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Wells GR, Pillai RS. Roles of N 6-methyladenosine writers, readers and erasers in the mammalian germline. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2024; 87:102224. [PMID: 38981182 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2024.102224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant internal modification of mRNAs in eukaryotes. Numerous studies have shown that m6A plays key roles in many biological and pathophysiological processes, including fertility. The factors involved in m6A-dependent mRNA regulation include writers, which deposit the m6A mark, erasers, which remove it, and readers, which bind to m6A-modified transcripts and mediate the regulation of mRNA fate. Many of these proteins are highly expressed in the germ cells of mammals, and some have been linked to fertility disorders in human patients. In this review, we summarise recent findings on the important roles played by proteins involved in m6A biology in mammalian gametogenesis and fertility. Continued study of the m6A pathway in the mammalian germline will shed further light on the importance of epitranscriptomics in reproduction and may lead to effective treatment of human fertility disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graeme R Wells
- Department of Molecular Biology, Science III, University of Geneva, 30 Quai Ernest-Ansermet, CH-1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland.
| | - Ramesh S Pillai
- Department of Molecular Biology, Science III, University of Geneva, 30 Quai Ernest-Ansermet, CH-1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
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2
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Xu GE, Yu P, Hu Y, Wan W, Shen K, Cui X, Wang J, Wang T, Cui C, Chatterjee E, Li G, Cretoiu D, Sluijter JPG, Xu J, Wang L, Xiao J. Exercise training decreases lactylation and prevents myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury by inhibiting YTHDF2. Basic Res Cardiol 2024; 119:651-671. [PMID: 38563985 DOI: 10.1007/s00395-024-01044-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Exercise improves cardiac function and metabolism. Although long-term exercise leads to circulating and micro-environmental metabolic changes, the effect of exercise on protein post-translational lactylation modifications as well as its functional relevance is unclear. Here, we report that lactate can regulate cardiomyocyte changes by improving protein lactylation levels and elevating intracellular N6-methyladenosine RNA-binding protein YTHDF2. The intrinsic disorder region of YTHDF2 but not the RNA m6A-binding activity is indispensable for its regulatory function in influencing cardiomyocyte cell size changes and oxygen glucose deprivation/re-oxygenation (OGD/R)-stimulated apoptosis via upregulating Ras GTPase-activating protein-binding protein 1 (G3BP1). Downregulation of YTHDF2 is required for exercise-induced physiological cardiac hypertrophy. Moreover, myocardial YTHDF2 inhibition alleviated ischemia/reperfusion-induced acute injury and pathological remodeling. Our results here link lactate and lactylation modifications with RNA m6A reader YTHDF2 and highlight the physiological importance of this innovative post-transcriptional intrinsic regulation mechanism of cardiomyocyte responses to exercise. Decreasing lactylation or inhibiting YTHDF2/G3BP1 might represent a promising therapeutic strategy for cardiac diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gui-E Xu
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University), Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong), School of Life Science, Shanghai University, Nantong, 226011, China
- Cardiac Regeneration and Ageing Lab, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Pujiao Yu
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Gongli Hospital, Shanghai, 200135, China
| | - Yuxue Hu
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University), Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong), School of Life Science, Shanghai University, Nantong, 226011, China
- Cardiac Regeneration and Ageing Lab, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Wensi Wan
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University), Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong), School of Life Science, Shanghai University, Nantong, 226011, China
- Cardiac Regeneration and Ageing Lab, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Keting Shen
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University), Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong), School of Life Science, Shanghai University, Nantong, 226011, China
- Cardiac Regeneration and Ageing Lab, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Xinxin Cui
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University), Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong), School of Life Science, Shanghai University, Nantong, 226011, China
- Cardiac Regeneration and Ageing Lab, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Jiaqi Wang
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University), Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong), School of Life Science, Shanghai University, Nantong, 226011, China
- Cardiac Regeneration and Ageing Lab, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Tianhui Wang
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University), Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong), School of Life Science, Shanghai University, Nantong, 226011, China
- Cardiac Regeneration and Ageing Lab, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Caiyue Cui
- Cardiac Regeneration and Ageing Lab, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Emeli Chatterjee
- Cardiovascular Division of the Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Guoping Li
- Cardiovascular Division of the Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Dragos Cretoiu
- Department of Medical Genetics, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020031, Bucharest, Romania
- Materno-Fetal Assistance Excellence Unit, Alessandrescu-Rusescu National Institute for Mother and Child Health, 011062, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Joost P G Sluijter
- Department of Cardiology, Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3508GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- UMC Utrecht Regenerative Medicine Center, Circulatory Health Research Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3508GA, The Netherlands
| | - Jiahong Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Gongli Hospital, Shanghai, 200135, China.
| | - Lijun Wang
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University), Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong), School of Life Science, Shanghai University, Nantong, 226011, China.
- Cardiac Regeneration and Ageing Lab, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China.
| | - Junjie Xiao
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University), Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong), School of Life Science, Shanghai University, Nantong, 226011, China.
- Cardiac Regeneration and Ageing Lab, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China.
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3
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Fernandez Rodriguez G, Tarullo M, Fatica A. N 6-methyladenosine (m 6A) RNA modification in chronic myeloid leukemia: unveiling a novel therapeutic target. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:326. [PMID: 39085650 PMCID: PMC11335252 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05379-w] [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: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most prevalent internal mRNA modification, plays a critical role in physiological processes by regulating gene expression through modulation of mRNA metabolism at multiple stages. In recent years, m6A has garnered significant attention for a deeper understanding of the initiation, progression, and drug resistance of various cancers, including hematological malignancies. Dysregulation of m6A has been implicated in both cancer promotion and suppression. m6A methylation is a complex regulatory process involving methyltransferases (writers), demethylases (erasers), and proteins that recognize specific m6A modifications (readers). This intricate interplay presents challenges for precisely modulating m6A levels, either globally or at specific sites. This review specifically focuses on the role of m6A in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), a blood cancer characterized by the BCR-ABL1 fusion. We emphasize its impact on leukemia cell survival and drug resistance mechanisms. Notably, inhibitors targeting m6A regulators show promise in preclinical models, suggesting a potential therapeutic avenue for CML. Integrating our understanding of m6A biology with current treatment strategies may lead to more effective therapies, especially for patients with advanced-stage or resistant CML.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Adenosine/analogs & derivatives
- Adenosine/metabolism
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/genetics
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/metabolism
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/pathology
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics
- Animals
- Methyltransferases/metabolism
- Methyltransferases/antagonists & inhibitors
- Methyltransferases/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Methylation
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco Tarullo
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Fatica
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy.
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4
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Bailey AS, Fuller MT. YTHDC2 serves a distinct late role in spermatocytes during germ cell differentiation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.01.23.525146. [PMID: 36747642 PMCID: PMC9900820 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.23.525146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression by RNA-binding proteins can enhance the speed and robustness of cell state transitions by controlling RNA stability, localization, or if, when or where mRNAs are translated. The RNA helicase YTHDC2 is required to shut down components of the mitotic program to facilitate a proper switch from mitosis to meiosis in mouse germ cells. Here we show that YTHDC2 has a second essential role in promoting meiotic progression in late spermatocytes. Inducing conditional knockout of Ythdc2 during the first wave of spermatogenesis, after initiation of meiotic prophase, allowed Ythdc2-deficient germ cells to advance to the pachytene stage and properly express many meiotic markers. However, the Ythdc2-deficient spermatocytes mis-expressed a number of genes, some up-regulated and some down-regulated, failed to transition to the diplotene stage, then quickly died. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that YTHDC2 interacts with several RNA-binding proteins in early or late spermatocytes, with many of the interacting proteins, including MEIOC, localizing to granules, similar to YTHDC2. Our findings suggest that YTHDC2 collaborates with other RNA granule components to facilitate proper progression of germ cells through multiple steps of meiosis via mechanisms influencing post-transcriptional regulation of RNAs.
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5
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Pfaltzgraff NG, Liu B, de Rooij DG, Page DC, Mikedis MM. Destabilization of mRNAs enhances competence to initiate meiosis in mouse spermatogenic cells. Development 2024; 151:dev202740. [PMID: 38884383 PMCID: PMC11273298 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202740] [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] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
The specialized cell cycle of meiosis transforms diploid germ cells into haploid gametes. In mammals, diploid spermatogenic cells acquire the competence to initiate meiosis in response to retinoic acid. Previous mouse studies revealed that MEIOC interacts with RNA-binding proteins YTHDC2 and RBM46 to repress mitotic genes and to promote robust meiotic gene expression in spermatogenic cells that have initiated meiosis. Here, we have used the enhanced resolution of scRNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq of developmentally synchronized spermatogenesis to define how MEIOC molecularly supports early meiosis in spermatogenic cells. We demonstrate that MEIOC mediates transcriptomic changes before meiotic initiation, earlier than previously appreciated. MEIOC, acting with YTHDC2 and RBM46, destabilizes its mRNA targets, including the transcriptional repressors E2f6 and Mga, in mitotic spermatogonia. MEIOC thereby derepresses E2F6- and MGA-repressed genes, including Meiosin and other meiosis-associated genes. This confers on spermatogenic cells the molecular competence to, in response to retinoic acid, fully activate the transcriptional regulator STRA8-MEIOSIN, which is required for the meiotic G1/S phase transition and for meiotic gene expression. We conclude that, in mice, mRNA decay mediated by MEIOC-YTHDC2-RBM46 enhances the competence of spermatogenic cells to initiate meiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie G. Pfaltzgraff
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Bingrun Liu
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | | | - David C. Page
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Maria M. Mikedis
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
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6
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Yang Y, Lu Y, Wang Y, Wen X, Qi C, Piao W, Jin H. Current progress in strategies to profile transcriptomic m 6A modifications. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1392159. [PMID: 39055651 PMCID: PMC11269109 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1392159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Various methods have been developed so far for detecting N 6-methyladenosine (m6A). The total m6A level or the m6A status at individual positions on mRNA can be detected and quantified through some sequencing-independent biochemical methods, such as LC/MS, SCARLET, SELECT, and m6A-ELISA. However, the m6A-detection techniques relying on high-throughput sequencing have more effectively advanced the understanding about biological significance of m6A-containing mRNA and m6A pathway at a transcriptomic level over the past decade. Various SGS-based (Second Generation Sequencing-based) methods with different detection principles have been widely employed for this purpose. These principles include m6A-enrichment using antibodies, discrimination of m6A from unmodified A-base by nucleases, a fusion protein strategy relying on RNA-editing enzymes, and marking m6A with chemical/biochemical reactions. Recently, TGS-based (Third Generation Sequencing-based) methods have brought a new trend by direct m6A-detection. This review first gives a brief introduction of current knowledge about m6A biogenesis and function, and then comprehensively describes m6A-profiling strategies including their principles, procedures, and features. This will guide users to pick appropriate methods according to research goals, give insights for developing novel techniques in varying areas, and continue to expand our boundary of knowledge on m6A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuening Yang
- Laboratory of Genetics and Disorders, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Aerospace Center Hospital, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yanming Lu
- Laboratory of Genetics and Disorders, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Aerospace Center Hospital, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Laboratory of Genetics and Disorders, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Aerospace Center Hospital, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Xianghui Wen
- Laboratory of Genetics and Disorders, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Aerospace Center Hospital, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Changhai Qi
- Department of Pathology, Aerospace Center Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Weilan Piao
- Laboratory of Genetics and Disorders, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Aerospace Center Hospital, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
- Advanced Technology Research Institute, Beijing Institute of Technology, Jinan, China
| | - Hua Jin
- Laboratory of Genetics and Disorders, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Aerospace Center Hospital, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
- Advanced Technology Research Institute, Beijing Institute of Technology, Jinan, China
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7
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Shi DL. Interplay of RNA-binding proteins controls germ cell development in zebrafish. J Genet Genomics 2024:S1673-8527(24)00163-2. [PMID: 38969260 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2024.06.020] [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: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
The specification of germ cells in zebrafish mostly relies on an inherited mechanism by which localized maternal determinants, called germ plasm, confer germline fate in the early embryo. Extensive studies have partially allowed the identification of key regulators governing germ plasm formation and subsequent germ cell development. RNA-binding proteins, acting in concert with other germ plasm components, play essential roles in the organization of the germ plasm and the specification, migration, maintenance, and differentiation of primordial germ cells. The loss of their functions impairs germ cell formation and causes sterility or sexual conversion. Evidence is emerging that they instruct germline development through differential regulation of mRNA fates in somatic and germ cells. However, the challenge remains to decipher the complex interplay of maternal germ plasm components in germ plasm compartmentalization and germ cell specification. Since failure to control the developmental outcome of germ cells disrupts the formation of gametes, it is important to gain a complete picture of regulatory mechanisms operating in the germ cell lineage. This review sheds light on the contributions of RNA-binding proteins to germ cell development in zebrafish and highlights intriguing questions that remain open for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- De-Li Shi
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, CNRS-UMR7622, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS), Sorbonne University, 75005 Paris, France.
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8
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Bove G, Crepaldi M, Amin S, Megchelenbrink WL, Nebbioso A, Carafa V, Altucci L, Del Gaudio N. The m 6A-independent role of epitranscriptomic factors in cancer. Int J Cancer 2024. [PMID: 38935523 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.35067] [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: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Protein function alteration and protein mislocalization are cancer hallmarks that drive oncogenesis. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) deposition mediated by METTL3, METTL16, and METTL5 together with the contribution of additional subunits of the m6A system, has shown a dramatic impact on cancer development. However, the cellular localization of m6A proteins inside tumor cells has been little studied so far. Interestingly, recent evidence indicates that m6A methyltransferases are not always confined to the nucleus, suggesting that epitranscriptomic factors may also have multiple oncogenic roles beyond m6A that still represent an unexplored field. To date novel epigenetic drugs targeting m6A modifiers, such as METTL3 inhibitors, are entering into clinical trials, therefore, the study of the potential onco-properties of m6A effectors beyond m6A is required. Here we will provide an overview of methylation-independent functions of the m6A players in cancer, describing the molecular mechanisms involved and the future implications for therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guglielmo Bove
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Crepaldi
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Sajid Amin
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Wouter Leonard Megchelenbrink
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
- Prinses Máxima Centrum, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Angela Nebbioso
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
- Program of Medical Epigenetics, Vanvitelli Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Carafa
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
- BIOGEM, Via Camporeale, Ariano Irpino, Italy
| | - Lucia Altucci
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
- Prinses Máxima Centrum, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- BIOGEM, Via Camporeale, Ariano Irpino, Italy
- IEOS-CNR Institute for Endocrinology and Oncology "Gaetano Salvatore", Naples, Italy
| | - Nunzio Del Gaudio
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
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9
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Xu W, Shen H. m 6A regulates heterochromatin in mammalian embryonic stem cells. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2024; 86:102196. [PMID: 38669774 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2024.102196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
As the most well-studied modification in mRNA, m6A has been shown to regulate multiple biological processes, including RNA degradation, processing, and translation. Recent studies showed that m6A modification is enriched in chromatin-associated RNAs and nascent RNAs, suggesting m6A might play regulatory roles in chromatin contexts. Indeed, in the past several years, a number of studies have clarified how m6A and its modulators regulate different types of chromatin states. Specifically, in the past 2-3 years, several studies discovered the roles of m6A and/or its modulators in regulating constitutive and facultative heterochromatin, shedding interesting lights on RNA-dependent heterochromatin formation in mammalian cells. This review will summarize and discuss the mechanisms underlying m6A's regulation in different types of heterochromatin, with a specific emphasis on the regulation in mammalian embryonic stem cells, which exhibit distinct features of multiple heterochromatin marks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqi Xu
- Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Hongjie Shen
- Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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10
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Li YJ, Qiu YL, Li MR, Shen M, Zhang F, Shao JJ, Xu XF, Zhang ZL, Zheng SZ. New horizons for the role of RNA N6-methyladenosine modification in hepatocellular carcinoma. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2024; 45:1130-1141. [PMID: 38195693 PMCID: PMC11130213 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-023-01214-3] [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: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancy, presenting a formidable challenge to the medical community owing to its intricate pathogenic mechanisms. Although current prevention, surveillance, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment have achieved some success in preventing HCC and controlling overall disease mortality, the imperative to explore novel treatment modalities for HCC remains increasingly urgent. Epigenetic modification has emerged as pivotal factors in the etiology of cancer. Among these, RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification stands out as one of the most prevalent, abundant, and evolutionarily conserved post-transcriptional alterations in eukaryotes. The literature underscores that the dynamic and reversible nature of m6A modifications orchestrates the intricate regulation of gene expression, thereby exerting a profound influence on cell destinies. Increasing evidence has substantiated conspicuous fluctuations in m6A modification levels throughout the progression of HCC. The deliberate modulation of m6A modification levels through molecular biology and pharmacological interventions has been demonstrated to exert a discernible impact on the pathogenesis of HCC. In this review, we elucidate the multifaceted biological functions of m6A modifications in HCC, and concurrently advancing novel therapeutic strategies for the management of this malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Jia Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yang-Ling Qiu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Meng-Ran Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Min Shen
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Jiang-Juan Shao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xue-Fen Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Zi-Li Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Shi-Zhong Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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11
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Chen T, Zhang B, He G, Wang N, Cao M, Shen C, Chen X, Chen L, Liu K, Luo Y, huang Y, Yuan C, Zhou X, Li C. Gut-Derived Exosomes Mediate the Microbiota Dysbiosis-Induced Spermatogenesis Impairment by Targeting Meioc in Mice. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2310110. [PMID: 38526201 PMCID: PMC11165515 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202310110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Diseases like obesity and intestinal inflammation diseases are accompanied by dysbiosis of the gut microbiota (DSGM), which leads to various complications, including systemic metabolic disorders. DSGM reportedly impairs the fertility of male mice; however, the regulatory mechanism is unclear. Exosomes are molecular mediators of intercellular communication, but the regulation of spermatogenesis by non-reproductive tissue-originated exosomes remains unknown. The present study shows that DSGM altered the miRNA expression profile of mouse circulating exosomes and impaired spermatogenesis. Moreover, the single-cell sequencing results indicate that circulating exosomes from mice with DSGM impaired spermatogenesis, while circulating exosomes from wild mice improved spermatogenesis by promoting meiosis. Further study demonstrates that DSGM leads to abnormal upregulation of miR-211-5p in gut-derived circulating exosomes, which inhibited the expression of meiosis-specific with coiled-coil domain (Meioc) in the testes and impaired spermatogenesis by disturbing meiosis process. In summary, this study defines the important role of gut-derived exosomes in connecting the "gut-testis" axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Chen
- College of Animal SciencesJilin University5333 Xian RoadChangchunJilin130062China
| | - Boqi Zhang
- College of Animal SciencesJilin University5333 Xian RoadChangchunJilin130062China
| | - Guitian He
- College of Animal SciencesJilin University5333 Xian RoadChangchunJilin130062China
| | - Nan Wang
- College of Animal SciencesJilin University5333 Xian RoadChangchunJilin130062China
| | - Maosheng Cao
- College of Animal SciencesJilin University5333 Xian RoadChangchunJilin130062China
| | - Caomeihui Shen
- College of Animal SciencesJilin University5333 Xian RoadChangchunJilin130062China
| | - Xue Chen
- College of Animal SciencesJilin University5333 Xian RoadChangchunJilin130062China
| | - Lu Chen
- College of Animal SciencesJilin University5333 Xian RoadChangchunJilin130062China
| | - Kening Liu
- College of Animal SciencesJilin University5333 Xian RoadChangchunJilin130062China
| | - Yuxin Luo
- College of Animal SciencesJilin University5333 Xian RoadChangchunJilin130062China
| | - Yiqiu huang
- College of Animal SciencesJilin University5333 Xian RoadChangchunJilin130062China
| | - Chenfeng Yuan
- College of Animal SciencesJilin University5333 Xian RoadChangchunJilin130062China
| | - Xu Zhou
- College of Animal SciencesJilin University5333 Xian RoadChangchunJilin130062China
| | - Chunjin Li
- College of Animal SciencesJilin University5333 Xian RoadChangchunJilin130062China
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12
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Wu X, Chen H, Li K, Zhang H, Li K, Tan H. The biological function of the N6-Methyladenosine reader YTHDC2 and its role in diseases. J Transl Med 2024; 22:490. [PMID: 38790013 PMCID: PMC11119022 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05293-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) stands as the most prevalent modified form of RNA in eukaryotes, pivotal in various biological processes such as regulating RNA stability, translation, and transcription. All members within the YT521-B homology (YTH) gene family are categorized as m6A reading proteins, capable of identifying and binding m6A modifications on RNA, thereby regulating RNA metabolism and functioning across diverse physiological processes. YTH domain-containing 2 (YTHDC2), identified as the latest member of the YTH family, has only recently started to emerge for its biological function. Numerous studies have underscored the significance of YTHDC2 in human physiology, highlighting its involvement in both tumor progression and non-tumor diseases. Consequently, this review aims to further elucidate the pathological mechanisms of YTHDC2 by summarizing its functions and roles in tumors and other diseases, with a particular focus on its downstream molecular targets and signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Wu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Third Hospital of Changsha, Changsha, 410015, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Third Hospital of Changsha, Changsha, 410015, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Third Hospital of Changsha, Changsha, 410015, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Third Hospital of Changsha, Changsha, 410015, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xiangxi Autonomous Prefecture People's Hospital, Jishou, 410015, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Haoyu Tan
- Department of Cardio-vascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
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13
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蒋 婷, 张 学, 许 文. [The Roles of N 6-Methyladenosine Modification and Its Regulators in Male Reproduction]. SICHUAN DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF SICHUAN UNIVERSITY. MEDICAL SCIENCE EDITION 2024; 55:527-534. [PMID: 38948273 PMCID: PMC11211765 DOI: 10.12182/20240560103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Infertility affects an estimated 10 to 15 percent of couples worldwide, with approximately half of the cases attributed to male-related issues. Most men diagnosed with infertility exhibit symptoms such as oligospermia, asthenospermia, azoospermia, and compromised sperm quality. Spermatogenesis is a complex and tightly coordinated process of germ cell differentiation, precisely regulated at transcriptional, posttranscriptional, and translational levels to ensure stage-specific gene expression during the development of spermatogenic cells and normal spermiogenesis. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) stands out as the most prevalent modification on eukaryotic mRNA, playing pivotal roles in various biological processes, including mRNA splicing, transportation, and translation. RNA methylation modification is a dynamic and reversible process primarily mediated by "writers", removed by "erasers", and recognized by "readers". In mammals, the aberrant methylation modification of m6A on mRNA is associated with a variety of diseases, including male infertility. However, the precise involvement of disrupted m6A modification in the pathogenesis of human male infertility remains unresolved. Intriguingly, a significant correlation has been found between the expression levels of m6A regulators in the testis and the severity of sperm concentration, motility, and morphology. Aberrant expression patterns of m6A regulatory proteins have been detected in anomalous human semen samples, including those of oligospermia, asthenozoospermia, and azoospermia. Furthermore, the examination of both sperm samples and testicular tissues revealed abnormal mRNA m6A modification, leading to reduced sperm motility and concentration in infertile men. Consequently, it is hypothesized that dysregulation of m6A modification might serve as an integral link in the mechanism of male infertility. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the recent discoveries regarding the spatial and temporal expression dynamics of m6A regulators in testicular tissues and the correlation between deregulated m6A regulators and human male infertility. Previous studies predominantly utilized constitutive or conditional knockout animal models for testicular phenotypic investigations. However, gene suppression in additional tissues could potentially influence the testis in constitutive knockout models. Furthermore, considering the compromised spermatogenesis observed in constitutive animals, distinguishing between the indirect effects of gene depletion on testicular development and its direct impact on the spermatogenic process is challenging, due to their intricate relationship. Such confounding factors might compromise the validity of the findings. To address this challenge, an inducible and conditional gene knockout model may serve as a superior approach. To date, nearly all reported studies have concentrated solely on the level changes of m6A and its regulators in germs cells, while the understanding of the function of m6A modification in testicular somatic cells remains limited. Testicular somatic cells, including peritubular myoid cells, Sertoli cells, and Leydig cells, play indispensable roles during spermatogenesis. Hence, comprehensive exploration of m6A modification within these cells as an additional crucial regulatory mechanism is warranted. In addition, exploration into the presence of unique methylation mechanisms or m6A regulatory factors within the testes is warranted. To elucidate the role of m6A modification in germ cells and testicular somatic cells, detailed experimental strategies need to be implemented. Among them, manipulation of the levels of key enzymes involved in m6A methylation and demethylation might be the most effective approach. Moreover, comprehensive analysis of the gene expression profiles involved in various signaling pathways, such as Wnt/β-catenin, Ras/MAPK, and Hippo, in m6A-modified germ cells and testicular somatic cells can provide more insight into its regulatory role in the spermatogenesis process. Further research in this area could provide valuable insights for developing innovative strategies to treat male infertility. Finally, considering the mitigation impact of m6A imbalance regulation on disease, investigation concerning whether restoring the equilibrium of m6A modification regulation can restore normal spermatogenesis function is essential, potentially elucidating the pivotal clinical significance of m6A modulation in male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- 婷 蒋
- 四川大学华西第二医院 生殖遗传与表观遗传调控研究室 (成都 610041)Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics and Epigenetic Regulatio, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- 出生缺陷与相关妇儿疾病教育部重点实验室(四川大学) (成都 610041)Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of the Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - 学广 张
- 四川大学华西第二医院 生殖遗传与表观遗传调控研究室 (成都 610041)Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics and Epigenetic Regulatio, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- 出生缺陷与相关妇儿疾病教育部重点实验室(四川大学) (成都 610041)Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of the Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - 文明 许
- 四川大学华西第二医院 生殖遗传与表观遗传调控研究室 (成都 610041)Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics and Epigenetic Regulatio, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- 出生缺陷与相关妇儿疾病教育部重点实验室(四川大学) (成都 610041)Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of the Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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14
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Pfaltzgraff NG, Liu B, de Rooij DG, Page DC, Mikedis MM. Destabilization of mRNAs enhances competence to initiate meiosis in mouse spermatogenic cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.09.20.557439. [PMID: 37781613 PMCID: PMC10541148 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.20.557439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
The specialized cell cycle of meiosis transforms diploid germ cells into haploid gametes. In mammals, diploid spermatogenic cells acquire the competence to initiate meiosis in response to retinoic acid. Previous mouse studies revealed that MEIOC interacts with RNA-binding proteins YTHDC2 and RBM46 to repress mitotic genes and promote robust meiotic gene expression in spermatogenic cells that have initiated meiosis. Here, we used the enhanced resolution of scRNA-seq, and bulk RNA-seq of developmentally synchronized spermatogenesis, to define how MEIOC molecularly supports early meiosis in spermatogenic cells. We demonstrate that MEIOC mediates transcriptomic changes before meiotic initiation, earlier than previously appreciated. MEIOC, acting with YTHDC2 and RBM46, destabilizes its mRNA targets, including transcriptional repressors E2f6 and Mga , in mitotic spermatogonia. MEIOC thereby derepresses E2F6- and MGA-repressed genes, including Meiosin and other meiosis-associated genes. This confers on spermatogenic cells the molecular competence to, in response to retinoic acid, fully activate transcriptional regulator STRA8-MEIOSIN, required for the meiotic G1/S phase transition and meiotic gene expression. We conclude that in mice, mRNA decay mediated by MEIOC-YTHDC2-RBM46 enhances the competence of spermatogenic cells to initiate meiosis. SUMMARY STATEMENT RNA-binding complex MEIOC-YTHDC2-RBM46 destabilizes its mRNA targets, including transcriptional repressors. This activity facilitates the retinoic acid-dependent activation of Meiosin gene expression and transition into meiosis.
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Esteva-Socias M, Aguilo F. METTL3 as a master regulator of translation in cancer: mechanisms and implications. NAR Cancer 2024; 6:zcae009. [PMID: 38444581 PMCID: PMC10914372 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcae009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Translational regulation is an important step in the control of gene expression. In cancer cells, the orchestration of both global control of protein synthesis and selective translation of specific mRNAs promote tumor cell survival, angiogenesis, transformation, invasion and metastasis. N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most prevalent mRNA modification in higher eukaryotes, impacts protein translation. Over the past decade, the development of m6A mapping tools has facilitated comprehensive functional investigations, revealing the involvement of this chemical mark, together with its writer METTL3, in promoting the translation of both oncogenes and tumor suppressor transcripts, with the impact being context-dependent. This review aims to consolidate our current understanding of how m6A and METTL3 shape translation regulation in the realm of cancer biology. In addition, it delves into the role of cytoplasmic METTL3 in protein synthesis, operating independently of its catalytic activity. Ultimately, our goal is to provide critical insights into the interplay between m6A, METTL3 and translational regulation in cancer, offering a deeper comprehension of the mechanisms sustaining tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margalida Esteva-Socias
- Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, SE-901 85Umeå, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Umeå University, SE-901 85Umeå, Sweden
| | - Francesca Aguilo
- Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, SE-901 85Umeå, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Umeå University, SE-901 85Umeå, Sweden
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16
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Yang Y, Jiang X, Chen J, Liu L, Liu G, Sun K, Liu W, Zhu X, Guan Q. The m 6A reader YTHDC2 maintains visual function and retinal photoreceptor survival through modulating translation of PPEF2 and PDE6B. J Genet Genomics 2024; 51:208-221. [PMID: 38157933 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2023.12.007] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are major causes of visual impairment and irreversible blindness worldwide, while the precise molecular and genetic mechanisms are still elusive. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is the most prevalent internal modification in eukaryotic mRNA. YTH domain containing 2 (YTHDC2), an m6A reader protein, has recently been identified as a key player in germline development and human cancer. However, its contribution to retinal function remains unknown. Here, we explore the role of YTHDC2 in the visual function of retinal rod photoreceptors by generating rod-specific Ythdc2 knockout mice. Results show that Ythdc2 deficiency in rods causes diminished scotopic ERG responses and progressive retinal degeneration. Multi-omics analysis further identifies Ppef2 and Pde6b as the potential targets of YTHDC2 in the retina. Specifically, via its YTH domain, YTHDC2 recognizes and binds m6A-modified Ppef2 mRNA at the coding sequence and Pde6b mRNA at the 5'-UTR, resulting in enhanced translation efficiency without affecting mRNA levels. Compromised translation efficiency of Ppef2 and Pde6b after YTHDC2 depletion ultimately leads to decreased protein levels in the retina, impaired retinal function, and progressive rod death. Collectively, our finding highlights the importance of YTHDC2 in visual function and photoreceptor survival, which provides an unreported elucidation of IRD pathogenesis via epitranscriptomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeming Yang
- The Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Center for Medical Genetics, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
| | - Xiaoyan Jiang
- The Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Center for Medical Genetics, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
| | - Junyao Chen
- The Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Center for Medical Genetics, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
| | - Lu Liu
- The Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Center for Medical Genetics, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
| | - Guo Liu
- The Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Center for Medical Genetics, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
| | - Kuanxiang Sun
- The Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Center for Medical Genetics, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
| | - Wenjing Liu
- The Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Center for Medical Genetics, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
| | - Xianjun Zhu
- The Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Center for Medical Genetics, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China; Department of Geriatrics, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China; Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China; Qinghai Key Laboratory of Qinghai Tibet Plateau Biological Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Tibetan Medicine Research, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Xining, Qinghai 810008, China; Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, China.
| | - Qiuyue Guan
- The Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Center for Medical Genetics, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China; Department of Geriatrics, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China.
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17
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Zhang C, Chen L, Xie C, Wang F, Wang J, Zhou H, Liu Q, Zeng Z, Li N, Huang J, Zhao Y, Liu H. YTHDC1 delays cellular senescence and pulmonary fibrosis by activating ATR in an m6A-independent manner. EMBO J 2024; 43:61-86. [PMID: 38177310 PMCID: PMC10883269 DOI: 10.1038/s44318-023-00003-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Accumulation of DNA damage in the lung induces cellular senescence and promotes age-related diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Hence, understanding the mechanistic regulation of DNA damage repair is important for anti-aging therapies and disease control. Here, we identified an m6A-independent role of the RNA-binding protein YTHDC1 in counteracting stress-induced pulmonary senescence and fibrosis. YTHDC1 is primarily expressed in pulmonary alveolar epithelial type 2 (AECII) cells and its AECII expression is significantly decreased in AECIIs during fibrosis. Exogenous overexpression of YTHDC1 alleviates pulmonary senescence and fibrosis independent of its m6A-binding ability, while YTHDC1 deletion enhances disease progression in mice. Mechanistically, YTHDC1 promotes the interaction between TopBP1 and MRE11, thereby activating ATR and facilitating DNA damage repair. These findings reveal a noncanonical function of YTHDC1 in delaying cellular senescence, and suggest that enhancing YTHDC1 expression in the lung could be an effective treatment strategy for pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Canfeng Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Liping Chen
- The Center for Medical Research, The First People's Hospital of Nanning City, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Chen Xie
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Fengwei Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Haoxian Zhou
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Qianyi Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Zhuo Zeng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Na Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Junjiu Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yong Zhao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Haiying Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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18
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Zhu J, Liu S, Fang J, Cui Z, Wang B, Wang Y, Liu L, Wang Q, Cao X. Enzymolysis-based RNA pull-down identifies YTHDC2 as an inhibitor of antiviral innate response. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113192. [PMID: 37776518 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113192] [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: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The innate immune response must be terminated in a timely manner at the late stage of infection to prevent unwanted inflammation. The role of m6A-modified RNAs and their binding partners in this process is not well known. Here, we develop an enzymolysis-based RNA pull-down (eRP) method that utilizes the immunoglobulin G-degrading enzyme of Streptococcus pyogenes (IdeS) to fish out m6A-modified RNA-associated proteins. We apply eRP to capture the methylated single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) probe-associated proteins and identify YT521-B homology domain-containing 2 (YTHDC2) as the m6A-modified interferon β (IFN-β) mRNA-binding protein. YTHDC2, induced in macrophages at the late stage of virus infection, recruits IFN-stimulated exonuclease ISG20 (IFN-stimulated exonuclease gene 20) to degrade IFN-β mRNA, consequently inhibiting antiviral innate immune response. In vitro and in vivo deficiency of YTHDC2 increases IFN-β production at the late stage of viral infection. Our findings establish an eRP method to effectively identify RNA-protein interactions and add mechanistic insight to the termination of innate response for maintaining homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhu
- Institute of Immunology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Frontier Research Center for Cell Response, Institute of Immunology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Shuo Liu
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Jiali Fang
- Frontier Research Center for Cell Response, Institute of Immunology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Zenghui Cui
- Frontier Research Center for Cell Response, Institute of Immunology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Bingjing Wang
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Yuzhou Wang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Qingqing Wang
- Institute of Immunology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xuetao Cao
- Institute of Immunology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Frontier Research Center for Cell Response, Institute of Immunology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; Department of Immunology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100005, China; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Oxford Institute, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100005, China.
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19
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Liu R, Zhao E, Yu H, Yuan C, Abbas MN, Cui H. Methylation across the central dogma in health and diseases: new therapeutic strategies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:310. [PMID: 37620312 PMCID: PMC10449936 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01528-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The proper transfer of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein is essential for cell-fate control, development, and health. Methylation of DNA, RNAs, histones, and non-histone proteins is a reversible post-synthesis modification that finetunes gene expression and function in diverse physiological processes. Aberrant methylation caused by genetic mutations or environmental stimuli promotes various diseases and accelerates aging, necessitating the development of therapies to correct the disease-driver methylation imbalance. In this Review, we summarize the operating system of methylation across the central dogma, which includes writers, erasers, readers, and reader-independent outputs. We then discuss how dysregulation of the system contributes to neurological disorders, cancer, and aging. Current small-molecule compounds that target the modifiers show modest success in certain cancers. The methylome-wide action and lack of specificity lead to undesirable biological effects and cytotoxicity, limiting their therapeutic application, especially for diseases with a monogenic cause or different directions of methylation changes. Emerging tools capable of site-specific methylation manipulation hold great promise to solve this dilemma. With the refinement of delivery vehicles, these new tools are well positioned to advance the basic research and clinical translation of the methylation field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruochen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Erhu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Huijuan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Chaoyu Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Muhammad Nadeem Abbas
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China.
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China.
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
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20
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Sun T, Xu Y, Xiang Y, Ou J, Soderblom EJ, Diao Y. Crosstalk between RNA m 6A and DNA methylation regulates transposable element chromatin activation and cell fate in human pluripotent stem cells. Nat Genet 2023; 55:1324-1335. [PMID: 37474847 PMCID: PMC10766344 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-023-01452-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) are parasitic DNA sequences accounting for over half of the human genome. Tight control of the repression and activation states of TEs is critical for genome integrity, development, immunity and diseases, including cancer. However, precisely how this regulation is achieved remains unclear. Here we develop a targeted proteomic proximity labeling approach to capture TE-associated proteins in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). We find that the RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) reader, YTHDC2, occupies genomic loci of the primate-specific TE, LTR7/HERV-H, specifically through its interaction with m6A-modified HERV-H RNAs. Unexpectedly, YTHDC2 recruits the DNA 5-methylcytosine (5mC)-demethylase, TET1, to remove 5mC from LTR7/HERV-H and prevent epigenetic silencing. Functionally, the YTHDC2/LTR7 axis inhibits neural differentiation of hESCs. Our results reveal both an underappreciated crosstalk between RNA m6A and DNA 5mC, the most abundant regulatory modifications of RNA and DNA in eukaryotes, and the fact that in hESCs this interplay controls TE activity and cell fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongyu Sun
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Yueyuan Xu
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Regeneration Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Yu Xiang
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Regeneration Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jianhong Ou
- Duke Regeneration Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Erik J Soderblom
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Shared Resource, Duke Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Yarui Diao
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
- Duke Regeneration Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Orthopaedics Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
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21
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Zhang M, Nie J, Chen Y, Li X, Chen H. Connecting the Dots: N6-Methyladenosine (m 6 A) Modification in Spermatogenesis. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2023; 7:e2300068. [PMID: 37353958 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300068] [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: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6 A) is the most common RNA modification found in eukaryotes and is involved in multiple biological processes, including neuronal development, tumorigenesis, and gametogenesis. It is well known that methylation-modifying enzymes (classified into writers, erasers, and readers) mediate catalysis, clearance, and recognition of m6 A. Recent studies suggest that these genes may be associated with spermatogenesis. Numerous studies have revealed the m6 A role during spermatogenesis. However, the expression patterns and relationships of these m6 A enzymes during various stages of spermatogenesis remain unknown. In this review, it is aimed to provide an overview of m6 A enzyme functions and elucidate their potential mechanisms and regulatory relationships at a specific phase during spermatogenesis, providing new insights into the m6 A modification underlying the spermatogenesis process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengya Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, 226000, China
| | - Junyu Nie
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, 226000, China
| | - Yufei Chen
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, 226000, China
| | - Xiaofeng Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Lianhua Road No. 1120, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, 518000, P. R. China
| | - Hao Chen
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, 226000, China
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22
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Chu X, Bukhari I, Thorne RF, Shi Q. Editorial: Molecular and cytogenetic research advances in human reproduction - volume II. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1232953. [PMID: 37529612 PMCID: PMC10390250 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1232953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xiufeng Chu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Helicobacter pylori, Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancers, Marshall Medical Research Center, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ihtisham Bukhari
- Henan Key Laboratory of Helicobacter pylori, Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancers, Marshall Medical Research Center, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Rick Francis Thorne
- Translational Research Institute, Henan Provincial and Zhengzhou City Key Laboratory of Non-coding RNA and Cancer Metabolism, Henan International Join Laboratory of Non-coding RNA and Metabolism in Cancer, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Qinghua Shi
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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23
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Abstract
Over the past decade, mRNA modifications have emerged as important regulators of gene expression control in cells. Fueled in large part by the development of tools for detecting RNA modifications transcriptome wide, researchers have uncovered a diverse epitranscriptome that serves as an additional layer of gene regulation beyond simple RNA sequence. Here, we review the proteins that write, read, and erase these marks, with a particular focus on the most abundant internal modification, N6-methyladenosine (m6A). We first describe the discovery of the key enzymes that deposit and remove m6A and other modifications and discuss how our understanding of these proteins has shaped our views of modification dynamics. We then review current models for the function of m6A reader proteins and how our knowledge of these proteins has evolved. Finally, we highlight important future directions for the field and discuss key questions that remain unanswered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu N Flamand
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA;
| | - Matthew Tegowski
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA;
| | - Kate D Meyer
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA;
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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24
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Yu H, Gao Q, Wang W, Liu D, He J, Tian Y. Comprehensive Analysis of YTH Domain-Containing Genes, Encoding m 6A Reader and Their Response to Temperature Stresses and Yersinia ruckeri Infection in Rainbow Trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119348. [PMID: 37298300 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119348] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
YTH domain-containing genes are important readers of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications with ability to directly affect the fates of distinct RNAs in organisms. Despite their importance, little is known about YTH domain-containing genes in teleosts until now. In the present study, a total of 10 YTH domain-containing genes have been systematically identified and functionally characterized in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). According to the phylogenetic tree, gene structure and syntenic analysis, these YTH domain-containing genes could be classified into three evolutionary subclades, including YTHDF, YTHDC1 and YTHDC2. Of them, the copy number of OmDF1, OmDF2, OmDF3, and OmDC1 were duplicated or even triplicated in rainbow trout due to the salmonid-specific whole-genome duplication event. The three-dimensional protein structure analysis revealed that there were similar structures and the same amino acid residues that were associated with cage formation between humans and rainbow trout, implying their similar manners in binding to m6A modification. Additionally, the results of qPCR experiment indicated that the expression patterns of a few YTH domain-containing genes, especially OmDF1b, OmDF3a and OmDF3b, were significantly different in liver tissue of rainbow trout under four different temperatures (7 °C, 11 °C, 15 °C, and 19 °C). The expression levels of OmDF1a, OmDF1b and OmDC1a were obviously repressed in spleen tissue of rainbow trout at 24 h after Yersinia ruckeri infection, while increased expression was detected in OmDF3b. This study provides a systemic overview of YTH domain-containing genes in rainbow trout and reveals their biological roles in responses to temperature stress and bacterial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Yu
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Qinfeng Gao
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
- Function Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Wen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Dazhi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Jinghong He
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yuan Tian
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
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25
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Tan X, Zheng C, Zhuang Y, Jin P, Wang F. The m6A reader PRRC2A is essential for meiosis I completion during spermatogenesis. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1636. [PMID: 36964127 PMCID: PMC10039029 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37252-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and its reader proteins YTHDC1, YTHDC2, and YTHDF2 have been shown to exert essential functions during spermatogenesis. However, much remains unknown about m6A regulation mechanisms and the functions of specific readers during the meiotic cell cycle. Here, we show that the m6A reader Proline rich coiled-coil 2A (PRRC2A) is essential for male fertility. Germ cell-specific knockout of Prrc2a causes XY asynapsis and impaired meiotic sex chromosome inactivation in late-prophase spermatocytes. Moreover, PRRC2A-null spermatocytes exhibit delayed metaphase entry, chromosome misalignment, and spindle disorganization at metaphase I and are finally arrested at this stage. Sequencing data reveal that PRRC2A decreases the RNA abundance or improves the translation efficiency of targeting transcripts. Specifically, PRRC2A recognizes spermatogonia-specific transcripts and downregulates their RNA abundance to maintain the spermatocyte expression pattern during the meiosis prophase. For genes involved in meiotic cell division, PRRC2A improves the translation efficiency of their transcripts. Further, co-immunoprecipitation data show that PRRC2A interacts with several proteins regulating mRNA metabolism or translation (YBX1, YBX2, PABPC1, FXR1, and EIF4G3). Our study reveals post-transcriptional functions of PRRC2A and demonstrates its critical role in the completion of meiosis I in spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinshui Tan
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Caihong Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yinghua Zhuang
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Pengpeng Jin
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fengchao Wang
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 102206, China.
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26
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Warkocki Z. An update on post-transcriptional regulation of retrotransposons. FEBS Lett 2023; 597:380-406. [PMID: 36460901 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Retrotransposons, including LINE-1, Alu, SVA, and endogenous retroviruses, are one of the major constituents of human genomic repetitive sequences. Through the process of retrotransposition, some of them occasionally insert into new genomic locations by a copy-paste mechanism involving RNA intermediates. Irrespective of de novo genomic insertions, retrotransposon expression can lead to DNA double-strand breaks and stimulate cellular innate immunity through endogenous patterns. As a result, retrotransposons are tightly regulated by multi-layered regulatory processes to prevent the dangerous effects of their expression. In recent years, significant progress was made in revealing how retrotransposon biology intertwines with general post-transcriptional RNA metabolism. Here, I summarize current knowledge on the involvement of post-transcriptional factors in the biology of retrotransposons, focusing on LINE-1. I emphasize general RNA metabolisms such as methylation of adenine (m6 A), RNA 3'-end polyadenylation and uridylation, RNA decay and translation regulation. I discuss the effects of retrotransposon RNP sequestration in cytoplasmic bodies and autophagy. Finally, I summarize how innate immunity restricts retrotransposons and how retrotransposons make use of cellular enzymes, including the DNA repair machinery, to complete their replication cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zbigniew Warkocki
- Department of RNA Metabolism, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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27
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Zhang Y, Hu W, Li HB. RNA modification-mediated translational control in immune cells. RNA Biol 2023; 20:603-613. [PMID: 37584554 PMCID: PMC10435004 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2023.2246256] [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] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA modifications play a vital role in multiple pathways of mRNA metabolism, and translational regulation is essential for immune cells to promptly respond to stimuli and adapt to the microenvironment. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation, which is the most abundant mRNA modification in eukaryotes, primarily functions in the regulation of RNA splicing and degradation. However, the role of m6Amethylation in translational control and its underlying mechanism remain controversial. The role of m6A methylation in translation regulation in immune cells has received relatively limited attention. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive summary of current studies on the translational regulation of m6A modifications and recent advances in understanding the translational control regulated by RNA modifications during the immune response. Furthermore, we envision the possible pathways through which m6A modifications may be involved in the regulation of immune cell function via translational control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujuan Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, Center for Immune-Related Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine-Yale University Institute for Immune Metabolism, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiguo Hu
- Department of Geriatrics, Center for Immune-Related Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hua-Bing Li
- Department of Geriatrics, Center for Immune-Related Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine-Yale University Institute for Immune Metabolism, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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28
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Ma W, Wu T. RNA m6A modification in liver biology and its implication in hepatic diseases and carcinogenesis. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2022; 323:C1190-C1205. [PMID: 36036444 PMCID: PMC9576175 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00214.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent internal modification in eukaryotic RNAs. This modification is regulated by three different factors (writers, erasers, and readers) and affects multiple aspects of RNA metabolism, including RNA splicing, nuclear export, translation, stability and decay. The m6A-mediated modification plays important roles in posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression and mediates a variety of cellular and biological processes. Accordingly, deregulation in m6A modification is closely related to the occurrence and development of human diseases. The liver is the largest digestive and metabolic organ in human and recent studies have shown that m6A modification is importantly implicated in liver cellular and physiological functions and in the pathogenesis of hepatic diseases and cancers. In the current review, we summarize the functions of m6A in RNA metabolism and its roles in liver cell biology and discuss its implication in hepatic diseases and carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbo Ma
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Tong Wu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
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29
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Peart NJ, Johnson TA, Lee S, Sears MJ, Yang F, Quesnel-Vallières M, Feng H, Recinos Y, Barash Y, Zhang C, Hermann BP, Wang PJ, Geyer CB, Carstens RP. The germ cell-specific RNA binding protein RBM46 is essential for spermatogonial differentiation in mice. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010416. [PMID: 36129965 PMCID: PMC9529142 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Control over gene expression is exerted, in multiple stages of spermatogenesis, at the post-transcriptional level by RNA binding proteins (RBPs). We identify here an essential role in mammalian spermatogenesis and male fertility for 'RNA binding protein 46' (RBM46). A highly evolutionarily conserved gene, Rbm46 is also essential for fertility in both flies and fish. We found Rbm46 expression was restricted to the mouse germline, detectable in males in the cytoplasm of premeiotic spermatogonia and meiotic spermatocytes. To define its requirement for spermatogenesis, we generated Rbm46 knockout (KO, Rbm46-/-) mice; although male Rbm46-/- mice were viable and appeared grossly normal, they were infertile. Testes from adult Rbm46-/- mice were small, with seminiferous tubules containing only Sertoli cells and few undifferentiated spermatogonia. Using genome-wide unbiased high throughput assays RNA-seq and 'enhanced crosslinking immunoprecipitation' coupled with RNA-seq (eCLIP-seq), we discovered RBM46 could bind, via a U-rich conserved consensus sequence, to a cohort of mRNAs encoding proteins required for completion of differentiation and subsequent meiotic initiation. In summary, our studies support an essential role for RBM46 in regulating target mRNAs during spermatogonia differentiation prior to the commitment to meiosis in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natoya J. Peart
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Taylor A. Johnson
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Sungkyoung Lee
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Matthew J. Sears
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Fang Yang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Mathieu Quesnel-Vallières
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Huijuan Feng
- Department of Systems Biology and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Yocelyn Recinos
- Department of Systems Biology and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Yoseph Barash
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Chaolin Zhang
- Department of Systems Biology and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Brian P. Hermann
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - P. Jeremy Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Christopher B. Geyer
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States of America
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute at East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Russ P. Carstens
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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30
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Qian B, Li Y, Yan R, Han S, Bu Z, Gong J, Zheng B, Yuan Z, Ren S, He Q, Zhang J, Xu C, Wang R, Sun Z, Lin M, Zhou J, Ye L. RNA binding protein RBM46 regulates mitotic-to-meiotic transition in spermatogenesis. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabq2945. [PMID: 36001654 PMCID: PMC9401620 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abq2945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Meiosis entry during spermatogenesis requires reprogramming from mitotic to meiotic gene expression profiles. Transcriptional regulation has been extensively studied in meiosis entry, but gain of function for master transcription factors is insufficient to down-regulate mitotic genes. RNA helicase YTHDC2 and its partner MEIOC emerge as essential posttranscriptional regulators of meiotic entry. However, it is unclear what governs the RNA binding specificity of YTHDC2/MEIOC. Here, we identified RNA binding protein RBM46 as a component of the YTHDC2/MEIOC complex. Testis-specific Rbm46 knockout in mice causes infertility with defective mitotic-to-meiotic transition, phenocopying global Ythdc2 or Meioc knockout. RBM46 binds to 3' UTR of mitotic transcripts within 100 nucleotides from YTHDC2 U-rich motifs and targets these transcripts for degradation. Dysregulated RBM46 expression is associated with human male fertility disorders. These findings establish the RBM46/YTHDC2/MEIOC complex as the major posttranscriptional regulator responsible for down-regulating mitotic transcripts during meiosis entry in mammalian spermatogenesis, with implications for understanding meiosis-related fertility disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baomei Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Ruoyu Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Shenglin Han
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Zhiwen Bu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Jie Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Bangjin Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Zihan Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Sen Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Qing He
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Jinwen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Chen Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Ruilin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Zheng Sun
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mingyan Lin
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of Pediatric Laboratory, The Affiliated Wuxi Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Lan Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
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31
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Liu WW, Wang H, Zhu XY. Physio-pathological effects of N6-methyladenosine and its therapeutic implications in leukemia. Biomark Res 2022; 10:64. [PMID: 35999621 PMCID: PMC9396796 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-022-00410-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most prevalent epigenetic modification of RNA in mammals, has become a hot topic throughout recent years. m6A is involved with every links of the RNA fate, including RNA splicing, nuclear export, translation and stability. Due to the reversible and dynamic regulatory network composed of ‘writers’ (methylase), ‘erasers’ (demethylase) and ‘readers’ (m6A binding proteins), m6A has been deemed as an essential modulator in vast physiological and pathological processes. Previous studies have shown that aberrant expression and dysfunction of these regulators are implicated in diverse tumors, exemplified by hematological malignancies. However, we should hold a dialectic perspective towards the influence of m6A modification on leukemogenesis. Given that m6A itself is neither pro-oncogenic nor anti-oncogenic, whether the modifications promote hematological homeostasis or malignancies occurrence and progression is dependent on the specific targets it regulates. Ample evidence supports the role of m6A in maintaining normal hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis, thereby highlighting the therapeutic potential of intervention in m6A modification process for battling leukemia. In this review, we introduce the advances of m6A modification and summarize the biological functions of m6A in RNA metabolism. Then we discuss the significance of several well-studied m6A regulators in modulating normal and malignant hematopoiesis, with focus on the therapeutic potentials of targeting these regulators for battling hematopoietic malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Wei Liu
- School of basic medical sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
| | - Xiao-Yu Zhu
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China. .,Blood and Cell Therapy Institute, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China. .,Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Blood Research and Applications, Hefei, China.
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Shi B, Liu WW, Yang K, Jiang GM, Wang H. The role, mechanism, and application of RNA methyltransferase METTL14 in gastrointestinal cancer. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:163. [PMID: 35974338 PMCID: PMC9380308 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01634-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal cancer is the most common human malignancy characterized by high lethality and poor prognosis. Emerging evidences indicate that N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most abundant post-transcriptional modification in eukaryotes, exerts important roles in regulating mRNA metabolism including stability, decay, splicing, transport, and translation. As the key component of the m6A methyltransferase complex, methyltransferase-like 14 (METTL14) catalyzes m6A methylation on mRNA or non-coding RNA to regulate gene expression and cell phenotypes. Dysregulation of METTL14 was deemed to be involved in various aspects of gastrointestinal cancer, such as tumorigenesis, progression, chemoresistance, and metastasis. Plenty of findings have opened up new avenues for exploring the therapeutic potential of gastrointestinal cancer targeting METTL14. In this review, we systematically summarize the recent advances regarding the biological functions of METTL14 in gastrointestinal cancer, discuss its potential clinical applications and propose the research forecast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Shi
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Heifei, China
| | - Wei-Wei Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ke Yang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Guan-Min Jiang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, China.
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China. .,Core Unit of National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Heifei, China.
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Multiple Roles of m6A RNA Modification in Translational Regulation in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23168971. [PMID: 36012237 PMCID: PMC9408962 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23168971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite its discovery in the early 1970s, m6A modification within mRNA molecules has only powerfully entered the oncology field in recent years. This chemical modification can control all aspects of the maturation of mRNAs, both in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm. Thus, the alteration in expression levels of writers, erasers, and readers may significantly contribute to the alteration of gene expression observed in cancer. In particular, the activation of oncogenic pathways can lead to an alteration of the global rate of mRNA translation or the selective translation of specific mRNAs. In both cases, m6A can play an important role. In this review, we highlight the role of m6A in the regulation of translation by focusing on regulatory mechanisms and cancer-related functions of this novel but still controversial field.
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Murakami S, Jaffrey SR. Hidden codes in mRNA: Control of gene expression by m 6A. Mol Cell 2022; 82:2236-2251. [PMID: 35714585 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2022.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Information in mRNA has largely been thought to be confined to its nucleotide sequence. However, the advent of mapping techniques to detect modified nucleotides has revealed that mRNA contains additional information in the form of chemical modifications. The most abundant modified nucleotide is N6-methyladenosine (m6A), a methyl modification of adenosine. Although early studies viewed m6A as a dynamic and tissue-specific modification, it is now clear that the mRNAs that contain m6A and the location of m6A in those transcripts are largely universal and are influenced by gene architecture, i.e., the size and location of exons and introns. m6A can affect nuclear processes such as splicing and epigenetic regulation, but the major effect of m6A on mRNAs is to promote degradation in the cytoplasm. m6A marks a functionally related cohort of mRNAs linked to certain biological processes, including cell differentiation and cell fate determination. m6A is also enriched in other cohorts of mRNAs and can therefore affect their respective cellular processes and pathways. Future work will focus on understanding how the m6A pathway is regulated to achieve control of m6A-containing mRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shino Murakami
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Samie R Jaffrey
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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Abstract
YTH proteins utilize YTH domains to interact with N6-methyladenines (m6A); however, Li et al. (2022) show that YTHDC2 binds U-rich motifs instead and functions independently of m6A through its unusual DExD helicase domain during spermatogenesis in mice and fish.
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Rajendren S, Karijolich J. The Impact of RNA modifications on the Biology of DNA Virus Infection. Eur J Cell Biol 2022; 101:151239. [PMID: 35623231 PMCID: PMC9549750 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2022.151239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 170 RNA modifications have been identified and these are critical for determining the fate and function of cellular RNAs. Similar to human transcripts, viral RNAs possess an extensive RNA modification landscape. While initial efforts largely focused on investigating the RNA modification landscape in the context of RNA virus infection, a growing body of work has explored the impact of RNA modifications on DNA virus biology. These studies have revealed roles for RNA modifications in DNA virus infection, including gene regulation and viral pathogenesis. In this review, we will discuss the current knowledge on how RNA modifications impact DNA virus biology.
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