1
|
Hausmann S, Geiser J, Allen GE, Geslain SAM, Valentini M. Intrinsically disordered regions regulate RhlE RNA helicase functions in bacteria. Nucleic Acids Res 2024:gkae511. [PMID: 38874491 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
RNA helicases-central enzymes in RNA metabolism-often feature intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) that enable phase separation and complex molecular interactions. In the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the non-redundant RhlE1 and RhlE2 RNA helicases share a conserved REC catalytic core but differ in C-terminal IDRs. Here, we show how the IDR diversity defines RhlE RNA helicase specificity of function. Both IDRs facilitate RNA binding and phase separation, localizing proteins in cytoplasmic clusters. However, RhlE2 IDR is more efficient in enhancing REC core RNA unwinding, exhibits a greater tendency for phase separation, and interacts with the RNase E endonuclease, a crucial player in mRNA degradation. Swapping IDRs results in chimeric proteins that are biochemically active but functionally distinct as compared to their native counterparts. The RECRhlE1-IDRRhlE2 chimera improves cold growth of a rhlE1 mutant, gains interaction with RNase E and affects a subset of both RhlE1 and RhlE2 RNA targets. The RECRhlE2-IDRRhlE1 chimera instead hampers bacterial growth at low temperatures in the absence of RhlE1, with its detrimental effect linked to aberrant RNA droplets. By showing that IDRs modulate both protein core activities and subcellular localization, our study defines the impact of IDR diversity on the functional differentiation of RNA helicases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Hausmann
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, CMU, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Johan Geiser
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, CMU, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - George Edward Allen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, CMU, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sandra Amandine Marie Geslain
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, CMU, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Martina Valentini
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, CMU, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yoshioka D, Nakamura T, Kubota Y, Takekawa M. Formation of the NLRP3 inflammasome inhibits stress granule assembly by multiple mechanisms. J Biochem 2024; 175:629-641. [PMID: 38299728 PMCID: PMC11155693 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvae009] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Proper regulation of cellular response to environmental stress is crucial for maintaining biological homeostasis and is achieved by the balance between cell death processes, such as the formation of the pyroptosis-inducing NLRP3 inflammasome, and pro-survival processes, such as stress granule (SG) assembly. However, the functional interplay between these two stress-responsive organelles remains elusive. Here, we identified DHX33, a viral RNA sensor for the NLRP3 inflammasome, as a SG component, and the SG-nucleating protein G3BP as an NLRP3 inflammasome component. We also found that a decrease in intracellular potassium (K+) concentration, a key 'common' step in NLRP3 inflammasome activation, markedly inhibited SG assembly. Therefore, when macrophages are exposed to stress stimuli with the potential to induce both SGs and the NLRP3 inflammasome, such as cytoplasmic poly(I:C) stimulation, they preferentially form the NLRP3 inflammasome but avoid SG assembly by sequestering G3BP into the inflammasome and by inducing a reduction in intracellular K+ levels. Thus, under such conditions, DHX33 is primarily utilized as a viral RNA sensor for the inflammasome. Our data reveal the functional crosstalk between NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis and SG-mediated cell survival pathways and delineate a molecular mechanism that regulates cell-fate decisions and anti-viral innate immunity under stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Yoshioka
- Division of Cell Signaling and Molecular Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Chiba 277-8583, Japan
| | - Takanori Nakamura
- Division of Cell Signaling and Molecular Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Yuji Kubota
- Division of Cell Signaling and Molecular Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Mutsuhiro Takekawa
- Division of Cell Signaling and Molecular Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Chiba 277-8583, Japan
- Medical Proteomics Laboratory, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gao M. Me31B: a key repressor in germline regulation and beyond. Biosci Rep 2024; 44:BSR20231769. [PMID: 38606619 PMCID: PMC11065648 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20231769] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Maternally Expressed at 31B (Me31B), an evolutionarily conserved ATP-dependent RNA helicase, plays an important role in the development of the germline across diverse animal species. Its cellular functionality has been posited as a translational repressor, participating in various RNA metabolism pathways to intricately regulate the spatiotemporal expression of RNAs. Despite its evident significance, the precise role and mechanistic underpinnings of Me31B remain insufficiently understood. This article endeavors to comprehensively review historic and recent research on Me31B, distill the major findings, discern generalizable patterns in Me31B's functions across different research contexts, and provide insights into its fundamental role and mechanism of action. The primary focus of this article centers on elucidating the role of Drosophila Me31B within the germline, while concurrently delving into pertinent research on its orthologs within other species and cellular systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming Gao
- Biology Department, Indiana University Northwest, Gary, IN, U.S.A
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Jia KW, Yao RQ, Fan YW, Zhang DJ, Zhou Y, Wang MJ, Zhang LY, Dong Y, Li ZX, Wang SY, Wang M, Li YH, Zhang LX, Lei T, Gui LC, Lu S, Yang YY, Wang SX, Yu YZ, Yao YM, Hou J. Interferon-α stimulates DExH-box helicase 58 to prevent hepatocyte ferroptosis. Mil Med Res 2024; 11:22. [PMID: 38622688 PMCID: PMC11017495 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-024-00524-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is usually caused by hepatic inflow occlusion during liver surgery, and is frequently observed during war wounds and trauma. Hepatocyte ferroptosis plays a critical role in liver I/R injury, however, it remains unclear whether this process is controlled or regulated by members of the DEAD/DExH-box helicase (DDX/DHX) family. METHODS The expression of DDX/DHX family members during liver I/R injury was screened using transcriptome analysis. Hepatocyte-specific Dhx58 knockout mice were constructed, and a partial liver I/R operation was performed. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) in the liver post I/R suggested enhanced ferroptosis by Dhx58hep-/-. The mRNAs and proteins associated with DExH-box helicase 58 (DHX58) were screened using RNA immunoprecipitation-sequencing (RIP-seq) and IP-mass spectrometry (IP-MS). RESULTS Excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) decreased the expression of the IFN-stimulated gene Dhx58 in hepatocytes and promoted hepatic ferroptosis, while treatment using IFN-α increased DHX58 expression and prevented ferroptosis during liver I/R injury. Mechanistically, DHX58 with RNA-binding activity constitutively associates with the mRNA of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), a central ferroptosis suppressor, and recruits the m6A reader YT521-B homology domain containing 2 (YTHDC2) to promote the translation of Gpx4 mRNA in an m6A-dependent manner, thus enhancing GPX4 protein levels and preventing hepatic ferroptosis. CONCLUSIONS This study provides mechanistic evidence that IFN-α stimulates DHX58 to promote the translation of m6A-modified Gpx4 mRNA, suggesting the potential clinical application of IFN-α in the prevention of hepatic ferroptosis during liver I/R injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Wei Jia
- National Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology & Institute of Immunology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Ren-Qi Yao
- Department of General Surgery, the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Medical Innovation Research Division and Fourth Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Yi-Wen Fan
- National Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology & Institute of Immunology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Ding-Ji Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology & Institute of Immunology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Ye Zhou
- National Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology & Institute of Immunology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Min-Jun Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology & Institute of Immunology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Li-Yuan Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology & Institute of Immunology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Yue Dong
- National Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology & Institute of Immunology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Zhi-Xuan Li
- National Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology & Institute of Immunology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Su-Yuan Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology & Institute of Immunology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Mu Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology & Institute of Immunology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Yun-Hui Li
- National Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology & Institute of Immunology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Lu-Xin Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology & Institute of Immunology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Ting Lei
- National Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology & Institute of Immunology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Liang-Chen Gui
- National Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology & Institute of Immunology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Shan Lu
- National Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology & Institute of Immunology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Ying-Yun Yang
- Center for Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Si-Xian Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology & Institute of Immunology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Yi-Zhi Yu
- National Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology & Institute of Immunology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Yong-Ming Yao
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Medical Innovation Research Division and Fourth Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China.
| | - Jin Hou
- National Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology & Institute of Immunology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rosa E Silva I, Smetana JHC, de Oliveira JF. A comprehensive review on DDX3X liquid phase condensation in health and neurodevelopmental disorders. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 259:129330. [PMID: 38218270 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129330] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
DEAD-box helicases are global regulators of liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), a process that assembles membraneless organelles inside cells. An outstanding member of the DEAD-box family is DDX3X, a multi-functional protein that plays critical roles in RNA metabolism, including RNA transcription, splicing, nucleocytoplasmic export, and translation. The diverse functions of DDX3X result from its ability to bind and remodel RNA in an ATP-dependent manner. This capacity enables the protein to act as an RNA chaperone and an RNA helicase, regulating ribonucleoprotein complex assembly. DDX3X and its orthologs from mouse, yeast (Ded1), and C. elegans (LAF-1) can undergo LLPS, driving the formation of neuronal granules, stress granules, processing bodies or P-granules. DDX3X has been related to several human conditions, including neurodevelopmental disorders, such as intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder. Although the research into the pathogenesis of aberrant biomolecular condensation in neurodegenerative diseases is increasing rapidly, the role of LLPS in neurodevelopmental disorders is underexplored. This review summarizes current findings relevant for DDX3X phase separation in neurodevelopment and examines how disturbances in the LLPS process can be related to neurodevelopmental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Rosa E Silva
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Center for Research in Energy and Materials, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abram QH, Landry BN, Wang AB, Kothe RF, Hauch HC, Sagan SM. The myriad roles of RNA structure in the flavivirus life cycle. RNA Biol 2024; 21:14-30. [PMID: 38797925 PMCID: PMC11135854 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2024.2357857] [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] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
As positive-sense RNA viruses, the genomes of flaviviruses serve as the template for all stages of the viral life cycle, including translation, replication, and infectious particle production. Yet, they encode just 10 proteins, suggesting that the structure and dynamics of the viral RNA itself helps shepherd the viral genome through these stages. Herein, we highlight advances in our understanding of flavivirus RNA structural elements through the lens of their impact on the viral life cycle. We highlight how RNA structures impact translation, the switch from translation to replication, negative- and positive-strand RNA synthesis, and virion assembly. Consequently, we describe three major themes regarding the roles of RNA structure in flavivirus infections: 1) providing a layer of specificity; 2) increasing the functional capacity; and 3) providing a mechanism to support genome compaction. While the interactions described herein are specific to flaviviruses, these themes appear to extend more broadly across RNA viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Quinn H. Abram
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Breanna N. Landry
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Alex B. Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ronja F. Kothe
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Hannah C.H. Hauch
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Selena M. Sagan
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ripin N, Parker R. Formation, function, and pathology of RNP granules. Cell 2023; 186:4737-4756. [PMID: 37890457 PMCID: PMC10617657 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Ribonucleoprotein (RNP) granules are diverse membrane-less organelles that form through multivalent RNA-RNA, RNA-protein, and protein-protein interactions between RNPs. RNP granules are implicated in many aspects of RNA physiology, but in most cases their functions are poorly understood. RNP granules can be described through four key principles. First, RNP granules often arise because of the large size, high localized concentrations, and multivalent interactions of RNPs. Second, cells regulate RNP granule formation by multiple mechanisms including posttranslational modifications, protein chaperones, and RNA chaperones. Third, RNP granules impact cell physiology in multiple manners. Finally, dysregulation of RNP granules contributes to human diseases. Outstanding issues in the field remain, including determining the scale and molecular mechanisms of RNP granule function and how granule dysfunction contributes to human disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nina Ripin
- Department of Biochemistry and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
| | - Roy Parker
- Department of Biochemistry and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sheu-Gruttadauria J, Yan X, Stuurman N, Floor SN, Vale RD. Nucleolar dynamics are determined by the ordered assembly of the ribosome. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.26.559432. [PMID: 37808656 PMCID: PMC10557630 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.26.559432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Ribosome biogenesis is coordinated within the nucleolus, a biomolecular condensate that exhibits dynamic material properties that are thought to be important for nucleolar function. However, the relationship between ribosome assembly and nucleolar dynamics is not clear. Here, we screened 364 genes involved in ribosome biogenesis and RNA metabolism for their impact on dynamics of the nucleolus, as measured by automated, high-throughput fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) of the nucleolar scaffold protein NPM1. This screen revealed that gene knockdowns that caused accumulation of early rRNA intermediates were associated with nucleolar rigidification, while accumulation of late intermediates led to increased fluidity. These shifts in dynamics were accompanied by distinct changes in nucleolar morphology. We also found that genes involved in mRNA processing impact nucleolar dynamics, revealing connections between ribosome biogenesis and other RNA processing pathways. Together, this work defines mechanistic ties between ribosome assembly and the biophysical features of the nucleolus, while establishing a toolbox for understanding how molecular dynamics impact function across other biomolecular condensates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Sheu-Gruttadauria
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Xiaowei Yan
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Present address: Department of Dermatology, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Nico Stuurman
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Present address: Altos Labs, Redwood City, CA, USA
| | - Stephen N. Floor
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ronald D. Vale
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bauer KE, de Queiroz BR, Kiebler MA, Besse F. RNA granules in neuronal plasticity and disease. Trends Neurosci 2023:S0166-2236(23)00104-2. [PMID: 37202301 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2023.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
RNA granules are dynamic entities controlling the spatiotemporal distribution and translation of RNA molecules. In neurons, a variety of RNA granules exist both in the soma and in cellular processes. They contain transcripts encoding signaling and synaptic proteins as well as RNA-binding proteins causally linked to several neurological disorders. In this review, we highlight that neuronal RNA granules exhibit properties of biomolecular condensates that are regulated upon maturation and physiological aging and how they are reversibly remodeled in response to neuronal activity to control local protein synthesis and ultimately synaptic plasticity. Moreover, we propose a framework of how neuronal RNA granules mature over time in healthy conditions and how they transition into pathological inclusions in the context of late-onset neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karl E Bauer
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Bruna R de Queiroz
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Inserm, Institut de Biologie Valrose, Nice, France
| | - Michael A Kiebler
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.
| | - Florence Besse
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Inserm, Institut de Biologie Valrose, Nice, France.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Pavlova I, Iudin M, Surdina A, Severov V, Varizhuk A. G-Quadruplexes in Nuclear Biomolecular Condensates. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14051076. [PMID: 37239436 DOI: 10.3390/genes14051076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) have long been implicated in the regulation of chromatin packaging and gene expression. These processes require or are accelerated by the separation of related proteins into liquid condensates on DNA/RNA matrices. While cytoplasmic G4s are acknowledged scaffolds of potentially pathogenic condensates, the possible contribution of G4s to phase transitions in the nucleus has only recently come to light. In this review, we summarize the growing evidence for the G4-dependent assembly of biomolecular condensates at telomeres and transcription initiation sites, as well as nucleoli, speckles, and paraspeckles. The limitations of the underlying assays and the remaining open questions are outlined. We also discuss the molecular basis for the apparent permissive role of G4s in the in vitro condensate assembly based on the interactome data. To highlight the prospects and risks of G4-targeting therapies with respect to the phase transitions, we also touch upon the reported effects of G4-stabilizing small molecules on nuclear biomolecular condensates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iuliia Pavlova
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, 119435 Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Mikhail Iudin
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, 119435 Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Anastasiya Surdina
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, 119435 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vjacheslav Severov
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, 119435 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna Varizhuk
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, 119435 Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Xie Q, Cheng J, Mei W, Yang D, Zhang P, Zeng C. Phase separation in cancer at a glance. J Transl Med 2023; 21:237. [PMID: 37005672 PMCID: PMC10067312 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04082-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic cells are segmented into multiple compartments or organelles within the cell that regulate distinct chemical and biological processes. Membrane-less organelles are membrane-less microscopic cellular compartments that contain protein and RNA molecules that perform a wide range of functions. Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) can reveal how membrane-less organelles develop via dynamic biomolecule assembly. LLPS either segregates undesirable molecules from cells or aggregates desired ones in cells. Aberrant LLPS results in the production of abnormal biomolecular condensates (BMCs), which can cause cancer. Here, we explore the intricate mechanisms behind the formation of BMCs and its biophysical properties. Additionally, we discuss recent discoveries related to biological LLPS in tumorigenesis, including aberrant signaling and transduction, stress granule formation, evading growth arrest, and genomic instability. We also discuss the therapeutic implications of LLPS in cancer. Understanding the concept and mechanism of LLPS and its role in tumorigenesis is crucial for antitumor therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Xie
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, 518110, China
| | - Jiejuan Cheng
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, 437100, Hubei, China
| | - Wuxuan Mei
- Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, 437100, Hubei, China
| | - Dexing Yang
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, 518110, China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, 518110, China
| | - Changchun Zeng
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, 518110, China.
| |
Collapse
|