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Deng X, Liao T, Xie J, Kang D, He Y, Sun Y, Wang Z, Jiang Y, Miao X, Yan Y, Tang H, Zhu L, Zou Y, Liu P. The burgeoning importance of PIWI-interacting RNAs in cancer progression. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024; 67:653-662. [PMID: 38198029 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-023-2491-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are a class of small noncoding RNA molecules that specifically bind to piwi protein family members to exert regulatory functions in germ cells. Recent studies have found that piRNAs, as tissue-specific molecules, both play oncogenic and tumor suppressive roles in cancer progression, including cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, chemoresistance and stemness. Additionally, the atypical manifestation of piRNAs and PIWI proteins in various malignancies presents a promising strategy for the identification of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets in the diagnosis and management of tumors. Nonetheless, the precise functions of piRNAs in cancer progression and their underlying mechanisms have yet to be fully comprehended. This review aims to examine current research on the biogenesis and functions of piRNA and its burgeoning importance in cancer progression, thereby offering novel perspectives on the potential utilization of piRNAs and piwi proteins in the management and treatment of advanced cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinpei Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Tianle Liao
- School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Jindong Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Da Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Yiwei He
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Yuying Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Zhangling Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Yongluo Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Xuan Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Yixuan Yan
- Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510062, China
| | - Hailin Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Lewei Zhu
- The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, 528000, China.
| | - Yutian Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
| | - Peng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
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Dabi Y, Suisse S, Marie Y, Delbos L, Poilblanc M, Descamps P, Golfier F, Jornea L, Forlani S, Bouteiller D, Touboul C, Puchar A, Bendifallah S, Daraï E. New class of RNA biomarker for endometriosis diagnosis: The potential of salivary piRNA expression. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2023; 291:88-95. [PMID: 37857147 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In contrast to miRNA expression, little attention has been given to piwiRNA (piRNA) expression among endometriosis patients. The aim of the present study was to explore the human piRNAome and to investigate a potential piRNA saliva-based diagnostic signature for endometriosis. METHODS Data from the prospective "ENDOmiRNA" study (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04728152) were used. Saliva samples from 200 patients were analyzed in order to evaluate human piRNA expression using the piRNA bank. Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), barcoding of unique molecular identifiers and both Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) were used. For each piRNA, sensitivity, specificity, and ROC AUC values were calculated for the diagnosis of endometriosis. RESULTS 201 piRNAs were identified, none had an AUC ≥ 0.70, and only three piRNAs (piR-004153, piR001918, piR-020401) had an AUC between ≥ 0.6 and < 0.70. Seven were differentially expressed: piR-004153, piR-001918, piR-020401, piR-012864, piR-017716, piR-020326 and piR-016904. The respective correlation and accuracy to diagnose endometriosis according to the F1-score, sensitivity, specificity, and AUC ranged from 0 to 0.862 %, 0-0.961 %, 0.085-1, and 0.425-0.618. A correlation was observed between the patients' age (≥35 years) and piR-004153 (p = 0.002) and piR-017716 (p = 0.030). Among the 201 piRNAs, four were differentially expressed in patients with and without hormonal treatment: piR-004153 (p = 0.015), piR-020401 (p = 0.001), piR-012864 (p = 0.036) and piR-017716 (p = 0.009). CONCLUSION Our results support the link between piRNAs and endometriosis physiopathology and establish its utility as a potential diagnostic biomarker using saliva samples. Per se, piRNA expression should be analyzed along with the clinical status of a patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohann Dabi
- Department of Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Hôpital Tenon, 4 rue de la Chine, 75020 Paris, France; Clinical Research Group (GRC) Paris 6: Centre Expert Endométriose (C3E), Sorbonne University (GRC6 C3E SU), France.
| | | | - Yannick Marie
- Department of Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine - CHU d'Angers, France
| | - Léa Delbos
- Department of Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine - CHU d'Angers, France; Endometriosis Expert Center - Pays de la Loire, France
| | - Mathieu Poilblanc
- Department of Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Lyon South University Hospital, Lyon Civil Hospices, France; Endometriosis Expert Center - Steering Center of the EndAURA Network, France
| | - Philippe Descamps
- Department of Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine - CHU d'Angers, France; Endometriosis Expert Center - Pays de la Loire, France
| | - Francois Golfier
- Department of Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Lyon South University Hospital, Lyon Civil Hospices, France; Endometriosis Expert Center - Steering Center of the EndAURA Network, France
| | - Ludmila Jornea
- Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute - Institut du Cerveau - ICM, Inserm U1127, CNRS UMR 7225, AP-HP - Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Sylvie Forlani
- Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute - Institut du Cerveau - ICM, Inserm U1127, CNRS UMR 7225, AP-HP - Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Delphine Bouteiller
- Gentoyping and Sequencing Core Facility, iGenSeq, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, ICM, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, 47-83 Boulevard de l'Hôpital, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Cyril Touboul
- Department of Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Hôpital Tenon, 4 rue de la Chine, 75020 Paris, France; Clinical Research Group (GRC) Paris 6: Centre Expert Endométriose (C3E), Sorbonne University (GRC6 C3E SU), France
| | - Anne Puchar
- Department of Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Hôpital Tenon, 4 rue de la Chine, 75020 Paris, France; Clinical Research Group (GRC) Paris 6: Centre Expert Endométriose (C3E), Sorbonne University (GRC6 C3E SU), France
| | - Sofiane Bendifallah
- Department of Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Hôpital Tenon, 4 rue de la Chine, 75020 Paris, France; Clinical Research Group (GRC) Paris 6: Centre Expert Endométriose (C3E), Sorbonne University (GRC6 C3E SU), France
| | - Emile Daraï
- Department of Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Hôpital Tenon, 4 rue de la Chine, 75020 Paris, France; Clinical Research Group (GRC) Paris 6: Centre Expert Endométriose (C3E), Sorbonne University (GRC6 C3E SU), France
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Liu D, Asad M, Liao J, Chen J, Li J, Chu X, Pang S, Tariq M, Abbas AN, Yang G. The Potential Role of the Piwi Gene in the Development and Reproduction of Plutella xylostella. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12321. [PMID: 37569697 PMCID: PMC10418840 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Piwi proteins play a significant role in germ cell development and the silencing of transposons in animals by associating with small non-coding RNAs known as Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs). While the Piwi gene has been well characterized in various insect species, the role of the Piwi (PxPiwi) gene in the diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella), a globally distributed pest of cruciferous crops, remains unclear. Expression analysis demonstrated the upregulation of PxPiwi in pupae and testes. Furthermore, we generated a PxPiwi-knockout mutant using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, which resulted in a significantly prolonged pupal stage and the failure of pupae to develop into adults. Additionally, the knockdown of PxPiwi, through RNA interference (RNAi), led to a substantial decrease in the oviposition and hatchability of P. xylostella. These findings indicate that PxPiwi is specifically expressed and essential for the development and reproduction of P. xylostella. This is the first report indicating the involvement of the Piwi gene in the development of lepidopteran insects, except for reproduction and germ cell development, which provides a foundation for future investigations into the functions of PxPiwi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (D.L.); (M.A.); (J.L.); (J.C.); (J.L.); (X.C.); (S.P.); (M.T.); (A.N.A.)
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Pest Control, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Muhammad Asad
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (D.L.); (M.A.); (J.L.); (J.C.); (J.L.); (X.C.); (S.P.); (M.T.); (A.N.A.)
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Pest Control, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Jianying Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (D.L.); (M.A.); (J.L.); (J.C.); (J.L.); (X.C.); (S.P.); (M.T.); (A.N.A.)
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Pest Control, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Jing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (D.L.); (M.A.); (J.L.); (J.C.); (J.L.); (X.C.); (S.P.); (M.T.); (A.N.A.)
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Pest Control, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Jianwen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (D.L.); (M.A.); (J.L.); (J.C.); (J.L.); (X.C.); (S.P.); (M.T.); (A.N.A.)
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Pest Control, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Xuemei Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (D.L.); (M.A.); (J.L.); (J.C.); (J.L.); (X.C.); (S.P.); (M.T.); (A.N.A.)
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Pest Control, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Senbo Pang
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (D.L.); (M.A.); (J.L.); (J.C.); (J.L.); (X.C.); (S.P.); (M.T.); (A.N.A.)
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Pest Control, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Mubashir Tariq
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (D.L.); (M.A.); (J.L.); (J.C.); (J.L.); (X.C.); (S.P.); (M.T.); (A.N.A.)
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Pest Control, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Anam Noreen Abbas
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (D.L.); (M.A.); (J.L.); (J.C.); (J.L.); (X.C.); (S.P.); (M.T.); (A.N.A.)
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Pest Control, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Guang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (D.L.); (M.A.); (J.L.); (J.C.); (J.L.); (X.C.); (S.P.); (M.T.); (A.N.A.)
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Pest Control, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou 350002, China
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Tang X, Liu N, Qi H, Lin H. Piwi maintains homeostasis in the Drosophila adult intestine. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:503-518. [PMID: 36736325 PMCID: PMC9969073 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
PIWI genes are well known for their germline but not somatic functions. Here, we report the function of the Drosophila piwi gene in the adult gut, where intestinal stem cells (ISCs) produce enteroendocrine cells and enteroblasts that generate enterocytes. We show that piwi is expressed in ISCs and enteroblasts. Piwi deficiency reduced ISC number, compromised enteroblasts maintenance, and induced apoptosis in enterocytes, but did not affect ISC proliferation and its differentiation to enteroendocrine cells. In addition, deficiency of zygotic but not maternal piwi mildly de-silenced several retrotransposons in the adult gut. Importantly, either piwi mutations or piwi knockdown specifically in ISCs and enteroblasts shortened the Drosophila lifespan, indicating that intestinal piwi contributes to longevity. Finally, our mRNA sequencing data implied that Piwi may achieve its intestinal function by regulating diverse molecular processes involved in metabolism and oxidation-reduction reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiongzhuo Tang
- Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA.
| | - Na Liu
- Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | - Hongying Qi
- Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | - Haifan Lin
- Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA.
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Mangiavacchi A, Morelli G, Orlando V. Behind the scenes: How RNA orchestrates the epigenetic regulation of gene expression. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1123975. [PMID: 36760365 PMCID: PMC9905133 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1123975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-coding DNA accounts for approximately 98.5% of the human genome. Once labeled as "junk DNA", this portion of the genome has undergone a progressive re-evaluation and it is now clear that some of its transcriptional products, belonging to the non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), are key players in cell regulatory networks. A growing body of evidence demonstrates the crucial impact of regulatory ncRNAs on mammalian gene expression. Here, we focus on the defined relationship between chromatin-interacting RNAs, particularly long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), enhancer RNA (eRNA), non-coding natural antisense transcript (ncNAT), and circular RNA (circRNA) and epigenome, a common ground where both protein and RNA species converge to regulate cellular functions. Through several examples, this review provides an overview of the variety of targets, interactors, and mechanisms involved in the RNA-mediated modulation of loci-specific epigenetic states, a fundamental evolutive strategy to orchestrate mammalian gene expression in a timely and reversible manner. We will discuss how RNA-mediated epigenetic regulation impacts development and tissue homeostasis and how its alteration contributes to the onset and progression of many different human diseases, particularly cancer.
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Zheng K, Zhang XL, Wang L, You ZH, Ji BY, Liang X, Li ZW. SPRDA: a link prediction approach based on the structural perturbation to infer disease-associated Piwi-interacting RNAs. Brief Bioinform 2023; 24:6850564. [PMID: 36445194 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbac498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
piRNA and PIWI proteins have been confirmed for disease diagnosis and treatment as novel biomarkers due to its abnormal expression in various cancers. However, the current research is not strong enough to further clarify the functions of piRNA in cancer and its underlying mechanism. Therefore, how to provide large-scale and serious piRNA candidates for biological research has grown up to be a pressing issue. In this study, a novel computational model based on the structural perturbation method is proposed to predict potential disease-associated piRNAs, called SPRDA. Notably, SPRDA belongs to positive-unlabeled learning, which is unaffected by negative examples in contrast to previous approaches. In the 5-fold cross-validation, SPRDA shows high performance on the benchmark dataset piRDisease, with an AUC of 0.9529. Furthermore, the predictive performance of SPRDA for 10 diseases shows the robustness of the proposed method. Overall, the proposed approach can provide unique insights into the pathogenesis of the disease and will advance the field of oncology diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Zheng
- Hunan Provincial Key Lab on Bioinformatics, School of Computer Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China.,College of Information Science and Engineering, Zaozhuang University, Zaozhuang 277100, China
| | - Xin-Lu Zhang
- Civil Product General Research Institute, The 36th Research Institute of China Electronics Technology Group Corporation, Jiaxing, 314000, China
| | - Lei Wang
- College of Information Science and Engineering, Zaozhuang University, Zaozhuang 277100, China.,Big Data and Intelligent Computing Research Center, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, 530007, China
| | - Zhu-Hong You
- Big Data and Intelligent Computing Research Center, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, 530007, China
| | - Bo-Ya Ji
- College of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410006, China
| | - Xiao Liang
- Hunan Provincial Key Lab on Bioinformatics, School of Computer Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China
| | - Zheng-Wei Li
- College of Information Science and Engineering, Zaozhuang University, Zaozhuang 277100, China.,Big Data and Intelligent Computing Research Center, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, 530007, China
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7
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Zhao J, Pan H, Liu Y, He Y, Shi H, Ge C. Interacting Networks of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian Axis Regulate Layer Hens Performance. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:141. [PMID: 36672882 PMCID: PMC9859134 DOI: 10.3390/genes14010141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Egg production is a vital biological and economic trait for poultry breeding. The 'hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis' determines the egg production, which affects the layer hens industry income. At the organism level, the HPO axis is influenced by the factors related to metabolic and nutritional status, environment, and genetics, whereas at the cellular and molecular levels, the HPO axis is influenced by the factors related to endocrine and metabolic regulation, cytokines, key genes, signaling pathways, post-transcriptional processing, and epigenetic modifications. MiRNAs and lncRNAs play a critical role in follicle selection and development, atresia, and ovulation in layer hens; in particular, miRNA is known to affect the development and atresia of follicles by regulating apoptosis and autophagy of granulosa cells. The current review elaborates on the regulation of the HPO axis and its role in the laying performance of hens at the organism, cellular, and molecular levels. In addition, this review provides an overview of the interactive network regulation mechanism of the HPO axis in layer hens, as well as comprehensive knowledge for successfully utilizing their genetic resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinbo Zhao
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University Kunming, Kunming 650201, China
- Branch of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary of Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qiqihar 161005, China
| | - Hongbin Pan
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University Kunming, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University Kunming, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Yang He
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University Kunming, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Hongmei Shi
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University Kunming, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Changrong Ge
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University Kunming, Kunming 650201, China
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Lama J, Srivastav S, Tasnim S, Hubbard D, Hadjipanteli S, Smith BR, Macdonald SJ, Green L, Kelleher ES. Genetic variation in P-element dysgenic sterility is associated with double-strand break repair and alternative splicing of TE transcripts. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010080. [PMID: 36477699 PMCID: PMC9762592 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010080] [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: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The germline mobilization of transposable elements (TEs) by small RNA mediated silencing pathways is conserved across eukaryotes and critical for ensuring the integrity of gamete genomes. However, genomes are recurrently invaded by novel TEs through horizontal transfer. These invading TEs are not targeted by host small RNAs, and their unregulated activity can cause DNA damage in germline cells and ultimately lead to sterility. Here we use hybrid dysgenesis-a sterility syndrome of Drosophila caused by transposition of invading P-element DNA transposons-to uncover host genetic variants that modulate dysgenic sterility. Using a panel of highly recombinant inbred lines of Drosophila melanogaster, we identified two linked quantitative trait loci (QTL) that determine the severity of dysgenic sterility in young and old females, respectively. We show that ovaries of fertile genotypes exhibit increased expression of splicing factors that suppress the production of transposase encoding transcripts, which likely reduces the transposition rate and associated DNA damage. We also show that fertile alleles are associated with decreased sensitivity to double-stranded breaks and enhanced DNA repair, explaining their ability to withstand high germline transposition rates. Together, our work reveals a diversity of mechanisms whereby host genotype modulates the cost of an invading TE, and points to genetic variants that were likely beneficial during the P-element invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyoti Lama
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Satyam Srivastav
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Sadia Tasnim
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Donald Hubbard
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Savana Hadjipanteli
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Brittny R. Smith
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Stuart J. Macdonald
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Llewellyn Green
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Erin S. Kelleher
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, United States of America
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9
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Zheng K, Zhang XL, Wang L, You ZH, Zhan ZH, Li HY. Line graph attention networks for predicting disease-associated Piwi-interacting RNAs. Brief Bioinform 2022; 23:6748487. [PMID: 36198846 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbac393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PIWI proteins and Piwi-Interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are commonly detected in human cancers, especially in germline and somatic tissues, and correlate with poorer clinical outcomes, suggesting that they play a functional role in cancer. As the problem of combinatorial explosions between ncRNA and disease exposes gradually, new bioinformatics methods for large-scale identification and prioritization of potential associations are therefore of interest. However, in the real world, the network of interactions between molecules is enormously intricate and noisy, which poses a problem for efficient graph mining. Line graphs can extend many heterogeneous networks to replace dichotomous networks. In this study, we present a new graph neural network framework, line graph attention networks (LGAT). And we apply it to predict PiRNA disease association (GAPDA). In the experiment, GAPDA performs excellently in 5-fold cross-validation with an AUC of 0.9038. Not only that, it still has superior performance compared with methods based on collaborative filtering and attribute features. The experimental results show that GAPDA ensures the prospect of the graph neural network on such problems and can be an excellent supplement for future biomedical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Zheng
- College of Information Science and Engineering, Zaozhuang University, Shandong 277100, China.,Hunan Provincial Key Lab on Bioinformatics, School of Computer Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China
| | | | - Lei Wang
- College of Information Science and Engineering, Zaozhuang University, Shandong 277100, China.,Big Data and Intelligent Computing Research Center, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning 530007, China
| | - Zhu-Hong You
- Big Data and Intelligent Computing Research Center, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning 530007, China
| | - Zhao-Hui Zhan
- Department of Computer Science, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Hao-Yuan Li
- Hunan Provincial Key Lab on Bioinformatics, School of Computer Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China
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10
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Yamamoto‐Matsuda H, Miyoshi K, Moritoh M, Yoshitane H, Fukada Y, Saito K, Yamanaka S, Siomi MC. Lint‐O
cooperates with L(3)mbt in target gene suppression to maintain homeostasis in fly ovary and brain. EMBO Rep 2022; 23:e53813. [PMID: 35993198 PMCID: PMC9535798 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202153813] [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: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss‐of‐function mutations in Drosophila lethal(3)malignant brain tumor [l(3)mbt] cause ectopic expression of germline genes and brain tumors. Loss of L(3)mbt function in ovarian somatic cells (OSCs) aberrantly activates germ‐specific piRNA amplification and leads to infertility. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, ChIP‐seq for L(3)mbt in cultured OSCs and RNA‐seq before and after L(3)mbt depletion shows that L(3)mbt genomic binding is not necessarily linked to gene regulation and that L(3)mbt controls piRNA pathway genes in multiple ways. Lack of known L(3)mbt co‐repressors, such as Lint‐1, has little effect on the levels of piRNA amplifiers. Identification of L(3)mbt interactors in OSCs and subsequent analysis reveals CG2662 as a novel co‐regulator of L(3)mbt, termed “L(3)mbt interactor in OSCs” (Lint‐O). Most of the L(3)mbt‐bound piRNA amplifier genes are also bound by Lint‐O in a similar fashion. Loss of Lint‐O impacts the levels of piRNA amplifiers, similar to the lack of L(3)mbt. The lint‐O‐deficient flies exhibit female sterility and tumorous brains. Thus, L(3)mbt and its novel co‐suppressor Lint‐O cooperate in suppressing target genes to maintain homeostasis in the ovary and brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitomi Yamamoto‐Matsuda
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
| | - Keita Miyoshi
- Department of Chromosome Science National Institute of Genetics, Research Organization of Information and Systems Shizuoka Japan
- Department of Genetics School of Life Science, SOKENDAI Shizuoka Japan
| | - Mai Moritoh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
| | - Hikari Yoshitane
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Fukada
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
| | - Kuniaki Saito
- Department of Chromosome Science National Institute of Genetics, Research Organization of Information and Systems Shizuoka Japan
- Department of Genetics School of Life Science, SOKENDAI Shizuoka Japan
| | - Soichiro Yamanaka
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
| | - Mikiko C Siomi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
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11
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Zheng K, Liang Y, Liu YY, Yasir M, Wang P. A decision support system based on multi-sources information to predict piRNA–disease associations using stacked autoencoder. Soft comput 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s00500-022-07396-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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12
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Pathania AS, Prathipati P, Pandey MK, Byrareddy SN, Coulter DW, Gupta SC, Challagundla KB. The emerging role of non-coding RNAs in the epigenetic regulation of pediatric cancers. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 83:227-241. [PMID: 33910063 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetics is a process that involves the regulation of gene expression without altering the sequence of DNA. Numerous studies have documented that epigenetic mechanisms play a critical role in cell growth, differentiation, and cancer over the past decade. The well-known epigenetic modifications are either on DNA or at the histone proteins. Although several studies have focused on regulating gene expression by non-coding RNAs, the current understanding of their biological functions in various human diseases, particularly in cancers, is inadequate. Only about two percent of DNA is involved in coding the protein-coding genes, and leaving the rest 98 percent is non-coding and the scientific community regarded as junk or noise with no known purpose. Most non-coding RNAs are derived from such junk DNA and are known to be involved in various signaling pathways involving cancer initiation, progression, and the development of therapy resistance in many human cancer types. Recent studies have suggested that non-coding RNAs, especially microRNAs, piwi-interactingRNAs, and long non-coding RNAs, play a significant role in controlling epigenetic mechanism(s), indicating the potential effect of epigenetic modulation of non-coding RNAs on cancer progression. In this review article, we briefly presented epigenetic marks' characteristics, crosstalk between epigenetic modifications and microRNAs, piwi-interactingRNAs, and long non-coding RNAs to uncover the effect on the phenotype of pediatric cancers. Further, current knowledge on understanding the RNA epigenetics will help design novel therapeutics that target epigenetic regulatory networks to benefit cancer patients in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anup S Pathania
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology & The Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Philip Prathipati
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Osaka, Japan
| | - Manoj K Pandey
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103, USA
| | - Siddappa N Byrareddy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology & The Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Don W Coulter
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Subash C Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India
| | - Kishore B Challagundla
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology & The Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; The Children's Health Research Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
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13
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Stoyko D, Genzor P, Haase AD. Hierarchical length and sequence preferences establish a single major piRNA 3'-end. iScience 2022; 25:104427. [PMID: 35669519 PMCID: PMC9162947 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) guard germline genomes against the deleterious action of mobile genetic elements. PiRNAs use extensive base-pairing to recognize their targets and variable 3'ends could change the specificity and efficacy of piRNA silencing. Here, we identify conserved rules that ensure the generation of a single major piRNA 3'end in flies and mice. Our data suggest that the PIWI proteins initially define a short interval on pre-piRNAs that grants access to the ZUC-processor complex. Within this Goldilocks zone, the preference to cut in front of Uridine determines the ultimate processing site. We observe a mouse-specific roadblock that relocates the Goldilocks zone and generates an opportunity for consecutive trimming. Our data reveal a conserved hierarchy between length and sequence preferences that controls the piRNA sequence space. The unanticipated precision of 3'end formation bolsters the emerging understanding that the functional piRNA sequence space is tightly controlled to ensure effective defense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Stoyko
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Pavol Genzor
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Astrid D Haase
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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14
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Zhang T, Chen L, Li R, Liu N, Huang X, Wong G. PIWI-interacting RNAs in human diseases: databases and computational models. Brief Bioinform 2022; 23:6603448. [PMID: 35667080 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbac217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are short 21-35 nucleotide molecules that comprise the largest class of non-coding RNAs and found in a large diversity of species including yeast, worms, flies, plants and mammals including humans. The most well-understood function of piRNAs is to monitor and protect the genome from transposons particularly in germline cells. Recent data suggest that piRNAs may have additional functions in somatic cells although they are expressed there in far lower abundance. Compared with microRNAs (miRNAs), piRNAs have more limited bioinformatics resources available. This review collates 39 piRNA specific and non-specific databases and bioinformatics resources, describes and compares their utility and attributes and provides an overview of their place in the field. In addition, we review 33 computational models based upon function: piRNA prediction, transposon element and mRNA-related piRNA prediction, cluster prediction, signature detection, target prediction and disease association. Based on the collection of databases and computational models, we identify trends and potential gaps in tool development. We further analyze the breadth and depth of piRNA data available in public sources, their contribution to specific human diseases, particularly in cancer and neurodegenerative conditions, and highlight a few specific piRNAs that appear to be associated with these diseases. This briefing presents the most recent and comprehensive mapping of piRNA bioinformatics resources including databases, models and tools for disease associations to date. Such a mapping should facilitate and stimulate further research on piRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianjiao Zhang
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau S.A.R. 999078, China
| | - Liang Chen
- Department of Computer Science, School of Engineering, Shantou University, Shantou, China
| | - Rongzhen Li
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau S.A.R. 999078, China
| | - Ning Liu
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau S.A.R. 999078, China
| | - Xiaobing Huang
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau S.A.R. 999078, China
| | - Garry Wong
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau S.A.R. 999078, China
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15
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Schoelz JM, Riddle NC. Functions of HP1 proteins in transcriptional regulation. Epigenetics Chromatin 2022; 15:14. [PMID: 35526078 PMCID: PMC9078007 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-022-00453-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In eukaryotes, DNA is packaged into chromatin, which presents significant barriers to transcription. Non-histone chromatin proteins such as the Heterochromatin Protein 1 (HP1) proteins are critical regulators of transcription, contributing to gene regulation through a variety of molecular mechanisms. HP1 proteins are highly conserved, and many eukaryotic genomes contain multiple HP1 genes. Given the presence of multiple HP1 family members within a genome, HP1 proteins can have unique as well as shared functions. Here, we review the mechanisms by which HP1 proteins contribute to the regulation of transcription. Focusing on the Drosophila melanogaster HP1 proteins, we examine the role of these proteins in regulating the transcription of genes, transposable elements, and piRNA clusters. In D. melanogaster, as in other species, HP1 proteins can act as transcriptional repressors and activators. The available data reveal that the precise impact of HP1 proteins on gene expression is highly context dependent, on the specific HP1 protein involved, on its protein partners present, and on the specific chromatin context the interaction occurs in. As a group, HP1 proteins utilize a variety of mechanisms to contribute to transcriptional regulation, including both transcriptional (i.e. chromatin-based) and post-transcriptional (i.e. RNA-based) processes. Despite extensive studies of this important protein family, open questions regarding their functions in gene regulation remain, specifically regarding the role of hetero- versus homodimerization and post-translational modifications of HP1 proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Schoelz
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Nicole C Riddle
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
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16
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The potential of emerging sub-omics technologies for CHO cell engineering. Biotechnol Adv 2022; 59:107978. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2022.107978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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17
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Cerqueira de Araujo A, Huguet E, Herniou EA, Drezen JM, Josse T. Transposable element repression using piRNAs, and its relevance to endogenous viral elements (EVEs) and immunity in insects. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 50:100876. [PMID: 35065285 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2022.100876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The piRNA system controls transposable element (TE) mobility by transcriptional gene silencing and post-transcriptional gene silencing. Dispersed in insect genomes, piRNA clusters contain TE copies, from which they produce piRNAs (specific small RNAs). These piRNAs can both target the nascent transcripts produced by active TE copies and directly repress them by heterochromatinization. They can also target mature transcripts and cleave them following amplification by the so-called 'ping-pong' loop mechanism. Moreover, piRNA clusters contain endogenous viral elements (EVEs), from which they produce piRNAs. The current idea is that these piRNAs could participate in the antiviral response against exogenous viral infection. In this review, we show that among insects, to date, this antiviral response by the piRNA system appears mainly restricted to mosquitoes, but this could be due to the focus of most studies on arboviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Cerqueira de Araujo
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte (IRBI), UMR 7261, CNRS - Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France
| | - Elisabeth Huguet
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte (IRBI), UMR 7261, CNRS - Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France
| | - Elisabeth A Herniou
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte (IRBI), UMR 7261, CNRS - Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France
| | - Jean-Michel Drezen
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte (IRBI), UMR 7261, CNRS - Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France
| | - Thibaut Josse
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte (IRBI), UMR 7261, CNRS - Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France.
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18
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Doke M, Kashanchi F, Khan MA, Samikkannu T. HIV-1 Tat and cocaine coexposure impacts piRNAs to affect astrocyte energy metabolism. Epigenomics 2022; 14:261-278. [PMID: 35170353 PMCID: PMC8892230 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2021-0252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: To understand the effect of HIV infection and cocaine exposure on piRNA expression in human primary astrocytes. Materials & methods: We used small RNA sequencing analysis to investigate the impacts of HIV-1 Tat and cocaine coexposure on the expression of piRNAs in human primary astrocytes. Results: We identified 27,700 piRNAs and analyzed them by small RNA next-generation sequencing. A total of 239 piRNAs were significantly altered by HIV-1 Tat and cocaine coexposure. We also identified PIWIL1, PIWIL2, PIWIL3 and PIWIL4 as interacting partners of piRNAs that were affected by cocaine and HIV-1 Tat coexposure. Epigenetic changes in the expression levels of these piRNA targets were associated with Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways of energy metabolism and neurodegeneration. Conclusion: These findings provide evidence that cocaine exposure and HIV infection affect the expression levels of piRNA, PIWIL1, PIWIL2, PIWIL3 and PIWIL4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayur Doke
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Kingsville, TX 78363, USA
| | - Fatah Kashanchi
- National Center for Biodefense & Infectious Disease, Laboratory of Molecular Virology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Mansoor A Khan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Kingsville, TX 78363, USA
| | - Thangavel Samikkannu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Kingsville, TX 78363, USA,Author for correspondence: Tel.: +1 361 221 0750;
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19
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Cai A, Hu Y, Zhou Z, Qi Q, Wu Y, Dong P, Chen L, Wang F. PIWI-Interacting RNAs (piRNAs): Promising Applications as Emerging Biomarkers for Digestive System Cancer. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:848105. [PMID: 35155584 PMCID: PMC8829394 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.848105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are a novel type of small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs), which are 26–31 nucleotides in length and bind to PIWI proteins. Although piRNAs were originally discovered in germline cells and are thought to be essential regulators for germline preservation, they can also influence gene expression in somatic cells. An increasing amount of data has shown that the dysregulation of piRNAs can both promote and repress the emergence and progression of human cancers through DNA methylation, transcriptional silencing, mRNA turnover, and translational control. Digestive cancers are currently a major cause of cancer deaths worldwide. piRNAs control the expression of essential genes and pathways associated with digestive cancer progression and have been reported as possible biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of digestive cancer. Here, we highlight recent advances in understanding the involvement of piRNAs, as well as potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications of piRNAs in various digestive cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiting Cai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yuhao Hu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Zhou Zhou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Qianyi Qi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yixuan Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Peixin Dong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hokkaido University School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- *Correspondence: Peixin Dong, ; Lin Chen, ; Feng Wang,
| | - Lin Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Laboratory Medicine, Nantong Third Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Nantong, China
- *Correspondence: Peixin Dong, ; Lin Chen, ; Feng Wang,
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
- *Correspondence: Peixin Dong, ; Lin Chen, ; Feng Wang,
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20
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Zhang J, Zhang W, Liu Y, Pi M, Jiang Y, Ainiwaer A, Mao S, Chen H, Ran Y, Sun S, Li W, Yao X, Chang Z, Yan Y. Emerging roles and potential application of PIWI-interacting RNA in urological tumors. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1054216. [PMID: 36733811 PMCID: PMC9887041 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1054216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The piRNA (PIWI-interacting RNA) is P-Element induced wimpy testis (PIWI)-interacting RNA which is a small molecule, non-coding RNA with a length of 24-32nt. It was originally found in germ cells and is considered a regulator of germ cell function. It can interact with PIWI protein, a member of the Argonaute family, and play a role in the regulation of gene transcription and epigenetic silencing of transposable factors in the nucleus. More and more studies have shown that piRNAs are abnormally expressed in a variety of cancer tissues and patient fluids, and may become diagnostic tools, therapeutic targets, staging markers, and prognostic evaluation tools for cancer. This article reviews the recent research on piRNA and summarizes the structural characteristics, production mechanism, applications, and its role in urological tumors, to provide a reference value for piRNA to regulate urological tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingcheng Zhang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Urologic Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wentao Zhang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Urologic Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuchao Liu
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Urologic Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Man Pi
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yufeng Jiang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Urologic Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ailiyaer Ainiwaer
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Urologic Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shiyu Mao
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Urologic Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haotian Chen
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Urologic Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuefei Ran
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Urologic Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuwen Sun
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Center of Clinical Oncology, the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Urologic Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xudong Yao
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Urologic Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yang Yan, ; Zhengyan Chang, ; Xudong Yao,
| | - Zhengyan Chang
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yang Yan, ; Zhengyan Chang, ; Xudong Yao,
| | - Yang Yan
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Urologic Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yang Yan, ; Zhengyan Chang, ; Xudong Yao,
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21
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Ameli Mojarad M, Ameli Mojarad M, Shojaee B, Nazemalhosseini-Mojarad E. piRNA: A promising biomarker in early detection of gastrointestinal cancer. Pathol Res Pract 2021; 230:153757. [PMID: 34998210 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2021.153757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer has become the primary concern of today's society due to its aggressive nature and poor prognosis. PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), a subgroup of non-coding RNAs, are mainly expressed in the germline and have emerged as a critical regulator in gene expression and the epigenetic silencing of DNA transposable elements by interacting with PIWI proteins. piRNAs' dysregulations were reported to promote or suppress the initiation and development of different malignancies, especially gastrointestinal cancers. Recently, several studies suggested the use of piRNAs as potential cancer biomarkers associated with the progression and chemoresistance of GI cancer. Hence, this review article aims to focus on the role of piRNAs in GI cancer progression, metastasis, and their molecular mechanisms as therapeutic markers for GI cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melika Ameli Mojarad
- Department of Biology Faculty of Basics Science, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.
| | | | - Bahador Shojaee
- Gastroenterology and Liver Disease Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Ehsan Nazemalhosseini-Mojarad
- Gastroenterology and Liver Disease Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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22
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Zhao Y, Shu R, Liu J. The development and improvement of ribonucleic acid therapy strategies. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2021; 26:997-1013. [PMID: 34540356 PMCID: PMC8437697 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The biological understanding of RNA has evolved since the discovery of catalytic RNAs in the early 1980s and the establishment of RNA interference (RNAi) in the 1990s. RNA is no longer seen as the simple mid-product between transcription and translation but as potential molecules to be developed as RNA therapeutic drugs. RNA-based therapeutic drugs have gained recognition because of their ability to regulate gene expression and perform cellular functions. Various nucleobase, backbone, and sugar-modified oligonucleotides have been synthesized, as natural oligonucleotides have some limitations such as poor low nuclease resistance, binding affinity, poor cellular uptake, and toxicity, which affect their use as RNA therapeutic drugs. In this review, we briefly discuss different RNA therapeutic drugs and their internal connections, including antisense oligonucleotides, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), aptamers, small activating RNAs (saRNAs), and RNA vaccines. We also discuss the important roles of RNA vaccines and their use in the fight against COVID-19. In addition, various chemical modifications and delivery systems used to improve the performance of RNA therapeutic drugs and overcome their limitations are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Rui Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Corresponding author: Rui Shu, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Jiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Corresponding author: Jiang Liu, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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23
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Mokarram P, Niknam M, Sadeghdoust M, Aligolighasemabadi F, Siri M, Dastghaib S, Brim H, Ashktorab H. PIWI interacting RNAs perspectives: a new avenues in future cancer investigations. Bioengineered 2021; 12:10401-10419. [PMID: 34723746 PMCID: PMC8809986 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1997078] [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] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
As a currently identified small non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) category, the PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are crucial mediators of cell biology. The human genome comprises over 30.000 piRNA genes. Although considered a new field in cancer research, the piRNA pathway is shown by the existing evidence as an active pathway in a variety of different types of cancers with critical impacts on main aspects of cancer progression. Among the regulatory molecules that contribute to maintaining the dynamics of cancer cells, the P-element Induced WImpy testis (PIWI) proteins and piRNAs, as new players, have not been broadly studied so far. Therefore, the identification of cancer-related piRNAs and the assessment of target genes of piRNAs may lead to better cancer prevention and therapy strategies. This review articleaimed to highlight the role and function of piRNAs based on existing data. Understanding the role of piRNA in cancer may provide perspectives on their applications as particular biomarker signature in diagnosis in early stage, prognosis and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooneh Mokarram
- Autophagy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran,Department of Biochemistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran,CONTACT Pooneh Mokarram Department of Biochemistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Maryam Niknam
- Department of Biochemistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammadamin Sadeghdoust
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mashhad Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Farnaz Aligolighasemabadi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mashhad Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Morvarid Siri
- Autophagy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sanaz Dastghaib
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hassan Brim
- Pathology and Cancer Center, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Hassan Ashktorab
- Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology Division and Cancer Center, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, Dc, USA
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24
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piRNA-31115 Promotes Cell Proliferation and Invasion via PI3K/AKT Pathway in Clear Cell Renal Carcinoma. DISEASE MARKERS 2021; 2021:6915329. [PMID: 34790278 PMCID: PMC8592738 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6915329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that play important roles in germline development and carcinogenesis. In this study, we used the deep sequencing of small RNA Transcriptome to explore the piRNA expression in six clear cell renal carcinoma (ccRCC) tissues and matched adjacent normal tissues and found that six piRNAs were upregulated and sixteen were downregulated in ccRCC tissues. Among them, piRNA-31115 (NCBI accession number: DQ571003) was the most upregulated piRNA in ccRCC tissues compared with matched adjacent normal tissues. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to confirm piR-31115 expression in other ccRCC tissues (n = 40) and ccRCC cell lines. Besides, function analysis demonstrated that silencing of piR-31115 inhibited ccRCC cell proliferation, motility, and invasiveness. Mechanistic investigations showed that piRNA-31115 may activate epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Hence, piR-31115 may represent an oncogene in the development of ccRCC.
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25
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To export, or not to export: how nuclear export factor variants resolve Piwi's dilemma. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:2073-2079. [PMID: 34643228 DOI: 10.1042/bst20201171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) defend animal gonads by guiding PIWI-clade Argonaute proteins to silence transposons. The nuclear Piwi/piRNA complexes confer transcriptional repression of transposons, which is accompanied with heterochromatin formation at target loci. On the other hand, piRNA clusters, genomic loci that transcribe piRNA precursors composed of transposon fragments, are often recognized by piRNAs to define their heterochromatic identity. Therefore, Piwi/piRNA complexes must resolve this conundrum of silencing transposons while allowing the expression of piRNA precursors, at least in Drosophila germlines. This review is focused on recent advances how the piRNA pathway deals with this genetic conflict.
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26
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Ow MC, Hall SE. piRNAs and endo-siRNAs: Small molecules with large roles in the nervous system. Neurochem Int 2021; 148:105086. [PMID: 34082061 PMCID: PMC8286337 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2021.105086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Since their discovery, small non-coding RNAs have emerged as powerhouses in the regulation of numerous cellular processes. In addition to guarding the integrity of the reproductive system, small non-coding RNAs play critical roles in the maintenance of the soma. Accumulating evidence indicates that small non-coding RNAs perform vital functions in the animal nervous system such as restricting the activity of deleterious transposable elements, regulating nerve regeneration, and mediating learning and memory. In this review, we provide an overview of the current understanding of the contribution of two major classes of small non-coding RNAs, piRNAs and endo-siRNAs, to the nervous system development and function, and present highlights on how the dysregulation of small non-coding RNA pathways can assist in understanding the neuropathology of human neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria C Ow
- Biology Department, Syracuse University, 107 College Place, Syracuse, NY, 13244, USA.
| | - Sarah E Hall
- Biology Department, Syracuse University, 107 College Place, Syracuse, NY, 13244, USA.
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27
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He J, Chen M, Xu J, Fang J, Liu Z, Qi H. Identification and characterization of Piwi-interacting RNAs in human placentas of preeclampsia. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15766. [PMID: 34344990 PMCID: PMC8333249 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95307-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a common disease of pregnancy that poses a serious threat to the safety of pregnant women and the fetus; however, the etiology of preeclampsia is inconclusive. Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are novel non-coding RNAs that are present at high levels in germ cells and are associated with spermatogenesis. Emerging evidence demonstrated that piRNA is expressed in a variety of human tissues and is closely associated with tumorigenesis. However, changes in the piRNA expression profile in the placenta have not been investigated. In this study, we used small RNA sequencing to evaluate the differences in piRNA expression profiles between preeclampsia and control patients and potential functions. Differential expression analysis found 41 up-regulated and 36 down-regulated piRNAs in preeclamptic samples. In addition, the functional enrichment analysis of piRNAs target genes indicated that they were related to the extracellular matrix (ECM) formation and tissue-specific. Finally, we examined the expression pattern of the PIWL family proteins in the placenta, and PIWL3 and PIWIL4 were the primary subtypes in the human placenta. In summary, this study first summarized the changes in the expression pattern of piRNA in preeclampsia and provided new clues for the regulatory role of piRNA in the human placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie He
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.,China-Canada-New Zealand Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Miaomiao Chen
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.,China-Canada-New Zealand Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.,Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, No. 745 Wuluo Road, Hongshan District, Wuhan City, 430070, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jiacheng Xu
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.,China-Canada-New Zealand Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Jie Fang
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.,China-Canada-New Zealand Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.,China-Canada-New Zealand Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Hongbo Qi
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China. .,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China. .,China-Canada-New Zealand Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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28
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Sadoughi F, Mirhashemi SM, Asemi Z. Epigenetic roles of PIWI proteins and piRNAs in colorectal cancer. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:328. [PMID: 34193172 PMCID: PMC8243752 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-02034-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Small non‐coding RNAs (sncRNAs) are a subgroup of non‐coding RNAs, with less than 200 nucleotides length and no potential for coding proteins. PiRNAs, a member of sncRNAs, were first discovered more than a decade ago and have attracted researcher’s attention because of their gene regulatory function both in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm. Recent investigations have found that the abnormal expression of these sncRNAs is involved in many human diseases, including cancers. Colorectal cancer (CRC), as a common gastrointestinal malignancy, is one of the important causes of cancer‐related deaths through the entire world and appears to be a consequence of mutation in the genome and epigenetic alterations. The aim of this review is to realize whether there is a relationship between CRC and piRNAs or not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Sadoughi
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, I.R. of Iran
| | - Seyyed Mehdi Mirhashemi
- Metabolic Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran.
| | - Zatollah Asemi
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, I.R. of Iran.
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29
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Ji G, Zhou W, Du J, Zhou J, Wu D, Zhao M, Yang L, Hao A. PCGF1 promotes epigenetic activation of stemness markers and colorectal cancer stem cell enrichment. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:633. [PMID: 34148069 PMCID: PMC8214626 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03914-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) stem cells are resistant to cancer therapy and are therefore responsible for tumour progression after conventional therapy fails. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the maintenance of stemness are poorly understood. In this study, we identified PCGF1 as a crucial epigenetic regulator that sustains the stem cell-like phenotype of CRC. PCGF1 expression was increased in CRC and was significantly correlated with cancer progression and poor prognosis in CRC patients. PCGF1 knockdown inhibited CRC stem cell proliferation and CRC stem cell enrichment. Importantly, PCGF1 silencing impaired tumour growth in vivo. Mechanistically, PCGF1 bound to the promoters of CRC stem cell markers and activated their transcription by increasing the H3K4 histone trimethylation (H3K4me3) marks and decreasing the H3K27 histone trimethylation (H3K27me3) marks on their promoters by increasing expression of the H3K4me3 methyltransferase KMT2A and the H3K27me3 demethylase KDM6A. Our findings suggest that PCGF1 is a potential therapeutic target for CRC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyu Ji
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Department of Anatomy and Histoembryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Wenjuan Zhou
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Department of Anatomy and Histoembryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Jingyi Du
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Department of Anatomy and Histoembryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Juan Zhou
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Department of Anatomy and Histoembryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Dong Wu
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Department of Anatomy and Histoembryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Man Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Department of Anatomy and Histoembryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Liping Yang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Department of Anatomy and Histoembryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Aijun Hao
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Department of Anatomy and Histoembryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
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30
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Do Transgenerational Epigenetic Inheritance and Immune System Development Share Common Epigenetic Processes? J Dev Biol 2021; 9:jdb9020020. [PMID: 34065783 PMCID: PMC8162332 DOI: 10.3390/jdb9020020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications regulate gene expression for development, immune response, disease, and other processes. A major role of epigenetics is to control the dynamics of chromatin structure, i.e., the condensed packaging of DNA around histone proteins in eukaryotic nuclei. Key epigenetic factors include enzymes for histone modifications and DNA methylation, non-coding RNAs, and prions. Epigenetic modifications are heritable but during embryonic development, most parental epigenetic marks are erased and reset. Interestingly, some epigenetic modifications, that may be resulting from immune response to stimuli, can escape remodeling and transmit to subsequent generations who are not exposed to those stimuli. This phenomenon is called transgenerational epigenetic inheritance if the epigenetic phenotype persists beyond the third generation in female germlines and second generation in male germlines. Although its primary function is likely immune response for survival, its role in the development and functioning of the immune system is not extensively explored, despite studies reporting transgenerational inheritance of stress-induced epigenetic modifications resulting in immune disorders. Hence, this review draws from studies on transgenerational epigenetic inheritance, immune system development and function, high-throughput epigenetics tools to study those phenomena, and relevant clinical trials, to focus on their significance and deeper understanding for future research, therapeutic developments, and various applications.
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31
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Computational Methods and Online Resources for Identification of piRNA-Related Molecules. Interdiscip Sci 2021; 13:176-191. [PMID: 33886096 DOI: 10.1007/s12539-021-00428-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
piRNAs are a class of small non-coding RNA molecules, which interact with the PIWI family and have many important and diverse biological functions. The present review is aimed to provide guidelines and contribute to piRNA research. We focused on the four types of identification models on piRNA-related molecules, including piRNA, piRNA cluster, piRNA target, and disease-related piRNA. We evaluated the types of tools for the identification of piRNAs based on five aspects: datasets, features, classifiers, performance, and usability. We found the precision of 2lpiRNApred was the highest in datasets of model organisms, piRNN had a better performance of datasets of non-model organisms, and 2L-piRNA had the fastest recognition speed of all tools. In addition, we presented an overview of piRNA databases. The databases were divided into six categories: basic annotation, comprehensive annotation, isoform, cluster, target, and disease. We found that piRNA data of non-model organisms, piRNA target data, and piRNA-disease-associated data should be strengthened. Our review might assist researchers in selecting appropriate tools or datasets for their studies, reveal potential problems and shed light on future bioinformatics studies.
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32
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piRNAs as Modulators of Disease Pathogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052373. [PMID: 33673453 PMCID: PMC7956838 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in understanding disease pathogenesis correlates to modifications in gene expression within different tissues and organ systems. In depth knowledge about the dysregulation of gene expression profiles is fundamental to fully uncover mechanisms in disease development and changes in host homeostasis. The body of knowledge surrounding mammalian regulatory elements, specifically regulators of chromatin structure, transcriptional and translational activation, has considerably surged within the past decade. A set of key regulators whose function still needs to be fully elucidated are small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs). Due to their broad range of unfolding functions in the regulation of gene expression during transcription and translation, sncRNAs are becoming vital to many cellular processes. Within the past decade, a novel class of sncRNAs called PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) have been implicated in various diseases, and understanding their complete function is of vital importance. Historically, piRNAs have been shown to be indispensable in germline integrity and stem cell development. Accumulating research evidence continue to reveal the many arms of piRNA function. Although piRNA function and biogenesis has been extensively studied in Drosophila, it is thought that they play similar roles in vertebrate species, including humans. Compounding evidence suggests that piRNAs encompass a wider functional range than small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), which have been studied more in terms of cellular homeostasis and disease. This review aims to summarize contemporary knowledge regarding biogenesis, and homeostatic function of piRNAs and their emerging roles in the development of pathologies related to cardiomyopathies, cancer, and infectious diseases.
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33
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Liu N, Neuenkirchen N, Zhong M, Lin H. Genome-wide mapping of Piwi association with specific loci in Drosophila ovaries. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2021; 11:jkaa059. [PMID: 33609367 PMCID: PMC8022938 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkaa059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Small noncoding RNA pathways have been implicated in diverse mechanisms of gene regulation. In Drosophila ovaries, Piwi binds to Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) of mostly 24-28 nucleotides (nt) and plays an important role in germline stem cell maintenance, transposon repression, and epigenetic regulation. To understand the mechanism underlying these functions, we report the application of the DamID-seq method to identify genome-wide binding sites of Piwi in Drosophila ovaries. Piwi localizes to at least 4535 euchromatic regions that are enriched with piRNA target sites. Surprisingly, the density of Piwi binding to euchromatin is much higher than in heterochromatin. Disrupting the piRNA binding of Piwi results in an overall change of the genomic binding profile, which indicates the role of piRNAs in directing Piwi to specific genomic sites. Most Piwi binding sites were either within or in the vicinity of protein-coding genes, particularly enriched near the transcriptional start and termination sites. The methylation signal near the transcriptional termination sites is significantly reduced when Piwi was mutated to become defective in piRNA binding. These observations indicate that Piwi might directly regulate the expression of many protein-coding genes, especially through regulating the 3' ends of targeted transcripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Liu
- Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8073, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8073, USA
| | - Nils Neuenkirchen
- Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8073, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8073, USA
| | - Mei Zhong
- Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8073, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8073, USA
| | - Haifan Lin
- Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8073, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8073, USA
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Wang C, Lin H. Roles of piRNAs in transposon and pseudogene regulation of germline mRNAs and lncRNAs. Genome Biol 2021; 22:27. [PMID: 33419460 PMCID: PMC7792047 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-020-02221-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PIWI proteins, a subfamily of PAZ/PIWI Domain family RNA-binding proteins, are best known for their function in silencing transposons and germline development by partnering with small noncoding RNAs called PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs). However, recent studies have revealed multifaceted roles of the PIWI-piRNA pathway in regulating the expression of other major classes of RNAs in germ cells. In this review, we summarize how PIWI proteins and piRNAs regulate the expression of many disparate RNAs, describing a highly complex global genomic regulatory relationship at the RNA level through which piRNAs functionally connect all major constituents of the genome in the germline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Wang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Haifan Lin
- Yale Stem Cell Center and Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06519, USA.
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35
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PIWIL1 interacting RNA piR-017061 inhibits pancreatic cancer growth via regulating EFNA5. Hum Cell 2021; 34:550-563. [PMID: 33389678 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-020-00463-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PIWI (P element induced wimpy testis) integrating RNAs (piRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs with the length of approximately 30 nucleotides that plays crucial roles in germ cells and adult stem cells. Recently, accumulating data have shown that piRNA and PIWI proteins are involved in tumorigenesis. However, the roles of PIWI proteins and piRNAs in pancreatic cancer are still elusive. Here, we showed that piR-017061 is significantly downregulated in pancreatic cancer patients' samples and pancreatic cancer cell lines. Furthermore, we studied the function of piR-017061 in pancreatic cancer and our data revealed that piR-017061 inhibits pancreatic cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we analyzed the genomic loci around piR-017061 and identified EFNA5 as a novel target of piR-017061. Importantly, our data further revealed a direct binding between piR-017061 and EFNA5 mRNA mediated by PIWIL1. Mechanically, piR-017061 cooperates with PIWIL1 to facilitate EFNA5 mRNA degradation and loss of piR-017061 results in accumulation of EFNA5 which facilitates pancreatic cancer development. Hence, our data provided novel insights into PIWI/piRNA-mediated gene regulation and their function in pancreatic cancer. Since PIWI proteins and piRNA predominately express in germline and cancer cells, our study provided novel therapeutic strategy for pancreatic cancer treatment.
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36
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Hsu SJ, Stow EC, Simmons JR, Wallace HA, Lopez AM, Stroud S, Labrador M. Mutations in the insulator protein Suppressor of Hairy wing induce genome instability. Chromosoma 2020; 129:255-274. [PMID: 33140220 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-020-00743-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Insulator proteins orchestrate the three-dimensional organization of the genome. Insulators function by facilitating communications between regulatory sequences and gene promoters, allowing accurate gene transcription regulation during embryo development and cell differentiation. However, the role of insulator proteins beyond genome organization and transcription regulation remains unclear. Suppressor of Hairy wing [Su(Hw)] is a Drosophila insulator protein that plays an important function in female oogenesis. Here we find that su(Hw) has an unsuspected role in genome stability during cell differentiation. We show that su(Hw) mutant developing egg chambers have poorly formed microtubule organization centers (MTOCs) in the germarium and display mislocalization of the anterior/posterior axis specification factor gurken in later oogenesis stages. Additionally, eggshells from partially rescued su(Hw) mutant female germline exhibit dorsoventral patterning defects. These phenotypes are very similar to phenotypes found in the important class of spindle mutants or in piRNA pathway mutants in Drosophila, in which defects generally result from the failure of germ cells to repair DNA damage. Similarities between mutations in su(Hw) and spindle and piRNA mutants are further supported by an excess of DNA damage in nurse cells, and because Gurken localization defects are partially rescued by mutations in the ATR (mei-41) and Chk1 (grapes) DNA damage response genes. Finally, we also show that su(Hw) mutants produce an elevated number of chromosome breaks in dividing neuroblasts from larval brains. Together, these findings suggest that Su(Hw) is necessary for the maintenance of genome integrity during Drosophila development, in both germline and dividing somatic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Jui Hsu
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Emily C Stow
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - James R Simmons
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Heather A Wallace
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Andrea Mancheno Lopez
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Shannon Stroud
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Mariano Labrador
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA.
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37
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Biopathological Significance of PIWI-piRNA Pathway Deregulation in Invasive Breast Carcinomas. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12102833. [PMID: 33008024 PMCID: PMC7600338 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The PIWI-piRNA ribonucleoproteic complexes are pivotal regulators of genome integrity, differentiation and homeostasis and their dysregulation has recently been implicated in carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to analyze the four PIWILs gene expression in invasive breast carcinomas (IBC) at RNA level using quantitative RT-PCR and protein level using immunohistochemistry. In normal breast tissue, PIWILs 2 and 4 were solely expressed, whereas an abnormal emergence of PIWIL1 and 3 was observed in respectively 30% and 6% of IBCs. Conversely, PIWIL2 was underexpressed in 48.3% and PIWIL4 downregulated in 43.3% of IBCs. Similar patterns of PIWIL deregulation were observed in a multitumoral panel, suggesting a generic mechanism in most cancers. PIWIL2 underexpression was significantly associated with DNA methylation and strong cytotoxic immune response. Characterization of the newly recognized PIWIL-piRNA pathway in IBCs opens interesting therapeutic perspectives using piRNAs, hypomethylating drugs, checkpoints immunotherapies and anti-PIWIL 1–3 antibodies. Abstract The PIWI proteins emerging in the development of human cancers, edify PIWI-piRNA ribonucleoproteic complexes acting as pivotal regulators of genome integrity, differentiation and homeostasis. The aim of this study is to analyze the four PIWILs gene expression in invasive breast carcinomas (IBCs): at RNA level using quantitative RT-PCR (n = 526) and protein level using immunohistochemistry (n = 150). In normal breast tissue, PIWILs 2 and 4 were solely expressed, whereas an abnormal emergence of PIWIL1 and 3 was observed in respectively 30% and 6% of IBCs. Conversely, PIWIL2 was underexpressed in 48.3% and PIWIL4 downregulated in 43.3% of IBCs. Significant positive associations were observed between PIWIL4 underexpression, HR+ status and HR+ ERBB2+ molecular subtype and PIWIL2 underexpression, PR- status, ERBB2- status and molecular subtype. Similar patterns of PIWIL deregulation were observed in a multitumoral panel, suggesting a generic mechanism in most cancers. PIWIL2-4 underexpression was mainly regulated at epigenetic or post-transcriptional levels. PIWIL2 underexpression was significantly associated with DNA methylation and strong cytotoxic immune response. PIWIL2-4 were mainly associated with genes implicated in cell proliferation. As a result of this study, characterization of the PIWIL-piRNA pathway in IBCs opens interesting therapeutic perspectives using piRNAs, hypomethylating drugs, checkpoints immunotherapies and anti-PIWIL 1–3 antibodies.
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Meyer-Nava S, Nieto-Caballero VE, Zurita M, Valadez-Graham V. Insights into HP1a-Chromatin Interactions. Cells 2020; 9:E1866. [PMID: 32784937 PMCID: PMC7465937 DOI: 10.3390/cells9081866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [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: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the packaging of DNA into chromatin has become a crucial aspect in the study of gene regulatory mechanisms. Heterochromatin establishment and maintenance dynamics have emerged as some of the main features involved in genome stability, cellular development, and diseases. The most extensively studied heterochromatin protein is HP1a. This protein has two main domains, namely the chromoshadow and the chromodomain, separated by a hinge region. Over the years, several works have taken on the task of identifying HP1a partners using different strategies. In this review, we focus on describing these interactions and the possible complexes and subcomplexes associated with this critical protein. Characterization of these complexes will help us to clearly understand the implications of the interactions of HP1a in heterochromatin maintenance, heterochromatin dynamics, and heterochromatin's direct relationship to gene regulation and chromatin organization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Viviana Valadez-Graham
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca Morelos 62210, Mexico; (S.M.-N.); (V.E.N.-C.); (M.Z.)
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Soleimani S, Valizadeh Arshad Z, Moradi S, Ahmadi A, Davarpanah SJ, Azimzadeh Jamalkandi S. Small regulatory noncoding RNAs in Drosophila melanogaster: biogenesis and biological functions. Brief Funct Genomics 2020; 19:309-323. [PMID: 32219422 DOI: 10.1093/bfgp/elaa005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is an important phenomenon that has diverse genetic regulatory functions at the pre- and posttranscriptional levels. The major trigger for the RNAi pathway is double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). dsRNA is processed to generate various types of major small noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) that include microRNAs (miRNAs), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) in Drosophila melanogaster (D. melanogaster). Functionally, these small ncRNAs play critical roles in virtually all biological systems and developmental pathways. Identification and processing of dsRNAs and activation of RNAi machinery are the three major academic interests that surround RNAi research. Mechanistically, some of the important biological functions of RNAi are achieved through: (i) supporting genomic stability via degradation of foreign viral genomes; (ii) suppressing the movement of transposable elements and, most importantly, (iii) post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression by miRNAs that contribute to regulation of epigenetic modifications such as heterochromatin formation and genome imprinting. Here, we review various routes of small ncRNA biogenesis, as well as different RNAi-mediated pathways in D. melanogaster with a particular focus on signaling pathways. In addition, a critical discussion of the most relevant and latest findings that concern the significant contribution of small ncRNAs to the regulation of D. melanogaster physiology and pathophysiology is presented.
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40
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Zeng Q, Wan H, Zhao S, Xu H, Tang T, Oware KA, Qu S. Role of
PIWI
‐interacting
RNAs
on cell survival: Proliferation, apoptosis, and cycle. IUBMB Life 2020; 72:1870-1878. [DOI: 10.1002/iub.2332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zeng
- Pathophysiology DepartmentInstitute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic disease, University of South China Hengyang China
| | - Hengquan Wan
- Pathophysiology DepartmentInstitute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic disease, University of South China Hengyang China
| | - Simin Zhao
- Pathophysiology DepartmentInstitute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic disease, University of South China Hengyang China
| | - Haiqiang Xu
- Pathophysiology DepartmentInstitute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic disease, University of South China Hengyang China
| | - Tingting Tang
- Pathophysiology DepartmentInstitute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic disease, University of South China Hengyang China
| | - Kwabena Agyare Oware
- Pathophysiology DepartmentInstitute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic disease, University of South China Hengyang China
- International College, Hengyang Medical SchoolUniversity of South China Hengyang China
| | - Shunlin Qu
- Pathophysiology DepartmentInstitute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic disease, University of South China Hengyang China
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41
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Developing small activating RNA as a therapeutic: current challenges and promises. Ther Deliv 2020; 10:151-164. [PMID: 30909853 DOI: 10.4155/tde-2018-0061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA activation (RNAa) allows specific gene upregulation mediated by a small activating RNA (saRNA). Harnessing this process would help in developing novel therapeutics for undruggable diseases. Since its discovery in mid 2000s, improvements of saRNA design, synthetic chemistry and understanding of the biology have matured the way to apply RNAa. Indeed, MiNA therapeutics Ltd has conducted the first RNAa clinical trial for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma patients with promising outcomes. However, to fully realize the RNAa potential better saRNA delivery strategies are needed to target other diseases. Currently, saRNA can be delivered in vivo by lipid nanoparticles, dendrimers, lipid and polymer hybrids and aptamers. Further developing these delivery technologies and novel application of RNAa will prove to be invaluable for new treatment development.
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42
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Abramowicz A, Story MD. The Long and Short of It: The Emerging Roles of Non-Coding RNA in Small Extracellular Vesicles. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061445. [PMID: 32498257 PMCID: PMC7352322 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Small extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a significant role in intercellular communication through their non-coding RNA (ncRNA) cargo. While the initial examination of EV cargo identified both mRNA and miRNA, later studies revealed a wealth of other types of EV-related non-randomly packed ncRNAs, including tRNA and tRNA fragments, Y RNA, piRNA, rRNA, and lncRNA. A number of potential roles for these ncRNA species were suggested, with strong evidence provided in some cases, whereas the role for other ncRNA is more speculative. For example, long non-coding RNA might be used as a potential diagnostic tool but might also mediate resistance to certain cancer-specific chemotherapy agents. piRNAs, on the other hand, have a significant role in genome integrity, however, no role has yet been defined for the piRNAs found in EVs. While our knowledgebase for the function of ncRNA-containing EVs is still modest, the potential role that these EV-ensconced ncRNA might play is promising. This review summarizes the ncRNA content of EVs and describes the function where known, or the potential utility of EVs that harbor specific types of ncRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Abramowicz
- Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Gliwice Branch, 44-102 Gliwice, Poland;
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Michael D Story
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Correspondence:
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43
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Li D, Yang S, Peng H. [Characteristics of exosomes secreted by Toxoplasma gondii-infected mouse dendritic DC2.4 cells]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2020; 40:727-732. [PMID: 32897220 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2020.05.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the changes in the exosomes secreted by mouse dendritic cell line DC2.4 after infection with Toxoplasma gondii and to analyze the possible regulatory mechanisms underlying such changes. METHODS The exosomes were extracted by ultracentrifugation from DC2.4 cells at 28 h after infection with Toxoplasma gondii. The morphology of the exosomes was examined with transmission electron microscopy, and the exosome size and density were determined using a nanoparticle tracker. High-throughput sequencing was carried out to identify the differentially expressed small RNAs in the exosomes derived from the infected cells. RESULTS T. gondii infection resulted in a significantly increased density of exosomes secreted by DC2.4 cells. Small RNA sequencing revealed that Toxoplasma infection caused an increase in the number of miRNAs and piRNAs in the exosomes. The significantly up-regulated piRNAs after the infection included piR-mmu-159, piR-mmu-1526, piR-mmu-9082, piR-mmu-17405, and piR-mmu-25576. CONCLUSIONS Toxoplasma infection causes accumulation and enrichment of exosomes secreted by DC2.4 cells with increased miRNAs and piRNAs in the exosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongliang Li
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University. Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Shujun Yang
- Department of Ultrasound Diagnosis, 74th Army Group Hospital, Guangzhou 510318, China
| | - Hongjuan Peng
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University. Guangzhou 510515, China
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Kelleher ES, Barbash DA, Blumenstiel JP. Taming the Turmoil Within: New Insights on the Containment of Transposable Elements. Trends Genet 2020; 36:474-489. [PMID: 32473745 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2020.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile genetic parasites that can exponentially increase their genomic abundance through self-propagation. Classic theoretical papers highlighted the importance of two potentially escalating forces that oppose TE spread: regulated transposition and purifying selection. Here, we review new insights into mechanisms of TE regulation and purifying selection, which reveal the remarkable foresight of these theoretical models. We further highlight emergent connections between transcriptional control enacted by small RNAs and the contribution of TE insertions to structural mutation and host-gene regulation. Finally, we call for increased comparative analysis of TE dynamics and fitness effects, as well as host control mechanisms, to reveal how interconnected forces shape the differential prevalence and distribution of TEs across the tree of life.
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45
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Wang J, Zhang P, Lu Y, Li Y, Zheng Y, Kan Y, Chen R, He S. piRBase: a comprehensive database of piRNA sequences. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 47:D175-D180. [PMID: 30371818 PMCID: PMC6323959 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky1043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PIWI-interacting RNAs are a class of small RNAs that is most abundantly expressed in animal germline. Substantial research is going on to reveal the functions of piRNAs in the epigenetic and post-transcriptional regulation of transposons and genes. To collect and annotate these data, we developed piRBase, a database assisting piRNA functional study. Since its launch in 2014, piRBase has integrated 264 data sets from 21 organisms, and the number of collected piRNAs has reached 173 million. The latest piRBase release (v2.0, 2018) was more focused on the comprehensive annotation of piRNA sequences, as well as the increasing number of piRNAs. In addition, piRBase release v2.0 also contained the potential information of piRNA targets and disease related piRNA. All datasets in piRBase is free to access, and available for browse, search and bulk downloads at http://www.regulatoryrna.org/database/piRNA/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Wang
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Center for Big Data Research in Health, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Center for Big Data Research in Health, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yiping Lu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001,China
| | - Yanyan Li
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Center for Big Data Research in Health, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yu Zheng
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Center for Big Data Research in Health, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yunchao Kan
- China-UK-NYNU-RRes Joint Laboratory of insect biology, Henan Key Laboratory of Insect Biology in Funiu Mountain, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, Henan 473061,China
| | - Runsheng Chen
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Center for Big Data Research in Health, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Shunmin He
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Center for Big Data Research in Health, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
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46
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Subhramanyam CS, Cao Q, Wang C, Heng ZSL, Zhou Z, Hu Q. Role of PIWI-like 4 in modulating neuronal differentiation from human embryonal carcinoma cells. RNA Biol 2020; 17:1613-1624. [PMID: 32372724 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2020.1757896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PIWI homologs constitute a subclass of the Argonaute family. Traditionally, they have been shown to associate with a specific class of small RNAs, piRNAs, to suppress transposable elements and protect genomic integrity in germ cells. Recent studies imply that PIWI proteins may also exert important biological functions in somatic contexts, including the brain. However, their exact role in neural development remains unknown. Hence we investigated whether PIWI proteins are involved in neuronal differentiation. By using an established cell model for studying neurogenesis, NTera2/D1 (NT2) cells, we found that a particular PIWI homolog, PIWIL4 was increasingly upregulated throughout the course of all-trans retinoic acid (RA)-mediated neuronal differentiation. During this process, PIWIL4 knockdown led to partial recovery of embryonic stem cell markers, while suppressing RA-induced expression of neuronal markers. Consistently, PIWIL4 overexpression further elevated their expression levels. Furthermore, co-immunoprecipitation revealed an RA-induced interaction between PIWIL4 and the H3K27me3 demethylase UTX. Chromatin immunoprecipitation showed that this interaction could be essential for the removal of H3K27me3 from the promoters of RA-inducible genes. By a similar mechanism, PIWIL4 knockdown also suppressed the expression of PTN and NLGN3, two important neuronal factors secreted to regulate glioma activity. We further noted that the conditioned medium collected from PIWIL4-silenced NT2 cells significantly reduced the proliferation of glioma cells. Thus, our data suggest a novel somatic role of PIWIL4 in modulating the expression of neuronal genes that can be further characterized to promote neuronal differentiation and to modulate the activity of glioma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Qiong Cao
- Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore , Singapore
| | - Cheng Wang
- Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore , Singapore
| | - Zealyn Shi Lin Heng
- Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore , Singapore
| | - Zhihong Zhou
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore , Singapore
| | - Qidong Hu
- Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore , Singapore
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47
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Stermer AR, Reyes G, Hall SJ, Boekelheide K. Small RNAs in Rat Sperm Are a Predictive and Sensitive Biomarker of Exposure to the Testicular Toxicant Ethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether. Toxicol Sci 2020; 169:399-408. [PMID: 30768127 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfz041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicular histology and semen parameters are considered the gold standards when determining male reproductive toxicity. Ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (EGME) is a testicular toxicant with well-described effects on histopathology and sperm parameters. To compare the predictivity and sensitivity of molecular biomarkers of testicular toxicity to the traditional endpoints, small RNAs in the sperm were analyzed by next generation RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq). Adult rats were exposed to 0, 50, 60, or 75 mg/kg EGME by oral gavage for 5 consecutive days. Testis histology, epididymal sperm motility, and sperm small RNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs), mRNA fragments, piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), and tRNA fragments (tRFs), were analyzed 5 weeks after cessation of exposure. Testicular histology showed a significant dose-dependent increase in retained spermatid heads (RSH), while sperm motility declined with increasing dose. RNA-sequencing of sperm small RNAs was used to identify significant dose-dependent changes in percent mRNA fragments (of total reads), percent miRNAs (of total reads), average tRF length, average piRNA length, and piRNA and tRF length-distributions. Discriminant analysis showed relatively low predictivity of exposure based on RSH or motility compared to the average read length of all assigned RNAs. Benchmark dose (BMD) modeling resulted in a BMD of 62 mg/kg using RSH, whereas average read length of all assigned RNAs resulted in a BMD of 47 mg/kg. These results showed that sperm small RNAs are sensitive and predictive biomarkers of EGME-induced male reproductive toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela R Stermer
- Department of pathology and laboratory medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912
| | - Gerardo Reyes
- Department of pathology and laboratory medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912
| | - Susan J Hall
- Department of pathology and laboratory medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912
| | - Kim Boekelheide
- Department of pathology and laboratory medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912
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48
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Zhang S, Pointer B, Kelleher ES. Rapid evolution of piRNA-mediated silencing of an invading transposable element was driven by abundant de novo mutations. Genome Res 2020; 30:566-575. [PMID: 32238416 PMCID: PMC7197473 DOI: 10.1101/gr.251546.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The regulation of transposable element (TE) activity by small RNAs is a ubiquitous feature of germlines. However, despite the obvious benefits to the host in terms of ensuring the production of viable gametes and maintaining the integrity of the genomes they carry, it remains controversial whether TE regulation evolves adaptively. We examined the emergence and evolutionary dynamics of repressor alleles after P-elements invaded the Drosophila melanogaster genome in the mid-twentieth century. In many animals including Drosophila, repressor alleles are produced by transpositional insertions into piRNA clusters, genomic regions encoding the Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) that regulate TEs. We discovered that ∼94% of recently collected isofemale lines in the Drosophila melanogaster Genetic Reference Panel (DGRP) contain at least one P-element insertion in a piRNA cluster, indicating that repressor alleles are produced by de novo insertion at an exceptional rate. Furthermore, in our sample of approximately 200 genomes, we uncovered no fewer than 80 unique P-element insertion alleles in at least 15 different piRNA clusters. Finally, we observe no footprint of positive selection on P-element insertions in piRNA clusters, suggesting that the rapid evolution of piRNA-mediated repression in D. melanogaster was driven primarily by mutation. Our results reveal for the first time how the unique genetic architecture of piRNA production, in which numerous piRNA clusters can encode regulatory small RNAs upon transpositional insertion, facilitates the nonadaptive rapid evolution of repression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Zhang
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, USA
| | - Beverly Pointer
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, USA
| | - Erin S Kelleher
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, USA
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Fonseca Cabral G, Azevedo dos Santos Pinheiro J, Vidal AF, Santos S, Ribeiro-dos-Santos Â. piRNAs in Gastric Cancer: A New Approach Towards Translational Research. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21062126. [PMID: 32204558 PMCID: PMC7139476 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21062126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Gastric cancer is currently the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, usually diagnosed at late stages. The development of new biomarkers to improve its prevention and patient management is critical for disease control. piRNAs are small regulatory RNAs important for gene silencing mechanisms, mainly associated with the silencing of transposable elements. piRNA pathways may also be involved in gene regulation and the deregulation of piRNAs may be an important factor in carcinogenic processes. Thus, several studies suggest piRNAs as potential cancer biomarkers. Translational studies suggest that piRNAs may regulate key genes and pathways associated with gastric cancer progression, though there is no functional annotation in piRNA databases. The impacts of genetic variants in piRNA genes and their influence in gastric cancer development remains elusive, highlighting the gap in piRNA regulatory mechanisms knowledge. Here, we discuss the current state of understanding of piRNA-mediated regulation and piRNA functions and suggest that genetic alterations in piRNA genes may affect their functionality, thus, it may be associated with gastric carcinogenesis. Conclusions: In the era of precision medicine, investigations about genetic and epigenetic mechanisms are essential to further comprehend gastric carcinogenesis and the role of piRNAs as potential biomarkers for translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gleyce Fonseca Cabral
- Laboratório de Genética Humana e Médica, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66.075-110, PA, Brazil; (G.F.C.); (J.A.d.S.P.); (A.F.V.); (S.S.)
| | - Jhully Azevedo dos Santos Pinheiro
- Laboratório de Genética Humana e Médica, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66.075-110, PA, Brazil; (G.F.C.); (J.A.d.S.P.); (A.F.V.); (S.S.)
| | - Amanda Ferreira Vidal
- Laboratório de Genética Humana e Médica, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66.075-110, PA, Brazil; (G.F.C.); (J.A.d.S.P.); (A.F.V.); (S.S.)
| | - Sidney Santos
- Laboratório de Genética Humana e Médica, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66.075-110, PA, Brazil; (G.F.C.); (J.A.d.S.P.); (A.F.V.); (S.S.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduacão em Oncologia e Ciências Médicas, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Oncologia, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66.073-000, PA, Brazil
| | - Ândrea Ribeiro-dos-Santos
- Laboratório de Genética Humana e Médica, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66.075-110, PA, Brazil; (G.F.C.); (J.A.d.S.P.); (A.F.V.); (S.S.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduacão em Oncologia e Ciências Médicas, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Oncologia, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66.073-000, PA, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-091-3201-7843
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Luo S, Zhang H, Duan Y, Yao X, Clark AG, Lu J. The evolutionary arms race between transposable elements and piRNAs in Drosophila melanogaster. BMC Evol Biol 2020; 20:14. [PMID: 31992188 PMCID: PMC6988346 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-020-1580-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that specifically repress transposable elements (TEs) in the germline of Drosophila. Despite our expanding understanding of TE:piRNA interaction, whether there is an evolutionary arms race between TEs and piRNAs was unclear. RESULTS Here, we studied the population genomics of TEs and piRNAs in the worldwide strains of D. melanogaster. By conducting a correlation analysis between TE contents and the abundance of piRNAs from ovaries of representative strains of D. melanogaster, we find positive correlations between TEs and piRNAs in six TE families. Our simulations further highlight that TE activities and the strength of purifying selection against TEs are important factors shaping the interactions between TEs and piRNAs. Our studies also suggest that the de novo generation of piRNAs is an important mechanism to repress the newly invaded TEs. CONCLUSIONS Our results revealed the existence of an evolutionary arms race between the copy numbers of TEs and the abundance of antisense piRNAs at the population level. Although the interactions between TEs and piRNAs are complex and many factors should be considered to impact their interaction dynamics, our results suggest the emergence, repression specificity and strength of piRNAs on TEs should be considered in studying the landscapes of TE insertions in Drosophila. These results deepen our understanding of the interactions between piRNAs and TEs, and also provide novel insights into the nature of genomic conflicts of other forms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqi Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, Center for Bioinformatics, College of Life Sciences and Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
- College of Plant Protection, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, Center for Bioinformatics, College of Life Sciences and Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Yuange Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, Center for Bioinformatics, College of Life Sciences and Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Xinmin Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, Center for Bioinformatics, College of Life Sciences and Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Andrew G Clark
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
| | - Jian Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, Center for Bioinformatics, College of Life Sciences and Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
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