1
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Jiang X, Zhan L, Tang X. RNA modifications in physiology and pathology: Progressing towards application in clinical settings. Cell Signal 2024; 121:111242. [PMID: 38851412 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111242] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
The potential to modify individual nucleotides through chemical means in order to impact the electrostatic charge, hydrophobic properties, and base pairing of RNA molecules is harnessed in the medical application of stable synthetic RNAs like mRNA vaccines and synthetic small RNA molecules. These modifications are used to either increase or decrease the production of therapeutic proteins. Additionally, naturally occurring biochemical alterations of nucleotides play a role in regulating RNA metabolism and function, thereby modulating essential cellular processes. Research elucidating the mechanisms through which RNA modifications govern fundamental cellular functions in multicellular organisms has enhanced our comprehension of how irregular RNA modification profiles can lead to human diseases. Collectively, these fundamental scientific findings have unveiled the molecular and cellular functions of RNA modifications, offering new opportunities for therapeutic intervention and paving the way for a variety of innovative clinical strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Jiang
- College of Pharmacy and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu College of Nursing, Huaian, Jiangsu 223005, China
| | - Lijuan Zhan
- College of Pharmacy and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu College of Nursing, Huaian, Jiangsu 223005, China.
| | - Xiaozhu Tang
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
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2
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Lancaster CL, Yalamanchili PS, Goldy JN, Leung SW, Corbett AH, Moberg KH. The RNA-binding protein Nab2 regulates levels of the RhoGEF Trio to govern axon and dendrite morphology. Mol Biol Cell 2024; 35:ar109. [PMID: 38985523 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e24-04-0150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The Drosophila RNA-binding protein (RBP) Nab2 acts in neurons to regulate neurodevelopment and is orthologous to the human intellectual disability-linked RBP, ZC3H14. Nab2 governs axon projection in mushroom body neurons and limits dendritic arborization of class IV sensory neurons in part by regulating splicing events in ∼150 mRNAs. Analysis of the Sex-lethal (Sxl) mRNA revealed that Nab2 promotes an exon-skipping event and regulates m6A methylation on Sxl pre-mRNA by the Mettl3 methyltransferase. Mettl3 heterozygosity broadly rescues Nab2null phenotypes implying that Nab2 acts through similar mechanisms on other RNAs, including unidentified targets involved in neurodevelopment. Here, we show that Nab2 and Mettl3 regulate the removal of a 5'UTR (untranslated region) intron in the trio pre-mRNA. Trio utilizes two GEF domains to balance Rac and RhoGTPase activity. Intriguingly, an isoform of Trio containing only the RhoGEF domain, GEF2, is depleted in Nab2null nervous tissue. Expression of Trio-GEF2 rescues projection defects in Nab2null axons and dendrites, while the GEF1 Rac1-regulatory domain exacerbates these defects, suggesting Nab2-mediated regulation Trio-GEF activities. Collectively, these data indicate that Nab2-regulated processing of trio is critical for balancing Trio-GEF1 and -GEF2 activity and show that Nab2, Mettl3, and Trio function in a common pathway that shapes axon and dendrite morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly L Lancaster
- Department of Biology, Emory College of Arts and Sciences, Atlanta, GA 30322
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Pranav S Yalamanchili
- Department of Biology, Emory College of Arts and Sciences, Atlanta, GA 30322
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Jordan N Goldy
- Department of Biology, Emory College of Arts and Sciences, Atlanta, GA 30322
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Sara W Leung
- Department of Biology, Emory College of Arts and Sciences, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Anita H Corbett
- Department of Biology, Emory College of Arts and Sciences, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Kenneth H Moberg
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
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3
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Angelo M, Bhargava Y, Aoki ST. A primer for junior trainees: Recognition of RNA modifications by RNA-binding proteins. BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY EDUCATION : A BIMONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL UNION OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 39037148 DOI: 10.1002/bmb.21854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
The complexity of RNA cannot be fully expressed with the canonical A, C, G, and U alphabet. To date, over 170 distinct chemical modifications to RNA have been discovered in living systems. RNA modifications can profoundly impact the cellular outcomes of messenger RNAs (mRNAs), transfer and ribosomal RNAs, and noncoding RNAs. Additionally, aberrant RNA modifications are associated with human disease. RNA modifications are a rising topic within the fields of biochemistry and molecular biology. The role of RNA modifications in gene regulation, disease pathogenesis, and therapeutic applications increasingly captures the attention of the scientific community. This review aims to provide undergraduates, junior trainees, and educators with an appreciation for the significance of RNA modifications in eukaryotic organisms, alongside the skills required to identify and analyze fundamental RNA-protein interactions. The pumilio RNA-binding protein and YT521-B homology (YTH) family of modified RNA-binding proteins serve as examples to highlight the fundamental biochemical interactions that underlie the specific recognition of both unmodified and modified ribonucleotides, respectively. By instilling these foundational, textbook concepts through practical examples, this review contributes an analytical toolkit that facilitates engagement with RNA modifications research at large.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murphy Angelo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Yash Bhargava
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Scott Takeo Aoki
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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4
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Yang Y, Lu Y, Wang Y, Wen X, Qi C, Piao W, Jin H. Current progress in strategies to profile transcriptomic m 6A modifications. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1392159. [PMID: 39055651 PMCID: PMC11269109 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1392159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Various methods have been developed so far for detecting N 6-methyladenosine (m6A). The total m6A level or the m6A status at individual positions on mRNA can be detected and quantified through some sequencing-independent biochemical methods, such as LC/MS, SCARLET, SELECT, and m6A-ELISA. However, the m6A-detection techniques relying on high-throughput sequencing have more effectively advanced the understanding about biological significance of m6A-containing mRNA and m6A pathway at a transcriptomic level over the past decade. Various SGS-based (Second Generation Sequencing-based) methods with different detection principles have been widely employed for this purpose. These principles include m6A-enrichment using antibodies, discrimination of m6A from unmodified A-base by nucleases, a fusion protein strategy relying on RNA-editing enzymes, and marking m6A with chemical/biochemical reactions. Recently, TGS-based (Third Generation Sequencing-based) methods have brought a new trend by direct m6A-detection. This review first gives a brief introduction of current knowledge about m6A biogenesis and function, and then comprehensively describes m6A-profiling strategies including their principles, procedures, and features. This will guide users to pick appropriate methods according to research goals, give insights for developing novel techniques in varying areas, and continue to expand our boundary of knowledge on m6A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuening Yang
- Laboratory of Genetics and Disorders, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Aerospace Center Hospital, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yanming Lu
- Laboratory of Genetics and Disorders, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Aerospace Center Hospital, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Laboratory of Genetics and Disorders, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Aerospace Center Hospital, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Xianghui Wen
- Laboratory of Genetics and Disorders, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Aerospace Center Hospital, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Changhai Qi
- Department of Pathology, Aerospace Center Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Weilan Piao
- Laboratory of Genetics and Disorders, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Aerospace Center Hospital, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
- Advanced Technology Research Institute, Beijing Institute of Technology, Jinan, China
| | - Hua Jin
- Laboratory of Genetics and Disorders, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Aerospace Center Hospital, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
- Advanced Technology Research Institute, Beijing Institute of Technology, Jinan, China
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5
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Liu S, Cao Y, Zhang Y. Regulatory roles of RNA methylation in vascular lesions in ocular and cardiopulmonary diseases. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2024:1-15. [PMID: 38957015 DOI: 10.1080/10408363.2024.2370267] [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: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
RNA methylation is a widespread regulatory mechanism that controls gene expression in physiological processes. In recent years, the mechanisms and functions of RNA methylation under diseased conditions have been increasingly unveiled by RNA sequencing technologies with large scale and high resolution. In this review, the fundamental concept of RNA methylation is introduced, and the common types of transcript methylation and their machineries are described. Then, the regulatory roles of RNA methylation, particularly N6-methyladenosine and 5-methylcytosine, in the vascular lesions of ocular and cardiopulmonary diseases are discussed and compared. The ocular diseases include corneal neovascularization, retinopathy of prematurity, diabetic retinopathy, and pathologic myopia; whereas the cardiopulmonary ailments involve atherosclerosis and pulmonary hypertension. This review hopes to shed light on the common regulatory mechanisms underlying the vascular lesions in these ocular and cardiopulmonary diseases, which may be conducive to developing therapeutic strategies in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyi Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yunshan Cao
- Department of Cardiology, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
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Chokkalla AK, Arruri V, Mehta SL, Vemuganti R. Loss of Epitranscriptomic Modification N 6-Methyladenosine (m 6A) Reader YTHDF1 Exacerbates Ischemic Brain Injury in a Sexually Dimorphic Manner. Transl Stroke Res 2024:10.1007/s12975-024-01267-4. [PMID: 38869772 DOI: 10.1007/s12975-024-01267-4] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) is a neuronal-enriched, reversible post-transcriptional modification that regulates RNA metabolism. The m6A-modified RNAs recruit various m6A-binding proteins that act as readers. Differential m6A methylation patterns are implicated in ischemic brain damage, yet the precise role of m6A readers in propagating post-stroke m6A signaling remains unclear. We presently evaluated the functional significance of the brain-enriched m6A reader YTHDF1, in post-stroke pathophysiology. Focal cerebral ischemia significantly increased YTHDF1 mRNA and protein expression in adult mice of both sexes. YTHDF1-/- male, but not female, mice subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) showed worsened motor function recovery and increased infarction compared to sex-matched YTHDF1+/+ mice. YTHDF1-/- male, but not female, mice subjected to transient MCAO also showed significantly perturbed expression of genes related to inflammation, and increased infiltration of peripheral immune cells into the peri-infarct cortex, compared with sex-matched YTHDF1+/+ mice. Thus, this study demonstrates a sexual dimorphism of YTHDF1 in regulating post-ischemic inflammation and pathophysiology. Hence, post-stroke epitranscriptomic regulation might be sex-dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil K Chokkalla
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Graduate Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Vijay Arruri
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
| | - Suresh L Mehta
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
| | - Raghu Vemuganti
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53792, USA.
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Graduate Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veteran Administration Hospital, Madison, WI, USA.
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7
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Ye L, Tong X, Pan K, Shi X, Xu B, Yao X, Zhuo L, Fang S, Tang S, Jiang Z, Xue X, Lu W, Guo G. Identification of potential novel N6-methyladenosine effector-related lncRNA biomarkers for serous ovarian carcinoma: a machine learning-based exploration in the framework of 3P medicine. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1351929. [PMID: 38895621 PMCID: PMC11185051 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1351929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Serous ovarian carcinoma (SOC) is considered the most lethal gynecological malignancy. The current lack of reliable prognostic biomarkers for SOC reduces the efficacy of predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (PPPM/3PM) in patients with SOC, leading to unsatisfactory therapeutic outcomes. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification-associated long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are effective predictors of SOC. In this study, an effective risk prediction model for SOC was constructed based on m6A modification-associated lncRNAs. Methods Transcriptomic data and clinical information of patients with SOC were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Candidate lncRNAs were identified using univariate and multivariate and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator-penalized Cox regression analyses. The molecular mechanisms of m6A effector-related lncRNAs were explored via Gene Ontology, pathway analysis, gene set enrichment analysis, and gene set variation analysis (GSVA). The extent of immune cell infiltration was assessed using various algorithms, including CIBERSORT, Microenvironment Cell Populations counter, xCell, European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition, and GSVA. The calcPhenotype algorithm was used to predict responses to the drugs commonly used in ovarian carcinoma therapy. In vitro experiments, such as migration and invasion Transwell assays, wound healing assays, and dot blot assays, were conducted to elucidate the functional roles of candidate lncRNAs. Results Six m6A effector-related lncRNAs that were markedly associated with prognosis were used to establish an m6A effector-related lncRNA risk model (m6A-LRM) for SOC. Immune microenvironment analysis suggested that the high-risk group exhibited a proinflammatory state and displayed increased sensitivity to immunotherapy. A nomogram was constructed with the m6A effector-related lncRNAs to assess the prognostic value of the model. Sixteen drugs potentially targeting m6A effector-related lncRNAs were identified. Furthermore, we developed an online web application for clinicians and researchers (https://leley.shinyapps.io/OC_m6A_lnc/). Overexpression of the lncRNA RP11-508M8.1 promoted SOC cell migration and invasion. METTL3 is an upstream regulator of RP11-508M8.1. The preliminary regulatory axis METTL3/m6A/RP11-508M8.1/hsa-miR-1270/ARSD underlying SOC was identified via a combination of in vitro and bioinformatic analyses. Conclusion In this study, we propose an innovative prognostic risk model and provide novel insights into the mechanism underlying the role of m6A-related lncRNAs in SOC. Incorporating the m6A-LRM into PPPM may help identify high-risk patients and personalize treatment as early as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lele Ye
- Wenzhou Collaborative Innovation Center of Gastrointestinal Cancer in Basic Research and Precision Medicine, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Cancer-Related Pathogens and Immunity, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Women’s Reproductive Health Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xinya Tong
- Wenzhou Collaborative Innovation Center of Gastrointestinal Cancer in Basic Research and Precision Medicine, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Cancer-Related Pathogens and Immunity, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kan Pan
- First Clinical College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xinyu Shi
- Institute of Immunology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Binbing Xu
- First Clinical College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xuyang Yao
- First Clinical College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Linpei Zhuo
- Haiyuan College, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Su Fang
- Wenzhou Collaborative Innovation Center of Gastrointestinal Cancer in Basic Research and Precision Medicine, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Cancer-Related Pathogens and Immunity, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Sangsang Tang
- Women’s Reproductive Health Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhuofeng Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiangyang Xue
- Wenzhou Collaborative Innovation Center of Gastrointestinal Cancer in Basic Research and Precision Medicine, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Cancer-Related Pathogens and Immunity, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weiguo Lu
- Women’s Reproductive Health Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Center of Uterine Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Gangqiang Guo
- Wenzhou Collaborative Innovation Center of Gastrointestinal Cancer in Basic Research and Precision Medicine, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Cancer-Related Pathogens and Immunity, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
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8
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Cui S, Song P, Wang C, Chen S, Hao B, Xu Z, Cai L, Chen X, Zhu S, Gan X, Dong H, Hu Y, Zhou L, Hou H, Tian Y, Liu X, Chen L, Liu S, Jiang L, Wang H, Jia G, Zhou S, Wan J. The RNA binding protein EHD6 recruits the m 6A reader YTH07 and sequesters OsCOL4 mRNA into phase-separated ribonucleoprotein condensates to promote rice flowering. MOLECULAR PLANT 2024; 17:935-954. [PMID: 38720462 DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2024.05.002] [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: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) is one of the most abundant modifications of eukaryotic mRNA, but its comprehensive biological functionality remains further exploration. In this study, we identified and characterized a new flowering-promoting gene, EARLY HEADING DATE6 (EHD6), in rice. EHD6 encodes an RNA recognition motif (RRM)-containing RNA binding protein that is localized in the non-membranous cytoplasm ribonucleoprotein (RNP) granules and can bind both m6A-modified RNA and unmodified RNA indiscriminately. We found that EHD6 can physically interact with YTH07, a YTH (YT521-B homology) domain-containing m6A reader. We showed that their interaction enhances the binding of an m6A-modified RNA and triggers relocation of a portion of YTH07 from the cytoplasm into RNP granules through phase-separated condensation. Within these condensates, the mRNA of a rice flowering repressor, CONSTANS-like 4 (OsCOL4), becomes sequestered, leading to a reduction in its protein abundance and thus accelerated flowering through the Early heading date 1 pathway. Taken together, these results not only shed new light on the molecular mechanism of efficient m6A recognition by the collaboration between an RNA binding protein and YTH family m6A reader, but also uncover the potential for m6A-mediated translation regulation through phase-separated ribonucleoprotein condensation in rice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Cui
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory, National Observation and Research Station of Rice Germplasm Resources, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; State Key Laboratory for Crop Gene Resources and Breeding, Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Peizhe Song
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Center of RNA Biology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Chaolong Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory, National Observation and Research Station of Rice Germplasm Resources, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Saihua Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory, National Observation and Research Station of Rice Germplasm Resources, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genomics and Molecular Breeding, Agricultural College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Benyuan Hao
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory, National Observation and Research Station of Rice Germplasm Resources, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Zhuang Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory, National Observation and Research Station of Rice Germplasm Resources, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Liang Cai
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory, National Observation and Research Station of Rice Germplasm Resources, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Xu Chen
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Center of RNA Biology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Shanshan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Gene Resources and Breeding, Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Xiangchao Gan
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory, National Observation and Research Station of Rice Germplasm Resources, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Carl-von-Linné-Weg 10, 50829 Köln, Germany
| | - Hui Dong
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory, National Observation and Research Station of Rice Germplasm Resources, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yuan Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory, National Observation and Research Station of Rice Germplasm Resources, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Liang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory, National Observation and Research Station of Rice Germplasm Resources, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Haigang Hou
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory, National Observation and Research Station of Rice Germplasm Resources, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yunlu Tian
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory, National Observation and Research Station of Rice Germplasm Resources, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Xi Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory, National Observation and Research Station of Rice Germplasm Resources, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Liangming Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory, National Observation and Research Station of Rice Germplasm Resources, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Shijia Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory, National Observation and Research Station of Rice Germplasm Resources, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Ling Jiang
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory, National Observation and Research Station of Rice Germplasm Resources, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Haiyang Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Gene Resources and Breeding, Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Guifang Jia
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Center of RNA Biology, Peking University, Beijing, China.
| | - Shirong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory, National Observation and Research Station of Rice Germplasm Resources, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Jianmin Wan
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory, National Observation and Research Station of Rice Germplasm Resources, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; State Key Laboratory for Crop Gene Resources and Breeding, Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
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9
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Dai Z, Yang X. The regulation of liquid-liquid phase separated condensates containing nucleic acids. FEBS J 2024; 291:2320-2331. [PMID: 37735903 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) has been recognized as a universal biological phenomenon. It plays an important role in life activities. LLPS is induced by weak interactions between intrinsically disordered regions or low complex domains. Nucleic acids are widely present in cells, and shown to be closely related to LLPS. Their structure and electronegativity provide the excellent platforms for the formation of phase-separated condensates. In this review, we summarize the interconnected regulation between nucleic acids and LLPS demonstrated in in vivo and in vitro studies. Beside homogeneous and single-phase condensates, complicated and multicompartment LLPS induced by nucleic acids is discussed as well. Recent advances about nucleic-acid-induced LLPS as a new pathogenic mechanism and drug design direction are highlighted, especially virus-mediated disease treatment and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuojun Dai
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaorong Yang
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
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10
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Yang L, Tang L, Min Q, Tian H, Li L, Zhao Y, Wu X, Li M, Du F, Chen Y, Li W, Li X, Chen M, Gu L, Sun Y, Xiao Z, Shen J. Emerging role of RNA modification and long noncoding RNA interaction in cancer. Cancer Gene Ther 2024; 31:816-830. [PMID: 38351139 PMCID: PMC11192634 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-024-00734-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
RNA modification, especially N6-methyladenosine, 5-methylcytosine, and N7-methylguanosine methylation, participates in the occurrence and progression of cancer through multiple pathways. The function and expression of these epigenetic regulators have gradually become a hot topic in cancer research. Mutation and regulation of noncoding RNA, especially lncRNA, play a major role in cancer. Generally, lncRNAs exert tumor-suppressive or oncogenic functions and its dysregulation can promote tumor occurrence and metastasis. In this review, we summarize N6-methyladenosine, 5-methylcytosine, and N7-methylguanosine modifications in lncRNAs. Furthermore, we discuss the relationship between epigenetic RNA modification and lncRNA interaction and cancer progression in various cancers. Therefore, this review gives a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms by which RNA modification affects the progression of various cancers by regulating lncRNAs, which may shed new light on cancer research and provide new insights into cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqiong Yang
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Lu Tang
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Qi Min
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Hua Tian
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Linwei Li
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Yueshui Zhao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Xu Wu
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Mingxing Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Fukuan Du
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Wanping Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Xiaobing Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Meijuan Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Li Gu
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Yuhong Sun
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Zhangang Xiao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China.
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, 646000, China.
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, 646000, China.
| | - Jing Shen
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China.
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, 646000, China.
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, 646000, China.
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11
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Li YJ, Qiu YL, Li MR, Shen M, Zhang F, Shao JJ, Xu XF, Zhang ZL, Zheng SZ. New horizons for the role of RNA N6-methyladenosine modification in hepatocellular carcinoma. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2024; 45:1130-1141. [PMID: 38195693 PMCID: PMC11130213 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-023-01214-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancy, presenting a formidable challenge to the medical community owing to its intricate pathogenic mechanisms. Although current prevention, surveillance, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment have achieved some success in preventing HCC and controlling overall disease mortality, the imperative to explore novel treatment modalities for HCC remains increasingly urgent. Epigenetic modification has emerged as pivotal factors in the etiology of cancer. Among these, RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification stands out as one of the most prevalent, abundant, and evolutionarily conserved post-transcriptional alterations in eukaryotes. The literature underscores that the dynamic and reversible nature of m6A modifications orchestrates the intricate regulation of gene expression, thereby exerting a profound influence on cell destinies. Increasing evidence has substantiated conspicuous fluctuations in m6A modification levels throughout the progression of HCC. The deliberate modulation of m6A modification levels through molecular biology and pharmacological interventions has been demonstrated to exert a discernible impact on the pathogenesis of HCC. In this review, we elucidate the multifaceted biological functions of m6A modifications in HCC, and concurrently advancing novel therapeutic strategies for the management of this malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Jia Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yang-Ling Qiu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Meng-Ran Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Min Shen
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Jiang-Juan Shao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xue-Fen Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Zi-Li Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Shi-Zhong Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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12
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Wei Q, Xue C, Li M, Wei J, Zheng L, Chen S, Duan Y, Deng H, Tang F, Xiong W, Zhou M. Ferroptosis: a critical mechanism of N 6-methyladenosine modification involved in carcinogenesis and tumor progression. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024; 67:1119-1132. [PMID: 38811442 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-023-2474-4] [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: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent regulatory cell necrosis induced by iron overload and lipid peroxidation. It occurs when multiple redox-active enzymes are ectopically expressed or show abnormal function. Hence, the precise regulation of ferroptosis-related molecules is mediated across multiple levels, including transcriptional, posttranscriptional, translational, and epigenetic levels. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a highly evolutionarily conserved epigenetic modification in mammals. The m6A modification is commonly linked to tumor proliferation, progression, and therapy resistance because it is involved in RNA metabolic processes. Intriguingly, accumulating evidence suggests that dysregulated ferroptosis caused by the m6A modification drives tumor development. In this review, we summarized the roles of m6A regulators in ferroptosis-mediated malignant tumor progression and outlined the m6A regulatory mechanism involved in ferroptosis pathways. We also analyzed the potential value and application strategies of targeting m6A/ferroptosis pathway in the clinical diagnosis and therapy of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Wei
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
- Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Changning Xue
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
- Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Mengna Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
- Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Jianxia Wei
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
- Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Lemei Zheng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
- Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oncotarget Gene, Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Shipeng Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
- Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Yumei Duan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
- Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Hongyu Deng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
- Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oncotarget Gene, Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Faqing Tang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
- Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oncotarget Gene, Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
- Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Ming Zhou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China.
- Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China.
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China.
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oncotarget Gene, Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China.
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13
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Zhang J, Yao S, Cheng X, Zhao Y, Yu W, Ren X, Ji K, Yu Q. Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of the YTH Domain-Containing RNA-Binding Protein Family in Cinnamomum camphora. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5960. [PMID: 38892149 PMCID: PMC11173211 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115960] [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: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is one of the most abundant chemical modifications on mRNA in eukaryotes. RNA-binding proteins containing the YT521-B (YTH) domain play crucial roles in post-transcriptional regulation of plant growth, development, and stress response by reading the m6A mark. However, the YTH domain-containing RNA-binding protein family has not been studied in a valuable and medicinal tree such as Cinnamomum camphora (C. camphora) yet. In this study, we identified 10 YTH genes in C. camphora, located on eight out of 12 chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these genes can be classified into two major classes, YTHDF (CcDF) and YTHDC (CcDC). Closely related CcYTHs within the same class exhibited a similar distribution of conserved motifs and domain organization, suggesting functional similarities among these closely related CcYTHs. All CcYTH proteins possessed a highly conserved YTH domain, with CcDC1A containing an additional CCCH domain. The liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) predictions indicate that CcDC1A, CcDF1A, CcDF1C, CcDF3C, CcDF4C, and CcDF5C may undergo phase transitions. Quantitative expression analysis revealed that tissue-specific expression was observed fo CcYTHs. Notably, there were two genes, CcDF1A and CcDF5C; both exhibited significantly higher expression levels in various tissues than other genes, indicating that the m6A-YTH regulatory network in C. camphora might be quite distinct from that in most plants such as Arabidopsis thaliana (A. thaliana) with only one abundant YTH protein. According to the analysis of the up-stream cis-regulatory elements of these YTH genes, these genes could be closely related to stress, hormones, and development. The following stress response experiments further verified that their expression levels indeed changed under both PEG and NaCl treatments. These findings not only provide a foundation for future functional analysis of CcYTHs in C. camphora, but also provide insights into the functions of epigenetic mark m6A in forest trees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China (K.J.)
- Key Open Laboratory of Forest Genetics and Gene Engineering of National Forestry & Grassland, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Sheng Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China (K.J.)
- Key Open Laboratory of Forest Genetics and Gene Engineering of National Forestry & Grassland, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Xiang Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China (K.J.)
- Key Open Laboratory of Forest Genetics and Gene Engineering of National Forestry & Grassland, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Yulu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China (K.J.)
- Key Open Laboratory of Forest Genetics and Gene Engineering of National Forestry & Grassland, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Wenya Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China (K.J.)
- Key Open Laboratory of Forest Genetics and Gene Engineering of National Forestry & Grassland, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Xingyue Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China (K.J.)
- Key Open Laboratory of Forest Genetics and Gene Engineering of National Forestry & Grassland, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Kongshu Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China (K.J.)
- Key Open Laboratory of Forest Genetics and Gene Engineering of National Forestry & Grassland, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Qiong Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China (K.J.)
- Key Open Laboratory of Forest Genetics and Gene Engineering of National Forestry & Grassland, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
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14
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D’Esposito F, Gagliano C, Bloom PA, Cordeiro MF, Avitabile A, Gagliano G, Costagliola C, Avitabile T, Musa M, Zeppieri M. Epigenetics in Glaucoma. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:905. [PMID: 38929522 PMCID: PMC11205742 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60060905] [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: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is defined as a "genetically complex trait", where modifying factors act on a genetic predisposing background. For the majority of glaucomatous conditions, DNA variants are not sufficient to explain pathogenesis. Some genes are clearly underlying the more "Mendelian" forms, while a growing number of related polymorphisms in other genes have been identified in recent years. Environmental, dietary, or biological factors are known to influence the development of the condition, but interactions between these factors and the genetic background are poorly understood. Several studies conducted in recent years have led to evidence that epigenetics, that is, changes in the pattern of gene expression without any changes in the DNA sequence, appear to be the missing link. Different epigenetic mechanisms have been proven to lead to glaucomatous changes in the eye, principally DNA methylation, post-translational histone modification, and RNA-associated gene regulation by non-coding RNAs. The aim of this work is to define the principal epigenetic actors in glaucoma pathogenesis. The identification of such mechanisms could potentially lead to new perspectives on therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana D’Esposito
- Imperial College Ophthalmic Research Group (ICORG) Unit, Imperial College, London NW1 5QH, UK; (F.D.)
- Eye Clinic, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Enna “Kore”, Piazza dell’Università, 94100 Enna, Italy
| | - Caterina Gagliano
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Enna “Kore”, Piazza dell’Università, 94100 Enna, Italy
- Eye Clinic, Catania University San Marco Hospital, Viale Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, 95121 Catania, Italy
| | - Philip Anthony Bloom
- Imperial College Ophthalmic Research Group (ICORG) Unit, Imperial College, London NW1 5QH, UK; (F.D.)
- Western Eye Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London NW1 5QH, UK
| | - Maria Francesca Cordeiro
- Eye Clinic, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Western Eye Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London NW1 5QH, UK
| | - Alessandro Avitabile
- Eye Clinic, Catania University San Marco Hospital, Viale Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, 95121 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Gagliano
- Eye Clinic, Catania University San Marco Hospital, Viale Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, 95121 Catania, Italy
| | - Ciro Costagliola
- Eye Clinic, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Teresio Avitabile
- Eye Clinic, Catania University San Marco Hospital, Viale Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, 95121 Catania, Italy
| | - Mutali Musa
- Department of Optometry, University of Benin, Benin City 300238, Nigeria
| | - Marco Zeppieri
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
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15
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Wu X, Chen H, Li K, Zhang H, Li K, Tan H. The biological function of the N6-Methyladenosine reader YTHDC2 and its role in diseases. J Transl Med 2024; 22:490. [PMID: 38790013 PMCID: PMC11119022 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05293-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) stands as the most prevalent modified form of RNA in eukaryotes, pivotal in various biological processes such as regulating RNA stability, translation, and transcription. All members within the YT521-B homology (YTH) gene family are categorized as m6A reading proteins, capable of identifying and binding m6A modifications on RNA, thereby regulating RNA metabolism and functioning across diverse physiological processes. YTH domain-containing 2 (YTHDC2), identified as the latest member of the YTH family, has only recently started to emerge for its biological function. Numerous studies have underscored the significance of YTHDC2 in human physiology, highlighting its involvement in both tumor progression and non-tumor diseases. Consequently, this review aims to further elucidate the pathological mechanisms of YTHDC2 by summarizing its functions and roles in tumors and other diseases, with a particular focus on its downstream molecular targets and signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Wu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Third Hospital of Changsha, Changsha, 410015, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Third Hospital of Changsha, Changsha, 410015, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Third Hospital of Changsha, Changsha, 410015, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Third Hospital of Changsha, Changsha, 410015, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xiangxi Autonomous Prefecture People's Hospital, Jishou, 410015, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Haoyu Tan
- Department of Cardio-vascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
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16
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Khan D, Ramachandiran I, Vasu K, China A, Khan K, Cumbo F, Halawani D, Terenzi F, Zin I, Long B, Costain G, Blaser S, Carnevale A, Gogonea V, Dutta R, Blankenberg D, Yoon G, Fox PL. Homozygous EPRS1 missense variant causing hypomyelinating leukodystrophy-15 alters variant-distal mRNA m 6A site accessibility. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4284. [PMID: 38769304 PMCID: PMC11106242 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48549-x] [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: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypomyelinating leukodystrophy (HLD) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by defective central nervous system myelination. Exome sequencing of two siblings with severe cognitive and motor impairment and progressive hypomyelination characteristic of HLD revealed homozygosity for a missense single-nucleotide variant (SNV) in EPRS1 (c.4444 C > A; p.Pro1482Thr), encoding glutamyl-prolyl-tRNA synthetase, consistent with HLD15. Patient lymphoblastoid cell lines express markedly reduced EPRS1 protein due to dual defects in nuclear export and cytoplasmic translation of variant EPRS1 mRNA. Variant mRNA exhibits reduced METTL3 methyltransferase-mediated writing of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and reduced reading by YTHDC1 and YTHDF1/3 required for efficient mRNA nuclear export and translation, respectively. In contrast to current models, the variant does not alter the sequence of m6A target sites, but instead reduces their accessibility for modification. The defect was rescued by antisense morpholinos predicted to expose m6A sites on target EPRS1 mRNA, or by m6A modification of the mRNA by METTL3-dCas13b, a targeted RNA methylation editor. Our bioinformatic analysis predicts widespread occurrence of SNVs associated with human health and disease that similarly alter accessibility of distal mRNA m6A sites. These results reveal a new RNA-dependent etiologic mechanism by which SNVs can influence gene expression and disease, consequently generating opportunities for personalized, RNA-based therapeutics targeting these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debjit Khan
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Iyappan Ramachandiran
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Kommireddy Vasu
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Arnab China
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Krishnendu Khan
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Fabio Cumbo
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Dalia Halawani
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Fulvia Terenzi
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Isaac Zin
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Briana Long
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Gregory Costain
- Department of Paediatrics, Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Susan Blaser
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Division of Neuroradiology, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Amanda Carnevale
- Department of Paediatrics, Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Valentin Gogonea
- Department of Chemistry, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ranjan Dutta
- Department of Neuroscience, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Daniel Blankenberg
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Grace Yoon
- Department of Paediatrics, Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Paediatrics, Division of Neurology, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Paul L Fox
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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17
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Rennie S. Deep Learning for Elucidating Modifications to RNA-Status and Challenges Ahead. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:629. [PMID: 38790258 PMCID: PMC11121098 DOI: 10.3390/genes15050629] [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: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins and chemical modifications to RNA play vital roles in the co- and post-transcriptional regulation of genes. In order to fully decipher their biological roles, it is an essential task to catalogue their precise target locations along with their preferred contexts and sequence-based determinants. Recently, deep learning approaches have significantly advanced in this field. These methods can predict the presence or absence of modification at specific genomic regions based on diverse features, particularly sequence and secondary structure, allowing us to decipher the highly non-linear sequence patterns and structures that underlie site preferences. This article provides an overview of how deep learning is being applied to this area, with a particular focus on the problem of mRNA-RBP binding, while also considering other types of chemical modification to RNA. It discusses how different types of model can handle sequence-based and/or secondary-structure-based inputs, the process of model training, including choice of negative regions and separating sets for testing and training, and offers recommendations for developing biologically relevant models. Finally, it highlights four key areas that are crucial for advancing the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Rennie
- Section for Computational and RNA Biology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
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18
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Bell RT, Sahakyan H, Makarova KS, Wolf YI, Koonin EV. CoCoNuTs are a diverse subclass of Type IV restriction systems predicted to target RNA. eLife 2024; 13:RP94800. [PMID: 38739430 PMCID: PMC11090510 DOI: 10.7554/elife.94800] [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] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
A comprehensive census of McrBC systems, among the most common forms of prokaryotic Type IV restriction systems, followed by phylogenetic analysis, reveals their enormous abundance in diverse prokaryotes and a plethora of genomic associations. We focus on a previously uncharacterized branch, which we denote coiled-coil nuclease tandems (CoCoNuTs) for their salient features: the presence of extensive coiled-coil structures and tandem nucleases. The CoCoNuTs alone show extraordinary variety, with three distinct types and multiple subtypes. All CoCoNuTs contain domains predicted to interact with translation system components, such as OB-folds resembling the SmpB protein that binds bacterial transfer-messenger RNA (tmRNA), YTH-like domains that might recognize methylated tmRNA, tRNA, or rRNA, and RNA-binding Hsp70 chaperone homologs, along with RNases, such as HEPN domains, all suggesting that the CoCoNuTs target RNA. Many CoCoNuTs might additionally target DNA, via McrC nuclease homologs. Additional restriction systems, such as Type I RM, BREX, and Druantia Type III, are frequently encoded in the same predicted superoperons. In many of these superoperons, CoCoNuTs are likely regulated by cyclic nucleotides, possibly, RNA fragments with cyclic termini, that bind associated CARF (CRISPR-Associated Rossmann Fold) domains. We hypothesize that the CoCoNuTs, together with the ancillary restriction factors, employ an echeloned defense strategy analogous to that of Type III CRISPR-Cas systems, in which an immune response eliminating virus DNA and/or RNA is launched first, but then, if it fails, an abortive infection response leading to PCD/dormancy via host RNA cleavage takes over.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan T Bell
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Harutyun Sahakyan
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Kira S Makarova
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Yuri I Wolf
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Eugene V Koonin
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
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19
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Zhang X, Li Z, Peng Q, Liu C, Wu Y, Wen Y, Zheng R, Xu C, Tian J, Zheng X, Yan Q, Wang J, Ma J. Epstein-Barr virus suppresses N 6-methyladenosine modification of TLR9 to promote immune evasion. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107226. [PMID: 38537697 PMCID: PMC11061751 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107226] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a human tumor virus associated with a variety of malignancies, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma, gastric cancers, and B-cell lymphomas. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications modulate a wide range of cellular processes and participate in the regulation of virus-host cell interactions. Here, we discovered that EBV infection downregulates toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) m6A modification levels and thus inhibits TLR9 expression. TLR9 has multiple m6A modification sites. Knockdown of METTL3, an m6A "writer", decreases TLR9 protein expression by inhibiting its mRNA stability. Mechanistically, Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen 1 increases METTL3 protein degradation via K48-linked ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Additionally, YTHDF1 was identified as an m6A "reader" of TLR9, enhancing TLR9 expression by promoting mRNA translation in an m6A -dependent manner, which suggests that EBV inhibits TLR9 translation by "hijacking" host m6A modification mechanism. Using the METTL3 inhibitor STM2457 inhibits TLR9-induced B cell proliferation and immunoglobulin secretion, and opposes TLR9-induced immune responses to assist tumor cell immune escape. In clinical lymphoma samples, the expression of METTL3, YTHDF1, and TLR9 was highly correlated with immune cells infiltration. This study reveals a novel mechanism that EBV represses the important innate immunity molecule TLR9 through modulating the host m6A modification system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyue Zhang
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhengshuo Li
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qiu Peng
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Can Liu
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yangge Wu
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yuqing Wen
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Run Zheng
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chenxiao Xu
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Junrui Tian
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiang Zheng
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Qun Yan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jia Wang
- Department of Immunology, Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, Shanxi, China.
| | - Jian Ma
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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20
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Han Y, Sun K, Yu S, Qin Y, Zhang Z, Luo J, Hu H, Dai L, Cui M, Jiang C, Liu F, Huang Y, Gao P, Chen X, Xin T, Ren X, Wu X, Song J, Wang Q, Tang Z, Chen J, Zhang H, Zhang X, Liu M, Luo D. A Mettl16/m 6A/mybl2b/Igf2bp1 axis ensures cell cycle progression of embryonic hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. EMBO J 2024; 43:1990-2014. [PMID: 38605226 PMCID: PMC11099167 DOI: 10.1038/s44318-024-00082-9] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Prenatal lethality associated with mouse knockout of Mettl16, a recently identified RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methyltransferase, has hampered characterization of the essential role of METTL16-mediated RNA m6A modification in early embryonic development. Here, using cross-species single-cell RNA sequencing analysis, we found that during early embryonic development, METTL16 is more highly expressed in vertebrate hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) than other methyltransferases. In Mettl16-deficient zebrafish, proliferation capacity of embryonic HSPCs is compromised due to G1/S cell cycle arrest, an effect whose rescue requires Mettl16 with intact methyltransferase activity. We further identify the cell-cycle transcription factor mybl2b as a directly regulated by Mettl16-mediated m6A modification. Mettl16 deficiency resulted in the destabilization of mybl2b mRNA, likely due to lost binding by the m6A reader Igf2bp1 in vivo. Moreover, we found that the METTL16-m6A-MYBL2-IGF2BP1 axis controlling G1/S progression is conserved in humans. Collectively, our findings elucidate the critical function of METTL16-mediated m6A modification in HSPC cell cycle progression during early embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunqiao Han
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
- Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Kui Sun
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Shanshan Yu
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430065, China
| | - Yayun Qin
- Medical Genetics Center, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Zuxiao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Jiong Luo
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Hualei Hu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Liyan Dai
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Manman Cui
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, China
| | - Chaolin Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Fei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Yuwen Huang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Pan Gao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Xiang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Tianqing Xin
- Department of Pediatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430022, China
| | - Xiang Ren
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430022, China
| | - Jieping Song
- Medical Genetics Center, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Qing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Zhaohui Tang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Jianjun Chen
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA, 91016, USA
| | - Haojian Zhang
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, China
| | - Xianqin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China.
| | - Mugen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China.
| | - Daji Luo
- Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China.
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21
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Zacco E, Broglia L, Kurihara M, Monti M, Gustincich S, Pastore A, Plath K, Nagakawa S, Cerase A, Sanchez de Groot N, Tartaglia GG. RNA: The Unsuspected Conductor in the Orchestra of Macromolecular Crowding. Chem Rev 2024; 124:4734-4777. [PMID: 38579177 PMCID: PMC11046439 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00575] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
This comprehensive Review delves into the chemical principles governing RNA-mediated crowding events, commonly referred to as granules or biological condensates. We explore the pivotal role played by RNA sequence, structure, and chemical modifications in these processes, uncovering their correlation with crowding phenomena under physiological conditions. Additionally, we investigate instances where crowding deviates from its intended function, leading to pathological consequences. By deepening our understanding of the delicate balance that governs molecular crowding driven by RNA and its implications for cellular homeostasis, we aim to shed light on this intriguing area of research. Our exploration extends to the methodologies employed to decipher the composition and structural intricacies of RNA granules, offering a comprehensive overview of the techniques used to characterize them, including relevant computational approaches. Through two detailed examples highlighting the significance of noncoding RNAs, NEAT1 and XIST, in the formation of phase-separated assemblies and their influence on the cellular landscape, we emphasize their crucial role in cellular organization and function. By elucidating the chemical underpinnings of RNA-mediated molecular crowding, investigating the role of modifications, structures, and composition of RNA granules, and exploring both physiological and aberrant phase separation phenomena, this Review provides a multifaceted understanding of the intriguing world of RNA-mediated biological condensates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsa Zacco
- RNA
Systems Biology Lab, Center for Human Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Enrico Melen, 83, 16152 Genova, Italy
| | - Laura Broglia
- RNA
Systems Biology Lab, Center for Human Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Enrico Melen, 83, 16152 Genova, Italy
| | - Misuzu Kurihara
- RNA
Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Michele Monti
- RNA
Systems Biology Lab, Center for Human Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Enrico Melen, 83, 16152 Genova, Italy
| | - Stefano Gustincich
- Central
RNA Lab, Center for Human Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Enrico Melen, 83, 16152 Genova, Italy
| | - Annalisa Pastore
- UK
Dementia Research Institute at the Maurice Wohl Institute of King’s
College London, London SE5 9RT, U.K.
| | - Kathrin Plath
- Department
of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School
of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Shinichi Nagakawa
- RNA
Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Andrea Cerase
- Blizard
Institute,
Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, U.K.
- Unit
of Cell and developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Università di Pisa, 56123 Pisa, Italy
| | - Natalia Sanchez de Groot
- Unitat
de Bioquímica, Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia
Molecular, Universitat Autònoma de
Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gian Gaetano Tartaglia
- RNA
Systems Biology Lab, Center for Human Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Enrico Melen, 83, 16152 Genova, Italy
- Catalan
Institution for Research and Advanced Studies, ICREA, Passeig Lluís Companys 23, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
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22
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Zaccara S, Jaffrey SR. Understanding the redundant functions of the m 6A-binding YTHDF proteins. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2024; 30:468-481. [PMID: 38531646 PMCID: PMC11019742 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079988.124] [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: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
N 6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent modified nucleotide in mRNA, and it has important functions in mRNA regulation. However, our understanding of the specific functions of m6A along with its cytosolic readers, the YTHDF proteins, has changed substantially in recent years. The original view was that different m6A sites within an mRNA could have different functions depending on which YTHDF paralog was bound to it, with bound YTHDF1 inducing translation, while bound YTHDF2 induced mRNA degradation. As a result, each YTHDF was proposed to have unique physiologic roles that arise from their unique binding properties and regulatory effects on mRNA. More recent data have called much of this into question, showing that all m6A sites bind all YTHDF proteins with equal ability, with a single primary function of all three YTHDF proteins to mediate mRNA degradation. Here, we describe the diverse technical concerns that led to the original model being questioned and the newer data that overturned this model and led to the new understanding of m6A and YTHDF function. We also discuss how any remaining questions about the functions of the YTHDF proteins can be readily resolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Zaccara
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - Samie R Jaffrey
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, New York 10065, USA
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23
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Zhang C, Yu M, Hepperla AJ, Zhang Z, Raj R, Zhong H, Zhou J, Hu L, Fang J, Liu H, Liang Q, Jia L, Liao C, Xi S, Simon JM, Xu K, Liu Z, Nam Y, Kapur P, Zhang Q. Von Hippel Lindau tumor suppressor controls m6A-dependent gene expression in renal tumorigenesis. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e175703. [PMID: 38618952 PMCID: PMC11014668 DOI: 10.1172/jci175703] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant posttranscriptional modification, and its contribution to cancer evolution has recently been appreciated. Renal cancer is the most common adult genitourinary cancer, approximately 85% of which is accounted for by the clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) subtype characterized by VHL loss. However, it is unclear whether VHL loss in ccRCC affects m6A patterns. In this study, we demonstrate that VHL binds and promotes METTL3/METTL14 complex formation while VHL depletion suppresses m6A modification, which is distinctive from its canonical E3 ligase role. m6A RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (RIP-Seq) coupled with RNA-Seq allows us to identify a selection of genes whose expression may be regulated by VHL-m6A signaling. Specifically, PIK3R3 is identified to be a critical gene whose mRNA stability is regulated by VHL in a m6A-dependent but HIF-independent manner. Functionally, PIK3R3 depletion promotes renal cancer cell growth and orthotopic tumor growth while its overexpression leads to decreased tumorigenesis. Mechanistically, the VHL-m6A-regulated PIK3R3 suppresses tumor growth by restraining PI3K/AKT activity. Taken together, we propose a mechanism by which VHL regulates m6A through modulation of METTL3/METTL14 complex formation, thereby promoting PIK3R3 mRNA stability and protein levels that are critical for regulating ccRCC tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhang
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Miaomiao Yu
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Austin J. Hepperla
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina (UNC) School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Genetics, Neuroscience Center and
- UNC Neuroscience Center, Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, UNC, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Zhao Zhang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Rishi Raj
- Department of Biochemistry, Department of Biophysics, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center and
| | - Hua Zhong
- Department of Pathology, Department of Bioinformatics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Jin Zhou
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Lianxin Hu
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Jun Fang
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Hongyi Liu
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Qian Liang
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Liwei Jia
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Chengheng Liao
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Sichuan Xi
- Thoracic Epigenetics Section, Thoracic Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jeremy M. Simon
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina (UNC) School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Genetics, Neuroscience Center and
- UNC Neuroscience Center, Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, UNC, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kexin Xu
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Zhijie Liu
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Yunsun Nam
- Department of Biochemistry, Department of Biophysics, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center and
| | - Payal Kapur
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Kidney Cancer Program, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Urology
| | - Qing Zhang
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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24
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Albihlal WS, Chan WY, van Werven FJ. Budding yeast as an ideal model for elucidating the role of N 6-methyladenosine in regulating gene expression. Yeast 2024; 41:148-157. [PMID: 38238962 DOI: 10.1002/yea.3925] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a highly abundant and evolutionarily conserved messenger RNA (mRNA) modification. This modification is installed on RRACH motifs on mRNAs by a hetero-multimeric holoenzyme known as m6A methyltransferase complex (MTC). The m6A mark is then recognised by a group of conserved proteins known as the YTH domain family proteins which guide the mRNA for subsequent downstream processes that determine its fate. In yeast, m6A is installed on thousands of mRNAs during early meiosis by a conserved MTC and the m6A-modified mRNAs are read by the YTH domain-containing protein Mrb1/Pho92. In this review, we aim to delve into the recent advances in our understanding of the regulation and roles of m6A in yeast meiosis. We will discuss the potential functions of m6A in mRNA translation and decay, unravelling their significance in regulating gene expression. We propose that yeast serves as an exceptional model organism for the study of fundamental molecular mechanisms related to the function and regulation of m6A-modified mRNAs. The insights gained from yeast research not only expand our knowledge of mRNA modifications and their molecular roles but also offer valuable insights into the broader landscape of eukaryotic posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waleed S Albihlal
- The Francis Crick Institute, Cell Fate and Gene Regulation Laboratory, London, UK
| | - Wei Yee Chan
- The Francis Crick Institute, Cell Fate and Gene Regulation Laboratory, London, UK
| | - Folkert J van Werven
- The Francis Crick Institute, Cell Fate and Gene Regulation Laboratory, London, UK
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25
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Bai Y, Chang D, Ren H, Ju M, Wang Y, Chen B, Li H, Liu X, Li D, Huo X, Guo X, Tong M, Tan Y, Yao H, Han B. Engagement of N6-methyladenisine methylation of Gng4 mRNA in astrocyte dysfunction regulated by CircHECW2. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:1644-1660. [PMID: 38572093 PMCID: PMC10985031 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2024.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is the most prevalent modification of eukaryotic mRNAs and plays a crucial role in various physiological processes by regulating the stability or function of target mRNAs. Accumulating evidence has suggested that m6A methylation may be involved in the pathological process of major depressive disorder (MDD), a common neuropsychiatric disorder with an unclear aetiology. Here, we found that the levels of the circular RNA HECW2 (circHECW2) were significantly increased in the plasma of both MDD patients and the chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) mouse model. Notably, the downregulation of circHECW2 attenuated astrocyte dysfunction and depression-like behaviors induced by CUS. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the downregulation of circHECW2 increased the expression of the methylase WTAP, leading to an increase in Gng4 expression via m6A modifications. Our findings provide functional insight into the correlation between circHECW2 and m6A methylation, suggesting that circHECW2 may represent a potential target for MDD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Bai
- Department of Pharmacology, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Di Chang
- Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Hui Ren
- Department of Pharmacology, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Minzi Ju
- Department of Pharmacology, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Biling Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Han Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xue Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Daxing Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xinchen Huo
- Department of Pharmacology, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiaofei Guo
- Department of Pharmacology, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Mengze Tong
- Department of Pharmacology, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ying Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Honghong Yao
- Department of Pharmacology, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
- Institute of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
- Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Bing Han
- Department of Pharmacology, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
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26
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Chen S, Duan X, He Y, Chen W. METTL3 promotes osteogenic differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells by up-regulating m6A modification of circCTTN. Biosci Rep 2024; 44:BSR20231186. [PMID: 38358895 PMCID: PMC10932744 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20231186] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) are promising seed cells in bone tissue engineering. circRNA and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation play important roles in osteogenic differentiation. Here, we investigated the potential relevance of a critical circRNA, hsa_circ_0003376 (circCTTN), and methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) in osteogenic differentiation of hUCMSCs. METHODS Expression of circCTTN after hUCMSC osteogenic induction was detected by qRT-PCR. Three databases (RMBase v2.0, BERMP, and SRAMP) were used to predict m6A sites of circCTTN. RNA was enriched by methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP), followed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction to detect m6A level of circCTTN after METTL3 overexpression and osteogenic induction. RNA pull-down, Western blotting, and protein mass spectrometry were performed to investigate the potential mechanisms by which METTL3 promoted m6A modification of circCTTN. Bioinformatic analyses based on database (STRING) search and co-immunoprecipitation were used to analyze the proteins that interacted with METTL3. RESULTS Overexpression of METTL3 promoted osteogenic differentiation of hUCMSCs and increased m6A level of circCTTN. Two potential m6A modification sites of circCTTN were predicted. No direct interaction between METTL3 and circCTTN was observed. Thirty-one proteins were pulled down by probes specific for circCTTN, including NOP2, and two m6A reading proteins, EIF3A and SND1. Bioinformatics analysis and co-immunoprecipitation showed that METTL3 interacted with EIF3A indirectly through NOP2. CONCLUSIONS METTL3 promotes the osteogenic differentiation of hUCMSCs by increasing the m6A level of circCTTN. However, METTL3 does not bind directly to circCTTN. METTL3 interacts with circCTTN indirectly through NOP2 and EIF3A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujiang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China school of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Prosthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoqiong Duan
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yanjin He
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China school of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Prosthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wenchuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China school of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Prosthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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27
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Zhang Y, Song Z, Wu R, Kong X, Zhang H, Li S, Gong X, Gong S, Cheng J, Yuan F, Wu H, Wang S, Yuan Z. PRRC2B modulates oligodendrocyte progenitor cell development and myelination by stabilizing Sox2 mRNA. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113930. [PMID: 38507412 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113930] [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: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) differentiate into myelin-producing cells and modulate neuronal activity. Defects in OPC development are associated with neurological diseases. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) contributes to neural development; however, the mechanism by which m6A regulates OPC development remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that PRRC2B is an m6A reader that regulates OPC development and myelination. Nestin-Cre-mediated Prrc2b deletion affects neural stem cell self-renewal and glial differentiation. Moreover, the oligodendroglia lineage-specific deletion of Prrc2b reduces the numbers of OPCs and oligodendrocytes, causing hypomyelination and impaired motor coordination. Integrative methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing, RNA sequencing, and RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing analyses identify Sox2 as the target of PRRC2B. Notably, PRRC2B, displaying separate and cooperative functions with PRRC2A, stabilizes mRNA by binding to m6A motifs in the coding sequence and 3' UTR of Sox2. In summary, we identify the posttranscriptional regulation of PRRC2B in OPC development, extending the understanding of PRRC2 family proteins and providing a therapeutic target for myelin-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Zhihong Song
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Rong Wu
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Xiangxi Kong
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Hongye Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Shuoshuo Li
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China; School of Life Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Xuanwei Gong
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Shenghui Gong
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Jinbo Cheng
- Center on Translational Neuroscience, College of Life and Environmental Science, Minzu University of China, Beijing 100081, China; Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Fang Yuan
- Department of Oncology, The Fifth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Haitao Wu
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Shukun Wang
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China.
| | - Zengqiang Yuan
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China.
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28
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Jiang L, Lin X, Jiang J, Qiu C, Zheng S, Zhao N, Shu Z, Qian Y, Qiu L. METTL3-m6A-SIRT1 axis affects autophagic flux contributing to PM 2.5-induced inhibition of testosterone production in Leydig cells. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 918:170701. [PMID: 38325452 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170701] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have found that long-term inhalation of PM2.5 is closely related to spermatogenesis disorders and infertility, but the underlying molecular mechanism is still unidentified. Testosterone, an essential reproductive hormone produced by Leydig cells, whose synthesis is disrupted by multiple environmental pollutants. In the current study, we explored the role of METTL3-m6A-SIRT1 axis-mediated abnormal autophagy in PM2.5-induced inhibition of testosterone production in in vivo and in vitro models. Our in vivo findings shown that long-term inhalation of PM2.5 decreased sperm count, increased sperm deformity rates, and altered testicular interstitial morphology accompanied by reduced testosterone in serum and testes. Further, data from the in vitro model displayed that exposure to PM2.5 caused an increase in m6A modification and METTL3 levels, followed by a decrease in testosterone levels and autophagy dysfunction in Leydig cells. The knockdown of METTL3 promotes autophagy flux and testosterone production in Leydig cells. Mechanistically, PM2.5 increased METTL3-induced m6A modification of SIRT1 mRNA in Leydig cells, bringing about abnormal autophagy. Subsequently, administration of SRT1720 (a SIRT1 activator) enhanced autophagy and further promoted testosterone biosynthesis. Collectively, our discoveries indicate that METTL3-m6A-SIRT1 axis-mediated autophagic flux contributes to PM2.5-induced inhibition of testosterone biosynthesis. This research offers a novel viewpoint on the mechanism of male reproductive injury following PM2.5 exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianlian Jiang
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Rd., Nantong 226019, PR China
| | - Xiaojun Lin
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Rd., Nantong 226019, PR China
| | - Jinchen Jiang
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Rd., Nantong 226019, PR China
| | - Chong Qiu
- Medical School, Nantong University, 19 Qixiu Rd., Nantong 226001, PR China
| | - Shaokai Zheng
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Rd., Nantong 226019, PR China
| | - Nannan Zhao
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Rd., Nantong 226019, PR China
| | - Zhenhao Shu
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Rd., Nantong 226019, PR China
| | - Yinyun Qian
- Graduate School, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Rd., Nantong 226019, PR China
| | - Lianglin Qiu
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Rd., Nantong 226019, PR China.
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29
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Zhou Y, Li W. Methyltransferase-like 3-mediated m6A modification of miR-1908-5p contributes to nasopharyngeal carcinoma progression by targeting homeodomain-only protein homeobox. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2024; 39:1631-1640. [PMID: 38018881 DOI: 10.1002/tox.24032] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification interacting microRNAs (miRNAs) have been confirmed to participate in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) progression. This research investigated miR-1908-5p's function and regulatory mechanism in the tumorigenesis of NPC via m6A modification and targeting a key gene. METHODS The levels of miR-1908-5p, homeodomain-only protein homeobox (HOPX), and methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) expressions were detected via RT-qPCR. The correlation between miR-1908-5p and the HOPX/METTL3 axis, as well as their regulatory mechanism, was investigated by dual luciferase reporter, western blotting, and MeRIP assays. Moreover, the bio-functions of miR-1908-5p, HOPX, and METTL3 in NPC were explored through CCK8, transwell, caspase-3 activity, and xenograft tumor assays. RESULTS RT-qPCR results indicated a miR-1908-5p upregulation in NPC. Knocking down miR-1908-5p diminished the NPC cell viability and migration in vitro. In vivo, downregulating miR-1908-5p repressed NPC cell tumor growth. Moreover, HOPX was specifically targeted by miR-1908-5p, and HOPX downregulation led to reversal of the anti-tumor impact of the miR-1908-5p inhibitor against NPC cell malignancy. Also, METTL3 could mediate the m6A modification of miR-1908-5p to regulate its influence on NPC cells. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that the METTL3-mediated m6A modification of miR-1908-5p enhanced the tumorigenesis of NPC by targeting HOPX. These findings propose new insights for NPC diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanhong Zhou
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Wuhan Asia General Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Wuhan Asia General Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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30
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Esteva-Socias M, Aguilo F. METTL3 as a master regulator of translation in cancer: mechanisms and implications. NAR Cancer 2024; 6:zcae009. [PMID: 38444581 PMCID: PMC10914372 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcae009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Translational regulation is an important step in the control of gene expression. In cancer cells, the orchestration of both global control of protein synthesis and selective translation of specific mRNAs promote tumor cell survival, angiogenesis, transformation, invasion and metastasis. N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most prevalent mRNA modification in higher eukaryotes, impacts protein translation. Over the past decade, the development of m6A mapping tools has facilitated comprehensive functional investigations, revealing the involvement of this chemical mark, together with its writer METTL3, in promoting the translation of both oncogenes and tumor suppressor transcripts, with the impact being context-dependent. This review aims to consolidate our current understanding of how m6A and METTL3 shape translation regulation in the realm of cancer biology. In addition, it delves into the role of cytoplasmic METTL3 in protein synthesis, operating independently of its catalytic activity. Ultimately, our goal is to provide critical insights into the interplay between m6A, METTL3 and translational regulation in cancer, offering a deeper comprehension of the mechanisms sustaining tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margalida Esteva-Socias
- Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, SE-901 85Umeå, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Umeå University, SE-901 85Umeå, Sweden
| | - Francesca Aguilo
- Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, SE-901 85Umeå, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Umeå University, SE-901 85Umeå, Sweden
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31
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Moon JS, Lee W, Cho YH, Kim Y, Kim GW. The Significance of N6-Methyladenosine RNA Methylation in Regulating the Hepatitis B Virus Life Cycle. J Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 34:233-239. [PMID: 37942519 PMCID: PMC10940779 DOI: 10.4014/jmb.2309.09013] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation has recently emerged as a significant co-transcriptional modification involved in regulating various RNA functions. It plays a vital function in numerous biological processes. Enzymes referred to as m6A methyltransferases, such as the methyltransferaselike (METTL) 3-METTL14-Wilms tumor 1 (WT1)-associated protein (WTAP) complex, are responsible for adding m6A modifications, while m6A demethylases, including fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) and alkB homolog 5 (ALKBH5), can remove m6A methylation. The functions of m6A-methylated RNA are regulated through the recognition and interaction of m6A reader proteins. Recent research has shown that m6A methylation takes place at multiple sites within hepatitis B virus (HBV) RNAs, and the location of these modifications can differentially impact the HBV infection. The addition of m6A modifications to HBV RNA can influence its stability and translation, thereby affecting viral replication and pathogenesis. Furthermore, HBV infection can also alter the m6A modification pattern of host RNA, indicating the virus's ability to manipulate host cellular processes, including m6A modification. This manipulation aids in establishing chronic infection, promoting liver disease, and contributing to pathogenesis. A comprehensive understanding of the functional roles of m6A modification during HBV infection is crucial for developing innovative approaches to combat HBV-mediated liver disease. In this review, we explore the functions of m6A modification in HBV replication and its impact on the development of liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Su Moon
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Wooseong Lee
- Center for Convergent Research of Emerging virus Infection, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Hee Cho
- Data Convergence Drug Research Center, Therapeutics and Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Pharmacology, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Yonghyo Kim
- Data Convergence Drug Research Center, Therapeutics and Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Geon-Woo Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
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32
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Shi J, Lv Q, Miao D, Xiong Z, Wei Z, Wu S, Tan D, Wang K, Zhang X. HIF2α Promotes Cancer Metastasis through TCF7L2-Dependent Fatty Acid Synthesis in ccRCC. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2024; 7:0322. [PMID: 38390305 PMCID: PMC10882601 DOI: 10.34133/research.0322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Recent studies have highlighted the notable involvement of the crosstalk between hypoxia-inducible factor 2 alpha (HIF2α) and Wnt signaling components in tumorigenesis. However, the cellular function and precise regulatory mechanisms of HIF2α and Wnt signaling interactions in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remain elusive. To analyze the correlation between HIF2α and Wnt signaling, we utilized the Cancer Genome Atlas - Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma (TCGA-KIRC) public database, HIF2α RNA sequencing data, and conducted luciferase reporter assays. A Wnt-related gene set was employed to identify key regulators of Wnt signaling controlled by HIF2α in ccRCC. Furthermore, we assessed the biological effects of TCF7L2 on ccRCC metastasis and lipid metabolism in both in vivo and in vitro settings. Our outcomes confirm TCF7L2 as a key gene involved in HIF2α-mediated regulation of the canonical Wnt pathway. Functional studies demonstrate that TCF7L2 promotes metastasis in ccRCC. Mechanistic investigations reveal that HIF2α stabilizes TCF7L2 mRNA in a method based on m6A by transcriptionally regulating METTL3. Up-regulation of TCF7L2 enhances cellular fatty acid oxidation, which promotes histone acetylation. This facilitates the transcription of genes connected to epithelial-mesenchymal transition and ultimately enhances metastasis of ccRCC. These outcomes offer a novel understanding into the involvement of lipid metabolism in the signaling pathway regulation, offering valuable implications for targeted treatment in ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Shi
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei, P. R. China
- Institute of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Qingyang Lv
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei, P. R. China
- Institute of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Daojia Miao
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei, P. R. China
- Institute of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Zhiyong Xiong
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei, P. R. China
- Institute of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Zhihao Wei
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei, P. R. China
- Institute of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Songming Wu
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei, P. R. China
- Institute of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Diaoyi Tan
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei, P. R. China
- Institute of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Keshan Wang
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei, P. R. China
- Institute of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoping Zhang
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei, P. R. China
- Institute of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei, P. R. China
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Chen R, Su F, Zhang T, Wu D, Yang J, Guan Q, Chai C. N6-methyladenosine modification of B7-H3 mRNA promotes the development and progression of colorectal cancer. iScience 2024; 27:108956. [PMID: 38318386 PMCID: PMC10839442 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.108956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
B7-H3 is a common oncogene found in various cancer types. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying abnormal B7-H3 expression and colorectal cancer (CRC) progression need to be extensively explored. B7-H3 was upregulated in human CRC tissues and its abnormal expression was correlated with a poor prognosis in CRC patients. Notably, gain- and loss-of-function experiments revealed that B7-H3 knockdown substantially inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro, whereas exogenous B7-H3 expression yielded contrasting results. In addition, silencing of B7-H3 inhibited tumor growth in a xenograft mouse model. Mechanistically, our study demonstrated that the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) binding protein YTHDF1 augmented B7-H3 expression in an m6A-dependent manner. Furthermore, rescue experiments demonstrated that reintroduction of B7-H3 considerably abolished the inhibitory effects on cell proliferation and invasion induced by silencing YTHDF1. Our results suggest that the YTHDF1-m6A-B7-H3 axis is crucial for CRC development and progression and may represent a potential therapeutic target for CRC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Chen
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China
- Department of Oncology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China
| | - Fei Su
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China
- Department of Oncology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China
| | - Dongjin Wu
- People’s Hospital of Suzhou New District, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215000, P.R. China
| | - Jingru Yang
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China
- Department of Oncology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China
| | - Quanlin Guan
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China
- Department of Oncology Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China
| | - Chen Chai
- People’s Hospital of Suzhou New District, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215000, P.R. China
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Xiong YW, Zhu HL, Zhang J, Geng H, Tan LL, Zheng XM, Li H, Fan LL, Wang XR, Zhang XD, Wang KW, Chang W, Zhang YF, Yuan Z, Duan ZL, Cao YX, He XJ, Xu DX, Wang H. Multigenerational paternal obesity enhances the susceptibility to male subfertility in offspring via Wt1 N6-methyladenosine modification. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1353. [PMID: 38355624 PMCID: PMC10866985 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45675-4] [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: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
There is strong evidence that obesity is a risk factor for poor semen quality. However, the effects of multigenerational paternal obesity on the susceptibility to cadmium (a reproductive toxicant)-induced spermatogenesis disorders in offspring remain unknown. Here, we show that, in mice, spermatogenesis and retinoic acid levels become progressively lower as the number of generations exposed to a high-fat diet increase. Furthermore, exposing several generations of mice to a high fat diet results in a decrease in the expression of Wt1, a transcription factor upstream of the enzymes that synthesize retinoic acid. These effects can be rescued by injecting adeno-associated virus 9-Wt1 into the mouse testes of the offspring. Additionally, multigenerational paternal high-fat diet progressively increases METTL3 and Wt1 N6-methyladenosine levels in the testes of offspring mice. Mechanistically, treating the fathers with STM2457, a METTL3 inhibitor, restores obesity-reduced sperm count, and decreases Wt1 N6-methyladenosine level in the mouse testes of the offspring. A case-controlled study shows that human donors who are overweight or obese exhibit elevated N6-methyladenosine levels in sperm and decreased sperm concentration. Collectively, these results indicate that multigenerational paternal obesity enhances the susceptibility of the offspring to spermatogenesis disorders by increasing METTL3-mediated Wt1 N6-methyladenosine modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Wei Xiong
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei, China
| | - Hua-Long Zhu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei, China
| | - Hao Geng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, China
| | - Lu-Lu Tan
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei, China
| | - Xin-Mei Zheng
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei, China
| | - Long-Long Fan
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei, China
| | - Xin-Run Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei, China
| | - Xu-Dong Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei, China
| | - Kai-Wen Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei, China
| | - Wei Chang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei, China
| | - Yu-Feng Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei, China
| | - Zhi Yuan
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei, China
| | - Zong-Liu Duan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yun-Xia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xiao-Jin He
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China.
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - De-Xiang Xu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei, China.
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, China.
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei, China.
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, China.
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Bell RT, Sahakyan H, Makarova KS, Wolf YI, Koonin EV. CoCoNuTs: A diverse subclass of Type IV restriction systems predicted to target RNA. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.07.31.551357. [PMID: 37790407 PMCID: PMC10542128 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.31.551357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
A comprehensive census of McrBC systems, among the most common forms of prokaryotic Type IV restriction systems, followed by phylogenetic analysis, reveals their enormous abundance in diverse prokaryotes and a plethora of genomic associations. We focus on a previously uncharacterized branch, which we denote CoCoNuTs (coiled-coil nuclease tandems) for their salient features: the presence of extensive coiled-coil structures and tandem nucleases. The CoCoNuTs alone show extraordinary variety, with 3 distinct types and multiple subtypes. All CoCoNuTs contain domains predicted to interact with translation system components, such as OB-folds resembling the SmpB protein that binds bacterial transfer-messenger RNA (tmRNA), YTH-like domains that might recognize methylated tmRNA, tRNA, or rRNA, and RNA-binding Hsp70 chaperone homologs, along with RNases, such as HEPN domains, all suggesting that the CoCoNuTs target RNA. Many CoCoNuTs might additionally target DNA, via McrC nuclease homologs. Additional restriction systems, such as Type I RM, BREX, and Druantia Type III, are frequently encoded in the same predicted superoperons. In many of these superoperons, CoCoNuTs are likely regulated by cyclic nucleotides, possibly, RNA fragments with cyclic termini, that bind associated CARF (CRISPR-Associated Rossmann Fold) domains. We hypothesize that the CoCoNuTs, together with the ancillary restriction factors, employ an echeloned defense strategy analogous to that of Type III CRISPR-Cas systems, in which an immune response eliminating virus DNA and/or RNA is launched first, but then, if it fails, an abortive infection response leading to PCD/dormancy via host RNA cleavage takes over.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan T. Bell
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA
| | - Harutyun Sahakyan
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA
| | - Kira S. Makarova
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA
| | - Yuri I. Wolf
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA
| | - Eugene V. Koonin
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA
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Li Q, Wang Y, Meng X, Wang W, Duan F, Chen S, Zhang Y, Sheng Z, Gao Y, Zhou L. METTL16 inhibits papillary thyroid cancer tumorigenicity through m 6A/YTHDC2/SCD1-regulated lipid metabolism. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:81. [PMID: 38334797 PMCID: PMC10857971 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05146-x] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) stands as the leading cancer type among endocrine malignancies, and there exists a strong correlation between thyroid cancer and obesity. However, the clinical significance and molecular mechanism of lipid metabolism in the development of PTC remain unclear. In this study, it was demonstrated that the downregulation of METTL16 enhanced lipid metabolism and promoted the malignant progression of PTC. METTL16 was expressed at lower levels in PTC tissues because of DNMT1-mediated hypermethylation of its promoter. Loss- and gain-of-function studies clarified the effects of METTL16 on PTC progression. METTL16 overexpression increased the abundance of m6A in SCD1 cells, increasing RNA decay via the m6A reader YTHDC2. The SCD1 inhibitor A939572 inhibited growth and slowed down lipid metabolism in PTC cells. These results confirm the crucial role of METTL16 in restraining PTC progression through SCD1-activated lipid metabolism in cooperation with YTHDC2. This suggests that the combination of METTL16 and anti-SCD1 blockade might constitute an effective therapy for PTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Li
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Yaju Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Xiangshu Meng
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Wenjing Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Feifan Duan
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Shuya Chen
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Yukun Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Zhiyong Sheng
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Yu Gao
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
- Bengbu Medical College Key Laboratory of Cancer Research and Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233030, China
| | - Lei Zhou
- Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530021, China.
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Luo W, Zhou Y, Wang J, Wang K, Lin Q, Li Y, Xie Y, Li M, Wang J, Xiong L. YTHDF1's Regulatory Involvement in Breast Cancer Prognosis, Immunity, and the ceRNA Network. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1879. [PMID: 38339157 PMCID: PMC10856278 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031879] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein 1 (YTHDF1), an m6A reader, has a role in the development and progression of breast cancer as well as the immunological microenvironment. The networks of competing endogenous RNA in cancer have received much attention in research. In tumor gene therapy, the regulatory networks of m6A and competing endogenous RNA are increasingly emerging as a new route. We evaluated the relationship between the YTHDF1 expression, overall survival, and clinicopathology of breast cancer using TCGA, PrognoScan, and other datasets. We used Western blot to demonstrate that YTHDF1 is substantially expressed in breast cancer tissues. Furthermore, we explored YTHDF1's functions in the tumor mutational burden, microsatellite instability, and tumor microenvironment. Our findings indicate that YTHDF1 is a critical component of the m6A regulatory proteins in breast cancer and may have a particular function in the immunological microenvironment. Crucially, we investigated the relationship between YTHDF1 and the associated competitive endogenous RNA regulatory networks, innovatively creating three such networks (Dehydrogenase/Reductase 4-Antisense RNA 1-miR-378g-YTHDF1, HLA Complex Group 9-miR-378g-YTHDF1, Taurine Up-regulated 1-miR-378g-YTHDF1). Furthermore, we showed that miR-378g could inhibit the expression of YTHDF1, and that miR-378g/YTHDF1 could impact MDA-MB-231 proliferation. We speculate that YTHDF1 may serve as a biomarker for poor prognosis and differential diagnosis, impact the growth of breast cancer cells via the ceRNA network axis, and be a target for immunotherapy against breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Luo
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical College, Nanchang University, 461 Bayi Road, Nanchang 330006, China
- Second Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Youjia Zhou
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical College, Nanchang University, 461 Bayi Road, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Jiayang Wang
- First Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Keqin Wang
- First Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Qing Lin
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical College, Nanchang University, 461 Bayi Road, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Yuqiu Li
- Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Yujie Xie
- College of Pharmacy, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Miao Li
- Second Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Functional and Clinical Translational Medicine, Xiamen Medical College, Fujian Province University, Xiamen 361023, China
| | - Lixia Xiong
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical College, Nanchang University, 461 Bayi Road, Nanchang 330006, China
- Key Laboratory of Functional and Clinical Translational Medicine, Xiamen Medical College, Fujian Province University, Xiamen 361023, China
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Delaunay S, Helm M, Frye M. RNA modifications in physiology and disease: towards clinical applications. Nat Rev Genet 2024; 25:104-122. [PMID: 37714958 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-023-00645-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
The ability of chemical modifications of single nucleotides to alter the electrostatic charge, hydrophobic surface and base pairing of RNA molecules is exploited for the clinical use of stable artificial RNAs such as mRNA vaccines and synthetic small RNA molecules - to increase or decrease the expression of therapeutic proteins. Furthermore, naturally occurring biochemical modifications of nucleotides regulate RNA metabolism and function to modulate crucial cellular processes. Studies showing the mechanisms by which RNA modifications regulate basic cell functions in higher organisms have led to greater understanding of how aberrant RNA modification profiles can cause disease in humans. Together, these basic science discoveries have unravelled the molecular and cellular functions of RNA modifications, have provided new prospects for therapeutic manipulation and have led to a range of innovative clinical approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Delaunay
- Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), Division of Mechanisms Regulating Gene Expression, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mark Helm
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Michaela Frye
- Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), Division of Mechanisms Regulating Gene Expression, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Angelo M, Zhang W, Vilseck JZ, Aoki ST. In silico λ-dynamics predicts protein binding specificities to modified RNAs. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.26.577511. [PMID: 38328125 PMCID: PMC10849657 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.26.577511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
RNA modifications shape gene expression through a smorgasbord of chemical changes to canonical RNA bases. Although numbering in the hundreds, only a few RNA modifications are well characterized, in part due to the absence of methods to identify modification sites. Antibodies remain a common tool to identify modified RNA and infer modification sites through straightforward applications. However, specificity issues can result in off-target binding and confound conclusions. This work utilizes in silico λ-dynamics to efficiently estimate binding free energy differences of modification-targeting antibodies between a variety of naturally occurring RNA modifications. Crystal structures of inosine and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) targeting antibodies bound to their modified ribonucleosides were determined and served as structural starting points. λ-Dynamics was utilized to predict RNA modifications that permit or inhibit binding to these antibodies. In vitro RNA-antibody binding assays supported the accuracy of these in silico results. High agreement between experimental and computed binding propensities demonstrated that λ-dynamics can serve as a predictive screen for antibody specificity against libraries of RNA modifications. More importantly, this strategy is an innovative way to elucidate how hundreds of known RNA modifications interact with biological molecules without the limitations imposed by in vitro or in vivo methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murphy Angelo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 635 Barnhill Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 635 Barnhill Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, 535 Barnhill Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Jonah Z. Vilseck
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 635 Barnhill Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Scott T. Aoki
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 635 Barnhill Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, 535 Barnhill Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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40
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Li XQ, Yin SQ, Chen L, Tulamaiti A, Xiao SY, Zhang XL, Shi L, Miao XC, Yang Y, Xing X. Identification of a novel m6A-related lncRNAs signature and immunotherapeutic drug sensitivity in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:116. [PMID: 38262966 PMCID: PMC10804632 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-11885-8] [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: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) ranks as the fourth leading cause for cancer-related deaths worldwide. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are closely related with poor prognosis and immunotherapeutic effect in PDAC. The aim of this study is to construct and validate a m6A-related lncRNAs signature and assess immunotherapeutic drug sensitivity in PDAC. METHODS RNA-seq data for 178 cases of PDAC patients and 167 cases of normal pancreatic tissue were obtained from TCGA and GTEx databases, respectively. A set of 21 m6A-related genes were downloaded based on the previous report. Co-expression network was conducted to identify m6A-related lncRNAs in PDAC. Cox analyses and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) regression model were used to construct a risk prognosis model. The relationship between signature genes and immune function was explored by single-sample GSEA (ssGSEA). The tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) score and tumor mutation burden (TMB) were utilized to evaluate the response to immunotherapy. Furthermore, the expression levels of 4 m6A-related lncRNAs on PDAC cell lines were measured by the quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). The drug sensitivity between the high- and low-risk groups was validated using PDAC cell lines by Cell-Counting Kit 8 (CCK8). RESULTS The risk prognosis model was successfully constructed based on 4 m6A-related lncRNAs, and PDAC patients were divided into the high- and low-risk groups. The overall survival (OS) of the high-risk groups was more unfavorable compared with the low-risk groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves demonstrated that the risk prognosis model reasonably predicted the 2-, 3- and 5-year OS of PDAC patients. qPCR analysis confirmed the decreased expression levels of 4 m6A-related lncRNAs in PDAC cells compared to the normal pancreatic cells. Furthermore, CCK8 assay revealed that Phenformin exhibited higher sensitivity in the high-risk groups, while Pyrimethamine exhibited higher sensitivity in the low-risk groups. CONCLUSION The prognosis of patients with PDAC were well predicted in the risk prognosis model based on m6A-related lncRNAs, and selected immunotherapy drugs have potential values for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia-Qing Li
- Anhui University of Science and Technology Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, 6600 Nanfeng Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Shi-Qi Yin
- Anhui University of Science and Technology Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, 6600 Nanfeng Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital South Campus, Shanghai, China
| | - Aziguli Tulamaiti
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu-Yu Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue-Li Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Shi
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Cao Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xin Xing
- Anhui University of Science and Technology Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, 6600 Nanfeng Road, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital South Campus, Shanghai, China.
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Zhou X, Chai K, Zhu H, Luo C, Zou X, Zou J, Zhang G. The role of the methyltransferase METTL3 in prostate cancer: a potential therapeutic target. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:8. [PMID: 38166703 PMCID: PMC10762986 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11741-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The incidence of prostate cancer (PCa), the most prevalent malignancy, is currently at the forefront. RNA modification is a subfield of the booming field of epigenetics. To date, more than 170 types of RNA modifications have been described, and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant and well-characterized internal modification of mRNAs involved in various aspects of cancer progression. METTL3, the first identified key methyltransferase, regulates human mRNA and non-coding RNA expression in an m6A-dependent manner. This review elucidates the biological function and role of METTL3 in PCa and discusses the implications of METTL3 as a potential therapeutic target for future research directions and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuming Zhou
- First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Keqiang Chai
- Department of Urology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Baiyin, 730900, China
| | - Hezhen Zhu
- First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Cong Luo
- First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zou
- Department of Urology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Baiyin, 730900, China
- Institute of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
- Jiangxi Engineering Technology Research Center of Calculi Prevention, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Junrong Zou
- Department of Urology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Baiyin, 730900, China
- Institute of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
- Jiangxi Engineering Technology Research Center of Calculi Prevention, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Guoxi Zhang
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China.
- Institute of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China.
- Jiangxi Engineering Technology Research Center of Calculi Prevention, Ganzhou, 341000, China.
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42
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Fan S, Xu X, Chen J, Yin Y, Zhao Y. Genome-wide identification, characterization, and expression analysis of m6A readers-YTH domain-containing genes in alfalfa. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:18. [PMID: 38166738 PMCID: PMC10759653 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09926-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic messenger RNAs (mRNAs) are often modified with methyl groups at the N6 position of adenosine (m6A), and these changes are interpreted by YTH domain-containing proteins to regulate the metabolism of m6A-modified mRNAs. Although alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is an established model organism for forage development, the understanding of YTH proteins in alfalfa is still limited. In the present investigation, 53 putative YTH genes, each encoding a YT521 domain-containing protein, were identified within the alfalfa genome. These genes were categorized into two subfamilies: YTHDF (49 members) and YTHDC (four members). Each subfamily demonstrates analogous motif distributions and domain architectures. Specifically, proteins encoded by MsYTHDF genes incorporate a single domain structure, while those corresponding to MsYTH5, 8, 12, 16 who are identified as members of the MsYTHDC subfamily, exhibit CCCH-type zinc finger repeats at their N-termini. It is also observed that the predicted aromatic cage pocket that binds the m6A residue of MsYTHDC consists of a sequence of two tryptophan residues and one tyrosine residue (WWY). Conversely, in MsYTHDF, the binding pocket comprises two highly conserved tryptophan residues and either one tryptophan residue (WWW) or tyrosine residue (WWY) in MsYTHDF.Through comparative analysis of qRT-PCR data, we observed distinct expression patterns in specific genes under abiotic stress, indicating their potential regulatory roles. Notably, five genes (MsYTH2, 14, 26, 27, 48) consistently exhibit upregulation, and two genes (MsYTH33, 35) are downregulated in response to both cold and salt stress. This suggests a common mechanism among these YTH proteins in response to various abiotic stressors in alfalfa. Further, integrating qRT-PCR with RNA-seq data revealed that MsYTH2, MsYTH14, and MsYTH16 are highly expressed in leaves at various development stages, underscoring their potential roles in regulating the growth of these plant parts. The obtained findings shed further light on the biological functions of MsYTH genes and may aid in the selection of suitable candidate genes for future genetic enhancement endeavors aimed at improving salt and cold tolerance in alfalfa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shugao Fan
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Ludong University, Yantai, China
| | - Xiao Xu
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Ludong University, Yantai, China
| | - Jianmin Chen
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Ludong University, Yantai, China
| | - Yanling Yin
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Ludong University, Yantai, China.
| | - Ying Zhao
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Ludong University, Yantai, China.
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Cerneckis J, Ming GL, Song H, He C, Shi Y. The rise of epitranscriptomics: recent developments and future directions. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2024; 45:24-38. [PMID: 38103979 PMCID: PMC10843569 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2023.11.002] [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: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The epitranscriptomics field has undergone tremendous growth since the discovery that the RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is reversible and is distributed throughout the transcriptome. Efforts to map RNA modifications transcriptome-wide and reshape the epitranscriptome in disease settings have facilitated mechanistic understanding and drug discovery in the field. In this review we discuss recent advancements in RNA modification detection methods and consider how these developments can be applied to gain novel insights into the epitranscriptome. We also highlight drug discovery efforts aimed at developing epitranscriptomic therapeutics for cancer and other diseases. Finally, we consider engineering of the epitranscriptome as an emerging direction to investigate RNA modifications and their causal effects on RNA processing at high specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Cerneckis
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Guo-Li Ming
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Psychiatry, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Hongjun Song
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, the Epigenetics Institute, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Chuan He
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Yanhong Shi
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
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Amara U, Hu J, Park SJ, Kang H. ECT12, an YTH-domain protein, is a potential mRNA m 6A reader that affects abiotic stress responses by modulating mRNA stability in Arabidopsis. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2024; 206:108255. [PMID: 38071803 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.108255] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most abundant modification found in eukaryotic mRNAs, is interpreted by m6A "readers," thus playing a crucial role in regulating RNA metabolism. The YT521-B homology-domain (YTHD) proteins, also known as EVOLUTIONARILY CONSERVED C-TERMINAL REGION (ECT), are recognized as m6A reader proteins in plants and animals. Among the 13 potential YTHD family proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana, the functions of only a few members are known. In this study, we determined the function of ECT12 (YTH11) as a potential m6A reader that plays a crucial role in response to abiotic stresses. The loss-of-function ect12 mutants showed no noticeable developmental defects under normal conditions but displayed hypersensitivity to salt or dehydration stress. The salt- or dehydration-hypersensitive phenotypes were correlated with altered levels of several m6A-modified stress-responsive transcripts. Notably, the increased or decreased transcript levels were associated with each transcript's reduced or enhanced decay, respectively. Electrophoretic mobility shift and RNA-immunoprecipitation assays showed that ECT12 binds to m6A-modified RNAs both in vitro and in planta, suggesting its role as an m6A reader. Collectively, these results indicate that the potential m6A reader ECT12 regulates the stability of m6A-modified RNA transcripts, thereby facilitating the response of Arabidopsis to abiotic stresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umme Amara
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea
| | - Jianzhong Hu
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea
| | - Su Jung Park
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea
| | - Hunseung Kang
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea.
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Bhattarai PY, Kim G, Bhandari D, Shrestha P, Choi HS. Regulation of m 6A Methylome in Cancer: Mechanisms, Implications, and Therapeutic Strategies. Cells 2023; 13:66. [PMID: 38201270 PMCID: PMC10778393 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Reversible N6-adenosine methylation of mRNA, referred to as m6A modification, has emerged as an important regulator of post-transcriptional RNA processing. Numerous studies have highlighted its crucial role in the pathogenesis of diverse diseases, particularly cancer. Post-translational modifications of m6A-related proteins play a fundamental role in regulating the m6A methylome, thereby influencing the fate of m6A-methylated RNA. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms that regulate m6A-related proteins and the factors contributing to the specificity of m6A deposition has the potential to unveil novel therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment. This review provides an in-depth overview of our current knowledge of post-translational modifications of m6A-related proteins, associated signaling pathways, and the mechanisms that drive the specificity of m6A modifications. Additionally, we explored the role of m6A-dependent mechanisms in the progression of various human cancers. Together, this review summarizes the mechanisms underlying the regulation of the m6A methylome to provide insight into its potential as a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Hong Seok Choi
- College of Pharmacy, Chosun University, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea; (P.Y.B.); (G.K.); (D.B.); (P.S.)
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Due Tankmar M, Reichel M, Arribas-Hernández L, Brodersen P. A YTHDF-PABP interaction is required for m 6 A-mediated organogenesis in plants. EMBO Rep 2023; 24:e57741. [PMID: 38009565 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202357741] [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: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6 A) in mRNA is key to eukaryotic gene regulation. Many m6 A functions involve RNA-binding proteins that recognize m6 A via a YT521-B Homology (YTH) domain. YTH domain proteins contain long intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) that may mediate phase separation and interaction with protein partners, but whose precise biochemical functions remain largely unknown. The Arabidopsis thaliana YTH domain proteins ECT2, ECT3, and ECT4 accelerate organogenesis through stimulation of cell division in organ primordia. Here, we use ECT2 to reveal molecular underpinnings of this function. We show that stimulation of leaf formation requires the long N-terminal IDR, and we identify two short IDR elements required for ECT2-mediated organogenesis. Of these two, a 19-amino acid region containing a tyrosine-rich motif conserved in both plant and metazoan YTHDF proteins is necessary for binding to the major cytoplasmic poly(A)-binding proteins PAB2, PAB4, and PAB8. Remarkably, overexpression of PAB4 in leaf primordia partially rescues the delayed leaf formation in ect2 ect3 ect4 mutants, suggesting that the ECT2-PAB2/4/8 interaction on target mRNAs of organogenesis-related genes may overcome limiting PAB concentrations in primordial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marlene Reichel
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Peter Brodersen
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Luo W, Tang Y, Li S, Zhang L, Liu Y, Zhang R, Diao X, Yu J. The m 6 A reader SiYTH1 enhances drought tolerance by affecting the messenger RNA stability of genes related to stomatal closure and reactive oxygen species scavenging in Setaria italica. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 65:2569-2586. [PMID: 37861067 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.13575] [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: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Foxtail millet (Setaria italica), a vital drought-resistant crop, plays a significant role in ensuring food and nutritional security. However, its drought resistance mechanism is not fully understood. N6 -methyladenosine (m6 A) modification of RNA, a prevalent epi-transcriptomic modification in eukaryotes, provides a binding site for m6 A readers and affects plant growth and stress responses by regulating RNA metabolism. In this study, we unveiled that the YT521-B homology (YTH) family gene SiYTH1 positively regulated the drought tolerance of foxtail millet. Notably, the siyth1 mutant exhibited reduced stomatal closure and augmented accumulation of excessive H2 O2 under drought stress. Further investigations demonstrated that SiYTH1 positively regulated the transcripts harboring m6 A modification related to stomatal closure and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging under drought stress. SiYTH1 was uniformly distributed in the cytoplasm of SiYTH1-GFP transgenic foxtail millet. It formed dynamic liquid-like SiYTH1 cytosol condensates in response to drought stress. Moreover, the cytoplasmic protein SiYTH1 was identified as a distinct m6 A reader, facilitating the stabilization of its directly bound SiARDP and ROS scavenging-related transcripts under drought stress. Furthermore, natural variation analysis revealed SiYTH1AGTG as the dominant allele responsible for drought tolerance in foxtail millet. Collectively, this study provides novel insights into the intricate mechanism of m6 A reader-mediated drought tolerance and presents a valuable genetic resource for improving drought tolerance in foxtail millet breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yuxiang Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Shenglan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Linlin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yuwei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, 071001, China
| | - Renliang Zhang
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Xianmin Diao
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Jingjuan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
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Qin M, Huang L, Li M, Shao T, Zhang J, Jiang X, Shao C, Zhao C, Pan Y, Zhou Q, Wang Y, Liu XM, Qiu J. Immunotoxicity Evaluation of Trihalophenolic Disinfection By-Products in Mouse and Human Mononuclear Macrophage Systems: The Role of RNA Epitranscriptomic Modification in Mammalian Immunity. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:127023. [PMID: 38157273 PMCID: PMC10756339 DOI: 10.1289/ehp11329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol (TCP), 2,4,6-tribromophenol (TBP) and 2,4,6-triiodophenol (TIP) are three widely detected trihalophenolic disinfection by-products (DBPs). Previous studies have mainly focused on the carcinogenic risk and developmental toxicity of 2,4,6-trihalophenols. Very little is known about their immunotoxicity in mammals. OBJECTIVES We investigated the effects of 2,4,6-trihalophenols on mammalian immunity using a mouse macrophage model infected with bacteria or intracellular parasites and aimed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms from an epitranscriptomic perspective. The identified mechanisms were further validated in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). METHODS The mouse macrophage cell line RAW264.7 and primary mouse peritoneal macrophages were exposed to different concentrations of TCP, TBP, and TIP. The pro-inflammatory marker Ly6C, the survival of the bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli), and the parasite burden of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) were assessed. Furthermore, the global gene expression profiling of macrophages following exposure to 2,4,6-trihalophenols was obtained through RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq). The effects of 2,4,6-trihalophenols on RNA N 6 -methyladenosine (m 6 A ) methyltransferases and total RNA m 6 A levels were evaluated using Western blotting and dot blot, respectively. Transcriptome-wide m 6 A methylome was analyzed by m 6 A -seq . In addition, expression of m 6 A regulators and total RNA m 6 A levels in human PBMCs exposed to 2,4,6-trihalophenols were detected using quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and dot blot, respectively. RESULTS Mouse macrophages exposed to TCP, TBP, or TIP had lower expression of the pro-inflammatory marker Ly6C, with a greater difference from control observed for TIP-exposed cells. Consistently, macrophages exposed to such DBPs, especially TIP, were susceptible to infection with the bacterium E. coli and the intracellular parasite T. gondii, indicating a compromised ability of macrophages to defend against pathogens. Intriguingly, macrophages exposed to TIP had significantly greater m 6 A levels, which correlated with the greater expression levels of m 6 A methyltransferases. Macrophages exposed to each of the three 2,4,6-trihalophenols exhibited transcriptome-wide redistribution of m 6 A . In particular, the m 6 A peaks in genes associated with immune-related pathways were altered after exposure. In addition, differences in m 6 A were also observed in human PBMCs after exposure to 2,4,6-trihalophenols. DISCUSSION These findings suggest that 2,4,6-trihalophenol exposure impaired the ability of macrophages to defend against pathogens. This response might be associated with notable differences in m 6 A after exposure. To the best of our knowledge, this study presents the first m 6 A landscape across the transcriptome of immune cells exposed to pollutants. However, significant challenges remain in elucidating the mechanisms by which m 6 A mediates immune dysregulation in infected macrophages after 2,4,6-trihalophenol exposure. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11329.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Qin
- Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology of Jiangsu Province, Department of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Pathology, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Linyuan Huang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Health Vocational College, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Meishuang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tianye Shao
- Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology of Jiangsu Province, Department of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoqin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chenlu Shao
- Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology of Jiangsu Province, Department of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chengsi Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology of Jiangsu Province, Department of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yang Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qing Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology of Jiangsu Province, Department of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiao-Min Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jingfan Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology of Jiangsu Province, Department of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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Feng L, Wang C, Zhang C, Zhang W, Song W. Role of epigenetic regulation in glaucoma. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115633. [PMID: 37806089 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is the world's leading irreversible blinding eye disease. Lowering intraocular pressure is currently the only effective clinical treatment. However, there is a lack of long-acting IOP-lowering drugs, and some patients still experience retinal ganglion cell loss even with good intraocular pressure control. Currently, there is no effective method for neuroprotection and regeneration in clinical practice for glaucoma. In recent years, epigenetics has been widely researched and reported for its role in glaucoma's neuroprotection and regeneration. This article reviews the changes in histone modifications, DNA methylation, non-coding RNA, and m6A methylation in glaucoma, aiming to provide new perspectives for glaucoma management, protection of retinal ganglion cells, and axon regeneration by understanding epigenetic alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lemeng Feng
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, PR China; Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, PR China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, Hunan 410008, PR China
| | - Chao Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, PR China; Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, PR China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, Hunan 410008, PR China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, PR China; Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, PR China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, Hunan 410008, PR China
| | - Wulong Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, PR China; Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, PR China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, Hunan 410008, PR China
| | - Weitao Song
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, PR China; Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, PR China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, Hunan 410008, PR China.
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Lin Y, Shi H, Wu L, Ge L, Ma Z. Research progress of N6-methyladenosine in colorectal cancer: A review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e36394. [PMID: 38013272 PMCID: PMC10681580 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000036394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is the third most common malignant tumor worldwide, causing serious harm to human health. Epigenetic modification, especially RNA methylation modification, plays a critical role in the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer via post-transcriptional regulation of mRNA and non-coding RNA expression. Among these, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common chemical modification in mammals, which plays an important role in the progress of cancer, including colorectal cancer. m6A is a dynamic and reversible process and is mainly regulated by m6A methyltransferase ("writers"), m6A demethylases ("erasers"), and m6A binding proteins ("readers"). Herein, we reviewed recent advances in the role of m6A modification in colorectal cancer and focused on the factors affecting m6A modification. Furthermore, we discussed the clinical application of m6A modifications for colorectal cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment and provided guides in clinical practice. m6A modification and m6A regulators play significant roles in the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer by regulating the stability and translation of mRNAs, the maturation of miRNAs, and the function of lncRNAs. m6A regulators can play biological roles in colorectal cancer through m6A-dependent manner or m6A-independent manner. Multiplies of internal factors, including miRNAs and lncRNAs, and external factors can also regulate the m6A modification by completing with m6A regulators in a base complement manner, regulating the expression of m6A and mutating the m6A site. m6A regulators and m6A modificantion are diagnostic and prognostic markers for CRC. Therefore, m6A regulators and m6A modificantion may be potential therapeutic target for CRC in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Lin
- Department of Respiratory, Nanjing Gaochun People’s Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongjun Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanjing Gaochun People’s Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Lianping Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanjing Gaochun People’s Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Linyang Ge
- Department of Respiratory, Nanjing Gaochun People’s Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Zengqing Ma
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanjing Gaochun People’s Hospital, Nanjing, China
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