiangsuChina
| | - Juan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Department of Nutrition and Health, China, Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jiali Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
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7
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Andrabi SBA, Batkulwar K, Bhosale SD, Moulder R, Khan MH, Buchacher T, Khan MM, Arnkil I, Rasool O, Marson A, Kalim UU, Lahesmaa R. HIC1 interacts with FOXP3 multi protein complex: Novel pleiotropic mechanisms to regulate human regulatory T cell differentiation and function. Immunol Lett 2023; 263:123-132. [PMID: 37838026 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2023.09.001] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Transcriptional repressor, hypermethylated in cancer 1 (HIC1) participates in a range of important biological processes, such as tumor repression, immune suppression, embryonic development and epigenetic gene regulation. Further to these, we previously demonstrated that HIC1 provides a significant contribution to the function and development of regulatory T (Treg) cells. However, the mechanism by which it regulates these processes was not apparent. To address this question, we used affinity-purification mass spectrometry to characterize the HIC1 interactome in human Treg cells. Altogether 61 high-confidence interactors were identified, including IKZF3, which is a key transcription factor in the development of Treg cells. The biological processes associated with these interacting proteins include protein transport, mRNA processing, non-coding (ncRNA) transcription and RNA metabolism. The results revealed that HIC1 is part of a FOXP3-RUNX1-CBFB protein complex that regulates Treg signature genes thus improving our understanding of HIC1 function during early Treg cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Bilal Ahmad Andrabi
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku 20520, Finland; InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku
| | - Kedar Batkulwar
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku 20520, Finland; InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku
| | - Santosh D Bhosale
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku 20520, Finland; Precision Biomarker Laboratories, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Robert Moulder
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku 20520, Finland; InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku
| | - Meraj Hasan Khan
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku 20520, Finland; InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku
| | - Tanja Buchacher
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku 20520, Finland; InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku
| | - Mohd Moin Khan
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku 20520, Finland; InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku
| | - Ilona Arnkil
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku 20520, Finland; InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku
| | - Omid Rasool
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku 20520, Finland; InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku
| | - Alexander Marson
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Ubaid Ullah Kalim
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku 20520, Finland; InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku
| | - Riitta Lahesmaa
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku 20520, Finland; InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku; Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku.
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8
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Temaj G, Chichiarelli S, Saha S, Telkoparan-Akillilar P, Nuhii N, Hadziselimovic R, Saso L. An intricate rewiring of cancer metabolism via alternative splicing. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 217:115848. [PMID: 37813165 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
All human genes undergo alternative splicing leading to the diversity of the proteins. However, in some cases, abnormal regulation of alternative splicing can result in diseases that trigger defects in metabolism, reduced apoptosis, increased proliferation, and progression in almost all tumor types. Metabolic dysregulations and immune dysfunctions are crucial factors in cancer. In this respect, alternative splicing in tumors could be a potential target for therapeutic cancer strategies. Dysregulation of alternative splicing during mRNA maturation promotes carcinogenesis and drug resistance in many cancer types. Alternative splicing (changing the target mRNA 3'UTR binding site) can result in a protein with altered drug affinity, ultimately leading to drug resistance.. Here, we will highlight the function of various alternative splicing factors, how it regulates the reprogramming of cancer cell metabolism, and their contribution to tumor initiation and proliferation. Also, we will discuss emerging therapeutics for treating tumors via abnormal alternative splicing. Finally, we will discuss the challenges associated with these therapeutic strategies for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gazmend Temaj
- Faculty of Pharmacy, College UBT, 10000 Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - Silvia Chichiarelli
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi-Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Sarmistha Saha
- Department of Biotechnology, GLA University, Mathura 00185, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | | | - Nexhibe Nuhii
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Tetovo, 1200 Tetovo, Macedonia
| | - Rifat Hadziselimovic
- Faculty of Science, University of Sarajevo, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Luciano Saso
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", La Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy.
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9
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Yao X, Wang C, Yu W, Sun L, Lv Z, Xie X, Tian S, Yan L, Zhang H, Liu J. SRSF1 is essential for primary follicle development by regulating granulosa cell survival via mRNA alternative splicing. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:343. [PMID: 37907803 PMCID: PMC11072053 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04979-2] [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: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Granulosa cell abnormalities are characteristics of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). Abnormal expression of serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 1 (SRSF1) can cause various diseases, but the role of SRSF1 in mouse granulosa cells remains largely unclear. In this study, we found that SRSF1 was expressed in the nuclei of both mouse oocytes and granulosa cells. The specific knockout of Srsf1 in granulosa cells led to follicular development inhibition, decreased granulosa cell proliferation, and increased apoptosis. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis of RNA-seq results revealed abnormal expression of genes involved in DNA repair, cell killing and other signalling pathways. Alternative splicing (AS) analysis showed that SRSF1 affected DNA damage in granulosa cells by regulating genes related to DNA repair. In summary, SRSF1 in granulosa cells controls follicular development by regulating AS of genes associated with DNA repair, thereby affecting female reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Chaofan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Weiran Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Longjie Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Zheng Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xiaomei Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Shuang Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Lu Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jiali Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
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10
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Zhu WS, Wheeler BD, Ansel KM. RNA circuits and RNA-binding proteins in T cells. Trends Immunol 2023; 44:792-806. [PMID: 37599172 PMCID: PMC10890840 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2023.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
RNA is integral to the regulatory circuits that control cell identity and behavior. Cis-regulatory elements in mRNAs interact with RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) that can alter RNA sequence, stability, and translation into protein. Similarly, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) scaffold ribonucleoprotein complexes that mediate transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Indeed, cell programming is fundamental to multicellular life and, in this era of cellular therapies, it is of particular interest in T cells. Here, we review key concepts and recent advances in our understanding of the RNA circuits and RBPs that govern mammalian T cell differentiation and immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wandi S Zhu
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Sandler Asthma Basic Research Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Benjamin D Wheeler
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Sandler Asthma Basic Research Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - K Mark Ansel
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Sandler Asthma Basic Research Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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11
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Banerjee S, Galarza-Muñoz G, Garcia-Blanco MA. Role of RNA Alternative Splicing in T Cell Function and Disease. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1896. [PMID: 37895245 PMCID: PMC10606310 DOI: 10.3390/genes14101896] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Alternative RNA splicing, a ubiquitous mechanism of gene regulation in eukaryotes, expands genome coding capacity and proteomic diversity. It has essential roles in all aspects of human physiology, including immunity. This review highlights the importance of RNA alternative splicing in regulating immune T cell function. We discuss how mutations that affect the alternative splicing of T cell factors can contribute to abnormal T cell function and ultimately lead to autoimmune diseases. We also explore the potential applications of strategies that target the alternative splicing changes of T cell factors. These strategies could help design therapeutic approaches to treat autoimmune disorders and improve immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shefali Banerjee
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
| | | | - Mariano A. Garcia-Blanco
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
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12
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Lei WL, Li YY, Du Z, Su R, Meng TG, Ning Y, Hou G, Schatten H, Wang ZB, Han Z, Sun F, Qian WP, Liu C, Sun QY. SRSF1-mediated alternative splicing is required for spermatogenesis. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:4883-4897. [PMID: 37781512 PMCID: PMC10539708 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.83474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing (AS) plays significant roles in a multitude of fundamental biological activities. AS is prevalent in the testis, but the regulations of AS in spermatogenesis is only little explored. Here, we report that Serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 1 (SRSF1) plays critical roles in alternative splicing and male reproduction. Male germ cell-specific deletion of Srsf1 led to complete infertility by affecting spermatogenesis. Mechanistically, by combining RNA-seq data with LACE-seq data, we showed that SRSF1 affected the AS of Stra8 in a direct manner and Dazl, Dmc1, Mre11a, Syce2 and Rif1 in an indirect manner. Our findings demonstrate that SRSF1 has crucial functions in spermatogenesis and male fertility by regulating alternative splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Long Lei
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, The Center of Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, China
- Department of Urology & Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Zongchang Du
- School of Artificial Intelligence, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Ruibao Su
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases and Reproductive Health, Guangdong-Hongkong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510317, China
| | - Tie-Gang Meng
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases and Reproductive Health, Guangdong-Hongkong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510317, China
| | - Yan Ning
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Guanmei Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Heide Schatten
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Zhen-Bo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Zhiming Han
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Department of Urology & Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Wei-Ping Qian
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, The Center of Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Chenli Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Qing-Yuan Sun
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases and Reproductive Health, Guangdong-Hongkong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510317, China
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13
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Li D, Yu W, Lai M. Towards understandings of serine/arginine-rich splicing factors. Acta Pharm Sin B 2023; 13:3181-3207. [PMID: 37655328 PMCID: PMC10465970 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Serine/arginine-rich splicing factors (SRSFs) refer to twelve RNA-binding proteins which regulate splice site recognition and spliceosome assembly during precursor messenger RNA splicing. SRSFs also participate in other RNA metabolic events, such as transcription, translation and nonsense-mediated decay, during their shuttling between nucleus and cytoplasm, making them indispensable for genome diversity and cellular activity. Of note, aberrant SRSF expression and/or mutations elicit fallacies in gene splicing, leading to the generation of pathogenic gene and protein isoforms, which highlights the therapeutic potential of targeting SRSF to treat diseases. In this review, we updated current understanding of SRSF structures and functions in RNA metabolism. Next, we analyzed SRSF-induced aberrant gene expression and their pathogenic outcomes in cancers and non-tumor diseases. The development of some well-characterized SRSF inhibitors was discussed in detail. We hope this review will contribute to future studies of SRSF functions and drug development targeting SRSFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianyang Li
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Wenying Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Maode Lai
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Pathology, Research Unit of Intelligence Classification of Tumor Pathology and Precision Therapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Science (2019RU042), Key Laboratory of Disease Proteomics of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
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14
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Scott HM, Smith MH, Coleman AK, Apostalo SL, Wagner AR, Watson RO, Patrick KL. Serine arginine-rich splicing factor (SRSF7) cooperates with the histone methyltransferase KMT5a to promote the type I interferon response via transcriptional activation of IRF7. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.09.540055. [PMID: 37503164 PMCID: PMC10369877 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.09.540055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Tight regulation of macrophage immune gene expression is required to fight infection without risking harmful inflammation. The contribution of RNA binding proteins (RBPs) to shaping the macrophage response to pathogens remains poorly understood. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that a member of the serine/arginine-rich (SR) family of mRNA processing factors, SRSF7, is required for optimal expression of a cohort of interferon stimulated genes (ISGs) in macrophages. Using genetic and biochemical assays, we discovered that in addition to its canonical role in regulating alternative splicing, SRSF7 drives transcription of interferon regulatory transcription factor 7 (IRF7) to promote antiviral immunity. At the Irf7 promoter, SRSF7 maximizes STAT1 transcription factor binding and RNA polymerase II elongation via cooperation with the H4K20me1 histone methyltransferase KMT5a (SET8). These studies define an unorthodox role for an SR protein in activating transcription and reveal an unappreciated RNA binding protein-chromatin network that orchestrates macrophage antiviral gene expression.
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15
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Wan L, Lin KT, Rahman MA, Ishigami Y, Wang Z, Jensen MA, Wilkinson JE, Park Y, Tuveson DA, Krainer AR. Splicing Factor SRSF1 Promotes Pancreatitis and KRASG12D-Mediated Pancreatic Cancer. Cancer Discov 2023; 13:1678-1695. [PMID: 37098965 PMCID: PMC10330071 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-22-1013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation is strongly associated with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a highly lethal malignancy. Dysregulated RNA splicing factors have been widely reported in tumorigenesis, but their involvement in pancreatitis and PDAC is not well understood. Here, we report that the splicing factor SRSF1 is highly expressed in pancreatitis, PDAC precursor lesions, and tumors. Increased SRSF1 is sufficient to induce pancreatitis and accelerate KRASG12D-mediated PDAC. Mechanistically, SRSF1 activates MAPK signaling-partly by upregulating interleukin 1 receptor type 1 (IL1R1) through alternative-splicing-regulated mRNA stability. Additionally, SRSF1 protein is destabilized through a negative feedback mechanism in phenotypically normal epithelial cells expressing KRASG12D in mouse pancreas and in pancreas organoids acutely expressing KRASG12D, buffering MAPK signaling and maintaining pancreas cell homeostasis. This negative feedback regulation of SRSF1 is overcome by hyperactive MYC, facilitating PDAC tumorigenesis. Our findings implicate SRSF1 in the etiology of pancreatitis and PDAC, and point to SRSF1-misregulated alternative splicing as a potential therapeutic target. SIGNIFICANCE We describe the regulation of splicing factor SRSF1 expression in the context of pancreas cell identity, plasticity, and inflammation. SRSF1 protein downregulation is involved in a negative feedback cellular response to KRASG12D expression, contributing to pancreas cell homeostasis. Conversely, upregulated SRSF1 promotes pancreatitis and accelerates KRASG12D-mediated tumorigenesis through enhanced IL1 and MAPK signaling. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1501.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ledong Wan
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Kuan-Ting Lin
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | | | - Yuma Ishigami
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Zhikai Wang
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Mads A. Jensen
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - John E. Wilkinson
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Youngkyu Park
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
- Lustgarten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - David A. Tuveson
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
- Lustgarten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
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16
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Sandoval-Castellanos AM, Bhargava A, Zhao M, Xu J, Ning K. Serine and arginine rich splicing factor 1: a potential target for neuroprotection and other diseases. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:1411-1416. [PMID: 36571335 PMCID: PMC10075106 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.360243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing is the process of producing variably spliced mRNAs by choosing distinct combinations of splice sites within a messenger RNA precursor. This splicing enables mRNA from a single gene to synthesize different proteins, which have different cellular properties and functions and yet arise from the same single gene. A family of splicing factors, Serine-arginine rich proteins, are needed to initiate the assembly and activation of the spliceosome. Serine and arginine rich splicing factor 1, part of the arginine/serine-rich splicing factor protein family, can either activate or inhibit the splicing of mRNAs, depending on the phosphorylation status of the protein and its interaction partners. Considering that serine and arginine rich splicing factor 1 is either an activator or an inhibitor, this protein has been studied widely to identify its various roles in different diseases. Research has found that serine and arginine rich splicing factor 1 is a key target for neuroprotection, showing its promising potential use in therapeutics for neurodegenerative disorders. Furthermore, serine and arginine rich splicing factor 1 might be used to regulate cancer development and autoimmune diseases. In this review, we highlight how serine and arginine rich splicing factor 1 has been studied concerning neuroprotection. In addition, we draw attention to how serine and arginine rich splicing factor 1 is being studied in cancer and immunological disorders, as well as how serine and arginine rich splicing factor 1 acts outside the central or peripheral nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Sandoval-Castellanos
- Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience, SITraN, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK; Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, and Department of Dermatology, Institute for Regenerative Cures, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Anushka Bhargava
- Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience, SITraN, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Min Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, and Department of Dermatology, Institute for Regenerative Cures, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Jun Xu
- East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ke Ning
- Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience, SITraN, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK; East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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17
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Sun L, Lv Z, Chen X, Wang C, Lv P, Yan L, Tian S, Xie X, Yao X, Liu J, Wang Z, Luo H, Cui S, Liu J. SRSF1 regulates primordial follicle formation and number determination during meiotic prophase I. BMC Biol 2023; 21:49. [PMID: 36882745 PMCID: PMC9993595 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01549-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ovarian folliculogenesis is a tightly regulated process leading to the formation of functional oocytes and involving successive quality control mechanisms that monitor chromosomal DNA integrity and meiotic recombination. A number of factors and mechanisms have been suggested to be involved in folliculogenesis and associated with premature ovarian insufficiency, including abnormal alternative splicing (AS) of pre-mRNAs. Serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 1 (SRSF1; previously SF2/ASF) is a pivotal posttranscriptional regulator of gene expression in various biological processes. However, the physiological roles and mechanism of SRSF1 action in mouse early-stage oocytes remain elusive. Here, we show that SRSF1 is essential for primordial follicle formation and number determination during meiotic prophase I. RESULTS The conditional knockout (cKO) of Srsf1 in mouse oocytes impairs primordial follicle formation and leads to primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). Oocyte-specific genes that regulate primordial follicle formation (e.g., Lhx8, Nobox, Sohlh1, Sohlh2, Figla, Kit, Jag1, and Rac1) are suppressed in newborn Stra8-GFPCre Srsf1Fl/Fl mouse ovaries. However, meiotic defects are the leading cause of abnormal primordial follicle formation. Immunofluorescence analyses suggest that failed synapsis and an inability to undergo recombination result in fewer homologous DNA crossovers (COs) in the Srsf1 cKO mouse ovaries. Moreover, SRSF1 directly binds and regulates the expression of the POI-related genes Six6os1 and Msh5 via AS to implement the meiotic prophase I program. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, our data reveal the critical role of an SRSF1-mediated posttranscriptional regulatory mechanism in the mouse oocyte meiotic prophase I program, providing a framework to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of the posttranscriptional network underlying primordial follicle formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longjie Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Zheng Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xuexue Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Chaofan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Pengbo Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Lu Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Shuang Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xiaomei Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xiaohong Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jingjing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Zhao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Haoshu Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Sheng Cui
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, China
| | - Jiali Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
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18
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Ziegler N, Cortés-López M, Alt F, Sprang M, Ustjanzew A, Lehmann N, El Malki K, Wingerter A, Russo A, Beck O, Attig S, Roth L, König J, Paret C, Faber J. Analysis of RBP expression and binding sites identifies PTBP1 as a regulator of CD19 expression in B-ALL. Oncoimmunology 2023; 12:2184143. [PMID: 36875548 PMCID: PMC9980455 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2023.2184143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite massive improvements in the treatment of B-ALL through CART-19 immunotherapy, a large number of patients suffer a relapse due to loss of the targeted epitope. Mutations in the CD19 locus and aberrant splicing events are known to account for the absence of surface antigen. However, early molecular determinants suggesting therapy resistance as well as the time point when first signs of epitope loss appear to be detectable are not enlightened so far. By deep sequencing of the CD19 locus, we identified a blast-specific 2-nucleotide deletion in intron 2 that exists in 35% of B-ALL samples at initial diagnosis. This deletion overlaps with the binding site of RNA binding proteins (RBPs) including PTBP1 and might thereby affect CD19 splicing. Moreover, we could identify a number of other RBPs that are predicted to bind to the CD19 locus being deregulated in leukemic blasts, including NONO. Their expression is highly heterogeneous across B-ALL molecular subtypes as shown by analyzing 706 B-ALL samples accessed via the St. Jude Cloud. Mechanistically, we show that downregulation of PTBP1, but not of NONO, in 697 cells reduces CD19 total protein by increasing intron 2 retention. Isoform analysis in patient samples revealed that blasts, at diagnosis, express increased amounts of CD19 intron 2 retention compared to normal B cells. Our data suggest that loss of RBP functionality by mutations altering their binding motifs or by deregulated expression might harbor the potential for the disease-associated accumulation of therapy-resistant CD19 isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Ziegler
- Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.,University Cancer Center (UCT), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Francesca Alt
- Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.,University Cancer Center (UCT), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Maximilian Sprang
- Faculty of Biology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Biozentrum I, Mainz, Germany
| | - Arsenij Ustjanzew
- Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics (IMBEI), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Nadine Lehmann
- Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.,University Cancer Center (UCT), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Khalifa El Malki
- Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.,University Cancer Center (UCT), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Arthur Wingerter
- Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.,University Cancer Center (UCT), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Alexandra Russo
- Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.,University Cancer Center (UCT), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Olaf Beck
- Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.,University Cancer Center (UCT), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Sebastian Attig
- Department of Translational Oncology and Immunology at the Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Lea Roth
- Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.,University Cancer Center (UCT), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Julian König
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Mainz, Germany
| | - Claudia Paret
- Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.,University Cancer Center (UCT), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Germany, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jörg Faber
- Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.,University Cancer Center (UCT), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Germany, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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19
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Cassidy MF, Herbert ZT, Moulton VR. Splicing factor SRSF1 controls autoimmune-related molecular pathways in regulatory T cells distinct from FoxP3. Mol Immunol 2022; 152:140-152. [PMID: 36368121 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2022.10.017] [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: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are vital for maintaining immune self-tolerance, and their impaired function leads to autoimmune disease. Mutations in FoxP3, the master transcriptional regulator of Tregs, leads to immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, X-linked (IPEX) syndrome in humans and the early lethal "scurfy" phenotype with multi-organ autoimmune disease in mice. We recently identified serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 1 (SRSF1) as an indispensable regulator of Treg homeostasis and function. Intriguingly, Treg-conditional SRSF1-deficient mice exhibit early lethal systemic autoimmunity with multi-organ inflammation reminiscent of the scurfy mice. Importantly, SRSF1 is decreased in T cells from patients with the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and low SRSF1 levels inversely correlate with disease severity. Given that the Treg-specific deficiency of SRSF1 causes similarly profound autoimmune disease outcomes in mice as the deficiency/mutation in FoxP3, we aimed to evaluate the genes and molecular pathways controlled by these two indispensable regulatory proteins. We performed comparative bioinformatic analyses of transcriptomic profiles of Tregs from Srsf1-knockout mice and two Foxp3 mutant mice--the FoxP3-deficient ΔFoxp3 and the Foxp3 M370I mutant mice. We identified 132 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) unique to Srsf1-ko Tregs, 503 DEGs unique to Foxp3 M370I Tregs, and 1367 DEGs unique to ΔFoxp3 Tregs. Gene set enrichment and pathway analysis of DEGs unique to Srsf1-ko Tregs indicate that SRSF1 controls cytokine and immune response pathways. Conversely, FoxP3 controls pathways involved in DNA replication and cell cycle. Besides the distinct gene signatures, we identified only 30 shared genes between all three Treg mutants, mostly contributing to cytokine and immune defense pathways. Prominent genes included the chemokines CXCR6 and CCL1 and the checkpoint inhibitors FASLG and PDCD1. Thus, we demonstrate that SRSF1 and FoxP3 control common and distinct molecular pathways implicated in autoimmunity. Our analyses suggest that SRSF1 controls crucial immune functions in Tregs contributing to immune tolerance, and perturbations in its levels lead to systemic autoimmunity via mechanisms that are largely distinct from FoxP3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael F Cassidy
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States.
| | - Zachary T Herbert
- Molecular Biology Core Facilities, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Vaishali R Moulton
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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20
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Wagner AR, Weindel CG, West KO, Scott HM, Watson RO, Patrick KL. SRSF6 balances mitochondrial-driven innate immune outcomes through alternative splicing of BAX. eLife 2022; 11:e82244. [PMID: 36409059 PMCID: PMC9718523 DOI: 10.7554/elife.82244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
To mount a protective response to infection while preventing hyperinflammation, gene expression in innate immune cells must be tightly regulated. Despite the importance of pre-mRNA splicing in shaping the proteome, its role in balancing immune outcomes remains understudied. Transcriptomic analysis of murine macrophage cell lines identified Serine/Arginine Rich Splicing factor 6 (SRSF6) as a gatekeeper of mitochondrial homeostasis. SRSF6-dependent orchestration of mitochondrial health is directed in large part by alternative splicing of the pro-apoptosis pore-forming protein BAX. Loss of SRSF6 promotes accumulation of BAX-κ, a variant that sensitizes macrophages to undergo cell death and triggers upregulation of interferon stimulated genes through cGAS sensing of cytosolic mitochondrial DNA. Upon pathogen sensing, macrophages regulate SRSF6 expression to control the liberation of immunogenic mtDNA and adjust the threshold for entry into programmed cell death. This work defines BAX alternative splicing by SRSF6 as a critical node not only in mitochondrial homeostasis but also in the macrophage's response to pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison R Wagner
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M Health, School of MedicineBryanUnited States
| | - Chi G Weindel
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M Health, School of MedicineBryanUnited States
| | - Kelsi O West
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M Health, School of MedicineBryanUnited States
| | - Haley M Scott
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M Health, School of MedicineBryanUnited States
| | - Robert O Watson
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M Health, School of MedicineBryanUnited States
| | - Kristin L Patrick
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M Health, School of MedicineBryanUnited States
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21
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Juarez I, Su S, Herbert ZT, Teijaro JR, Moulton VR. Splicing factor SRSF1 is essential for CD8 T cell function and host antigen-specific viral immunity. Front Immunol 2022; 13:906355. [PMID: 36189299 PMCID: PMC9523749 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.906355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytotoxic CD8 T cells are crucial for the host antigen-specific immune response to viral pathogens. Here we report the identification of an essential role for the serine/arginine-rich splicing factor (SRSF) 1 in CD8 T cell homeostasis and function. Specifically, SRSF1 is necessary for the maintenance of normal CD8 T lymphocyte numbers in the lymphoid compartment, and for the proliferative capacity and cytotoxic function of CD8 T cells. Furthermore, SRSF1 is required for antigen-specific IFN-γ cytokine responses in a viral infection challenge in mice. Transcriptomics analyses of Srsf1-deficient T cells reveal that SRSF1 controls proliferation, MAP kinase signaling and IFN signaling pathways. Mechanistically, SRSF1 controls the expression and activity of the Mnk2/p38-MAPK axis at the molecular level. Our findings reveal previously unrecognized roles for SRSF1 in the physiology and function of cytotoxic CD8 T lymphocytes and a potential molecular mechanism in viral immunopathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Juarez
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Faculty of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Shi Su
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Cardiovascular Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Zachary T. Herbert
- Molecular Biology Core Facilities at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States
| | - John R. Teijaro
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Vaishali R. Moulton
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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22
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Su S, Katopodi XL, Pita-Juarez YH, Maverakis E, Vlachos IS, Adamopoulos IE. Serine and arginine rich splicing factor 1 deficiency alters pathways involved in IL-17A expression and is implicated in human psoriasis. Clin Immunol 2022; 240:109041. [PMID: 35613697 PMCID: PMC10797199 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2022.109041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Serine and Arginine Rich Splicing Factor 1 (SRSF1) is a splicing factor that binds to exonic enhancers and stimulates splicing and is previously implicated with autoimmunity. Herein, we investigate the role of SRSF1 in regulating innate immune functions that are pertinent in the pathogenesis of auto-inflammatory diseases. Specifically, we show that conditional deletion of SRSF1 in mature lymphocytes resulted in higher expression of il-17a and il-17 f and an expansion of IL17A+ CD8 T cells. Mechanistically, the aberrant expression of IL-17A in SRSF1 cKO mice could not be attributed to alternative splicing of il-17a or il-17 f genes but possibly to defective CD11B+LY6C+ myeloid derived suppressor function in the spleen. Finally, meta-analysis of RNA-Seq collected from psoriasis patients demonstrate a clear correlation between SRSF1 and psoriasis that suggests a putative role of SRSF1 in IL-17A-induced psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi Su
- Department of Rheumatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xanthi-Lida Katopodi
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yered H Pita-Juarez
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emanual Maverakis
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Ioannis S Vlachos
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School Initiative for RNA Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; Cancer Research Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Iannis E Adamopoulos
- Department of Rheumatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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23
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Gao S, Esparza M, Dehghan I, Aksenova V, Zhang K, Batten K, Ferretti MB, Begg BE, Cagatay T, Shay JW, García-Sastre A, Goldsmith EJ, Chen ZJ, Dasso M, Lynch KW, Cobb MH, Fontoura BMA. Nuclear speckle integrity and function require TAO2 kinase. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2206046119. [PMID: 35704758 PMCID: PMC9231605 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2206046119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear speckles are non-membrane-bound organelles known as storage sites for messenger RNA (mRNA) processing and splicing factors. More recently, nuclear speckles have also been implicated in splicing and export of a subset of mRNAs, including the influenza virus M mRNA that encodes proteins required for viral entry, trafficking, and budding. However, little is known about how nuclear speckles are assembled or regulated. Here, we uncovered a role for the cellular protein kinase TAO2 as a constituent of nuclear speckles and as a factor required for the integrity of these nuclear bodies and for their functions in pre-mRNA splicing and trafficking. We found that a nuclear pool of TAO2 is localized at nuclear speckles and interacts with nuclear speckle factors involved in RNA splicing and nuclear export, including SRSF1 and Aly/Ref. Depletion of TAO2 or inhibition of its kinase activity disrupts nuclear speckle structure, decreasing the levels of several proteins involved in nuclear speckle assembly and splicing, including SC35 and SON. Consequently, splicing and nuclear export of influenza virus M mRNA were severely compromised and caused a disruption in the virus life cycle. In fact, low levels of TAO2 led to a decrease in viral protein levels and inhibited viral replication. Additionally, depletion or inhibition of TAO2 resulted in abnormal expression of a subset of mRNAs with key roles in viral replication and immunity. Together, these findings uncovered a function of TAO2 in nuclear speckle formation and function and revealed host requirements and vulnerabilities for influenza infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengyan Gao
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
| | - Matthew Esparza
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
| | - Ishmael Dehghan
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
- HHMI, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
| | - Vasilisa Aksenova
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Ke Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
| | - Kimberly Batten
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
| | - Max B. Ferretti
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Bridget E. Begg
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Tolga Cagatay
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
| | - Jerry W. Shay
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
| | - Adolfo García-Sastre
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
- Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
| | - Elizabeth J. Goldsmith
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
| | - Zhijian J. Chen
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
- HHMI, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
| | - Mary Dasso
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Kristen W. Lynch
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Melanie H. Cobb
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
| | - Beatriz M. A. Fontoura
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
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24
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Baymiller M, Nordick B, Forsyth CM, Martinis SA. Tissue-specific alternative splicing separates the catalytic and cell signaling functions of human leucyl-tRNA synthetase. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101757. [PMID: 35202654 PMCID: PMC8941210 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are an ancient and ubiquitous component of all life. Many eukaryotic synthetases balance their essential function, preparing aminoacyl-tRNA for use in mRNA translation, with diverse roles in cell signaling. Herein, we use long-read sequencing to discover a leukocyte-specific exon skipping event in human leucyl-tRNA synthetase (LARS). We show that this highly expressed splice variant, LSV3, is regulated by serine-arginine-rich splicing factor 1 (SRSF1) in a cell-type-specific manner. LSV3 has a 71 amino acid deletion in the catalytic domain and lacks any tRNA leucylation activity in vitro. However, we demonstrate that this LARS splice variant retains its role as a leucine sensor and signal transducer for the proliferation-promoting mTOR kinase. This is despite the exon deletion in LSV3 including a portion of the previously mapped Vps34-binding domain used for one of two distinct pathways from LARS to mTOR. In conclusion, alternative splicing of LARS has separated the ancient catalytic activity of this housekeeping enzyme from its more recent evolutionary role in cell signaling, providing an opportunity for functional specificity in human immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Baymiller
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Benjamin Nordick
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Connor M Forsyth
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Susan A Martinis
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA.
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25
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Cassidy MF, Herbert ZT, Moulton VR. Splicing factor SRSF1 controls distinct molecular programs in regulatory and effector T cells implicated in systemic autoimmune disease. Mol Immunol 2022; 141:94-103. [PMID: 34839165 PMCID: PMC10797198 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2021.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Systemic autoimmune diseases are characterized by hyperactive effector T cells (Teffs), aberrant cytokines and chemokines, and dysfunctional regulatory T cells (Tregs). We previously uncovered new roles for serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 1 (SRSF1) in the control of genes involved in T cell signaling and cytokine production in human T cells. SRSF1 levels are decreased in T cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and low levels correlate with severe disease. Moreover, T cell-conditional Srsf1-deficient mice recapitulate the autoimmune phenotype, exhibiting CD4 T cell hyperactivity, dysfunctional Tregs, systemic autoimmunity, and tissue inflammation. However, the role of SRSF1 in controlling molecular programs in Teffs and Tregs and how these pathways are implicated in autoimmunity is not known. Here, by comparative bioinformatics analysis, we demonstrate that SRSF1 controls largely distinct gene programs in Tregs and Teffs in vivo. SRSF1 regulates 189 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) unique to Tregs, 582 DEGs unique to Teffs, and 29 DEGs shared between both. Shared genes included IL-17A, IL-17F, CSF1, CXCL10, and CXCR4, and were highly enriched for inflammatory response and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathways. SRSF1 controls distinct pathways in Tregs, which include chemokine signaling and immune cell differentiation, compared with pathways in Teffs, which include cytokine production, T cell homeostasis, and activation. We identified putative mRNA binding targets of SRSF1 which include CSF1, CXCL10, and IL-17F. Finally, comparisons with transcriptomics profiles from lupus-prone MRL/lpr mice reveal that SRSF1 controls genes and pathways implicated in autoimmune disease. The target genes of SRSF1 and putative binding targets we discovered, have known roles in systemic autoimmunity. Our findings suggest that SRSF1 controls distinct molecular pathways in Tregs and Teffs and aberrant SRSF1 levels may contribute to their dysfunction and immunopathogenesis of systemic autoimmune disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael F Cassidy
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Zachary T Herbert
- Molecular Biology Core Facilities at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Vaishali R Moulton
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.
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