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Zheng X, Shen J, Jiang H, Tian M, Wang Q, Guo K, Chen R, Xia Q, Yan Q, Du L, Duan S. Exploring the multifaceted role of GCN1: Implications in cellular responses and disease pathogenesis. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116681. [PMID: 38705128 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116681] [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: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
GCN1 is a highly conserved protein present widely across eukaryotes. As an upstream activator of protein kinase GCN2, GCN1 plays a pivotal role in integrated stress responses, such as amino acid starvation and oxidative stress. Through interaction with GCN2, GCN1 facilitates the activation of GCN2, thus initiating downstream signaling cascades in response to cellular stressors. In these contexts, the activation of GCN2 necessitates the presence and action of GCN1. Notably, GCN1 also operates as a ribosome collision sensor, contributing significantly to the translation quality control pathway. These discoveries offer valuable insights into cellular responses to internal stresses, vital for maintaining cellular homeostasis. Additionally, GCN1 exhibits the ability to regulate the cell cycle and suppress inflammation, among other processes, independently of GCN2. Our review outlines the structural characteristics and biological functions of GCN1, shedding light on its significant involvement in the onset and progression of various cancer and non-cancer diseases. Our work underscores the role of GCN1 in the context of drug therapeutic effects, hinting at its potential as a promising drug target. Furthermore, our work delves deep into the functional mechanisms of GCN1, promising innovative avenues for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases in the future. The exploration of GCN1's multifaceted roles not only enhances our understanding of its mechanisms but also paves the way for novel therapeutic interventions. The ongoing quest to unveil additional functions of GCN1 holds the promise of further enriching our comprehension of its mode of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinying Zheng
- College of Pharmacy, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China; Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310015, China
| | - Jinze Shen
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310015, China
| | - Hongting Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310015, China
| | - Mei Tian
- College of Pharmacy, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China; Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310015, China; Geriatric Medicine Center, Department of Endocrinology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China
| | - Qurui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310015, China
| | - Kailin Guo
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310015, China
| | - Ruixiu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310015, China
| | - Qing Xia
- College of Pharmacy, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China; Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310015, China
| | - Qibin Yan
- College of Pharmacy, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China; Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310015, China
| | - Lihua Du
- College of Pharmacy, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China
| | - Shiwei Duan
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310015, China.
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Tatara Y, Kasai S, Kokubu D, Tsujita T, Mimura J, Itoh K. Emerging Role of GCN1 in Disease and Homeostasis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2998. [PMID: 38474243 PMCID: PMC10931611 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
GCN1 is recognized as a factor that is essential for the activation of GCN2, which is a sensor of amino acid starvation. This function is evolutionarily conserved from yeast to higher eukaryotes. However, recent studies have revealed non-canonical functions of GCN1 that are independent of GCN2, such as its participation in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and the immune response, beyond the borders of species. Although it is known that GCN1 and GCN2 interact with ribosomes to accomplish amino acid starvation sensing, recent studies have reported that GCN1 binds to disomes (i.e., ribosomes that collide each other), thereby regulating both the co-translational quality control and stress response. We propose that GCN1 regulates ribosome-mediated signaling by dynamically changing its partners among RWD domain-possessing proteins via unknown mechanisms. We recently demonstrated that GCN1 is essential for cell proliferation and whole-body energy regulation in mice. However, the manner in which ribosome-initiated signaling via GCN1 is related to various physiological functions warrants clarification. GCN1-mediated mechanisms and its interaction with other quality control and stress response signals should be important for proteostasis during aging and neurodegenerative diseases, and may be targeted for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yota Tatara
- Department of Stress Response Science, Biomedical Research Center, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki 036-8562, Aomori, Japan
| | - Shuya Kasai
- Department of Stress Response Science, Biomedical Research Center, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki 036-8562, Aomori, Japan
| | - Daichi Kokubu
- Diet and Well-Being Research Institute, KAGOME, Co., Ltd., 17 Nishitomiyama, Nasushiobara 329-2762, Tochigi, Japan
- Department of Vegetable Life Science, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki 036-8562, Aomori, Japan
| | - Tadayuki Tsujita
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Applied Biochemistry and Food Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Saga University, 1 Honjo-machi, Saga City 840-8502, Saga, Japan;
| | - Junsei Mimura
- Department of Stress Response Science, Biomedical Research Center, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki 036-8562, Aomori, Japan
| | - Ken Itoh
- Department of Stress Response Science, Biomedical Research Center, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki 036-8562, Aomori, Japan
- Department of Vegetable Life Science, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki 036-8562, Aomori, Japan
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Amiri M, Kiniry SJ, Possemato AP, Mahmood N, Basiri T, Dufour CR, Tabatabaei N, Deng Q, Bellucci MA, Harwalkar K, Stokes MP, Giguère V, Kaufman RJ, Yamanaka Y, Baranov PV, Tahmasebi S, Sonenberg N. Impact of eIF2α phosphorylation on the translational landscape of mouse embryonic stem cells. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113615. [PMID: 38159280 PMCID: PMC10962698 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The integrated stress response (ISR) is critical for cell survival under stress. In response to diverse environmental cues, eIF2α becomes phosphorylated, engendering a dramatic change in mRNA translation. The activation of ISR plays a pivotal role in the early embryogenesis, but the eIF2-dependent translational landscape in pluripotent embryonic stem cells (ESCs) is largely unexplored. We employ a multi-omics approach consisting of ribosome profiling, proteomics, and metabolomics in wild-type (eIF2α+/+) and phosphorylation-deficient mutant eIF2α (eIF2αA/A) mouse ESCs (mESCs) to investigate phosphorylated (p)-eIF2α-dependent translational control of naive pluripotency. We show a transient increase in p-eIF2α in the naive epiblast layer of E4.5 embryos. Absence of eIF2α phosphorylation engenders an exit from naive pluripotency following 2i (two chemical inhibitors of MEK1/2 and GSK3α/β) withdrawal. p-eIF2α controls translation of mRNAs encoding proteins that govern pluripotency, chromatin organization, and glutathione synthesis. Thus, p-eIF2α acts as a key regulator of the naive pluripotency gene regulatory network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Amiri
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada; Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Stephen J Kiniry
- School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University College Cork, T12 XF62 Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Niaz Mahmood
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada; Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Tayebeh Basiri
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada; Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Catherine R Dufour
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Negar Tabatabaei
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Qiyun Deng
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada; Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Michael A Bellucci
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada; Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Keerthana Harwalkar
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada; Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0C7, Canada
| | - Matthew P Stokes
- Cell Signaling Technology, Inc., 3 Trask Lane, Danvers, MA 01923, USA
| | - Vincent Giguère
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada; Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Randal J Kaufman
- Degenerative Diseases Program, Center for Genetic Disorders and Aging Research, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Yojiro Yamanaka
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada; Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0C7, Canada
| | - Pavel V Baranov
- School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University College Cork, T12 XF62 Cork, Ireland
| | - Soroush Tahmasebi
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
| | - Nahum Sonenberg
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada; Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada.
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Barrington CL, Galindo G, Koch AL, Horton ER, Morrison EJ, Tisa S, Stasevich TJ, Rissland OS. Synonymous codon usage regulates translation initiation. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113413. [PMID: 38096059 PMCID: PMC10790568 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113413] [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: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonoptimal synonymous codons repress gene expression, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. We and others have previously shown that nonoptimal codons slow translation elongation speeds and thereby trigger messenger RNA (mRNA) degradation. Nevertheless, transcript levels are often insufficient to explain protein levels, suggesting additional mechanisms by which codon usage regulates gene expression. Using reporters in human and Drosophila cells, we find that transcript levels account for less than half of the variation in protein abundance due to codon usage. This discrepancy is explained by translational differences whereby nonoptimal codons repress translation initiation. Nonoptimal transcripts are also less bound by the translation initiation factors eIF4E and eIF4G1, providing a mechanistic explanation for their reduced initiation rates. Importantly, translational repression can occur without mRNA decay and deadenylation, and it does not depend on the known nonoptimality sensor, CNOT3. Our results reveal a potent mechanism of regulation by codon usage where nonoptimal codons repress further rounds of translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe L Barrington
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Gabriel Galindo
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Amanda L Koch
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Emma R Horton
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Evan J Morrison
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Samantha Tisa
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Timothy J Stasevich
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Olivia S Rissland
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
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Ma J, Sun L, Gao W, Li Y, Dong D. RNA binding protein: coordinated expression between the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes in tumors. J Transl Med 2023; 21:512. [PMID: 37507746 PMCID: PMC10386658 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04373-3] [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: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are the only organelles regulated by two genomes. The coordinated translation of nuclear DNA (nDNA) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which together co-encode the subunits of the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complex, is critical for determining the metabolic plasticity of tumor cells. RNA-binding protein (RBP) is a post-transcriptional regulatory factor that plays a pivotal role in determining the fate of mRNA. RBP rapidly and effectively reshapes the mitochondrial proteome in response to intracellular and extracellular stressors, mediating the cytoplasmic and mitochondrial translation balance to adjust mitochondrial respiratory capacity and provide energy for tumor cells to adapt to different environmental pressures and growth needs. This review highlights the ability of RBPs to use liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) as a platform for translation regulation, integrating nuclear-mitochondrial positive and retrograde signals to coordinate cross-department translation, reshape mitochondrial energy metabolism, and promote the development and survival of tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaoyan Ma
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Liankun Sun
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Weinan Gao
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Delu Dong
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.
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Neill G, Masson GR. A stay of execution: ATF4 regulation and potential outcomes for the integrated stress response. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1112253. [PMID: 36825279 PMCID: PMC9941348 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1112253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
ATF4 is a cellular stress induced bZIP transcription factor that is a hallmark effector of the integrated stress response. The integrated stress response is triggered by phosphorylation of the alpha subunit of the eukaryotic initiation factor 2 complex that can be carried out by the cellular stress responsive kinases; GCN2, PERK, PKR, and HRI. eIF2α phosphorylation downregulates mRNA translation initiation en masse, however ATF4 translation is upregulated. The integrated stress response can output two contradicting outcomes in cells; pro-survival or apoptosis. The mechanism for choice between these outcomes is unknown, however combinations of ATF4 heterodimerisation partners and post-translational modifications have been linked to this regulation. This semi-systematic review article covers ATF4 target genes, heterodimerisation partners and post-translational modifications. Together, this review aims to be a useful resource to elucidate the mechanisms controlling the effects of the integrated stress response. Additional putative roles of the ATF4 protein in cell division and synaptic plasticity are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham Neill
- Division of Cellular and Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
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