1
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Cho N, Jung DM, Kim EM, Kim KK. Establishment of a stress granule reporter system for evaluating in vitro colon toxicity. Anim Cells Syst (Seoul) 2024; 28:315-325. [PMID: 38895161 PMCID: PMC11185092 DOI: 10.1080/19768354.2024.2364673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Exposure to toxic molecules from food or oral medications induces toxicity in colon cells that cause various human diseases; however, in vitro monitoring systems for colon cell toxicity are not well established. Stress granules are nonmembranous foci that form in cells exposed to cellular stress. When cells sense toxic environments, they acutely and systemically promote stress granule formation, with Ras GTPase-activating protein-binding protein 1 (G3BP1) acting as a core component to protect their mRNA from abnormal degradation. Here, we knocked in green fluorescent protein (GFP)-coding sequences into the C-terminal region of the G3BP1 gene in a human colon cell line through CRISPR-Cas9-mediated homologous recombination and confirmed the formation of stress granules with the G3BP1-GFP protein in these cells under cellular stress exposure. We demonstrated the formation and dissociation of stress granules in G3BP1-GFP expressing colon cells through real-time monitoring using a fluorescence microscope. Furthermore, we validated the toxicity monitoring system in the established colon cell line by observing stress granule formation following exposure to dihydrocapsaicin, bisphenol A, and sorbitol. Taken together, we established a stress granule reporter system in a colon cell line, providing a novel assessment for the real-time monitoring of colon toxicity in response to various chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namjoon Cho
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Da-Min Jung
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Mi Kim
- Department of Bio and Environmental Technology, College of Natural Science, Seoul Women’s University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kee K. Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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2
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Miranda AX, Kemp J, Davidson BA, Bellomo SE, Miranda VE, Manoni A, Marchiò C, Croessmann S, Park BH, Hodges E. Genomic dissection and mutation-specific target discovery for breast cancer PIK3CA hotspot mutations. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:519. [PMID: 38802751 PMCID: PMC11129441 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10368-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent advancements in high-throughput genomics and targeted therapies have provided tremendous potential to identify and therapeutically target distinct mutations associated with cancers. However, to date the majority of targeted therapies are used to treat all functional mutations within the same gene, regardless of affected codon or phenotype. RESULTS In this study, we developed a functional genomic analysis workflow with a unique isogenic cell line panel bearing two distinct hotspot PIK3CA mutations, E545K and H1047R, to accurately identify targetable differences between mutations within the same gene. We performed RNA-seq and ATAC-seq and identified distinct transcriptomic and epigenomic differences associated with each PIK3CA hotspot mutation. We used this data to curate a select CRISPR knock out screen to identify mutation-specific gene pathway vulnerabilities. These data revealed AREG as a E545K-preferential target that was further validated through in vitro analysis and publicly available patient databases. CONCLUSIONS Using our multi-modal genomics framework, we discover distinct differences in genomic regulation between PIK3CA hotspot mutations, suggesting the PIK3CA mutations have different regulatory effects on the function and downstream signaling of the PI3K complex. Our results demonstrate the potential to rapidly uncover mutation specific molecular targets, specifically AREG and a proximal gene regulatory region, that may provide clinically relevant therapeutic targets. The methods outlined provide investigators with an integrative strategy to identify mutation-specific targets for the treatment of other oncogenic mutations in an isogenic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam X Miranda
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Justin Kemp
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Brad A Davidson
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - Verda E Miranda
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Alexandra Manoni
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Caterina Marchiò
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, TO, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Sarah Croessmann
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ben H Park
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Emily Hodges
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.
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3
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Shukla H, John D, Banerjee S, Tiwari AK. Drug repurposing for neurodegenerative diseases. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2024; 207:249-319. [PMID: 38942541 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2024.03.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are neuronal problems that include the brain and spinal cord and result in loss of sensory and motor dysfunction. Common NDDs include Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) etc. The occurrence of these diseases increases with age and is one of the challenging problems among elderly people. Though, several scientific research has demonstrated the key pathologies associated with NDDs still the underlying mechanisms and molecular details are not well understood and need to be explored and this poses a lack of effective treatments for NDDs. Several lines of evidence have shown that NDDs have a high prevalence and affect more than a billion individuals globally but still, researchers need to work forward in identifying the best therapeutic target for NDDs. Thus, several researchers are working in the directions to find potential therapeutic targets to alter the disease pathology and treat the diseases. Several steps have been taken to identify the early detection of the disease and drug repurposing for effective treatment of NDDs. Moreover, it is logical that current medications are being evaluated for their efficacy in treating such disorders; therefore, drug repurposing would be an efficient, safe, and cost-effective way in finding out better medication. In the current manuscript we discussed the utilization of drugs that have been repurposed for the treatment of AD, PD, HD, MS, and ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halak Shukla
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Institute of Advanced Research (IAR), Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Diana John
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Institute of Advanced Research (IAR), Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Shuvomoy Banerjee
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Institute of Advanced Research (IAR), Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Anand Krishna Tiwari
- Genetics and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Institute of Advanced Research (IAR), Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India.
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4
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Yadav V, Mohan R, Sun S, Heitman J. Calcineurin contributes to RNAi-mediated transgene silencing and small interfering RNA production in the human fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans. Genetics 2024; 226:iyae010. [PMID: 38279937 PMCID: PMC10917508 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyae010] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Adaptation to external environmental challenges at the cellular level requires rapid responses and involves relay of information to the nucleus to drive key gene expression changes through downstream transcription factors. Here, we describe an alternative route of adaptation through a direct role for cellular signaling components in governing gene expression via RNA interference-mediated small RNA production. Calcium-calcineurin signaling is a highly conserved signaling cascade that plays central roles in stress adaptation and virulence of eukaryotic pathogens, including the human fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans. Upon activation in C. neoformans, calcineurin localizes to P-bodies, membraneless organelles that are also the site for RNA processing. Here, we studied the role of calcineurin and its substrates in RNAi-mediated transgene silencing. Our results reveal that calcineurin regulates both the onset and the reversion of transgene silencing. We found that some calcineurin substrates that localize to P-bodies also regulate transgene silencing but in opposing directions. Small RNA sequencing in mutants lacking calcineurin or its targets revealed a role for calcineurin in small RNA production. Interestingly, the impact of calcineurin and its substrates was found to be different in genome-wide analysis, suggesting that calcineurin may regulate small RNA production in C. neoformans through additional pathways. Overall, these findings define a mechanism by which signaling machinery induced by external stimuli can directly alter gene expression to accelerate adaptative responses and contribute to genome defense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikas Yadav
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Riya Mohan
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Sheng Sun
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Joseph Heitman
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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5
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Yadav V, Mohan R, Sun S, Heitman J. Calcineurin contributes to RNAi-mediated transgene silencing and small interfering RNA production in the human fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.07.25.550548. [PMID: 37546757 PMCID: PMC10402008 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.25.550548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Adaptation to external environmental challenges at the cellular level requires rapid responses and involves relay of information to the nucleus to drive key gene expression changes through downstream transcription factors. Here, we describe an alternative route of adaptation through a direct role for cellular signaling components in governing gene expression via RNA interference-mediated small RNA production. Calcium-calcineurin signaling is a highly conserved signaling cascade that plays central roles in stress adaptation and virulence of eukaryotic pathogens, including the human fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans. Upon activation in C. neoformans, calcineurin localizes to P-bodies, membrane-less organelles that are also the site for RNA processing. Here, we studied the role of calcineurin and its substrates in RNAi-mediated transgene silencing. Our results reveal that calcineurin regulates both the onset and the reversion of transgene silencing. We found that some calcineurin substrates that localize to P-bodies also regulate transgene silencing but in opposing directions. Small RNA sequencing in mutants lacking calcineurin or its targets revealed a role for calcineurin in small RNA production. Interestingly, the impact of calcineurin and its substrates was found to be different in genome-wide analysis, suggesting that calcineurin may regulate small RNA production in C. neoformans through additional pathways. Overall, these findings define a mechanism by which signaling machinery induced by external stimuli can directly alter gene expression to accelerate adaptative responses and contribute to genome defense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikas Yadav
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Riya Mohan
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Sheng Sun
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Joseph Heitman
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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6
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Miranda AX, Kemp J, Davidson B, Bellomo SE, Agan V, Manoni A, Marchiò C, Croessmann S, Park BH, Hodges E. Genomic dissection and mutation-specific target discovery for breast cancer PIK3CA hotspot mutations. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.03.574067. [PMID: 38260414 PMCID: PMC10802285 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.03.574067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Background Recent advancements in high-throughput genomics and targeted therapies have provided tremendous potential to identify and therapeutically target distinct mutations associated with cancers. However, to date the majority of targeted therapies are used to treat all functional mutations within the same gene, regardless of affected codon or phenotype. Results In this study, we developed a functional genomic analysis workflow with a unique isogenic cell line panel bearing two distinct hotspot PIK3CA mutations, E545K and H1047R, to accurately identify targetable differences between mutations within the same gene. We performed RNA-seq and ATAC-seq and identified distinct transcriptomic and epigenomic differences associated with each PIK3CA hotspot mutation. We used this data to curate a select CRISPR knock out screen to identify mutation-specific gene pathway vulnerabilities. These data revealed AREG as a E545K-preferential target that was further validated through in vitro analysis and publicly available patient databases. Conclusions Using our multi-modal genomics framework, we discover distinct differences in genomic regulation between PIK3CA hotspot mutations, suggesting the PIK3CA mutations have different regulatory effects on the function and downstream signaling of the PI3K complex. Our results demonstrate the potential to rapidly uncover mutation specific molecular targets, specifically AREG and a proximal gene regulatory region, that may provide clinically relevant therapeutic targets. The methods outlined provide investigators with an integrative strategy to identify mutation-specific targets for the treatment of other oncogenic mutations in an isogenic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam X. Miranda
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Justin Kemp
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Brad Davidson
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - Verda Agan
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Alexandra Manoni
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Caterina Marchiò
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, TO, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin
| | - Sarah Croessmann
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ben H. Park
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Emily Hodges
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
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Yadav VK, Choudhary N, Gacem A, Verma RK, Abul Hasan M, Tarique Imam M, Almalki ZS, Yadav KK, Park HK, Ghosh T, Kumar P, Patel A, Kalasariya H, Jeon BH, Ali AlMubarak H. Deeper insight into ferroptosis: association with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, and brain tumors and their possible treatment by nanomaterials induced ferroptosis. Redox Rep 2023; 28:2269331. [PMID: 38010378 PMCID: PMC11001282 DOI: 10.1080/13510002.2023.2269331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis is an emerging and novel type of iron-dependent programmed cell death which is mainly caused by the excessive deposition of free intracellular iron in the brain cells. This deposited free iron exerts a ferroptosis pathway, resulting in lipid peroxidation (LiPr). There are mainly three ferroptosis pathways viz. iron metabolism-mediated cysteine/glutamate, and LiPr-mediated. Iron is required by the brain as a redox metal for several physiological activities. Due to the iron homeostasis balance disruption, the brain gets adversely affected which further causes neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, strokes, and brain tumors like glioblastoma (GBS), and glioma. Nanotechnology has played an important role in the prevention and treatment of these NDDs. A synergistic effect of nanomaterials and ferroptosis could prove to be an effective and efficient approach in the field of nanomedicine. In the current review, the authors have highlighted all the latest research in the field of ferroptosis, specifically emphasizing on the role of major molecular key players and various mechanisms involved in the ferroptosis pathway. Moreover, here the authors have also addressed the correlation of ferroptosis with the pathophysiology of NDDs and theragnostic effect of ferroptosis and nanomaterials for the prevention and treatment of NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virendra Kumar Yadav
- Department of Life Sciences, Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University, Patan, India
| | - Nisha Choudhary
- Department of Life Sciences, Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University, Patan, India
| | - Amel Gacem
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Sciences, University 20 Août 1955, Skikda, Algeria
| | - Rakesh Kumar Verma
- Department of Biosciences, School of Liberal Arts & Sciences, Mody University of Science and Technology, Sikar, India
| | - Mohd Abul Hasan
- Civil Engineering Department, College of Engineering, King Khalid University, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)
| | - Mohammad Tarique Imam
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ziyad Saeed Almalki
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Krishna Kumar Yadav
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Madhyanchal Professional University, Bhopal, India
- Environmental and Atmospheric Sciences Research Group, Scientific Research Center, Al-Ayen University, Nasiriyah, Iraq
| | - Hyun-Kyung Park
- Department of Pediatrics, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tathagata Ghosh
- Department of Arts, School of Liberal Arts & Sciences, Mody University of Science and Technology, Sikar, India
| | - Pankaj Kumar
- Department of Environmental Science, Parul Institute of Applied Sciences, Parul University, Vadodara, India
| | - Ashish Patel
- Department of Life Sciences, Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University, Patan, India
| | - Haresh Kalasariya
- Centre for Natural Products Discovery, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Byong-Hun Jeon
- Department of Earth Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hassan Ali AlMubarak
- Division of Radiology, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Surgery, King Khalid University (KKU), Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Ho H, Chen M, Lin C, Lo Y, Chuang Y, Hsieh M. Epiberberine suppresses the metastasis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells by regulating the MMP-13 and JNK pathway. J Cell Mol Med 2023; 27:3796-3804. [PMID: 37710409 PMCID: PMC10718148 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17954] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most common histological types of head and neck cancer. Epiberberine is a potent antitumour agent for several types of cancer. This study is aimed at investigating the regulatory and molecular mechanism of epiberberine on HNSSC cell metastasis. The results showed that epiberberine inhibited the motility of Ca9-22 and FaDu cell lines at nontoxicity doses. Moreover, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins, vimentin, snail and slug, were found suppressing after epiberberine treatments. In addition, the JNK signalling cascade and the metalloproteinase 13 (MMP-13) expression were also found downregulated by epiberberine. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that epiberberine suppresses cell migration and invasion by regulating the JNK pathway and MMP-13. These results suggest that epiberberine could be a potential antimetastatic agent in HNSCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin‐Yu Ho
- Oral Cancer Research CenterChanghua Christian HospitalChanghuaTaiwan
| | - Mu‐Kuan Chen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck SurgeryChanghua Christian HospitalChanghuaTaiwan
- Department of Post‐Baccalaureate Medicine, College of MedicineNational Chung Hsing UniversityTaichungTaiwan
| | - Chia‐Chieh Lin
- Oral Cancer Research CenterChanghua Christian HospitalChanghuaTaiwan
| | - Yu‐Sheng Lo
- Oral Cancer Research CenterChanghua Christian HospitalChanghuaTaiwan
| | - Yi‐Ching Chuang
- Oral Cancer Research CenterChanghua Christian HospitalChanghuaTaiwan
| | - Ming‐Ju Hsieh
- Oral Cancer Research CenterChanghua Christian HospitalChanghuaTaiwan
- Doctoral Program in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, College of MedicineNational Chung Hsing UniversityTaichungTaiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical SciencesChina Medical UniversityTaichungTaiwan
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9
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Feng S, DeGrey SP, Guédot C, Schoville SD, Pool JE. Genomic Diversity Illuminates the Environmental Adaptation of Drosophila suzukii. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.03.547576. [PMID: 37461625 PMCID: PMC10349955 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.03.547576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Biological invasions carry substantial practical and scientific importance, and represent natural evolutionary experiments on contemporary timescales. Here, we investigated genomic diversity and environmental adaptation of the crop pest Drosophila suzukii using whole-genome sequencing data and environmental metadata for 29 population samples from its native and invasive range. Through a multifaceted analysis of this population genomic data, we increase our understanding of the D. suzukii genome, its diversity and its evolution, and we identify an appropriate genotype-environment association pipeline for our data set. Using this approach, we detect genetic signals of local adaptation associated with nine distinct environmental factors related to altitude, wind speed, precipitation, temperature, and human land use. We uncover unique functional signatures for each environmental variable, such as a prevalence of cuticular genes associated with annual precipitation. We also infer biological commonalities in the adaptation to diverse selective pressures, particularly in terms of the apparent contribution of nervous system evolution to enriched processes (ranging from neuron development to circadian behavior) and to top genes associated with all nine environmental variables. Our findings therefore depict a finer-scale adaptive landscape underlying the rapid invasion success of this agronomically important species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Feng
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Samuel P. DeGrey
- Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Christelle Guédot
- Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Sean D. Schoville
- Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - John E. Pool
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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10
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Zhang J, Liu B, Wu J, Wang Z, Li J. DeepCAC: a deep learning approach on DNA transcription factors classification based on multi-head self-attention and concatenate convolutional neural network. BMC Bioinformatics 2023; 24:345. [PMID: 37723425 PMCID: PMC10506269 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-023-05469-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding gene expression processes necessitates the accurate classification and identification of transcription factors, which is supported by high-throughput sequencing technologies. However, these techniques suffer from inherent limitations such as time consumption and high costs. To address these challenges, the field of bioinformatics has increasingly turned to deep learning technologies for analyzing gene sequences. Nevertheless, the pursuit of improved experimental results has led to the inclusion of numerous complex analysis function modules, resulting in models with a growing number of parameters. To overcome these limitations, it is proposed a novel approach for analyzing DNA transcription factor sequences, which is named as DeepCAC. This method leverages deep convolutional neural networks with a multi-head self-attention mechanism. By employing convolutional neural networks, it can effectively capture local hidden features in the sequences. Simultaneously, the multi-head self-attention mechanism enhances the identification of hidden features with long-distant dependencies. This approach reduces the overall number of parameters in the model while harnessing the computational power of sequence data from multi-head self-attention. Through training with labeled data, experiments demonstrate that this approach significantly improves performance while requiring fewer parameters compared to existing methods. Additionally, the effectiveness of our approach is validated in accurately predicting DNA transcription factor sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jidong Zhang
- Faculty of Information Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China
| | - Bo Liu
- School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences, Massey University, Auckland, 0745, New Zealand.
| | - Jiahui Wu
- Faculty of Information Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China
| | - Zhihan Wang
- Faculty of Information Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China
| | - Jianqiang Li
- Faculty of Information Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China
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11
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Balmas E, Sozza F, Bottini S, Ratto ML, Savorè G, Becca S, Snijders KE, Bertero A. Manipulating and studying gene function in human pluripotent stem cell models. FEBS Lett 2023; 597:2250-2287. [PMID: 37519013 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are uniquely suited to study human development and disease and promise to revolutionize regenerative medicine. These applications rely on robust methods to manipulate gene function in hPSC models. This comprehensive review aims to both empower scientists approaching the field and update experienced stem cell biologists. We begin by highlighting challenges with manipulating gene expression in hPSCs and their differentiated derivatives, and relevant solutions (transfection, transduction, transposition, and genomic safe harbor editing). We then outline how to perform robust constitutive or inducible loss-, gain-, and change-of-function experiments in hPSCs models, both using historical methods (RNA interference, transgenesis, and homologous recombination) and modern programmable nucleases (particularly CRISPR/Cas9 and its derivatives, i.e., CRISPR interference, activation, base editing, and prime editing). We further describe extension of these approaches for arrayed or pooled functional studies, including emerging single-cell genomic methods, and the related design and analytical bioinformatic tools. Finally, we suggest some directions for future advancements in all of these areas. Mastering the combination of these transformative technologies will empower unprecedented advances in human biology and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Balmas
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Federica Sozza
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Sveva Bottini
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Ratto
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Giulia Savorè
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Silvia Becca
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Kirsten Esmee Snijders
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bertero
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Torino, Italy
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12
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Özcan I, Tursun B. Identifying Molecular Roadblocks for Transcription Factor-Induced Cellular Reprogramming In Vivo by Using C. elegans as a Model Organism. J Dev Biol 2023; 11:37. [PMID: 37754839 PMCID: PMC10531806 DOI: 10.3390/jdb11030037] [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: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Generating specialized cell types via cellular transcription factor (TF)-mediated reprogramming has gained high interest in regenerative medicine due to its therapeutic potential to repair tissues and organs damaged by diseases or trauma. Organ dysfunction or improper tissue functioning might be restored by producing functional cells via direct reprogramming, also known as transdifferentiation. Regeneration by converting the identity of available cells in vivo to the desired cell fate could be a strategy for future cell replacement therapies. However, the generation of specific cell types via reprogramming is often restricted due to cell fate-safeguarding mechanisms that limit or even block the reprogramming of the starting cell type. Nevertheless, efficient reprogramming to generate homogeneous cell populations with the required cell type's proper molecular and functional identity is critical. Incomplete reprogramming will lack therapeutic potential and can be detrimental as partially reprogrammed cells may acquire undesired properties and develop into tumors. Identifying and evaluating molecular barriers will improve reprogramming efficiency to reliably establish the target cell identity. In this review, we summarize how using the nematode C. elegans as an in vivo model organism identified molecular barriers of TF-mediated reprogramming. Notably, many identified molecular factors have a high degree of conservation and were subsequently shown to block TF-induced reprogramming of mammalian cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismail Özcan
- Department of Biology, Institute of Cell and Systems Biology of Animals, University of Hamburg, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Baris Tursun
- Department of Biology, Institute of Cell and Systems Biology of Animals, University of Hamburg, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
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13
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Mazloum A, Karagyaur M, Chernyshev R, van Schalkwyk A, Jun M, Qiang F, Sprygin A. Post-genomic era in agriculture and veterinary science: successful and proposed application of genetic targeting technologies. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1180621. [PMID: 37601766 PMCID: PMC10434572 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1180621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene editing tools have become an indispensable part of research into the fundamental aspects of cell biology. With a vast body of literature having been generated based on next generation sequencing technologies, keeping track of this ever-growing body of information remains challenging. This necessitates the translation of genomic data into tangible applications. In order to address this objective, the generated Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) data forms the basis for targeted genome editing strategies, employing known enzymes of various cellular machinery, in generating organisms with specifically selected phenotypes. This review focuses primarily on CRISPR/Cas9 technology in the context of its advantages over Zinc finger proteins (ZNF) and Transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALEN) and meganucleases mutagenesis strategies, for use in agricultural and veterinary applications. This review will describe the application of CRISPR/Cas9 in creating modified organisms with custom-made properties, without the undesired non-targeted effects associated with virus vector vaccines and bioactive molecules produced in bacterial systems. Examples of the successful and unsuccessful applications of this technology to plants, animals and microorganisms are provided, as well as an in-depth look into possible future trends and applications in vaccine development, disease resistance and enhanced phenotypic traits will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mazloum
- Federal Center for Animal Health, Vladimir, Russia
| | - Maxim Karagyaur
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Medical Research and Education Center, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Antoinette van Schalkwyk
- Agricultural Research Council-Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Onderstepoort, South Africa
- Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Ma Jun
- School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China
| | - Fu Qiang
- School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China
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14
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Tian S, Zhou N. Gaining New Insights into Fundamental Biological Pathways by Bacterial Toxin-Based Genetic Screens. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:884. [PMID: 37627769 PMCID: PMC10451959 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10080884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic screen technology has been applied to study the mechanism of action of bacterial toxins-a special class of virulence factors that contribute to the pathogenesis caused by bacterial infections. These screens aim to identify host factors that directly or indirectly facilitate toxin intoxication. Additionally, specific properties of certain toxins, such as membrane interaction, retrograde trafficking, and carbohydrate binding, provide robust probes to comprehensively investigate the lipid biosynthesis, membrane vesicle transport, and glycosylation pathways, respectively. This review specifically focuses on recent representative toxin-based genetic screens that have identified new players involved in and provided new insights into fundamental biological pathways, such as glycosphingolipid biosynthesis, protein glycosylation, and membrane vesicle trafficking pathways. Functionally characterizing these newly identified factors not only expands our current understanding of toxin biology but also enables a deeper comprehension of fundamental biological questions. Consequently, it stimulates the development of new therapeutic approaches targeting both bacterial infectious diseases and genetic disorders with defects in these factors and pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songhai Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing 100191, China
- Department of Urology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
- Department of Microbiology and Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Nini Zhou
- Department of Urology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
- Department of Microbiology and Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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15
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Lin Z, Ji Y, Zhou J, Li G, Wu Y, Liu W, Li Z, Liu T. Exosomal circRNAs in cancer: Implications for therapy resistance and biomarkers. Cancer Lett 2023; 566:216245. [PMID: 37247772 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Despite the advances in cancer treatment in recent years, the development of resistance to cancer therapy remains the biggest hurdle towards curative cancer treatments. Therefore, investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer therapy resistance is of paramount clinical importance. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), novel members of the noncoding RNA family, are endogenous biomolecules in eukaryotes characterized by a covalently closed loop structure with multiple biological functions. Significantly, circRNAs are abundant and stable in exosomes and can be packaged, secreted and transferred to targeted tumour cells, thereby modulating diverse hallmarks of cancer behaviours, such as proliferation, migration, and immune escape. Notably, a great number of exosomal circRNAs are abnormally expressed during cancer treatment and can mediate cancer therapy resistance through complex mechanisms; therefore, targeting exosomal circRNAs is a promising therapeutic method to reverse therapy resistance. This review aimed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying exosomal circRNAs controlling the resistance of cancer to common therapies, such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and radiotherapy, and we also discussed the therapeutic potential of exosomal circRNAs as clinical biomarkers and novel targets in cancer clinical management. We also discussed the prospects and challenges of targeting exosomal circRNAs as a novel therapeutic strategy for reversing cancer therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengjun Lin
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, People's Republic of China; Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yuqiao Ji
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, People's Republic of China; Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoqing Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, People's Republic of China; Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanlin Wu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, People's Republic of China; Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Weifeng Liu
- Department of Orthopaedic Oncology Surgery, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100035, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhihong Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Tang Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
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16
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Systematic approach to identify therapeutic targets and functional pathways for the cervical cancer. J Genet Eng Biotechnol 2023; 21:10. [PMID: 36723760 PMCID: PMC9892376 DOI: 10.1186/s43141-023-00469-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In today's society, cancer has become a big concern. The most common cancers in women are breast cancer (BC), endometrial cancer (EC), ovarian cancer (OC), and cervical cancer (CC). CC is a type of cervix cancer that is the fourth most common cancer in women and the fourth major cause of death. RESULTS This research uses a network approach to discover genetic connections, functional enrichment, pathways analysis, microRNAs transcription factors (miRNA-TF) co-regulatory network, gene-disease associations, and therapeutic targets for CC. Three datasets from the NCBI's GEO collection were considered for this investigation. Then, using a comparison approach between the datasets, 315 common DEGs were discovered. The PPI network was built using a variety of combinatorial statistical approaches and bioinformatics tools, and the PPI network was then utilized to identify hub genes and critical modules. CONCLUSION Furthermore, we discovered that CC has specific similar links with the progression of different tumors using Gene Ontology terminology and pathway analysis. Transcription factors-gene linkages, gene-disease correlations, and the miRNA-TF co-regulatory network were revealed to have functional enrichments. We believe the candidate drugs identified in this study could be effective for advanced CC treatment.
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17
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Maity S, Mukherjee R, Banerjee S. Recent Advances and Therapeutic Strategies Using CRISPR Genome Editing Technique for the Treatment of Cancer. Mol Biotechnol 2023; 65:206-226. [PMID: 35999480 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-022-00550-9] [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: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR genome editing technique has the potential to target cancer cells in a precise manner. The latest advancements have helped to address one of the prominent concerns about this strategy which is the off-target integrations observed with dsDNA and have resulted in more studies being carried out for potentially safer and more targeted gene therapy, so as to make it available for the clinical trials in order to effectively treat cancer. CRISPR screens offer great potential for the high throughput investigation of the gene functionality in various tumors. It extends its capability to identify the tumor growth essential genes, therapeutic resistant genes, and immunotherapeutic responses. CRISPR screens are mostly performed in in vitro models, but latest advancements focus on developing in vivo models to view cancer progression in animal models. It also allows the detection of factors responsible for tumorigenesis. In CRISPR screens key parameters are optimized in order to meet proficient gene targeting efficiencies. It also detects various molecular effectors required for gene regulation in different cancers, essential pathways which modulate cytotoxicity to immunotherapy in cancer cells, important genes which contribute to cancer cell survival in hypoxic states and modulate cancer long non-coding RNAs. The current review focuses on the recent developments in the therapeutic application of CRISPR technology for cancer therapy. Furthermore, the associated challenges and safety concerns along with the various strategies that can be implemented to overcome these drawbacks has been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreyasi Maity
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632 014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Rishyani Mukherjee
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632 014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Satarupa Banerjee
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632 014, Tamil Nadu, India.
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18
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Ahmed M, Muffat J, Li Y. Understanding neural development and diseases using CRISPR screens in human pluripotent stem cell-derived cultures. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1158373. [PMID: 37101616 PMCID: PMC10123288 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1158373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The brain is arguably the most complex part of the human body in form and function. Much remains unclear about the molecular mechanisms that regulate its normal and pathological physiology. This lack of knowledge largely stems from the inaccessible nature of the human brain, and the limitation of animal models. As a result, brain disorders are difficult to understand and even more difficult to treat. Recent advances in generating human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs)-derived 2-dimensional (2D) and 3-dimensional (3D) neural cultures have provided an accessible system to model the human brain. Breakthroughs in gene editing technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9 further elevate the hPSCs into a genetically tractable experimental system. Powerful genetic screens, previously reserved for model organisms and transformed cell lines, can now be performed in human neural cells. Combined with the rapidly expanding single-cell genomics toolkit, these technological advances culminate to create an unprecedented opportunity to study the human brain using functional genomics. This review will summarize the current progress of applying CRISPR-based genetic screens in hPSCs-derived 2D neural cultures and 3D brain organoids. We will also evaluate the key technologies involved and discuss their related experimental considerations and future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Ahmed
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Julien Muffat
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yun Li
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Yun Li,
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19
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Thapliyal S, Glauser DA. Neurogenetic Analysis in Caenorhabditis elegans. Neurogenetics 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-07793-7_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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20
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Chen W, Perkins TJ, Rudnicki MA. Quantification of Muscle Satellite Stem Cell Divisions by High-Content Analysis. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2587:537-553. [PMID: 36401049 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2772-3_29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
High-content screening is commonly performed on 2D cultured cells, which is high throughput but has low biological relevance. In contrast, single myofiber culture assay preserves the satellite cell niche between the basal lamina and sarcolemma and consequently has high biological relevance but is low throughput. We describe here a high-content screening method that utilizes single myofiber culture that addresses the caveats of both techniques. Our method utilizes the transgenic reporter allele Myf5-Cre:R26R-eYFP to differentiate stem and committed cells within a dividing couplet that can be quantified by high-content throughput immunodetection and bioinformatic analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Chen
- Sprott Center for Stem Cell Research, Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Theodore J Perkins
- Sprott Center for Stem Cell Research, Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Michael A Rudnicki
- Sprott Center for Stem Cell Research, Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
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21
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Mills C, Riching A, Keller A, Stombaugh J, Haupt A, Maksimova E, Dickerson SM, Anderson E, Hemphill K, Ebmeier C, Schiel JA, Levenga J, Perkett M, Smith AVB, Strezoska Z. A Novel CRISPR Interference Effector Enabling Functional Gene Characterization with Synthetic Guide RNAs. CRISPR J 2022; 5:769-786. [PMID: 36257604 PMCID: PMC9805873 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2022.0056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
While CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) systems have been widely implemented in pooled lentiviral screening, there has been limited use with synthetic guide RNAs for the complex phenotypic readouts enabled by experiments in arrayed format. Here we describe a novel deactivated Cas9 fusion protein, dCas9-SALL1-SDS3, which produces greater target gene repression than first or second generation CRISPRi systems when used with chemically modified synthetic single guide RNAs (sgRNAs), while exhibiting high target specificity. We show that dCas9-SALL1-SDS3 interacts with key members of the histone deacetylase and Swi-independent three complexes, which are the endogenous functional effectors of SALL1 and SDS3. Synthetic sgRNAs can also be used with in vitro-transcribed dCas9-SALL1-SDS3 mRNA for short-term delivery into primary cells, including human induced pluripotent stem cells and primary T cells. Finally, we used dCas9-SALL1-SDS3 for functional gene characterization of DNA damage host factors, orthogonally to small interfering RNA, demonstrating the ability of the system to be used in arrayed-format screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarence Mills
- Horizon Discovery, a PerkinElmer Company, Lafayette, Colorado, USA and University of Colorado-Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Andrew Riching
- Horizon Discovery, a PerkinElmer Company, Lafayette, Colorado, USA and University of Colorado-Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Ashleigh Keller
- Horizon Discovery, a PerkinElmer Company, Lafayette, Colorado, USA and University of Colorado-Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Jesse Stombaugh
- Horizon Discovery, a PerkinElmer Company, Lafayette, Colorado, USA and University of Colorado-Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Amanda Haupt
- Horizon Discovery, a PerkinElmer Company, Lafayette, Colorado, USA and University of Colorado-Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Elena Maksimova
- Horizon Discovery, a PerkinElmer Company, Lafayette, Colorado, USA and University of Colorado-Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Sarah M. Dickerson
- Horizon Discovery, a PerkinElmer Company, Lafayette, Colorado, USA and University of Colorado-Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Emily Anderson
- Horizon Discovery, a PerkinElmer Company, Lafayette, Colorado, USA and University of Colorado-Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Kevin Hemphill
- Horizon Discovery, a PerkinElmer Company, Lafayette, Colorado, USA and University of Colorado-Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Chris Ebmeier
- Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, University of Colorado-Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - John A. Schiel
- Horizon Discovery, a PerkinElmer Company, Lafayette, Colorado, USA and University of Colorado-Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Josien Levenga
- Horizon Discovery, a PerkinElmer Company, Lafayette, Colorado, USA and University of Colorado-Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Matthew Perkett
- Horizon Discovery, a PerkinElmer Company, Lafayette, Colorado, USA and University of Colorado-Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Anja van Brabant Smith
- Horizon Discovery, a PerkinElmer Company, Lafayette, Colorado, USA and University of Colorado-Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Zaklina Strezoska
- Horizon Discovery, a PerkinElmer Company, Lafayette, Colorado, USA and University of Colorado-Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
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22
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Al-Anzi BF, Khajah M, Fakhraldeen SA. Predicting and explaining the impact of genetic disruptions and interactions on organismal viability. Bioinformatics 2022; 38:4088-4099. [PMID: 35861390 PMCID: PMC9438956 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btac519] [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: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION Existing computational models can predict single- and double-mutant fitness but they do have limitations. First, they are often tested via evaluation metrics that are inappropriate for imbalanced datasets. Second, all of them only predict a binary outcome (viable or not, and negatively interacting or not). Third, most are uninterpretable black box machine learning models. RESULTS Budding yeast datasets were used to develop high-performance Multinomial Regression (MN) models capable of predicting the impact of single, double and triple genetic disruptions on viability. These models are interpretable and give realistic non-binary predictions and can predict negative genetic interactions (GIs) in triple-gene knockouts. They are based on a limited set of gene features and their predictions are influenced by the probability of target gene participating in molecular complexes or pathways. Furthermore, the MN models have utility in other organisms such as fission yeast, fruit flies and humans, with the single gene fitness MN model being able to distinguish essential genes necessary for cell-autonomous viability from those required for multicellular survival. Finally, our models exceed the performance of previous models, without sacrificing interpretability. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION All code and processed datasets used to generate results and figures in this manuscript are available at our Github repository at https://github.com/KISRDevelopment/cell_viability_paper. The repository also contains a link to the GI prediction website that lets users search for GIs using the MN models. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Saja A Fakhraldeen
- Ecosystem-based Management of Marine Resources Program, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, Safat, 13109, Kuwait
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23
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Genome-wide siRNA screening reveals several host receptors for the binding of human gut commensal Bifidobacterium bifidum. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2022; 8:50. [PMID: 35768415 PMCID: PMC9243078 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-022-00312-0] [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: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Bifidobacterium spp. are abundant gut commensals, especially in breast-fed infants. Bifidobacteria are associated with many health-promoting effects including maintenance of epithelial barrier and integrity as well as immunomodulation. However, the protective mechanisms of bifidobacteria on intestinal epithelium at molecular level are poorly understood. In this study, we developed a high-throughput in vitro screening assay to explore binding receptors of intestinal epithelial cells for Bifidobacterium bifidum. Short interfering RNAs (siRNA) were used to silence expression of each gene in the Caco-2 cell line one by one. The screen yielded four cell surface proteins, SERPINB3, LGICZ1, PKD1 and PAQR6, which were identified as potential receptors as the siRNA knock-down of their expression decreased adhesion of B. bifidum to the cell line repeatedly during the three rounds of siRNA screening. Furthermore, blocking of these host cell proteins by specific antibodies decreased the binding of B. bifidum significantly to Caco-2 and HT29 cell lines. All these molecules are located on the surface of epithelial cells and three out of four, SERPINB3, PKD1 and PAQR6, are involved in the regulation of cellular processes related to proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis as well as inflammation and immunity. Our results provide leads to the first steps in the mechanistic cascade of B. bifidum-host interactions leading to regulatory effects in the epithelium and may partly explain how this commensal bacterium is able to promote intestinal homeostasis.
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24
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Fischer F, Benner C, Goyala A, Grigolon G, Vitiello D, Wu J, Zarse K, Ewald CY, Ristow M. Ingestion of single guide RNAs induces gene overexpression and extends lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans via CRISPR activation. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102085. [PMID: 35636511 PMCID: PMC9243178 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibition of gene expression in Caenorhabditis elegans, a versatile model organism for studying the genetics of development and aging, is achievable by feeding nematodes with bacteria expressing specific dsRNAs. Overexpression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (hif-1) or heat-shock factor 1 (hsf-1) by conventional transgenesis has previously been shown to promote nematodal longevity. However, it is unclear whether other methods of gene overexpression are feasible, particularly with the advent of CRISPR-based techniques. Here, we show that feeding C. elegans engineered to stably express a Cas9-derived synthetic transcription factor with bacteria expressing promoter-specific single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) also allows activation of gene expression. We demonstrate that CRISPR activation via ingested sgRNAs specific for the respective promoter regions of hif-1 or hsf-1 increases gene expression and extends lifespan of C. elegans. Furthermore, and as an in silico resource for future studies aiming to use CRISPR activation in C. elegans, we provide predicted promoter-specific sgRNA target sequences for >13,000 C. elegans genes with experimentally defined transcription start sites. We anticipate that the approach and components described herein will help to facilitate genome-wide gene overexpression studies, for example, to identify modulators of aging or other phenotypes of interest, by enabling induction of transcription by feeding of sgRNA-expressing bacteria to nematodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Fischer
- Energy Metabolism Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institute of Translational Medicine, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland.
| | - Christoph Benner
- Energy Metabolism Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institute of Translational Medicine, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland; Science and Policy Program, Life Science Zurich Graduate School, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anita Goyala
- Extracellular Matrix Regeneration Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institute of Translational Medicine, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - Giovanna Grigolon
- Energy Metabolism Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institute of Translational Medicine, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - Davide Vitiello
- Energy Metabolism Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institute of Translational Medicine, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - JiaYee Wu
- Energy Metabolism Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institute of Translational Medicine, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - Kim Zarse
- Energy Metabolism Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institute of Translational Medicine, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Diabetology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Collin Y Ewald
- Extracellular Matrix Regeneration Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institute of Translational Medicine, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - Michael Ristow
- Energy Metabolism Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institute of Translational Medicine, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Diabetology, Berlin, Germany.
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Wang Z, Zheng P, Chen X, Xie Y, Weston-Green K, Solowij N, Chew YL, Huang XF. Cannabidiol induces autophagy and improves neuronal health associated with SIRT1 mediated longevity. GeroScience 2022; 44:1505-1524. [PMID: 35445360 PMCID: PMC9213613 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-022-00559-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a catabolic process to eliminate defective cellular molecules via lysosome-mediated degradation. Dysfunctional autophagy is associated with accelerated aging, whereas stimulation of autophagy could have potent anti-aging effects. We report that cannabidiol (CBD), a natural compound from Cannabis sativa, extends lifespan and rescues age-associated physiological declines in C. elegans. CBD promoted autophagic flux in nerve-ring neurons visualized by a tandem-tagged LGG-1 reporter during aging in C. elegans. Similarly, CBD activated autophagic flux in hippocampal and SH-SY5Y neurons. Furthermore, CBD-mediated lifespan extension was dependent on autophagy genes (bec-1, vps-34, and sqst-1) confirmed by RNAi knockdown experiments. C. elegans neurons have previously been shown to accumulate aberrant morphologies, such as beading and blebbing, with increasing age. Interestingly, CBD treatment slowed the development of these features in anterior and posterior touch receptor neurons (TRN) during aging. RNAi knockdown experiments indicated that CBD-mediated age-associated morphological changes in TRNs require bec-1 and sqst-1, not vps-34. Further investigation demonstrated that CBD-induced lifespan extension and increased neuronal health require sir-2.1/SIRT1. These findings collectively indicate the anti-aging benefits of CBD treatment, in both in vitro and in vivo models, and its potential to improve neuronal health and longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhizhen Wang
- Australian Centre for Cannabinoid Clinical and Research Excellence (ACRE), New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI) and School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Peng Zheng
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI) and School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Xi Chen
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI) and School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Yuanyi Xie
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI) and School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Katrina Weston-Green
- Australian Centre for Cannabinoid Clinical and Research Excellence (ACRE), New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI) and School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia.,Molecular Horizons, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Nadia Solowij
- Australian Centre for Cannabinoid Clinical and Research Excellence (ACRE), New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI) and School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia.,School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Yee Lian Chew
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI) and School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia. .,Molecular Horizons, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia. .,Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute and College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia.
| | - Xu-Feng Huang
- Australian Centre for Cannabinoid Clinical and Research Excellence (ACRE), New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia. .,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI) and School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia. .,Molecular Horizons, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia.
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26
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Hypoxia-Induced circRNAs in Human Diseases: From Mechanisms to Potential Applications. Cells 2022; 11:cells11091381. [PMID: 35563687 PMCID: PMC9105251 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a special class of endogenous RNAs characterized by closed loop structures lacking 5′ to 3′ polarity and polyadenylated tails. They are widely present in various organisms and are more stable and conserved than linear RNAs. Accumulating evidence indicates that circRNAs play important roles in physiology-related processes. Under pathological conditions, hypoxia usually worsens disease progression by manipulating the microenvironment for inflammation and invasion through various dysregulated biological molecules. Among them, circRNAs, which are involved in many human diseases, including cancer, are associated with the overexpression of hypoxia-inducible factors. However, the precise mechanisms of hypoxic regulation by circRNAs remain largely unknown. This review summarizes emerging evidence regarding the interplay between circRNAs and hypoxia in the pathophysiological changes of diverse human diseases, including cancer. Next, the impact of hypoxia-induced circRNAs on cancer progression, therapeutic resistance, angiogenesis, and energy metabolism will be discussed. Last, but not least, the potential application of circRNAs in the early detection, prognosis, and treatment of various diseases will be highlighted.
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27
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Ding Y, Lei X, Liao B, Wu FX. MLRDFM: a multi-view Laplacian regularized DeepFM model for predicting miRNA-disease associations. Brief Bioinform 2022; 23:6552270. [PMID: 35323901 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbac079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION MicroRNAs (miRNAs), as critical regulators, are involved in various fundamental and vital biological processes, and their abnormalities are closely related to human diseases. Predicting disease-related miRNAs is beneficial to uncovering new biomarkers for the prevention, detection, prognosis, diagnosis and treatment of complex diseases. RESULTS In this study, we propose a multi-view Laplacian regularized deep factorization machine (DeepFM) model, MLRDFM, to predict novel miRNA-disease associations while improving the standard DeepFM. Specifically, MLRDFM improves DeepFM from two aspects: first, MLRDFM takes the relationships among items into consideration by regularizing their embedding features via their similarity-based Laplacians. In this study, miRNA Laplacian regularization integrates four types of miRNA similarity, while disease Laplacian regularization integrates two types of disease similarity. Second, to judiciously train our model, Laplacian eigenmaps are utilized to initialize the weights in the dense embedding layer. The experimental results on the latest HMDD v3.2 dataset show that MLRDFM improves the performance and reduces the overfitting phenomenon of DeepFM. Besides, MLRDFM is greatly superior to the state-of-the-art models in miRNA-disease association prediction in terms of different evaluation metrics with the 5-fold cross-validation. Furthermore, case studies further demonstrate the effectiveness of MLRDFM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulian Ding
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, 57 Campus Drive, S7N 5A9, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Xiujuan Lei
- School of Computer Science, Shaanxi Normal University, 620 West Chang'an Avenue, 710119, Shaanxi, China
| | - Bo Liao
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Hainan Normal University, 99 Longkun South Road, 571158, Hainan, China
| | - Fang-Xiang Wu
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, 57 Campus Drive, S7N 5A9, Saskatchewan, Canada.,Department of Mechanical Engineering and Department of Computer Science, University of Saskatchewan, 57 Campus Drive, S7N5A9, Saskatchewan, Canada
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28
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Liu Y, Ao X, Yu W, Zhang Y, Wang J. Biogenesis, functions, and clinical implications of circular RNAs in non-small cell lung cancer. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 27:50-72. [PMID: 34938606 PMCID: PMC8645422 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer (LC) is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with high morbidity and mortality. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a major pathological type of LC and accounts for more than 80% of all cases. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a large class of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) with covalently closed-loop structures, a high abundance, and tissue-specific expression patterns. They participate in various pathophysiological processes by regulating complex gene networks involved in proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), as well as metastasis. A growing number of studies have revealed that the dysregulation of circRNAs contributes to many aspects of cancer progression, such as its occurrence, metastasis, and recurrence, suggesting their great potential as efficient and specific biomarkers in the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic targeting of NSCLC. In this review, we systematically elucidate the characteristics, biogenesis, and functions of circRNAs and focus on their molecular mechanisms in NSCLC progression. Moreover, we highlight their clinical implications in NSCLC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liu
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Xiang Ao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Wanpeng Yu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Jianxun Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
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29
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Li J, Zhang G, Liu CG, Xiang X, Le MT, Sethi G, Wang L, Goh BC, Ma Z. The potential role of exosomal circRNAs in the tumor microenvironment: insights into cancer diagnosis and therapy. Am J Cancer Res 2022; 12:87-104. [PMID: 34987636 PMCID: PMC8690929 DOI: 10.7150/thno.64096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Exosomes are multifunctional regulators of intercellular communication by carrying various messages under both physiological and pathological status of cancer patients. Accumulating studies have identified the presence of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in exosomes with crucial regulatory roles in diverse pathophysiological processes. Exosomal circRNAs derived from donor cells can modulate crosstalk with recipient cells locally or remotely to enhance cancer development and propagation, and play crucial roles in the tumor microenvironment (TME), leading to significant enhancement of tumor immunity, metabolism, angiogenesis, drug resistance, epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion and metastasis. In this review, we describe the advances of exosomal circRNAs and their roles in modulating cancer hallmarks, especially those in the TME. Moreover, clinical application potential of exosomal circRNAs in cancer diagnosis and therapy are highlighted, bridging the gap between basic knowledge and clinical practice.
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30
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Port F, Boutros M. Tissue-Specific CRISPR-Cas9 Screening in Drosophila. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2540:157-176. [PMID: 35980577 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2541-5_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Over the last century research in Drosophila has resulted in many fundamental contributions to our understanding of the biology of multicellular organisms. Many of these breakthroughs have been based on the identification of novel gene functions in large-scale genetic screens. However, conventional forward-genetic screens have been limited by the random nature of mutagenesis and difficulties in mapping causal mutations, while reverse-genetic RNAi screens suffer from incomplete knockdown of gene expression. Recently developed large-scale CRISPR-Cas9 libraries promise to address these limitations by allowing the induction of targeted mutations in genes with spatial and temporal control. Here, we provide a guide for tissue-specific CRISPR screening in Drosophila, including the characterization of Gal4 UAS-Cas9 lines, selection of sgRNA libraries, and various quality control measures. We also discuss confounding factors that can give rise to false-positive and false-negative results in such experiments and suggest strategies on how to detect and avoid them. Conditional CRISPR screening represents an exciting new approach for functional genomics in vivo and is set to further expand our knowledge of the molecular underpinning of development, homeostasis, and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fillip Port
- Division Signaling and Functional Genomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Boutros
- Division Signaling and Functional Genomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
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31
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Abstract
Anchor away is a sequestering method designed to acutely and timely abrogate the function of a protein of interest by anchoring to a cell compartment different from its target. This method induces the binding of the target protein to the anchor by either the addition of rapamycin to Drosophila food or cell media. Rapamycin mediates the formation of a ternary complex between the anchor, which is tagged with the FK506-binding protein (FKBP12), and the target protein fused with the FKB12 rapamycin-binding (FRB) domain of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). The rapamycin-bound target protein stays sequestered away from its compartment, where it cannot perform its biological function.
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32
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Hazan J, Bester AC. CRISPR-Based Approaches for the High-Throughput Characterization of Long Non-Coding RNAs. Noncoding RNA 2021; 7:79. [PMID: 34940760 PMCID: PMC8704461 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna7040079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade, tens of thousands of new long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified in the human genome. Nevertheless, except for a handful of genes, the genetic characteristics and functions of most of these lncRNAs remain elusive; this is partially due to their relatively low expression, high tissue specificity, and low conservation across species. A major limitation for determining the function of lncRNAs was the lack of methodologies suitable for studying these genes. The recent development of CRISPR/Cas9 technology has opened unprecedented opportunities to uncover the genetic and functional characteristics of the non-coding genome via targeted and high-throughput approaches. Specific CRISPR/Cas9-based approaches were developed to target lncRNA loci. Some of these approaches involve modifying the sequence, but others were developed to study lncRNAs by inducing transcriptional and epigenetic changes. The discovery of other programable Cas proteins broaden our possibilities to target RNA molecules with greater precision and accuracy. These approaches allow for the knock-down and characterization of lncRNAs. Here, we review how various CRISPR-based strategies have been used to characterize lncRNAs with important functions in different biological contexts and how these approaches can be further utilized to improve our understanding of the non-coding genome.
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33
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Foster B, Attwood M, Gibbs-Seymour I. Tools for Decoding Ubiquitin Signaling in DNA Repair. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:760226. [PMID: 34950659 PMCID: PMC8690248 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.760226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The maintenance of genome stability requires dedicated DNA repair processes and pathways that are essential for the faithful duplication and propagation of chromosomes. These DNA repair mechanisms counteract the potentially deleterious impact of the frequent genotoxic challenges faced by cells from both exogenous and endogenous agents. Intrinsic to these mechanisms, cells have an arsenal of protein factors that can be utilised to promote repair processes in response to DNA lesions. Orchestration of the protein factors within the various cellular DNA repair pathways is performed, in part, by post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation, ubiquitin, SUMO and other ubiquitin-like modifiers (UBLs). In this review, we firstly explore recent advances in the tools for identifying factors involved in both DNA repair and ubiquitin signaling pathways. We then expand on this by evaluating the growing repertoire of proteomic, biochemical and structural techniques available to further understand the mechanistic basis by which these complex modifications regulate DNA repair. Together, we provide a snapshot of the range of methods now available to investigate and decode how ubiquitin signaling can promote DNA repair and maintain genome stability in mammalian cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ian Gibbs-Seymour
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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34
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Tian T, Zhao Y, Zheng J, Jin S, Liu Z, Wang T. Circular RNA: A potential diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic biomarker for human triple-negative breast cancer. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2021; 26:63-80. [PMID: 34513294 PMCID: PMC8411013 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), which is the most malignant subtype of breast cancer (BC), accounts for 10%–20% of all BC cases. TNBC, which occurs more frequently in young women, is characterized by high rates of cell proliferation and metastasis and poor prognosis. Chemotherapy is the primary systemic therapeutic strategy for TNBC. However, chemotherapy is largely unsuccessful, and effective targeted therapies for TNBC have not been established. Therefore, it is a matter of great urgency to identify precise molecular targets for the promising prognosis of patients with TNBC. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), which are a type of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), are abundantly expressed in the eukaryotic cells and exhibit diverse cellular functions. The roles of circRNAs are to sponge microRNA or RNA-binding proteins, regulate gene expression, and serve as templates for translation. Here, we review the current findings on the potential of circRNAs as a diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic biomarker for TNBC. However, further studies are essential to elucidate the functions of circRNAs in TNBC. This review also discusses the current limitations and future directions of TNBC-associated circRNAs, which can facilitate the translation of experimental research into clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Tian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China
| | - Yangzhi Zhao
- Department of Hematology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Jingying Zheng
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China
| | - Shunzi Jin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Zhongshan Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China
| | - Tiejun Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China
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35
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Powell G, Pavlovic Djuranovic S, Djuranovic S. Gene dosage effects of poly(A) track-engineered hypomorphs. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2021; 26:865-878. [PMID: 34729253 PMCID: PMC8536507 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Manipulation of gene activity through creation of hypomorphic mutants has been a long-standing tool in examining gene function. Our previous studies have indicated that hypomorphic mutants could be created by inserting cis-regulatory sequences composed of consecutive adenosine nucleotides called poly(A) tracks. Here we use poly(A) tracks to create hypomorphic mutants and functional characterization of membrane, secretory, and endogenous proteins. Insertion of poly(A) tracks into the sequences of interleukin-2 and membrane protein CD20 results in a programmable reduction of mRNA stability and attenuation of protein expression regardless of the presence of a signaling sequence. Likewise, CRISPR-Cas9 targeted insertion of poly(A) tracks into the coding sequence of the endogenous human genes AUF1 and TP53 results in a programmable reduction of targeted protein and mRNA levels. Functional analyses of AUF1-engineered hypomorphs indicate a direct correlation between AUF1 gene levels and the stability of AUF1-regulated mRNAs. Hypomorphs of TP53 affect expression of the target genes differentially depending on the severity of the hypomorphic mutation. Finally, decreases in TP53 protein affect the same cellular pathways in poly(A) track-engineered cells as in cancer cells, indicating these variants’ biological relevance. These results highlight this technology’s power to create predictable, stable hypomorphs in recombinant or endogenous genes in combination with CRISPR-Cas9 engineering tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geralle Powell
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 600 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8228, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Slavica Pavlovic Djuranovic
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 600 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8228, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Sergej Djuranovic
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 600 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8228, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Correspondence: Sergej Djuranovic, Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 600 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8228, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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36
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Xiao W, Li J, Hu J, Wang L, Huang JR, Sethi G, Ma Z. Circular RNAs in cell cycle regulation: Mechanisms to clinical significance. Cell Prolif 2021; 54:e13143. [PMID: 34672397 PMCID: PMC8666285 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a type of non‐coding RNA, are single‐stranded circularized molecules characterized by high abundance, evolutionary conservation and cell development‐ and tissue‐specific expression. A large body of studies has found that circRNAs exert a wide variety of functions in diverse biological processes, including cell cycle. The cell cycle is controlled by the coordinated activation and deactivation of cell cycle regulators. CircRNAs exert mutifunctional roles by regulating gene expression via various mechanisms. However, the functional relevance of circRNAs and cell cycle regulation largely remains to be elucidated. Herein, we briefly describe the biogenesis and mechanistic models of circRNAs and summarize their functions and mechanisms in the regulation of critical cell cycle modulators, including cyclins, cyclin‐dependent kinases and cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitors. Moreover, we highlight the participation of circRNAs in cell cycle‐related signalling pathways and the clinical value of circRNAs as promising biomarkers or therapeutic targets in diseases related to cell cycle disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Xiao
- Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Juan Li
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Health, Ministry of Education, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - June Hu
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Lingzhi Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zhaowu Ma
- Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
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37
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Sultan SHA, Dyer C, Knight RD. Notch Signaling Regulates Muscle Stem Cell Homeostasis and Regeneration in a Teleost Fish. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:726281. [PMID: 34650976 PMCID: PMC8505724 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.726281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscle regeneration is mediated by the activity of resident muscle satellite cells (muSCs) that express Pax7. In mouse Notch signaling regulates muSCs during quiescence and promotes muSC proliferation in regeneration. It is unclear if these roles of Notch in regulating muSC biology are conserved across vertebrates or are a mammalian specific feature. We have therefore investigated the role of Notch in regulating muSC homeostasis and regeneration in a teleost fish, the zebrafish. We have also tested whether muSCs show differential sensitivity to Notch during myotome development. In an absence of injury Notch is important for preventing muSC proliferation at the vertical myoseptum. In contrast, Notch signaling promotes proliferation and prevents differentiation in the context of injury. Notch is required for the proliferative response to injury at early and later larval stages, suggesting it plays a similar role in regulating muSCs at developing and adult stages. Our results reveal a conserved role for Notch signaling in regulating muSCs under homeostasis and for promoting proliferation during regeneration in teleost fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sami H A Sultan
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Carlene Dyer
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom.,William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robert D Knight
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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38
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Exploring liver cancer biology through functional genetic screens. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 18:690-704. [PMID: 34163045 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-021-00465-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
As the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death in the world, liver cancer poses a major threat to human health. Although a growing number of therapies have been approved for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma in the past few years, most of them only provide a limited survival benefit. Therefore, an urgent need exists to identify novel targetable vulnerabilities and powerful drug combinations for the treatment of liver cancer. The advent of functional genetic screening has contributed to the advancement of liver cancer biology, uncovering many novel genes involved in tumorigenesis and cancer progression in a high-throughput manner. In addition, this unbiased screening platform also provides an efficient tool for the exploration of the mechanisms involved in therapy resistance as well as identifying potential targets for therapy. In this Review, we describe how functional screens can help to deepen our understanding of liver cancer and guide the development of new therapeutic strategies.
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39
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Neault N, O’Reilly S, Baig AT, Plaza-Diaz J, Azimi M, Farooq F, Baird SD, MacKenzie A. High-throughput kinome-RNAi screen identifies protein kinase R activator (PACT) as a novel genetic modifier of CUG foci integrity in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256276. [PMID: 34520479 PMCID: PMC8439471 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 (DM1) is the most common form of adult muscular dystrophy (~1:8000). In DM1, expansion of CTG trinucleotide repeats in the 3' untranslated region of the dystrophia myotonica protein kinase (DMPK) gene results in DMPK mRNA hairpin structures which aggregate as insoluble ribonuclear foci and sequester several RNA-binding proteins. The resulting sequestration and misregulation of important splicing factors, such as muscleblind-like 1 (MBNL1), causes the aberrant expression of fetal transcripts for several genes that contribute to the disease phenotype. Previous work has shown that antisense oligonucleotide-mediated disaggregation of the intranuclear foci has the potential to reverse downstream anomalies. To explore whether the nuclear foci are, to some extent, controlled by cell signalling pathways, we have performed a screen using a small interfering RNA (siRNA) library targeting 518 protein kinases to look at kinomic modulation of foci integrity. RNA foci were visualized by in situ hybridization of a fluorescent-tagged (CAG)10 probe directed towards the expanded DMPK mRNA and the cross-sectional area and number of foci per nuclei were recorded. From our screen, we have identified PACT (protein kinase R (PKR) activator) as a novel modulator of foci integrity and have shown that PACT knockdown can both increase MBNL1 protein levels; however, these changes are not suffcient for significant correction of downstream spliceopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nafisa Neault
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Sean O’Reilly
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Aiman Tariq Baig
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Julio Plaza-Diaz
- Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Mehrdad Azimi
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Faraz Farooq
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Stephen D. Baird
- Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Alex MacKenzie
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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40
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Yang H, Qu J, Zou W, Shen W, Chen X. An overview and future prospects of recombinant protein production in Bacillus subtilis. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:6607-6626. [PMID: 34468804 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11533-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Bacillus subtilis is a well-characterized Gram-positive bacterium and a valuable host for recombinant protein production because of its efficient secretion ability, high yield, and non-toxicity. Here, we comprehensively review the recent studies on recombinant protein production in B. subtilis to update and supplement other previous reviews. We have focused on several aspects, including optimization of B. subtilis strains, enhancement and regulation of expression, improvement of secretion level, surface display of proteins, and fermentation optimization. Among them, optimization of B. subtilis strains mainly involves undirected chemical/physical mutagenesis and selection and genetic manipulation; enhancement and regulation of expression comprises autonomous plasmid and integrated expression, promoter regulation and engineering, and fine-tuning gene expression based on proteases and molecular chaperones; improvement of secretion level predominantly involves secretion pathway and signal peptide screening and optimization; surface display of proteins includes surface display of proteins on spores or vegetative cells; and fermentation optimization incorporates medium optimization, process condition optimization, and feeding strategy optimization. Furthermore, we propose some novel methods and future challenges for recombinant protein production in B. subtilis.Key points• A comprehensive review on recombinant protein production in Bacillus subtilis.• Novel techniques facilitate recombinant protein expression and secretion.• Surface display of proteins has significant potential for different applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiquan Yang
- The Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China.
| | - Jinfeng Qu
- The Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Wei Zou
- College of Bioengineering, Sichuan University of Science & Engineering, Yibin, 644000, Sichuan, China
| | - Wei Shen
- The Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Xianzhong Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China.
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41
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Hayman TJ, Baro M, MacNeil T, Phoomak C, Aung TN, Cui W, Leach K, Iyer R, Challa S, Sandoval-Schaefer T, Burtness BA, Rimm DL, Contessa JN. STING enhances cell death through regulation of reactive oxygen species and DNA damage. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2327. [PMID: 33875663 PMCID: PMC8055995 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22572-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Resistance to DNA-damaging agents is a significant cause of treatment failure and poor outcomes in oncology. To identify unrecognized regulators of cell survival we performed a whole-genome CRISPR-Cas9 screen using treatment with ionizing radiation as a selective pressure, and identified STING (stimulator of interferon genes) as an intrinsic regulator of tumor cell survival. We show that STING regulates a transcriptional program that controls the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and that STING loss alters ROS homeostasis to reduce DNA damage and to cause therapeutic resistance. In agreement with these data, analysis of tumors from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patient specimens show that low STING expression is associated with worse outcomes. We also demonstrate that pharmacologic activation of STING enhances the effects of ionizing radiation in vivo, providing a rationale for therapeutic combinations of STING agonists and DNA-damaging agents. These results highlight a role for STING that is beyond its canonical function in cyclic dinucleotide and DNA damage sensing, and identify STING as a regulator of cellular ROS homeostasis and tumor cell susceptibility to reactive oxygen dependent, DNA damaging agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Hayman
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Marta Baro
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Tyler MacNeil
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Chatchai Phoomak
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Thazin Nwe Aung
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Wei Cui
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - David L Rimm
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Joseph N Contessa
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
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42
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Lawson M, Elf J. Imaging-based screens of pool-synthesized cell libraries. Nat Methods 2021; 18:358-365. [PMID: 33589838 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-020-01053-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Mapping a genetic perturbation to a change in phenotype is at the core of biological research. Advances in microscopy have transformed these studies, but they have largely been confined to examining a few strains or cell lines at a time. In parallel, there has been a revolution in creating synthetic libraries of genetically altered cells with relative ease. Here we describe methods that combine these powerful tools to perform live-cell imaging of pool-generated strain libraries for improved biological discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Lawson
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA.
| | - Johan Elf
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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43
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Katz S, Song J, Webb KP, Lounsbury NW, Bryant CE, Fraser IDC. SIGNAL: A web-based iterative analysis platform integrating pathway and network approaches optimizes hit selection from genome-scale assays. Cell Syst 2021; 12:338-352.e5. [PMID: 33894945 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2021.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Hit selection from high-throughput assays remains a critical bottleneck in realizing the potential of omic-scale studies in biology. Widely used methods such as setting of cutoffs, prioritizing pathway enrichments, or incorporating predicted network interactions offer divergent solutions yet are associated with critical analytical trade-offs. The specific limitations of these individual approaches and the lack of a systematic way by which to integrate their rankings have contributed to limited overlap in the reported results from comparable genome-wide studies and costly inefficiencies in secondary validation efforts. Using comparative analysis of parallel independent studies as a benchmark, we characterize the specific complementary contributions of each approach and demonstrate an optimal framework to integrate these methods. We describe selection by iterative pathway group and network analysis looping (SIGNAL), an integrated, iterative approach that uses both pathway and network methods to optimize gene prioritization. SIGNAL is accessible as a rapid user-friendly web-based application (https://signal.niaid.nih.gov). A record of this paper's transparent peer review is included in the Supplemental information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Katz
- NIAID, National Institutes of Health, Laboratory of Immune System Biology, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; University of Cambridge, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jian Song
- NIAID, National Institutes of Health, Laboratory of Immune System Biology, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Kyle P Webb
- NIAID, National Institutes of Health, Laboratory of Immune System Biology, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Nicolas W Lounsbury
- NIAID, National Institutes of Health, Laboratory of Immune System Biology, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Clare E Bryant
- University of Cambridge, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Cambridge, UK
| | - Iain D C Fraser
- NIAID, National Institutes of Health, Laboratory of Immune System Biology, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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44
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Marjon K, Kalev P, Marks K. Cancer Dependencies: PRMT5 and MAT2A in MTAP/p16-Deleted Cancers. ANNUAL REVIEW OF CANCER BIOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-cancerbio-030419-033444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Discovery of targeted therapies that selectively exploit the genetic inactivation of specific tumor suppressors remains a major challenge. This includes the prevalent deletion of the CDKN2A/ MTAP locus, which was first reported nearly 40 years ago. The more recent advent of RNA interference and functional genomic screening technologies led to the identification of hidden collateral lethalities occurring with passenger deletions of MTAP in cancer cells. In particular, small-molecule inhibition of the type II arginine methyltransferase PRMT5 and the S-adenosylmethionine-producing enzyme MAT2A each presents a precision medicine approach for the treatment of patients whose tumors have homozygous loss of MTAP. In this review, we highlight key aspects of MTAP, PRMT5, and MAT2A biology to provide a conceptual framework for developing novel therapeutic strategies in tumors with MTAP deletion and to summarize ongoing efforts to drug PRMT5 and MAT2A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katya Marjon
- Agios Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - Peter Kalev
- Agios Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - Kevin Marks
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
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45
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Kazmierczak M, Farré i Díaz C, Ofenbauer A, Herzog S, Tursun B. The CONJUDOR pipeline for multiplexed knockdown of gene pairs identifies RBBP-5 as a germ cell reprogramming barrier in C. elegans. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:e22. [PMID: 33290523 PMCID: PMC7913679 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa1171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple gene activities control complex biological processes such as cell fate specification during development and cellular reprogramming. Investigating the manifold gene functions in biological systems requires also simultaneous depletion of two or more gene activities. RNA interference-mediated knockdown (RNAi) is commonly used in Caenorhabditis elegans to assess essential genes, which otherwise lead to lethality or developmental arrest upon full knockout. RNAi application is straightforward by feeding worms with RNAi plasmid-containing bacteria. However, the general approach of mixing bacterial RNAi clones to deplete two genes simultaneously often yields poor results. To address this issue, we developed a bacterial conjugation-mediated double RNAi technique 'CONJUDOR'. It allows combining RNAi bacteria for robust double RNAi with high-throughput. To demonstrate the power of CONJUDOR for large scale double RNAi screens we conjugated RNAi against the histone chaperone gene lin-53 with more than 700 other chromatin factor genes. Thereby, we identified the Set1/MLL methyltransferase complex member RBBP-5 as a novel germ cell reprogramming barrier. Our findings demonstrate that CONJUDOR increases efficiency and versatility of RNAi screens to examine interconnected biological processes in C. elegans with high-throughput.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlon Kazmierczak
- Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Berlin 10115, Germany
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Carlota Farré i Díaz
- Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Berlin 10115, Germany
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Ofenbauer
- Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Berlin 10115, Germany
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sergej Herzog
- Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Berlin 10115, Germany
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Baris Tursun
- Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Berlin 10115, Germany
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13125 Berlin, Germany
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46
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Ding Y, Lei X, Liao B, Wu FX. Machine learning approaches for predicting biomolecule-disease associations. Brief Funct Genomics 2021; 20:273-287. [PMID: 33554238 DOI: 10.1093/bfgp/elab002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Biomolecules, such as microRNAs, circRNAs, lncRNAs and genes, are functionally interdependent in human cells, and all play critical roles in diverse fundamental and vital biological processes. The dysregulations of such biomolecules can cause diseases. Identifying the associations between biomolecules and diseases can uncover the mechanisms of complex diseases, which is conducive to their diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and prevention. Due to the time consumption and cost of biologically experimental methods, many computational association prediction methods have been proposed in the past few years. In this study, we provide a comprehensive review of machine learning-based approaches for predicting disease-biomolecule associations with multi-view data sources. Firstly, we introduce some databases and general strategies for integrating multi-view data sources in the prediction models. Then we discuss several feature representation methods for machine learning-based prediction models. Thirdly, we comprehensively review machine learning-based prediction approaches in three categories: basic machine learning methods, matrix completion-based methods and deep learning-based methods, while discussing their advantages and disadvantages. Finally, we provide some perspectives for further improving biomolecule-disease prediction methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulian Ding
- Division of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan
| | - Xiujuan Lei
- School of Computer Science at Shaanxi Normal University
| | - Bo Liao
- School of Mathematics and Statistics at Hainan Normal University, Haikou, China
| | - Fang-Xiang Wu
- College of Engineering and the Department of Computer Science at University of Saskatchewan
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47
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Kasimatis KR, Sánchez-Ramírez S, Stevenson ZC. Sexual Dimorphism through the Lens of Genome Manipulation, Forward Genetics, and Spatiotemporal Sequencing. Genome Biol Evol 2021; 13:evaa243. [PMID: 33587127 PMCID: PMC7883666 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evaa243] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual reproduction often leads to selection that favors the evolution of sex-limited traits or sex-specific variation for shared traits. These sexual dimorphisms manifest due to sex-specific genetic architectures and sex-biased gene expression across development, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying these patterns are largely unknown. The first step is to understand how sexual dimorphisms arise across the genotype-phenotype-fitness map. The emergence of "4D genome technologies" allows for efficient, high-throughput, and cost-effective manipulation and observations of this process. Studies of sexual dimorphism will benefit from combining these technological advances (e.g., precision genome editing, inducible transgenic systems, and single-cell RNA sequencing) with clever experiments inspired by classic designs (e.g., bulked segregant analysis, experimental evolution, and pedigree tracing). This perspective poses a synthetic view of how manipulative approaches coupled with cutting-edge observational methods and evolutionary theory are poised to uncover the molecular genetic basis of sexual dimorphism with unprecedented resolution. We outline hypothesis-driven experimental paradigms for identifying genetic mechanisms of sexual dimorphism among tissues, across development, and over evolutionary time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja R Kasimatis
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Ontario, USA
| | | | - Zachary C Stevenson
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
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48
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Sankaranarayanan G, Coghlan A, Driguez P, Lotkowska ME, Sanders M, Holroyd N, Tracey A, Berriman M, Rinaldi G. Large CRISPR-Cas-induced deletions in the oxamniquine resistance locus of the human parasite Schistosoma mansoni. Wellcome Open Res 2021; 5:178. [PMID: 32789192 PMCID: PMC7405262 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.16031.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. At least 250 million people worldwide suffer from schistosomiasis, caused by Schistosoma worms. Genome sequences for several Schistosoma species are available, including a high-quality annotated reference for Schistosoma mansoni. There is a pressing need to develop a reliable functional toolkit to translate these data into new biological insights and targets for intervention. CRISPR-Cas9 was recently demonstrated for the first time in S. mansoni, to produce somatic mutations in the omega-1 ( ω1) gene. Methods. We employed CRISPR-Cas9 to introduce somatic mutations in a second gene, SULT-OR, a sulfotransferase expressed in the parasitic stages of S. mansoni, in which mutations confer resistance to the drug oxamniquine. A 262-bp PCR product spanning the region targeted by the gRNA against SULT-OR was amplified, and mutations identified in it by high-throughput sequencing. Results. We found that 0.3-2.0% of aligned reads from CRISPR-Cas9-treated adult worms showed deletions spanning the predicted Cas9 cut site, compared to 0.1-0.2% for sporocysts, while deletions were extremely rare in eggs. The most common deletion observed in adults and sporocysts was a 34 bp-deletion directly upstream of the predicted cut site, but rarer deletions reaching as far as 102 bp upstream of the cut site were also detected. The CRISPR-Cas9-induced deletions, if homozygous, are predicted to cause resistance to oxamniquine by producing frameshifts, ablating SULT-OR transcription, or leading to mRNA degradation via the nonsense-mediated mRNA decay pathway. However, no SULT-OR knock down at the mRNA level was observed, presumably because the cells in which CRISPR-Cas9 did induce mutations represented a small fraction of all cells expressing SULT-OR. Conclusions. Further optimisation of CRISPR-Cas protocols for different developmental stages and particular cell types, including germline cells, will contribute to the generation of a homozygous knock-out in any gene of interest, and in particular the SULT-OR gene to derive an oxamniquine-resistant stable transgenic line.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Alan Tracey
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK
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49
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Behbahani RG, Danyaei A, Teimoori A, Neisi N, Tahmasbi MJ. Breast cancer radioresistance may be overcome by osteopontin gene knocking out with CRISPR/Cas9 technique. Cancer Radiother 2021; 25:222-228. [PMID: 33422414 DOI: 10.1016/j.canrad.2020.08.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Osteopontin (OPN) is a phosphoglycoprotein, with a wide range of physiological and pathological roles. High expression of OPN promotes aggressive behavior, causes poor prognosis in tumor cells, and reduces the survival of patients. Since overexpression of OPN gives rise to radioresistance, the effects of the gene knock out using the CRISPR/Cas9 system in combination with radiation are emphasized. MATERIAL AND METHODS We used the CRISPR/Cas9 technique to knock out the OPN gene in the MDA-MB-231 cell line. After transfection, the cells were irradiated. The changes of the OPN mRNA levels, the apoptosis, and the differences in cell viability were assessed. RESULTS A significant reduction in the OPN expression was observed alone or along with irradiation. The knocked out gene alone increased apoptosis rate. The cell viability decreased to after knocking out of the OPN gene. The gene knocking-out combined with irradiation led to more decline of cell viability. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrated that after knocking out the OPN gene, the MDA-MB-231 cells showed a significant radiosensitivity. Therefore, the OPN knock out in combination with conventional radiotherapy, may become an efficient therapeutic target in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- R G Behbahani
- Department of Medical Physics, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - A Danyaei
- Department of Medical Physics, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
| | - A Teimoori
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Hamedan University of Medical Sciences, Hamedan, Iran
| | - N Neisi
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - M J Tahmasbi
- Department of Medical Physics, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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50
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Abbasi R, Heschuk D, Kim B, Whyard S. A novel paperclip double-stranded RNA structure demonstrates clathrin-independent uptake in the mosquito Aedes aegypti. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 127:103492. [PMID: 33096213 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2020.103492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) has become a widely used technique of knocking down a gene's expression in insects, but its efficacy in some species is limited by a reduced ability of the cells to take in and disperse the double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) throughout the cytoplasm. While RNA transport proteins such as SID-1 and its orthologues can facilitate dsRNA uptake in some invertebrate species, dsRNA uptake in many insects examined to date appears to be facilitated by clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME). In this study, we used pharmacological inhibitors and RNAi-mediated knockdown of endocytic genes to provide evidence that CME is the primary means of dsRNA uptake in the mosquito Aedes aegypti. Inhibition of clathrin-mediated endocytosis was sufficient to supress uptake of short (21 nt) interfering RNAs (siRNAs), short (23 nt) hairpin RNAs (shRNAs), and long (>200 nt) dsRNA molecules in Aedes aegypti cultured cells and larvae. In contrast, we observed that short (23 nt) "paperclip" RNAs (pcRNAs), with partially closed ends, efficiently enter cells via a clathrin-independent pathway and effectively facilitate transcript knockdown. This alternative dsRNA structure may prove useful in insects generally considered recalcitrant to RNAi and in insect populations where resistance to RNAi-insecticides may arise through changes in dsRNA uptake mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roohollah Abbasi
- Department of Biological Sciences, 50 Sifton Road, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada.
| | - Daniel Heschuk
- Department of Biological Sciences, 50 Sifton Road, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada.
| | - Brandon Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, 50 Sifton Road, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada.
| | - Steve Whyard
- Department of Biological Sciences, 50 Sifton Road, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada.
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