1
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Gu K, Mok L, Wakefield MJ, Chong MMW. Non-canonical RNA substrates of Drosha lack many of the conserved features found in primary microRNA stem-loops. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6713. [PMID: 38509178 PMCID: PMC10954719 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57330-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The RNase III enzyme Drosha has a central role in microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis, where it is required to release the stem-loop intermediate from primary (pri)-miRNA transcripts. However, it can also cleave stem-loops embedded within messenger (m)RNAs. This destabilizes the mRNA causing target gene repression and appears to occur primarily in stem cells. While pri-miRNA stem-loops have been extensively studied, such non-canonical substrates of Drosha have yet to be characterized in detail. In this study, we employed high-throughput sequencing to capture all polyA-tailed RNAs that are cleaved by Drosha in mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and compared the features of non-canonical versus miRNA stem-loop substrates. mRNA substrates are less efficiently processed than miRNA stem-loops. Sequence and structural analyses revealed that these mRNA substrates are also less stable and more likely to fold into alternative structures than miRNA stem-loops. Moreover, they lack the sequence and structural motifs found in miRNA stem-loops that are required for precise cleavage. Notably, we discovered a non-canonical Drosha substrate that is cleaved in an inverse manner, which is a process that is normally inhibited by features in miRNA stem-loops. Our study thus provides valuable insights into the recognition of non-canonical targets by Drosha.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Gu
- St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia
- Department of Medicine (St Vincent's), University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia
| | - Lawrence Mok
- St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia
| | - Matthew J Wakefield
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Mark M W Chong
- St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia.
- Department of Medicine (St Vincent's), University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia.
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2
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Bauer AN, Majumdar N, Williams F, Rajput S, Pokhrel LR, Cook PP, Akula SM. MicroRNAs: Small but Key Players in Viral Infections and Immune Responses to Viral Pathogens. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1334. [PMID: 37887044 PMCID: PMC10604607 DOI: 10.3390/biology12101334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Since the discovery of microRNAs (miRNAs) in C. elegans in 1993, the field of miRNA research has grown steeply. These single-stranded non-coding RNA molecules canonically work at the post-transcriptional phase to regulate protein expression. miRNAs are known to regulate viral infection and the ensuing host immune response. Evolving research suggests miRNAs are assets in the discovery and investigation of therapeutics and diagnostics. In this review, we succinctly summarize the latest findings in (i) mechanisms underpinning miRNA regulation of viral infection, (ii) miRNA regulation of host immune response to viral pathogens, (iii) miRNA-based diagnostics and therapeutics targeting viral pathogens and challenges, and (iv) miRNA patents and the market landscape. Our findings show the differential expression of miRNA may serve as a prognostic biomarker for viral infections in regard to predicting the severity or adverse health effects associated with viral diseases. While there is huge market potential for miRNA technology, the novel approach of using miRNA mimics to enhance antiviral activity or antagonists to inhibit pro-viral miRNAs has been an ongoing research endeavor. Significant hurdles remain in terms of miRNA delivery, stability, efficacy, safety/tolerability, and specificity. Addressing these challenges may pave a path for harnessing the full potential of miRNAs in modern medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anais N. Bauer
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA; (A.N.B.); (N.M.); (F.W.)
| | - Niska Majumdar
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA; (A.N.B.); (N.M.); (F.W.)
| | - Frank Williams
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA; (A.N.B.); (N.M.); (F.W.)
| | - Smit Rajput
- Department of Internal Medicine, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA;
| | - Lok R. Pokhrel
- Department of Public Health, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA;
| | - Paul P. Cook
- Department of Internal Medicine, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA;
| | - Shaw M. Akula
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA; (A.N.B.); (N.M.); (F.W.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA;
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3
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Yuan L, Jiang X, Gong Q, Gao N. Arsenic resistance protein 2 and microRNA biogenesis: Biological implications in cancer development. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 244:108386. [PMID: 36933704 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108386] [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: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic resistance protein 2 (Ars2) is a nuclear protein that plays a critical role in the regulation of microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis. Ars2 is required for cell proliferation and for the early stages of mammalian development through a possible effect on miRNA processing. Increasing evidence reveal that Ars2 is highly expressed in proliferating cancer cells, suggesting that Ars2 may be a potential therapeutic target for cancer. Therefore, development of the novel Ars2 inhibitors could represent the novel therapeutic strategies for treatment of cancer. In this review, we briefly discuss the mechanisms by which Ars2 regulates miRNA biogenesis and its impact on cell proliferation and cancer development. Particularly, we mainly discuss the role of Ars2 in the regulation of cancer development and highlight pharmacological targeting of Ars2 as a promising cancer therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education, Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563006, China
| | - Xiuxing Jiang
- College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University, 30 Gaotanyan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Qihai Gong
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education, Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563006, China.
| | - Ning Gao
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education, Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563006, China.
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4
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Blatnik MC, Gallagher TL, Amacher SL. Keeping development on time: Insights into post-transcriptional mechanisms driving oscillatory gene expression during vertebrate segmentation. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2023; 14:e1751. [PMID: 35851751 PMCID: PMC9840655 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Biological time keeping, or the duration and tempo at which biological processes occur, is a phenomenon that drives dynamic molecular and morphological changes that manifest throughout many facets of life. In some cases, the molecular mechanisms regulating the timing of biological transitions are driven by genetic oscillations, or periodic increases and decreases in expression of genes described collectively as a "molecular clock." In vertebrate animals, molecular clocks play a crucial role in fundamental patterning and cell differentiation processes throughout development. For example, during early vertebrate embryogenesis, the segmentation clock regulates the patterning of the embryonic mesoderm into segmented blocks of tissue called somites, which later give rise to axial skeletal muscle and vertebrae. Segmentation clock oscillations are characterized by rapid cycles of mRNA and protein expression. For segmentation clock oscillations to persist, the transcript and protein molecules of clock genes must be short-lived. Faithful, rhythmic, genetic oscillations are sustained by precise regulation at many levels, including post-transcriptional regulation, and such mechanisms are essential for proper vertebrate development. This article is categorized under: RNA Export and Localization > RNA Localization RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Regulation of RNA Stability Translation > Regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica C. Blatnik
- The Ohio State University, Department of Molecular Genetics, Columbus, Ohio, 43210-1132, United States
| | - Thomas L. Gallagher
- The Ohio State University, Department of Molecular Genetics, Columbus, Ohio, 43210-1132, United States
| | - Sharon L. Amacher
- The Ohio State University, Department of Molecular Genetics, Columbus, Ohio, 43210-1132, United States
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5
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Azimi Sanavi M, Mahdavian F, Dorosti N, Karami N, Karami S, Khatami SH, Vakili O, Taheri-Anganeh M, Karima S, Movahedpour A. A review of highly sensitive electrochemical genosensors for microRNA detection: A novel diagnostic platform for neurodegenerative diseases diagnostics. Biotechnol Appl Biochem 2022. [PMID: 36445196 DOI: 10.1002/bab.2419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The significant role of microRNAs in regulating gene expression and in disease tracking has handed the possibility of robust and accurate diagnosis of various diseases. Measurement of these biomarkers has also had a significant impact on the preparation of natural samples. Discovery of miRNAs is a major challenge due to their small size in the real sample and their short length, which is generally measured by complex and expensive methods. Electrochemical nanobiosensors have made significant progress in this field. Due to the delicate nature of nerve tissue repair and the significance of rapid-fire feature of neurodegenerative conditions, these biosensors can be reliably promising. This review presents advances in the field of neurodegenerative diseases diagnostics. At the same time, there are still numerous openings in this field that are a bright prospect for researchers in the rapid-fire opinion of neurological diseases and indeed nerve tissue repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrnoosh Azimi Sanavi
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, Molecular and Cell Biology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Mahdavian
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Nafiseh Dorosti
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Neda Karami
- TU Wien, Institute of Solid State Electronics, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sajedeh Karami
- Department of Chemistry, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Seyyed Hossein Khatami
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Omid Vakili
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mortaza Taheri-Anganeh
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Saeed Karima
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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6
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Shared and Divergent Epigenetic Mechanisms in Cachexia and Sarcopenia. Cells 2022; 11:cells11152293. [PMID: 35892590 PMCID: PMC9332174 DOI: 10.3390/cells11152293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Significant loss of muscle mass may occur in cachexia and sarcopenia, which are major causes of mortality and disability. Cachexia represents a complex multi-organ syndrome associated with cancer and chronic diseases. It is often characterized by body weight loss, inflammation, and muscle and adipose wasting. Progressive muscle loss is also a hallmark of healthy aging, which is emerging worldwide as a main demographic trend. A great challenge for the health care systems is the age-related decline in functionality which threatens the independence and quality of life of elderly people. This biological decline can also be associated with functional muscle loss, known as sarcopenia. Previous studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) play pivotal roles in the development and progression of muscle wasting in both cachexia and sarcopenia. These small non-coding RNAs, often carried in extracellular vesicles, inhibit translation by targeting messenger RNAs, therefore representing potent epigenetic modulators. The molecular mechanisms behind cachexia and sarcopenia, including the expression of specific miRNAs, share common and distinctive trends. The aim of the present review is to compile recent evidence about shared and divergent epigenetic mechanisms, particularly focusing on miRNAs, between cachexia and sarcopenia to understand a facet in the underlying muscle wasting associated with these morbidities and disclose potential therapeutic interventions.
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7
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Huang CH, Schuring J, Skinner JP, Mok L, Chong MMW. MYL9 deficiency is neonatal lethal in mice due to abnormalities in the lung and the muscularis propria of the bladder and intestine. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270820. [PMID: 35802750 PMCID: PMC9269942 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Class II myosin complexes are responsible for muscle contraction as well as other non-sarcomeric contractile functions in cells. Myosin heavy chain molecules form the core of these structures, while light chain molecules regulate their stability and function. MYL9 is a light chain isoform that is thought to regulate non-sarcomeric myosin. However, whether this in only in specific cell types or in all cells remains unclear. To address this, we generated MYL9 deficient mice. These mice die soon after birth with abnormalities in multiple organs. All mice exhibited a distended bladder, shortening of the small intestine and alveolar overdistension in the lung. The Myl9 allele in these mice included a LacZ reporter knockin that allowed for mapping of Myl9 gene expression. Using this reporter, we show that MYL9 expression is restricted to the muscularis propria of the small intestine and bladder, as well as in the smooth muscle layer of the bronchi in the lung and major bladder vessels in all organs. This suggests that MYL9 is important for the function of smooth muscle cells in these organs. Smooth muscle dysfunction is therefore likely to be the cause of the abnormalities observed in the intestine, bladder and lung of MYL9 deficient mice and the resulting neonatal lethality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chu-Han Huang
- St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medicine (St Vincent’s), University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Joyce Schuring
- St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
- HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Lawrence Mok
- St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medicine (St Vincent’s), University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Mark M. W. Chong
- St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medicine (St Vincent’s), University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
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8
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Gu K, Walpole C, Gooneratne S, Liu X, Haigh OL, Radford KJ, Chong MMW. DROSHA but not DICER is required for human haematopoietic stem cell function. Clin Transl Immunology 2022; 11:e1361. [PMID: 35106155 PMCID: PMC8784585 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Karen Gu
- St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research Fitzroy VIC 3065 Australia
- Department of Medicine (St Vincent’s) University of Melbourne Fitzroy VIC 3065 Australia
| | - Carina Walpole
- Mater Research Institute Translational Research Institute The University of Queensland Woolloongabba QLD 4102 Australia
| | | | - Xin Liu
- St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research Fitzroy VIC 3065 Australia
| | - Oscar L Haigh
- Mater Research Institute Translational Research Institute The University of Queensland Woolloongabba QLD 4102 Australia
| | - Kristen J Radford
- Mater Research Institute Translational Research Institute The University of Queensland Woolloongabba QLD 4102 Australia
| | - Mark MW Chong
- St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research Fitzroy VIC 3065 Australia
- Department of Medicine (St Vincent’s) University of Melbourne Fitzroy VIC 3065 Australia
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9
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Piombo E, Dubey M. Computational Analysis of HTS Data and Its Application in Plant Pathology. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2536:275-307. [PMID: 35819611 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2517-0_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
High-throughput sequencing is a basic tool of biological research, and it is extensively used in plant pathology projects. Here, we describe how to handle data coming from a variety of sequencing experiments, focusing on the analysis of Illumina reads. We describe how to perform genome assembly and annotation with DNA reads, correctly analyze RNA-seq data to discover differentially expressed genes, handle amplicon sequencing data from microbial communities, and utilize small RNA sequencing data to predict miRNA sequences and their putative targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Piombo
- Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology, Uppsala Biocenter, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Mukesh Dubey
- Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology, Uppsala Biocenter, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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10
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Yedigaryan L, Sampaolesi M. Therapeutic Implications of miRNAs for Muscle-Wasting Conditions. Cells 2021; 10:cells10113035. [PMID: 34831256 PMCID: PMC8616481 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules that are mainly involved in translational repression by binding to specific messenger RNAs. Recently, miRNAs have emerged as biomarkers, relevant for a multitude of pathophysiological conditions, and cells can selectively sort miRNAs into extracellular vesicles for paracrine and endocrine effects. In the overall context of muscle-wasting conditions, a multitude of miRNAs has been implied as being responsible for the typical dysregulation of anabolic and catabolic pathways. In general, chronic muscle disorders are associated with the main characteristic of a substantial loss in muscle mass. Muscular dystrophies (MDs) are a group of genetic diseases that cause muscle weakness and degeneration. Typically, MDs are caused by mutations in those genes responsible for upholding the integrity of muscle structure and function. Recently, the dysregulation of miRNA levels in such pathological conditions has been reported. This revelation is imperative for both MDs and other muscle-wasting conditions, such as sarcopenia and cancer cachexia. The expression levels of miRNAs have immense potential for use as potential diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic biomarkers. Understanding the role of miRNAs in muscle-wasting conditions may lead to the development of novel strategies for the improvement of patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Yedigaryan
- Translational Cardiomyology Laboratory, Stem Cell Biology and Embryology, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Maurilio Sampaolesi
- Translational Cardiomyology Laboratory, Stem Cell Biology and Embryology, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
- Histology and Medical Embryology Unit, Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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11
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Zivarpour P, Asemi Z, Jamilian H, Hallajzadeh J. PiRNAs and PIWI proteins as new biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment of liver cancer. GENE REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2021.101103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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12
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Pillai A, Gungi A, Reddy PC, Galande S. Epigenetic Regulation in Hydra: Conserved and Divergent Roles. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:663208. [PMID: 34041242 PMCID: PMC8141815 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.663208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Transitions in gene regulatory processes responsible for the emergence of specialized cell types and spatiotemporal regulation of developmental signaling prior to the divergence of Cnidaria and Bilateria are poorly understood. As a sister group of Bilateria, the phylum Cnidaria can provide significant insights into these processes. Among the cnidarians, hydrae have been studied for >250 years to comprehend the mechanisms underlying their unique immortality and robust regenerative capacity. Studies on Hydra spp. and other pre-bilaterians alike have advanced our understanding of the evolutionary underpinnings governing eumetazoan tissue development, homeostasis, and regeneration. In addition to its regenerative potential, Hydra exhibits continuously active axial patterning due to its peculiar tissue dynamics. These distinctive physiological processes necessitate large scale gene expression changes that are governed by the multitude of epigenetic mechanisms operating in cells. This review highlights the contemporary knowledge of epigenetic regulation in Hydra with contemporary studies from other members of Cnidaria, as well as the interplay between regulatory mechanisms wherever demonstrated. The studies covered in the scope of this review reveal both ancestral and divergent roles played by conserved epigenetic mechanisms with emphasis on transcriptional regulation. Additionally, single-cell transcriptomics data was mined to predict the physiological relevance of putative gene regulatory components, which is in agreement with published findings and yielded insights into the possible functions of the gene regulatory mechanisms that are yet to be deciphered in Hydra, such as DNA methylation. Finally, we delineate potentially rewarding epigenetics research avenues that can further leverage the unique biology of Hydra.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Puli Chandramouli Reddy
- Centre of Excellence in Epigenetics, Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune, India
| | - Sanjeev Galande
- Centre of Excellence in Epigenetics, Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune, India
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13
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Yu Y, Xiao J, Hann SS. The emerging roles of PIWI-interacting RNA in human cancers. Cancer Manag Res 2019; 11:5895-5909. [PMID: 31303794 PMCID: PMC6612017 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s209300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are a type of non-coding RNAs that interact with PIWI proteins, which are members of the argonaute family. Originally described in the germline, piRNAs are also expressed in human somatic cells in a tissue-specific manner. piRNAs are involved in spermatogenesis, germ stem-cell maintenance, silencing of transposon, epigenetic and genomic regulation and rearrangement. A large number of studies have demonstrated that expression of piRNAs is involved in many kinds of disease, including cancer. Abnormal expression of piRNAs is emerging as a critical player in cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and migration in vitro and in vivo. Functionally, piRNAs maintain genomic integrity by repressing the mobilization of transposable elements, and regulate the expression of downstream target genes via transcriptional or post-transcriptional mechanisms. Furthermore, altered expression of piRNAs in cancer is linked to clinical outcome, highlighting the important role that they may play as novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, and as therapeutic targets for cancer therapy. In this review, we focus on the biogenesis and the functional roles of piRNAs in cancers, discuss emerging insights into the roles of piRNAs in the occurrence, progression, and treatment of cancers, reveal various mechanisms underlying piRNAs-mediated gene regulation, and highlight their potential clinical utilities as biomarkers as well as potential targets for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaya Yu
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine , Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Xiao
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Swei Sunny Hann
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine , Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510120, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510120, People's Republic of China
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