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Jiang X, Yu S, Huang Y, Huang J, Liu S, Yang D, Fu J, He H, Fu H. Identification of the RRM1 gene family in rice ( Oryza sativa) and its response to rice blast. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17668. [PMID: 39076776 PMCID: PMC11285362 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
To better understand RNA-binding proteins in rice, a comprehensive investigation was conducted on the RRM1 gene family of rice. It encompassed genome-wide identification and exploration of its role in rice blast resistance. The physicochemical properties of the rice OsRRM1 gene family were analyzed. There genes were also analyzed for their conserved domains, motifs, location information, gene structure, phylogenetic trees, collinearity, and cis-acting elements. Furthermore, alterations in the expression patterns of selected OsRRM1 genes were assessed using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). A total of 212 members of the OsRRM1 gene family were identified, which were dispersed across 12 chromosomes. These genes all exhibit multiple exons and introns, all of which encompass the conserved RRM1 domain and share analogous motifs. This observation suggests a high degree of conservation within the encoded sequence domain of these genes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the existence of five subfamilies within the OsRRM1 gene family. Furthermore, investigation of the promoter region identified cis-regulatory elements that are involved in nucleic acid binding and interaction with multiple transcription factors. By employing GO and KEGG analyses, four RRM1 genes were tentatively identified as crucial contributors to plant immunity, while the RRM1 gene family was also found to have a significant involvement in the complex of alternative splicing. The qRT-PCR results revealed distinct temporal changes in the expression patterns of OsRRM1 genes following rice blast infection. Additionally, gene expression analysis indicates that the majority of OsRRM1 genes exhibited constitutive expressions. These findings enrich our understanding of the OsRRM1 gene family. They also provide a foundation for further research on immune mechanisms rice and the management of rice blast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinlei Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Crop Physiology, Ecology, Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiang Xi, China
| | - Shangwei Yu
- Key Laboratory of Crop Physiology, Ecology, Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiang Xi, China
| | - Yuhan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Crop Physiology, Ecology, Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiang Xi, China
| | - Junying Huang
- Key Laboratory of Crop Physiology, Ecology, Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiang Xi, China
| | - Shaochun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Crop Physiology, Ecology, Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiang Xi, China
| | - Dewei Yang
- Institute of Rice, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou, Fu Jian, China
| | - Junru Fu
- Key Laboratory of Crop Physiology, Ecology, Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiang Xi, China
| | - Haohua He
- Key Laboratory of Crop Physiology, Ecology, Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiang Xi, China
| | - Haihui Fu
- Key Laboratory of Crop Physiology, Ecology, Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiang Xi, China
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2
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Wang T, Zheng Y, Xu C, Deng Y, Hao X, Chu Z, Tian J, Wang Y, Zhang X, Han Z, Wu T. Movement of ACC oxidase 3 mRNA from seeds to flesh promotes fruit ripening in apple. MOLECULAR PLANT 2024:S1674-2052(24)00188-6. [PMID: 38902921 DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2024.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Xenia, the phenomenon in which the pollen genotype directly affects the phenotypic characteristics of maternal tissues (i.e., fruit ripening), has applications in crop production and breeding. However, the underlying molecular mechanism has yet to be elucidated. Here, we investigated whether mobile mRNAs from the pollen affect the ripening and quality-related characteristics of the fruit using cross-pollination between distinct Malus domestica (apple) cultivars. We demonstrated that hundreds of mobile mRNAs originating from the seeds are delivered to the fruit. We found that the movement of one of these mRNAs, ACC oxidase 3 (MdACO3), is coordinated with fruit ripening. Salicylic acid treatment, which can cause plasmodesmal closure, blocks MdACO3 movement, indicating that MdACO3 transcripts may move through the plasmodesmata. To assess the role of mobile MdACO3 transcripts in apple fruit, we created MdACO3-GFP-expressing apple seeds using MdACO3-GFP-overexpressing pollen for pollination and showed that MdACO3 transcripts in the transgenic seeds move to the flesh, where they promote fruit ripening. Furthermore, we demonstrated that MdACO3 can be transported from the seeds to fruit in the fleshy-fruited species tomato and strawberry. These results underscore the potential of mobile mRNAs from seeds to influence fruit characteristics, providing an explanation for the xenia phenomenon. Notably, our findings highlight the feasibility of leveraging diverse pollen genomic resources, without resorting to genome editing, to improve fruit quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Wang
- College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Zheng
- Plant Science and Technology College, Bioinformatics Center, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Xu
- College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yulin Deng
- Plant Science and Technology College, Bioinformatics Center, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyi Hao
- College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zicheng Chu
- College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Ji Tian
- Plant Science and Technology College, Bioinformatics Center, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Wang
- College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinzhong Zhang
- College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenhai Han
- College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Wu
- College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.
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3
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Rodríguez-Piña AL, Castaño de la Serna E, Jiménez-Bremont JF. The serine-arginine (SR) protein UmRrm75 from Ustilago maydis is a functional ortholog of yeast ScHrb1. Int Microbiol 2024; 27:819-830. [PMID: 37776379 DOI: 10.1007/s10123-023-00432-3] [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: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
The Basidiomycete fungus Ustilago maydis is a biotrophic pathogen of maize. The U. maydis UmRrm75 gene encodes an RNA-binding protein (RBP). In a previous study, we reported that ΔUmRrm75 null mutant strains accumulate H2O2, exhibit slow growth, and have decreased virulence in maize. Herein, we describe UmRrm75 as an ortholog of the ScHrb1, a serine-arginine (SR) protein identified in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which plays a role in nuclear quality control, specifically in mRNA splicing and export processes. The yeast ScHrb1 mutant (ΔScHrb1) exhibits an increased sensitivity to elevated levels of boron. We noticed that the ΔScHrb1 displayed sensitivity to H2O2, which is consistent with previous findings in the ΔUmRrm75 mutant. We reversed the sensitivity phenotypes of boron and H2O2 by introducing the UmRrm75 gene into the ΔScHrb1 mutant. Furthermore, we generated complementary strains of U. maydis by expressing UmRrm75-GFP under its native promoter in the ∆UmRrm75 mutants. The UmRrm75-GFP/∆UmRrm75 complementary strains successfully recovered their growth capability under stressors, H2O2 and boron, resembling the parental strains FB2 and AB33. The subcellular localization experiments conducted in U. maydis revealed that the UmRrm75 protein is localized within the nucleus of both yeast and hyphae. The nuclear localization of the UmRrm75 protein remains unaltered even under conditions of heat or oxidative stress. This suggests that UmRrm75 might perform its RBP activity in the nucleus, as previously reported for ScHrb1. Our data contribute to understanding the role of the nuclear RBP UmRrm75 from the corn smut fungus U. maydis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alma Laura Rodríguez-Piña
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Molecular Plantas, División de Biología Molecular, Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica A.C., San Luis Potosi, San Luis Potosi, Mexico
- Unidad de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular de Plantas, Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán A.C., Merida, Yucatan, Mexico
| | - Enrique Castaño de la Serna
- Unidad de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular de Plantas, Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán A.C., Merida, Yucatan, Mexico
| | - Juan Francisco Jiménez-Bremont
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Molecular Plantas, División de Biología Molecular, Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica A.C., San Luis Potosi, San Luis Potosi, Mexico.
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4
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Eigenfeld M, Lupp KFM, Schwaminger SP. Role of Natural Binding Proteins in Therapy and Diagnostics. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:630. [PMID: 38792650 PMCID: PMC11122601 DOI: 10.3390/life14050630] [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: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
This review systematically investigates the critical role of natural binding proteins (NBPs), encompassing DNA-, RNA-, carbohydrate-, fatty acid-, and chitin-binding proteins, in the realms of oncology and diagnostics. In an era where cancer continues to pose significant challenges to healthcare systems worldwide, the innovative exploration of NBPs offers a promising frontier for advancing both the diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic efficacy of cancer management strategies. This manuscript provides an in-depth examination of the unique mechanisms by which NBPs interact with specific molecular targets, highlighting their potential to revolutionize cancer diagnostics and therapy. Furthermore, it discusses the burgeoning research on aptamers, demonstrating their utility as 'nucleic acid antibodies' for targeted therapy and precision diagnostics. Despite the promising applications of NBPs and aptamers in enhancing early cancer detection and developing personalized treatment protocols, this review identifies a critical knowledge gap: the need for comprehensive studies to understand the diverse functionalities and therapeutic potentials of NBPs across different cancer types and diagnostic scenarios. By bridging this gap, this manuscript underscores the importance of NBPs and aptamers in paving the way for next-generation diagnostics and targeted cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Eigenfeld
- Otto-Loewi Research Center, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Kilian F. M. Lupp
- Otto-Loewi Research Center, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Sebastian P. Schwaminger
- Otto-Loewi Research Center, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, 8010 Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Mozartgasse 12/II, 8010 Graz, Austria
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5
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Song J. Adenosine Triphosphate: The Primordial Molecule That Controls Protein Homeostasis and Shapes the Genome-Proteome Interface. Biomolecules 2024; 14:500. [PMID: 38672516 PMCID: PMC11048592 DOI: 10.3390/biom14040500] [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: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) acts as the universal energy currency that drives various biological processes, while nucleic acids function to store and transmit genetic information for all living organisms. Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) represents the common principle for the formation of membrane-less organelles (MLOs) composed of proteins rich in intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) and nucleic acids. Currently, while IDRs are well recognized to facilitate LLPS through dynamic and multivalent interactions, the precise mechanisms by which ATP and nucleic acids affect LLPS still remain elusive. This review summarizes recent NMR results on the LLPS of human FUS, TDP-43, and the viral nucleocapsid (N) protein of SARS-CoV-2, as modulated by ATP and nucleic acids, revealing the following: (1) ATP binds to folded domains overlapping with nucleic-acid-binding interfaces; (2) ATP and nucleic acids interplay to biphasically modulate LLPS by competitively binding to overlapping pockets of folded domains and Arg/Lys within IDRs; (3) ATP energy-independently induces protein folding with the highest efficiency known so far. As ATP likely emerged in the prebiotic monomeric world, while LLPS represents a pivotal mechanism to concentrate and compartmentalize rare molecules for forming primordial cells, ATP appears to control protein homeostasis and shape genome-proteome interfaces throughout the evolutionary trajectory, from prebiotic origins to modern cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianxing Song
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 10 Kent Ridge Crescent, Singapore 119260, Singapore
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6
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Fanara S, Schloesser M, Joris M, De Franco S, Vandevenne M, Kerff F, Hanikenne M, Motte P. The Arabidopsis SR45 splicing factor bridges the splicing machinery and the exon-exon junction complex. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2024; 75:2280-2298. [PMID: 38180875 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erae002] [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: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
The Arabidopsis splicing factor serine/arginine-rich 45 (SR45) contributes to several biological processes. The sr45-1 loss-of-function mutant exhibits delayed root development, late flowering, unusual numbers of floral organs, shorter siliques with decreased seed sets, narrower leaves and petals, and altered metal distribution. SR45 bears a unique RNA recognition motif (RRM) flanked by one serine/arginine-rich (RS) domain on both sides. Here, we studied the function of each SR45 domains by examining their involvement in: (i) the spatial distribution of SR45; (ii) the establishment of a protein-protein interaction network including spliceosomal and exon-exon junction complex (EJC) components; and (iii) the RNA binding specificity. We report that the endogenous SR45 promoter is active during vegetative and reproductive growth, and that the SR45 protein localizes in the nucleus. We demonstrate that the C-terminal arginine/serine-rich domain is a determinant of nuclear localization. We show that the SR45 RRM domain specifically binds purine-rich RNA motifs via three residues (H101, H141, and Y143), and is also involved in protein-protein interactions. We further show that SR45 bridges both mRNA splicing and surveillance machineries as a partner of EJC core components and peripheral factors, which requires phosphoresidues probably phosphorylated by kinases from both the CLK and SRPK families. Our findings provide insights into the contribution of each SR45 domain to both spliceosome and EJC assemblies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Fanara
- InBioS-PhytoSystems, Functional Genomics and Plant Molecular Imaging, University of Liège, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - Marie Schloesser
- InBioS-PhytoSystems, Functional Genomics and Plant Molecular Imaging, University of Liège, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - Marine Joris
- InBioS-PhytoSystems, Functional Genomics and Plant Molecular Imaging, University of Liège, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - Simona De Franco
- InBioS-Center for Protein Engineering, Laboratory of Biological Macromolecules, University of Liège, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - Marylène Vandevenne
- InBioS-Center for Protein Engineering, Laboratory of Biological Macromolecules, University of Liège, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - Frédéric Kerff
- InBioS-Center for Protein Engineering, Laboratory of Crystallography, University of Liège, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - Marc Hanikenne
- InBioS-PhytoSystems, Translational Plant Biology, University of Liège, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - Patrick Motte
- InBioS-PhytoSystems, Functional Genomics and Plant Molecular Imaging, University of Liège, 4000, Liège, Belgium
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7
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Fan S, Zhang Y, Zhu S, Shen L. Plant RNA-binding proteins: Phase separation dynamics and functional mechanisms underlying plant development and stress responses. MOLECULAR PLANT 2024; 17:531-551. [PMID: 38419328 DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2024.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) accompany RNA from synthesis to decay, mediating every aspect of RNA metabolism and impacting diverse cellular and developmental processes in eukaryotes. Many RBPs undergo phase separation along with their bound RNA to form and function in dynamic membraneless biomolecular condensates for spatiotemporal coordination or regulation of RNA metabolism. Increasing evidence suggests that phase-separating RBPs with RNA-binding domains and intrinsically disordered regions play important roles in plant development and stress adaptation. Here, we summarize the current knowledge about how dynamic partitioning of RBPs into condensates controls plant development and enables sensing of experimental changes to confer growth plasticity under stress conditions, with a focus on the dynamics and functional mechanisms of RBP-rich nuclear condensates and cytoplasmic granules in mediating RNA metabolism. We also discuss roles of multiple factors, such as environmental signals, protein modifications, and N6-methyladenosine RNA methylation, in modulating the phase separation behaviors of RBPs, and highlight the prospects and challenges for future research on phase-separating RBPs in crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Fan
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, National University of Singapore, 1 Research Link, Singapore 117604, Singapore
| | - Yu Zhang
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, National University of Singapore, 1 Research Link, Singapore 117604, Singapore
| | - Shaobo Zhu
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, National University of Singapore, 1 Research Link, Singapore 117604, Singapore
| | - Lisha Shen
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, National University of Singapore, 1 Research Link, Singapore 117604, Singapore; Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117543, Singapore.
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8
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Lewinski M, Steffen A, Kachariya N, Elgner M, Schmal C, Messini N, Köster T, Reichel M, Sattler M, Zarnack K, Staiger D. Arabidopsis thaliana GLYCINE RICH RNA-BINDING PROTEIN 7 interaction with its iCLIP target LHCB1.1 correlates with changes in RNA stability and circadian oscillation. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 118:203-224. [PMID: 38124335 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16601] [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: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The importance of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) for plant responses to environmental stimuli and development is well documented. Insights into the portfolio of RNAs they recognize, however, clearly lack behind the understanding gathered in non-plant model organisms. Here, we characterize binding of the circadian clock-regulated Arabidopsis thaliana GLYCINE-RICH RNA-BINDING PROTEIN 7 (AtGRP7) to its target transcripts. We identified novel RNA targets from individual-nucleotide resolution UV crosslinking and immunoprecipitation (iCLIP) data using an improved bioinformatics pipeline that will be broadly applicable to plant RBP iCLIP data. 2705 transcripts with binding sites were identified in plants expressing AtGRP7-GFP that were not recovered in plants expressing an RNA-binding dead variant or GFP alone. A conserved RNA motif enriched in uridine residues was identified at the AtGRP7 binding sites. NMR titrations confirmed the preference of AtGRP7 for RNAs with a central U-rich motif. Among the bound RNAs, circadian clock-regulated transcripts were overrepresented. Peak abundance of the LHCB1.1 transcript encoding a chlorophyll-binding protein was reduced in plants overexpressing AtGRP7 whereas it was elevated in atgrp7 mutants, indicating that LHCB1.1 was regulated by AtGRP7 in a dose-dependent manner. In plants overexpressing AtGRP7, the LHCB1.1 half-life was shorter compared to wild-type plants whereas in atgrp7 mutant plants, the half-life was significantly longer. Thus, AtGRP7 modulates circadian oscillations of its in vivo binding target LHCB1.1 by affecting RNA stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Lewinski
- RNA Biology and Molecular Physiology, Faculty of Biology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Alexander Steffen
- RNA Biology and Molecular Physiology, Faculty of Biology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Nitin Kachariya
- Helmholtz Munich, Molecular Targets and Therapeutics Center, Institute of Structural Biology, Neuherberg, 85764, Germany
- Department of Bioscience, Bavarian NMR Center, Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Garching, 85747, Germany
| | - Mareike Elgner
- RNA Biology and Molecular Physiology, Faculty of Biology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Christoph Schmal
- Institute for Theoretical Biology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Niki Messini
- Helmholtz Munich, Molecular Targets and Therapeutics Center, Institute of Structural Biology, Neuherberg, 85764, Germany
- Department of Bioscience, Bavarian NMR Center, Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Garching, 85747, Germany
| | - Tino Köster
- RNA Biology and Molecular Physiology, Faculty of Biology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Marlene Reichel
- RNA Biology and Molecular Physiology, Faculty of Biology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Michael Sattler
- Helmholtz Munich, Molecular Targets and Therapeutics Center, Institute of Structural Biology, Neuherberg, 85764, Germany
- Department of Bioscience, Bavarian NMR Center, Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Garching, 85747, Germany
| | - Kathi Zarnack
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (BMLS) & Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Dorothee Staiger
- RNA Biology and Molecular Physiology, Faculty of Biology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
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9
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Kravchenko A, de Vries SJ, Smaïl-Tabbone M, Chauvot de Beauchene I. HIPPO: HIstogram-based Pseudo-POtential for scoring protein-ssRNA fragment-based docking poses. BMC Bioinformatics 2024; 25:129. [PMID: 38532339 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-024-05733-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The RNA-Recognition motif (RRM) is a protein domain that binds single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) and is present in as much as 2% of the human genome. Despite this important role in biology, RRM-ssRNA interactions are very challenging to study on the structural level because of the remarkable flexibility of ssRNA. In the absence of atomic-level experimental data, the only method able to predict the 3D structure of protein-ssRNA complexes with any degree of accuracy is ssRNA'TTRACT, an ssRNA fragment-based docking approach using ATTRACT. However, since ATTRACT parameters are not ssRNA-specific and were determined in 2010, there is substantial opportunity for enhancement. RESULTS Here we present HIPPO, a composite RRM-ssRNA scoring potential derived analytically from contact frequencies in near-native versus non-native docking models. HIPPO consists of a consensus of four distinct potentials, each extracted from a distinct reference pool of protein-trinucleotide docking decoys. To score a docking pose with one potential, for each pair of RNA-protein coarse-grained bead types, each contact is awarded or penalised according to the relative frequencies of this contact distance range among the correct and incorrect poses of the reference pool. Validated on a fragment-based docking benchmark of 57 experimentally solved RRM-ssRNA complexes, HIPPO achieved a threefold or higher enrichment for half of the fragments, versus only a quarter with the ATTRACT scoring function. In particular, HIPPO drastically improved the chance of very high enrichment (12-fold or higher), a scenario where the incremental modelling of entire ssRNA chains from fragments becomes viable. However, for the latter result, more research is needed to make it directly practically applicable. Regardless, our approach already improves upon the state of the art in RRM-ssRNA modelling and is in principle extendable to other types of protein-nucleic acid interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kravchenko
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, Inria, LORIA, 54000, Nancy, France
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10
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Lotthammer JM, Ginell GM, Griffith D, Emenecker RJ, Holehouse AS. Direct prediction of intrinsically disordered protein conformational properties from sequence. Nat Methods 2024; 21:465-476. [PMID: 38297184 PMCID: PMC10927563 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-023-02159-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) are ubiquitous across all domains of life and play a range of functional roles. While folded domains are generally well described by a stable three-dimensional structure, IDRs exist in a collection of interconverting states known as an ensemble. This structural heterogeneity means that IDRs are largely absent from the Protein Data Bank, contributing to a lack of computational approaches to predict ensemble conformational properties from sequence. Here we combine rational sequence design, large-scale molecular simulations and deep learning to develop ALBATROSS, a deep-learning model for predicting ensemble dimensions of IDRs, including the radius of gyration, end-to-end distance, polymer-scaling exponent and ensemble asphericity, directly from sequences at a proteome-wide scale. ALBATROSS is lightweight, easy to use and accessible as both a locally installable software package and a point-and-click-style interface via Google Colab notebooks. We first demonstrate the applicability of our predictors by examining the generalizability of sequence-ensemble relationships in IDRs. Then, we leverage the high-throughput nature of ALBATROSS to characterize the sequence-specific biophysical behavior of IDRs within and between proteomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey M Lotthammer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Center for Biomolecular Condensates, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Garrett M Ginell
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Center for Biomolecular Condensates, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Daniel Griffith
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Center for Biomolecular Condensates, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Ryan J Emenecker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Center for Biomolecular Condensates, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Alex S Holehouse
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
- Center for Biomolecular Condensates, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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11
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Roca-Martínez J, Kang HS, Sattler M, Vranken W. Analysis of the inter-domain orientation of tandem RRM domains with diverse linkers: connecting experimental with AlphaFold2 predicted models. NAR Genom Bioinform 2024; 6:lqae002. [PMID: 38288375 PMCID: PMC10823583 DOI: 10.1093/nargab/lqae002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
The RNA recognition motif (RRM) is the most prevalent RNA binding domain in eukaryotes and is involved in most RNA metabolism processes. Single RRM domains have a limited RNA specificity and affinity and tend to be accompanied by other RNA binding domains, frequently additional RRMs that contribute to an avidity effect. Within multi-RRM proteins, the most common arrangement are tandem RRMs, with two domains connected by a variable linker. Despite their prevalence, little is known about the features that lead to specific arrangements, and especially the role of the connecting linker. In this work, we present a novel and robust way to investigate the relative domain orientation in multi-domain proteins using inter-domain vectors referenced to a stable secondary structure element. We apply this method to tandem RRM domains and cluster experimental tandem RRM structures according to their inter-domain and linker-domain contacts, and report how this correlates with their orientation. By extending our analysis to AlphaFold2 predicted structures, with particular attention to the inter-domain predicted aligned error, we identify new orientations not reported experimentally. Our analysis provides novel insights across a range of tandem RRM orientations that may help for the design of proteins with a specific RNA binding mode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Roca-Martínez
- Interuniversity Institute of Bioinformatics in Brussels, VUB/ULB, Brussels 1050, Belgium
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels 1050, Belgium
| | - Hyun-Seo Kang
- Helmholtz Munich, Molecular Targets and Therapeutics Center, Institute of Structural Biology, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Department of Bioscience, Bavarian NMR Center, 85747 Garching, Germany
| | - Michael Sattler
- Helmholtz Munich, Molecular Targets and Therapeutics Center, Institute of Structural Biology, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Department of Bioscience, Bavarian NMR Center, 85747 Garching, Germany
| | - Wim Vranken
- Interuniversity Institute of Bioinformatics in Brussels, VUB/ULB, Brussels 1050, Belgium
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels 1050, Belgium
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12
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Gregorich ZR, Yanghai Z, Kamp TJ, Granzier H, Guo W. Mechanisms of RBM20 Cardiomyopathy: Insights From Model Systems. CIRCULATION. GENOMIC AND PRECISION MEDICINE 2024; 17:e004355. [PMID: 38288598 PMCID: PMC10923161 DOI: 10.1161/circgen.123.004355] [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] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
RBM20 (RNA-binding motif protein 20) is a vertebrate- and muscle-specific RNA-binding protein that belongs to the serine-arginine-rich family of splicing factors. The RBM20 gene was first identified as a dilated cardiomyopathy-linked gene over a decade ago. Early studies in Rbm20 knockout rodents implicated disrupted splicing of RBM20 target genes as a causative mechanism. Clinical studies show that pathogenic variants in RBM20 are linked to aggressive dilated cardiomyopathy with early onset heart failure and high mortality. Subsequent studies employing pathogenic variant knock-in animal models revealed that variants in a specific portion of the arginine-serine-rich domain in RBM20 not only disrupt splicing but also hinder nucleocytoplasmic transport and lead to the formation of RBM20 biomolecular condensates in the sarcoplasm. Conversely, mice harboring a disease-associated variant in the RRM (RNA recognition motif) do not show evidence of adverse remodeling or exhibit sudden death despite disrupted splicing of RBM20 target genes. Thus, whether disrupted splicing, biomolecular condensates, or both contribute to dilated cardiomyopathy is under debate. Beyond this, additional questions remain, such as whether there is sexual dimorphism in the presentation of RBM20 cardiomyopathy. What are the clinical features of RBM20 cardiomyopathy and why do some individuals develop more severe disease than others? In this review, we summarize the reported observations and discuss potential mechanisms of RBM20 cardiomyopathy derived from studies employing in vivo animal models and in vitro human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. Potential therapeutic strategies to treat RBM20 cardiomyopathy are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachery R. Gregorich
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - Zhang Yanghai
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - Timothy J. Kamp
- Cellular and Molecular Arrhythmia Research Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
- Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - Henk Granzier
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
- Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
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13
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Biedler JK, Aryan A, Qi Y, Wang A, Martinson EO, Hartman DA, Yang F, Sharma A, Morton KS, Potters M, Chen C, Dobson SL, Ebel GD, Kading RC, Paulson S, Xue RD, Strand MR, Tu Z. On the Origin and Evolution of the Mosquito Male-determining Factor Nix. Mol Biol Evol 2024; 41:msad276. [PMID: 38128148 PMCID: PMC10798136 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msad276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The mosquito family Culicidae is divided into 2 subfamilies named the Culicinae and Anophelinae. Nix, the dominant male-determining factor, has only been found in the culicines Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, 2 important arboviral vectors that belong to the subgenus Stegomyia. Here we performed sex-specific whole-genome sequencing and RNAseq of divergent mosquito species and explored additional male-inclusive datasets to investigate the distribution of Nix. Except for the Culex genus, Nix homologs were found in all species surveyed from the Culicinae subfamily, including 12 additional species from 3 highly divergent tribes comprising 4 genera, suggesting Nix originated at least 133 to 165 million years ago (MYA). Heterologous expression of 1 of 3 divergent Nix open reading frames (ORFs) in Ae. aegypti resulted in partial masculinization of genetic females as evidenced by morphology and doublesex splicing. Phylogenetic analysis suggests Nix is related to femaleless (fle), a recently described intermediate sex-determining factor found exclusively in anopheline mosquitoes. Nix from all species has a conserved structure, including 3 RNA-recognition motifs (RRMs), as does fle. However, Nix has evolved at a much faster rate than fle. The RRM3 of both Nix and fle are distantly related to the single RRM of a widely distributed and conserved splicing factor transformer-2 (tra2). The RRM3-based phylogenetic analysis suggests this domain in Nix and fle may have evolved from tra2 or a tra2-related gene in a common ancestor of mosquitoes. Our results provide insights into the evolution of sex determination in mosquitoes and will inform broad applications of mosquito-control strategies based on manipulating sex ratios toward nonbiting males.
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Affiliation(s)
- James K Biedler
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Azadeh Aryan
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Yumin Qi
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Aihua Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Ellen O Martinson
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Daniel A Hartman
- Center for Vector-borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Entomology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Atashi Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Katherine S Morton
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Mark Potters
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Chujia Chen
- Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Genetics Bioinformatics and Computational Biology PhD program, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Stephen L Dobson
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40503, USA
- MosquitoMate, Inc., Lexington, KY 40502, USA
| | - Gregory D Ebel
- Center for Vector-borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Rebekah C Kading
- Center for Vector-borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Sally Paulson
- Department of Entomology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Rui-De Xue
- Anastasia Mosquito Control District, St. Augustine, FL 32092, USA
| | - Michael R Strand
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Zhijian Tu
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Genetics Bioinformatics and Computational Biology PhD program, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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14
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Soueid DM, Garner AL. Adaptation of RiPCA for the Live-Cell Detection of mRNA-Protein Interactions. Biochemistry 2023; 62:3323-3336. [PMID: 37963240 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.3c00334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) act as essential regulators of cell fate decisions, through their ability to bind and regulate the activity of cellular RNAs. For protein-coding mRNAs, RBPs control the localization, stability, degradation, and ultimately translation of mRNAs to impact gene expression. Disruption of the vast network of mRNA-protein interactions has been implicated in many human diseases, and accordingly, targeting these interactions has surfaced as a new frontier in RNA-targeted drug discovery. To catalyze this new field, methods are needed to enable the detection and subsequent screening of mRNA-RBP interactions, particularly in live cells. Using our laboratory's RNA-interaction with Protein-mediated Complementation Assay (RiPCA) technology, herein we describe its application to mRNA-protein interactions and present a guide for the development of future RiPCA assays for structurally diverse classes of mRNA-protein interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalia M Soueid
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Amanda L Garner
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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15
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Song J. Molecular mechanisms of phase separation and amyloidosis of ALS/FTD-linked FUS and TDP-43. Aging Dis 2023:AD.2023.1118. [PMID: 38029395 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.1118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
FUS and TDP-43, two RNA-binding proteins from the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein family, have gained significant attention in the field of neurodegenerative diseases due to their association with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal degeneration (FTD). They possess folded domains for binding ATP and various nucleic acids including DNA and RNA, as well as substantial intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) including prion-like domains (PLDs) and RG-/RGG-rich regions. They play vital roles in various cellular processes, including transcription, splicing, microRNA maturation, RNA stability and transport and DNA repair. In particular, they are key components for forming ribonucleoprotein granules and stress granules (SGs) through homotypic or heterotypic liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). Strikingly, liquid-like droplets formed by FUS and TDP-43 may undergo aging to transform into less dynamic assemblies such as hydrogels, inclusions, and amyloid fibrils, which are the pathological hallmarks of ALS and FTD. This review aims to synthesize and consolidate the biophysical knowledge of the sequences, structures, stability, dynamics, and inter-domain interactions of FUS and TDP-43 domains, so as to shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying their liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and amyloidosis. The review further delves into the mechanisms through which ALS-causing mutants of the well-folded hPFN1 disrupt the dynamics of LLPS of FUS prion-like domain, providing key insights into a potential mechanism for misfolding/aggregation-prone proteins to cause neurodegenerative diseases and aging by gain of functions. With better understanding of different biophysical aspects of FUS and TDP-43, the ultimate goal is to develop drugs targeting LLPS and amyloidosis, which could mediate protein homeostasis within cells and lead to new treatments for currently intractable diseases, particularly neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS, FTD and aging. However, the study of membrane-less organelles and condensates is still in its infancy and therefore the review also highlights key questions that require future investigation.
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16
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Song Z, Zhou S, Zhang H, Keller NP, Oakley BR, Liu X, Yin WB. Fungal secondary metabolism is governed by an RNA-binding protein CsdA/RsdA complex. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7351. [PMID: 37963872 PMCID: PMC10645843 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43205-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Production of secondary metabolites is controlled by a complicated regulatory network in eukaryotic cells. Several layers of regulators are involved in this process, ranging from pathway-specific regulation, to epigenetic control, to global regulation. Here, we discover that interaction of an RNA-binding protein CsdA with a regulator RsdA coordinates fungal secondary metabolism. Employing a genetic deletion approach and transcriptome analysis as well as metabolomics analysis, we reveal that CsdA and RsdA synergistically regulate fungal secondary metabolism comprehensively. Mechanistically, comprehensive genetic and biochemical studies prove that RsdA and CsdA co-localize in the nucleus and physically interact to achieve their functions. In particular, we demonstrate that CsdA mediates rsdA expression by binding specific motif "GUCGGUAU" of its pre-mRNA at a post-transcriptional level. We thus uncover a mechanism in which RNA-binding protein physically interacts with, and controls the expression level of, the RsdA to coordinate fungal secondary metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zili Song
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, PR China
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, PR China
| | - Shuang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, PR China
| | - Hongjiao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, PR China
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, PR China
| | - Nancy P Keller
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Berl R Oakley
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, 66045, USA
| | - Xiao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, PR China
| | - Wen-Bing Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, PR China.
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, PR China.
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17
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Moursy A, Cléry A, Gerhardy S, Betz KM, Rao S, Mazur J, Campagne S, Beusch I, Duszczyk MM, Robinson MD, Panse VG, Allain FHT. RNA recognition by Npl3p reveals U2 snRNA-binding compatible with a chaperone role during splicing. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7166. [PMID: 37935663 PMCID: PMC10630445 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42962-4] [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: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The conserved SR-like protein Npl3 promotes splicing of diverse pre-mRNAs. However, the RNA sequence(s) recognized by the RNA Recognition Motifs (RRM1 & RRM2) of Npl3 during the splicing reaction remain elusive. Here, we developed a split-iCRAC approach in yeast to uncover the consensus sequence bound to each RRM. High-resolution NMR structures show that RRM2 recognizes a 5´-GNGG-3´ motif leading to an unusual mille-feuille topology. These structures also reveal how RRM1 preferentially interacts with a CC-dinucleotide upstream of this motif, and how the inter-RRM linker and the region C-terminal to RRM2 contribute to cooperative RNA-binding. Structure-guided functional studies show that Npl3 genetically interacts with U2 snRNP specific factors and we provide evidence that Npl3 melts U2 snRNA stem-loop I, a prerequisite for U2/U6 duplex formation within the catalytic center of the Bact spliceosomal complex. Thus, our findings suggest an unanticipated RNA chaperoning role for Npl3 during spliceosome active site formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Moursy
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Antoine Cléry
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, ETH Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Stefan Gerhardy
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Sardona Therapeutics, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Katharina M Betz
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sanjana Rao
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jarosław Mazur
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sébastien Campagne
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
- ARNA laboratory, INSERM U1212, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Irene Beusch
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Mark D Robinson
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Vikram Govind Panse
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Faculty of Science, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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18
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Zhu H, Luo H, Chang R, Yang Y, Liu D, Ji Y, Qin H, Rong H, Yin J. Protein-based delivery systems for RNA delivery. J Control Release 2023; 363:253-274. [PMID: 37741460 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.09.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
RNA-based therapeutics have emerged as promising approaches to modulate gene expression and generate therapeutic proteins or antigens capable of inducing immune responses to treat a variety of diseases, such as infectious diseases, cancers, immunologic disorders, and genetic disorders. However, the efficient delivery of RNA molecules into cells poses significant challenges due to their large molecular weight, negative charge, and susceptibility to degradation by RNase enzymes. To overcome these obstacles, viral and non-viral vectors have been developed, including lipid nanoparticles, viral vectors, proteins, dendritic macromolecules, among others. Among these carriers, protein-based delivery systems have garnered considerable attention due to their potential to address specific issues associated with nanoparticle-based systems, such as liver accumulation and immunogenicity. This review provides an overview of currently marketed RNA drugs, underscores the significance of RNA delivery vector development, delineates the essential characteristics of an ideal RNA delivery vector, and introduces existing protein carriers for RNA delivery. By offering valuable insights, this review aims to serve as a reference for the future development of protein-based delivery vectors for RNA therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haichao Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Hong Luo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ruilong Chang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yifan Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Dingkang Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yue Ji
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Hai Qin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital Guizhou Hospital, No. 206, Sixian Street, Baiyun District, Guiyang City 550014, Guizhou Province, China.
| | - Haibo Rong
- Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research & The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Jun Yin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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19
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Cheng K, Zhang C, Lu Y, Li J, Tang H, Ma L, Zhu H. The Glycine-Rich RNA-Binding Protein Is a Vital Post-Transcriptional Regulator in Crops. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:3504. [PMID: 37836244 PMCID: PMC10575402 DOI: 10.3390/plants12193504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Glycine-rich RNA binding proteins (GR-RBPs), a branch of RNA binding proteins (RBPs), play integral roles in regulating various aspects of RNA metabolism regulation, such as RNA processing, transport, localization, translation, and stability, and ultimately regulate gene expression and cell fate. However, our current understanding of GR-RBPs has predominantly been centered on Arabidopsis thaliana, a model plant for investigating plant growth and development. Nonetheless, an increasing body of literature has emerged in recent years, shedding light on the presence and functions of GRPs in diverse crop species. In this review, we not only delineate the distinctive structural domains of plant GR-RBPs but also elucidate several contemporary mechanisms of GR-RBPs in the post-transcriptional regulation of RNA. These mechanisms encompass intricate processes, including RNA alternative splicing, polyadenylation, miRNA biogenesis, phase separation, and RNA translation. Furthermore, we offer an exhaustive synthesis of the diverse roles that GR-RBPs fulfill within crop plants. Our overarching objective is to provide researchers and practitioners in the field of agricultural genetics with valuable insights that may inform and guide the application of plant genetic engineering for enhanced crop development and sustainable agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Cheng
- The College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; (K.C.); (Y.L.); (J.L.); (H.T.); (L.M.)
| | - Chunjiao Zhang
- Supervision, Inspection & Testing Center of Agricultural Products Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100083, China;
| | - Yao Lu
- The College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; (K.C.); (Y.L.); (J.L.); (H.T.); (L.M.)
| | - Jinyan Li
- The College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; (K.C.); (Y.L.); (J.L.); (H.T.); (L.M.)
| | - Hui Tang
- The College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; (K.C.); (Y.L.); (J.L.); (H.T.); (L.M.)
| | - Liqun Ma
- The College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; (K.C.); (Y.L.); (J.L.); (H.T.); (L.M.)
| | - Hongliang Zhu
- The College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; (K.C.); (Y.L.); (J.L.); (H.T.); (L.M.)
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20
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Hu J, Xiang Y, Zhu X, Hu C, Xu X, Li D, Deng Z, Jiang Z. Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) Mex3B positively regulates innate immunity by promoting the K63-linked ubiquitination of TLR3. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 141:109023. [PMID: 37625735 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2023.109023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
As a member of Mex3 (muscle excess protein-3) family, Mex3B (Mex-3 RNA binding family member B) is crucial in cell proliferation and migration in mammals. In this study, an ortholog of mammalian Mex3B (denominated CiMex3B, MT276802.1) was cloned and identified in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). CiMex3B is 1578 bp in length and encodes a polypeptide of 525 amino acids. Consistent with its mammalian counterpart, CiMex3B also contains one C-terminal RING domain and two N-terminal conserved tandem KH domains. CiMex3B up-regulates the expressions of IFN1, ISG15, MX2, as well as the expressions of inflammatory cytokines such as IL6, IL8 and TNFα in response to poly(I:C). A screening test for identifying potential targets indicated that CiMex3B is associated with TLR3 and TRIF. CiMex3B co-localizes with TLR3 in the late endosome, mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum after poly(I:C) stimulation, whereas they are rarely discovered in the lysosomes. CiMex3B serves as a positive regulator in the phosphorylation of IRF3 and induces IFN1 expression. In addition, two truncation mutants of CiMex3B (1-220 and 221-525) were constructed to better understand the molecular mechanism of CiMex3B-mediated ubiquitination of TLR3. In line with wild-type protein, CiMex3B mutant (1-220) was found mainly in the cytoplasm; however, CiMex3B mutant (221-525) resided in the cytoplasm and the nucleus as well, and it was further confirmed that CiMex3B mutant (221-525) still interacts with TLR3. We also observed that CiMex3B promotes the K63-linked ubiquitination of TLR3, while neither of the truncation mutants (1-220 or 221-525) retains this activity. To sum up, this study revealed that CiMex3B potentiates the K63-linked ubiquitination of TLR3, and then elicits the IRF3-mediated antiviral innate immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihuan Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330047, Jiangxi, China; Department of Bioscience, College of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yang Xiang
- Department of Bioscience, College of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xuechun Zhu
- Department of Bioscience, College of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, Jiangxi, China
| | - Chengyu Hu
- Department of Bioscience, College of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xiaowen Xu
- Department of Bioscience, College of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, Jiangxi, China
| | - Dongming Li
- Fuzhou Medical College, Nanchang University, Fuzhou, 344000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zeyuan Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330047, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zeyin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330047, Jiangxi, China; Department of Bioscience, College of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, Jiangxi, China.
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21
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Mukhopadhyay C, Zhou P. Role(s) of G3BPs in Human Pathogenesis. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2023; 387:100-110. [PMID: 37468286 PMCID: PMC10519580 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.122.001538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Ras-GTPase-activating protein (SH3 domain)-binding proteins (G3BP) are RNA binding proteins that play a critical role in stress granule (SG) formation. SGs protect critical mRNAs from various environmental stress conditions by regulating mRNA stability and translation to maintain regulated gene expression. Recent evidence suggests that G3BPs can also regulate mRNA expression through interactions with RNA outside of SGs. G3BPs have been associated with a number of disease states, including cancer progression, invasion, metastasis, and viral infections, and may be useful as a cancer therapeutic target. This review summarizes the biology of G3BP including their structure, function, localization, role in cancer progression, virus replication, mRNA stability, and SG formation. We will also discuss the potential of G3BPs as a therapeutic target. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This review will discuss the molecular mechanism(s) and functional role(s) of Ras-GTPase-activating protein (SH3 domain)-binding proteins in the context of stress granule formation, interaction with viruses, stability of RNA, and tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandrani Mukhopadhyay
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York
| | - Pengbo Zhou
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York
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22
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Witzenberger M, Burczyk S, Settele D, Mayer W, Welp L, Heiss M, Wagner M, Monecke T, Janowski R, Carell T, Urlaub H, Hauck S, Voigt A, Niessing D. Human TRMT2A methylates tRNA and contributes to translation fidelity. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:8691-8710. [PMID: 37395448 PMCID: PMC10484741 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
5-Methyluridine (m5U) is one of the most abundant RNA modifications found in cytosolic tRNA. tRNA methyltransferase 2 homolog A (hTRMT2A) is the dedicated mammalian enzyme for m5U formation at tRNA position 54. However, its RNA binding specificity and functional role in the cell are not well understood. Here we dissected structural and sequence requirements for binding and methylation of its RNA targets. Specificity of tRNA modification by hTRMT2A is achieved by a combination of modest binding preference and presence of a uridine in position 54 of tRNAs. Mutational analysis together with cross-linking experiments identified a large hTRMT2A-tRNA binding surface. Furthermore, complementing hTRMT2A interactome studies revealed that hTRMT2A interacts with proteins involved in RNA biogenesis. Finally, we addressed the question of the importance of hTRMT2A function by showing that its knockdown reduces translation fidelity. These findings extend the role of hTRMT2A beyond tRNA modification towards a role in translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Witzenberger
- Institute of Structural Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München-German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Sandra Burczyk
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - David Settele
- Institute of Structural Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München-German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Wieland Mayer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Luisa M Welp
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Group, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Matthias Heiss
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, München, Germany
| | - Mirko Wagner
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, München, Germany
| | - Thomas Monecke
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Robert Janowski
- Institute of Structural Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München-German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Carell
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, München, Germany
| | - Henning Urlaub
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Group, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stefanie M Hauck
- Metabolomics and Proteomics Core, Research Unit Protein Science, Helmholtz Zentrum München-German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Aaron Voigt
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Dierk Niessing
- Institute of Structural Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München-German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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23
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Schmeing S, Amrahova G, Bigler K, Chang JY, Openy J, Pal S, Posada L, Gasper R, 't Hart P. Rationally designed stapled peptides allosterically inhibit PTBP1-RNA-binding. Chem Sci 2023; 14:8269-8278. [PMID: 37564416 PMCID: PMC10411625 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc00985h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The diverse role of the splicing factor PTBP1 in human cells has been widely studied and was found to be a driver for several diseases. PTBP1 binds RNA through its RNA-recognition motifs which lack obvious pockets for inhibition. A unique transient helix has been described to be part of its first RNA-recognition motif and to be important for RNA binding. In this study, we further confirmed the role of this helix and envisioned its dynamic nature as a unique opportunity to develop stapled peptide inhibitors of PTBP1. The peptides were found to be able to inhibit RNA binding via fluorescence polarization assays and directly occupy the helix binding site as observed by protein crystallography. These cell-permeable inhibitors were validated in cellulo to alter the regulation of alternative splicing events regulated by PTBP1. Our study demonstrates transient secondary structures of a protein can be mimicked by stapled peptides to inhibit allosteric mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Schmeing
- Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology Otto-Hahn-Strasse 11 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Gulshan Amrahova
- Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology Otto-Hahn-Strasse 11 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Katrin Bigler
- Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology Otto-Hahn-Strasse 11 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Jen-Yao Chang
- Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology Otto-Hahn-Strasse 11 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Joseph Openy
- Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology Otto-Hahn-Strasse 11 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Sunit Pal
- Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology Otto-Hahn-Strasse 11 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Laura Posada
- Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology Otto-Hahn-Strasse 11 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Raphael Gasper
- Crystallography and Biophysics Unit, Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Physiology Otto-Hahn-Strasse 11 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Peter 't Hart
- Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology Otto-Hahn-Strasse 11 44227 Dortmund Germany
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24
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Li Q, Kang C. Targeting RNA-binding proteins with small molecules: Perspectives, pitfalls and bifunctional molecules. FEBS Lett 2023; 597:2031-2047. [PMID: 37519019 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14710] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) play vital roles in organisms through binding with RNAs to regulate their functions. Small molecules affecting the function of RBPs have been developed, providing new avenues for drug discovery. Herein, we describe the perspectives on developing small molecule regulators of RBPs. The following types of small molecule modulators are of great interest in drug discovery: small molecules binding to RBPs to affect interactions with RNA molecules, bifunctional molecules binding to RNA or RBP to influence their interactions, and other types of molecules that affect the stability of RNA or RBPs. Moreover, we emphasize that the bifunctional molecules may play important roles in small molecule development to overcome the challenges encountered in the process of drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingxin Li
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Biomass High Value Utilization, Institute of Biological and Medical Engineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Congbao Kang
- Experimental Drug Development Centre, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
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25
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Sanchez-Burgos I, Herriott L, Collepardo-Guevara R, Espinosa JR. Surfactants or scaffolds? RNAs of varying lengths control the thermodynamic stability of condensates differently. Biophys J 2023; 122:2973-2987. [PMID: 36883003 PMCID: PMC10398262 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomolecular condensates, thought to form via liquid-liquid phase separation of intracellular mixtures, are multicomponent systems that can include diverse types of proteins and RNAs. RNA is a critical modulator of RNA-protein condensate stability, as it induces an RNA concentration-dependent reentrant phase transition-increasing stability at low RNA concentrations and decreasing it at high concentrations. Beyond concentration, RNAs inside condensates can be heterogeneous in length, sequence, and structure. Here, we use multiscale simulations to understand how different RNA parameters interact with one another to modulate the properties of RNA-protein condensates. To do so, we perform residue/nucleotide resolution coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations of multicomponent RNA-protein condensates containing RNAs of different lengths and concentrations, and either FUS or PR25 proteins. Our simulations reveal that RNA length regulates the reentrant phase behavior of RNA-protein condensates: increasing RNA length sensitively rises the maximum value that the critical temperature of the mixture reaches, and the maximum concentration of RNA that the condensate can incorporate before beginning to become unstable. Strikingly, RNAs of different lengths are organized heterogeneously inside condensates, which allows them to enhance condensate stability via two distinct mechanisms: shorter RNA chains accumulate at the condensate's surface acting as natural biomolecular surfactants, while longer RNA chains concentrate inside the core to saturate their bonds and enhance the density of molecular connections in the condensate. Using a patchy particle model, we additionally demonstrate that the combined impact of RNA length and concentration on condensate properties is dictated by the valency, binding affinity, and polymer length of the various biomolecules involved. Our results postulate that diversity on RNA parameters within condensates allows RNAs to increase condensate stability by fulfilling two different criteria: maximizing enthalpic gain and minimizing interfacial free energy; hence, RNA diversity should be considered when assessing the impact of RNA on biomolecular condensates regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Sanchez-Burgos
- Maxwell Centre, Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Lara Herriott
- Maxwell Centre, Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Rosana Collepardo-Guevara
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
| | - Jorge R Espinosa
- Maxwell Centre, Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Departament of Chemical Physics, Faculty of Chemical Sciences, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
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26
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Carico C, Placzek WJ. Reviewing PTBP1 Domain Modularity in the Pre-Genomic Era: A Foundation to Guide the Next Generation of Exploring PTBP1 Structure-Function Relationships. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11218. [PMID: 37446395 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311218] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Polypyrimidine tract binding protein 1 (PTBP1) is one of the most well-described RNA binding proteins, known initially for its role as a splicing repressor before later studies revealed its numerous roles in RNA maturation, stability, and translation. While PTBP1's various biological roles have been well-described, it remains unclear how its four RNA recognition motif (RRM) domains coordinate these functions. The early PTBP1 literature saw extensive effort placed in detailing structures of each of PTBP1's RRMs, as well as their individual RNA sequence and structure preferences. However, limitations in high-throughput and high-resolution genomic approaches (i.e., next-generation sequencing had not yet been developed) precluded the functional translation of these findings into a mechanistic understanding of each RRM's contribution to overall PTBP1 function. With the emergence of new technologies, it is now feasible to begin elucidating the individual contributions of each RRM to PTBP1 biological functions. Here, we review all the known literature describing the apo and RNA bound structures of each of PTBP1's RRMs, as well as the emerging literature describing the dependence of specific RNA processing events on individual RRM domains. Our goal is to provide a framework of the structure-function context upon which to facilitate the interpretation of future studies interrogating the dynamics of PTBP1 function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Carico
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - William J Placzek
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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27
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Konecki DM, Hamrick S, Wang C, Agosto MA, Wensel TG, Lichtarge O. CovET: A covariation-evolutionary trace method that identifies protein structure-function modules. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:104896. [PMID: 37290531 PMCID: PMC10338321 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Measuring the relative effect that any two sequence positions have on each other may improve protein design or help better interpret coding variants. Current approaches use statistics and machine learning but rarely consider phylogenetic divergences which, as shown by Evolutionary Trace studies, provide insight into the functional impact of sequence perturbations. Here, we reframe covariation analyses in the Evolutionary Trace framework to measure the relative tolerance to perturbation of each residue pair during evolution. This approach (CovET) systematically accounts for phylogenetic divergences: at each divergence event, we penalize covariation patterns that belie evolutionary coupling. We find that while CovET approximates the performance of existing methods to predict individual structural contacts, it performs significantly better at finding structural clusters of coupled residues and ligand binding sites. For example, CovET found more functionally critical residues when we examined the RNA recognition motif and WW domains. It correlates better with large-scale epistasis screen data. In the dopamine D2 receptor, top CovET residue pairs recovered accurately the allosteric activation pathway characterized for Class A G protein-coupled receptors. These data suggest that CovET ranks highest the sequence position pairs that play critical functional roles through epistatic and allosteric interactions in evolutionarily relevant structure-function motifs. CovET complements current methods and may shed light on fundamental molecular mechanisms of protein structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M Konecki
- Quantitative and Computational Biosciences Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Spencer Hamrick
- Chemical, Physical, and Structural Biology Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Melina A Agosto
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Theodore G Wensel
- Quantitative and Computational Biosciences Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA; Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA; Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA; Cancer and Cell Biology Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Olivier Lichtarge
- Quantitative and Computational Biosciences Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA; Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA; Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA; Cancer and Cell Biology Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA; Computational and Integrative Biomedical Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.
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28
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Que Z, Yang K, Wang N, Li S, Li T. Functional Role of RBP in Osteosarcoma: Regulatory Mechanism and Clinical Therapy. Anal Cell Pathol (Amst) 2023; 2023:9849719. [PMID: 37426488 PMCID: PMC10328736 DOI: 10.1155/2023/9849719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant bone neoplasms can be represented by osteosarcoma (OS), which accounts for 36% of all sarcomas. To reduce tumor malignancy, extensive efforts have been devoted to find an ideal target from numerous candidates, among which RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) have shown their unparalleled competitiveness. With the special structure of RNA-binding domains, RBPs have the potential to establish relationships with RNAs or small molecules and are considered regulators of different sections of RNA processes, including splicing, transport, translation, and degradation of RNAs. RBPs have considerable significant roles in various cancers, and experiments revealed that there was a strong association of RBPs with tumorigenesis and tumor cell progression. Regarding OS, RBPs are a new orientation, but achievements in hand are noteworthy. Higher or lower expression of RBPs was first found in tumor cells compared to normal tissue. By binding to different molecules, RBPs are capable of influencing tumor cell phenotypes through different signaling pathways or other axes, and researches on medical treatment have been largely inspired. Exploring the prognostic and therapeutic values of RBPs in OS is a hotspot where diverse avenues on regulating RBPs have achieved dramatical effects. In this review, we briefly summarize the contribution of RBPs and their binding molecules to OS oncogenicity and generally introduce distinctive RBPs as samples. Moreover, we focus on the attempts to differentiate RBP's opposite functions in predicting prognosis and collect possible strategies for treatment. Our review provides forwards insight into improving the understanding of OS and suggests RBPs as potential biomarkers for therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyuan Que
- Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Kang Yang
- Department of Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, Zhejiang, China
| | - Nan Wang
- Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Shuying Li
- Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, Zhejiang, China
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29
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Zhang D, Qiao L, Lei X, Dong X, Tong Y, Wang J, Wang Z, Zhou R. Mutagenesis and structural studies reveal the basis for the specific binding of SARS-CoV-2 SL3 RNA element with human TIA1 protein. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3715. [PMID: 37349329 PMCID: PMC10287707 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39410-8] [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: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral RNA-host protein interactions are indispensable during RNA virus transcription and replication, but their detailed structural and dynamical features remain largely elusive. Here, we characterize the binding interface for the SARS-CoV-2 stem-loop 3 (SL3) cis-acting element to human TIA1 protein with a combined theoretical and experimental approaches. The highly structured SARS-CoV-2 SL3 has a high binding affinity to TIA1 protein, in which the aromatic stacking, hydrogen bonds, and hydrophobic interactions collectively direct this specific binding. Further mutagenesis studies validate our proposed 3D binding model and reveal two SL3 variants have enhanced binding affinities to TIA1. And disruptions of the identified RNA-protein interactions with designed antisense oligonucleotides dramatically reduce SARS-CoV-2 infection in cells. Finally, TIA1 protein could interact with conserved SL3 RNA elements within other betacoronavirus lineages. These findings open an avenue to explore the viral RNA-host protein interactions and provide a pioneering structural basis for RNA-targeting antiviral drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Zhang
- Institute of Quantitative Biology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Lulu Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Xiaobo Lei
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens and Christophe Mérieux Laboratory, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Xiaojing Dong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens and Christophe Mérieux Laboratory, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Yunguang Tong
- College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310018, China
- Department of Pharmacy, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310018, China
| | - Jianwei Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens and Christophe Mérieux Laboratory, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Zhiye Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China.
- The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China.
| | - Ruhong Zhou
- Institute of Quantitative Biology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China.
- The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China.
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30
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Xiao CD, Jia MH, Zhong MQ, Xu Y, Yu ZT, He ZY, Lu X, Zhang Y, Zhou X, Fu LY, Shen XC. Unveiling the role of G-quadruplex structure in promoter region: Regulation of ABCA1 expression in macrophages possibly via NONO protein recruitment. Int J Biol Macromol 2023:125443. [PMID: 37353131 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125443] [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: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
ABCA1 has been found to be critical for cholesterol efflux in macrophages. Understanding the mechanism regulating ABCA1 expression is important for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis. In the present study, a G-quadruplex (G4) structure was identified in the ABCA1 promoter region. This G4 was shown to be essential for ABCA1 transcription. Stabilizing the G4 by ligands surprisingly upregulated ABCA1 expression in macrophages. Knocking out the G4 remarkably reduced ABCA1 expression, and abolished the increase of ABCA1 expression induced by the G4 ligand. By pull-down assays, the protein NONO was identified as an ABCA1 G4 binder. Overexpression or repression of NONO significantly induced upregulation and downregulation of ABCA1 expression, respectively. ChIP and EMSA experiments showed that the G4 ligand promoted the binding between the ABCA1 G4 and NONO, which led to more recruitment of NONO to the promoter region and enhanced ABCA1 transcription. Finally, the G4 ligand was shown to significantly reduce the accumulation of cholesterol in macrophages. This study showed a new insight into the regulation of gene expression by G4, and provided a new molecular mechanism regulating ABCA1 expression in macrophages. Furthermore, the study showed a possible novel application of the G4 ligand: preventing and treating atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao-Da Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, Guiyang 550025, China; The Key Laboratory of Optimal Utilization of Natural Medicine Resources, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, Guiyang 550025, China.
| | - Meng-Hao Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, Guiyang 550025, China.
| | - Ming-Qing Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Division of Chemistry, Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, 5200 Kihara, Kiyotake, Miyazaki 889-1692, Japan
| | - Zu-Tao Yu
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Zhi-Yong He
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Xu Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550001, China
| | - Xue Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Lin-Yun Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Xiang-Chun Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, Guiyang 550025, China; The Key Laboratory of Optimal Utilization of Natural Medicine Resources, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, Guiyang 550025, China.
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31
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Fernandes R, Ostendorp A, Ostendorp S, Mehrmann J, Falke S, Graewert MA, Weingartner M, Kehr J, Hoth S. Structural and functional analysis of a plant nucleolar RNA chaperone-like protein. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9656. [PMID: 37316549 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36426-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Ribosome biogenesis is a key process in all eukaryotic cells that requires hundreds of ribosome biogenesis factors (RBFs), which are essential to build the mature ribosomes consisting of proteins and rRNAs. The processing of the required rRNAs has been studied extensively in yeast and mammals, but in plants much is still unknown. In this study, we focused on a RBF from A. thaliana that we named NUCLEOLAR RNA CHAPERONE-LIKE 1 (NURC1). NURC1 was localized in the nucleolus of plant cell nuclei, and other plant RBF candidates shared the same localization. SEC-SAXS experiments revealed that NURC1 has an elongated and flexible structure. In addition, SEC-MALLS experiments confirmed that NURC1 was present in its monomeric form with a molecular weight of around 28 kDa. RNA binding was assessed by performing microscale thermophoresis with the Arabidopsis internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) of the polycistronic pre-rRNA precursor, which contains the 5.8S, 18S, and 25S rRNA. NURC1 showed binding activity to the ITS2 with a dissociation constant of 228 nM and exhibited RNA chaperone-like activity. Our data suggested that NURC1 may have a function in pre-rRNA processing and thus ribosome biogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Fernandes
- Molecular Plant Physiology, Institute of Plant Science and Microbiology, Department of Biology, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- Molecular Plant Genetics, Institute of Plant Science and Microbiology, Department of Biology, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anna Ostendorp
- Molecular Plant Genetics, Institute of Plant Science and Microbiology, Department of Biology, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Steffen Ostendorp
- Molecular Plant Genetics, Institute of Plant Science and Microbiology, Department of Biology, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Judith Mehrmann
- Molecular Plant Physiology, Institute of Plant Science and Microbiology, Department of Biology, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sven Falke
- Center for Free-Electron Laser Science (CFEL), Deutsches Elektronen Synchrotron (DESY), Notkestrasse 85, 22607, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Magdalena Weingartner
- Molecular Plant Physiology, Institute of Plant Science and Microbiology, Department of Biology, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julia Kehr
- Molecular Plant Genetics, Institute of Plant Science and Microbiology, Department of Biology, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Hoth
- Molecular Plant Physiology, Institute of Plant Science and Microbiology, Department of Biology, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.
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32
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Schneider A, Bergsch J, Lipps G. The monomeric archaeal primase from Nanoarchaeum equitans harbours the features of heterodimeric archaeoeukaryotic primases and primes sequence-specifically. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:5087-5105. [PMID: 37099378 PMCID: PMC10250227 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The marine thermophilic archaeon Nanoarchaeum equitans possesses a monomeric primase encompassing the conserved domains of the small catalytic and the large regulatory subunits of archaeoeukaryotic heterodimeric primases in one protein chain. The recombinant protein primes on templates containing a triplet with a central thymidine, thus displaying a pronounced sequence specificity typically observed with bacterial type primases only. The N. equitans primase (NEQ395) is a highly active primase enzyme synthesizing short RNA primers. Termination occurs preferentially at about nine nucleotides, as determined by HPLC analysis and confirmed with mass spectrometry. Possibly, the compact monomeric primase NEQ395 represents the minimal archaeoeukaryotic primase and could serve as a functional and structural model of the heterodimeric archaeoeukaryotic primases, whose study is hindered by engagement in protein assemblies and rather low activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy Schneider
- Institute of Chemistry and Bioanalytics, University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland, 4132 Muttenz, Switzerland
| | - Jan Bergsch
- Institute of Chemistry and Bioanalytics, University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland, 4132 Muttenz, Switzerland
| | - Georg Lipps
- Institute of Chemistry and Bioanalytics, University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland, 4132 Muttenz, Switzerland
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33
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Mateos JL, Staiger D. Toward a systems view on RNA-binding proteins and associated RNAs in plants: Guilt by association. THE PLANT CELL 2023; 35:1708-1726. [PMID: 36461946 PMCID: PMC10226577 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koac345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) have a broad impact on most biochemical, physiological, and developmental processes in a plant's life. RBPs engage in an on-off relationship with their RNA partners, accompanying virtually every stage in RNA processing and function. While the function of a plethora of RBPs in plant development and stress responses has been described, we are lacking a systems-level understanding of components in RNA-based regulation. Novel techniques have substantially enlarged the compendium of proteins with experimental evidence for binding to RNAs in the cell, the RNA-binding proteome. Furthermore, ribonomics methods have been adapted for use in plants to profile the in vivo binding repertoire of RBPs genome-wide. Here, we discuss how recent technological achievements have provided novel insights into the mode of action of plant RBPs at a genome-wide scale. Furthermore, we touch upon two emerging topics, the connection of RBPs to phase separation in the cell and to extracellular RNAs. Finally, we define open questions to be addressed to move toward an integrated understanding of RBP function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julieta L Mateos
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE-CONICET-UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- RNA Biology and Molecular Physiology, Faculty of Biology, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Dorothee Staiger
- RNA Biology and Molecular Physiology, Faculty of Biology, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
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34
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Carico C, Cui J, Acton A, Placzek WJ. Polypyrimidine tract binding protein 1 (PTBP1) contains a novel regulatory sequence, the rBH3, that binds the pro-survival protein MCL1. J Biol Chem 2023:104778. [PMID: 37142223 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The maturation of RNA from its nascent transcription to ultimate utilization (e.g., translation, miR-mediated RNA silencing, etc.) involves an intricately coordinated series of biochemical reactions regulated by RNA binding proteins (RBPs). Over the past several decades, there has been extensive effort to elucidate the biological factors that control the specificity and selectivity of RNA target binding and downstream function. Polypyrimidine tract binding protein 1 (PTBP1) is an RBP that is involved in all steps of RNA maturation and serves as a key regulator of alternative splicing, and therefore understanding its regulation is of critical biologic importance. While several mechanisms of RBP specificity have been proposed (e.g., cell-specific expression of RBPs and secondary structure of target RNA), recently protein-protein interactions with individual domains of RBPs have been suggested to be important determinants of downstream function. Here we demonstrate a novel binding interaction between the first RNA recognition motif (RRM1) of PTBP1 and the pro-survival protein MCL1. Using both in silico and in vitro analyses, we demonstrate that MCL1 binds a novel regulatory sequence on RRM1, termed the rBH3. NMR spectroscopy reveals this interaction allosterically perturbs key residues in the RNA binding interface of RRM1 and negatively impacts RRM1 association with target RNA. Furthermore, pulldown of MCL1 by endogenous PTBP1 verifies that these proteins interact in an endogenous cellular environment, establishing the biological relevance of this binding event. Overall, our findings suggest a novel mechanism of regulation of PTBP1 in which a protein-protein interaction with a single RRM can impact RNA association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Carico
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294
| | - Jia Cui
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294
| | - Alexus Acton
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294
| | - William J Placzek
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294.
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35
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Blatter M, Meylan C, Cléry A, Giambruno R, Nikolaev Y, Heidecker M, Solanki JA, Diaz MO, Gabellini D, Allain FHT. RNA binding induces an allosteric switch in Cyp33 to repress MLL1-mediated transcription. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadf5330. [PMID: 37075125 PMCID: PMC10115415 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adf5330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Mixed-lineage leukemia 1 (MLL1) is a transcription activator of the HOX family, which binds to specific epigenetic marks on histone H3 through its third plant homeodomain (PHD3) domain. Through an unknown mechanism, MLL1 activity is repressed by cyclophilin 33 (Cyp33), which binds to MLL1 PHD3. We determined solution structures of Cyp33 RNA recognition motif (RRM) free, bound to RNA, to MLL1 PHD3, and to both MLL1 and the histone H3 lysine N6-trimethylated. We found that a conserved α helix, amino-terminal to the RRM domain, adopts three different positions facilitating a cascade of binding events. These conformational changes are triggered by Cyp33 RNA binding and ultimately lead to MLL1 release from the histone mark. Together, our mechanistic findings rationalize how Cyp33 binding to MLL1 can switch chromatin to a transcriptional repressive state triggered by RNA binding as a negative feedback loop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Blatter
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
- Corresponding author. (F.H.-T.A.); (M.B.)
| | - Charlotte Meylan
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Antoine Cléry
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roberto Giambruno
- Gene Expression and Muscular Dystrophy Unit, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Yaroslav Nikolaev
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michel Heidecker
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jessica Arvindbhai Solanki
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University of Chicago Medical Center, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Manuel O. Diaz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University of Chicago Medical Center, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Davide Gabellini
- Gene Expression and Muscular Dystrophy Unit, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Frédéric H.-T. Allain
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
- Corresponding author. (F.H.-T.A.); (M.B.)
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36
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Wicke D, Meißner J, Warneke R, Elfmann C, Stülke J. Understudied proteins and understudied functions in the model bacterium Bacillus subtilis-A major challenge in current research. Mol Microbiol 2023. [PMID: 36882621 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.15053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Model organisms such as the Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis have been studied intensively for decades. However, even for model organisms, no function has been identified for about one fourth of all proteins. It has recently been realized that such understudied proteins as well as poorly studied functions set a limitation to our understanding of the requirements for cellular life, and the Understudied Proteins Initiative has been launched. Of poorly studied proteins, those that are strongly expressed are likely to be important to the cell and should therefore be considered high priority in further studies. Since the functional analysis of unknown proteins can be extremely laborious, a minimal knowledge is required prior to targeted functional studies. In this review, we discuss strategies to obtain such a minimal annotation, for example, from global interaction, expression, or localization studies. We present a set of 41 highly expressed and poorly studied proteins of B. subtilis. Several of these proteins are thought or known to bind RNA and/or the ribosome, some may control the metabolism of B. subtilis, and another subset of particularly small proteins may act as regulatory elements to control the expression of downstream genes. Moreover, we discuss the challenges of poorly studied functions with a focus on RNA-binding proteins, amino acid transport, and the control of metabolic homeostasis. The identification of the functions of the selected proteins not only will strongly advance our knowledge on B. subtilis, but also on other organisms since many of the proteins are conserved in many groups of bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Wicke
- Department of General Microbiology, Georg-August-University Göttingen, GZMB, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Janek Meißner
- Department of General Microbiology, Georg-August-University Göttingen, GZMB, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Robert Warneke
- Department of General Microbiology, Georg-August-University Göttingen, GZMB, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Christoph Elfmann
- Department of General Microbiology, Georg-August-University Göttingen, GZMB, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jörg Stülke
- Department of General Microbiology, Georg-August-University Göttingen, GZMB, Göttingen, Germany
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37
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Chen X, Wang Y, Xu Z, Cheng ML, Ma QQ, Li RT, Wang ZJ, Zhao H, Zuo X, Li XF, Fang X, Qin CF. Zika virus RNA structure controls its unique neurotropism by bipartite binding to Musashi-1. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1134. [PMID: 36854751 PMCID: PMC9972320 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36838-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Human RNA binding protein Musashi-1 (MSI1) plays a critical role in neural progenitor cells (NPCs) by binding to various host RNA transcripts. The canonical MSI1 binding site (MBS), A/GU(1-3)AG single-strand motif, is present in many RNA virus genomes, but only Zika virus (ZIKV) genome has been demonstrated to bind MSI1. Herein, we identified the AUAG motif and the AGAA tetraloop in the Xrn1-resistant RNA 2 (xrRNA2) as the canonical and non-canonical MBS, respectively, and both are crucial for ZIKV neurotropism. More importantly, the unique AGNN-type tetraloop is evolutionally conserved, and distinguishes ZIKV from other known viruses with putative MBSs. Integrated structural analysis showed that MSI1 binds to the AUAG motif and AGAA tetraloop of ZIKV in a bipartite fashion. Thus, our results not only identified an unusual viral RNA structure responsible for MSI recognition, but also revealed a role for the highly structured xrRNA in controlling viral neurotropism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Chen
- Department of Virology, State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, AMMS, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology and Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Zhonghe Xu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology and Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Meng-Li Cheng
- Department of Virology, State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, AMMS, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Qing-Qing Ma
- Department of Virology, State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, AMMS, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Rui-Ting Li
- Department of Virology, State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, AMMS, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Zheng-Jian Wang
- Department of Virology, State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, AMMS, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- Department of Virology, State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, AMMS, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Xiaobing Zuo
- X-ray Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL, 60439, USA
| | - Xiao-Feng Li
- Department of Virology, State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, AMMS, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Xianyang Fang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology and Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Cheng-Feng Qin
- Department of Virology, State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, AMMS, Beijing, 100071, China.
- Research Unit of Discovery and Tracing of Natural Focus Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100071, China.
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38
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Korn SM, Von Ehr J, Dhamotharan K, Tants JN, Abele R, Schlundt A. Insight into the Structural Basis for Dual Nucleic Acid-Recognition by the Scaffold Attachment Factor B2 Protein. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043286. [PMID: 36834708 PMCID: PMC9958909 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The family of scaffold attachment factor B (SAFB) proteins comprises three members and was first identified as binders of the nuclear matrix/scaffold. Over the past two decades, SAFBs were shown to act in DNA repair, mRNA/(l)ncRNA processing and as part of protein complexes with chromatin-modifying enzymes. SAFB proteins are approximately 100 kDa-sized dual nucleic acid-binding proteins with dedicated domains in an otherwise largely unstructured context, but whether and how they discriminate DNA and RNA binding has remained enigmatic. We here provide the SAFB2 DNA- and RNA-binding SAP and RRM domains in their functional boundaries and use solution NMR spectroscopy to ascribe DNA- and RNA-binding functions. We give insight into their target nucleic acid preferences and map the interfaces with respective nucleic acids on sparse data-derived SAP and RRM domain structures. Further, we provide evidence that the SAP domain exhibits intra-domain dynamics and a potential tendency to dimerize, which may expand its specifically targeted DNA sequence range. Our data provide a first molecular basis of and a starting point towards deciphering DNA- and RNA-binding functions of SAFB2 on the molecular level and serve a basis for understanding its localization to specific regions of chromatin and its involvement in the processing of specific RNA species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie M. Korn
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, Biomolecular Resonance Center (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7-9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Julian Von Ehr
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, Biomolecular Resonance Center (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7-9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
- IMPRS on Cellular Biophysics, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7-9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Karthikeyan Dhamotharan
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, Biomolecular Resonance Center (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7-9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jan-Niklas Tants
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, Biomolecular Resonance Center (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7-9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Rupert Abele
- Institute for Biochemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Andreas Schlundt
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, Biomolecular Resonance Center (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7-9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
- Correspondence:
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39
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Li Y, Chen T, You K, Peng T, Li T. Sequence determinants and solution conditions underlying liquid to solid phase transition. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2023; 324:C236-C246. [PMID: 36503242 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00280.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Life consists of numberless functional biomolecules that exist in various states. Besides well-dissolved phases, biomolecules especially proteins and nucleic acids can form liquid droplets through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). Stronger interactions promote a solid-like state of biomolecular condensates, which are also formerly referred to as detergent-insoluble aggregates. Solid-like condensates exist in vivo physiologically and pathologically, and their formation has not been fully understood. Recently, more and more research has proven that liquid to solid phase transition (LST) is an essential way to form solid condensates. In this review, we summarized the regions in the sequence that have different impacts on phase transition and emphasized that the LST is affected by its sequence characteristics. Moreover, increasing evidence unveiled that LST is affected by various solution conditions. We discussed solution conditions like protein concentration, pH, ATP, ions, and small molecules in a solution. Methods have been established to study these solid phase components. Here, we summarized low-throughput experimental techniques and high-throughput omics methods in the study of the LST.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Li
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission of China, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Taoyu Chen
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission of China, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Kaiqing You
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.,Happy Life Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Peng
- Happy Life Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Tingting Li
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission of China, Peking University, Beijing, China
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40
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Liu Y, Abula A, Xiao H, Guo H, Li T, Zheng L, Chen B, Nguyen HC, Ji X. Structural Insight Into hnRNP A2/B1 Homodimerization and DNA Recognition. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:167920. [PMID: 36528084 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167920] [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: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2/B1 (hnRNP A2/B1) has been identified as a nuclear DNA sensor. Upon viral infection, hnRNP A2/B1 recognizes pathogen-derived DNA as a homodimer, which is a prerequisite for its translocation to the cytoplasm to activate the interferon response. However, the DNA binding mechanism inducing hnRNP A2/B1 homodimerization is unknown. Here, we show the crystal structure of the RNA recognition motif (RRM) of hnRNP A2/B1 in complex with a U-shaped ssDNA, which mediates the formation of a newly observed protein dimer. Our biochemical assays and mutagenesis studies confirm that the hnRNP A2/B1 homodimer forms in solution by binding to pre-generated ssDNA or dsDNA with a U-shaped bulge. These results depict a potential functional state of hnRNP A2/B1 in antiviral immunity and other cellular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Institute of Viruses and Infectious Diseases, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Institute of Artificial Intelligence Biomedicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Abudureyimu Abula
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Institute of Viruses and Infectious Diseases, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Institute of Artificial Intelligence Biomedicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, People's Republic of China
| | - Haonan Xiao
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Institute of Viruses and Infectious Diseases, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Institute of Artificial Intelligence Biomedicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Hangtian Guo
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Institute of Viruses and Infectious Diseases, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Institute of Artificial Intelligence Biomedicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Tinghan Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Institute of Viruses and Infectious Diseases, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Institute of Artificial Intelligence Biomedicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Le Zheng
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Institute of Viruses and Infectious Diseases, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Institute of Artificial Intelligence Biomedicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Biqing Chen
- Research Center of Chinese Medicine/Central Laboratory, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine/ the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, People's Republic of China
| | - Henry C Nguyen
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Institute of Viruses and Infectious Diseases, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Institute of Artificial Intelligence Biomedicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyun Ji
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Institute of Viruses and Infectious Diseases, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Institute of Artificial Intelligence Biomedicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China; Engineering Research Center of Protein and Peptide Medicine, Ministry of Education, People's Republic of China.
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41
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Roca-Martínez J, Dhondge H, Sattler M, Vranken WF. Deciphering the RRM-RNA recognition code: A computational analysis. PLoS Comput Biol 2023; 19:e1010859. [PMID: 36689472 PMCID: PMC9894542 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA recognition motifs (RRM) are the most prevalent class of RNA binding domains in eucaryotes. Their RNA binding preferences have been investigated for almost two decades, and even though some RRM domains are now very well described, their RNA recognition code has remained elusive. An increasing number of experimental structures of RRM-RNA complexes has become available in recent years. Here, we perform an in-depth computational analysis to derive an RNA recognition code for canonical RRMs. We present and validate a computational scoring method to estimate the binding between an RRM and a single stranded RNA, based on structural data from a carefully curated multiple sequence alignment, which can predict RRM binding RNA sequence motifs based on the RRM protein sequence. Given the importance and prevalence of RRMs in humans and other species, this tool could help design RNA binding motifs with uses in medical or synthetic biology applications, leading towards the de novo design of RRMs with specific RNA recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Roca-Martínez
- Interuniversity Institute of Bioinformatics in Brussels, VUB/ULB, Brussels, Belgium
- Structural biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Michael Sattler
- Institute of Structural Biology, Molecular Targets and Therapeutics Center, Helmholtz Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
- Bavarian NMR Center, Department of Bioscience, School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Wim F. Vranken
- Interuniversity Institute of Bioinformatics in Brussels, VUB/ULB, Brussels, Belgium
- Structural biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- * E-mail:
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42
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Mendoza M, Mendoza M, Lubrino T, Briski S, Osuji I, Cuala J, Ly B, Ocegueda I, Peralta H, Garcia BA, Zurita-Lopez CI. Arginine Methylation of the PGC-1α C-Terminus Is Temperature-Dependent. Biochemistry 2023; 62:22-34. [PMID: 36535003 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.2c00363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
We set out to determine whether the C-terminus (amino acids 481-798) of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1α, UniProt Q9UBK2), a regulatory metabolic protein involved in mitochondrial biogenesis, and respiration, is an arginine methyltransferase substrate. Arginine methylation by protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) alters protein function and thus contributes to various cellular processes. In addition to confirming methylation of the C-terminus by PRMT1 as described in the literature, we have identified methylation by another member of the PRMT family, PRMT7. We performed in vitro methylation reactions using recombinant mammalian PRMT7 and PRMT1 at 37, 30, 21, 18, and 4 °C. Various fragments of PGC-1α corresponding to the C-terminus were used as substrates, and the methylation reactions were analyzed by fluorography and mass spectrometry to determine the extent of methylation throughout the substrates, the location of the methylated PGC-1α arginine residues, and finally, whether temperature affects the deposition of methyl groups. We also employed two prediction programs, PRmePRed and MePred-RF, to search for putative methyltransferase sites. Methylation reactions show that arginine residues R548 and R753 in PGC-1α are methylated at or below 30 °C by PRMT7, while methylation by PRMT1 was detected at these same residues at 30 °C. Computational approaches yielded additional putative methylarginine sites, indicating that since PGC-1α is an intrinsically disordered protein, additional methylated arginine residues have yet to be experimentally verified. We conclude that temperature affects the extent of arginine methylation, with more methylation by PRMT7 occurring below physiological temperature, uncovering an additional control point for PGC-1α.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meryl Mendoza
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University, Los Angeles, 5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles, California 90033, United States
| | - Mariel Mendoza
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Tiffany Lubrino
- Schmid College of Science and Technology, Keck Center for Science and Engineering, Chapman University, 450 N. Center Street, Orange, California 92866, United States
| | - Sidney Briski
- Schmid College of Science and Technology, Keck Center for Science and Engineering, Chapman University, 450 N. Center Street, Orange, California 92866, United States
| | - Immaculeta Osuji
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University, Los Angeles, 5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles, California 90033, United States
| | - Janielle Cuala
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University, Los Angeles, 5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles, California 90033, United States
| | - Brendan Ly
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University, Los Angeles, 5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles, California 90033, United States
| | - Ivan Ocegueda
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University, Los Angeles, 5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles, California 90033, United States
| | - Harvey Peralta
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University, Los Angeles, 5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles, California 90033, United States
| | - Benjamin A Garcia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
| | - Cecilia I Zurita-Lopez
- Schmid College of Science and Technology, Keck Center for Science and Engineering, Chapman University, 450 N. Center Street, Orange, California 92866, United States
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43
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Shraim AS, Abdel Majeed BA, Al-Binni M, Hunaiti A. Therapeutic Potential of Aptamer-Protein Interactions. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2022; 5:1211-1227. [PMID: 36524009 PMCID: PMC9745894 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.2c00156] [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: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Aptamers are single-stranded oligonucleotides (RNA or DNA) with a typical length between 25 and 100 nucleotides which fold into three-dimensional structures capable of binding to target molecules. Specific aptamers can be isolated against a large variety of targets through efficient and relatively cheap methods, and they demonstrate target-binding affinities that sometimes surpass those of antibodies. Consequently, interest in aptamers has surged over the past three decades, and their application has shown promise in advancing knowledge in target analysis, designing therapeutic interventions, and bioengineering. With emphasis on their therapeutic applications, aptamers are emerging as a new innovative class of therapeutic agents with promising biochemical and biological properties. Aptamers have the potential of providing a feasible alternative to antibody- and small-molecule-based therapeutics given their binding specificity, stability, low toxicity, and apparent non-immunogenicity. This Review examines the general properties of aptamers and aptamer-protein interactions that help to understand their binding characteristics and make them important therapeutic candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ala’a S. Shraim
- Department
of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, 19328 Amman, Jordan
- Pharmacological
and Diagnostic Research Center (PDRC), Al-Ahliyya
Amman University, 19328 Amman, Jordan
| | - Bayan A. Abdel Majeed
- Department
of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, 19328 Amman, Jordan
- Pharmacological
and Diagnostic Research Center (PDRC), Al-Ahliyya
Amman University, 19328 Amman, Jordan
| | - Maysaa’
Adnan Al-Binni
- Department
of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, School of Science, The University of Jordan, 11942 Amman, Jordan
| | - Abdelrahim Hunaiti
- Department
of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, School of Science, The University of Jordan, 11942 Amman, Jordan
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44
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Zhou H, Shi BJ. New roles of DNA-binding and forkhead-associated domains of Fkh1 and Fkh2 in cellular functions. Cell Biochem Funct 2022; 40:888-902. [PMID: 36121195 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3750] [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: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Two yeast forkhead transcription factors Fkh1 and Fkh2 regulate the transcription of CLB2 cluster genes important for mitosis. Both proteins contain a DNA-binding domain (DBD) and a forkhead-associated domain (FHAD), which are essential for ternary complex formation with transcription factor Mcm1, the transcription of CLB2 cluster genes and the physical interaction with Ndd1 and Clb2. Fkh2 also contains an additional C' domain that contains six consensus Cdk phosphorylation sites, but the function of this domain is dispensable. Here, we found new roles of the DBD, the FHAD, and the C' domain of Fkh1 and Fkh2 in cellular functions. The Fkh2 DBD determines the genetic interaction with NDD1, while both the FHAD and DBD of Fkh1 or Fkh2 determine cell morphology and stability of their own transcripts. Both HFADs, but not DBDs, also mediate physical interaction between Fkh1 and Fkh2. DBD and HFAD of Fkh1 and DBD, but not HFAD, of Fkh2 are also fundamental for nuclear localization. However, the Fkh2-specific C' domain has no role in these aspects except in the stability of some fkh mutant transcripts, which is either increased or decreased in the presence of this domain. These findings reveal that Fkh1 and Fkh2 have multiple cellular functions and function mainly via their DBD and FHAD through a domain-controlled feedback regulation mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhou
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, Urrbrae, South Australia, Australia
| | - Bu-Jun Shi
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, Urrbrae, South Australia, Australia
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45
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Krepl M, Pokorná P, Mlýnský V, Stadlbauer P, Šponer J. Spontaneous binding of single-stranded RNAs to RRM proteins visualized by unbiased atomistic simulations with a rescaled RNA force field. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:12480-12496. [PMID: 36454011 PMCID: PMC9757038 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac1106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Recognition of single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) by RNA recognition motif (RRM) domains is an important class of protein-RNA interactions. Many such complexes were characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and/or X-ray crystallography techniques, revealing ensemble-averaged pictures of the bound states. However, it is becoming widely accepted that better understanding of protein-RNA interactions would be obtained from ensemble descriptions. Indeed, earlier molecular dynamics simulations of bound states indicated visible dynamics at the RNA-RRM interfaces. Here, we report the first atomistic simulation study of spontaneous binding of short RNA sequences to RRM domains of HuR and SRSF1 proteins. Using a millisecond-scale aggregate ensemble of unbiased simulations, we were able to observe a few dozen binding events. HuR RRM3 utilizes a pre-binding state to navigate the RNA sequence to its partially disordered bound state and then to dynamically scan its different binding registers. SRSF1 RRM2 binding is more straightforward but still multiple-pathway. The present study necessitated development of a goal-specific force field modification, scaling down the intramolecular van der Waals interactions of the RNA which also improves description of the RNA-RRM bound state. Our study opens up a new avenue for large-scale atomistic investigations of binding landscapes of protein-RNA complexes, and future perspectives of such research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pavlína Pokorná
- Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic,National Center for Biomolecular Research, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vojtěch Mlýnský
- Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Stadlbauer
- Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Šponer
- Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic
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46
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Gao C, Lu S, Zhou R, Ding J, Fan J, Han B, Chen M, Wang B, Cao Y. Phylogenetic analysis and stress response of the plant U2 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein B″ gene family. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:744. [DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08956-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Alternative splicing (AS) is an important channel for gene expression regulation and protein diversification, in addition to a major reason for the considerable differences in the number of genes and proteins in eukaryotes. In plants, U2 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein B″ (U2B″), a component of splicing complex U2 snRNP, plays an important role in AS. Currently, few studies have investigated plant U2B″, and its mechanism remains unclear.
Result
Phylogenetic analysis, including gene and protein structures, revealed that U2B″ is highly conserved in plants and typically contains two RNA recognition motifs. Subcellular localisation showed that OsU2B″ is located in the nucleus and cytoplasm, indicating that it has broad functions throughout the cell. Elemental analysis of the promoter region showed that it responded to numerous external stimuli, including hormones, stress, and light. Subsequent qPCR experiments examining response to stress (cold, salt, drought, and heavy metal cadmium) corroborated the findings. The prediction results of protein–protein interactions showed that its function is largely through a single pathway, mainly through interaction with snRNP proteins.
Conclusion
U2B″ is highly conserved in the plant kingdom, functions in the nucleus and cytoplasm, and participates in a wide range of processes in plant growth and development.
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47
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Jin G, Zhang Z, Wan J, Wu X, Liu X, Zhang W. G3BP2: Structure and Function. Pharmacol Res 2022; 186:106548. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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48
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Shaath H, Vishnubalaji R, Elango R, Kardousha A, Islam Z, Qureshi R, Alam T, Kolatkar PR, Alajez NM. Long non-coding RNA and RNA-binding protein interactions in cancer: Experimental and machine learning approaches. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:325-345. [PMID: 35643221 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the complex and specific roles played by non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), which comprise the bulk of the genome, is important for understanding virtually every hallmark of cancer. This large group of molecules plays pivotal roles in key regulatory mechanisms in various cellular processes. Regulatory mechanisms, mediated by long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and RNA-binding protein (RBP) interactions, are well documented in several types of cancer. Their effects are enabled through networks affecting lncRNA and RBP stability, RNA metabolism including N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and alternative splicing, subcellular localization, and numerous other mechanisms involved in cancer. In this review, we discuss the reciprocal interplay between lncRNAs and RBPs and their involvement in epigenetic regulation via histone modifications, as well as their key role in resistance to cancer therapy. Other aspects of RBPs including their structural domains, provide a deeper knowledge on how lncRNAs and RBPs interact and exert their biological functions. In addition, current state-of-the-art knowledge, facilitated by machine and deep learning approaches, unravels such interactions in better details to further enhance our understanding of the field, and the potential to harness RNA-based therapeutics as an alternative treatment modality for cancer are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hibah Shaath
- Translational Cancer and Immunity Center (TCIC), Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), PO Box 34110, Doha, Qatar
| | - Radhakrishnan Vishnubalaji
- Translational Cancer and Immunity Center (TCIC), Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), PO Box 34110, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ramesh Elango
- Translational Cancer and Immunity Center (TCIC), Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), PO Box 34110, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ahmed Kardousha
- College of Health & Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), PO Box 34110, Doha, Qatar
| | - Zeyaul Islam
- Diabetes Research Center (DRC), Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, PO Box 34110, Doha, Qatar
| | - Rizwan Qureshi
- College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, PO Box 34110, Doha, Qatar
| | - Tanvir Alam
- College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, PO Box 34110, Doha, Qatar
| | - Prasanna R Kolatkar
- College of Health & Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), PO Box 34110, Doha, Qatar; Diabetes Research Center (DRC), Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, PO Box 34110, Doha, Qatar
| | - Nehad M Alajez
- Translational Cancer and Immunity Center (TCIC), Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), PO Box 34110, Doha, Qatar; College of Health & Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), PO Box 34110, Doha, Qatar.
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49
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Abstract
Viruses are the most abundant biological entities on Earth, and yet, they have not received enough consideration in astrobiology. Viruses are also extraordinarily diverse, which is evident in the types of relationships they establish with their host, their strategies to store and replicate their genetic information and the enormous diversity of genes they contain. A viral population, especially if it corresponds to a virus with an RNA genome, can contain an array of sequence variants that greatly exceeds what is present in most cell populations. The fact that viruses always need cellular resources to multiply means that they establish very close interactions with cells. Although in the short term these relationships may appear to be negative for life, it is evident that they can be beneficial in the long term. Viruses are one of the most powerful selective pressures that exist, accelerating the evolution of defense mechanisms in the cellular world. They can also exchange genetic material with the host during the infection process, providing organisms with capacities that favor the colonization of new ecological niches or confer an advantage over competitors, just to cite a few examples. In addition, viruses have a relevant participation in the biogeochemical cycles of our planet, contributing to the recycling of the matter necessary for the maintenance of life. Therefore, although viruses have traditionally been excluded from the tree of life, the structure of this tree is largely the result of the interactions that have been established throughout the intertwined history of the cellular and the viral worlds. We do not know how other possible biospheres outside our planet could be, but it is clear that viruses play an essential role in the terrestrial one. Therefore, they must be taken into account both to improve our understanding of life that we know, and to understand other possible lives that might exist in the cosmos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio de la Higuera
- Department of Biology, Center for Life in Extreme Environments, Portland State University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Ester Lázaro
- Centro de Astrobiología (CAB), CSIC-INTA, Torrejón de Ardoz, Spain
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50
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The solution structure of Dead End bound to AU-rich RNA reveals an unusual mode of tandem RRM-RNA recognition required for mRNA regulation. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5892. [PMID: 36202814 PMCID: PMC9537309 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33552-x] [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: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Dead End (DND1) is an RNA-binding protein essential for germline development through its role in post-transcriptional gene regulation. The molecular mechanisms behind selection and regulation of its targets are unknown. Here, we present the solution structure of DND1's tandem RNA Recognition Motifs (RRMs) bound to AU-rich RNA. The structure reveals how an NYAYUNN element is specifically recognized, reconciling seemingly contradictory sequence motifs discovered in recent genome-wide studies. RRM1 acts as a main binding platform, including atypical extensions to the canonical RRM fold. RRM2 acts cooperatively with RRM1, capping the RNA using an unusual binding pocket, leading to an unusual mode of tandem RRM-RNA recognition. We show that the consensus motif is sufficient to mediate upregulation of a reporter gene in human cells and that this process depends not only on RNA binding by the RRMs, but also on DND1's double-stranded RNA binding domain (dsRBD), which is dispensable for binding of a subset of targets in cellulo. Our results point to a model where DND1 target selection is mediated by a non-canonical mode of AU-rich RNA recognition by the tandem RRMs and a role for the dsRBD in the recruitment of effector complexes responsible for target regulation.
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