1
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Feng L, Li M, Ma J, Wang W, Wang S, Mao Z, Zhang Y. ALKBH5 regulates arginase 1 expression in MDSCs and their immunosuppressive activity in tumor-bearing host. Noncoding RNA Res 2024; 9:913-920. [PMID: 38638146 PMCID: PMC11024866 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2024.03.003] [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: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are closely related to the occurrence and development of many cancers, but the specific mechanism is not fully understood. It has been found that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) plays a key role in RNA metabolism, but its function in MDSCs has yet to be revealed. In this study, we found that MDSCs in mice with colorectal cancer (CRC) have significantly elevated levels of m6A, while ALKBH5 expression is decreased. Overexpression of ALKBH5 can reduce the immunosuppressive function of MDSCs in vivo and in vitro, and attenuates the protumorigenic ability of MDSCs. Mechanism study found that the overexpression of ALKBH5 in MDSCs reduced the m6A modification level of Arg-1 mRNA, and then weakened the stability of Arg-1 mRNA and protein expression. These data suggest that the decreased expression of ALKBH5 in CRC tumor mice may promote the expression of Arg-1, enhance the immunosuppressor function of MDSCs, and promote tumor growth. These findings highlight that ALKBH5 may regulate the function of MDSCs in tumor-bearing mice and may be a new target for immunotherapy. This research provides a new perspective for our understanding of the role of MDSCs in cancer development, and also brings new hope for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Feng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212002, China
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu University School of Medicine, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu University School of Medicine, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Jie Ma
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu University School of Medicine, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Wenxin Wang
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu University School of Medicine, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - Shengjun Wang
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu University School of Medicine, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - Zhenwei Mao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212002, China
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu University School of Medicine, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212002, China
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2
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Zhong J, Xu Z, Ding N, Wang Y, Chen W. The biological function of demethylase ALKBH1 and its role in human diseases. Heliyon 2024; 10:e33489. [PMID: 39040364 PMCID: PMC11260981 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33489] [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: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
AlkB homolog 1 (ALKBH1) is a member of the AlkB family of dioxygenases that are dependent on Fe(II) and α-ketoglutarate. Mounting evidence demonstrates that ALKBH1 exhibits enzymatic activity against various substrates, including N6-methyladenosine (m6A), N1-methyladenosine (m1A), N3-methylcytidine (m3C), 5-methylcytosine (m5C), N6-methyladenine (N6-mA, 6mA), and H2A, indicating its dual roles in different biological processes and involvement in human diseases. Up to the present, there is ongoing debate regarding ALKBH1's enzymatic activity. In this review, we present a comprehensive summary of recent research on ALKBH1, including its substrate diversity and pathological roles in a wide range of human disorders, the underlying mechanisms of its functions, and its dysregulation. We also explored the potential of ALKBH1 as a prognostic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhong
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Zhengyang Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Ning Ding
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Yanting Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Wenwen Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
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3
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Xie J, Zhang Z. Recent Advances and Therapeutic Implications of 2-Oxoglutarate-Dependent Dioxygenases in Ischemic Stroke. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:3949-3975. [PMID: 38041714 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03790-1] [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: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is a common disease with a high disability rate and mortality, which brings heavy pressure on families and medical insurance. Nowadays, the golden treatments for ischemic stroke in the acute phase mainly include endovascular therapy and intravenous thrombolysis. Some drugs are used to alleviate brain injury in patients with ischemic stroke, such as edaravone and 3-n-butylphthalide. However, no effective neuroprotective drug for ischemic stroke has been acknowledged. 2-Oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases (2OGDDs) are conserved and common dioxygenases whose activities depend on O2, Fe2+, and 2OG. Most 2OGDDs are expressed in the brain and are essential for the development and functions of the brain. Therefore, 2OGDDs likely play essential roles in ischemic brain injury. In this review, we briefly elucidate the functions of most 2OGDDs, particularly the effects of regulations of 2OGDDs on various cells in different phases after ischemic stroke. It would also provide promising potential therapeutic targets and directions of drug development for protecting the brain against ischemic injury and improving outcomes of ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Xie
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital, Research Institution of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhijun Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital, Research Institution of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Depression, Department of Mental Health and Public Health, Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China.
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4
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Knight HM, Demirbugen Öz M, PerezGrovas-Saltijeral A. Dysregulation of RNA modification systems in clinical populations with neurocognitive disorders. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1256-1261. [PMID: 37905873 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.385858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT The study of modified RNA known as epitranscriptomics has become increasingly relevant in our understanding of disease-modifying mechanisms. Methylation of N6 adenosine (m6A) and C5 cytosine (m5C) bases occur on mRNAs, tRNA, mt-tRNA, and rRNA species as well as non-coding RNAs. With emerging knowledge of RNA binding proteins that act as writer, reader, and eraser effector proteins, comes a new understanding of physiological processes controlled by these systems. Such processes when spatiotemporally disrupted within cellular nanodomains in highly specialized tissues such as the brain, give rise to different forms of disease. In this review, we discuss accumulating evidence that changes in the m6A and m5C methylation systems contribute to neurocognitive disorders. Early studies first identified mutations within FMR1 to cause intellectual disability Fragile X syndromes several years before FMR1 was identified as an m6A RNA reader protein. Subsequently, familial mutations within the m6A writer gene METTL5, m5C writer genes NSUN2, NSUN3, NSUN5, and NSUN6, as well as THOC2 and THOC6 that form a protein complex with the m5C reader protein ALYREF, were recognized to cause intellectual development disorders. Similarly, differences in expression of the m5C writer and reader effector proteins, NSUN6, NSUN7, and ALYREF in brain tissue are indicated in individuals with Alzheimer's disease, individuals with a high neuropathological load or have suffered traumatic brain injury. Likewise, an abundance of m6A reader and anti-reader proteins are reported to change across brain regions in Lewy bodies diseases, Alzheimer's disease, and individuals with high cognitive reserve. m6A-modified RNAs are also reported significantly more abundant in dementia with Lewy bodies brain tissue but significantly reduced in Parkinson's disease tissue, whilst modified RNAs are misplaced within diseased cells, particularly where synapses are located. In parahippocampal brain tissue, m6A modification is enriched in transcripts associated with psychiatric disorders including conditions with clear cognitive deficits. These findings indicate a diverse set of molecular mechanisms are influenced by RNA methylation systems that can cause neuronal and synaptic dysfunction underlying neurocognitive disorders. Targeting these RNA modification systems brings new prospects for neural regenerative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen M Knight
- Division of Cells, Organisms and Molecular Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Merve Demirbugen Öz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
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5
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Flemmich L, Bereiter R, Micura R. Chemical Synthesis of Modified RNA. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202403063. [PMID: 38529723 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202403063] [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: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Ribonucleic acids (RNAs) play a vital role in living organisms. Many of their cellular functions depend critically on chemical modification. Methods to modify RNA in a controlled manner-both in vitro and in vivo-are thus essential to evaluate and understand RNA biology at the molecular and mechanistic levels. The diversity of modifications, combined with the size and uniformity of RNA (made up of only 4 nucleotides) makes its site-specific modification a challenging task that needs to be addressed by complementary approaches. One such approach is solid-phase RNA synthesis. We discuss recent developments in this field, starting with new protection concepts in the ongoing effort to overcome current size limitations. We continue with selected modifications that have posed significant challenges for their incorporation into RNA. These include deazapurine bases required for atomic mutagenesis to elucidate mechanistic aspects of catalytic RNAs, and RNA containing xanthosine, N4-acetylcytidine, 5-hydroxymethylcytidine, 3-methylcytidine, 2'-OCF3, and 2'-N3 ribose modifications. We also discuss the all-chemical synthesis of 5'-capped mRNAs and the enzymatic ligation of chemically synthesized oligoribonucleotides to obtain long RNA with multiple distinct modifications, such as those needed for single-molecule FRET studies. Finally, we highlight promising developments in RNA-catalyzed RNA modification using cofactors that transfer bioorthogonal functionalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurin Flemmich
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences, University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Raphael Bereiter
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences, University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ronald Micura
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences, University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
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6
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Xiong L, Li F, Guo Y, Zhang J, Xu K, Xiong Z, Tong A, Li L, Yang S. Discovery of a Potent and Cell-Active Inhibitor of DNA 6mA Demethylase ALKBH1. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:6992-7006. [PMID: 38437718 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c00194] [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: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
N6-Methyladenine (6mA) of DNA has emerged as a novel epigenetic mark in eukaryotes, and several 6mA effector proteins have been identified. However, efforts to selectively inhibit the biological functions of these effector proteins with small molecules are unsuccessful to date. Here we report the first potent and selective small molecule inhibitor (13h) of AlkB homologue 1 (ALKBH1), the only validated 6mA demethylase. 13h showed an IC50 of 0.026 ± 0.013 μM and 1.39 ± 0.13 μM in the fluorescence polarization (FP) and enzyme activity assay, respectively, and a KD of 0.112 ± 0.017 μM in the isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) assay. The potency of 13h was well explained by the cocrystal structure of the 13h-ALKBH1 complex. Furthermore, 13h displayed excellent selectivity for ALKBH1. In cells, compound 13h and its derivative 16 were able to engage ALKBH1 and modulate the 6mA levels. Collectively, our study identified the first potent, isoform selective, and cell-active ALKBH1 inhibitor, providing a tool compound for exploring the biological functions of ALKBH1 and DNA 6mA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Xiong
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yinping Guo
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Ke Xu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System of Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Zijie Xiong
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Aiping Tong
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Linli Li
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System of Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Shengyong Yang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
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7
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Fenibo EO, Selvarajan R, Abia ALK, Matambo T. Medium-chain alkane biodegradation and its link to some unifying attributes of alkB genes diversity. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 877:162951. [PMID: 36948313 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Hydrocarbon footprints in the environment, via biosynthesis, natural seepage, anthropogenic activities and accidents, affect the ecosystem and induce a shift in the healthy biogeochemical equilibrium that drives needed ecological services. In addition, these imbalances cause human diseases and reduce animal and microorganism diversity. Microbial bioremediation, which capitalizes on functional genes, is a sustainable mitigation option for cleaning hydrocarbon-impacted environments. This review focuses on the bacterial alkB functional gene, which codes for a non-heme di‑iron monooxygenase (AlkB) with a di‑iron active site that catalyzes C8-C16 medium-chain alkane metabolism. These enzymes are ubiquitous and share common attributes such as being controlled by global transcriptional regulators, being a component of most super hydrocarbon degraders, and their distributions linked to horizontal gene transfer (HGT) events. The phylogenetic approach used in the HGT detection suggests that AlkB tree topology clusters bacteria functionally and that a preferential gradient dictates gene distribution. The alkB gene also acts as a biomarker for bioremediation, although it is found in pristine environments and absent in some hydrocarbon degraders. For instance, a quantitative molecular method has failed to link alkB copy number to contamination concentration levels. This limitation may be due to AlkB homologues, which have other functions besides n-alkane assimilation. Thus, this review, which focuses on Pseudomonas putida GPo1 alkB, shows that AlkB proteins are diverse but have some unifying trends around hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria; it is erroneous to rely on alkB detection alone as a monitoring parameter for hydrocarbon degradation, alkB gene distribution are preferentially distributed among bacteria, and the plausible explanation for AlkB affiliation to broad-spectrum metabolism of hydrocarbons in super-degraders hitherto reported. Overall, this review provides a broad perspective of the ecology of alkB-carrying bacteria and their directed biodegradation pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Oliver Fenibo
- World Bank Africa Centre of Excellence, Centre for Oilfield Chemical Research, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt 500272, Nigeria
| | - Ramganesh Selvarajan
- Laboratory of Extraterrestrial Ocean Systems (LEOS), Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China; Department of Environmental Science, University of South Africa, Florida Campus, 1710, South Africa
| | - Akebe Luther King Abia
- Department of Environmental Science, University of South Africa, Florida Campus, 1710, South Africa; Environmental Research Foundation, Westville 3630, South Africa
| | - Tonderayi Matambo
- Institute for the Development of Energy for African Sustainability, University of South Africa, Roodepoort 1709, South Africa.
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8
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Peng Z, Ma J, Christov CZ, Karabencheva-Christova T, Lehnert N, Li D. Kinetic Studies on the 2-Oxoglutarate/Fe(II)-Dependent Nucleic Acid Modifying Enzymes from the AlkB and TET Families. DNA 2023; 3:65-84. [PMID: 38698914 PMCID: PMC11065319 DOI: 10.3390/dna3020005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Nucleic acid methylations are important genetic and epigenetic biomarkers. The formation and removal of these markers is related to either methylation or demethylation. In this review, we focus on the demethylation or oxidative modification that is mediated by the 2-oxoglutarate (2-OG)/Fe(II)-dependent AlkB/TET family enzymes. In the catalytic process, most enzymes oxidize 2-OG to succinate, in the meantime oxidizing methyl to hydroxymethyl, leaving formaldehyde and generating demethylated base. The AlkB enzyme from Escherichia coli has nine human homologs (ALKBH1-8 and FTO) and the TET family includes three members, TET1 to 3. Among them, some enzymes have been carefully studied, but for certain enzymes, few studies have been carried out. This review focuses on the kinetic properties of those 2-OG/Fe(II)-dependent enzymes and their alkyl substrates. We also provide some discussions on the future directions of this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Peng
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - Jian Ma
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - Christo Z. Christov
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931, USA
| | | | - Nicolai Lehnert
- Department of Chemistry and Department of Biophysics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Deyu Li
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
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9
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Kietzmann T. Vitamin C: From nutrition to oxygen sensing and epigenetics. Redox Biol 2023; 63:102753. [PMID: 37263060 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin C is unbeatable - at least when it comes to sales. Of all the vitamin preparations, those containing vitamin C sell best. This is surprising because vitamin C deficiency is extremely rare. Nevertheless, there is still controversy about whether the additional intake of vitamin C supplements is essential for our health. In this context, the possible additional benefit is in most cases merely reduced to the known effect as an antioxidant. However, new findings in recent years on the mechanisms of oxygen-sensing and epigenetic control underpin the multifaceted role of vitamin C in a biological context and have therefore renewed interest in it. In the present article, therefore, known facts are linked to these new key data. In addition, available clinical data on vitamin C use of cancer therapy are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Kietzmann
- University of Oulu, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Biocenter Oulu, P.O. Box 3000, 90014, Oulu, Finland.
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10
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Li Q, Zhu Q. The role of demethylase AlkB homologs in cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1153463. [PMID: 37007161 PMCID: PMC10060643 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1153463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The AlkB family (ALKBH1-8 and FTO), a member of the Fe (II)- and α-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase superfamily, has shown the ability to catalyze the demethylation of a variety of substrates, including DNA, RNA, and histones. Methylation is one of the natural organisms’ most prevalent forms of epigenetic modifications. Methylation and demethylation processes on genetic material regulate gene transcription and expression. A wide variety of enzymes are involved in these processes. The methylation levels of DNA, RNA, and histones are highly conserved. Stable methylation levels at different stages can coordinate the regulation of gene expression, DNA repair, and DNA replication. Dynamic methylation changes are essential for the abilities of cell growth, differentiation, and division. In some malignancies, the methylation of DNA, RNA, and histones is frequently altered. To date, nine AlkB homologs as demethylases have been identified in numerous cancers’ biological processes. In this review, we summarize the latest advances in the research of the structures, enzymatic activities, and substrates of the AlkB homologs and the role of these nine homologs as demethylases in cancer genesis, progression, metastasis, and invasion. We provide some new directions for the AlkB homologs in cancer research. In addition, the AlkB family is expected to be a new target for tumor diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Li
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Qingsan Zhu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
- *Correspondence: Qingsan Zhu,
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11
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Sarraf G, Chhabra R. Emerging role of mRNA methylation in regulating the hallmarks of cancer. Biochimie 2023; 206:61-72. [PMID: 36244577 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2022.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The dynamic chemical modifications of DNA, RNA, and proteins can transform normal cells into malignant ones. While the DNA and protein modifications in cancer have been described extensively in the literature, there are fewer reports about the role of RNA modifications in cancer. There are over 100 forms of RNA modifications and one of these, mRNA methylation, plays a critical role in the malignant properties of the cells. mRNA methylation is a reversible modification responsible for regulating protein expression at the post-transcriptional level. Despite being discovered in the 1970s, a complete understanding of the different proteins involved and the mechanism behind mRNA methylation remains largely unknown. However, these mRNA methylations have been shown to foster cancer hallmarks via specific cellular targets inside the cell. In this review, we provide a brief overview of mRNA methylation and its emerging role in regulating the various hallmarks of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gargi Sarraf
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, 151401, Punjab, India
| | - Ravindresh Chhabra
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, 151401, Punjab, India.
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12
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The Repertoire of RNA Modifications Orchestrates a Plethora of Cellular Responses. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032387. [PMID: 36768716 PMCID: PMC9916637 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032387] [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: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Although a plethora of DNA modifications have been extensively investigated in the last decade, recent breakthroughs in molecular biology, including high throughput sequencing techniques, have enabled the identification of post-transcriptional marks that decorate RNAs; hence, epitranscriptomics has arisen. This recent scientific field aims to decode the regulatory layer of the transcriptome and set the ground for the detection of modifications in ribose nucleotides. Until now, more than 170 RNA modifications have been reported in diverse types of RNA that contribute to various biological processes, such as RNA biogenesis, stability, and transcriptional and translational accuracy. However, dysfunctions in the RNA-modifying enzymes that regulate their dynamic level can lead to human diseases and cancer. The present review aims to highlight the epitranscriptomic landscape in human RNAs and match the catalytic proteins with the deposition or deletion of a specific mark. In the current review, the most abundant RNA modifications, such as N6-methyladenosine (m6A), N5-methylcytosine (m5C), pseudouridine (Ψ) and inosine (I), are thoroughly described, their functional and regulatory roles are discussed and their contributions to cellular homeostasis are stated. Ultimately, the involvement of the RNA modifications and their writers, erasers, and readers in human diseases and cancer is also discussed.
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Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the major cause of disability-adjusted life years (DALY) and death globally. The most common internal modification of mRNA is N6-adenosylate methylation (m6A). Recently, a growing number of studies have been devoted to researching cardiac remodeling mechanisms, especially m6A RNA methylation, revealing a connection between m6A and cardiovascular diseases. This review summarized the current understanding regarding m6A and elucidated the dynamic modifications of writers, erasers, and readers. Furthermore, we highlighted m6A RNA methylation related to cardiac remodeling and summarized its potential mechanisms. Finally, we discussed the potential of m6A RNA methylation in the treatment of cardiac remodeling.
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14
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Feng Q, Wang D, Xue T, Lin C, Gao Y, Sun L, Jin Y, Liu D. The role of RNA modification in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:984453. [PMID: 36120301 PMCID: PMC9479111 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.984453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly mortal type of primary liver cancer. Abnormal epigenetic modifications are present in HCC, and RNA modification is dynamic and reversible and is a key post-transcriptional regulator. With the in-depth study of post-transcriptional modifications, RNA modifications are aberrantly expressed in human cancers. Moreover, the regulators of RNA modifications can be used as potential targets for cancer therapy. In RNA modifications, N6-methyladenosine (m6A), N7-methylguanosine (m7G), and 5-methylcytosine (m5C) and their regulators have important regulatory roles in HCC progression and represent potential novel biomarkers for the confirmation of diagnosis and treatment of HCC. This review focuses on RNA modifications in HCC and the roles and mechanisms of m6A, m7G, m5C, N1-methyladenosine (m1A), N3-methylcytosine (m3C), and pseudouridine (ψ) on its development and maintenance. The potential therapeutic strategies of RNA modifications are elaborated for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Feng
- Laboratory Animal Center, College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Dongxu Wang
- Laboratory Animal Center, College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Tianyi Xue
- Laboratory Animal Center, College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Chao Lin
- School of Grain Science and Technology, Jilin Business and Technology College, Changchun, China
| | - Yongjian Gao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Colorectal and Anal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Liqun Sun
- Department of Pediatrics, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ye Jin
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Dianfeng Liu
- Laboratory Animal Center, College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Dianfeng Liu,
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15
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Multilevel regulation of N6-methyladenosine RNA modifications: Implications in tumorigenesis and therapeutic opportunities. Genes Dis 2022. [PMID: 37492716 PMCID: PMC10363589 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2022.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification is widely perceived as the most abundant and common modification in transcripts. This modification is dynamically regulated by specific m6A "writers", "erasers" and "readers" and is reportedly involved in the occurrence and development of many diseases. Since m6A RNA modification was discovered in the 1970s, with the progress of relevant research technologies, an increasing number of functions of m6A have been reported, and a preliminary understanding of m6A has been obtained. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms through which m6A RNA modification is regulated from the perspectives of expression, posttranslational modification and protein interaction. In addition, we also summarize how external and internal environmental factors affect m6A RNA modification and its functions in tumors. The mechanisms through which m6A methylases, m6A demethylases and m6A-binding proteins are regulated are complicated and have not been fully elucidated. Therefore, we hope to promote further research in this field by summarizing these mechanisms and look forward to the future application of m6A in tumors.
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16
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Brégeon D, Pecqueur L, Toubdji S, Sudol C, Lombard M, Fontecave M, de Crécy-Lagard V, Motorin Y, Helm M, Hamdane D. Dihydrouridine in the Transcriptome: New Life for This Ancient RNA Chemical Modification. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:1638-1657. [PMID: 35737906 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Until recently, post-transcriptional modifications of RNA were largely restricted to noncoding RNA species. However, this belief seems to have quickly dissipated with the growing number of new modifications found in mRNA that were originally thought to be primarily tRNA-specific, such as dihydrouridine. Recently, transcriptomic profiling, metabolic labeling, and proteomics have identified unexpected dihydrouridylation of mRNAs, greatly expanding the catalog of novel mRNA modifications. These data also implicated dihydrouridylation in meiotic chromosome segregation, protein translation rates, and cell proliferation. Dihydrouridylation of tRNAs and mRNAs are introduced by flavin-dependent dihydrouridine synthases. In this review, we will briefly outline the current knowledge on the distribution of dihydrouridines in the transcriptome, their chemical labeling, and highlight structural and mechanistic aspects regarding the dihydrouridine synthases enzyme family. A special emphasis on important research directions to be addressed will also be discussed. This new entry of dihydrouridine into mRNA modifications has definitely added a new layer of information that controls protein synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien Brégeon
- IBPS, Biology of Aging and Adaptation, Sorbonne Université, Paris 75252, France
| | - Ludovic Pecqueur
- Laboratoire de Chimie des Processus Biologiques, CNRS-UMR 8229, Collège De France, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, 11 place Marcelin Berthelot, 75231 Paris, Cedex 05, France
| | - Sabrine Toubdji
- IBPS, Biology of Aging and Adaptation, Sorbonne Université, Paris 75252, France
- Laboratoire de Chimie des Processus Biologiques, CNRS-UMR 8229, Collège De France, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, 11 place Marcelin Berthelot, 75231 Paris, Cedex 05, France
| | - Claudia Sudol
- IBPS, Biology of Aging and Adaptation, Sorbonne Université, Paris 75252, France
- Laboratoire de Chimie des Processus Biologiques, CNRS-UMR 8229, Collège De France, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, 11 place Marcelin Berthelot, 75231 Paris, Cedex 05, France
| | - Murielle Lombard
- Laboratoire de Chimie des Processus Biologiques, CNRS-UMR 8229, Collège De France, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, 11 place Marcelin Berthelot, 75231 Paris, Cedex 05, France
| | - Marc Fontecave
- Laboratoire de Chimie des Processus Biologiques, CNRS-UMR 8229, Collège De France, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, 11 place Marcelin Berthelot, 75231 Paris, Cedex 05, France
| | - Valérie de Crécy-Lagard
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Yuri Motorin
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, INSERM, UMS2008/US40 IBSLor, EpiRNA-Seq Core Facility, Nancy F-54000, France
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, UMR7365 IMoPA, Nancy F-54000, France
| | - Mark Helm
- Institut für pharmazeutische und biomedizinische Wissenschaften (IPBW), Johannes Gutenberg-Universität, Mainz 55128, Germany
| | - Djemel Hamdane
- Laboratoire de Chimie des Processus Biologiques, CNRS-UMR 8229, Collège De France, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, 11 place Marcelin Berthelot, 75231 Paris, Cedex 05, France
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17
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Zhai G, Xiao L, Jiang C, Yue S, Zhang M, zheng J, Liu Z, Dong Y. Regulatory Role of N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) Modification in Osteoarthritis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:946219. [PMID: 35846376 PMCID: PMC9282717 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.946219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disease, usually occurring in middle-aged and elderly people. However, current treatment for OA in its early stages is ineffective, and drug therapy is often ineffective in slowing the progression of the disease. In fact, a deeper understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of OA could help us to better develop effective therapeutic measures. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a methylation that occurs at the adenosine N6-position, which is the most common internal modification on eukaryotic mRNAs. The role and mechanisms of m6A in mammalian gene regulation have been extensively studied. The “Writer”, “eraser”, and “reader” proteins are key proteins involved in the dynamic regulation of m6A modifications. Recent studies on post-transcriptional regulation alone have shown that m6a modification has an important role in the development of OA. This paper summarizes the specific regulatory processes of M6A in disease and reviews the role of m6A in OA, describing its pathophysiological role and molecular mechanisms, as well as its future research trends and potential clinical applications in OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganggang Zhai
- Department of Orthopedics, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan University People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Likang Xiao
- Department of Orthopedics, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan University People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chenyang Jiang
- Department of Orthopedics, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan University People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Songkai Yue
- Department of Orthopedics, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan University People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan University People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jia zheng
- Department of Orthopedics, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan University People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zeming Liu
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Yonghui Dong, ; Zeming Liu,
| | - Yonghui Dong
- Department of Orthopedics, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan University People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
- Microbiome Laboratory, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yonghui Dong, ; Zeming Liu,
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18
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Feng YJ, You XJ, Ding JH, Zhang YF, Yuan BF, Feng YQ. Identification of Inosine and 2'- O-Methylinosine Modifications in Yeast Messenger RNA by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Analysis. Anal Chem 2022; 94:4747-4755. [PMID: 35266699 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c05292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of reversible modifications in messenger RNA (mRNA) opens new research directions in RNA modification-mediated epigenetic regulation. Yeast is an extensively used model organism in molecular biology. Systematic investigation and profiling of modifications in yeast mRNA would promote our understanding of the physiological regulation mechanisms in yeast. However, due to the high abundance of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and transfer RNA (tRNA) in total RNA, isolation of low abundance of mRNA frequently suffers from the contamination of rRNA and tRNA, which will lead to the false-positive determination and inaccurate quantification of modifications in mRNA. Therefore, obtaining high-purity mRNA is critical for precise determination and accurate quantification of modifications in mRNA, especially for studies that focus on discovering new ones. Herein, we proposed a successive orthogonal isolation method by combining polyT-based purification and agarose gel electrophoresis purification for extracting high-purity mRNA. With the extracted high-purity yeast mRNA, we systemically explored the modifications in yeast mRNA by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) analysis. The results showed that in addition to the previously reported eight kinds of modifications, two novel modifications of inosine (Ino) and 2'-O-methylinosine (Im) were identified to be prevalent in yeast mRNA. It is worth noting that Im was reported for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, to exist in living organisms in the three domains of life. Moreover, we observed that the levels of 10 kinds of modifications including Ino and Im in yeast mRNA exhibited dynamic change at different growth stages of yeast cells. Furthermore, Im in mRNA showed a significant decrease while in response to H2O2 treatment. These results indicated that the two newly identified modifications in yeast mRNA were involved in yeast cell growth and response to environmental stress. Taken together, we reported two new modifications of Ino and Im in yeast mRNA, which expends the diversity of RNA modifications in yeast and also suggests new regulators for modulating yeast physiological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Jing Feng
- Sauvage Center for Molecular Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Xue-Jiao You
- Sauvage Center for Molecular Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Jiang-Hui Ding
- Sauvage Center for Molecular Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yu-Fan Zhang
- Sauvage Center for Molecular Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Bi-Feng Yuan
- Sauvage Center for Molecular Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.,School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yu-Qi Feng
- Sauvage Center for Molecular Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.,School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
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19
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Synthesis of N4-acetylated 3-methylcytidine phosphoramidites for RNA solid-phase synthesis. MONATSHEFTE FUR CHEMIE 2022; 153:285-291. [PMID: 35400759 PMCID: PMC8948120 DOI: 10.1007/s00706-022-02896-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The growing interest in 3-methylcytidine (m3C) originates from the recent discoveries of m3C modified tRNAs in humans as well as its intensively debated occurrence in mRNA. Moreover, m3C formation can be catalyzed by RNA without the assistance of proteins as has been demonstrated for a naturally occurring riboswitch fold using the methylated form of its cognate ligand as cofactor. Additionally, new RNA sequencing methods have been developed to detect this modification in transcriptome-wide manner. For all these reasons, an increasing demand for synthetic m3C containing oligoribonucleotides is emerging. Their chemical synthesis relies on RNA solid-phase synthesis using phosphoramidite building blocks. Here, we describe a facile synthetic path towards N4-acetylated 2′-O-TBDMS- and 2′-O-TOM m3C phosphoramidites to provide an optimal toolbox for solid-phase synthesis of m3C containing RNA.
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20
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Motorin Y, Helm M. RNA nucleotide methylation: 2021 update. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2022; 13:e1691. [PMID: 34913259 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Among RNA modifications, transfer of methylgroups from the typical cofactor S-adenosyl-l-methionine by methyltransferases (MTases) to RNA is by far the most common reaction. Since our last review about a decade ago, the field has witnessed the re-emergence of mRNA methylation as an important mechanism in gene regulation. Attention has then spread to many other RNA species; all being included into the newly coined concept of the "epitranscriptome." The focus moved from prokaryotes and single cell eukaryotes as model organisms to higher eukaryotes, in particular to mammals. The perception of the field has dramatically changed over the past decade. A previous lack of phenotypes in knockouts in single cell organisms has been replaced by the apparition of MTases in numerous disease models and clinical investigations. Major driving forces of the field include methylation mapping techniques, as well as the characterization of the various MTases, termed "writers." The latter term has spilled over from DNA modification in the neighboring epigenetics field, along with the designations "readers," applied to mediators of biological effects upon specific binding to a methylated RNA. Furthermore "eraser" enzymes effect the newly discovered oxidative removal of methylgroups. A sense of reversibility and dynamics has replaced the older perception of RNA modification as a concrete-cast, irreversible part of RNA maturation. A related concept concerns incompletely methylated residues, which, through permutation of each site, lead to inhomogeneous populations of numerous modivariants. This review recapitulates the major developments of the past decade outlined above, and attempts a prediction of upcoming trends. This article is categorized under: RNA Processing > RNA Editing and Modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Motorin
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, INSERM, UMS2008/US40 IBSLor, EpiRNA-Seq Core Facility, Nancy, France.,Université de Lorraine, CNRS, UMR7365 IMoPA, Nancy, France
| | - Mark Helm
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität, Mainz, Germany
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21
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Leptidis S, Papakonstantinou E, Diakou KI, Pierouli K, Mitsis T, Dragoumani K, Bacopoulou F, Sanoudou D, Chrousos GP, Vlachakis D. Epitranscriptomics of cardiovascular diseases (Review). Int J Mol Med 2022; 49:9. [PMID: 34791505 PMCID: PMC8651226 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2021.5064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA modifications have recently become the focus of attention due to their extensive regulatory effects in a vast array of cellular networks and signaling pathways. Just as epigenetics is responsible for the imprinting of environmental conditions on a genetic level, epitranscriptomics follows the same principle at the RNA level, but in a more dynamic and sensitive manner. Nevertheless, its impact in the field of cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains largely unexplored. CVD and its associated pathologies remain the leading cause of death in Western populations due to the limited regenerative capacity of the heart. As such, maintenance of cardiac homeostasis is paramount for its physiological function and its capacity to respond to environmental stimuli. In this context, epitranscriptomic modifications offer a novel and promising therapeutic avenue, based on the fine‑tuning of regulatory cascades, necessary for cardiac function. This review aimed to provide an overview of the most recent findings of key epitranscriptomic modifications in both coding and non‑coding RNAs. Additionally, the methods used for their detection and important associations with genetic variations in the context of CVD were summarized. Current knowledge on cardiac epitranscriptomics, albeit limited still, indicates that the impact of epitranscriptomic editing in the heart, in both physiological and pathological conditions, holds untapped potential for the development of novel targeted therapeutic approaches in a dynamic manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanos Leptidis
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Papakonstantinou
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Io Diakou
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Katerina Pierouli
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Thanasis Mitsis
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantina Dragoumani
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Flora Bacopoulou
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- First Department of Pediatrics, Center for Adolescent Medicine and UNESCO Chair on Adolescent Health Care, Medical School, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Despina Sanoudou
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Genomics and Pharmacogenomics Unit, Medical School, 'Attikon' Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Molecular Biology Division, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Center for New Biotechnologies and Precision Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - George P. Chrousos
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- First Department of Pediatrics, Center for Adolescent Medicine and UNESCO Chair on Adolescent Health Care, Medical School, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Vlachakis
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- First Department of Pediatrics, Center for Adolescent Medicine and UNESCO Chair on Adolescent Health Care, Medical School, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- School of Informatics, Faculty of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, King's College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK
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22
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Zhu LR, Ni WJ, Cai M, Dai WT, Zhou H. Advances in RNA Epigenetic Modifications in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Potential Targeted Intervention Strategies. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:777007. [PMID: 34778277 PMCID: PMC8586511 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.777007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The current interventions for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are not satisfactory, and more precise targets and promising strategies need to be explored. Recent research has demonstrated the non-negligible roles of RNA epigenetic modifications such as N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and 5-methylcytosine (m5C) in various cancers, including HCC. However, the specific targeting mechanisms are not well elucidated. In this review, we focus on the occurrence and detailed physiopathological roles of multiple RNA modifications on diverse RNAs closely related to the HCC process. In particular, we highlight fresh insights into the impact mechanisms of these posttranscriptional modifications on the whole progression of HCC. Furthermore, we analyzed the possibilities and significance of these modifications and regulators as potential therapeutic targets in HCC treatment, which provides the foundation for exploring targeted intervention strategies. This review will propel the identification of promising therapeutic targets and novel strategies that can be translated into clinical applications for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ran Zhu
- Anhui Provincial Children’s Hospital, Anhui Institute of Pediatric Research, Hefei, China
| | - Wei-Jian Ni
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Ministry of Education, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Ming Cai
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Wen-Tao Dai
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula Research, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Hong Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Anhui Provincial Cancer Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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23
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Peng B, Yan Y, Xu Z. The bioinformatics and experimental analysis of AlkB family for prognosis and immune cell infiltration in hepatocellular carcinoma. PeerJ 2021; 9:e12123. [PMID: 34557360 PMCID: PMC8418211 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Serving as N6-methyladenosine demethylases, the AlkB family is involved in the tumorigenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the molecular profiles and clinical values of the AlkB family in HCC are not well known. Methods Several bioinformatics tools and in vitro experiments were used to identify the immune-related profiles and prognostic values of AlkB family in HCC. Results In this study expression levels of ALKBH1/2/3/4/7 were all remarkably increased in HCC tissues when compared with normal tissues. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) and immunohistochemistry were used to validate the expression of AlkB family members in HCC tissues and normal liver tissues. In addition, high expression levels of ALKBH4 were negatively correlated with overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with HCC. Increased ALKBH4 was also associated with pathological stage in HCC patients. The molecular profiles of AlkB family in HCC were mainly associated with peptidyl-serine modification, peptidyl-tyrosine modification, regulation of metal ion transport, etc. Furthermore, tumor-infiltrating immune cell analysis indicated that ALKBH1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8 and FTO were related to the infiltration of different immune cell, such as CD8+ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils, dendritic cells and CD4+ T cells. We also discovered that the methylation levels of ALKBH1/2/4/5/6/8 and FTO were remarkably reduced in HCC tissues. Conclusions Collectively, our findings may deepen the understanding of specific molecular profiles of the AlkB family in HCC pathology. In particular, ALKBH4 could serve as a promising prognostic candidate for treating HCC, and these results might potentiate the development of more reliable therapeutic strategies for patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bi Peng
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yuanliang Yan
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhijie Xu
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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24
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DNA Methylation on N6-Adenine Regulates the Hyphal Development during Dimorphism in the Early-Diverging Fungus Mucor lusitanicus. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7090738. [PMID: 34575776 PMCID: PMC8470550 DOI: 10.3390/jof7090738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The epigenetic modifications control the pathogenicity of human pathogenic fungi, which have been poorly studied in Mucorales, causative agents of mucormycosis. This order belongs to a group referred to as early-diverging fungi that are characterized by high levels of N6-methyldeoxy adenine (6mA) in their genome with dense 6mA clusters associated with actively expressed genes. AlkB enzymes can act as demethylases of 6mA in DNA, with the most remarkable eukaryotic examples being mammalian ALKBH1 and Caenorhabditis elegans NMAD-1. The Mucor lusitanicus (formerly M. circinelloides f. lusitanicus) genome contains one gene, dmt1, and two genes, dmt2 and dmt3, encoding proteins similar to C. elegans NMAD-1 and ALKBH1, respectively. The function of these three genes was analyzed by the generation of single and double deletion mutants for each gene. Multiple processes were studied in the mutants, but defects were only found in single and double deletion mutants for dmt1. In contrast to the wild-type strain, dmt1 mutants showed an increase in 6mA levels during the dimorphic transition, suggesting that 6mA is associated with dimorphism in M. lusitanicus. Furthermore, the spores of dmt1 mutants challenged with macrophages underwent a reduction in polar growth, suggesting that 6mA also has a role during the spore–macrophage interaction that could be important in the infection process.
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25
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Rengaraj P, Obrdlík A, Vukić D, Varadarajan NM, Keegan LP, Vaňáčová Š, O'Connell MA. Interplays of different types of epitranscriptomic mRNA modifications. RNA Biol 2021; 18:19-30. [PMID: 34424827 PMCID: PMC8677042 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2021.1969113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic mRNAs are modified by several chemical marks which have significant impacts on mRNA biology, gene expression, and cellular metabolism as well as on the survival and development of the whole organism. The most abundant and well-studied mRNA base modifications are m6A and ADAR RNA editing. Recent studies have also identified additional mRNA marks such as m6Am, m5C, m1A and Ψ and studied their roles. Each type of modification is deposited by a specific writer, many types of modification are recognized and interpreted by several different readers and some types of modifications can be removed by eraser enzymes. Several works have addressed the functional relationships between some of the modifications. In this review we provide an overview on the current status of research on the different types of mRNA modifications and about the crosstalk between different marks and its functional consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praveenkumar Rengaraj
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), CEITEC, Masaryk University Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Aleš Obrdlík
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), CEITEC, Masaryk University Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Dragana Vukić
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), CEITEC, Masaryk University Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Nandan Mysore Varadarajan
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), CEITEC, Masaryk University Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Liam P Keegan
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), CEITEC, Masaryk University Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Štěpánka Vaňáčová
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), CEITEC, Masaryk University Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Mary A O'Connell
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), CEITEC, Masaryk University Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
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26
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Flemmich L, Heel S, Moreno S, Breuker K, Micura R. A natural riboswitch scaffold with self-methylation activity. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3877. [PMID: 34162884 PMCID: PMC8222354 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24193-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Methylation is a prevalent post-transcriptional modification encountered in coding and non-coding RNA. For RNA methylation, cells use methyltransferases and small organic substances as methyl-group donors, such as S-adenosylmethionine (SAM). SAM and other nucleotide-derived cofactors are viewed as evolutionary leftovers from an RNA world, in which riboswitches have regulated, and ribozymes have catalyzed essential metabolic reactions. Here, we disclose the thus far unrecognized direct link between a present-day riboswitch and its inherent reactivity for site-specific methylation. The key is O6-methyl pre-queuosine (m6preQ1), a potentially prebiotic nucleobase which is recognized by the native aptamer of a preQ1 class I riboswitch. Upon binding, the transfer of the ligand’s methyl group to a specific cytidine occurs, installing 3-methylcytidine (m3C) in the RNA pocket under release of pre-queuosine (preQ1). Our finding suggests that nucleic acid-mediated methylation is an ancient mechanism that has offered an early path for RNA epigenetics prior to the evolution of protein methyltransferases. Furthermore, our findings may pave the way for the development of riboswitch-descending methylation tools based on rational design as a powerful alternative to in vitro selection approaches. In humans, protein methyltransferase is responsible for RNA methylation using S-adenosylmethionine as a methyl group donor. Here the authors report a self-methylation activity of a bacterial riboswitch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurin Flemmich
- University of Innsbruck, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences (CMBI), Innrain 80-82, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
| | - Sarah Heel
- University of Innsbruck, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences (CMBI), Innrain 80-82, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
| | - Sarah Moreno
- University of Innsbruck, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences (CMBI), Innrain 80-82, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
| | - Kathrin Breuker
- University of Innsbruck, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences (CMBI), Innrain 80-82, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
| | - Ronald Micura
- University of Innsbruck, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences (CMBI), Innrain 80-82, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria.
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27
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Zhang Y, Wang C. Demethyltransferase AlkBH1 substrate diversity and relationship to human diseases. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:4747-4756. [PMID: 34046849 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06421-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
AlkBH1 is a member of the AlkB superfamily which are kinds of Fe (II) and α-ketoglutarate (α-KG)-dependent dioxygenases. At present, only demethyltransferases FTO and AlkBH5 have relatively clear substrate studies among these members, the types and mechanisms of substrates catalysis of other members are not clear, especially the demethyltransferase AlkBH1. AlkBH1, as a demethylase, has important functions of reversing DNA methylation and repairing DNA damage. And it has become a promising target for the treatment of many cancers, the regulation of neurological and genetic related diseases. Many scholars have made important discoveries in the diversity of AlkBH1 substrates, but there is no comprehensive summary, which affects the design inhibitor target of AlkBH1. Herein, We are absorbed in the latest progress in the study of AlkBH1 substrate diversity and its relationship with human diseases. Besides, we also discuss future research directions and suggest other studies to reveal the specific catalytic effect of AlkBH1 on cancer substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Caiyan Wang
- International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, China.
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28
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Cheng MY, You XJ, Ding JH, Dai Y, Chen MY, Yuan BF, Feng YQ. Novel dual methylation of cytidines in the RNA of mammals. Chem Sci 2021; 12:8149-8156. [PMID: 34194705 PMCID: PMC8208307 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc01972d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA modifications play critical roles in regulating a variety of physiological processes. Methylation is the most prevalent modification occurring in RNA. Three isomeric cytidine methylation modifications have been reported in RNA, including 3-methylcytidine (m3C), N4-methylcytidine (m4C), and 5-methylcytidine (m5C), in mammals. Aside from the single methylation on the nucleobase of cytidines, dual methylation modifications occurring in both the 2′ hydroxyl of ribose and the nucleobase of cytidines also have been reported, including N4,2′-O-dimethylcytidine (m4Cm) and 5,2′-O-dimethylcytidine (m5Cm). m4Cm has been found in the 16S rRNA of E. coli, while m5Cm has been found in the tRNA of terminal thermophilic archaea and mammals. However, unlike m4Cm and m5Cm, the presumed dual methylation of 3,2′-O-dimethylcytidine (m3Cm) has never been discovered in living organisms. Thus, the presence of m3Cm in RNA remains an open question. In the current study, we synthesized m3Cm and established a liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) method to determine the dimethylation of cytidines, m3Cm, m4Cm and m5Cm. Under optimized analytical conditions, m3Cm, m4Cm and m5Cm can be clearly distinguished. Using the method, we discovered the existence of m3Cm in the RNA of mammals. The identified m3Cm is a novel modification that hasn't been reported in the three-domain system, including archaea, bacteria, and eukaryotes. We confirmed that m3Cm mainly existed in the small RNA (<200 nt) of mammals. In addition, we identified, for the first time, the presence of m4Cm in the 18S rRNA of mammalian cells. The stable isotope tracing monitored by mass spectrometry demonstrated that S-adenosyl-l-methionine was a methyl donor for all three dimethylations of cytidines in RNA. The discovery of m3Cm broadens the diversity of RNA modifications in living organisms. In addition, the discovery of m3Cm and m4Cm in mammals opens new directions in understanding RNA modification-mediated RNA processing and gene expression regulation. We synthesized 3,2′-O-dimethylcytidine (m3Cm) and determined the dimethylation of cytidines in mammals by mass spectrometry analysis. We discovered m3Cm in small RNA and N4,2′-O-dimethylcytidine (m4Cm) in 18S rRNA of mammals.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Yu Cheng
- Sauvage Center for Molecular Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University Wuhan 430072 China
| | - Xue-Jiao You
- Sauvage Center for Molecular Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University Wuhan 430072 China
| | - Jiang-Hui Ding
- Sauvage Center for Molecular Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University Wuhan 430072 China
| | - Yi Dai
- Sauvage Center for Molecular Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University Wuhan 430072 China
| | - Meng-Yuan Chen
- Sauvage Center for Molecular Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University Wuhan 430072 China
| | - Bi-Feng Yuan
- Sauvage Center for Molecular Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University Wuhan 430072 China .,School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University Wuhan 430071 China
| | - Yu-Qi Feng
- Sauvage Center for Molecular Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University Wuhan 430072 China .,School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University Wuhan 430071 China
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29
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Genetic characteristics and prognostic implications of m1A regulators in pancreatic cancer. Biosci Rep 2021; 41:228171. [PMID: 33779693 PMCID: PMC8035622 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20210337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies have identified the methylation of N1 adenosine (m1A), an RNA modification, playing an important role in the progression of the tumorigenesis. The present study aimed to analyze the genetic characteristics and prognostic value of m1A regulators in pancreatic cancer. In the present study, data on gene mutations, single-nucleotide variants (SNVs), and copy number variation (CNV) were obtained from 363 patients with pancreatic cancer in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, and survival analysis was performed using the logarithmic rank test and Cox regression model. The chi-squared test was used to examine the relationship between the changes in m1A regulatory factors and clinicopathological characteristics. And we used ICGC database to verify the reliability of prognostic markers. The results show that changes in m1A-regulating genes are related to clinical stage and that the expression of some m1A-regulating genes is positively correlated with CNV. In addition, the low expression of the 'eraser' gene ALKBH1 is related to the poor prognosis of patients with pancreatic cancer, and its expression level has important clinical significance for patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD). Mechanistically, ALKBH1 may participate in the occurrence and development of pancreatic cancer through mTOR and ErbB signaling pathway. The expression of m1A-regulating genes can be used as a prognostic marker for pancreatic cancer. These findings provide valuable clues for us to understand the epigenetics of m1A in pancreatic cancer.
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30
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Cui J, Liu Q, Sendinc E, Shi Y, Gregory RI. Nucleotide resolution profiling of m3C RNA modification by HAC-seq. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:e27. [PMID: 33313824 PMCID: PMC7969016 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa1186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular RNAs are subject to a myriad of different chemical modifications that play important roles in controlling RNA expression and function. Dysregulation of certain RNA modifications, the so-called 'epitranscriptome', contributes to human disease. One limitation in studying the functional, physiological, and pathological roles of the epitranscriptome is the availability of methods for the precise mapping of individual RNA modifications throughout the transcriptome. 3-Methylcytidine (m3C) modification of certain tRNAs is well established and was also recently detected in mRNA. However, methods for the specific mapping of m3C throughout the transcriptome are lacking. Here, we developed a m3C-specific technique, Hydrazine-Aniline Cleavage sequencing (HAC-seq), to profile the m3C methylome at single-nucleotide resolution. We applied HAC-seq to analyze ribosomal RNA (rRNA)-depleted total RNAs in human cells. We found that tRNAs are the predominant m3C-modified RNA species, with 17 m3C modification sites on 11 cytoplasmic and 2 mitochondrial tRNA isoacceptors in MCF7 cells. We found no evidence for m3C-modification of mRNA or other non-coding RNAs at comparable levels to tRNAs in these cells. HAC-seq provides a novel method for the unbiased, transcriptome-wide identification of m3C RNA modification at single-nucleotide resolution, and could be widely applied to reveal the m3C methylome in different cells and tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Cui
- Stem Cell Program, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Qi Liu
- Stem Cell Program, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Erdem Sendinc
- Division of Newborn Medicine and Epigenetics Program, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yang Shi
- Division of Newborn Medicine and Epigenetics Program, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Oxford Branch, Oxford University, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Richard I Gregory
- Stem Cell Program, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Harvard Initiative for RNA Medicine, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
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31
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Cheng MY, Tao WB, Yuan BF, Feng YQ. Methods for isolation of messenger RNA from biological samples. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2021; 13:289-298. [PMID: 33300893 DOI: 10.1039/d0ay01912g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
RNA molecules contain many chemical modifications that can regulate a variety of biological processes. Messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules are critical components in the central dogma of molecular biology. The discovery of reversible chemical modifications in eukaryotic mRNA brings forward a new research field in RNA modification-mediated regulation of gene expression. The modifications in mRNA generally exist in low abundance. The use of highly pure mRNA is critical for the confident identification of new modifications as well as for the accurate quantification of existing modifications in mRNA. In addition, isolation of highly pure mRNA is the first step in many biological research studies. Therefore, the methods for isolating highly pure mRNA are important for mRNA-based downstream studies. A variety of methods for isolating mRNA have been developed in the past few decades and new methods continuously emerge. This review focuses on the methodologies and protocols for isolating mRNA populations. In addition, we discuss the advantages and limitations of these methods. We hope this paper will provide a general view of mRNA isolation strategies and facilitate studies that involve mRNA modifications and functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Yu Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Biology and Medicine (Ministry of Education), Sauvage Center for Molecular Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
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32
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Tsao N, Schärer OD, Mosammaparast N. The complexity and regulation of repair of alkylation damage to nucleic acids. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2021; 56:125-136. [PMID: 33430640 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2020.1869173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
DNA damaging agents have been a cornerstone of cancer therapy for nearly a century. The discovery of many of these chemicals, particularly the alkylating agents, are deeply entwined with the development of poisonous materials originally intended for use in warfare. Over the last decades, their anti-proliferative effects have focused on the specific mechanisms by which they damage DNA, and the factors involved in the repair of such damage. Due to the variety of aberrant adducts created even for the simplest alkylating agents, numerous pathways of repair are engaged as a defense against this damage. More recent work has underscored the role of RNA damage in the cellular response to these agents, although the understanding of their role in relation to established DNA repair pathways is still in its infancy. In this review, we discuss the chemistry of alkylating agents, the numerous ways in which they damage nucleic acids, as well as the specific DNA and RNA repair pathways which are engaged to counter their effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Tsao
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Orlando D Schärer
- Center for Genomic Integrity, Institute for Basic Science, Ulsan, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Nima Mosammaparast
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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33
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Xu B, Liu D, Wang Z, Tian R, Zuo Y. Multi-substrate selectivity based on key loops and non-homologous domains: new insight into ALKBH family. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:129-141. [PMID: 32642789 PMCID: PMC11072825 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03594-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
AlkB homologs (ALKBH) are a family of specific demethylases that depend on Fe2+ and α-ketoglutarate to catalyze demethylation on different substrates, including ssDNA, dsDNA, mRNA, tRNA, and proteins. Previous studies have made great progress in determining the sequence, structure, and molecular mechanism of the ALKBH family. Here, we first review the multi-substrate selectivity of the ALKBH demethylase family from the perspective of sequence and structural evolution. The construction of the phylogenetic tree and the comparison of key loops and non-homologous domains indicate that the paralogs with close evolutionary relationship have similar domain compositions. The structures show that the lack and variations of four key loops change the shape of clefts to cause the differences in substrate affinity, and non-homologous domains may be related to the compatibility of multiple substrates. We anticipate that the new insights into selectivity determinants of the ALKBH family are useful for understanding the demethylation mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baofang Xu
- The State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Dongyang Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
- Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100093, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zerong Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Ruixia Tian
- The State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Yongchun Zuo
- The State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China.
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34
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Detecting Internal N7-Methylguanosine mRNA Modifications by Differential Enzymatic Digestion Coupled with Mass Spectrometry Analysis. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2298:247-259. [PMID: 34085250 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1374-0_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The recent discovery of reversible chemical modifications on mRNA has opened a new era of post-transcriptional gene regulation in eukaryotes. Among these modifications identified in eukaryotic mRNA, N7-methylguanosine (m7G) is unique owing to its presence in the 5' cap structure. Recently, it has been reported that m7G also exists internally in mRNA. Here, we describe a protocol of combining differential enzymatic digestion with liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) analysis to detect internal m7G modification in mRNA. This protocol can also be used to quantify the level of m7G at both the 5' cap and internal positions of mRNA.
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35
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Anreiter I, Mir Q, Simpson JT, Janga SC, Soller M. New Twists in Detecting mRNA Modification Dynamics. Trends Biotechnol 2021; 39:72-89. [PMID: 32620324 PMCID: PMC7326690 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2020.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Modified nucleotides in mRNA are an essential addition to the standard genetic code of four nucleotides in animals, plants, and their viruses. The emerging field of epitranscriptomics examines nucleotide modifications in mRNA and their impact on gene expression. The low abundance of nucleotide modifications and technical limitations, however, have hampered systematic analysis of their occurrence and functions. Selective chemical and immunological identification of modified nucleotides has revealed global candidate topology maps for many modifications in mRNA, but further technical advances to increase confidence will be necessary. Single-molecule sequencing introduced by Oxford Nanopore now promises to overcome such limitations, and we summarize current progress with a particular focus on the bioinformatic challenges of this novel sequencing technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ina Anreiter
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, ON M5G 0A3, Canada; Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 2E4, Canada
| | - Quoseena Mir
- Department of BioHealth Informatics, School of Informatics and Computing, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Jared T Simpson
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, ON M5G 0A3, Canada; Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 2E4, Canada
| | - Sarath C Janga
- Department of BioHealth Informatics, School of Informatics and Computing, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Medical Research and Library Building, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, 5021 Health Information and Translational Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Matthias Soller
- School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
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36
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Li H, Zhang Y, Guo Y, Liu R, Yu Q, Gong L, Liu Z, Xie W, Wang C. ALKBH1 promotes lung cancer by regulating m6A RNA demethylation. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 189:114284. [PMID: 33068553 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer has surpassed breast cancer as the leading cause of cancer death in females in developed countries and the leading cause of cancer death in males. Despite extensive research on lung cancer, the pathogenesis of lung cancer is not fully understood. ALKBH1 is a 2-oxoglutarate and Fe (II)-dependent dioxygenase responsible for the demethylation of 6-methyladenine (m6A) in RNA and is essential to multiple cellular processes in human. Numerous recent studies suggest that ALKBH1 plays a role in tumorigenesis and tumor progression, but the role of ALKBH1 in lung cancer is largely unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that the expression levels of ALKBH1 in lung cancer tissues and cells were up regulated. The invasion and migration abilities of lung cancer cells were significantly suppressed in vitro upon the silencing of ALKBH1 while they were significantly promoted upon its overexpression. We next characterized the enzyme biochemically by analyzing the contribution of essential residues Y184, H231, D233, H287, R338, and R344 to its m6A demethylation activity. Lastly, our 3.1-Å crystal structure of mouse ALKBH1 revealed that the N-terminal domain of the protein forms close contacted with the core catalytic domain and might be responsible for the recognition of nucleic acid substrates. In summary, our combined cellular, biochemical, and structural results provide insight into the potential ALKBH1-based drug design for cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine, Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China; Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical College of Henan University, Jinming District, Kaifeng, Henan Province 475004, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine, Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Yajuan Guo
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine, Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Rong Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine, Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Qi Yu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine, Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Lingzhi Gong
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine, Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Zhongqiu Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine, Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China.
| | - Wei Xie
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, The Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China.
| | - Caiyan Wang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine, Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China.
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37
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Xiao MZ, Liu JM, Xian CL, Chen KY, Liu ZQ, Cheng YY. Therapeutic potential of ALKB homologs for cardiovascular disease. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 131:110645. [PMID: 32942149 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading causes of human death. Recently, ALKB homologs, including ALKBH1-8 and FTO, have been found to have a variety of biological functions, such as histone demethylation, RNA demethylation, and DNA demethylation. These functions may regulate the physiological and pathological processes of CVDs, including inflammation, oxidative stress, cell apoptosis, and mitochondrial, endothelial, and fat metabolism dysfunction. In the present review, we summarize the biological functions of ALKB homologs and the relationship between the ALKB homologs and CVDs. Importantly, we discuss the roles of ALKB homologs in the regulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, autophagy, and DNA damage in CVDs, as well as the practical applications of ALKB homologs inhibitors or agonists in treating CVDs. In conclusion, the ALKBH family might be a promising target for CVDs therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Zhu Xiao
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine, Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, China; School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Jia-Ming Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine, Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, China; School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Cui-Ling Xian
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine, Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, China; School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Keng-Yu Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine, Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, China; The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Yunfu, 527300, China
| | - Zhong-Qiu Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine, Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, China.
| | - Yuan-Yuan Cheng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine, Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, China.
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Li M, Klungland A. Modifications and interactions at the R-loop. DNA Repair (Amst) 2020; 96:102958. [PMID: 32961406 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2020.102958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
R-loops are tripartite structures consisting of an RNA:DNA hybrid and a displaced single-stranded DNA [1]. They are widespread and occupy up to 5 % of the mammalian genomes [2]. R-loops have a key role in genome stability, and known functions associated with gene regulation, DNA replication, chromatin patterning, immunoglobuline gene recombination and DNA Double-strand break repair [3-7]. Novel methodology, including the application of the S9.6 antibody, have more recently led to detailed knowledge on the genome-wide distribution of the R-loops as well as the identification of the R-loop interactome [8-10]. The regulation of R-loops was recently shown to also depend on dynamic RNA-methylation, including METTL3/14 dependent 6-methylAdenines (m6As) and METTL8 dependent 3-methylCytosines (m3Cs) [11-13].
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Li
- Department of Microbiology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, NO-0027, Oslo, Norway; Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, NO-0317, Oslo, Norway
| | - Arne Klungland
- Department of Microbiology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, NO-0027, Oslo, Norway; Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, NO-0317, Oslo, Norway.
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Jones JD, Monroe J, Koutmou KS. A molecular-level perspective on the frequency, distribution, and consequences of messenger RNA modifications. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2020; 11:e1586. [PMID: 31960607 PMCID: PMC8243748 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Cells use chemical modifications to alter the sterics, charge, and conformations of large biomolecules, modulating their biogenesis, function, and stability. Until recently post-transcriptional RNA modifications were thought to be largely limited to nonprotein coding RNA species. However, this dogma has rapidly transformed with the discovery of a host of modifications in protein coding messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Recent advancements in genome-wide sequencing technologies have enabled the identification of mRNA modifications as a potential new frontier in gene regulation-leading to the development of the epitranscriptome field. As a result, there has been a flurry of multiple groundbreaking discoveries, including new modifications, nucleoside modifying enzymes ("writers" and "erasers"), and RNA binding proteins that recognize chemical modifications ("readers"). These discoveries opened the door to understanding how post-transcriptional mRNA modifications can modulate the mRNA lifecycle, and established a link between the epitranscriptome and human health and disease. Despite a rapidly growing recognition of their importance, fundamental questions regarding the identity, prevalence, and functional consequences of mRNA modifications remain to be answered. Here, we highlight quantitative studies that characterize mRNA modification abundance, frequency, and interactions with cellular machinery. As the field progresses, we see a need for the further integration of quantitative and reductionist approaches to complement transcriptome wide studies in order to establish a molecular-level framework for understanding the consequences of mRNA chemical modifications on biological processes. This article is categorized under: RNA Structure and Dynamics > RNA Structure, Dynamics and Chemistry RNA Processing > RNA Editing and Modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua D. Jones
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Jeremy Monroe
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Kristin S. Koutmou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Pang W, Zhao Z, Shen Y, Bi Y, Gu Y, Chen X. Expression profile analyses of mettl8 in Oryzias latipes. FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2020; 46:971-979. [PMID: 31989392 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-020-00764-1] [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: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Methyltransferase-like 8 (mettl8) is a protein-coding gene that may demonstrate nucleic acid or protein methyltransferase activity. Although several members of the METTL protein family have been reported, the expression and function of this family are still poorly understood, especially in fish. Medaka (Oryzias latipes) is an important model organism with relatively complete genome information, and more and more genetic toolkits are available for this fish. The popularity of medaka among developmental biologists has led to important insights into vertebrate development. Here, we report the DNA sequence and expression of mettl8 in medaka. The full-length cDNA of medaka mettl8 is 1266 bp, and its predicted open reading frame codes for a protein with 393 amino acids. The predicted molecular mass was 45.8 kDa, and the theoretical isoelectric point was 8.61. It had a conserved methyltransferase domain in METTL8 proteins. Homology analysis revealed that medaka METTL8 clustered in close proximity with the METTL8 of Austrofundulus limnaeus and Nothobranchius furzeri within the Cyprinodontiformes branch, and the protein structure of METTL8 was highly conserved. During embryogenesis, the mettl8 transcript was highly expressed in early stages, while it persisted at a detectable level until the larvae stage. In adult fish, the RT-PCR result indicated that mettl8 mRNA was expressed in the brain, eye, skin, liver, intestine, ovary, and testis. Slice in situ hybridization analysis showed that mettl8 was highly expressed in the eye, intestine, ovary, and testis. The expression and distribution of mettl8 during embryogenesis were also demonstrated by whole mount in situ hybridization. The results indicated that the mettl8 is expressed significantly in the eye, somite, and otic vesicles. Immunofluorescence and Western blot analyses showed that METTL8 protein was present in both the nuclei and cytoplasm. This study lays a foundation for further research on the function of fish mettl8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Pang
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Ziwei Zhao
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Yawei Shen
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Yanhui Bi
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Yifeng Gu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Xiaowu Chen
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai, 201306, China.
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai, 201306, China.
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41
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McCown PJ, Ruszkowska A, Kunkler CN, Breger K, Hulewicz JP, Wang MC, Springer NA, Brown JA. Naturally occurring modified ribonucleosides. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2020; 11:e1595. [PMID: 32301288 PMCID: PMC7694415 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The chemical identity of RNA molecules beyond the four standard ribonucleosides has fascinated scientists since pseudouridine was characterized as the “fifth” ribonucleotide in 1951. Since then, the ever‐increasing number and complexity of modified ribonucleosides have been found in viruses and throughout all three domains of life. Such modifications can be as simple as methylations, hydroxylations, or thiolations, complex as ring closures, glycosylations, acylations, or aminoacylations, or unusual as the incorporation of selenium. While initially found in transfer and ribosomal RNAs, modifications also exist in messenger RNAs and noncoding RNAs. Modifications have profound cellular outcomes at various levels, such as altering RNA structure or being essential for cell survival or organism viability. The aberrant presence or absence of RNA modifications can lead to human disease, ranging from cancer to various metabolic and developmental illnesses such as Hoyeraal–Hreidarsson syndrome, Bowen–Conradi syndrome, or Williams–Beuren syndrome. In this review article, we summarize the characterization of all 143 currently known modified ribonucleosides by describing their taxonomic distributions, the enzymes that generate the modifications, and any implications in cellular processes, RNA structure, and disease. We also highlight areas of active research, such as specific RNAs that contain a particular type of modification as well as methodologies used to identify novel RNA modifications. This article is categorized under:RNA Processing > RNA Editing and Modification
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip J McCown
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Agnieszka Ruszkowska
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Charlotte N Kunkler
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Kurtis Breger
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Jacob P Hulewicz
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Matthew C Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Noah A Springer
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Jessica A Brown
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
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Chemical labeling – Assisted mass spectrometry analysis for sensitive detection of cytidine dual modifications in RNA of mammals. Anal Chim Acta 2020; 1098:56-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2019.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2019] [Revised: 10/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Esteve-Puig R, Bueno-Costa A, Esteller M. Writers, readers and erasers of RNA modifications in cancer. Cancer Lett 2020; 474:127-137. [PMID: 31991154 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Although cancer was originally considered a disease driven only by genetic mutations, it has now been proven that it is also an epigenetic disease driven by DNA hypermethylation-associated silencing of tumor suppressor genes and aberrant histone modifications. Very recently, a third component has emerged: the so-called epitranscriptome understood as the chemical modifications of RNA that regulate and alter the activity of RNA molecules. In this regard, the study of genetic and epigenetic disruption of the RNA-modifying proteins is gaining momentum in advancing our understanding of cancer biology. Furthermore, the development of epitranscriptomic anticancer drugs could lead to new promising and unexpected therapeutic strategies for oncology in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaura Esteve-Puig
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Alberto Bueno-Costa
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Manel Esteller
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain; Institucio Catalana de Recerca I Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Physiological Sciences Department, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
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44
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Ding JH, Ma CJ, Chen MY, Chen B, Yuan BF, Feng YQ. Quantification and Single-Base Resolution Analysis of N1-Methyladenosine in mRNA by Ligation-Assisted Differentiation. Anal Chem 2020; 92:2612-2619. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.9b04454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jiang-Hui Ding
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Biology and Medicine (Ministry of Education), Sauvage Center for Molecular Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cheng-Jie Ma
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Biology and Medicine (Ministry of Education), Sauvage Center for Molecular Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, People’s Republic of China
| | - Meng-Yuan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Biology and Medicine (Ministry of Education), Sauvage Center for Molecular Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Biology and Medicine (Ministry of Education), Sauvage Center for Molecular Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bi-Feng Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Biology and Medicine (Ministry of Education), Sauvage Center for Molecular Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu-Qi Feng
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Biology and Medicine (Ministry of Education), Sauvage Center for Molecular Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, People’s Republic of China
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45
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Affiliation(s)
- Bi-Feng Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Biology and Medicine (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry and Sauvage Center for Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, P.R. China
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46
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Chen B, Xiong J, Ding JH, Yuan BF, Feng YQ. Analysis of the Effects of Cr(VI) Exposure on mRNA Modifications. Chem Res Toxicol 2019; 32:2078-2085. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.9b00249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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47
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Zhang YF, Qi CB, Yuan BF, Feng YQ. Determination of cytidine modifications in human urine by liquid chromatography - Mass spectrometry analysis. Anal Chim Acta 2019; 1081:103-111. [PMID: 31446947 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2019.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Both DNA cytosine methylation (5-methyl-2'-deoxycytidine, m5dC) and RNA cytosine methylation (5-methylcytidine, m5rC) are important epigenetic marks that play regulatory roles in diverse biological processes. m5dC and m5rC can be further oxidized by the ten-eleven translocation (TET) proteins to form 5-hydroxymethyl-2'-deoxycytidine (hm5dC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytidine (hm5rC), respectively. 2'-O-methyl-5-hydroxymethylcytidine (hm5rCm) was recently also identified as a second oxidative metabolite of m5rC in RNA. Previous studies showed that the dysregulation of cytidine modifications in both DNA and RNA are closely related to a variety of human diseases. These cytidine modifications are generally excreted from cell into urine. If these cytidine modifications exhibit specific features related to certain diseases, determination of the cytidine modifications in urine could be utilized as non-invasive diagnostic of diseases. Here, we established a solid-phase extraction in combination with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis for simultaneous detection of these cytidine modifications in human urine samples. The developed method enabled the distinct detection of these cytidine modifications. We reported, for the first time, the presence of hm5rCm in human urine. Furthermore, we found that compared to the healthy controls, the contents of hm5dC, hm5rC, and hm5rCm showed significant increases in urine samples of cancer patients, including lymphoma patients, gastric cancer patients, and esophageal cancer patients. This study indicates that the urinary hydroxylmethylation modifications of hm5dC, hm5rC, and hm5rCm may serve as potential indicator of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Fan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Biology and Medicine (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, PR China; Sauvage Center for Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, PR China
| | - Chu-Bo Qi
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Biology and Medicine (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, PR China; Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430079, PR China
| | - Bi-Feng Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Biology and Medicine (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, PR China; Sauvage Center for Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, PR China.
| | - Yu-Qi Feng
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Biology and Medicine (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, PR China
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