1
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Pohorilets I, Beard JP, Driscoll JL, Schmitz JC, Koide K. Synthesis and antiproliferative activity of a tetrahydrofuran analog of FR901464. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2024; 104:129739. [PMID: 38599298 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2024.129739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
FR901464 is a natural product that exhibits antiproliferative activity at single-digit nanomolar concentrations in cancer cells. Its tetrahydropyran-spiroepoxide covalently binds the spliceosome. Through our medicinal chemistry campaign, we serendipitously discovered that a bromoetherification formed a tetrahydrofuran. The tetrahydrofuran analog was three orders of magnitude less potent than the corresponding tetrahydropyran analogs. This study shows the significance of the tetrahydropyran ring that presents the epoxide toward the spliceosome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivanna Pohorilets
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh 219 Parkman Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, United States
| | - Jacob P Beard
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh 219 Parkman Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, United States
| | - Julia L Driscoll
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh 219 Parkman Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, United States
| | - John C Schmitz
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine 5150 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, United States; Cancer Therapeutics Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center 5117 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, United States
| | - Kazunori Koide
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh 219 Parkman Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, United States; Cancer Therapeutics Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center 5117 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, United States.
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2
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Varineau JE, Calo E. A common cellular response to broad splicing perturbations is characterized by metabolic transcript downregulation driven by the Mdm2-p53 axis. Dis Model Mech 2024; 17:dmm050356. [PMID: 38426258 PMCID: PMC10924232 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050356] [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: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Disruptions in core cellular processes elicit stress responses that drive cell-state changes leading to organismal phenotypes. Perturbations in the splicing machinery cause widespread mis-splicing, resulting in p53-dependent cell-state changes that give rise to cell-type-specific phenotypes and disease. However, a unified framework for how cells respond to splicing perturbations, and how this response manifests itself in nuanced disease phenotypes, has yet to be established. Here, we show that a p53-stabilizing Mdm2 alternative splicing event and the resulting widespread downregulation of metabolic transcripts are common events that arise in response to various splicing perturbations in both cellular and organismal models. Together, our results classify a common cellular response to splicing perturbations, put forth a new mechanism behind the cell-type-specific phenotypes that arise when splicing is broadly disrupted, and lend insight into the pleiotropic nature of the effects of p53 stabilization in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade E. Varineau
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Eliezer Calo
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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3
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Borden KLB. The eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4E unexpectedly acts in splicing thereby coupling mRNA processing with translation: eIF4E induces widescale splicing reprogramming providing system-wide connectivity between splicing, nuclear mRNA export and translation. Bioessays 2024; 46:e2300145. [PMID: 37926700 PMCID: PMC11021180 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202300145] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent findings position the eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4E as a novel modulator of mRNA splicing, a process that impacts the form and function of resultant proteins. eIF4E physically interacts with the spliceosome and with some intron-containing transcripts implying a direct role in some splicing events. Moreover, eIF4E drives the production of key components of the splicing machinery underpinning larger scale impacts on splicing. These drive eIF4E-dependent reprogramming of the splicing signature. This work completes a series of studies demonstrating eIF4E acts in all the major mRNA maturation steps whereby eIF4E drives production of the RNA processing machinery and escorts some transcripts through various maturation steps. In this way, eIF4E couples the mRNA processing-export-translation axis linking nuclear mRNA processing to cytoplasmic translation. eIF4E elevation is linked to worse outcomes in acute myeloid leukemia patients where these activities are dysregulated. Understanding these effects provides new insight into post-transcriptional control and eIF4E-driven cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine L. B. Borden
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer and Department of Pathology and Cell BiologyUniversity of MontrealMontrealQuebecCanada
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4
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Beard J, Bressin RK, Markaj PL, Schmitz JC, Koide K. Synthesis and Conformational Analysis of FR901464-Based RNA Splicing Modulators and Their Synergism in Drug-Resistant Cancers. J Med Chem 2023; 66:14497-14512. [PMID: 37870431 PMCID: PMC10641826 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
FR901464 is a cytotoxic natural product that binds splicing factor 3B subunit 1 (SF3B1) and PHD finger protein 5A (PHF5A), the components of the human spliceosome. The amide-containing tetrahydropyran ring binds SF3B1, and it remains unclear how the substituents on the ring contribute to the binding. Here, we synthesized meayamycin D, an analogue of FR901464, and three additional analogues to probe the conformation through methyl scanning. We discovered that the amide-containing tetrahydropyran ring assumes only one of the two possible chair conformations and that methylation of the nitrogen distorts the chair form, dramatically reducing cytotoxicity. Meayamycin D induced alternative splicing of MCL-1, showed strong synergism with venetoclax in drug-resistant lung cancer cells, and was cancer-specific over normal cells. Meayamycin D incorporates an alkyl ether and shows a long half-life in mouse plasma. The characteristics of meayamycin D may provide an approach to designing other bioactive L-shaped molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob
P. Beard
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, 219 Parkman Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Robert K. Bressin
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, 219 Parkman Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Paulo L. Markaj
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, 219 Parkman Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - John C. Schmitz
- Division
of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 5150 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15232, United States
- Cancer
Therapeutics Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer
Center, 5117 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15232, United States
| | - Kazunori Koide
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, 219 Parkman Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
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5
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Brünnert D, Seupel R, Goyal P, Bach M, Schraud H, Kirner S, Köster E, Feineis D, Bargou RC, Schlosser A, Bringmann G, Chatterjee M. Ancistrocladinium A Induces Apoptosis in Proteasome Inhibitor-Resistant Multiple Myeloma Cells: A Promising Therapeutic Agent Candidate. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1181. [PMID: 37631095 PMCID: PMC10459547 DOI: 10.3390/ph16081181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The N,C-coupled naphthylisoquinoline alkaloid ancistrocladinium A belongs to a novel class of natural products with potent antiprotozoal activity. Its effects on tumor cells, however, have not yet been explored. We demonstrate the antitumor activity of ancistrocladinium A in multiple myeloma (MM), a yet incurable blood cancer that represents a model disease for adaptation to proteotoxic stress. Viability assays showed a potent apoptosis-inducing effect of ancistrocladinium A in MM cell lines, including those with proteasome inhibitor (PI) resistance, and in primary MM cells, but not in non-malignant blood cells. Concomitant treatment with the PI carfilzomib or the histone deacetylase inhibitor panobinostat strongly enhanced the ancistrocladinium A-induced apoptosis. Mass spectrometry with biotinylated ancistrocladinium A revealed significant enrichment of RNA-splicing-associated proteins. Affected RNA-splicing-associated pathways included genes involved in proteotoxic stress response, such as PSMB5-associated genes and the heat shock proteins HSP90 and HSP70. Furthermore, we found strong induction of ATF4 and the ATM/H2AX pathway, both of which are critically involved in the integrated cellular response following proteotoxic and oxidative stress. Taken together, our data indicate that ancistrocladinium A targets cellular stress regulation in MM and improves the therapeutic response to PIs or overcomes PI resistance, and thus may represent a promising potential therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Brünnert
- University Hospital of Würzburg, Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Translational Oncology, 97080 Würzburg, Germany (M.C.)
| | - Raina Seupel
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Pankaj Goyal
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, Bandar Sindri, Kishangarh 305817, India;
| | - Matthias Bach
- Rudolf Virchow Center for Experimental Biomedicine, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Heike Schraud
- University Hospital of Würzburg, Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Translational Oncology, 97080 Würzburg, Germany (M.C.)
| | - Stefanie Kirner
- University Hospital of Würzburg, Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Translational Oncology, 97080 Würzburg, Germany (M.C.)
| | - Eva Köster
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Doris Feineis
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ralf C. Bargou
- University Hospital of Würzburg, Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Translational Oncology, 97080 Würzburg, Germany (M.C.)
| | - Andreas Schlosser
- Rudolf Virchow Center for Experimental Biomedicine, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Gerhard Bringmann
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Manik Chatterjee
- University Hospital of Würzburg, Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Translational Oncology, 97080 Würzburg, Germany (M.C.)
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6
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Li Q, Kang C. Targeting RNA-binding proteins with small molecules: Perspectives, pitfalls and bifunctional molecules. FEBS Lett 2023; 597:2031-2047. [PMID: 37519019 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) play vital roles in organisms through binding with RNAs to regulate their functions. Small molecules affecting the function of RBPs have been developed, providing new avenues for drug discovery. Herein, we describe the perspectives on developing small molecule regulators of RBPs. The following types of small molecule modulators are of great interest in drug discovery: small molecules binding to RBPs to affect interactions with RNA molecules, bifunctional molecules binding to RNA or RBP to influence their interactions, and other types of molecules that affect the stability of RNA or RBPs. Moreover, we emphasize that the bifunctional molecules may play important roles in small molecule development to overcome the challenges encountered in the process of drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingxin Li
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Biomass High Value Utilization, Institute of Biological and Medical Engineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Congbao Kang
- Experimental Drug Development Centre, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
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7
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Aptullahoglu E, Wallis JP, Marr H, Marshall S, Bown N, Willmore E, Lunec J. SF3B1 Mutations Are Associated with Resistance to Non-Genotoxic MDM2 Inhibition in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11335. [PMID: 37511096 PMCID: PMC10379212 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a genetically and clinically heterogeneous malignancy affecting older individuals. There are a number of current treatment options for CLL, including monoclonal antibodies, targeted drugs, chemotherapy, and different combinations of these. However, for those patients who are intrinsically treatment resistant, or relapse following initial responses, novel targeted therapies are still needed. Targeting the mouse double-minute-2 human homolog (MDM2), a primary negative regulator of p53, is an appealing therapeutic strategy for non-genotoxic reactivation of p53, since the TP53 gene is in its wild-type state at diagnosis in approximately 90% of patients. Mutated SF3B1 and TP53 are both associated with more aggressive disease, resistance to therapies and poorer overall survival for CLL. In this study, we performed a screen for SF3B1 and TP53 mutations and tested RG7388 (idasanutlin), a second-generation MDM2 inhibitor, in a cohort of CLL primary patient samples. SF3B1 mutations were detected in 24 of 195 cases (12.3%) and found associated with poor overall survival (hazard ratio [HR] 2.12, p = 0.032) and high CD38 expression (median CD38 (%) 32 vs. 5; p = 0.0087). The novel striking finding of this study was an independent link between SF3B1 mutational status and poor response to RG7388. Overall, SF3B1 mutations in CLL patient samples were associated with resistance to treatment with RG7388 ex vivo, and patients with the wild type for both SF3B1 and TP53 are more likely to benefit from treatment with MDM2 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erhan Aptullahoglu
- Medical Faculty, Newcastle University Cancer Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4AD, UK
| | - Jonathan P Wallis
- Department of Haematology, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7DN, UK
| | - Helen Marr
- Department of Haematology, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7DN, UK
| | - Scott Marshall
- Department of Haematology, City Hospitals Sunderland NHS Trust, Sunderland SR4 7TP, UK
| | - Nick Bown
- Northern Genetics Service, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4EP, UK
| | - Elaine Willmore
- Medical Faculty, Newcastle University Cancer Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4AD, UK
| | - John Lunec
- Medical Faculty, Newcastle University Cancer Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4AD, UK
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8
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Araki S, Ohori M, Yugami M. Targeting pre-mRNA splicing in cancers: roles, inhibitors, and therapeutic opportunities. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1152087. [PMID: 37342192 PMCID: PMC10277747 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1152087] [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: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence has indicated that pre-mRNA splicing plays critical roles in a variety of physiological processes, including development of multiple diseases. In particular, alternative splicing is profoundly involved in cancer progression through abnormal expression or mutation of splicing factors. Small-molecule splicing modulators have recently attracted considerable attention as a novel class of cancer therapeutics, and several splicing modulators are currently being developed for the treatment of patients with various cancers and are in the clinical trial stage. Novel molecular mechanisms modulating alternative splicing have proven to be effective for treating cancer cells resistant to conventional anticancer drugs. Furthermore, molecular mechanism-based combination strategies and patient stratification strategies for cancer treatment targeting pre-mRNA splicing must be considered for cancer therapy in the future. This review summarizes recent progress in the relationship between druggable splicing-related molecules and cancer, highlights small-molecule splicing modulators, and discusses future perspectives of splicing modulation for personalized and combination therapies in cancer treatment.
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9
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Fackenthal JD. Alternative mRNA Splicing and Promising Therapies in Cancer. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13030561. [PMID: 36979496 PMCID: PMC10046298 DOI: 10.3390/biom13030561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is among the leading causes of mortality worldwide. While considerable attention has been given to genetic and epigenetic sources of cancer-specific cellular activities, the role of alternative mRNA splicing has only recently received attention as a major contributor to cancer initiation and progression. The distribution of alternate mRNA splicing variants in cancer cells is different from their non-cancer counterparts, and cancer cells are more sensitive than non-cancer cells to drugs that target components of the splicing regulatory network. While many of the alternatively spliced mRNAs in cancer cells may represent "noise" from splicing dysregulation, certain recurring splicing variants have been shown to contribute to tumor progression. Some pathogenic splicing disruption events result from mutations in cis-acting splicing regulatory sequences in disease-associated genes, while others may result from shifts in balance among naturally occurring alternate splicing variants among mRNAs that participate in cell cycle progression and the regulation of apoptosis. This review provides examples of cancer-related alternate splicing events resulting from each step of mRNA processing and the promising therapies that may be used to address them.
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Affiliation(s)
- James D Fackenthal
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Health, Benedictine University, Lisle, IL 60532, USA
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10
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Liu Z, Zhang X, Zhang H, Zhang H, Yi Z, Zhang Q, Liu Q, Liu X. Multi-Omics Analysis Reveals Intratumor Microbes as Immunomodulators in Colorectal Cancer. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0503822. [PMID: 36786568 PMCID: PMC10100960 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.05038-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies indicated that intratumor microbes are an essential part of the tumor microenvironment. Here, we performed an integrated analysis of genetic, epigenetic, and intratumor microbial factors to unravel the potential remodeling mechanisms of immune-cell infiltration (ICI) and tumorigenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC). We identified the components and structure of the intratumor microbiome as primary contributors to the difference in survival between ICI subtypes. Multiple tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) and immune-related genes were associated with intratumor microbial abundance. Additionally, we found that Clostridium was enriched in CRC patients who were nonsensitive to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. We further provided clues that the intratumor microbes might influence the response to ICB therapy by mediating TIICs, especially MAIT (mucosa-associated invariant T) cells. Finally, three ICB-related TIICs and 22 of their associated microbes showed the potential to predict the response to ICB therapy (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] = 89%). Our findings highlight the crucial role of intratumor microbes in affecting immune-cell infiltration patterns, prognosis, and therapy response of CRC and provide insights for improving current immunotherapeutic treatment strategies and prognosis for CRC patients. IMPORTANCE Using the multi-omics data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) colorectal cancer (CRC) cohort, we estimated the tumor microenvironment (TME) infiltration patterns of patients and unraveled the interplay of gene expression, epigenetic modification, and the intratumor microbiome. This study suggests the impact of intratumor microbes on maintaining the tumor immune microenvironment in the pathogenesis of CRC and modulating the response to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. We identified a set of combined features, including 3 ICB-related tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) and 22 of their associated microbes, that are predictive of ICB responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology—Microbiology Division, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Pathogen of Jiangsu Province, Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Center of Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuemei Zhang
- Department of Pathogen Biology—Microbiology Division, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Pathogen of Jiangsu Province, Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Center of Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haoding Zhang
- Department of Pathogen Biology—Microbiology Division, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Pathogen of Jiangsu Province, Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Center of Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Pathogen Biology—Microbiology Division, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Pathogen of Jiangsu Province, Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Center of Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhongyuan Yi
- Department of Pathogen Biology—Microbiology Division, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Pathogen of Jiangsu Province, Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Center of Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qingqing Zhang
- Department of Pathogen Biology—Microbiology Division, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Pathogen of Jiangsu Province, Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Center of Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qisha Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology—Microbiology Division, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Pathogen of Jiangsu Province, Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Center of Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xingyin Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology—Microbiology Division, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Pathogen of Jiangsu Province, Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Center of Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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11
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Splicing Modulation Results in Aberrant Isoforms and Protein Products of p53 Pathway Genes and the Sensitization of B Cells to Non-Genotoxic MDM2 Inhibition. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032410. [PMID: 36768733 PMCID: PMC9916657 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032410] [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: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Several molecular subtypes of cancer are highly dependent on splicing for cell survival. There is a general interest in the therapeutic targeting of splicing by small molecules. E7107, a first-in-class spliceosome inhibitor, showed strong growth inhibitory activities against a large variety of human cancer xenografts. Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is a clinically heterogeneous hematologic malignancy, with approximately 90% of cases being TP53 wild-type at diagnosis. An increasing number of studies are evaluating alternative targeted agents in CLL, including MDM2-p53 binding antagonists. In this study, we report the effect of splicing modulation on key proteins in the p53 signalling pathway, an important cell death pathway in B cells. Splicing modulation by E7107 treatment reduced full-length MDM2 production due to exon skipping, generating a consequent reciprocal p53 increase in TP53WT cells. It was especially noteworthy that a novel p21WAF1 isoform with compromised cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitory activity was produced due to intron retention. E7107 synergized with the MDM2 inhibitor RG7388, via dual MDM2 inhibition; by E7107 at the transcript level and by RG7388 at the protein level, producing greater p53 stabilisation and apoptosis. This study provides evidence for a synergistic MDM2 and spliceosome inhibitor combination as a novel approach to treat CLL and potentially other haematological malignancies.
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12
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Tripathi G, Tripathi A, Johnson J, Kashyap MK. Role of RNA Splicing in Regulation of Cancer Stem Cell. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 18:3-6. [PMID: 34875992 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x16666211207103628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Greesham Tripathi
- Amity Stem Cell Institute, Amity Medical School, Amity University Haryana, Panchgaon (Manesar), Haryana 122413, India
| | - Avantika Tripathi
- Amity Stem Cell Institute, Amity Medical School, Amity University Haryana, Panchgaon (Manesar), Haryana 122413, India
| | - Joel Johnson
- Amity Stem Cell Institute, Amity Medical School, Amity University Haryana, Panchgaon (Manesar), Haryana 122413, India
| | - Manoj Kumar Kashyap
- Amity Stem Cell Institute, Amity Medical School, Amity University Haryana, Panchgaon (Manesar), Haryana 122413, India
- Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Bajhol, Solan, Himachal Pradesh 173229, India
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13
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Cancer cells hijack RNA processing to rewrite the message. Biochem Soc Trans 2022; 50:1447-1456. [PMID: 36282006 PMCID: PMC9704515 DOI: 10.1042/bst20220621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Typically, cancer is thought to arise due to DNA mutations, dysregulated transcription and/or aberrant signalling. Recently, it has become clear that dysregulated mRNA processing, mRNA export and translation also contribute to malignancy. RNA processing events result in major modifications to the physical nature of mRNAs such as the addition of the methyl-7-guanosine cap, the removal of introns and the addition of polyA tails. mRNA processing is a critical determinant for the protein-coding capacity of mRNAs since these physical changes impact the efficiency by which a given transcript can be exported to the cytoplasm and translated into protein. While many of these mRNA metabolism steps were considered constitutive housekeeping activities, they are now known to be highly regulated with combinatorial and multiplicative impacts i.e. one event will influence the capacity to undergo others. Furthermore, alternative splicing and/or cleavage and polyadenylation can produce transcripts with alternative messages and new functionalities. The coordinated processing of groups of functionally related RNAs can potently re-wire signalling pathways, modulate survival pathways and even re-structure the cell. As postulated by the RNA regulon model, combinatorial regulation of these groups is achieved by the presence of shared cis-acting elements (known as USER codes) which recruit machinery for processing, export or translation. In all, dysregulated RNA metabolism in cancer gives rise to an altered proteome that in turn elicits biological responses related to malignancy. Studies of these events in cancer revealed new mechanisms underpinning malignancies and unearthed novel therapeutic opportunities. In all, cancer cells coopt RNA processing, export and translation to support their oncogenic activity.
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14
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Kontandreopoulou CN, Kalopisis K, Viniou NA, Diamantopoulos P. The genetics of myelodysplastic syndromes and the opportunities for tailored treatments. Front Oncol 2022; 12:989483. [PMID: 36338673 PMCID: PMC9630842 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.989483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic instability, microenvironmental aberrations, and somatic mutations contribute to the phenotype of myelodysplastic syndrome and the risk for transformation to AML. Genes involved in RNA splicing, DNA methylation, histone modification, the cohesin complex, transcription, DNA damage response pathway, signal transduction and other pathways constitute recurrent mutational targets in MDS. RNA-splicing and DNA methylation mutations seem to occur early and are reported as driver mutations in over 50% of MDS patients. The improved understanding of the molecular landscape of MDS has led to better disease and risk classification, leading to novel therapeutic opportunities. Based on these findings, novel agents are currently under preclinical and clinical development and expected to improve the clinical outcome of patients with MDS in the upcoming years. This review provides a comprehensive update of the normal gene function as well as the impact of mutations in the pathogenesis, deregulation, diagnosis, and prognosis of MDS, focuses on the most recent advances of the genetic basis of myelodysplastic syndromes and their clinical relevance, and the latest targeted therapeutic approaches including investigational and approved agents for MDS.
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Zhang F, Chen L. Molecular Threat of Splicing Factor Mutations to Myeloid Malignancies and Potential Therapeutic Modulations. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081972. [PMID: 36009519 PMCID: PMC9405558 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Splicing factors are frequently mutated in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). These mutations are presumed to contribute to oncogenic transformation, but the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. While no specific treatment option is available for MDS/AML patients with spliceosome mutations, novel targeting strategies are actively explored, leading to clinical trials of small molecule inhibitors that target the spliceosome, DNA damage response pathway, and immune response pathway. Here, we review recent progress in mechanistic understanding of splicing factor mutations promoting disease progression and summarize potential therapeutic strategies, which, if successful, would provide clinical benefit to patients carrying splicing factor mutations.
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Stanley RF, Abdel-Wahab O. Dysregulation and therapeutic targeting of RNA splicing in cancer. NATURE CANCER 2022; 3:536-546. [PMID: 35624337 PMCID: PMC9551392 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-022-00384-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
High-throughput sequencing and functional characterization of the cancer transcriptome have uncovered cancer-specific dysregulation of RNA splicing across a variety of cancers. Alterations in the cancer genome and dysregulation of RNA splicing factors lead to missplicing, splicing alteration-dependent gene expression and, in some cases, generation of novel splicing-derived proteins. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of aberrant splicing in cancer pathogenesis and present strategies to harness cancer-specific aberrant splicing for therapeutic intent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert F Stanley
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program and Leukemia Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Omar Abdel-Wahab
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program and Leukemia Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
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Sellin M, Mack R, Rhodes MC, Zhang L, Berg S, Joshi K, Liu S, Wei W, S. J. PB, Larsen P, Taylor RE, Zhang J. Molecular mechanisms by which splice modulator GEX1A inhibits leukaemia development and progression. Br J Cancer 2022; 127:223-236. [PMID: 35422078 PMCID: PMC9296642 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-022-01796-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Splice modulators have been assessed clinically in treating haematologic malignancies exhibiting splice factor mutations and acute myeloid leukaemia. However, the mechanisms by which such modulators repress leukaemia remain to be elucidated. OBJECTIVES The primary goal of this assessment was to assess the molecular mechanism by which the natural splice modulator GEX1A kills leukaemic cells in vitro and within in vivo mouse models. METHODS Using human leukaemic cell lines, we assessed the overall sensitivity these cells have to GEX1A via EC50 analysis. We subsequently analysed its effects using in vivo xenograft mouse models and examined whether cell sensitivities were correlated to genetic characteristics or protein expression levels. We also utilised RT-PCR and RNAseq analyses to determine splice change and RNA expression level differences between sensitive and resistant leukaemic cell lines. RESULTS We found that, in vitro, GEX1A induced an MCL-1 isoform shift to pro-apoptotic MCL-1S in all leukaemic cell types, though sensitivity to GEX1A-induced apoptosis was negatively associated with BCL-xL expression. In BCL-2-expressing leukaemic cells, GEX1A induced BCL-2-dependent apoptosis by converting pro-survival BCL-2 into a cell killer. Thus, GEX1A + selective BCL-xL inhibition induced synergism in killing leukaemic cells, while GEX1A + BCL-2 inhibition showed antagonism in BCL-2-expressing leukaemic cells. In addition, GEX1A sensitised FLT3-ITD+ leukaemic cells to apoptosis by inducing aberrant splicing and repressing the expression of FLT3-ITD. Consistently, in in vivo xenografts, GEX1A killed the bulk of leukaemic cells via apoptosis when combined with BCL-xL inhibition. Furthermore, GEX1A repressed leukaemia development by targeting leukaemia stem cells through inhibiting FASTK mitochondrial isoform expression across sensitive and non-sensitive leukaemia types. CONCLUSION Our study suggests that GEX1A is a potent anti-leukaemic agent in combination with BCL-xL inhibitors, which targets leukaemic blasts and leukaemia stem cells through distinct mechanisms.
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Sette C, Paronetto MP. Somatic Mutations in Core Spliceosome Components Promote Tumorigenesis and Generate an Exploitable Vulnerability in Human Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14071827. [PMID: 35406598 PMCID: PMC8997811 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14071827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary High throughput exome sequencing approaches have disclosed recurrent cancer-associated mutations in spliceosomal components, which drive aberrant pre-mRNA processing events and support the tumor phenotype. At the same time, mutations in spliceosome genes and aberrant splicing regulation establish a selective vulnerability of cancer cells to splicing-targeting approaches, which could be exploited therapeutically. It is conceivable that a better understanding of the mechanisms and roles of abnormal splicing in tumor metabolism will facilitate the development of a novel generation of tumor-targeting drugs. In this review, we describe recent advances in the elucidation of the biological impact and biochemical effects of somatic mutations in core spliceosome components on splicing choices and their associated targetable vulnerabilities. Abstract Alternative pre-mRNA processing enables the production of distinct mRNA and protein isoforms from a single gene, thus greatly expanding the coding potential of eukaryotic genomes and fine-tuning gene expression programs. Splicing is carried out by the spliceosome, a complex molecular machinery which assembles step-wise on mRNA precursors in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells. In the last decade, exome sequencing technologies have allowed the identification of point mutations in genes encoding splicing factors as a recurrent hallmark of human cancers, with higher incidence in hematological malignancies. These mutations lead to production of splicing factors that reduce the fidelity of the splicing process and yield splicing variants that are often advantageous for cancer cells. However, at the same time, these mutations increase the sensitivity of transformed cells to splicing inhibitors, thus offering a therapeutic opportunity for novel targeted strategies. Herein, we review the recent literature documenting cancer-associated mutations in components of the early spliceosome complex and discuss novel therapeutic strategies based on small-molecule spliceosome inhibitors that exhibit strong anti-tumor effects, particularly against cancer cells harboring mutations in spliceosomal components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Sette
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy;
- GSTEP-Organoids Core Facility, Fondazione Policlinico Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Paronetto
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, Piazza Lauro De Bosis, 6, 00135 Rome, Italy
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Kumar D, Kashyap MK, Yu Z, Spaanderman I, Villa R, Kipps TJ, La Clair JJ, Burkart MD, Castro JE. Modulation of RNA splicing associated with Wnt signaling pathway using FD-895 and pladienolide B. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:2081-2100. [PMID: 35230971 PMCID: PMC8954975 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Alterations in RNA splicing are associated with different malignancies, including leukemia, lymphoma, and solid tumors. The RNA splicing modulators such as FD-895 and pladienolide B have been investigated in different malignancies to target/modulate spliceosome for therapeutic purpose. Different cell lines were screened using an RNA splicing modulator to test in vitro cytotoxicity and the ability to modulate RNA splicing capability via induction of intron retention (using RT-PCR and qPCR). The Cignal Finder Reporter Array evaluated [pathways affected by the splice modulators in HeLa cells. Further, the candidates associated with the pathways were validated at protein level using western blot assay, and gene-gene interaction studies were carried out using GeneMANIA. We show that FD-895 and pladienolide B induces higher apoptosis levels than conventional chemotherapy in different solid tumors. In addition, both agents modulate Wnt signaling pathways and mRNA splicing. Specifically, FD-895 and pladienolide B significantly downregulates Wnt signaling pathway-associated transcripts (GSK3β and LRP5) and both transcript and proteins including LEF1, CCND1, LRP6, and pLRP6 at the transcript, total protein, and protein phosphorylation's levels. These results indicate FD-895 and pladienolide B inhibit Wnt signaling by decreasing LRP6 phosphorylation and modulating mRNA splicing through induction of intron retention in solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Kumar
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- ThermoFisher Scientific, Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA
| | - Manoj K. Kashyap
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Amity Stem Cell Institute, Amity Medical School, Amity University Haryana, Panchgaon (Manesar), Haryana 122413, India
| | - Zhe Yu
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Ide Spaanderman
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Reymundo Villa
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Thomas J. Kipps
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- CLL Research Consortium and Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - James J. La Clair
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Michael D. Burkart
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Januario E. Castro
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- CLL Research Consortium and Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Hematology-Oncology Division, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA
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20
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Abd El Halim HM, Ali A. Long noncoding RNAs: Emerging players regulating innate immune memory in the red flour beetle. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 127:104304. [PMID: 34756931 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2021.104304] [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: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
A variety of strategies have been evolved to eradicate invading microbes. Phagocytes have developed in vertebrates and invertebrates to confer a non-specific immune response to pathogens. Besides, vertebrates have evolved lymphocytes to develop memory cells that can quickly respond upon the next exposure to the same pathogen. Although lymphocytes are absent in invertebrates, historical evidence, dating back to the 1920s, indicated the presence of immune memory in invertebrates. However, the concept of long-lasting non-specific defense predominated until recent evidence has been introduced in the first decade of the 21st century. Although more evidence has been introduced later, the molecular mechanism underlying the innate immune memory is largely undefined in invertebrates. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have demonstrated a role in regulating various biological processes, including immune response. In this review, we will explore the potential role of lncRNAs in developing innate immune memory in the red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ali Ali
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742-231, USA; Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Benha University, Benha, 13518, Egypt.
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21
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Qin T, Cheng Y, Wang X. RNA-binding proteins as drivers of AML and novel therapeutic targets. Leuk Lymphoma 2022; 63:1045-1057. [PMID: 35075986 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2021.2008381] [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: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a group of genetically complex and heterogeneous invasive hematological malignancies with a low 5-year overall survival rate of 30%, which highlights the urgent need for improved treatment measures. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) regulate the abundance of isoforms of related proteins by regulating RNA splicing, translation, stability, and localization, thereby affecting cell differentiation and self-renewal. It is increasingly believed that RBPs are essential for normal hematopoiesis, and RBPs play a key role in hematological tumors, especially AML, by acting as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. In addition, targeting an RBP that is significantly related to AML can trigger the apoptosis of leukemic stem cells or promote the proliferation of stem and progenitor cells by modulating the expression of important pathway regulatory factors such as HOXA9, MYC, and CDKN1A. Accordingly, RBPs involved in normal myeloid differentiation and the occurrence of AML may represent promising therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingyu Qin
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Ying Cheng
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiaozhong Wang
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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22
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Chang Y, Zhao Y, Wang L, Wu M, He C, Huang M, Lei Z, Yang J, Han S, Wang B, Chen Y, Liu C, Yu H, Xue L, Geng J, Chen Y, Dai T, Ren L, Wang Q, Liu X, Chu X, Chen C. PHF5A promotes colorectal cancerprogression by alternative splicing of TEAD2. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2021; 26:1215-1227. [PMID: 34853721 PMCID: PMC8605294 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulated alternative splicing (AS) plays critical roles in driving cancer progression, and the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we demonstrated that PHF5A, a component of U2 small nuclear ribonucleoproteins, was frequently upregulated in colorectal cancer (CRC) samples and associated with poor prognosis. PHF5A promoted proliferation and metastasis of CRC cells in vitro and in vivo. Transcriptomic analysis identified PHF5A-regulated AS targets and pathways. Particularly, PHF5A induced TEAD2 exon 2 inclusion to activate YAP signaling, and interference of TEAD2-L partially reversed the PHF5A-mediated tumor progression. Pharmacological inhibition of PHF5A using pladienolide B had potent antitumor activity. Collectively, these data revealed the oncogenic role of PHF5A in CRC through regulating AS and established PHF5A as potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Chang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Yulu Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Liya Wang
- Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Meijuan Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Chenglong He
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Mengxi Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Zengjie Lei
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Jiahe Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Siqi Han
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Bibo Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Yanyan Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Hongju Yu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Lijun Xue
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Jian Geng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Yanan Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Tingting Dai
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Lili Ren
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Xiaobei Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Chu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210002, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Cheng Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210002, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Nanjing 210002, China
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Yamauchi H, Nishimura K, Yoshimi A. Aberrant RNA splicing and therapeutic opportunities in cancers. Cancer Sci 2021; 113:373-381. [PMID: 34812550 PMCID: PMC8819303 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
There has been accumulating evidence that RNA splicing is frequently dysregulated in a variety of cancers and that hotspot mutations affecting key splicing factors, SF3B1, SRSF2 and U2AF1, are commonly enriched across cancers, strongly suggesting that aberrant RNA splicing is a new class of hallmark that contributes to the initiation and/or maintenance of cancers. In parallel, some studies have demonstrated that cancer cells with global splicing alterations are dependent on the transcriptional products derived from wild‐type spliceosome for their survival, which potentially creates a therapeutic vulnerability in cancers with a mutant spliceosome. It has been c. 10 y since the frequent mutations affecting splicing factors were reported in cancers. Based on these surprising findings, there has been a growing interest in targeting altered splicing in the treatment of cancers, which has promoted a wide variety of investigations including genetic, molecular and biological studies addressing how altered splicing promotes oncogenesis and how cancers bearing alterations in splicing can be targeted therapeutically. In this mini‐review we present a concise trajectory of what has been elucidated regarding the pathogenesis of cancers with aberrant splicing, as well as the development of therapeutic strategies to target global splicing alterations in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirofumi Yamauchi
- Cancer RNA Research Unit, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuki Nishimura
- Cancer RNA Research Unit, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akihide Yoshimi
- Cancer RNA Research Unit, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
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24
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Total Syntheses of Pladienolide-Derived Spliceosome Modulators. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26195938. [PMID: 34641481 PMCID: PMC8512135 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26195938] [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: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Pladienolides, an emerging class of naturally occurring spliceosome modulators, exhibit interesting structural features, such as highly substituted 12-membered macrocycles and epoxide-containing diene side chains. The potential of pladienolides as anti-cancer agents is confirmed by H3B-8800, a synthetic analog of this natural product class, which is currently under Phase I clinical trials. Since its isolation in 2004 and the first total synthesis in 2007, a dozen total syntheses and synthetic approaches toward the pladienolide class have been reported to date. This review focuses on the eight completed total syntheses of naturally occurring pladienolides or their synthetic analogs, in addition to a synthetic approach to the main framework of the natural product.
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25
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Putowski M, Giannopoulos K. Perspectives on Precision Medicine in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Targeting Recurrent Mutations-NOTCH1, SF3B1, MYD88, BIRC3. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10163735. [PMID: 34442029 PMCID: PMC8396993 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10163735] [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: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is highly heterogeneous, with extremely variable clinical course. The clinical heterogeneity of CLL reflects differences in the biology of the disease, including chromosomal alterations, specific immunophenotypic patterns and serum markers. The application of next-generation sequencing techniques has demonstrated the high genetic and epigenetic heterogeneity in CLL. The novel mutations could be pharmacologically targeted for individualized approach in some of the CLL patients. Potential neurogenic locus notch homolog protein 1 (NOTCH1) signalling targeting mechanisms in CLL include secretase inhibitors and specific antibodies to block NOTCH ligand/receptor interactions. In vitro studies characterizing the effect of the splicing inhibitors resulted in increased apoptosis of CLL cells regardless of splicing factor 3B subunit 1 (SF3B1) status. Several therapeutic strategies have been also proposed to directly or indirectly inhibit the toll-like receptor/myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (TLR/MyD88) pathway. Another potential approach is targeting nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and inhibition of this prosurvival pathway. Newly discovered mutations and their signalling pathways play key roles in the course of the disease. This opens new opportunities in the management and treatment of CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Putowski
- Department of Experimental Hematooncology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-81-448-66-32
| | - Krzysztof Giannopoulos
- Department of Experimental Hematooncology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
- Department of Hematology, St. John’s Cancer Center, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
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26
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Barabino SML, Citterio E, Ronchi AE. Transcription Factors, R-Loops and Deubiquitinating Enzymes: Emerging Targets in Myelodysplastic Syndromes and Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13153753. [PMID: 34359655 PMCID: PMC8345071 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153753] [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: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The advent of DNA massive sequencing technologies has allowed for the first time an extensive look into the heterogeneous spectrum of genes and mutations underpinning myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In this review, we wish to explore the most recent advances and the rationale for the potential therapeutic interest of three main actors in myelo-leukemic transformation: transcription factors that govern myeloid differentiation; RNA splicing factors, which ensure proper mRNA maturation and whose mutations increase R-loops formation; and deubiquitinating enzymes, which contribute to genome stability in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Abstract Myeloid neoplasms encompass a very heterogeneous family of diseases characterized by the failure of the molecular mechanisms that ensure a balanced equilibrium between hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) self-renewal and the proper production of differentiated cells. The origin of the driver mutations leading to preleukemia can be traced back to HSC/progenitor cells. Many properties typical to normal HSCs are exploited by leukemic stem cells (LSCs) to their advantage, leading to the emergence of a clonal population that can eventually progress to leukemia with variable latency and evolution. In fact, different subclones might in turn develop from the original malignant clone through accumulation of additional mutations, increasing their competitive fitness. This process ultimately leads to a complex cancer architecture where a mosaic of cellular clones—each carrying a unique set of mutations—coexists. The repertoire of genes whose mutations contribute to the progression toward leukemogenesis is broad. It encompasses genes involved in different cellular processes, including transcriptional regulation, epigenetics (DNA and histones modifications), DNA damage signaling and repair, chromosome segregation and replication (cohesin complex), RNA splicing, and signal transduction. Among these many players, transcription factors, RNA splicing proteins, and deubiquitinating enzymes are emerging as potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
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27
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Cretu C, Gee P, Liu X, Agrawal A, Nguyen TV, Ghosh AK, Cook A, Jurica M, Larsen NA, Pena V. Structural basis of intron selection by U2 snRNP in the presence of covalent inhibitors. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4491. [PMID: 34301950 PMCID: PMC8302644 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24741-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Intron selection during the formation of prespliceosomes is a critical event in pre-mRNA splicing. Chemical modulation of intron selection has emerged as a route for cancer therapy. Splicing modulators alter the splicing patterns in cells by binding to the U2 snRNP (small nuclear ribonucleoprotein)—a complex chaperoning the selection of branch and 3′ splice sites. Here we report crystal structures of the SF3B module of the U2 snRNP in complex with spliceostatin and sudemycin FR901464 analogs, and the cryo-electron microscopy structure of a cross-exon prespliceosome-like complex arrested with spliceostatin A. The structures reveal how modulators inactivate the branch site in a sequence-dependent manner and stall an E-to-A prespliceosome intermediate by covalent coupling to a nucleophilic zinc finger belonging to the SF3B subunit PHF5A. These findings support a mechanism of intron recognition by the U2 snRNP as a toehold-mediated strand invasion and advance an unanticipated drug targeting concept. Chemical modulation of intron selection has emerged as a route for cancer therapy. Here, structures of the U2 snRNP’s SF3B module and of prespliceosome- both in complexes with splicing modulators- provide insight into the mechanisms of intron recognition and branch site inactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constantin Cretu
- Research Group Mechanisms and Regulation of Splicing, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK.,Cluster of Excellence Multiscale Bioimaging (MBExC), Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Xiang Liu
- H3 Biomedicine, Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Arun K Ghosh
- Departments of Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | | | - Melissa Jurica
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | | | - Vladimir Pena
- Research Group Mechanisms and Regulation of Splicing, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK.
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Trivedi G, Inoue D, Zhang L. Targeting low-risk myelodysplastic syndrome with novel therapeutic strategies. Trends Mol Med 2021; 27:990-999. [PMID: 34257007 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2021.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a group of hematopoietic disorders with limited treatment options. Anemia is a common symptom in MDS, and although erythropoiesis-stimulating agents such as erythropoietin, lenalidomide, and luspatercept are available to treat anemia, many MDS patients do not respond to these first-line therapies. Therefore, alternative drug development strategies are needed to improve therapeutic efficacy. Splicing modulators to correct splicing-related defects have shown promising results in clinical trials. Targeting differentiation of early erythroid progenitors to increase the erythroid output in MDS is another novel approach, which has shown encouraging results at the pre-clinical stage. Together, these therapeutic strategies provide new avenues to target MDS symptoms untreatable previously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurang Trivedi
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA; Genetics Program, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Daichi Inoue
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Institute of Biomedical Research and Innovation, Foundation for Biomedical Research and Innovation at Kobe, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Lingbo Zhang
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA.
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29
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Prieto C, Nguyen DTT, Liu Z, Wheat J, Perez A, Gourkanti S, Chou T, Barin E, Velleca A, Rohwetter T, Chow A, Taggart J, Savino AM, Hoskova K, Dhodapkar M, Schurer A, Barlowe TS, Vu LP, Leslie C, Steidl U, Rabadan R, Kharas MG. Transcriptional control of CBX5 by the RNA binding proteins RBMX and RBMXL1 maintains chromatin state in myeloid leukemia. NATURE CANCER 2021; 2:741-757. [PMID: 34458856 PMCID: PMC8388313 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-021-00220-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
RNA binding proteins (RBPs) are key arbiters of post-transcriptional regulation and are found to be found dysregulated in hematological malignancies. Here, we identify the RBP RBMX and its retrogene RBMXL1 to be required for murine and human myeloid leukemogenesis. RBMX/L1 are overexpressed in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) primary patients compared to healthy individuals, and RBMX/L1 loss delayed leukemia development. RBMX/L1 loss lead to significant changes in chromatin accessibility, as well as chromosomal breaks and gaps. We found that RBMX/L1 directly bind to mRNAs, affect transcription of multiple loci, including CBX5 (HP1α), and control the nascent transcription of the CBX5 locus. Forced CBX5 expression rescued the RBMX/L1 depletion effects on cell growth and apoptosis. Overall, we determine that RBMX/L1 control leukemia cell survival by regulating chromatin state through their downstream target CBX5. These findings identify a mechanism for RBPs directly promoting transcription and suggest RBMX/L1, as well as CBX5, as potential therapeutic targets in myeloid malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Prieto
- Molecular Pharmacology Program and Center for Cell Engineering, Center for Stem Cell Biology, Center for Experimental Therapeutics, Center for Hematologic Malignancies, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Diu T T Nguyen
- Molecular Pharmacology Program and Center for Cell Engineering, Center for Stem Cell Biology, Center for Experimental Therapeutics, Center for Hematologic Malignancies, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zhaoqi Liu
- Program for Mathematical Genomics, Department of Systems Biology, Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Justin Wheat
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY USA
| | - Alexendar Perez
- Computational Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Saroj Gourkanti
- Molecular Pharmacology Program and Center for Cell Engineering, Center for Stem Cell Biology, Center for Experimental Therapeutics, Center for Hematologic Malignancies, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Timothy Chou
- Molecular Pharmacology Program and Center for Cell Engineering, Center for Stem Cell Biology, Center for Experimental Therapeutics, Center for Hematologic Malignancies, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ersilia Barin
- Molecular Pharmacology Program and Center for Cell Engineering, Center for Stem Cell Biology, Center for Experimental Therapeutics, Center for Hematologic Malignancies, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anthony Velleca
- Molecular Pharmacology Program and Center for Cell Engineering, Center for Stem Cell Biology, Center for Experimental Therapeutics, Center for Hematologic Malignancies, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Thomas Rohwetter
- Molecular Pharmacology Program and Center for Cell Engineering, Center for Stem Cell Biology, Center for Experimental Therapeutics, Center for Hematologic Malignancies, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Arthur Chow
- Molecular Pharmacology Program and Center for Cell Engineering, Center for Stem Cell Biology, Center for Experimental Therapeutics, Center for Hematologic Malignancies, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - James Taggart
- Molecular Pharmacology Program and Center for Cell Engineering, Center for Stem Cell Biology, Center for Experimental Therapeutics, Center for Hematologic Malignancies, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Angela M Savino
- Molecular Pharmacology Program and Center for Cell Engineering, Center for Stem Cell Biology, Center for Experimental Therapeutics, Center for Hematologic Malignancies, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Katerina Hoskova
- Molecular Pharmacology Program and Center for Cell Engineering, Center for Stem Cell Biology, Center for Experimental Therapeutics, Center for Hematologic Malignancies, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Meera Dhodapkar
- Molecular Pharmacology Program and Center for Cell Engineering, Center for Stem Cell Biology, Center for Experimental Therapeutics, Center for Hematologic Malignancies, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alexandra Schurer
- Molecular Pharmacology Program and Center for Cell Engineering, Center for Stem Cell Biology, Center for Experimental Therapeutics, Center for Hematologic Malignancies, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Trevor S Barlowe
- Molecular Pharmacology Program and Center for Cell Engineering, Center for Stem Cell Biology, Center for Experimental Therapeutics, Center for Hematologic Malignancies, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ly P Vu
- Terry Fox Laboratory, British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Christina Leslie
- Computational Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ulrich Steidl
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY USA
| | - Raul Rabadan
- Program for Mathematical Genomics, Department of Systems Biology, Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael G Kharas
- Molecular Pharmacology Program and Center for Cell Engineering, Center for Stem Cell Biology, Center for Experimental Therapeutics, Center for Hematologic Malignancies, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
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30
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Hotspot exons are common targets of splicing perturbations. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2756. [PMID: 33980843 PMCID: PMC8115636 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22780-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
High-throughput splicing assays have demonstrated that many exonic variants can disrupt splicing; however, splice-disrupting variants distribute non-uniformly across genes. We propose the existence of exons that are particularly susceptible to splice-disrupting variants, which we refer to as hotspot exons. Hotspot exons are also more susceptible to splicing perturbation through drug treatment and knock-down of RNA-binding proteins. We develop a classifier for exonic splice-disrupting variants and use it to infer hotspot exons. We estimate that 1400 exons in the human genome are hotspots. Using panels of splicing reporters, we demonstrate how the ability of an exon to tolerate a mutation is inversely proportional to the strength of its neighboring splice sites. Splicing-disrupting mutations are linked to diseases. By employing a machine learning approach, the authors show that certain exons, termed hotspot exons, are enriched for splicing-disruption variants and susceptible to splicing perturbations.
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31
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Biology of the mRNA Splicing Machinery and Its Dysregulation in Cancer Providing Therapeutic Opportunities. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22105110. [PMID: 34065983 PMCID: PMC8150589 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of messenger RNA (mRNA) processing—in particular mRNA splicing—is a hallmark of cancer. Compared to normal cells, cancer cells frequently present aberrant mRNA splicing, which promotes cancer progression and treatment resistance. This hallmark provides opportunities for developing new targeted cancer treatments. Splicing of precursor mRNA into mature mRNA is executed by a dynamic complex of proteins and small RNAs called the spliceosome. Spliceosomes are part of the supraspliceosome, a macromolecular structure where all co-transcriptional mRNA processing activities in the cell nucleus are coordinated. Here we review the biology of the mRNA splicing machinery in the context of other mRNA processing activities in the supraspliceosome and present current knowledge of its dysregulation in lung cancer. In addition, we review investigations to discover therapeutic targets in the spliceosome and give an overview of inhibitors and modulators of the mRNA splicing process identified so far. Together, this provides insight into the value of targeting the spliceosome as a possible new treatment for lung cancer.
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32
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Nichols RG, Davenport ER. The relationship between the gut microbiome and host gene expression: a review. Hum Genet 2021; 140:747-760. [PMID: 33221945 PMCID: PMC7680557 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-020-02237-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Despite the growing knowledge surrounding host-microbiome interactions, we are just beginning to understand how the gut microbiome influences-and is influenced by-host gene expression. Here, we review recent literature that intersects these two fields, summarizing themes across studies. Work in model organisms, human biopsies, and cell culture demonstrate that the gut microbiome is an important regulator of several host pathways relevant for disease, including immune development and energy metabolism, and vice versa. The gut microbiome remodels host chromatin, causes differential splicing, alters the epigenetic landscape, and directly interrupts host signaling cascades. Emerging techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing and organoid generation have the potential to refine our understanding of the relationship between the gut microbiome and host gene expression in the future. By intersecting microbiome and host gene expression, we gain a window into the physiological processes important for fostering the extensive cross-kingdom interactions and ultimately our health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert G. Nichols
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802 USA
| | - Emily R. Davenport
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802 USA
- Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802 USA
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33
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Schneider-Poetsch T, Chhipi-Shrestha JK, Yoshida M. Splicing modulators: on the way from nature to clinic. J Antibiot (Tokyo) 2021; 74:603-616. [PMID: 34345042 PMCID: PMC8472923 DOI: 10.1038/s41429-021-00450-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Over the course of more than two decades, natural products isolated from various microorganisms and plants have built the foundation for chemical biology research into the mechanism of pre-mRNA splicing. Hand in hand with advances in scientific methodology small molecule splicing modulators have become powerful tools for investigating, not just the splicing mechanism, but also the cellular effect of altered mRNA processing. Based on thorough structure-activity studies, synthetic analogues have moved on from scientific tool compounds to experimental drugs. With current advances in drug discovery methodology and new means of attacking targets previously thought undruggable, we can expect further advances in both research and therapeutics based on small molecule splicing modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tilman Schneider-Poetsch
- grid.509461.fChemical Genomics Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Wako, Saitama Japan
| | | | - Minoru Yoshida
- grid.509461.fChemical Genomics Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Wako, Saitama Japan ,grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Japan ,grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XCollaborative Research Institute for Innovative Microbiology, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Japan
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34
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Spliceosome Mutations in Uveal Melanoma. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249546. [PMID: 33333932 PMCID: PMC7765440 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular malignancy of the eye. It has a high metastatic potential and mainly spreads to the liver. Genetics play a vital role in tumor classification and prognostication of UM metastatic disease. One of the driver genes mutated in metastasized UM is subunit 1 of splicing factor 3b (SF3B1), a component of the spliceosome complex. Recurrent mutations in components of the spliceosome complex are observed in UM and other malignancies, suggesting an important role in tumorigenesis. SF3B1 is the most common mutated spliceosome gene and in UM it is associated with late-onset metastasis. This review summarizes the genetic and epigenetic insights of spliceosome mutations in UM. They form a distinct subgroup of UM and have similarities with other spliceosome mutated malignancies.
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35
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Identification of phenothiazine derivatives as UHM-binding inhibitors of early spliceosome assembly. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5621. [PMID: 33159082 PMCID: PMC7648758 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19514-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Interactions between U2AF homology motifs (UHMs) and U2AF ligand motifs (ULMs) play a crucial role in early spliceosome assembly in eukaryotic gene regulation. UHM-ULM interactions mediate heterodimerization of the constitutive splicing factors U2AF65 and U2AF35 and between other splicing factors that regulate spliceosome assembly at the 3′ splice site, where UHM domains of alternative splicing factors, such as SPF45 and PUF60, contribute to alternative splicing regulation. Here, we performed high-throughput screening using fluorescence polarization assays with hit validation by NMR and identified phenothiazines as general inhibitors of UHM-ULM interactions. NMR studies show that these compounds occupy the tryptophan binding pocket of UHM domains. Co-crystal structures of the inhibitors with the PUF60 UHM domain and medicinal chemistry provide structure-activity-relationships and reveal functional groups important for binding. These inhibitors inhibit early spliceosome assembly on pre-mRNA substrates in vitro. Our data show that spliceosome assembly can be inhibited by targeting UHM-ULM interactions by small molecules, thus extending the toolkit of splicing modulators for structural and biochemical studies of the spliceosome and splicing regulation. So far only a few compounds have been reported as splicing modulators. Here, the authors combine high-throughput screening, chemical synthesis, NMR, X-ray crystallography with functional studies and develop phenothiazines as inhibitors for the U2AF Homology Motif (UHM) domains of proteins that regulate splicing and show that they inhibit early spliceosome assembly on pre-mRNA substrates in vitro.
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36
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Zhang D, Meng F. A Comprehensive Overview of Structure-Activity Relationships of Small-Molecule Splicing Modulators Targeting SF3B1 as Anticancer Agents. ChemMedChem 2020; 15:2098-2120. [PMID: 33037739 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Revised: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The pre-mRNA splicing factor SF3B1 shows recurrent mutations among hematologic malignancies and some solid tumors. In 2007, the identification of two cytotoxic natural products, which showed splicing inhibition by binding to SF3b, prompted the development of small-molecule splicing modulators of SF3B1 as therapeutics for cancer. Recent studies suggested that spliceosome-mutant cells are preferentially sensitive to pharmacologic splicing modulation; therefore, exploring the clinical utility of splicing modulator therapies in patients with spliceosome-mutant hematologic malignancies who have failed current therapies is greatly needed, as these patients have few treatment options. H3B-8800 had unique pharmacological activity and exhibited favorable data in phase I clinical trials to treat patients with advanced myeloid malignancies, indicating that further clinical trials are promising. The most established small-molecule modulators of SF3B1 can be categorized into three classes: the bicycles, the monopyranes, and the 12-membered macrolides. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the structure-activity relationships of small-molecule SF3B1 modulators, with a detailed analysis of interactions between modulators and protein binding pocket. The future strategy for splicing modulators development is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Datong Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), 3501 Daxue Road, Jinan, 250353, P. R. China
| | - Fancui Meng
- Tianjin Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, 306 Huiren Road, Tianjin, 300301, P. R. China
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37
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Sciarrillo R, Wojtuszkiewicz A, Assaraf YG, Jansen G, Kaspers GJL, Giovannetti E, Cloos J. The role of alternative splicing in cancer: From oncogenesis to drug resistance. Drug Resist Updat 2020; 53:100728. [PMID: 33070093 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2020.100728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Alternative splicing is a tightly regulated process whereby non-coding sequences of pre-mRNA are removed and protein-coding segments are assembled in diverse combinations, ultimately giving rise to proteins with distinct or even opposing functions. In the past decade, whole genome/transcriptome sequencing studies revealed the high complexity of splicing regulation, which occurs co-transcriptionally and is influenced by chromatin status and mRNA modifications. Consequently, splicing profiles of both healthy and malignant cells display high diversity and alternative splicing was shown to be widely deregulated in multiple cancer types. In particular, mutations in pre-mRNA regulatory sequences, splicing regulators and chromatin modifiers, as well as differential expression of splicing factors are important contributors to cancer pathogenesis. It has become clear that these aberrations contribute to many facets of cancer, including oncogenic transformation, cancer progression, response to anticancer drug treatment as well as resistance to therapy. In this respect, alternative splicing was shown to perturb the expression a broad spectrum of relevant genes involved in drug uptake/metabolism (i.e. SLC29A1, dCK, FPGS, and TP), activation of nuclear receptor pathways (i.e. GR, AR), regulation of apoptosis (i.e. MCL1, BCL-X, and FAS) and modulation of response to immunotherapy (CD19). Furthermore, aberrant splicing constitutes an important source of novel cancer biomarkers and the spliceosome machinery represents an attractive target for a novel and rapidly expanding class of therapeutic agents. Small molecule inhibitors targeting SF3B1 or splice factor kinases were highly cytotoxic against a wide range of cancer models, including drug-resistant cells. Importantly, these effects are enhanced in specific cancer subsets, such as splicing factor-mutated and c-MYC-driven tumors. Furthermore, pre-clinical studies report synergistic effects of spliceosome modulators in combination with conventional antitumor agents. These strategies based on the use of low dose splicing modulators could shift the therapeutic window towards decreased toxicity in healthy tissues. Here we provide an extensive overview of the latest findings in the field of regulation of splicing in cancer, including molecular mechanisms by which cancer cells harness alternative splicing to drive oncogenesis and evade anticancer drug treatment as well as splicing-based vulnerabilities that can provide novel treatment opportunities. Furthermore, we discuss current challenges arising from genome-wide detection and prediction methods of aberrant splicing, as well as unravelling functional relevance of the plethora of cancer-related splicing alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocco Sciarrillo
- Department of Hematology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Department of Pediatric Oncology, Emma's Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Anna Wojtuszkiewicz
- Department of Hematology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Yehuda G Assaraf
- The Fred Wyszkowski Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Gerrit Jansen
- Amsterdam Immunology and Rheumatology Center, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Gertjan J L Kaspers
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Emma's Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, Pisa, Italy
| | - Jacqueline Cloos
- Department of Hematology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
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38
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Fergany AAM, Tatarskiy VV. RNA Splicing: Basic Aspects Underlie Antitumor Targeting. Recent Pat Anticancer Drug Discov 2020; 15:293-305. [PMID: 32900350 DOI: 10.2174/1574892815666200908122402] [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: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND RNA splicing, a fundamental step in gene expression, is aimed at intron removal and ordering of exons to form the protein's reading frame. OBJECTIVE This review is focused on the role of RNA splicing in cancer biology; the splicing abnormalities that lead to tumor progression emerge as targets for therapeutic intervention. METHODS We discuss the role of aberrant mRNA splicing in carcinogenesis and drug response. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Pharmacological modulation of RNA splicing sets the stage for treatment approaches in situations where mRNA splicing is a clinically meaningful mechanism of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alzahraa A M Fergany
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Tokyo University of Science, Chiba, Japan
| | - Victor V Tatarskiy
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation
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39
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Abstract
Protein-RNA interactions have crucial roles in various cellular activities, which, when dysregulated, can lead to a range of human diseases. The identification of small molecules that target the interaction between RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and RNA is progressing rapidly and represents a novel strategy for the discovery of chemical probes that facilitate understanding of the cellular functions of RBPs and of therapeutic agents with new mechanisms of action. In this Review, I present a current overview of targeting emerging RBPs using small-molecule inhibitors and recent progress in this burgeoning field. Small-molecule inhibitors that were reported for three representative emerging classes of RBPs, the microRNA-binding protein LIN28, the single-stranded or double-stranded RNA-binding Toll-like receptors and the CRISPR-associated (Cas) proteins, are highlighted from a medicinal-chemistry and chemical-biology perspective. However, although this field is burgeoning, challenges remain in the discovery and characterization of small-molecule inhibitors of RBPs.
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40
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Shi Y, Bray W, Smith AJ, Zhou W, Calaoagan J, Lagisetti C, Sambucetti L, Crews P, Lokey RS, Webb TR. An exon skipping screen identifies antitumor drugs that are potent modulators of pre-mRNA splicing, suggesting new therapeutic applications. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233672. [PMID: 32469945 PMCID: PMC7259758 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Agents that modulate pre-mRNA splicing are of interest in multiple therapeutic areas, including cancer. We report our recent screening results with the application of a cell-based Triple Exon Skipping Luciferase Reporter (TESLR) using a library that is composed of FDA approved drugs, clinical compounds, and mechanistically characterized tool compounds. Confirmatory assays showed that three clinical antitumor therapeutic candidates (milciclib, PF-3758309 and PF-562271) are potent splicing modulators and that these drugs are, in fact, nanomolar inhibitors of multiple kinases involved in the regulation the spliceosome. We also report the identification of new SF3B1 antagonists (sudemycinol C and E) and show that these antagonists can be used to develop a displacement assay for SF3B1 small molecule ligands. These results further support the broad potential for the development of agents that target the spliceosome for the treatment of cancer and other diseases, as well as new avenues for the discovery of new chemotherapeutic agents for a range of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihui Shi
- Bioscience Division, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA, United States of America
| | - Walter Bray
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, United States of America
| | - Alexander J. Smith
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, United States of America
| | - Wei Zhou
- Bioscience Division, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA, United States of America
| | - Joy Calaoagan
- Bioscience Division, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA, United States of America
| | - Chandraiah Lagisetti
- Bioscience Division, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA, United States of America
| | - Lidia Sambucetti
- Bioscience Division, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA, United States of America
| | - Phillip Crews
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, United States of America
| | - R. Scott Lokey
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, United States of America
| | - Thomas R. Webb
- Bioscience Division, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA, United States of America
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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41
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Eymin B. Targeting the spliceosome machinery: A new therapeutic axis in cancer? Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 189:114039. [PMID: 32417188 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Pre-mRNA splicing is the removal of introns and ligation of exons to form mature mRNAs, and it provides a critical mechanism by which eukaryotic cells can regulate their gene expression. Strikingly, more than 90% of protein-encoding transcripts are alternatively spliced, through exon inclusion/skipping, differential use of 5' or 3' alternative splice sites, intron retention or selection of an alternative promoter, thereby drastically increasing protein diversity. Splicing is altered in various pathological conditions, including cancers. In the last decade, high-throughput transcriptomic analyses have identified thousands of splice variants in cancers, which can distinguish between tumoral and normal tissues as well as identify tumor types, subtypes and clinical stages. These abnormal or aberrantly expressed splice variants, found in all cancer hallmarks, can result from mutations in splice sites, deregulated expression or even somatic mutations of components of the spliceosome machinery. Therefore, and based on these recent observations, a new anti-cancer strategy of targeting the spliceosome machinery with small molecules has emerged; however, the potential for these therapies is still a matter of great debate. Notably, more preclinical studies are needed to clarify which splicing patterns are mainly affected by these compounds, which cancer patients could be the most eligible for these treatments and whether using these spliceosome inhibitors alone or in combination with chemotherapies or targeted therapies would provide better therapeutic benefits. In this commentary, I will discuss all of these aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Eymin
- INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Institute For Advanced Biosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France; Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France.
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42
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Prieto C, Kharas MG. RNA Regulators in Leukemia and Lymphoma. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2020; 10:cshperspect.a034967. [PMID: 31615866 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a034967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Posttranscriptional regulation of mRNA is a powerful and tightly controlled process in which cells command the integrity, diversity, and abundance of their protein products. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are the principal players that control many intermediary steps of posttranscriptional regulation. Recent advances in this field have discovered the importance of RBPs in hematological diseases. Herein we will review a number of RBPs that have been determined to play critical functions in leukemia and lymphoma. Furthermore, we will discuss the potential therapeutic strategies that are currently being studied to specifically target RBPs in these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Prieto
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Michael G Kharas
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
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43
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Fujita KI, Ishizuka T, Mitsukawa M, Kurata M, Masuda S. Regulating Divergent Transcriptomes through mRNA Splicing and Its Modulation Using Various Small Compounds. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21062026. [PMID: 32188117 PMCID: PMC7139312 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21062026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Human transcriptomes are more divergent than genes and contribute to the sophistication of life. This divergence is derived from various isoforms arising from alternative splicing. In addition, alternative splicing regulated by spliceosomal factors and RNA structures, such as the RNA G-quadruplex, is important not only for isoform diversity but also for regulating gene expression. Therefore, abnormal splicing leads to serious diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. In the first part of this review, we describe the regulation of divergent transcriptomes using alternative mRNA splicing. In the second part, we present the relationship between the disruption of splicing and diseases. Recently, various compounds with splicing inhibitor activity were established. These splicing inhibitors are recognized as a biological tool to investigate the molecular mechanism of splicing and as a potential therapeutic agent for cancer treatment. Food-derived compounds with similar functions were found and are expected to exhibit anticancer effects. In the final part, we describe the compounds that modulate the messenger RNA (mRNA) splicing process and their availability for basic research and future clinical potential.
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44
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Bressin RK, Osman S, Pohorilets I, Basu U, Koide K. Total Synthesis of Meayamycin B. J Org Chem 2020; 85:4637-4647. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.9b03370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Robert K. Bressin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, 219 Parkman Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Sami Osman
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, 219 Parkman Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Ivanna Pohorilets
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, 219 Parkman Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Upamanyu Basu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, 219 Parkman Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Kazunori Koide
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, 219 Parkman Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
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45
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Taylor J, Lee SC. Mutations in spliceosome genes and therapeutic opportunities in myeloid malignancies. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2019; 58:889-902. [PMID: 31334570 PMCID: PMC6852509 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.22784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of RNA splicing more than 40 years ago, our comprehension of the molecular events orchestrating constitutive and alternative splicing has greatly improved. Dysregulation of pre-mRNA splicing has been observed in many human diseases including neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. The recent identification of frequent somatic mutations in core components of the spliceosome in myeloid malignancies and functional analysis using model systems has advanced our knowledge of how splicing alterations contribute to disease pathogenesis. In this review, we summarize our current understanding on the mechanisms of how mutant splicing factors impact splicing and the resulting functional and pathophysiological consequences. We also review recent advances to develop novel therapeutic approaches targeting splicing catalysis and splicing regulatory proteins, and discuss emerging technologies using oligonucleotide-based therapies to modulate pathogenically spliced isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Taylor
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis ProgramMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterNew YorkNew York
- Leukemia Service, Department of MedicineMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterNew YorkNew York
| | - Stanley C. Lee
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis ProgramMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterNew YorkNew York
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46
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Uveal melanoma: Towards a molecular understanding. Prog Retin Eye Res 2019; 75:100800. [PMID: 31563544 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2019.100800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Uveal melanoma is an aggressive malignancy that originates from melanocytes in the eye. Even if the primary tumor has been successfully treated with radiation or surgery, up to half of all UM patients will eventually develop metastatic disease. Despite the common origin from neural crest-derived cells, uveal and cutaneous melanoma have few overlapping genetic signatures and uveal melanoma has been shown to have a lower mutational burden. As a consequence, many therapies that have proven effective in cutaneous melanoma -such as immunotherapy- have little or no success in uveal melanoma. Several independent studies have recently identified the underlying genetic aberrancies in uveal melanoma, which allow improved tumor classification and prognostication of metastatic disease. In most cases, activating mutations in the Gα11/Q pathway drive uveal melanoma oncogenesis, whereas mutations in the BAP1, SF3B1 or EIF1AX genes predict progression towards metastasis. Intriguingly, the composition of chromosomal anomalies of chromosome 3, 6 and 8, shown to correlate with an adverse outcome, are distinctive in the BAP1mut, SF3B1mut and EIF1AXmut uveal melanoma subtypes. Expression profiling and epigenetic studies underline this subdivision in high-, intermediate-, or low-metastatic risk subgroups and suggest a different approach in the future towards prevention and/or treatment based on the specific mutation present in the tumor of the patients. In this review we discuss the current knowledge of the underlying genetic events that lead to uveal melanoma, their implication for the disease course and prognosis, as well as the therapeutic possibilities that arise from targeting these different aberrant pathways.
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More than a messenger: Alternative splicing as a therapeutic target. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2019; 1862:194395. [PMID: 31271898 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2019.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Alternative splicing of pre-mRNA is an essential post- and co-transcriptional mechanism of gene expression regulation that produces multiple mature mRNA transcripts from a single gene. Genetic mutations that affect splicing underlie numerous devastating diseases. The complexity of splicing regulation allows for multiple therapeutic approaches to correct disease-associated mis-splicing events. In this review, we first highlight recent findings from therapeutic strategies that have used splice switching antisense oligonucleotides and small molecules that bind directly to RNA. Second, we summarize different genetic and chemical approaches to target components of the spliceosome to correct splicing defects in pathological conditions. Finally, we present an overview of compounds that target kinases and accessory pathways that intersect with the splicing machinery. Advancements in the understanding of disease-specific defects caused by mis-regulation of alternative splicing will certainly increase the development of therapeutic options for the clinic. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: RNA structure and splicing regulation edited by Francisco Baralle, Ravindra Singh and Stefan Stamm.
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48
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Wu HY, Peng ZG, He RQ, Luo B, Ma J, Hu XH, Dang YW, Chen G, Pan SL. Prognostic index of aberrant mRNA splicing profiling acts as a predictive indicator for hepatocellular carcinoma based on TCGA SpliceSeq data. Int J Oncol 2019; 55:425-438. [PMID: 31268164 PMCID: PMC6615926 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2019.4834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing in tumor cells may be used as a molecular marker for the differential diagnosis of certain tumor types and assessment of prognosis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the associations among alternative splicing events, splicing factors, and the survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The alternative splicing event profiles of 371 patients with HCC were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) SpliceSeq data, and the percent-splice-in value for each splicing event was calculated. The association between alternative splicing events and overall survival was evaluated. The most significant prognosis-related splicing events were used to build up a prognostic index (PI). A total of 3,082 survival-associated alternative splicing events were detected in HCC. The final PI based on all of the most significant candidate alternative splicing events exhibited better performance in distinguishing good or poor survival in patients compared to the PI based on a single type of splicing event. Receiver operating characteristic curves confirmed the high efficiency of the PI in predicting the survival of HCC patients, with an area under the curve of 0.914. The overexpression of 32 prognosis-related splicing factor genes could also predict poor prognosis in patients with HCC. In conclusion, the constructed computational prognostic model based on HCC-specific alternative splicing events may be used as a molecular marker for the prognosis of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Yu Wu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Pre‑clinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, P.R. China
| | - Zhi-Gang Peng
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, P.R. China
| | - Rong-Quan He
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, P.R. China
| | - Bin Luo
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, P.R. China
| | - Jie Ma
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Hua Hu
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, P.R. China
| | - Yi-Wu Dang
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, P.R. China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, P.R. China
| | - Shang-Ling Pan
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Pre‑clinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, P.R. China
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49
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Destabilization of the human RED-SMU1 splicing complex as a basis for host-directed antiinfluenza strategy. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:10968-10977. [PMID: 31076555 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1901214116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
New therapeutic strategies targeting influenza are actively sought due to limitations in current drugs available. Host-directed therapy is an emerging concept to target host functions involved in pathogen life cycles and/or pathogenesis, rather than pathogen components themselves. From this perspective, we focused on an essential host partner of influenza viruses, the RED-SMU1 splicing complex. Here, we identified two synthetic molecules targeting an α-helix/groove interface essential for RED-SMU1 complex assembly. We solved the structure of the SMU1 N-terminal domain in complex with RED or bound to one of the molecules identified to disrupt this complex. We show that these compounds inhibiting RED-SMU1 interaction also decrease endogenous RED-SMU1 levels and inhibit viral mRNA splicing and viral multiplication, while preserving cell viability. Overall, our data demonstrate the potential of RED-SMU1 destabilizing molecules as an antiviral therapy that could be active against a wide range of influenza viruses and be less prone to drug resistance.
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50
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Chen MX, Wijethunge BDIK, Zhou SM, Yang JF, Dai L, Wang SS, Chen C, Fu LJ, Zhang J, Hao GF, Yang GF. Chemical Modulation of Alternative Splicing for Molecular-Target Identification by Potential Genetic Control in Agrochemical Research. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2019; 67:5072-5084. [PMID: 30986354 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.9b02086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Alternative splicing (AS), the process of removing introns from pre-mRNA and the rearrangement of exons to produce several types of mature transcripts, is a remarkable step preceding protein synthesis. In particular, it has now been conclusively shown that up to ∼95% of genes are alternatively spliced to generate a complex and diverse proteome in eukaryotic organisms. Consequently, AS is one of the determinants of the functional repertoire of cells. Many studies have revealed that AS in plants can be regulated by cell type, developmental stage, environmental stress, and the circadian clock. Moreover, increasing amounts of evidence reveal that chemical compounds can affect various steps during splicing to induce major effects on plant physiology. Hence, the chemical modulation of AS can serve as a good strategy for molecular-target identification in attempts to potentially control plant genetics. However, the kind of mechanisms involved in the chemical modulation of AS that can be used in agrochemical research remain largely unknown. This review introduces recent studies describing the specific roles AS plays in plant adaptation to environmental stressors and in the regulation of development. We also discuss recent advances in small molecules that induce alterations of AS and the possibility of using this strategy in agrochemical-target identification, giving a new direction for potential genetic control in agrochemical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mo-Xian Chen
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering; Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education; Research and Development Center for Fine Chemicals , Guizhou University , Guiyang 550025 , PR China
- Division of Gastroenterology , Shenzhen Children's Hospital , Shenzhen 518038 , PR China
- Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Shenzhen 518055 , PR China
- School of Life Sciences and Shenzhen Research Institute , The Chinese University of Hong Kong , Shenzhen 518063 , PR China
| | - Boyagane D I K Wijethunge
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry , Central China Normal University , Wuhan 430079 , PR China
| | - Shao-Ming Zhou
- Division of Gastroenterology , Shenzhen Children's Hospital , Shenzhen 518038 , PR China
| | - Jing-Fang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry , Central China Normal University , Wuhan 430079 , PR China
| | - Lei Dai
- Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Shenzhen 518055 , PR China
| | - Shan-Shan Wang
- School of Life Sciences and Shenzhen Research Institute , The Chinese University of Hong Kong , Shenzhen 518063 , PR China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Infectious Disease, Nanjing Second Hospital , Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine , Nanjing 210003 , PR China
| | - Li-Jun Fu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ecology-Toxicological Effects & Control for Emerging Contaminants , Putian University , Putian , Fujian 351100 , PR China
| | - Jianhua Zhang
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University and State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology , The Chinese University of Hong Kong , Shatin , Hong Kong , PR China
| | - Ge-Fei Hao
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering; Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education; Research and Development Center for Fine Chemicals , Guizhou University , Guiyang 550025 , PR China
| | - Guang-Fu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry , Central China Normal University , Wuhan 430079 , PR China
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