1
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Biswas J, Boussi L, Stein E, Abdel-Wahab O. Aberrant pre-mRNA processing in cancer. J Exp Med 2024; 221:e20230891. [PMID: 39316554 PMCID: PMC11448470 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20230891] [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: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of the flow of information from genomic DNA to RNA to protein occurs within all cancer types. In this review, we described the current state of understanding of how RNA processing is dysregulated in cancer with a focus on mutations in the RNA splicing factor machinery that are highly prevalent in hematologic malignancies. We discuss the downstream effects of these mutations highlighting both individual genes as well as common pathways that they perturb. We highlight examples of how alterations in RNA processing have been harnessed for therapeutic intent as well as to promote the selective toxicity of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeetayu Biswas
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, Leukemia Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Leora Boussi
- Department of Medicine, Leukemia Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eytan Stein
- Department of Medicine, Leukemia Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Omar Abdel-Wahab
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, Leukemia Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
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2
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Anczukow O, Allain FHT, Angarola BL, Black DL, Brooks AN, Cheng C, Conesa A, Crosse EI, Eyras E, Guccione E, Lu SX, Neugebauer KM, Sehgal P, Song X, Tothova Z, Valcárcel J, Weeks KM, Yeo GW, Thomas-Tikhonenko A. Steering research on mRNA splicing in cancer towards clinical translation. Nat Rev Cancer 2024:10.1038/s41568-024-00750-2. [PMID: 39384951 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-024-00750-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 10/11/2024]
Abstract
Splicing factors are affected by recurrent somatic mutations and copy number variations in several types of haematologic and solid malignancies, which is often seen as prima facie evidence that splicing aberrations can drive cancer initiation and progression. However, numerous spliceosome components also 'moonlight' in DNA repair and other cellular processes, making their precise role in cancer difficult to pinpoint. Still, few would deny that dysregulated mRNA splicing is a pervasive feature of most cancers. Correctly interpreting these molecular fingerprints can reveal novel tumour vulnerabilities and untapped therapeutic opportunities. Yet multiple technological challenges, lingering misconceptions, and outstanding questions hinder clinical translation. To start with, the general landscape of splicing aberrations in cancer is not well defined, due to limitations of short-read RNA sequencing not adept at resolving complete mRNA isoforms, as well as the shallow read depth inherent in long-read RNA-sequencing, especially at single-cell level. Although individual cancer-associated isoforms are known to contribute to cancer progression, widespread splicing alterations could be an equally important and, perhaps, more readily actionable feature of human cancers. This is to say that in addition to 'repairing' mis-spliced transcripts, possible therapeutic avenues include exacerbating splicing aberration with small-molecule spliceosome inhibitors, targeting recurrent splicing aberrations with synthetic lethal approaches, and training the immune system to recognize splicing-derived neoantigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Anczukow
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA.
| | - Frédéric H-T Allain
- Department of Biology, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH), Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Douglas L Black
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Angela N Brooks
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Chonghui Cheng
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Lester & Sue Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ana Conesa
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology, Spanish National Research Council, Paterna, Spain
| | - Edie I Crosse
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Eduardo Eyras
- Shine-Dalgarno Centre for RNA Innovation, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Ernesto Guccione
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sydney X Lu
- Department of Medicine, Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Karla M Neugebauer
- Department of Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Priyanka Sehgal
- Division of Cancer Pathobiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Xiao Song
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Zuzana Tothova
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Juan Valcárcel
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kevin M Weeks
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Gene W Yeo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Andrei Thomas-Tikhonenko
- Division of Cancer Pathobiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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3
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Yuan X, Sabzvar MK, Patil AD, Chinnaswamy K, Howie KL, Andhavaram R, Wang B, Siegler MA, Dumaz A, Stuckey JA, Corey SJ, Maciejewski JP, Visconte V, Yang CY. Comprehensive Analyses of the Effects of the Small-Molecule Inhibitor of the UHM Domain in the Splicing Factor U2AF1 in Leukemia Cells. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4477663. [PMID: 38883705 PMCID: PMC11177969 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4477663/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Mutations in RNA splicing factor genes including SF3B1, U2AF1, SRSF2, and ZRSR2 have been reported to contribute to development of myeloid neoplasms including myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and secondary acute myeloid leukemia (sAML). Chemical tools targeting cells carrying these mutant genes remain limited and underdeveloped. Among the four proteins, mutant U2AF1 (U2AF1mut) acquires an altered 3' splice site selection preference and co-operates with the wild-type U2AF1 (U2AF1wt) to change various gene isoform patterns to support MDS cells survival and proliferation. U2AF1 mutations in MDS cells are always heterozygous and the cell viability is reduced when exposed to additional insult affecting U2AF1wt function. To investigate if the pharmacological inhibition of U2AF1wt function can provoke drug-induced vulnerability of cells harboring U2AF1 mut , we conducted a fragment-based library screening campaign to discover compounds targeting the U2AF homology domain (UHM) in U2AF1 that is required for the formation of the U2AF1/U2AF2 complex to define the 3' splice site. The most promising hit (SF1-8) selectively inhibited growth of leukemia cell lines overexpressingU2AF1 mut and human primary MDS cells carrying U2AF1 mut . RNA-seq analysis of K562-U2AF1mut following treatment with SF1-8 further revealed alteration of isoform patterns for a set of proteins that impair or rescue pathways associated with endocytosis, intracellular vesicle transport, and secretion. Our data suggested that further optimization of SF1-8 is warranted to obtain chemical probes that can be used to evaluate the therapeutic concept of inducing lethality to U2AF1 mut cells by inhibiting the U2AF1wt protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinrui Yuan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Mona Kazemi Sabzvar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Amol D Patil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | | | - Kathryn L Howie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Ramaraju Andhavaram
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Borwyn Wang
- Departments of Pediatrics and Cancer Biology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Maxime A Siegler
- Department of Chemistry, John Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Arda Dumaz
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Jeanne A Stuckey
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Seth J Corey
- Departments of Pediatrics and Cancer Biology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Jaroslaw P Maciejewski
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Valeria Visconte
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Chao-Yie Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
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4
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Bouton L, Ecoutin A, Malard F, Campagne S. Small molecules modulating RNA splicing: a review of targets and future perspectives. RSC Med Chem 2024; 15:1109-1126. [PMID: 38665842 PMCID: PMC11042171 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00685a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In eukaryotic cells, RNA splicing is crucial for gene expression. Dysregulation of this process can result in incorrect mRNA processing, leading to aberrant gene expression patterns. Such abnormalities are implicated in many inherited diseases and cancers. Historically, antisense oligonucleotides, which bind to specific RNA targets, have been used to correct these splicing abnormalities. Despite their high specificity of action, these oligonucleotides have drawbacks, such as lack of oral bioavailability and the need for chemical modifications to enhance cellular uptake and stability. As a result, recent efforts focused on the development of small organic molecules that can correct abnormal RNA splicing event under disease conditions. This review discusses known and potential targets of these molecules, including RNA structures, trans-acting splicing factors, and the spliceosome - the macromolecular complex responsible for RNA splicing. We also rely on recent advances to discuss therapeutic applications of RNA-targeting small molecules in splicing correction. Overall, this review presents an update on strategies for RNA splicing modulation, emphasizing the therapeutic promise of small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léa Bouton
- Inserm U1212, CNRS UMR5320, ARNA Laboratory, University of Bordeaux 146 rue Léo Saignat 33076 Bordeaux Cedex France
- Institut Européen de Chimie et de Biologie F-33600 Pessac France
| | - Agathe Ecoutin
- Inserm U1212, CNRS UMR5320, ARNA Laboratory, University of Bordeaux 146 rue Léo Saignat 33076 Bordeaux Cedex France
- Institut Européen de Chimie et de Biologie F-33600 Pessac France
| | - Florian Malard
- Inserm U1212, CNRS UMR5320, ARNA Laboratory, University of Bordeaux 146 rue Léo Saignat 33076 Bordeaux Cedex France
- Institut Européen de Chimie et de Biologie F-33600 Pessac France
| | - Sébastien Campagne
- Inserm U1212, CNRS UMR5320, ARNA Laboratory, University of Bordeaux 146 rue Léo Saignat 33076 Bordeaux Cedex France
- Institut Européen de Chimie et de Biologie F-33600 Pessac France
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5
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Liu ZS, Sinha S, Bannister M, Song A, Arriaga-Gomez E, McKeeken AJ, Bonner EA, Hanson BK, Sarchi M, Takashima K, Zong D, Corral VM, Nguyen E, Yoo J, Chiraphapphaiboon W, Leibson C, McMahon MC, Rai S, Swisher EM, Sachs Z, Chatla S, Stirewalt DL, Deeg HJ, Skorski T, Papapetrou EP, Walter MJ, Graubert TA, Doulatov S, Lee SC, Nguyen HD. R-Loop Accumulation in Spliceosome Mutant Leukemias Confers Sensitivity to PARP1 Inhibition by Triggering Transcription-Replication Conflicts. Cancer Res 2024; 84:577-597. [PMID: 37967363 PMCID: PMC10922727 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-3239] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
RNA splicing factor (SF) gene mutations are commonly observed in patients with myeloid malignancies. Here we showed that SRSF2- and U2AF1-mutant leukemias are preferentially sensitive to PARP inhibitors (PARPi), despite being proficient in homologous recombination repair. Instead, SF-mutant leukemias exhibited R-loop accumulation that elicited an R-loop-associated PARP1 response, rendering cells dependent on PARP1 activity for survival. Consequently, PARPi induced DNA damage and cell death in SF-mutant leukemias in an R-loop-dependent manner. PARPi further increased aberrant R-loop levels, causing higher transcription-replication collisions and triggering ATR activation in SF-mutant leukemias. Ultimately, PARPi-induced DNA damage and cell death in SF-mutant leukemias could be enhanced by ATR inhibition. Finally, the level of PARP1 activity at R-loops correlated with PARPi sensitivity, suggesting that R-loop-associated PARP1 activity could be predictive of PARPi sensitivity in patients harboring SF gene mutations. This study highlights the potential of targeting different R-loop response pathways caused by spliceosome gene mutations as a therapeutic strategy for treating cancer. SIGNIFICANCE Spliceosome-mutant leukemias accumulate R-loops and require PARP1 to resolve transcription-replication conflicts and genomic instability, providing rationale to repurpose FDA-approved PARP inhibitors for patients carrying spliceosome gene mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyan Silvia Liu
- Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics Graduate Program, Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Sayantani Sinha
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Maxwell Bannister
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Axia Song
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Erica Arriaga-Gomez
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Alexander J. McKeeken
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Program, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Bonner
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Benjamin K. Hanson
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics Graduate Program, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Martina Sarchi
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia PV, Italy
| | - Kouhei Takashima
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Advancement of Blood Cancer Therapies, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dawei Zong
- Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics Graduate Program, Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Victor M. Corral
- Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics Graduate Program, Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Evan Nguyen
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jennifer Yoo
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | - Cassandra Leibson
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Matthew C. McMahon
- Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics Graduate Program, Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Sumit Rai
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Charlestown, MA
| | - Elizabeth M. Swisher
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Zohar Sachs
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Srinivas Chatla
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Derek L. Stirewalt
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - H. Joachim Deeg
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Tomasz Skorski
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
- Department of Cancer and Cellular Biology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Eirini P. Papapetrou
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Advancement of Blood Cancer Therapies, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Matthew J. Walter
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Sergei Doulatov
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Stanley C. Lee
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Hai Dang Nguyen
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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6
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Nian Q, Li Y, Li J, Zhao L, Rodrigues Lima F, Zeng J, Liu R, Ye Z. U2AF1 in various neoplastic diseases and relevant targeted therapies for malignant cancers with complex mutations (Review). Oncol Rep 2024; 51:5. [PMID: 37975232 PMCID: PMC10688450 DOI: 10.3892/or.2023.8664] [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: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
U2 small nuclear RNA auxiliary factor 1 (U2AF1) is a multifunctional protein that plays a crucial role in the regulation of RNA splicing during eukaryotic gene expression. U2AF1 belongs to the SR family of splicing factors and is involved in the removal of introns from mRNAs and exon-exon binding. Mutations in U2AF1 are frequently observed in myelodysplastic syndrome, primary myelofibrosis, chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia, hairy cell leukaemia and other solid tumours, particularly in lung, pancreatic, and ovarian carcinomas. Therefore, targeting U2AF1 for therapeutic interventions may be a viable strategy for treating malignant diseases. In the present review, the pathogenic mechanisms associated with U2AF1 in different malignant diseases were summarized, and the potential of related targeting agents was discussed. Additionally, the feasibility of natural product-based therapies directed against U2AF1 was explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Nian
- Department of Transfusion, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, P.R. China
| | - Yihui Li
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Key Laboratory, Beijing 100730, P.R. China
| | - Jingwei Li
- Department of Transfusion, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, P.R. China
| | - Liyun Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, P.R. China
| | - Fernando Rodrigues Lima
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Jinhao Zeng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 610000, P.R. China
| | - Rongxing Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400000, P.R. China
| | - Zhijun Ye
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, P.R. China
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7
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Rozza R, Janoš P, Magistrato A. Assessing the Binding Mode of a Splicing Modulator Stimulating Pre-mRNA Binding to the Plastic U2AF2 Splicing Factor. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:7508-7517. [PMID: 37967032 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
RNA recognition motifs (RRMs) play a pivotal role in RNA metabolism and the regulation of gene expression. Owing to their plasticity and fuzziness, targeting RRM/RNA interfaces with small molecules is a daunting challenge for drug discovery campaigns. The U2AF2 splicing factor, which recognizes the polypyrimidine (polyPy) sequence of premature messenger (pre-m)RNA, exhibits a dynamic architecture consisting of two RRMs joined by a disordered linker. An inhibitor, NSC-194308, was shown to enhance the binding of pre-mRNA to U2AF2, selectively triggering cell death in leukemia cell lines containing spliceosome mutations. The NSC-194308 binding mode remains elusive; yet, unraveling its knowledge may offer intriguing insights for effectively targeting U2AF2 and other flexible protein/protein/RNA interfaces with small molecules. To infer plausible NSC-194308 binding poses to U2AF2, here, we applied and benchmarked the performance of static and dynamic docking approaches, elucidating the molecular basis of the NSC-194308-induced pre-mRNA stabilization on U2AF2. We demonstrate that introducing dynamic effects is mandatory to assess the binding mode of the inhibitors when they target plastic and modular architectures, such as those formed by interacting RRMs. The latter are widespread across RNA binding proteins; therefore, this mechanism may be broadly applicable to discover new therapeutics aimed at selectively modulating the RNA function by targeting protein/protein/RNA interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Rozza
- National Research Council of Italy (CNR)-Institute of Material Foundry (IOM) c/o International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Via Bonomea, 265, 34136 Trieste, Italy
| | - Pavel Janoš
- National Research Council of Italy (CNR)-Institute of Material Foundry (IOM) c/o International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Via Bonomea, 265, 34136 Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandra Magistrato
- National Research Council of Italy (CNR)-Institute of Material Foundry (IOM) c/o International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Via Bonomea, 265, 34136 Trieste, Italy
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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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Schmeing S, Amrahova G, Bigler K, Chang JY, Openy J, Pal S, Posada L, Gasper R, 't Hart P. Rationally designed stapled peptides allosterically inhibit PTBP1-RNA-binding. Chem Sci 2023; 14:8269-8278. [PMID: 37564416 PMCID: PMC10411625 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc00985h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The diverse role of the splicing factor PTBP1 in human cells has been widely studied and was found to be a driver for several diseases. PTBP1 binds RNA through its RNA-recognition motifs which lack obvious pockets for inhibition. A unique transient helix has been described to be part of its first RNA-recognition motif and to be important for RNA binding. In this study, we further confirmed the role of this helix and envisioned its dynamic nature as a unique opportunity to develop stapled peptide inhibitors of PTBP1. The peptides were found to be able to inhibit RNA binding via fluorescence polarization assays and directly occupy the helix binding site as observed by protein crystallography. These cell-permeable inhibitors were validated in cellulo to alter the regulation of alternative splicing events regulated by PTBP1. Our study demonstrates transient secondary structures of a protein can be mimicked by stapled peptides to inhibit allosteric mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Schmeing
- Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology Otto-Hahn-Strasse 11 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Gulshan Amrahova
- Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology Otto-Hahn-Strasse 11 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Katrin Bigler
- Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology Otto-Hahn-Strasse 11 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Jen-Yao Chang
- Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology Otto-Hahn-Strasse 11 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Joseph Openy
- Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology Otto-Hahn-Strasse 11 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Sunit Pal
- Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology Otto-Hahn-Strasse 11 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Laura Posada
- Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology Otto-Hahn-Strasse 11 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Raphael Gasper
- Crystallography and Biophysics Unit, Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Physiology Otto-Hahn-Strasse 11 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Peter 't Hart
- Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology Otto-Hahn-Strasse 11 44227 Dortmund Germany
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10
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Bonner EA, Lee SC. Therapeutic Targeting of RNA Splicing in Cancer. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1378. [PMID: 37510283 PMCID: PMC10379351 DOI: 10.3390/genes14071378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA splicing is a key regulatory step in the proper control of gene expression. It is a highly dynamic process orchestrated by the spliceosome, a macro-molecular machinery that consists of protein and RNA components. The dysregulation of RNA splicing has been observed in many human pathologies ranging from neurodegenerative diseases to cancer. The recent identification of recurrent mutations in the core components of the spliceosome in hematologic malignancies has advanced our knowledge of how splicing alterations contribute to disease pathogenesis. This review article will discuss our current understanding of how aberrant RNA splicing regulation drives tumor initiation and progression. We will also review current therapeutic modalities and highlight emerging technologies designed to target RNA splicing for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Bonner
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA;
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Stanley C. Lee
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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11
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Yuan X, Howie KL, Kazemi Sabzvar M, Chinnaswamy K, Stuckey JA, Yang CY. Profiling the Binding Activities of Peptides and Inhibitors to the U2 Auxiliary Factor Homology Motif (UHM) Domains. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:450-457. [PMID: 37077390 PMCID: PMC10107908 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.2c00537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA splicing is a biological process to generate mature mRNA (mRNA) by removing introns and annexing exons in the nascent RNA transcript and is executed by a multiprotein complex called spliceosome. To aid RNA splicing, a class of splicing factors use an atypical RNA recognition domain (UHM) to bind with U2AF ligand motifs (ULMs) in proteins to form modules that recognize splice sites and splicing regulatory elements on mRNA. Mutations of UHM containing splicing factors have been found frequently in myeloid neoplasms. To profile the selectivity of UHMs for inhibitor development, we established binding assays to measure the binding activities between UHM domains and ULM peptides and a set of small-molecule inhibitors. Additionally, we computationally analyzed the targeting potential of the UHM domains by small-molecule inhibitors. Our study provided the binding assessment of UHM domains to diverse ligands that may guide development of selective UHM domain inhibitors in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinrui Yuan
- Departments
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
| | - Kathryn L. Howie
- Departments
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
| | - Mona Kazemi Sabzvar
- Departments
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
| | | | - Jeanne A. Stuckey
- Life
Science Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Chao-Yie Yang
- Departments
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
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12
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Wang X, You B, Yin F, Chen C, He H, Liu F, Pan Z, Ni X, Pang N, Peng J. A presumed missense variant in the U2AF2 gene causes exon skipping in neurodevelopmental diseases. J Hum Genet 2023; 68:375-382. [PMID: 36747105 DOI: 10.1038/s10038-023-01128-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
U2 small nuclear RNA auxiliary factor 2 (U2AF2) is an indispensable pre-mRNA splicing factor in the early process of splicing. Recently, U2AF2 was reported as a novel candidate gene associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. Herein, we report a patient with a novel presumed heterozygous missense variant in the U2AF2 gene (c.603G>T), who has a similar clinical phenotype as the patient reported before, including epilepsy, intellectual disability, language delay, microcephaly, and hypoplastic corpus callosum. We reviewed the phenotypic and genetic spectrum of patients with U2AF2-related neurological diseases, both newly diagnosed and previously reported. To investigate the possible pathogenesis, EBV-immortalized lymphoblastoid cells were derived from the peripheral blood obtained from the patient and control groups. Furthermore, according to the results of WB, RT-PCR, Q-PCR, and cDNA sequencing of RT-PCR products, the presumed missense variant c.603G>T caused exon 6 skipping in the U2AF2 mRNA transcript and led to a truncated protein (p.E163_E201del). Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and cell cycle detection demonstrated that the variant c.603G>T inhibited the proliferation of patient lymphocyte cells compared with the control group. This study is aimed at expanding the phenotypic and genetic spectrum of U2AF2-related neurodevelopmental diseases and investigating the potential effects. This is the first report of the possible pathogenesis of a U2AF2 gene pathogenic variant in a patient with neurodevelopmental diseases and shows that a novel presumed missense variant in the U2AF2 gene causes exon skipping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaole Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Baiyang You
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Fei Yin
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.,Clinical Research Center for Children Neurodevelopmental Disabilities of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Hailan He
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Fangyun Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Zou Pan
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Ni
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Nan Pang
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Jing Peng
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China. .,Clinical Research Center for Children Neurodevelopmental Disabilities of Hunan Province, Changsha, China.
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13
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Li Z, He Z, Wang J, Kong G. RNA splicing factors in normal hematopoiesis and hematologic malignancies: novel therapeutic targets and strategies. J Leukoc Biol 2023; 113:149-163. [PMID: 36822179 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiac015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA splicing, a crucial transesterification-based process by which noncoding regions are removed from premature RNA to create mature mRNA, regulates various cellular functions, such as proliferation, survival, and differentiation. Clinical and functional studies over the past 10 y have confirmed that mutations in RNA splicing factors are among the most recurrent genetic abnormalities in hematologic neoplasms, including myeloid malignancies, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, mantle cell lymphoma, and clonal hematopoiesis. These findings indicate an important role for splicing factor mutations in the development of clonal hematopoietic disorders. Mutations in core or accessory components of the RNA spliceosome complex alter splicing sites in a manner of change of function. These changes can result in the dysregulation of cancer-associated gene expression and the generation of novel mRNA transcripts, some of which are not only critical to disease development but may be also serving as potential therapeutic targets. Furthermore, multiple studies have revealed that hematopoietic cells bearing mutations in splicing factors depend on the expression of the residual wild-type allele for survival, and these cells are more sensitive to reduced expression of wild-type splicing factors or chemical perturbations of the splicing machinery. These findings suggest a promising possibility for developing novel therapeutic opportunities in tumor cells based on mutations in splicing factors. Here, we combine current knowledge of the mechanistic and functional effects of frequently mutated splicing factors in normal hematopoiesis and the effects of their mutations in hematologic malignancies. Moreover, we discuss the development of potential therapeutic opportunities based on these mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Li
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, No. 127 Youyi West Road, Beilin District, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, China
| | - Zhongzheng He
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mini-invasive Neurosurgery and Translational Medical Center, Xi'an Central Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 161 Xiwu Road, Xincheng District, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710003, China
| | - Jihan Wang
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, No. 127 Youyi West Road, Beilin District, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, China
| | - Guangyao Kong
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnosis and Biotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 157 Xiwu Road, Xincheng District, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, China
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14
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Barraza SJ, Bhattacharyya A, Trotta CR, Woll MG. Targeting strategies for modulating pre-mRNA splicing with small molecules: Recent advances. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103431. [PMID: 36356786 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.103431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The concept of using small molecules to therapeutically modulate pre-mRNA splicing was validated with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of Evrysdi® (risdiplam) in 2020. Since then, efforts have continued unabated toward the discovery of new splicing-modulating drugs. However, the drug development world has evolved in the 10 years since risdiplam precursors were first identified in high-throughput screening (HTS). Now, new mechanistic insights into RNA-processing pathways and regulatory networks afford increasingly feasible targeted approaches. In this review, organized into classes of biological target, we compile and summarize small molecules discovered, devised, and developed since 2020 to alter pre-mRNA splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott J Barraza
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ, USA.
| | | | | | - Matthew G Woll
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ, USA
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15
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Rozza R, Janoš P, Spinello A, Magistrato A. Role of computational and structural biology in the development of small-molecule modulators of the spliceosome. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2022; 17:1095-1109. [PMID: 35983696 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2022.2114452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION RNA splicing is a pivotal step of eukaryotic gene expression during which the introns are excised from the precursor (pre-)RNA and the exons are joined together to form mature RNA products (i.e a protein-coding mRNA or long non-coding (lnc)RNAs). The spliceosome, a complex ribonucleoprotein machine, performs pre-RNA splicing with extreme precision. Deregulated splicing is linked to cancer, genetic, and neurodegenerative diseases. Hence, the discovery of small-molecules targeting core spliceosome components represents an appealing therapeutic opportunity. AREA COVERED Several atomic-level structures of the spliceosome and distinct splicing-modulators bound to its protein/RNA components have been solved. Here, we review recent advances in the discovery of small-molecule splicing-modulators, discuss opportunities and challenges for their therapeutic applicability, and showcase how structural data and/or all-atom simulations can illuminate key facets of their mechanism, thus contributing to future drug-discovery campaigns. EXPERT OPINION This review highlights the potential of modulating pre-RNA splicing with small-molecules, and anticipates how the synergy of computer and wet-lab experiments will enrich our understanding of splicing regulation/deregulation mechanisms. This information will aid future structure-based drug-discovery efforts aimed to expand the currently limited portfolio of selective splicing-modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Rozza
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Materials-foundry (CNR-IOM) C/o SISSA, Trieste, Italy
| | - Pavel Janoš
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Materials-foundry (CNR-IOM) C/o SISSA, Trieste, Italy
| | - Angelo Spinello
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessandra Magistrato
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Materials-foundry (CNR-IOM) C/o SISSA, Trieste, Italy
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16
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Galardi JW, Bela VN, Jeffery N, He X, Glasser E, Loerch S, Jenkins JL, Pulvino MJ, Boutz PL, Kielkopf CL. A UHM - ULM interface with unusual structural features contributes to U2AF2 and SF3B1 association for pre-mRNA splicing. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102224. [PMID: 35780835 PMCID: PMC9364107 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
During spliceosome assembly, the 3′ splice site is recognized by sequential U2AF2 complexes, first with Splicing Factor 1 (SF1) and second by the SF3B1 subunit of the U2 small nuclear ribonuclear protein particle. The U2AF2–SF1 interface is well characterized, comprising a U2AF homology motif (UHM) of U2AF2 bound to a U2AF ligand motif (ULM) of SF1. However, the structure of the U2AF2–SF3B1 interface and its importance for pre-mRNA splicing are unknown. To address this knowledge gap, we determined the crystal structure of the U2AF2 UHM bound to a SF3B1 ULM site at 1.8-Å resolution. We discovered a distinctive trajectory of the SF3B1 ULM across the U2AF2 UHM surface, which differs from prior UHM/ULM structures and is expected to modulate the orientations of the full-length proteins. We established that the binding affinity of the U2AF2 UHM for the cocrystallized SF3B1 ULM rivals that of a nearly full-length U2AF2 protein for an N-terminal SF3B1 region. An additional SF3B6 subunit had no detectable effect on the U2AF2–SF3B1 binding affinities. We further showed that key residues at the U2AF2 UHM–SF3B1 ULM interface contribute to coimmunoprecipitation of the splicing factors. Moreover, disrupting the U2AF2–SF3B1 interface changed splicing of representative human transcripts. From analysis of genome-wide data, we found that many of the splice sites coregulated by U2AF2 and SF3B1 differ from those coregulated by U2AF2 and SF1. Taken together, these findings support distinct structural and functional roles for the U2AF2—SF1 and U2AF2—SF3B1 complexes during the pre-mRNA splicing process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin W Galardi
- Center for RNA Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Victoria N Bela
- Center for RNA Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Nazish Jeffery
- Center for RNA Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Xueyang He
- Center for RNA Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Eliezra Glasser
- Center for RNA Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Sarah Loerch
- Center for RNA Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Jermaine L Jenkins
- Center for RNA Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Mary J Pulvino
- Center for RNA Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Paul L Boutz
- Center for RNA Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Clara L Kielkopf
- Center for RNA Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
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17
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Stanley RF, Abdel-Wahab O. Dysregulation and therapeutic targeting of RNA splicing in cancer. NATURE CANCER 2022; 3:536-546. [PMID: 35624337 PMCID: PMC9551392 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-022-00384-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
High-throughput sequencing and functional characterization of the cancer transcriptome have uncovered cancer-specific dysregulation of RNA splicing across a variety of cancers. Alterations in the cancer genome and dysregulation of RNA splicing factors lead to missplicing, splicing alteration-dependent gene expression and, in some cases, generation of novel splicing-derived proteins. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of aberrant splicing in cancer pathogenesis and present strategies to harness cancer-specific aberrant splicing for therapeutic intent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert F Stanley
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program and Leukemia Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Omar Abdel-Wahab
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program and Leukemia Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
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18
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Reprogramming RNA processing: an emerging therapeutic landscape. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2022; 43:437-454. [PMID: 35331569 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2022.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The production of a mature mRNA requires coordination of multiple processing steps, which ultimately control its content, localization, and stability. These steps include some of the largest macromolecular machines in the cell, which were, until recently, considered undruggable due to their biological complexity. Building from an expanded understanding of the underlying mechanisms that drive these processes, a new wave of therapeutics is seeking to target RNA processing. With a focus on impacting gene regulation at the RNA level, such modalities offer potential for sequence-specific resolution in drug design. Here, we review our current understanding of RNA-processing events and their role in gene regulation, with a focus on the therapeutic opportunities that have emerged within this landscape.
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19
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Biancon G, Joshi P, Zimmer JT, Hunck T, Gao Y, Lessard MD, Courchaine E, Barentine AES, Machyna M, Botti V, Qin A, Gbyli R, Patel A, Song Y, Kiefer L, Viero G, Neuenkirchen N, Lin H, Bewersdorf J, Simon MD, Neugebauer KM, Tebaldi T, Halene S. Precision analysis of mutant U2AF1 activity reveals deployment of stress granules in myeloid malignancies. Mol Cell 2022; 82:1107-1122.e7. [PMID: 35303483 PMCID: PMC8988922 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2022.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Splicing factor mutations are common among cancers, recently emerging as drivers of myeloid malignancies. U2AF1 carries hotspot mutations in its RNA-binding motifs; however, how they affect splicing and promote cancer remain unclear. The U2AF1/U2AF2 heterodimer is critical for 3' splice site (3'SS) definition. To specifically unmask changes in U2AF1 function in vivo, we developed a crosslinking and immunoprecipitation procedure that detects contacts between U2AF1 and the 3'SS AG at single-nucleotide resolution. Our data reveal that the U2AF1 S34F and Q157R mutants establish new 3'SS contacts at -3 and +1 nucleotides, respectively. These effects compromise U2AF2-RNA interactions, resulting predominantly in intron retention and exon exclusion. Integrating RNA binding, splicing, and turnover data, we predicted that U2AF1 mutations directly affect stress granule components, which was corroborated by single-cell RNA-seq. Remarkably, U2AF1-mutant cell lines and patient-derived MDS/AML blasts displayed a heightened stress granule response, pointing to a novel role for biomolecular condensates in adaptive oncogenic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Biancon
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale Comprehensive Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Poorval Joshi
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale Comprehensive Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Joshua T Zimmer
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Institute for Biomolecular Design and Discovery, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Torben Hunck
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale Comprehensive Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yimeng Gao
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale Comprehensive Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Mark D Lessard
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Edward Courchaine
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Andrew E S Barentine
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Martin Machyna
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Valentina Botti
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ashley Qin
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale Comprehensive Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Rana Gbyli
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale Comprehensive Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Amisha Patel
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale Comprehensive Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yuanbin Song
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale Comprehensive Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Hematologic Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lea Kiefer
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Nils Neuenkirchen
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Haifan Lin
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Yale Center for RNA Science and Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Joerg Bewersdorf
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Matthew D Simon
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Yale Center for RNA Science and Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Institute for Biomolecular Design and Discovery, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Karla M Neugebauer
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Yale Center for RNA Science and Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Toma Tebaldi
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale Comprehensive Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy.
| | - Stephanie Halene
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale Comprehensive Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Yale Center for RNA Science and Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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20
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Promoting spliceosome assembly for therapeutic intent. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2021; 42:981-983. [PMID: 34602305 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2021.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
RNA splicing, the process by which precursor mRNA (pre-mRNA) is processed to mature mRNA, is catalyzed by the spliceosome. Recently, Chatrikhi et al. identified pharmacologic means to perturb splicing by enhancing the spliceosome's binding to pre-mRNA. This represents a novel chemical target and mechanism for therapeutic modulation of splicing.
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21
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Kobayashi A, Clément MJ, Craveur P, El Hage K, Salone JDM, Bollot G, Pastré D, Maucuer A. Identification of a small molecule splicing inhibitor targeting UHM domains. FEBS J 2021; 289:682-698. [PMID: 34520118 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Splicing factor mutations are frequent in myeloid neoplasms, blood cancers, and solid tumors. Cancer cells harboring these mutations present a particular vulnerability to drugs that target splicing factors such as SF3b155 or CAPERα. Still, the arsenal of chemical probes that target the spliceosome is very limited. U2AF homology motifs (UHMs) are common protein interaction domains among splicing factors. They present a hydrophobic pocket ideally suited to anchor small molecules with the aim to inhibit protein-protein interaction. Here, we combined a virtual screening of a small molecules database and an in vitro competition assay and identified a small molecule, we named UHMCP1 that prevents the SF3b155/U2AF65 interaction. NMR analyses and molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the binding of this molecule in the hydrophobic pocket of the U2AF65 UHM domain. We further provide evidence that UHMCP1 impacts RNA splicing and cell viability and is therefore an interesting novel compound targeting an UHM domain with potential anticancer properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asaki Kobayashi
- SABNP, Univ Evry, INSERM U1204, Université Paris-Saclay, Evry, France.,SYNSIGHT, Genopole Entreprises, Evry, France
| | | | | | - Krystel El Hage
- SABNP, Univ Evry, INSERM U1204, Université Paris-Saclay, Evry, France
| | | | | | - David Pastré
- SABNP, Univ Evry, INSERM U1204, Université Paris-Saclay, Evry, France
| | - Alexandre Maucuer
- SABNP, Univ Evry, INSERM U1204, Université Paris-Saclay, Evry, France
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22
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Abstract
In this issue of Cell Chemical Biology, Chatrikhi et al. (2021) identify a small molecule that enhances U2AF2 association with RNA to block pre-mRNA splicing during early stages of spliceosome assembly. This provides a mechanism of splicing inhibition and a molecular tool for elucidating intron recognition and spliceosome assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sierra L Love
- Department of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Graduate Training Program in Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Aaron A Hoskins
- Graduate Training Program in Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
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