1
|
Cammas A, Desprairies A, Dassi E, Millevoi S. The shaping of mRNA translation plasticity by RNA G-quadruplexes in cancer progression and therapy resistance. NAR Cancer 2024; 6:zcae025. [PMID: 38828391 PMCID: PMC11140630 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcae025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Translational reprogramming in response to oncogenic signaling or microenvironmental stress factors shapes the proteome of cancer cells, enabling adaptation and phenotypic changes underlying cell plasticity, tumor progression and response to cancer therapy. Among the mechanisms regulating translation are RNA G-quadruplexes (RG4s), non-canonical four-stranded structures whose conformational modulation by small molecule ligands and RNA-binding proteins affects the expression of cancer proteins. Here, we discuss the role of RG4s in the regulation of mRNA translation by focusing on paradigmatic examples showing their contribution to adaptive mechanisms of mRNA translation in cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Cammas
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse (CRCT), Equipe Labellisée Fondation ARC, Université de Toulouse, Inserm U1037, CNRS, 2 avenue Hubert Curien, 31037 Toulouse, France
| | - Alice Desprairies
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse (CRCT), Equipe Labellisée Fondation ARC, Université de Toulouse, Inserm U1037, CNRS, 2 avenue Hubert Curien, 31037 Toulouse, France
| | - Erik Dassi
- Laboratory of RNA Regulatory Networks, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento (TN), Italy
| | - Stefania Millevoi
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse (CRCT), Equipe Labellisée Fondation ARC, Université de Toulouse, Inserm U1037, CNRS, 2 avenue Hubert Curien, 31037 Toulouse, France
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Boyer JA, Sharma M, Dorso MA, Mai N, Amor C, Reiter JM, Kannan R, Gadal S, Xu J, Miele M, Li Z, Chen X, Chang Q, Pareja F, Worland S, Warner D, Sperry S, Chiang GG, Thompson PA, Yang G, Ouerfelli O, de Stanchina E, Wendel HG, Rosen EY, Chandarlapaty S, Rosen N. eIF4A controls translation of estrogen receptor alpha and is a therapeutic target in advanced breast cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.08.593195. [PMID: 38766126 PMCID: PMC11100762 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.08.593195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
The majority of human breast cancers are dependent on hormone-stimulated estrogen receptor alpha (ER) and are sensitive to its inhibition. Treatment resistance arises in most advanced cancers due to genetic alterations that promote ligand independent activation of ER itself or ER target genes. Whereas re-targeting of the ER ligand binding domain (LBD) with newer ER antagonists can work in some cases, these drugs are largely ineffective in many genetic backgrounds including ER fusions that lose the LBD or in cancers that hyperactivate ER targets. By identifying the mechanism of ER translation, we herein present an alternative strategy to target ER and difficult to treat ER variants. We find that ER translation is cap-independent and mTOR inhibitor insensitive, but dependent on 5' UTR elements and sensitive to pharmacologic inhibition of the translation initiation factor eIF4A, an mRNA helicase. EIF4A inhibition rapidly reduces expression of ER and short-lived targets of ER such as cyclin D1 and other components of the cyclin D-CDK complex in breast cancer cells. These effects translate into suppression of growth of a variety of ligand-independent breast cancer models including those driven by ER fusion proteins that lack the ligand binding site. The efficacy of eIF4A inhibition is enhanced when it is combined with fulvestrant-an ER degrader. Concomitant inhibition of ER synthesis and induction of its degradation causes synergistic and durable inhibition of ER expression and tumor growth. The clinical importance of these findings is confirmed by results of an early clinical trial (NCT04092673) of the selective eIF4A inhibitor zotatifin in patients with estrogen receptor positive metastatic breast cancer. Multiple clinical responses have been observed on combination therapy including durable regressions. These data suggest that eIF4A inhibition could be a useful new strategy for treating advanced ER+ breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob A. Boyer
- Louis V. Gerstner Jr. Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Program in Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, NY, USA
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Malvika Sharma
- Program in Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, NY, USA
| | - Madeline A. Dorso
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Nicholas Mai
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Corina Amor
- Louis V. Gerstner Jr. Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jason M. Reiter
- Program in Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, NY, USA
| | - Ram Kannan
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sunyana Gadal
- Program in Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, NY, USA
| | - Jianing Xu
- Program in Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, NY, USA
| | - Matthew Miele
- Microchemistry and Proteomics Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zhuoning Li
- Microchemistry and Proteomics Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- Antitumor Assessment Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 11065, USA
| | - Qing Chang
- Antitumor Assessment Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 11065, USA
| | - Fresia Pareja
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stephan Worland
- Department of Cancer Biology, eFFECTOR Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Douglas Warner
- Department of Cancer Biology, eFFECTOR Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Sam Sperry
- Department of Cancer Biology, eFFECTOR Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Gary G. Chiang
- Department of Cancer Biology, eFFECTOR Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Peggy A. Thompson
- Department of Cancer Biology, eFFECTOR Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Guangli Yang
- The Organic Synthesis Core Facility, MSK, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Elisa de Stanchina
- Antitumor Assessment Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 11065, USA
| | - Hans-Guido Wendel
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ezra Y. Rosen
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sarat Chandarlapaty
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Neal Rosen
- Program in Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Luige J, Armaos A, Tartaglia GG, Ørom UAV. Predicting nuclear G-quadruplex RNA-binding proteins with roles in transcription and phase separation. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2585. [PMID: 38519458 PMCID: PMC10959947 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46731-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins are central for many biological processes and their characterization has demonstrated a broad range of functions as well as a wide spectrum of target structures. RNA G-quadruplexes are important regulatory elements occurring in both coding and non-coding transcripts, yet our knowledge of their structure-based interactions is at present limited. Here, using theoretical predictions and experimental approaches, we show that many chromatin-binding proteins bind to RNA G-quadruplexes, and we classify them based on their RNA G-quadruplex-binding potential. Combining experimental identification of nuclear RNA G-quadruplex-binding proteins with computational approaches, we build a prediction tool that assigns probability score for a nuclear protein to bind RNA G-quadruplexes. We show that predicted G-quadruplex RNA-binding proteins exhibit a high degree of protein disorder and hydrophilicity and suggest involvement in both transcription and phase-separation into membrane-less organelles. Finally, we present the G4-Folded/UNfolded Nuclear Interaction Explorer System (G4-FUNNIES) for estimating RNA G4-binding propensities at http://service.tartaglialab.com/new_submission/G4FUNNIES .
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Luige
- RNA Biology and Innovation, Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Alexandros Armaos
- Centre for Human Technologies (CHT), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Via Enrico Melen, 83, 16152, Genova, Italy
| | - Gian Gaetano Tartaglia
- Centre for Human Technologies (CHT), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Via Enrico Melen, 83, 16152, Genova, Italy.
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies ICREA Passeig Lluis Companys, 23 08010, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Ulf Andersson Vang Ørom
- RNA Biology and Innovation, Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Singha Roy A, Majumder S, Saha P. Stable RNA G-Quadruplex in the 5'-UTR of Human cIAP1 mRNA Promotes Translation in an IRES-Independent Manner. Biochemistry 2024. [PMID: 38334276 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.3c00521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
RNA G-quadruplex (rG4) structures can influence the fate and functions of mRNAs, especially the translation process. The presence of rG4 structures in 5'-untranslated regions (5'-UTRs) of mRNAs generally represses translation. However, rG4 structures can also promote internal ribosome entry site (IRES)-mediated translation as one of its determinants. Here, we report the identification of an evolutionary conserved rG4-forming sequence motif at the extreme 5'-end of the unusually long 5'-UTR (1.7 kb) in the transcript of human cIAP1 gene encoding the cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein-1 that promotes cell survival by suppressing apoptosis and is overexpressed in various cancer cells. Expectedly, NMR study, CD spectroscopy, and UV melting assay confirm the formation of a potassium ion-dependent intramolecular and parallel rG4 structure at the sequence stretch. Moreover, the G4-RNA-specific precipitation using biotin-linked biomimetic BioCyTASQ validates the formation of the rG4 structure in the cIAP1 5'-UTR in cells. Interestingly, disruption of the rG4 structure in the cIAP1 5'-UTR results in a dramatic reduction in translation of the downstream luciferase reporter in cells, suggesting a translation-promoting effect of the rG4 structure, contrary to many earlier reports. Furthermore, enhancement of translation by the cIAP1 rG4 structure occurs in an IRES-independent manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aditya Singha Roy
- Crystallography and Molecular Biology Division, Biophysical Sciences Group, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata 700064, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai 400094, India
| | - Subhabrata Majumder
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai 400094, India
- Biophysics and Structural Biology Division, Biophysical Sciences Group, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata 700064, India
| | - Partha Saha
- Crystallography and Molecular Biology Division, Biophysical Sciences Group, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata 700064, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai 400094, India
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sun Y, Piechotta M, Naarmann-de Vries I, Dieterich C, Ehrenhofer-Murray A. Detection of queuosine and queuosine precursors in tRNAs by direct RNA sequencing. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:11197-11212. [PMID: 37811872 PMCID: PMC10639084 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad826] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Queuosine (Q) is a complex tRNA modification found in bacteria and eukaryotes at position 34 of four tRNAs with a GUN anticodon, and it regulates the translational efficiency and fidelity of the respective codons that differ at the Wobble position. In bacteria, the biosynthesis of Q involves two precursors, preQ0 and preQ1, whereas eukaryotes directly obtain Q from bacterial sources. The study of queuosine has been challenging due to the limited availability of high-throughput methods for its detection and analysis. Here, we have employed direct RNA sequencing using nanopore technology to detect the modification of tRNAs with Q and Q precursors. These modifications were detected with high accuracy on synthetic tRNAs as well as on tRNAs extracted from Schizosaccharomyces pombe and Escherichia coli by comparing unmodified to modified tRNAs using the tool JACUSA2. Furthermore, we present an improved protocol for the alignment of raw sequence reads that gives high specificity and recall for tRNAs ex cellulo that, by nature, carry multiple modifications. Altogether, our results show that 7-deazaguanine-derivatives such as queuosine are readily detectable using direct RNA sequencing. This advancement opens up new possibilities for investigating these modifications in native tRNAs, furthering our understanding of their biological function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Sun
- Institut für Biologie, Lebenswissenschaftliche Fakultät, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Piechotta
- Klaus Tschira Institute for Integrative Computational Cardiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Internal Medicine III (Cardiology, Angiology, and Pneumology), University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK)-Partner Site Heidelberg/Mannheim, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Isabel Naarmann-de Vries
- Klaus Tschira Institute for Integrative Computational Cardiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Internal Medicine III (Cardiology, Angiology, and Pneumology), University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK)-Partner Site Heidelberg/Mannheim, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph Dieterich
- Klaus Tschira Institute for Integrative Computational Cardiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Internal Medicine III (Cardiology, Angiology, and Pneumology), University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK)-Partner Site Heidelberg/Mannheim, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ann E Ehrenhofer-Murray
- Institut für Biologie, Lebenswissenschaftliche Fakultät, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Turcotte MA, Bolduc F, Vannutelli A, Mitteaux J, Monchaud D, Perreault JP. Development of a highly optimized procedure for the discovery of RNA G-quadruplexes by combining several strategies. Biochimie 2023; 214:24-32. [PMID: 37479077 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.07.014] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
RNA G-quadruplexes (rG4s) are non-canonical secondary structures that are formed by the self-association of guanine quartets and that are stabilized by monovalent cations (e.g. potassium). rG4s are key elements in several post-transcriptional regulation mechanisms, including both messenger RNA (mRNA) and microRNA processing, mRNA transport and translation, to name but a few examples. Over the past few years, multiple high-throughput approaches have been developed in order to identify rG4s, including bioinformatic prediction, in vitro assays and affinity capture experiments coupled to RNA sequencing. Each individual approach had its limits, and thus yielded only a fraction of the potential rG4 that are further confirmed (i.e., there is a significant level of false positive). This report aims to benefit from the strengths of several existing approaches to identify rG4s with a high potential of being folded in cells. Briefly, rG4s were pulled-down from cell lysates using the biotinylated biomimetic G4 ligand BioTASQ and the sequences thus isolated were then identified by RNA sequencing. Then, a novel bioinformatic pipeline that included DESeq2 to identify rG4 enriched transcripts, MACS2 to identify rG4 peaks, rG4-seq to increase rG4 formation probability and G4RNA Screener to detect putative rG4s was performed. This workflow uncovers new rG4 candidates whose rG4-folding was then confirmed in vitro using an array of established biophysical methods. Clearly, this workflow led to the identification of novel rG4s in a highly specific and reliable manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marc-Antoine Turcotte
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Pavillon de Recherche Appliquée sur le Cancer, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - François Bolduc
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Pavillon de Recherche Appliquée sur le Cancer, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Anaïs Vannutelli
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Pavillon de Recherche Appliquée sur le Cancer, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Jérémie Mitteaux
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne, CNRS, UMR 6302, Dijon, 21078, France
| | - David Monchaud
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne, CNRS, UMR 6302, Dijon, 21078, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Perreault
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Pavillon de Recherche Appliquée sur le Cancer, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, J1E 4K8, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ruggiero V, Fagioli C, de Pretis S, Di Carlo V, Landsberger N, Zacchetti D. Complex CDKL5 translational regulation and its potential role in CDKL5 deficiency disorder. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1231493. [PMID: 37964795 PMCID: PMC10642286 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1231493] [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: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
CDKL5 is a kinase with relevant functions in correct neuronal development and in the shaping of synapses. A decrease in its expression or activity leads to a severe neurodevelopmental condition known as CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD). CDD arises from CDKL5 mutations that lie in the coding region of the gene. However, the identification of a SNP in the CDKL5 5'UTR in a patient with symptoms consistent with CDD, together with the complexity of the CDKL5 transcript leader, points toward a relevant translational regulation of CDKL5 expression with important consequences in physiological processes as well as in the pathogenesis of CDD. We performed a bioinformatics and molecular analysis of the 5'UTR of CDKL5 to identify translational regulatory features. We propose an important role for structural cis-acting elements, with the involvement of the eukaryotic translational initiation factor eIF4B. By evaluating both cap-dependent and cap-independent translation initiation, we suggest the presence of an IRES supporting the translation of CDKL5 mRNA and propose a pathogenic effect of the C>T -189 SNP in decreasing the translation of the downstream protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Ruggiero
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudio Fagioli
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano de Pretis
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Valerio Di Carlo
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Segrate, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Landsberger
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Segrate, Italy
| | - Daniele Zacchetti
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Danino YM, Molitor L, Rosenbaum-Cohen T, Kaiser S, Cohen Y, Porat Z, Marmor-Kollet H, Katina C, Savidor A, Rotkopf R, Ben-Isaac E, Golani O, Levin Y, Monchaud D, Hickson I, Hornstein E. BLM helicase protein negatively regulates stress granule formation through unwinding RNA G-quadruplex structures. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:9369-9384. [PMID: 37503837 PMCID: PMC10516661 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Bloom's syndrome (BLM) protein is a known nuclear helicase that is able to unwind DNA secondary structures such as G-quadruplexes (G4s). However, its role in the regulation of cytoplasmic processes that involve RNA G-quadruplexes (rG4s) has not been previously studied. Here, we demonstrate that BLM is recruited to stress granules (SGs), which are cytoplasmic biomolecular condensates composed of RNAs and RNA-binding proteins. BLM is enriched in SGs upon different stress conditions and in an rG4-dependent manner. Also, we show that BLM unwinds rG4s and acts as a negative regulator of SG formation. Altogether, our data expand the cellular activity of BLM and shed light on the function that helicases play in the dynamics of biomolecular condensates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yehuda M Danino
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Lena Molitor
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Tamar Rosenbaum-Cohen
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
- Department of Brain science, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Sebastian Kaiser
- Center for Chromosome Stability, Dept. of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Panum Institute, Copenhagen Univ, 2200 København N., Denmark
| | - Yahel Cohen
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Ziv Porat
- Flow Cytometry Unit, Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Hagai Marmor-Kollet
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
- 1E therapeutics, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Corine Katina
- de Botton Institute for Protein Profiling, The Nancy and Stephen Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Alon Savidor
- de Botton Institute for Protein Profiling, The Nancy and Stephen Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Ron Rotkopf
- Bioinformatics Unit, Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Eyal Ben-Isaac
- MICC Cell Observatory Unit, Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Ofra Golani
- MICC Cell Observatory Unit, Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Yishai Levin
- de Botton Institute for Protein Profiling, The Nancy and Stephen Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - David Monchaud
- Institut de Chimie Moleculaire, ICMUB CNRS UMR 6302, uB Dijon, France
| | - Ian D Hickson
- Center for Chromosome Stability, Dept. of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Panum Institute, Copenhagen Univ, 2200 København N., Denmark
| | - Eran Hornstein
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wang J, Huang H, Zhao K, Teng Y, Zhao L, Xu Z, Zheng Y, Zhang L, Li C, Duan Y, Liang K, Zhou X, Cheng X, Xia Y. G-quadruplex in hepatitis B virus pregenomic RNA promotes its translation. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105151. [PMID: 37567479 PMCID: PMC10485161 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a hepatotropic DNA virus that has a very compact genome. Due to this genomic density, several distinct mechanisms are used to facilitate the viral life cycle. Recently, accumulating evidence show that G-quadruplex (G4) in different viruses play essential regulatory roles in key steps of the viral life cycle. Although G4 structures in the HBV genome have been reported, their function in HBV replication remains elusive. In this study, we treated an HBV replication-competent cell line and HBV-infected cells with the G4 structure stabilizer pyridostatin (PDS) and evaluated different HBV replication markers to better understand the role played by the G4. In both models, we found PDS had no effect on viral precore RNA (pcRNA) or pre-genomic RNA (pgRNA), but treatment did increase HBeAg/HBc ELISA reads and intracellular levels of viral core/capsid protein (HBc) in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting post-transcriptional regulation. To further dissect the mechanism of G4 involvement, we used in vitro-synthesized HBV pcRNA and pgRNA. Interestingly, we found PDS treatment only enhanced HBc expression from pgRNA but not HBeAg expression from pcRNA. Our bioinformatic analysis and CD spectroscopy revealed that pgRNA harbors a conserved G4 structure. Finally, we introduced point mutations in pgRNA to disrupt its G4 structure and observed the resulting mutant failed to respond to PDS treatment and decreased HBc level in in vitro translation assay. Taken together, our data demonstrate that HBV pgRNA contains a G4 structure that plays a vital role in the regulation of viral mRNA translation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Haiyan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers-Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Kaitao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Teng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Li Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zaichao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yingcheng Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Conghui Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yurong Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Kaiwei Liang
- Department of Pathophysiology, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers-Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Xiaoming Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Department of Pathology, Hubei Clinical Center and Key Laboratory of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Wuhan, China.
| | - Yuchen Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Wuhan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Vijay Kumar MJ, Morales R, Tsvetkov AS. G-quadruplexes and associated proteins in aging and Alzheimer's disease. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2023; 4:1164057. [PMID: 37323535 PMCID: PMC10267416 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2023.1164057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Aging is a prominent risk factor for many neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Alzheimer's disease is characterized by progressive cognitive decline, memory loss, and neuropsychiatric and behavioral symptoms, accounting for most of the reported dementia cases. This disease is now becoming a major challenge and burden on modern society, especially with the aging population. Over the last few decades, a significant understanding of the pathophysiology of AD has been gained by studying amyloid deposition, hyperphosphorylated tau, synaptic dysfunction, oxidative stress, calcium dysregulation, and neuroinflammation. This review focuses on the role of non-canonical secondary structures of DNA/RNA G-quadruplexes (G4s, G4-DNA, and G4-RNA), G4-binding proteins (G4BPs), and helicases, and their roles in aging and AD. Being critically important for cellular function, G4s are involved in the regulation of DNA and RNA processes, such as replication, transcription, translation, RNA localization, and degradation. Recent studies have also highlighted G4-DNA's roles in inducing DNA double-strand breaks that cause genomic instability and G4-RNA's participation in regulating stress granule formation. This review emphasizes the significance of G4s in aging processes and how their homeostatic imbalance may contribute to the pathophysiology of AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M. J. Vijay Kumar
- The Department of Neurology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Rodrigo Morales
- The Department of Neurology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
- Centro Integrativo de Biologia y Quimica Aplicada (CIBQA), Universidad Bernardo O’Higgins, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andrey S. Tsvetkov
- The Department of Neurology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
- The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, United States
- UTHealth Consortium on Aging, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Fontemaggi G. Non-coding RNA regulatory networks in post-transcriptional regulation of VEGFA in cancer. IUBMB Life 2023; 75:30-39. [PMID: 35467790 PMCID: PMC10084289 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The switch from the normal quiescent vasculature to angiogenesis in tumors is induced by a variety of growth factors, released from cancer and stromal cells upon oxygen and nutrients deprivation. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) is a potent-secreted mitogen and the only growth factor specific to endothelial cells that is observed almost ubiquitously at sites of angiogenesis. Expression of VEGF-A in cancer cells is controlled through transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms. Post-transcriptional regulation of VEGF-A occurs at multiple levels, through the control of splicing, mRNA stability and translation rate, enabling a fine-tuned expression and release of VEGF-A. Mounting evidence is highlighting the important role played by microRNAs (miRNAs) in the control of VEGF-A mRNA stability and translation in cancer. Moreover, non-coding RNAs, as long non-coding RNAs and circular RNAs, are emerging as crucial modulators of VEGF-A-targeting miRNAs, with consequent ability to modulate VEGF-A expression. This review discusses the recent progress on the ncRNA-related networks controlling VEGF-A expression in cancer cells and provides insights into the complexity of VEGF-A post-transcriptional regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Fontemaggi
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Sahayasheela VJ, Yu Z, Hidaka T, Pandian GN, Sugiyama H. Mitochondria and G-quadruplex evolution: an intertwined relationship. Trends Genet 2023; 39:15-30. [PMID: 36414480 PMCID: PMC9772288 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2022.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are non-canonical structures formed in guanine (G)-rich sequences through stacked G tetrads by Hoogsteen hydrogen bonding. Several studies have demonstrated the existence of G4s in the genome of various organisms, including humans, and have proposed that G4s have a regulatory role in various cellular functions. However, little is known regarding the dissemination of G4s in mitochondria. In this review, we report the observation that the number of potential G4-forming sequences in the mitochondrial genome increases with the evolutionary complexity of different species, suggesting that G4s have a beneficial role in higher-order organisms. We also discuss the possible function of G4s in mitochondrial (mt)DNA and long noncoding (lnc)RNA and their role in various biological processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vinodh J Sahayasheela
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Zutao Yu
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Takuya Hidaka
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Ganesh N Pandian
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Science (WPI-iCeMS), Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Sugiyama
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan; Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Science (WPI-iCeMS), Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Shitikov EA, Bespiatykh DA, Bodoev IN, Zaychikova MV. G-Quadruplex Structures in Bacteria: Functional Properties and Prospects for Use as Biotargets. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW), SUPPLEMENT SERIES B: BIOMEDICAL CHEMISTRY 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1990750822040084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
14
|
Katsuda Y, Sato SI, Inoue M, Tsugawa H, Kamura T, Kida T, Matsumoto R, Asamitsu S, Shioda N, Shiroto S, Oosawatsu Y, Yatsuzuka K, Kitamura Y, Hagihara M, Ihara T, Uesugi M. Small molecule-based detection of non-canonical RNA G-quadruplex structures that modulate protein translation. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:8143-8153. [PMID: 35801908 PMCID: PMC9371906 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac580] [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: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Tandem repeats of guanine-rich sequences in RNA often form thermodynamically stable four-stranded RNA structures. Such RNA G-quadruplexes have long been considered to be linked to essential biological processes, yet their physiological significance in cells remains unclear. Here, we report a approach that permits the detection of RNA G-quadruplex structures that modulate protein translation in mammalian cells. The approach combines antibody arrays and RGB-1, a small molecule that selectively stabilizes RNA G-quadruplex structures. Analysis of the protein and mRNA products of 84 cancer-related human genes identified Nectin-4 and CapG as G-quadruplex-controlled genes whose mRNAs harbor non-canonical G-quadruplex structures on their 5′UTR region. Further investigations revealed that the RNA G-quadruplex of CapG exhibits a structural polymorphism, suggesting a possible mechanism that ensures the translation repression in a KCl concentration range of 25–100 mM. The approach described in the present study sets the stage for further discoveries of RNA G-quadruplexes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yousuke Katsuda
- Division of Materials Science and Chemistry, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Kumamoto University, 2-39-1 Kurokami, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8555, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichi Sato
- Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
| | - Maimi Inoue
- Division of Materials Science and Chemistry, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Kumamoto University, 2-39-1 Kurokami, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8555, Japan
| | - Hisashi Tsugawa
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Hirosaki University, 3 Bunkyo-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8561, Japan
| | - Takuto Kamura
- Division of Materials Science and Chemistry, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Kumamoto University, 2-39-1 Kurokami, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8555, Japan
| | - Tomoki Kida
- Division of Materials Science and Chemistry, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Kumamoto University, 2-39-1 Kurokami, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8555, Japan
| | - Rio Matsumoto
- Division of Materials Science and Chemistry, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Kumamoto University, 2-39-1 Kurokami, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8555, Japan
| | - Sefan Asamitsu
- Department of Genomic Neurology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Norifumi Shioda
- Department of Genomic Neurology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan.,Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 5-1 Oe, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan
| | - Shuhei Shiroto
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Hirosaki University, 3 Bunkyo-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8561, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Oosawatsu
- Division of Materials Science and Chemistry, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Kumamoto University, 2-39-1 Kurokami, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8555, Japan
| | - Kenji Yatsuzuka
- Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
| | - Yusuke Kitamura
- Division of Materials Science and Chemistry, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Kumamoto University, 2-39-1 Kurokami, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8555, Japan
| | - Masaki Hagihara
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Hirosaki University, 3 Bunkyo-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8561, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Ihara
- Division of Materials Science and Chemistry, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Kumamoto University, 2-39-1 Kurokami, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8555, Japan
| | - Motonari Uesugi
- Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan.,School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Adams DE, Zhen Y, Qi X, Shao WH. Axl Expression in Renal Mesangial Cells Is Regulated by Sp1, Ap1, MZF1, and Ep300, and the IL-6/miR-34a Pathway. Cells 2022; 11:cells11121869. [PMID: 35740998 PMCID: PMC9221537 DOI: 10.3390/cells11121869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Axl receptor tyrosine kinase expression in the kidney contributes to a variety of inflammatory renal disease by promoting glomerular proliferation. Axl expression in the kidney is negligible in healthy individuals but upregulated under inflammatory conditions. Little is known about Axl transcriptional regulation. We analyzed the 4.4 kb mouse Axl promoter region and found that many transcription factor (TF)-binding sites and regulatory elements are located within a 600 bp fragment proximal to the translation start site. Among four TFs (Sp1, Ap1, MZF1, and Ep300) identified, Sp1 was the most potent TF that promotes Axl expression. Luciferase assays confirmed the siRNA results and revealed additional mechanisms that regulate Axl expression, including sequences encoding a 5'-UTR mini-intron and potential G-quadruplex forming regions. Deletion of the Axl 5'-UTR mini-intron resulted in a 3.2-fold increases in luciferase activity over the full-length UTR (4.4 kb Axl construct). The addition of TMPyP4, a G-quadruplex stabilizer, resulted in a significantly decreased luciferase activity. Further analysis of the mouse Axl 3'-UTR revealed a miRNA-34a binding site, which inversely regulates Axl expression. The inhibitory role of miRNA-34a in Axl expression was demonstrated in mesangial cells using miRNA-34a mimicry and in primary kidney cells with IL-6 stimulated STAT3 activation. Taken together, Axl expression in mouse kidney is synergistically regulated by multiple factors, including TFs and secondary structures, such as mini-intron and G-quadruplex. A unique IL6/STAT3/miRNA-34a pathway was revealed to be critical in inflammatory renal Axl expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David E. Adams
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA; (D.E.A.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yuxuan Zhen
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA; (D.E.A.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Xiaoyang Qi
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA;
| | - Wen-Hai Shao
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA; (D.E.A.); (Y.Z.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Georgakopoulos-Soares I, Parada GE, Hemberg M. Secondary structures in RNA synthesis, splicing and translation. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:2871-2884. [PMID: 35765654 PMCID: PMC9198270 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.05.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Even though the functional role of mRNA molecules is primarily decided by the nucleotide sequence, several properties are determined by secondary structure conformations. Examples of secondary structures include long range interactions, hairpins, R-loops and G-quadruplexes and they are formed through interactions of non-adjacent nucleotides. Here, we discuss advances in our understanding of how secondary structures can impact RNA synthesis, splicing, translation and mRNA half-life. During RNA synthesis, secondary structures determine RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) speed, thereby influencing splicing. Splicing is also determined by RNA binding proteins and their binding rates are modulated by secondary structures. For the initiation of translation, secondary structures can control the choice of translation start site. Here, we highlight the mechanisms by which secondary structures modulate these processes, discuss advances in technologies to detect and study them systematically, and consider the roles of RNA secondary structures in disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilias Georgakopoulos-Soares
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Guillermo E. Parada
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5A 1A8, Canada
| | - Martin Hemberg
- Evergrande Center for Immunologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Liu L, Zhang W, Zhong MQ, Jia MH, Jiang F, Zhang Y, Xiao CD, Xiao X, Shen XC. Tetraphenylethene derivative that discriminates parallel G-quadruplexes. RSC Adv 2022; 12:14765-14775. [PMID: 35702216 PMCID: PMC9109478 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra01433e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
G-Quadruplex (G4), as a non-canonical nucleic acid secondary structure, has been proved to be prevalent in genomes and plays important roles in many biological processes. Ligands targeting G4, especially small-molecular fluorescent light-up probes with selectivity for special conformations, are essential for studying the relationship between G4 folding and the cellular response. However, their development still remains challenging but is attracting massive attention. Here, we synthesized a new tetraphenylethene derivative, namely TPE-B, as a parallel G4 probe. Fluorescence experiments showed that TPE-B could give out a strong fluorescence response to the G4 structure. Moreover, it gave a much higher fluorescence intensity response to parallel G4s than anti-parallel ones, which indicated that TPE-B could serve as a special tool for probing parallel G4s. The circular dichroism (CD) spectra and melting curves showed that TPE-B could selectively bind and stabilize parallel G4s without changing their topology. ESI-MS studies showed that TPE-B could bind to parallel G4 with a 1 : 1 stoichiometry. The gel staining results showed that TPE-B was a good candidate for probing parallel G4s. Altogether, the TPE-B molecule may serve as a promising new probe that can discriminate parallel G4s. A tetraphenylethene derivative: 1,1′,1′′,1′′′-(((ethene-1,1,2,2-tetrayltetrakis(benzene-4,1-diyl)) tetrakis(oxy)) tetrakis(butane-4,1-diyl)) tetrakis(4-(dimethylamino) pyridin-1-ium) bromide (TPE-B) has been designed as a fluorescent light-up probe with high selectivity for parallel G-quadruplexes![]()
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, University Town Guian New District Guizhou 550025 P. R. China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Macrocyclic and Supramolecular Chemistry of Guizhou Province, Guizhou University Guiyang 550025 P. R. China
| | - Ming-Qing Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, University Town Guian New District Guizhou 550025 P. R. China
| | - Meng-Hao Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, University Town Guian New District Guizhou 550025 P. R. China
| | - Fei Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, University Town Guian New District Guizhou 550025 P. R. China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University Guiyang Guizhou 550001 P. R. China
| | - Chao-Da Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, University Town Guian New District Guizhou 550025 P. R. China .,The Key Laboratory of Optimal Utilization of Natural Medicine Resources, Guizhou Medical University, University Town Guian New District Guizhou 550025 P. R. China
| | - Xin Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Macrocyclic and Supramolecular Chemistry of Guizhou Province, Guizhou University Guiyang 550025 P. R. China
| | - Xiang-Chun Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, University Town Guian New District Guizhou 550025 P. R. China .,The Key Laboratory of Optimal Utilization of Natural Medicine Resources, Guizhou Medical University, University Town Guian New District Guizhou 550025 P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Shitikov EA, Bespiatykh DA, Bodoev IN, Zaychikova MV. [G-quadruplex structures in bacteria: functional properties and prospects for use as biotargets]. BIOMEDITSINSKAIA KHIMIIA 2022; 68:93-103. [PMID: 35485483 DOI: 10.18097/pbmc20226802093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4), non-canonical secondary DNA structures, are intensively investigated for a long time. In eukaryotic organisms they play an important role in the regulation of gene expression and DNA repair. G4 have also been found in the genomes of numerous bacteria and archaea, but their functional role has not yet been fully explored. Nevertheless, their participation in the formation of antigenic variability, pathogenicity, antibiotic resistance and survival in extreme conditions has been established. Currently, many tools have been developed to detect potential G4 sequences and confirm their formation ability. Since the controlled formation and resolution of the quadruplex are significant means for the regulation of genes critical for survival, a promising direction is the search for ligands - compounds that can have a stabilizing effect on the quadruplex structure and thereby alter gene expression. Currently, a number of ligands are already known, their use stops the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. G4 ligands are of interest as potential antibiotics, which are extremely relevant due to the wide spread of drug resistant pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E A Shitikov
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Moscow, Russia
| | - D A Bespiatykh
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Moscow, Russia
| | - I N Bodoev
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Moscow, Russia
| | - M V Zaychikova
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Hoque ME, Mahendran T, Basu S. Reversal of G-Quadruplexes' Role in Translation Control When Present in the Context of an IRES. Biomolecules 2022; 12:314. [PMID: 35204814 PMCID: PMC8869680 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (GQs) are secondary nucleic acid structures that play regulatory roles in various cellular processes. G-quadruplex-forming sequences present within the 5' UTR of mRNAs can function not only as repressors of translation but also as elements required for optimum function. Based upon previous reports, the majority of the 5' UTR GQ structures inhibit translation, presumably by blocking the ribosome scanning process that is essential for detection of the initiation codon. However, there are certain mRNAs containing GQs that have been identified as positive regulators of translation, as they are needed for translation initiation. While most cellular mRNAs utilize the 5' cap structure to undergo cap-dependent translation initiation, many rely on cap-independent translation under certain conditions in which the cap-dependent initiation mechanism is not viable or slowed down, for example, during development, under stress and in many diseases. Cap-independent translation mainly occurs via Internal Ribosomal Entry Sites (IRESs) that are located in the 5' UTR of mRNAs and are equipped with structural features that can recruit the ribosome or other factors to initiate translation without the need for a 5' cap. In this review, we will focus only on the role of RNA GQs present in the 5' UTR of mRNAs, where they play a critical role in translation initiation, and discuss the potential mechanism of this phenomenon, which is yet to be fully delineated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Soumitra Basu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA; (M.E.H.); (T.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Niu K, Zhang X, Song Q, Feng Q. G-Quadruplex Regulation of VEGFA mRNA Translation by RBM4. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020743. [PMID: 35054929 PMCID: PMC8776124 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In eukaryotes, mRNAs translation is mainly mediated in a cap-dependent or cap-independent manner. The latter is primarily initiated at the internal ribosome entry site (IRES) in the 5'-UTR of mRNAs. It has been reported that the G-quadruplex structure (G4) in the IRES elements could regulate the IRES activity. We previously confirmed RBM4 (also known as LARK) as a G4-binding protein in human. In this study, to investigate whether RBM4 is involved in the regulation of the IRES activity by binding with the G4 structure within the IRES element, the IRES-A element in the 5'-UTR of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) was constructed into a dicistronic reporter vector, psiCHECK2, and the effect of RBM4 on the IRES activity was tested in 293T cells. The results showed that the IRES insertion significantly increased the FLuc expression activity, indicating that this G4-containing IRES was active in 293T cells. When the G4 structure in the IRES was disrupted by base mutation, the IRES activity was significantly decreased. The IRES activity was notably increased when the cells were treated with G4 stabilizer PDS. EMSA results showed that RBM4 specifically bound the G4 structure in the IRES element. The knockdown of RBM4 substantially reduced the IRES activity, whereas over-expressing RBM4 increased the IRES activity. Taking all results together, we demonstrated that RBM4 promoted the mRNA translation of VEGFA gene by binding to the G4 structure in the IRES.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kangkang Niu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China; (K.N.); (X.Z.)
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Xiaojuan Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China; (K.N.); (X.Z.)
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Qisheng Song
- Division of Plant Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA;
| | - Qili Feng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China; (K.N.); (X.Z.)
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Dierschke SK, Dennis MD. Retinal Protein O-GlcNAcylation and the Ocular Renin-angiotensin System: Signaling Cross-roads in Diabetic Retinopathy. Curr Diabetes Rev 2022; 18:e011121190177. [PMID: 33430751 PMCID: PMC8272735 DOI: 10.2174/1573399817999210111205933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
It is well established that diabetes and its associated hyperglycemia negatively impact retinal function, yet we know little about the role played by augmented flux through the Hexosamine Biosynthetic Pathway (HBP). This offshoot of the glycolytic pathway produces UDP-Nacetyl- glucosamine, which serves as the substrate for post-translational O-linked modification of proteins in a process referred to as O-GlcNAcylation. HBP flux and subsequent protein O-GlcNAcylation serve as nutrient sensors, enabling cells to integrate metabolic information to appropriately modulate fundamental cellular processes including gene expression. Here we summarize the impact of diabetes on retinal physiology, highlighting recent studies that explore the role of O-GlcNAcylation- induced variation in mRNA translation in retinal dysfunction and the pathogenesis of Diabetic Retinopathy (DR). Augmented O-GlcNAcylation results in wide variation in the selection of mRNAs for translation, in part, due to O-GlcNAcylation of the translational repressor 4E-BP1. Recent studies demonstrate that 4E-BP1 plays a critical role in regulating O-GlcNAcylation-induced changes in the translation of the mRNAs encoding Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), a number of important mitochondrial proteins, and CD40, a key costimulatory molecule involved in diabetes-induced retinal inflammation. Remarkably, 4E-BP1/2 ablation delays the onset of diabetes- induced visual dysfunction in mice. Thus, pharmacological interventions to prevent the impact of O-GlcNAcylation on 4E-BP1 may represent promising therapeutics to address the development and progression of DR. In this regard, we discuss the potential interplay between retinal O-GlcNAcylation and the ocular renin-angiotensin system as a potential therapeutic target of future interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sadie K. Dierschke
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Penn State College of Medicine
| | - Michael D. Dennis
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Penn State College of Medicine
- Department of Ophthalmology, Penn State College of Medicine
- Address correspondence to this author at the Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, H166, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive Hershey, PA 17033; Tel: (717)531-0003 Ext-282596; Fax: (717)531-7667;
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Hu XX, Wang SQ, Gan SQ, Liu L, Zhong MQ, Jia MH, Jiang F, Xu Y, Xiao CD, Shen XC. A Small Ligand That Selectively Binds to the G-quadruplex at the Human Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Internal Ribosomal Entry Site and Represses the Translation. Front Chem 2021; 9:781198. [PMID: 34858949 PMCID: PMC8630693 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.781198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes are believed to have important biological functions, so many small molecules have been screened or developed for targeting G-quadruplexes. However, it is still a major challenge to find molecules that recognize specific G-quadruplexes. Here, by using a combination of surface plasmon resonance, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, circular dichroism, Western blot, luciferase assay, and reverse transcriptase stop assay, we observed a small molecule, namely, oxymatrine (OMT) that could selectively bind to the RNA G-quadruplex in 5′-untranslated regions (UTRs) of human vascular endothelial growth factor (hVEGF), but could not bind to other G-quadruplexes. OMT could selectively repress the translation of VEGF in cervical cancer cells. Furthermore, it could recognize VEGF RNA G-quadruplexes in special conformations. The results indicate that OMT may serve as a potentially special tool for studying the VEGF RNA G-quadruplex in cells and as a valuable scaffold for the design of ligands that recognize different G-quadruplexes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Xia Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Sheng-Quan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Shi-Quan Gan
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Lei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Ming-Qing Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Meng-Hao Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Fei Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Division of Chemistry, Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Chao-Da Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,The Key Laboratory of Optimal Utilization of Natural Medicine Resources, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Xiang-Chun Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,The Key Laboratory of Optimal Utilization of Natural Medicine Resources, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Cadoni E, De Paepe L, Manicardi A, Madder A. Beyond small molecules: targeting G-quadruplex structures with oligonucleotides and their analogues. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:6638-6659. [PMID: 33978760 PMCID: PMC8266634 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
G-Quadruplexes (G4s) are widely studied secondary DNA/RNA structures, naturally occurring when G-rich sequences are present. The strategic localization of G4s in genome areas of crucial importance, such as proto-oncogenes and telomeres, entails fundamental implications in terms of gene expression regulation and other important biological processes. Although thousands of small molecules capable to induce G4 stabilization have been reported over the past 20 years, approaches based on the hybridization of a synthetic probe, allowing sequence-specific G4-recognition and targeting are still rather limited. In this review, after introducing important general notions about G4s, we aim to list, explain and critically analyse in more detail the principal approaches available to target G4s by using oligonucleotides and synthetic analogues such as Locked Nucleic Acids (LNAs) and Peptide Nucleic Acids (PNAs), reporting on the most relevant examples described in literature to date.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Cadoni
- Organic and Biomimetic Chemistry Research Group, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lessandro De Paepe
- Organic and Biomimetic Chemistry Research Group, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Alex Manicardi
- Organic and Biomimetic Chemistry Research Group, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Annemieke Madder
- Organic and Biomimetic Chemistry Research Group, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Zhang R, Liu Y, Zhang X, Xiao K, Hou Y, Liu H, Sun X. Detecting and Profiling Endogenous RNA G-Quadruplexes in the Human Transcriptome. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158012. [PMID: 34360778 PMCID: PMC8347560 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes are the non-canonical nucleic acid structures that are preferentially formed in G-rich regions. This structure has been shown to be associated with many biological functions. Regardless of the broad efforts on DNA G-quadruplexes, we still have limited knowledge on RNA G-quadruplexes, especially in a transcriptome-wide manner. Herein, by integrating the DMS-seq and the bioinformatics pipeline, we profiled and depicted the RNA G-quadruplexes in the human transcriptome. The genes that contain RNA G-quadruplexes in their specific regions are significantly related to immune pathways and the COVID-19-related gene sets. Bioinformatics analysis reveals the potential regulatory functions of G-quadruplexes on miRNA targeting at the scale of the whole transcriptome. In addition, the G-quadruplexes are depleted in the putative, not the real, PAS-strong poly(A) sites, which may weaken the possibility of such sites being the real cleaved sites. In brief, our study provides insight into the potential function of RNA G-quadruplexes in post-transcription.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rongxin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China; (R.Z.); (Y.L.); (X.Z.); (K.X.); (Y.H.); (H.L.)
| | - Yajun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China; (R.Z.); (Y.L.); (X.Z.); (K.X.); (Y.H.); (H.L.)
- Hangzhou Hongquan Internet of Things Technology Co., Ltd., Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Xingxing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China; (R.Z.); (Y.L.); (X.Z.); (K.X.); (Y.H.); (H.L.)
| | - Ke Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China; (R.Z.); (Y.L.); (X.Z.); (K.X.); (Y.H.); (H.L.)
| | - Yue Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China; (R.Z.); (Y.L.); (X.Z.); (K.X.); (Y.H.); (H.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Hongde Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China; (R.Z.); (Y.L.); (X.Z.); (K.X.); (Y.H.); (H.L.)
| | - Xiao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China; (R.Z.); (Y.L.); (X.Z.); (K.X.); (Y.H.); (H.L.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Tateishi-Karimata H, Sugimoto N. Roles of non-canonical structures of nucleic acids in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:7839-7855. [PMID: 34244785 PMCID: PMC8373145 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer and neurodegenerative diseases are caused by genetic and environmental factors. Expression of tumour suppressor genes is suppressed by mutations or epigenetic silencing, whereas for neurodegenerative disease-related genes, nucleic acid-based effects may be presented through loss of protein function due to erroneous protein sequences or gain of toxic function from extended repeat transcripts or toxic peptide production. These diseases are triggered by damaged genes and proteins due to lifestyle and exposure to radiation. Recent studies have indicated that transient, non-canonical structural changes in nucleic acids in response to the environment can regulate the expression of disease-related genes. Non-canonical structures are involved in many cellular functions, such as regulation of gene expression through transcription and translation, epigenetic regulation of chromatin, and DNA recombination. Transcripts generated from repeat sequences of neurodegenerative disease-related genes form non-canonical structures that are involved in protein transport and toxic aggregate formation. Intracellular phase separation promotes transcription and protein assembly, which are controlled by the nucleic acid structure and can influence cancer and neurodegenerative disease progression. These findings may aid in elucidating the underlying disease mechanisms. Here, we review the influence of non-canonical nucleic acid structures in disease-related genes on disease onset and progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hisae Tateishi-Karimata
- Frontier Institute for Biomolecular Engineering Research (FIBER), Konan University, 7-1-20 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Naoki Sugimoto
- Frontier Institute for Biomolecular Engineering Research (FIBER), Konan University, 7-1-20 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan.,Graduate School of Frontiers of Innovative Research in Science and Technology (FIRST), Konan University, 7-1-20 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Lyu K, Chow EYC, Mou X, Chan TF, Kwok CK. RNA G-quadruplexes (rG4s): genomics and biological functions. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:5426-5450. [PMID: 33772593 PMCID: PMC8191793 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are non-classical DNA or RNA secondary structures that have been first observed decades ago. Over the years, these four-stranded structural motifs have been demonstrated to have significant regulatory roles in diverse biological processes, but challenges remain in detecting them globally and reliably. Compared to DNA G4s (dG4s), the study of RNA G4s (rG4s) has received less attention until recently. In this review, we will summarize the innovative high-throughput methods recently developed to detect rG4s on a transcriptome-wide scale, highlight the many novel and important functions of rG4 being discovered in vivo across the tree of life, and discuss the key biological questions to be addressed in the near future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaixin Lyu
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Eugene Yui-Ching Chow
- School of Life Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xi Mou
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ting-Fung Chan
- School of Life Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chun Kit Kwok
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Wang E, Thombre R, Shah Y, Latanich R, Wang J. G-Quadruplexes as pathogenic drivers in neurodegenerative disorders. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:4816-4830. [PMID: 33784396 PMCID: PMC8136783 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s), higher-order DNA and RNA secondary structures featuring guanine-rich nucleic acid sequences with various conformations, are widely distributed in the human genome. These structural motifs are known to participate in basic cellular processes, including transcription, splicing, and translation, and their functions related to health and disease are becoming increasingly recognized. In this review, we summarize the landscape of G4s involved in major neurodegenerative disorders, describing the genes that contain G4-forming sequences and proteins that have high affinity for G4-containing elements. The functions of G4s are diverse, with potentially protective or deleterious effects in the pathogenic cascades of various neurological diseases. While the studies of the functions of G4s in vivo, including those involved in pathophysiology, are still in their early stages, we will nevertheless discuss the evidence pointing to their biological relevance. A better understanding of this unique structural element in the biological context is important for unveiling its potential roles in the pathogenesis of diseases such as neurodegeneration and for designing new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ernest Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore MD, 21205, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ravi Thombre
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore MD, 21205, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Yajas Shah
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore MD, 21205, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Rachel Latanich
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jiou Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore MD, 21205, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Guiblet WM, DeGiorgio M, Cheng X, Chiaromonte F, Eckert KA, Huang YF, Makova KD. Selection and thermostability suggest G-quadruplexes are novel functional elements of the human genome. Genome Res 2021; 31:1136-1149. [PMID: 34187812 PMCID: PMC8256861 DOI: 10.1101/gr.269589.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Approximately 1% of the human genome has the ability to fold into G-quadruplexes (G4s)-noncanonical strand-specific DNA structures forming at G-rich motifs. G4s regulate several key cellular processes (e.g., transcription) and have been hypothesized to participate in others (e.g., firing of replication origins). Moreover, G4s differ in their thermostability, and this may affect their function. Yet, G4s may also hinder replication, transcription, and translation and may increase genome instability and mutation rates. Therefore, depending on their genomic location, thermostability, and functionality, G4 loci might evolve under different selective pressures, which has never been investigated. Here we conducted the first genome-wide analysis of G4 distribution, thermostability, and selection. We found an overrepresentation, high thermostability, and purifying selection for G4s within genic components in which they are expected to be functional-promoters, CpG islands, and 5' and 3' UTRs. A similar pattern was observed for G4s within replication origins, enhancers, eQTLs, and TAD boundary regions, strongly suggesting their functionality. In contrast, G4s on the nontranscribed strand of exons were underrepresented, were unstable, and evolved neutrally. In general, G4s on the nontranscribed strand of genic components had lower density and were less stable than those on the transcribed strand, suggesting that the former are avoided at the RNA level. Across the genome, purifying selection was stronger at stable G4s. Our results suggest that purifying selection preserves the sequences of functional G4s, whereas nonfunctional G4s are too costly to be tolerated in the genome. Thus, G4s are emerging as fundamental, functional genomic elements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wilfried M Guiblet
- Bioinformatics and Genomics Graduate Program, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
| | - Michael DeGiorgio
- Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida 33431, USA
| | - Xiaoheng Cheng
- Department of Biology, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
| | - Francesca Chiaromonte
- Department of Statistics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
- Center for Medical Genomics, Penn State University, University Park and Hershey, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
- Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Kristin A Eckert
- Center for Medical Genomics, Penn State University, University Park and Hershey, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
- Department of Pathology, Penn State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033, USA
| | - Yi-Fei Huang
- Department of Biology, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
- Center for Medical Genomics, Penn State University, University Park and Hershey, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
| | - Kateryna D Makova
- Department of Biology, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
- Center for Medical Genomics, Penn State University, University Park and Hershey, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
G-Quadruplex Structures in Bacteria: Biological Relevance and Potential as an Antimicrobial Target. J Bacteriol 2021; 203:e0057720. [PMID: 33649149 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00577-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA strands consisting of multiple runs of guanines can adopt a noncanonical, four-stranded DNA secondary structure known as G-quadruplex or G4 DNA. G4 DNA is thought to play an important role in transcriptional and translational regulation of genes, DNA replication, genome stability, and oncogene expression in eukaryotic genomes. In other organisms, including several bacterial pathogens and some plant species, the biological roles of G4 DNA and G4 RNA are starting to be explored. Recent investigations showed that G4 DNA and G4 RNA are generally conserved across plant species. In silico analyses of several bacterial genomes identified putative guanine-rich, G4 DNA-forming sequences in promoter regions. The sequences were particularly abundant in certain gene classes, suggesting that these highly diverse structures can be employed to regulate the expression of genes involved in secondary metabolite synthesis and signal transduction. Furthermore, in the pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the distribution of G4 motifs and their potential role in the regulation of gene transcription advocate for the use of G4 ligands to develop novel antitubercular therapies. In this review, we discuss the various roles of G4 structures in bacterial DNA and the application of G4 DNA as inhibitors or therapeutic agents to address bacterial pathogens.
Collapse
|
30
|
Masud T, Soong C, Xu H, Biele J, Bjornson S, McKinney S, Aparicio S. Ubiquitin-mediated DNA damage response is synthetic lethal with G-quadruplex stabilizer CX-5461. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9812. [PMID: 33963218 PMCID: PMC8105411 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88988-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
CX-5461 is a G-quadruplex (G4) ligand currently in trials with initial indications of clinical activity in cancers with defects in homologous recombination repair. To identify more genetic defects that could sensitize tumors to CX-5461, we tested synthetic lethality for 480 DNA repair and genome maintenance genes to CX-5461, pyridostatin (PDS), a structurally unrelated G4-specific stabilizer, and BMH-21, which binds GC-rich DNA but not G4 structures. We identified multiple members of HRD, Fanconi Anemia pathways, and POLQ, a polymerase with a helicase domain important for G4 structure resolution. Significant synthetic lethality was observed with UBE2N and RNF168, key members of the DNA damage response associated ubiquitin signaling pathway. Loss-of-function of RNF168 and UBE2N resulted in significantly lower cell survival in the presence of CX-5461 and PDS but not BMH-21. RNF168 recruitment and histone ubiquitination increased with CX-5461 treatment, and nuclear ubiquitination response frequently co-localized with G4 structures. Pharmacological inhibition of UBE2N acted synergistically with CX-5461. In conclusion, we have uncovered novel genetic vulnerabilities to CX-5461 with potential significance for patient selection in future clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tehmina Masud
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Agency, 675 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1L3, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - Charles Soong
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Agency, 675 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1L3, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - Hong Xu
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Agency, 675 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1L3, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - Justina Biele
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Agency, 675 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Saelin Bjornson
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Agency, 675 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Steven McKinney
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Agency, 675 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Samuel Aparicio
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Agency, 675 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1L3, Canada.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Cave JW, Willis DE. G-quadruplex regulation of neural gene expression. FEBS J 2021; 289:3284-3303. [PMID: 33905176 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes are four-stranded helical nucleic acid structures characterized by stacked tetrads of guanosine bases. These structures are widespread throughout mammalian genomic DNA and RNA transcriptomes, and prevalent across all tissues. The role of G-quadruplexes in cancer is well-established, but there has been a growing exploration of these structures in the development and homeostasis of normal tissue. In this review, we focus on the roles of G-quadruplexes in directing gene expression in the nervous system, including the regulation of gene transcription, mRNA processing, and trafficking, as well as protein translation. The role of G-quadruplexes and their molecular interactions in the pathology of neurological diseases is also examined. Outside of cancer, there has been only limited exploration of G-quadruplexes as potential intervention targets to treat disease or injury. We discuss studies that have used small-molecule ligands to manipulate G-quadruplex stability in order to treat disease or direct neural stem/progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation into therapeutically relevant cell types. Understanding the many roles that G-quadruplexes have in the nervous system not only provides critical insight into fundamental molecular mechanisms that control neurological function, but also provides opportunities to identify novel therapeutic targets to treat injury and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John W Cave
- InVitro Cell Research LLC, Englewood, NJ, USA
| | - Dianna E Willis
- Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, NY, USA.,Feil Family Brain & Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Hossain KA, Jurkowski M, Czub J, Kogut M. Mechanism of recognition of parallel G-quadruplexes by DEAH/RHAU helicase DHX36 explored by molecular dynamics simulations. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:2526-2536. [PMID: 34025941 PMCID: PMC8114077 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.04.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Because of high stability and slow unfolding rates of G-quadruplexes (G4), cells have evolved specialized helicases that disrupt these non-canonical DNA and RNA structures in an ATP-dependent manner. One example is DHX36, a DEAH-box helicase, which participates in gene expression and replication by recognizing and unwinding parallel G4s. Here, we studied the molecular basis for the high affinity and specificity of DHX36 for parallel-type G4s using all-atom molecular dynamics simulations. By computing binding free energies, we found that the two main G4-interacting subdomains of DHX36, DSM and OB, separately exhibit high G4 affinity but they act cooperatively to recognize two distinctive features of parallel G4s: the exposed planar face of a guanine tetrad and the unique backbone conformation of a continuous guanine tract, respectively. Our results also show that DSM-mediated interactions are the main contributor to the binding free energy and rely on making extensive van der Waals contacts between the GXXXG motifs and hydrophobic residues of DSM and a flat guanine plane. Accordingly, the sterically more accessible 5'-G-tetrad allows for more favorable van der Waals and hydrophobic interactions which leads to the preferential binding of DSM to the 5'-side. In contrast to DSM, OB binds to G4 mostly through polar interactions by flexibly adapting to the 5'-terminal guanine tract to form a number of strong hydrogen bonds with the backbone phosphate groups. We also identified a third DHX36/G4 interaction site formed by the flexible loop missing in the crystal structure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kazi Amirul Hossain
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, ul. Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Michal Jurkowski
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, ul. Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Jacek Czub
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, ul. Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Mateusz Kogut
- Institute of Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Al. Lotnikow 32/46, 02-668 Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Tassinari M, Richter SN, Gandellini P. Biological relevance and therapeutic potential of G-quadruplex structures in the human noncoding transcriptome. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:3617-3633. [PMID: 33721024 PMCID: PMC8053107 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Noncoding RNAs are functional transcripts that are not translated into proteins. They represent the largest portion of the human transcriptome and have been shown to regulate gene expression networks in both physiological and pathological cell conditions. Research in this field has made remarkable progress in the comprehension of how aberrations in noncoding RNA drive relevant disease-associated phenotypes; however, the biological role and mechanism of action of several noncoding RNAs still need full understanding. Besides fulfilling its function through sequence-based mechanisms, RNA can form complex secondary and tertiary structures which allow non-canonical interactions with proteins and/or other nucleic acids. In this context, the presence of G-quadruplexes in microRNAs and long noncoding RNAs is increasingly being reported. This evidence suggests a role for RNA G-quadruplexes in controlling microRNA biogenesis and mediating noncoding RNA interaction with biological partners, thus ultimately regulating gene expression. Here, we review the state of the art of G-quadruplexes in the noncoding transcriptome, with their structural and functional characterization. In light of the existence and further possible development of G-quadruplex binders that modulate G-quadruplex conformation and protein interactions, we also discuss the therapeutic potential of G-quadruplexes as targets to interfere with disease-associated noncoding RNAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Tassinari
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, via G. Celoria 26, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Sara N Richter
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, via A. Gabelli 63, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Paolo Gandellini
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, via G. Celoria 26, 20133 Milano, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Dupas SJ, Gussakovsky D, Wai A, Brown MJF, Hausner G, McKenna SA. Predicting human RNA quadruplex helicases through comparative sequence approaches and helicase mRNA interactome analyses. Biochem Cell Biol 2021; 99:536-553. [PMID: 33587669 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2020-0590] [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: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA quadruplexes are non-canonical nucleic acid structures involved in several human disease states and are regulated by a specific subset of RNA helicases. Given the difficulty in identifying RNA quadruplex helicases due to the multifunctionality of these enzymes, we sought to provide a comprehensive in silico analysis of features found in validated RNA quadruplex helicases to predict novel human RNA quadruplex helicases. Using the 64 human RNA helicases, we correlated their amino acid compositions with subsets of RNA quadruplex helicases categorized by varying levels of evidence of RNA quadruplex interaction. Utilizing phylogenetic and synonymous/non-synonymous substitution analyses, we identified an evolutionarily conserved pattern involving predicted intrinsic disorder and a previously identified motif. We analyzed available next-generation sequencing data to determine which RNA helicases directly interacted with predicted RNA quadruplex regions intracellularly and elucidated the relationship with miRNA binding sites adjacent to RNA quadruplexes. Finally, we performed a phylogenetic analysis of all 64 human RNA helicases to establish how RNA quadruplex detection and unwinding activity may be conserved among helicase subfamilies. This work furthers the understanding of commonalities between RNA quadruplex helicases and provides support for the future validation of several human RNA helicases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Dupas
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | | | - Alvan Wai
- Department of Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Mira J F Brown
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Georg Hausner
- Department of Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Sean A McKenna
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Miglietta G, Russo M, Capranico G. G-quadruplex-R-loop interactions and the mechanism of anticancer G-quadruplex binders. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:11942-11957. [PMID: 33137181 PMCID: PMC7708042 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic DNA and cellular RNAs can form a variety of non-B secondary structures, including G-quadruplex (G4) and R-loops. G4s are constituted by stacked guanine tetrads held together by Hoogsteen hydrogen bonds and can form at key regulatory sites of eukaryote genomes and transcripts, including gene promoters, untranslated exon regions and telomeres. R-loops are 3-stranded structures wherein the two strands of a DNA duplex are melted and one of them is annealed to an RNA. Specific G4 binders are intensively investigated to discover new effective anticancer drugs based on a common rationale, i.e.: the selective inhibition of oncogene expression or specific impairment of telomere maintenance. However, despite the high number of known G4 binders, such a selective molecular activity has not been fully established and several published data point to a different mode of action. We will review published data that address the close structural interplay between G4s and R-loops in vitro and in vivo, and how these interactions can have functional consequences in relation to G4 binder activity. We propose that R-loops can play a previously-underestimated role in G4 binder action, in relation to DNA damage induction, telomere maintenance, genome and epigenome instability and alterations of gene expression programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Miglietta
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, via Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Russo
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, via Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Capranico
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, via Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Sanchez-Martin V, Lopez-Pujante C, Soriano-Rodriguez M, Garcia-Salcedo JA. An Updated Focus on Quadruplex Structures as Potential Therapeutic Targets in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21238900. [PMID: 33255335 PMCID: PMC7734589 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21238900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-canonical, four-stranded nucleic acids secondary structures are present within regulatory regions in the human genome and transcriptome. To date, these quadruplex structures include both DNA and RNA G-quadruplexes, formed in guanine-rich sequences, and i-Motifs, found in cytosine-rich sequences, as their counterparts. Quadruplexes have been extensively associated with cancer, playing an important role in telomere maintenance and control of genetic expression of several oncogenes and tumor suppressors. Therefore, quadruplex structures are considered attractive molecular targets for cancer therapeutics with novel mechanisms of action. In this review, we provide a general overview about recent research on the implications of quadruplex structures in cancer, firstly gathering together DNA G-quadruplexes, RNA G-quadruplexes as well as DNA i-Motifs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Sanchez-Martin
- GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; (V.S.-M.); (C.L.-P.)
- Microbiology Unit, University Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Biosanitary Research Institute IBS, Granada, 18014 Granada, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology III and Immunology, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Carmen Lopez-Pujante
- GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; (V.S.-M.); (C.L.-P.)
| | - Miguel Soriano-Rodriguez
- GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; (V.S.-M.); (C.L.-P.)
- Centre for Intensive Mediterranean Agrosystems and Agri-food Biotechnology (CIAMBITAL), University of Almeria, 04001 Almeria, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.S.-R.); (J.A.G.-S.); Tel.: +34-958715500 (M.S.-R.); +34-958715500 (J.A.G.-S.)
| | - Jose A. Garcia-Salcedo
- GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; (V.S.-M.); (C.L.-P.)
- Microbiology Unit, University Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Biosanitary Research Institute IBS, Granada, 18014 Granada, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.S.-R.); (J.A.G.-S.); Tel.: +34-958715500 (M.S.-R.); +34-958715500 (J.A.G.-S.)
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Maltby CJ, Schofield JPR, Houghton SD, O’Kelly I, Vargas-Caballero M, Deinhardt K, Coldwell MJ. A 5' UTR GGN repeat controls localisation and translation of a potassium leak channel mRNA through G-quadruplex formation. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:9822-9839. [PMID: 32870280 PMCID: PMC7515701 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA G-quadruplexes (G4s) are secondary structures proposed to function as regulators of post-transcriptional mRNA localisation and translation. G4s within some neuronal mRNAs are known to control distal localisation and local translation, contributing to distinct local proteomes that facilitate the synaptic remodelling attributed to normal cellular function. In this study, we characterise the G4 formation of a (GGN)13 repeat found within the 5' UTR of the potassium 2-pore domain leak channel Task3 mRNA. Biophysical analyses show that this (GGN)13 repeat forms a parallel G4 in vitro exhibiting the stereotypical potassium specificity of G4s, remaining thermostable under physiological ionic conditions. Through mouse brain tissue G4-RNA immunoprecipitation, we further confirm that Task3 mRNA forms a G4 structure in vivo. The G4 is inhibitory to translation of Task3 in vitro and is overcome through activity of a G4-specific helicase DHX36, increasing K+ leak currents and membrane hyperpolarisation in HEK293 cells. Further, we observe that this G4 is fundamental to ensuring delivery of Task3 mRNA to distal primary cortical neurites. It has been shown that aberrant Task3 expression correlates with neuronal dysfunction, we therefore posit that this G4 is important in regulated local expression of Task3 leak channels that maintain K+ leak within neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Connor J Maltby
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - James P R Schofield
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Steven D Houghton
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Ita O’Kelly
- Centre for Human Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire SO17 1BJ, UK
| | | | - Katrin Deinhardt
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Mark J Coldwell
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire SO17 1BJ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Lyons SM, Kharel P, Akiyama Y, Ojha S, Dave D, Tsvetkov V, Merrick W, Ivanov P, Anderson P. eIF4G has intrinsic G-quadruplex binding activity that is required for tiRNA function. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:6223-6233. [PMID: 32374873 PMCID: PMC7293036 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As cells encounter adverse environmental conditions, such as hypoxia, oxidative stress or nutrient deprivation, they trigger stress response pathways to protect themselves until transient stresses have passed. Inhibition of translation is a key component of such cellular stress responses and mounting evidence has revealed the importance of a class of tRNA-derived small RNAs called tiRNAs in this process. The most potent of these small RNAs are those with the capability of assembling into tetrameric G-quadruplex (G4) structures. However, the mechanism by which these small RNAs inhibit translation has yet to be elucidated. Here we show that eIF4G, the major scaffolding protein in the translation initiation complex, directly binds G4s and this activity is required for tiRNA-mediated translation repression. Targeting of eIF4G results in an impairment of 40S ribosome scanning on mRNAs leading to the formation of eIF2α-independent stress granules. Our data reveals the mechanism by which tiRNAs inhibit translation and demonstrates novel activity for eIF4G in the regulation of translation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shawn M Lyons
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.,The Genome Science Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Prakash Kharel
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yasutoshi Akiyama
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Laboratory of Oncology, Pharmacy Practice and Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sendai, Japan
| | - Sandeep Ojha
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.,The Genome Science Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dhwani Dave
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vladimir Tsvetkov
- Computational Oncology Group, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University , Moscow, Russia.,Federal Research and Clinical Center forPhysical-Chemical Medicine, Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia.,A. V. Topchiev Institute of Petrochemical Synthesis, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - William Merrick
- Department of Biochemistry, Case Western ReserveUniversity, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Pavel Ivanov
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Paul Anderson
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Das P, Verma SP. Dual role of G-quadruplex in translocation renal cell carcinoma: Exploring plausible Cancer therapeutic innovation. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2020; 1864:129719. [PMID: 32882363 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2020.129719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) is the ninth leading cause of death among kidney cancer. Xp11.2 translocation harboring TFE3 fusion proteins, act as an oncogene in translocation cancers that constitute the hallmark of translocation renal cell carcinoma (tRCC). G-quadruplex (G4), an alternative nucleic acid structure is an emerging and promising factor in cancer. The presence of G4 within the genome plays a pioneering role in cancer as it contributes to genomic aberration as well as inhibition in cell proliferation. SCOPE OF REVIEW Here we discuss the link between G4 and tRCC. We compile the available information of G-quadruplex & propose their dual role in tRCC, suggesting both stabilization and destabilization of G-quadruplex could be considered targets for tRCC. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS Our in Silico analysis of TFE3 and their three fusions partner's PRCC, SFPQ, and ASPSCR1 discloses a few putative G4 forming sequences (PQS) in their corresponding fusion gene or fusion transcript. Stabilization of G4 structure within fusion gene/transcript can be of great use towards potential therapeutics targeting fusion protein derived oncogenesis, as G4 is a serious menace for DNA polymerization, transcription & translation. G-quadruplex at intron-2 of the TFE3 has been reported to mediate its translocation also. Both stabilization and destabilization of the G4 structure would be a promising approach in the suppression of cancerous cell proliferation. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Pioneering studies discovered the relevance of G4 in cancer therapy and explore our approaches towards therapeutic innovation against oncogenic fusion protein and tRCC. Selectively targeting G4 in oncogenic fusion transcript will emerge as potential druggable structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Parimal Das
- Centre for Genetic Disorders, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India.
| | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Varshney D, Spiegel J, Zyner K, Tannahill D, Balasubramanian S. The regulation and functions of DNA and RNA G-quadruplexes. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2020; 21:459-474. [PMID: 32313204 PMCID: PMC7115845 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-020-0236-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 632] [Impact Index Per Article: 158.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
DNA and RNA can adopt various secondary structures. Four-stranded G-quadruplex (G4) structures form through self-recognition of guanines into stacked tetrads, and considerable biophysical and structural evidence exists for G4 formation in vitro. Computational studies and sequencing methods have revealed the prevalence of G4 sequence motifs at gene regulatory regions in various genomes, including in humans. Experiments using chemical, molecular and cell biology methods have demonstrated that G4s exist in chromatin DNA and in RNA, and have linked G4 formation with key biological processes ranging from transcription and translation to genome instability and cancer. In this Review, we first discuss the identification of G4s and evidence for their formation in cells using chemical biology, imaging and genomic technologies. We then discuss possible functions of DNA G4s and their interacting proteins, particularly in transcription, telomere biology and genome instability. Roles of RNA G4s in RNA biology, especially in translation, are also discussed. Furthermore, we consider the emerging relationships of G4s with chromatin and with RNA modifications. Finally, we discuss the connection between G4 formation and synthetic lethality in cancer cells, and recent progress towards considering G4s as therapeutic targets in human diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dhaval Varshney
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jochen Spiegel
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | - Katherine Zyner
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | - David Tannahill
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | - Shankar Balasubramanian
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Cambridge, UK.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Simko EAJ, Liu H, Zhang T, Velasquez A, Teli S, Haeusler AR, Wang J. G-quadruplexes offer a conserved structural motif for NONO recruitment to NEAT1 architectural lncRNA. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:7421-7438. [PMID: 32496517 PMCID: PMC7367201 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The long non-coding RNA NEAT1 serves as a scaffold for the assembly of paraspeckles, membraneless nuclear organelles involved in gene regulation. Paraspeckle assembly requires NEAT1 recruitment of the RNA-binding protein NONO, however the NEAT1 elements responsible for recruitment are unknown. Herein we present evidence that previously unrecognized structural features of NEAT1 serve an important role in these interactions. Led by the initial observation that NONO preferentially binds the G-quadruplex conformation of G-rich C9orf72 repeat RNA, we find that G-quadruplex motifs are abundant and conserved features of NEAT1. Furthermore, we determine that NONO binds NEAT1 G-quadruplexes with structural specificity and provide evidence that G-quadruplex motifs mediate NONO-NEAT1 association, with NONO binding sites on NEAT1 corresponding largely to G-quadruplex motifs, and treatment with a G-quadruplex-disrupting small molecule causing dissociation of native NONO-NEAT1 complexes. Together, these findings position G-quadruplexes as a primary candidate for the NONO-recruiting elements of NEAT1 and provide a framework for further investigation into the role of G-quadruplexes in paraspeckle formation and function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric A J Simko
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Honghe Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Adan Velasquez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Shraddha Teli
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Aaron R Haeusler
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jiou Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Matsumoto S, Tateishi-Karimata H, Takahashi S, Ohyama T, Sugimoto N. Effect of Molecular Crowding on the Stability of RNA G-Quadruplexes with Various Numbers of Quartets and Lengths of Loops. Biochemistry 2020; 59:2640-2649. [PMID: 32578417 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.0c00346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
G-Quadruplexes are noncanonical structures formed by guanine-rich regions of not only DNA but also RNA. RNA G-quadruplexes are widely present in the transcriptome as mRNAs and noncoding RNAs and take part in various essential functions in cells. Furthermore, stable RNA G-quadruplexes control the extent of biological functions, such as mRNA translation and antigen presentation. To understand and regulate the functions controlled by RNA G-quadruplexes in cellular environments, which are molecularly crowded, we would be required to investigate the stability of G-quadruplexes in molecular crowding. Here, we systematically investigated the thermodynamic stability of RNA G-quadruplexes with different numbers of G-quartets and lengths of loops. The molecular crowding conditions of polyethylene glycol with an average molecular weight of 200 (PEG200) were found to stabilize RNA G-quadruplexes with three and four G-quartets, while G-quadruplexes with two G-quartets did not exhibit any stabilization upon addition of PEG200. On the other hand, no difference in stabilization by PEG200 was observed among the G-quadruplexes with different loop lengths. Thermodynamic analysis of the RNA G-quadruplexes revealed more appropriate motifs for identifying G-quadruplex-forming sequences. The informatics analysis with new motifs demonstrated that the distributions of G-quadruplexes in human noncoding RNAs differed depending on the number of G-quartets. Therefore, RNA G-quadruplexes with different numbers of G-quartets may play different roles in response to environmental changes in cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saki Matsumoto
- Frontier Institute for Biomolecular Engineering Research (FIBER), Konan University, 7-1-20 minatojima-Minamimachi, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Hisae Tateishi-Karimata
- Frontier Institute for Biomolecular Engineering Research (FIBER), Konan University, 7-1-20 minatojima-Minamimachi, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Shuntaro Takahashi
- Frontier Institute for Biomolecular Engineering Research (FIBER), Konan University, 7-1-20 minatojima-Minamimachi, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Ohyama
- Frontier Institute for Biomolecular Engineering Research (FIBER), Konan University, 7-1-20 minatojima-Minamimachi, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Naoki Sugimoto
- Frontier Institute for Biomolecular Engineering Research (FIBER), Konan University, 7-1-20 minatojima-Minamimachi, Kobe 650-0047, Japan.,Graduate School of Frontiers of Innovative Research in Science and Technology (FIRST), Konan University, 7-1-20 minatojima-Minamimachi, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Reina C, Cavalieri V. Epigenetic Modulation of Chromatin States and Gene Expression by G-Quadruplex Structures. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E4172. [PMID: 32545267 PMCID: PMC7312119 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21114172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes are four-stranded helical nucleic acid structures formed by guanine-rich sequences. A considerable number of studies have revealed that these noncanonical structural motifs are widespread throughout the genome and transcriptome of numerous organisms, including humans. In particular, G-quadruplexes occupy strategic locations in genomic DNA and both coding and noncoding RNA molecules, being involved in many essential cellular and organismal functions. In this review, we first outline the fundamental structural features of G-quadruplexes and then focus on the concept that these DNA and RNA structures convey a distinctive layer of epigenetic information that is critical for the complex regulation, either positive or negative, of biological activities in different contexts. In this framework, we summarize and discuss the proposed mechanisms underlying the functions of G-quadruplexes and their interacting factors. Furthermore, we give special emphasis to the interplay between G-quadruplex formation/disruption and other epigenetic marks, including biochemical modifications of DNA bases and histones, nucleosome positioning, and three-dimensional organization of chromatin. Finally, epigenetic roles of RNA G-quadruplexes in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression are also discussed. Undoubtedly, the issues addressed in this review take on particular importance in the field of comparative epigenetics, as well as in translational research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Reina
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Vincenzo Cavalieri
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Maleki P, Mustafa G, Gyawali P, Budhathoki JB, Ma Y, Nagasawa K, Balci H. Quantifying the impact of small molecule ligands on G-quadruplex stability against Bloom helicase. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 47:10744-10753. [PMID: 31544934 PMCID: PMC6847008 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplex (GQ) stabilizing small molecule (SM) ligands have been used to stabilize human telomeric GQ (hGQ) to inhibit telomerase activity, or non-telomeric GQs to manipulate gene expression at transcription or translation level. GQs are known to inhibit DNA replication unless destabilized by helicases, such as Bloom helicase (BLM). Even though the impact of SM ligands on thermal stability of GQs is commonly used to characterize their efficacy, how these ligands influence helicase-mediated GQ unfolding is not well understood. Three prominent SM ligands (an oxazole telomestatin derivative, pyridostatin, and PhenDC3), which thermally stabilize hGQ at different levels, were utilized in this study. How these ligands influence BLM-mediated hGQ unfolding was investigated using two independent single-molecule approaches. While the frequency of dynamic hGQ unfolding events was used as the metric in the first approach, the second approach was based on quantifying the cumulative unfolding activity as a function of time. All three SM ligands inhibited BLM activity at similar levels, 2–3 fold, in both approaches. Our observations suggest that the impact of SM ligands on GQ thermal stability is not an ideal predictor for their inhibition of helicase-mediated unfolding, which is physiologically more relevant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Parastoo Maleki
- Department of Physics, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Golam Mustafa
- Department of Physics, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Prabesh Gyawali
- Department of Physics, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | | | - Yue Ma
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Kazuo Nagasawa
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Hamza Balci
- Department of Physics, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Kamura T, Katsuda Y, Kitamura Y, Ihara T. G-quadruplexes in mRNA: A key structure for biological function. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 526:261-266. [PMID: 32209257 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.02.168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The last several years have seen exciting advances in the understanding of the structure and function of higher-order structures of RNA. Expression levels of some specific genes were shown to be directly regulated by environmentally-responsive formation of certain secondary structures such as stem-loops and pseudoknots. Even among these noncanonical structures, RNA G-quadruplexes, which form on the regions of guanine-rich sequences in mRNA, are highly stable structures that are involved in a variety of biological processes. However, many questions regarding the biological significance of RNA G-quadruplexes remain unsettled, mainly because it is difficult to locate the structures in mRNA. This review focuses on emerging methods that locate RNA G-quadruplexes in mRNA by computational and biochemical techniques. In addition, recent reports on the biological functions of RNA G-quadruplexes are also covered to highlight their various roles in cells, such as in regulating mRNA processing and translation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takuto Kamura
- Division of Materials Science and Chemistry, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Kumamoto University, 2-39-1 Kurokami, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8555, Japan
| | - Yousuke Katsuda
- Division of Materials Science and Chemistry, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Kumamoto University, 2-39-1 Kurokami, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8555, Japan.
| | - Yusuke Kitamura
- Division of Materials Science and Chemistry, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Kumamoto University, 2-39-1 Kurokami, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8555, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Ihara
- Division of Materials Science and Chemistry, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Kumamoto University, 2-39-1 Kurokami, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8555, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
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.
Collapse
|
47
|
Savage JC, Davare MA, Shinde U. Subtle sequence variations alter tripartite complex kinetics and G-quadruplex dynamics in RNA aptamer Broccoli. Chem Commun (Camb) 2020; 56:2634-2637. [PMID: 32016232 DOI: 10.1039/c9cc09375c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Though extensively utilized, the fluorescent RNA aptamer Broccoli is poorly characterized with an unknown structure. Spectroscopic and kinetic investigations of tripartite complex formation reveal surprising differences between Broccoli and Spinach aptamers despite extreme sequence conservation. Our studies highlight how subtle sequence variations impart functional consequences of G-quadruplex-cation interactions in RNA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan C Savage
- Department of Chemical Physiology & Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Jinesh GG, Brohl AS. The genetic script of metastasis. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2020; 95:244-266. [PMID: 31663259 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Metastasis is a pivotal event that changes the course of cancers from benign and treatable to malignant and difficult to treat, resulting in the demise of patients. Understanding the genetic control of metastasis is thus crucial to develop efficient and sustainable targeted therapies. Here we discuss the alterations in epigenetic mechanisms, transcription, chromosomal instability, chromosome imprinting, non-coding RNAs, coding RNAs, mutant RNAs, enhancers, G-quadruplexes, and copy number variation to dissect the genetic control of metastasis. We conclude that the genetic control of metastasis is predominantly executed through epithelial to mesenchymal transition and evasion of cell death. We discuss how genetic regulatory mechanisms can be harnessed for therapeutic purposes to achieve sustainable control over cancer metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Goodwin G Jinesh
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, 33612, U.S.A.,Sarcoma Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, 33612, U.S.A
| | - Andrew S Brohl
- Sarcoma Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, 33612, U.S.A.,Chemical Biology and Molecular Medicine Program, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, 33612, U.S.A
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
McRae EKS, Dupas SJ, Booy EP, Piragasam RS, Fahlman RP, McKenna SA. An RNA guanine quadruplex regulated pathway to TRAIL-sensitization by DDX21. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2020; 26:44-57. [PMID: 31653714 PMCID: PMC6913123 DOI: 10.1261/rna.072199.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
DDX21 is a newly discovered RNA G-quadruplex (rG4) binding protein with no known biological rG4 targets. In this study we used label-free proteomic MS/MS to identify 26 proteins that are expressed at significantly different levels in cells expressing an rG4-binding deficient DDX21 (M4). MS data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD013501. From this list we validate MAGED2 as a protein that is regulated by DDX21 through rG4 in its 5'-UTR. MAGED2 protein levels, but not mRNA levels, are reduced by half in cells expressing DDX21 M4. MAGED2 has a repressive effect on TRAIL-R2 expression that is relieved under these conditions, resulting in elevated TRAIL-R2 mRNA and protein in MCF-7 cells, rendering them sensitive to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis. Our work identifies the role of DDX21 in regulation at the translational level through biologically relevant rG4 and shows that MAGED2 protein levels are regulated, at least in part, by the potential to form rG4 in their 5'-UTRs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ewan K S McRae
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3T 2N2
| | - Steven J Dupas
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3T 2N2
| | - Evan P Booy
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3T 2N2
| | | | - Richard P Fahlman
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2H7
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2R7
| | - Sean A McKenna
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3T 2N2
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3E 0J9
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Jodoin R, Carrier JC, Rivard N, Bisaillon M, Perreault JP. G-quadruplex located in the 5'UTR of the BAG-1 mRNA affects both its cap-dependent and cap-independent translation through global secondary structure maintenance. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 47:10247-10266. [PMID: 31504805 PMCID: PMC6821271 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The anti-apoptotic BAG-1 protein isoforms are known to be overexpressed in colorectal tumors and are considered to be potential therapeutic targets. The isoforms are derived from alternative translation initiations occuring at four in-frame start codons of a single mRNA transcript. Its 5′UTR also contains an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) regulating the cap-independent translation of the transcript. An RNA G-quadruplex (rG4) is located at the 5′end of the BAG-1 5′UTR, upstream of the known cis-regulatory elements. Herein, we observed that the expression of BAG-1 isoforms is post-transcriptionally regulated in colorectal cancer cells and tumors, and that stabilisation of the rG4 by small molecules ligands reduces the expression of endogenous BAG-1 isoforms. We demonstrated a critical role for the rG4 in the control of both cap-dependent and independent translation of the BAG-1 mRNA in colorectal cancer cells. Additionally, we found an upstream ORF that also represses BAG-1 mRNA translation. The structural probing of the complete 5′UTR showed that the rG4 acts as a steric block which controls the initiation of translation at each start codon of the transcript and also maintains the global 5′UTR secondary structure required for IRES-dependent translation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Jodoin
- Département de Biochimie, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Julie C Carrier
- Service de Gastro-entérologie, Département de médecine, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Nathalie Rivard
- Département d'Anatomie et de Biologie Cellulaire, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Martin Bisaillon
- Département de Biochimie, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Jean-Pierre Perreault
- Département de Biochimie, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec J1E 4K8, Canada
| |
Collapse
|