1
|
Otoupal PB, Cress BF, Doudna JA, Schoeniger J. CRISPR-RNAa: targeted activation of translation using dCas13 fusions to translation initiation factors. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:8986-8998. [PMID: 35950485 PMCID: PMC9410913 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Tools for synthetically controlling gene expression are a cornerstone of genetic engineering. CRISPRi and CRISPRa technologies have been applied extensively for programmable modulation of gene transcription, but there are few such tools for targeted modulation of protein translation rates. Here, we employ CRISPR-Cas13 as a programmable activator of translation. We develop a novel variant of the catalytically-deactivated Cas13d enzyme dCasRx by fusing it to translation initiation factor IF3. We demonstrate dCasRx-IF3's ability to enhance expression 21.3-fold above dCasRx when both are targeted to the start of the 5' untranslated region of mRNA encoding red fluorescent protein in Escherichia coli. Activation of translation is location-dependent, and we show dCasRx-IF3 represses translation when targeted to the ribosomal binding site, rather than enhancing it. We provide evidence that dCasRx-IF3 targeting enhances mRNA stability relative to dCasRx, providing mechanistic insights into how this new tool functions to enhance gene expression. We also demonstrate targeted upregulation of native LacZ 2.6-fold, showing dCasRx-IF3's ability to enhance expression of endogenous genes. dCasRx-IF3 requires no additional host modification to influence gene expression. This work outlines a novel approach, CRISPR-RNAa, for post-transcriptional control of translation to activate gene expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Brady F Cress
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA,Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer A Doudna
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA,Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA,California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA,Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA,Molecular Biophysics & Integrated Bioimaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA,Gladstone Institutes, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Joseph S Schoeniger
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +1 925 294 2955; Fax: +1 925 294 3020;
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Nikulin AD. Characteristic Features of Protein Interaction with Single- and Double-Stranded RNA. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2021; 86:1025-1040. [PMID: 34488578 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297921080125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The review discusses differences between the specific protein interactions with single- and double-stranded RNA molecules using the data on the structure of RNA-protein complexes. Proteins interacting with the single-stranded RNAs form contacts with RNA bases, which ensures recognition of specific nucleotide sequences. Formation of such contacts with the double-stranded RNAs is hindered, so that the proteins recognize unique conformations of the RNA spatial structure and interact mainly with the RNA sugar-phosphate backbone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexey D Nikulin
- Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow Region, 142290, Russia.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Toudji-Zouaz A, Bertrand V, Barrière A. Imaging of native transcription and transcriptional dynamics in vivo using a tagged Argonaute protein. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:e86. [PMID: 34107044 PMCID: PMC8421136 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
A flexible method to image unmodified transcripts and transcription in vivo would be a valuable tool to understand the regulation and dynamics of transcription. Here, we present a novel approach to follow native transcription, with fluorescence microscopy, in live C. elegans. By using the fluorescently tagged Argonaute protein NRDE-3, programmed by exposure to defined dsRNA to bind to nascent transcripts of the gene of interest, we demonstrate transcript labelling of multiple genes, at the transcription site and in the cytoplasm. This flexible approach does not require genetic manipulation, and can be easily scaled up by relying on whole-genome dsRNA libraries. We apply this method to image the transcriptional dynamics of the heat-shock inducible gene hsp-4 (a member of the hsp70 family), as well as two transcription factors: ttx-3 (a LHX2/9 orthologue) in embryos, and hlh-1 (a MyoD orthologue) in larvae, respectively involved in neuronal and muscle development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amel Toudji-Zouaz
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, IBDM, Turing Centre for Living Systems, Marseille, France
| | - Vincent Bertrand
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, IBDM, Turing Centre for Living Systems, Marseille, France
| | - Antoine Barrière
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, IBDM, Turing Centre for Living Systems, Marseille, France
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Effective RNA Regulation by Combination of Multiple Programmable RNA-Binding Proteins. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app10196803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
RNAs play important roles in gene expression through translation and RNA splicing. Regulation of specific RNAs is useful to understand and manipulate specific transcripts. Pumilio and fem-3 mRNA-binding factor (PUF) proteins, programmable RNA-binding proteins, are promising tools for regulating specific RNAs by fusing them with various functional domains. The key question is: How can PUF-based molecular tools efficiently regulate RNA functions? Here, we show that the combination of multiple PUF proteins, compared to using a single PUF protein, targeting independent RNA sequences at the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of a target transcript caused cooperative effects to regulate the function of the target RNA by luciferase reporter assays. It is worth noting that a higher efficacy was achieved with smaller amounts of each PUF expression vector introduced into the cells compared to using a single PUF protein. This strategy not only efficiently regulates target RNA functions but would also be effective in reducing off-target effects due to the low doses of each expression vector.
Collapse
|
5
|
Li D, Kishta MS, Wang J. Regulation of pluripotency and reprogramming by RNA binding proteins. Curr Top Dev Biol 2020; 138:113-138. [PMID: 32220295 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2020.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Embryonic stem cells have the capacities of self-renewal and pluripotency. Pluripotency establishment (somatic cell reprogramming), maintenance, and execution (differentiation) require orchestrated regulatory mechanisms of a cell's molecular machinery, including signaling pathways, epigenetics, transcription, translation, and protein degradation. RNA binding proteins (RBPs) take part in every process of RNA regulation and recent studies began to address their important functions in the regulation of pluripotency and reprogramming. Here, we discuss the roles of RBPs in key regulatory steps in the control of pluripotency and reprogramming. Among RNA binding proteins are a group of RNA helicases that are responsible for RNA structure remodeling with important functional implications. We highlight the largest family of RNA helicases, DDX (DEAD-box) helicase family and our current understanding of their functions specifically in the regulation of pluripotency and reprogramming.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Li
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Regenerative Biology; The Black Family Stem Cell Institute; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States; The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Mohamed S Kishta
- Hormones Department, Medical Research Division, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt; Stem Cell Lab., Center of Excellence for Advanced Sciences, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt; Department of Medicine, Columbia Center for Human Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jianlong Wang
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Regenerative Biology; The Black Family Stem Cell Institute; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States; The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States; Department of Medicine, Columbia Center for Human Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Shotwell CR, Cleary JD, Berglund JA. The potential of engineered eukaryotic RNA-binding proteins as molecular tools and therapeutics. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2019; 11:e1573. [PMID: 31680457 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 09/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Eukaroytic RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) recognize and process RNAs through recognition of their sequence motifs via RNA-binding domains (RBDs). RBPs usually consist of one or more RBDs and can include additional functional domains that modify or cleave RNA. Engineered RBPs have been used to answer basic biology questions, control gene expression, locate viral RNA in vivo, as well as many other tasks. Given the growing number of diseases associated with RNA and RBPs, engineered RBPs also have the potential to serve as therapeutics. This review provides an in depth description of recent advances in engineered RBPs and discusses opportunities and challenges in the field. This article is categorized under: RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein-RNA Recognition RNA Methods > RNA Nanotechnology RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carl R Shotwell
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - John D Cleary
- RNA Institute, University at Albany, Albany, New York
| | - J Andrew Berglund
- Department of Biological Sciences and RNA Institute, University at Albany, Albany, New York
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Rau K, Rösner L, Rentmeister A. Sequence-specific m 6A demethylation in RNA by FTO fused to RCas9. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2019; 25:1311-1323. [PMID: 31263003 PMCID: PMC6800472 DOI: 10.1261/rna.070706.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common internal modification in eukaryotic mRNA and associated with numerous cellular processes in health and disease. Up- and down-regulation of its "writer" or "eraser" proteins alter the global m6A level; however, modifying distinct m6A sites has remained elusive. We genetically fused the dioxygenase FTO responsible for m6A demethylation to RCas9 as an RNA-targeting module. The resulting RCas9-FTO retained demethylation activity and bound to RNA in a sequence-specific manner depending on the sgRNA and PAMmer. Using SCARLET analysis, we quantified the m6A level at a specific site and analyzed the effect of the PAM-to-m6A distance on activity. Sequence-specific demethylation by RCas9-FTO was tested on different RNA combinations and showed up to 15-fold sequence preference for target RNA compared to off-target RNA. Taken together, RCas9-FTO represents a new tool for sequence-specific demethylation of m6A in RNA that can be readily adapted to any given RNA sequence and opens the door to studying the function of distinct m6A sites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Rau
- Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Lukas Rösner
- Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Andrea Rentmeister
- Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hale MA, Richardson JI, Day RC, McConnell OL, Arboleda J, Wang ET, Berglund JA. An engineered RNA binding protein with improved splicing regulation. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:3152-3168. [PMID: 29309648 PMCID: PMC5888374 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx1304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The muscleblind-like (MBNL) family of proteins are key developmental regulators of alternative splicing. Sequestration of MBNL proteins by expanded CUG/CCUG repeat RNA transcripts is a major pathogenic mechanism in the neuromuscular disorder myotonic dystrophy (DM). MBNL1 contains four zinc finger (ZF) motifs that form two tandem RNA binding domains (ZF1-2 and ZF3-4) which each bind YGCY RNA motifs. In an effort to determine the differences in function between these domains, we designed and characterized synthetic MBNL proteins with duplicate ZF1-2 or ZF3-4 domains, referred to as MBNL-AA and MBNL-BB, respectively. Analysis of splicing regulation revealed that MBNL-AA had up to 5-fold increased splicing activity while MBNL-BB had 4-fold decreased activity compared to a MBNL protein with the canonical arrangement of zinc finger domains. RNA binding analysis revealed that the variations in splicing activity are due to differences in RNA binding specificities between the two ZF domains rather than binding affinity. Our findings indicate that ZF1-2 drives splicing regulation via recognition of YGCY RNA motifs while ZF3-4 acts as a general RNA binding domain. Our studies suggest that synthetic MBNL proteins with improved or altered splicing activity have the potential to be used as both tools for investigating splicing regulation and protein therapeutics for DM and other microsatellite diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A Hale
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Jared I Richardson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Ryan C Day
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Ona L McConnell
- Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Juan Arboleda
- Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Eric T Wang
- Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - J Andrew Berglund
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Pal A, Levy Y. Structure, stability and specificity of the binding of ssDNA and ssRNA with proteins. PLoS Comput Biol 2019; 15:e1006768. [PMID: 30933978 PMCID: PMC6467422 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1006768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recognition of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) or single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) is important for many fundamental cellular functions. A variety of single-stranded DNA-binding proteins (ssDBPs) and single-stranded RNA-binding proteins (ssRBPs) have evolved that bind ssDNA and ssRNA, respectively, with varying degree of affinities and specificities to form complexes. Structural studies of these complexes provide key insights into their recognition mechanism. However, computational modeling of the specific recognition process and to predict the structure of the complex is challenging, primarily due to the heterogeneity of their binding energy landscape and the greater flexibility of ssDNA or ssRNA compared with double-stranded nucleic acids. Consequently, considerably fewer computational studies have explored interactions between proteins and single-stranded nucleic acids compared with protein interactions with double-stranded nucleic acids. Here, we report a newly developed energy-based coarse-grained model to predict the structure of ssDNA–ssDBP and ssRNA–ssRBP complexes and to assess their sequence-specific interactions and stabilities. We tuned two factors that can modulate specific recognition: base–aromatic stacking strength and the flexibility of the single-stranded nucleic acid. The model was successfully applied to predict the binding conformations of 12 distinct ssDBP and ssRBP structures with their cognate ssDNA and ssRNA partners having various sequences. Estimated binding energies agreed well with the corresponding experimental binding affinities. Bound conformations from the simulation showed a funnel-shaped binding energy distribution where the native-like conformations corresponded to the energy minima. The various ssDNA–protein and ssRNA–protein complexes differed in the balance of electrostatic and aromatic energies. The lower affinity of the ssRNA–ssRBP complexes compared with the ssDNA–ssDBP complexes stems from lower flexibility of ssRNA compared to ssDNA, which results in higher rate constants for the dissociation of the complex (koff) for complexes involving the former. Quantifying bimolecular self-assembly is pivotal to understanding cellular function. In recent years, a large progress has been made in understanding the structure and biophysics of protein-protein interactions. Particularly, various computational tools are available for predicting these structures and to estimate their stability and the driving forces of their formation. The understating of the interactions between proteins and nucleic acids, however, is still limited, presumably due to the involvement of non-specific interactions as well as the high conformational plasticity that may demand an induced-fit mechanism. In particular, the interactions between proteins and single-stranded nucleic acids (i.e., single-stranded DNA and RNA) is very challenging due to their high flexibility. Furthermore, the interface between proteins and single-stranded nucleic acids is often chemically more heterogeneous than the interface between proteins and double-stranded DNA. In this study, we developed a coarse-grained computational model to predict the structure of complexes between proteins and single-stranded nucleic acids. The model was applied to estimate binding affinities and the estimated binding energies agreed well with the corresponding experimental binding affinities. The kinetics of association as well as the specificity of the complexes between proteins and ssDNA are different than those with ssRNA, mostly due to differences in their conformational flexibility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arumay Pal
- Department of Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yaakov Levy
- Department of Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
O'Connell MR. Molecular Mechanisms of RNA Targeting by Cas13-containing Type VI CRISPR-Cas Systems. J Mol Biol 2019; 431:66-87. [PMID: 29940185 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2018.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Revised: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Prokaryotic adaptive immune systems use Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPRs) and CRISPR-associated (Cas) proteins for RNA-guided cleavage of foreign genetic elements. The focus of this review, Type VI CRISPR-Cas systems, contain a single protein, Cas13 (formerly C2c2) that when assembled with a CRISPR RNA (crRNA) forms a crRNA-guided RNA-targeting effector complex. Type VI CRISPR-Cas systems can be divided into four subtypes (A-D) based on Cas13 phylogeny. All Cas13 proteins studied to date possess two enzymatically distinct ribonuclease activities that are required for optimal interference. One RNase is responsible for pre-crRNA processing to form mature Type VI interference complexes, while the other RNase activity provided by the two Higher Eukaryotes and Prokaryotes Nucleotide-binding (HEPN) domains, is required for degradation of target-RNA during viral interference. In this review, I will compare and contrast what is known about the molecular architecture and behavior of Type VI (A-D) CRISPR-Cas13 interference complexes, how this allows them to carry out their RNA-targeting function, how Type VI accessory proteins are able to modulate Cas13 activity, and how together all of these features have led to the rapid development of a range of RNA-targeting applications. Throughout I will also discuss some of the outstanding questions regarding Cas13's molecular behavior, and its role in bacterial adaptive immunity and RNA-targeting applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell R O'Connell
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA; Center for RNA Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Bhushan K. CRISPR/Cas13a targeting of RNA virus in plants. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2018; 37:1707-1712. [PMID: 29779095 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-018-2297-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
KEY MESSAGE This approach is quite promising to control plant viral diseases and create synthetic networks to better understand the structure/function relationship in RNA and proteins. Plant viruses are obligate intracellular parasites which causes enormous losses in crop yield worldwide. These viruses replicate into infected cells by highjacking host cellular machinery. Over the last two decades, diverse approaches such as conventional breeding, transgenic approach and gene silencing strategies have been used to control RNA viruses, but escaped due to high rate of mutation. Recently, a novel CRISPR enzyme, called Cas13a, has been used engineered to confer RNA viruses resistance in plants. Here, we summarize the recent breakthrough of CRISPR/Cas13a and its applications in RNA biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kul Bhushan
- Advanced Centre for Plant Virology, Division of Plant Pathology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Shinoda K, Tsuji S, Futaki S, Imanishi M. Nested PUF Proteins: Extending Target RNA Elements for Gene Regulation. Chembiochem 2017; 19:171-176. [DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201700458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kouki Shinoda
- Institute for Chemical Research Kyoto University Uji Kyoto 611-0011 Japan
| | - Shogo Tsuji
- Institute for Chemical Research Kyoto University Uji Kyoto 611-0011 Japan
| | - Shiroh Futaki
- Institute for Chemical Research Kyoto University Uji Kyoto 611-0011 Japan
| | - Miki Imanishi
- Institute for Chemical Research Kyoto University Uji Kyoto 611-0011 Japan
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ibragimov AN, Kozlov EN, Kurbidaeva AS, Ryabichko SS, Shidlovskii YV. Current technics for visualizing RNA in a cell. RUSS J GENET+ 2017. [DOI: 10.1134/s1022795417100040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
|
14
|
Smargon AA, Cox DBT, Pyzocha NK, Zheng K, Slaymaker IM, Gootenberg JS, Abudayyeh OA, Essletzbichler P, Shmakov S, Makarova KS, Koonin EV, Zhang F. Cas13b Is a Type VI-B CRISPR-Associated RNA-Guided RNase Differentially Regulated by Accessory Proteins Csx27 and Csx28. Mol Cell 2017; 65:618-630.e7. [PMID: 28065598 PMCID: PMC5432119 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2016.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 371] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Revised: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 12/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas adaptive immune systems defend microbes against foreign nucleic acids via RNA-guided endonucleases. Using a computational sequence database mining approach, we identify two class 2 CRISPR-Cas systems (subtype VI-B) that lack Cas1 and Cas2 and encompass a single large effector protein, Cas13b, along with one of two previously uncharacterized associated proteins, Csx27 and Csx28. We establish that these CRISPR-Cas systems can achieve RNA interference when heterologously expressed. Through a combination of biochemical and genetic experiments, we show that Cas13b processes its own CRISPR array with short and long direct repeats, cleaves target RNA, and exhibits collateral RNase activity. Using an E. coli essential gene screen, we demonstrate that Cas13b has a double-sided protospacer-flanking sequence and elucidate RNA secondary structure requirements for targeting. We also find that Csx27 represses, whereas Csx28 enhances, Cas13b-mediated RNA interference. Characterization of these CRISPR systems creates opportunities to develop tools to manipulate and monitor cellular transcripts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron A Smargon
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Departments of Brain and Cognitive Science and Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - David B T Cox
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Departments of Brain and Cognitive Science and Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Neena K Pyzocha
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Departments of Brain and Cognitive Science and Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Kaijie Zheng
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Departments of Brain and Cognitive Science and Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Ian M Slaymaker
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Departments of Brain and Cognitive Science and Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jonathan S Gootenberg
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Departments of Brain and Cognitive Science and Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Omar A Abudayyeh
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Departments of Brain and Cognitive Science and Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Patrick Essletzbichler
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Departments of Brain and Cognitive Science and Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Sergey Shmakov
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Skolkovo 143025, Russia; National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA
| | - Kira S Makarova
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA
| | - Eugene V Koonin
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA
| | - Feng Zhang
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Departments of Brain and Cognitive Science and Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abudayyeh OO, Gootenberg JS, Konermann S, Joung J, Slaymaker IM, Cox DBT, Shmakov S, Makarova KS, Semenova E, Minakhin L, Severinov K, Regev A, Lander ES, Koonin EV, Zhang F. C2c2 is a single-component programmable RNA-guided RNA-targeting CRISPR effector. Science 2016; 353:aaf5573. [PMID: 27256883 PMCID: PMC5127784 DOI: 10.1126/science.aaf5573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1384] [Impact Index Per Article: 173.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated genes (Cas) adaptive immune system defends microbes against foreign genetic elements via DNA or RNA-DNA interference. We characterize the class 2 type VI CRISPR-Cas effector C2c2 and demonstrate its RNA-guided ribonuclease function. C2c2 from the bacterium Leptotrichia shahii provides interference against RNA phage. In vitro biochemical analysis shows that C2c2 is guided by a single CRISPR RNA and can be programmed to cleave single-stranded RNA targets carrying complementary protospacers. In bacteria, C2c2 can be programmed to knock down specific mRNAs. Cleavage is mediated by catalytic residues in the two conserved Higher Eukaryotes and Prokaryotes Nucleotide-binding (HEPN) domains, mutations of which generate catalytically inactive RNA-binding proteins. These results broaden our understanding of CRISPR-Cas systems and suggest that C2c2 can be used to develop new RNA-targeting tools.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Omar O Abudayyeh
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA. Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA. McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA. Departments of Brain and Cognitive Science and Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jonathan S Gootenberg
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA. McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA. Departments of Brain and Cognitive Science and Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA. Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Silvana Konermann
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA. McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA. Departments of Brain and Cognitive Science and Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Julia Joung
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA. McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA. Departments of Brain and Cognitive Science and Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Ian M Slaymaker
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA. McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA. Departments of Brain and Cognitive Science and Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - David B T Cox
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA. Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA. McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA. Departments of Brain and Cognitive Science and Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA. Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Sergey Shmakov
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Skolkovo, 143025, Russia. National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA
| | - Kira S Makarova
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA
| | - Ekaterina Semenova
- Waksman Institute for Microbiology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Leonid Minakhin
- Waksman Institute for Microbiology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Konstantin Severinov
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Skolkovo, 143025, Russia. Waksman Institute for Microbiology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA. Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 123182, Russia
| | - Aviv Regev
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA. Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Eric S Lander
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA. Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA. Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Eugene V Koonin
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA.
| | - Feng Zhang
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA. Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA. McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA. Departments of Brain and Cognitive Science and Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Chen Y, Yang F, Zubovic L, Pavelitz T, Yang W, Godin K, Walker M, Zheng S, Macchi P, Varani G. Targeted inhibition of oncogenic miR-21 maturation with designed RNA-binding proteins. Nat Chem Biol 2016; 12:717-23. [PMID: 27428511 PMCID: PMC4990487 DOI: 10.1038/nchembio.2128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The RNA Recognition Motif (RRM) is the largest family of eukaryotic RNA-binding proteins. Engineered RRMs with new specificity would provide valuable tools and an exacting test of our understanding of specificity. We have achieved the first successful re-design of the specificity of an RRM using rational methods and demonstrated re-targeting of activity in cells. We engineered the conserved RRM of human Rbfox proteins to specifically bind to the terminal loop of miR-21 precursor with high affinity and inhibit its processing by Drosha and Dicer. We further engineered Giardia Dicer by replacing its PAZ domain with the designed RRM. The reprogrammed enzyme degrades pre-miR-21 specifically in vitro and suppresses mature miR-21 levels in cells, which results in increased expression of PDCD4 and significantly decreased viability for cancer cells. The results demonstrate the feasibility of engineering the sequence-specificity of RRMs and of using this ubiquitous platform for diverse biological applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Lorena Zubovic
- Centre for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Tom Pavelitz
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Wen Yang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Katherine Godin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Matthew Walker
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Suxin Zheng
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Paolo Macchi
- Centre for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Gabriele Varani
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Wai DCC, Shihab M, Low JKK, Mackay JP. The zinc fingers of YY1 bind single-stranded RNA with low sequence specificity. Nucleic Acids Res 2016; 44:9153-9165. [PMID: 27369384 PMCID: PMC5100589 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkw590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Classical zinc fingers (ZFs) are traditionally considered to act as sequence-specific DNA-binding domains. More recently, classical ZFs have been recognised as potential RNA-binding modules, raising the intriguing possibility that classical-ZF transcription factors are involved in post-transcriptional gene regulation via direct RNA binding. To date, however, only one classical ZF-RNA complex, that involving TFIIIA, has been structurally characterised. Yin Yang-1 (YY1) is a multi-functional transcription factor involved in many regulatory processes, and binds DNA via four classical ZFs. Recent evidence suggests that YY1 also interacts with RNA, but the molecular nature of the interaction remains unknown. In the present work, we directly assess the ability of YY1 to bind RNA using in vitro assays. Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment (SELEX) was used to identify preferred RNA sequences bound by the YY1 ZFs from a randomised library over multiple rounds of selection. However, a strong motif was not consistently recovered, suggesting that the RNA sequence selectivity of these domains is modest. YY1 ZF residues involved in binding to single-stranded RNA were identified by NMR spectroscopy and found to be largely distinct from the set of residues involved in DNA binding, suggesting that interactions between YY1 and ssRNA constitute a separate mode of nucleic acid binding. Our data are consistent with recent reports that YY1 can bind to RNA in a low-specificity, yet physiologically relevant manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dorothy C C Wai
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Manar Shihab
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Jason K K Low
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Joel P Mackay
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abil Z, Zhao H. Engineering reprogrammable RNA-binding proteins for study and manipulation of the transcriptome. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2016; 11:2658-65. [PMID: 26166256 DOI: 10.1039/c5mb00289c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
With the expanding interest in RNA biology, interest in artificial RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) is likewise increasing. RBPs can be designed in a modular fashion, whereby effector and RNA-binding domains are combined in chimeric proteins that exhibit both functions and can be applied for regulation of a broad range of biological processes. The elucidation of the RNA recognition code for Pumilio and fem-3 mRNA-binding factor (PUF) homology proteins allowed engineering of artificial RBPs for targeting endogenous mRNAs. In this review, we will focus on the recent advances in elucidating and reprogramming PUF domain specificity, update on several promising applications of PUF-based designer RBPs, and discuss some other domains that hold the potential to be used as the RNA-binding scaffolds for designer RBP engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhanar Abil
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 South Mathews Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
Eukaryotic mRNAs are monocistronic, and therefore mechanisms exist that coordinate the synthesis of multiprotein complexes in order to obtain proper stoichiometry at the appropriate intracellular locations. RNA‐binding proteins containing low‐complexity sequences are prone to generate liquid droplets via liquid‐liquid phase separation, and in this way create cytoplasmic assemblages of functionally related mRNAs. In a recent iCLIP study, we showed that the Drosophila RNA‐binding protein Imp, which exhibits a C‐terminal low‐complexity sequence, increases the formation of F‐actin by binding to 3′ untranslated regions of mRNAs encoding components participating in F‐actin biogenesis. We hypothesize that phase transition is a mechanism the cell employs to increase the local mRNA concentration considerably, and in this way synchronize protein production in cytoplasmic territories, as discussed in the present review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Finn Cilius Nielsen
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Heidi Theil Hansen
- Department of Biology, Center for Computational and Applied Transcriptomics, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jan Christiansen
- Department of Biology, Center for Computational and Applied Transcriptomics, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
RNA and RNP as Building Blocks for Nanotechnology and Synthetic Biology. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2016; 139:165-85. [PMID: 26970194 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2015.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Recent technologies that aimed to elucidate cellular function have revealed essential roles for RNA molecules in living systems. Our knowledge concerning functional and structural information of naturally occurring RNA and RNA-protein (RNP) complexes is increasing rapidly. RNA and RNP interaction motifs are structural units that function as building blocks to constitute variety of complex structures. RNA-central synthetic biology and nanotechnology are constructive approaches that employ the accumulated information and build synthetic RNA (RNP)-based circuits and nanostructures. Here, we describe how to design and construct synthetic RNA (RNP)-based devices and structures at the nanometer-scale for biological and future therapeutic applications. RNA/RNP nanostructures can also be utilized as the molecular scaffold to control the localization or interactions of target molecule(s). Moreover, RNA motifs recognized by RNA-binding proteins can be applied to make protein-responsive translational "switches" that can turn gene expression "on" or "off" depending on the intracellular environment. This "synthetic RNA and RNP world" will expand tools for nanotechnology and synthetic biology. In addition, these reconstructive approaches would lead to a greater understanding of building principle in naturally occurring RNA/RNP molecules and systems.
Collapse
|
21
|
Abstract
Pumilio is an RNA-binding protein originally identified in Drosophila, with a Puf domain made up of eight Puf repeats, three helix bundles arranged in a rainbow architecture, where each repeat recognizes a single base of the RNA-binding sequence. The eight-base recognition sequence can therefore be modified simply via mutation of the repeat that recognizes the base to be changed and this is understood in detail via high-resolution crystal structures. The binding mechanism is also altered in a variety of homologues from different species, with bases flipped out from the binding site to regenerate a consensus sequence. Thus Pumilios can be designed with bespoke RNA recognition sequences and can be fused to nucleases, split GFP, etc. as tools in vitro and in cells.
Collapse
|
22
|
Wei H, Wang Z. Engineering RNA-binding proteins with diverse activities. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2015; 6:597-613. [DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Revised: 07/09/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Wei
- Key Laboratory of Computational Biology; MPG-CAS Partner Institute of Computational Biology; Shanghai China
| | - Zefeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Computational Biology; MPG-CAS Partner Institute of Computational Biology; Shanghai China
- Department of Pharmacology; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill NC USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Kopniczky MB, Moore SJ, Freemont PS. Multilevel Regulation and Translational Switches in Synthetic Biology. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON BIOMEDICAL CIRCUITS AND SYSTEMS 2015; 9:485-496. [PMID: 26336145 DOI: 10.1109/tbcas.2015.2451707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
In contrast to the versatility of regulatory mechanisms in natural systems, synthetic genetic circuits have been so far predominantly composed of transcriptionally regulated modules. This is about to change as the repertoire of foundational tools for post-transcriptional regulation is quickly expanding. We provide an overview of the different types of translational regulators: protein, small molecule and ribonucleic acid (RNA) responsive and we describe the new emerging circuit designs utilizing these tools. There are several advantages of achieving multilevel regulation via translational switches and it is likely that such designs will have the greatest and earliest impact in mammalian synthetic biology for regenerative medicine and gene therapy applications.
Collapse
|
24
|
Van Assche E, Van Puyvelde S, Vanderleyden J, Steenackers HP. RNA-binding proteins involved in post-transcriptional regulation in bacteria. Front Microbiol 2015; 6:141. [PMID: 25784899 PMCID: PMC4347634 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.00141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2014] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-transcriptional regulation is a very important mechanism to control gene expression in changing environments. In the past decade, a lot of interest has been directed toward the role of small RNAs (sRNAs) in bacterial post-transcriptional regulation. However, sRNAs are not the only molecules controlling gene expression at this level, RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) play an important role as well. CsrA and Hfq are the two best studied bacterial proteins of this type, but recently, additional proteins involved in post-transcriptional control have been identified. This review focuses on the general working mechanisms of post-transcriptionally active RBPs, which include (i) adaptation of the susceptibility of mRNAs and sRNAs to RNases, (ii) modulating the accessibility of the ribosome binding site of mRNAs, (iii) recruiting and assisting in the interaction of mRNAs with other molecules and (iv) regulating transcription terminator/antiterminator formation, and gives an overview of both the well-studied and the newly identified proteins that are involved in post-transcriptional regulatory processes. Additionally, the post-transcriptional mechanisms by which the expression or the activity of these proteins is regulated, are described. For many of the newly identified proteins, however, mechanistic questions remain. Most likely, more post-transcriptionally active proteins will be identified in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elke Van Assche
- Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics, Department of Molecular and Microbial Systems, KU Leuven Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sandra Van Puyvelde
- Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics, Department of Molecular and Microbial Systems, KU Leuven Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jos Vanderleyden
- Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics, Department of Molecular and Microbial Systems, KU Leuven Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hans P Steenackers
- Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics, Department of Molecular and Microbial Systems, KU Leuven Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Abstract
Subcellular, sequence-specific detection of RNA in vivo is a powerful tool to study the macromolecular transport that occurs through plasmodesmata. The RNA-binding domain of Pumilio proteins can be engineered to bind RNA sequences of choice and fused to fluorescent proteins for RNA imaging. This chapter describes the construction of a Pumilio-based imaging system to track the RNA of Tobacco mosaic virus in vivo, and practical aspects of RNA live-cell imaging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jens Tilsner
- Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, University of St Andrews, BMS Building, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9ST, UK,
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
O'Connell MR, Oakes BL, Sternberg SH, East-Seletsky A, Kaplan M, Doudna JA. Programmable RNA recognition and cleavage by CRISPR/Cas9. Nature 2014; 516:263-6. [PMID: 25274302 PMCID: PMC4268322 DOI: 10.1038/nature13769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 463] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2014] [Accepted: 08/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The CRISPR-associated protein Cas9 is an RNA-guided DNA endonuclease that uses RNA-DNA complementarity to identify target sites for sequence-specific double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) cleavage. In its native context, Cas9 acts on DNA substrates exclusively because both binding and catalysis require recognition of a short DNA sequence, known as the protospacer adjacent motif (PAM), next to and on the strand opposite the twenty-nucleotide target site in dsDNA. Cas9 has proven to be a versatile tool for genome engineering and gene regulation in a large range of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell types, and in whole organisms, but it has been thought to be incapable of targeting RNA. Here we show that Cas9 binds with high affinity to single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) targets matching the Cas9-associated guide RNA sequence when the PAM is presented in trans as a separate DNA oligonucleotide. Furthermore, PAM-presenting oligonucleotides (PAMmers) stimulate site-specific endonucleolytic cleavage of ssRNA targets, similar to PAM-mediated stimulation of Cas9-catalysed DNA cleavage. Using specially designed PAMmers, Cas9 can be specifically directed to bind or cut RNA targets while avoiding corresponding DNA sequences, and we demonstrate that this strategy enables the isolation of a specific endogenous messenger RNA from cells. These results reveal a fundamental connection between PAM binding and substrate selection by Cas9, and highlight the utility of Cas9 for programmable transcript recognition without the need for tags.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell R O'Connell
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Benjamin L Oakes
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Samuel H Sternberg
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Alexandra East-Seletsky
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Matias Kaplan
- 1] Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA [2] Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, USA
| | - Jennifer A Doudna
- 1] Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA [2] Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA [3] Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA [4] Physical Biosciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Structure-guided U2AF65 variant improves recognition and splicing of a defective pre-mRNA. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:17420-5. [PMID: 25422459 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1412743111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Purine interruptions of polypyrimidine (Py) tract splice site signals contribute to human genetic diseases. The essential splicing factor U2AF(65) normally recognizes a Py tract consensus sequence preceding the major class of 3' splice sites. We found that neurofibromatosis- or retinitis pigmentosa-causing mutations in the 5' regions of Py tracts severely reduce U2AF(65) affinity. Conversely, we identified a preferred binding site of U2AF(65) for purine substitutions in the 3' regions of Py tracts. Based on a comparison of new U2AF(65) structures bound to either A- or G-containing Py tracts with previously identified pyrimidine-containing structures, we expected to find that a D231V amino acid change in U2AF(65) would specify U over other nucleotides. We found that the crystal structure of the U2AF(65)-D231V variant confirms favorable packing between the engineered valine and a target uracil base. The D231V amino acid change restores U2AF(65) affinity for two mutated splice sites that cause human genetic diseases and successfully promotes splicing of a defective retinitis pigmentosa-causing transcript. We conclude that reduced U2AF(65) binding is a molecular consequence of disease-relevant mutations, and that a structure-guided U2AF(65) variant is capable of manipulating gene expression in eukaryotic cells.
Collapse
|
28
|
Abil Z, Denard CA, Zhao H. Modular assembly of designer PUF proteins for specific post-transcriptional regulation of endogenous RNA. J Biol Eng 2014; 8:7. [PMID: 24581042 PMCID: PMC3943411 DOI: 10.1186/1754-1611-8-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2013] [Accepted: 02/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to their modular repeat structure, Pumilio/fem-3 mRNA binding factor (PUF) proteins are promising candidates for designer RNA-binding protein (RBP) engineering. To further facilitate the application of the PUF domain for the sequence-specific RBP engineering, a rapid cloning approach is desirable that would allow efficient introduction of multiple key amino acid mutations in the protein. Here, we report the implementation of the Golden Gate cloning method for an efficient one-step assembly of a designer PUF domain for RNA specificity engineering. RESULTS We created a repeat module library that is potentially capable of generating a PUF domain with any desired specificity. PUF domains with multiple repeat modifications for the recognition of altered RNA targets were obtained in a one-step assembly reaction, which was found to be highly efficient. The new PUF variants exhibited high in vitro binding efficiencies to cognate RNA sequences, corroborating the applicability of the modular approach for PUF engineering. To demonstrate the application of the PUF domain assembly method for RBP engineering, we fused the PUF domain to a post-transcriptional regulator and observed a sequence-specific reporter and endogenous gene repression in human cell lines. CONCLUSIONS The Golden Gate based cloning approach thus should allow greater flexibility and speed in implementing the PUF protein scaffold for engineering designer RBPs, and facilitate its use as a tool in basic and applied biology and medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Huimin Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Spears JL, Xiao X, Hall CK, Agris PF. Amino acid signature enables proteins to recognize modified tRNA. Biochemistry 2014; 53:1125-33. [PMID: 24483944 PMCID: PMC3985708 DOI: 10.1021/bi401174h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
![]()
Human tRNALys3UUU is the primer for HIV replication.
The HIV-1 nucleocapsid protein, NCp7, facilitates htRNALys3UUU recruitment from the host cell by binding to and remodeling
the tRNA structure. Human tRNALys3UUU is post-transcriptionally
modified, but until recently, the importance of those modifications
in tRNA recognition by NCp7 was unknown. Modifications such as the
5-methoxycarbonylmethyl-2-thiouridine at anticodon wobble position-34
and 2-methylthio-N6-threonylcarbamoyladenosine,
adjacent to the anticodon at position-37, are important to the recognition
of htRNALys3UUU by NCp7. Several short peptides
selected from phage display libraries were found to also preferentially
recognize these modifications. Evolutionary algorithms (Monte Carlo
and self-consistent mean field) and assisted model building with energy
refinement were used to optimize the peptide sequence in silico, while fluorescence assays were developed and conducted to verify
the in silico results and elucidate a 15-amino acid
signature sequence (R-W-Q/N-H-X2-F-Pho-X-G/A-W-R-X2-G, where X can be most amino acids, and Pho is hydrophobic)
that recognized the tRNA’s fully modified anticodon stem and
loop domain, hASLLys3UUU. Peptides of this sequence
specifically recognized and bound modified htRNALys3UUU with an affinity 10-fold higher than that of the starting
sequence. Thus, this approach provides an effective means of predicting
sequences of RNA binding peptides that have better binding properties.
Such peptides can be used in cell and molecular biology as well as
biochemistry to explore RNA binding proteins and to inhibit those
protein functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Spears
- The RNA Institute, University at Albany-SUNY , Life Sciences Research Building, Albany, New York 12222, United States
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Pollock JD, Wu DY, Satterlee JS. Molecular neuroanatomy: a generation of progress. Trends Neurosci 2014; 37:106-23. [PMID: 24388609 PMCID: PMC3946666 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2013.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2013] [Revised: 11/08/2013] [Accepted: 11/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The neuroscience research landscape has changed dramatically over the past decade. Specifically, an impressive array of new tools and technologies have been generated, including but not limited to: brain gene expression atlases, genetically encoded proteins to monitor and manipulate neuronal activity, and new methods for imaging and mapping circuits. However, despite these technological advances, several significant challenges must be overcome to enable a better understanding of brain function and to develop cell type-targeted therapeutics to treat brain disorders. This review provides an overview of some of the tools and technologies currently being used to advance the field of molecular neuroanatomy, and also discusses emerging technologies that may enable neuroscientists to address these crucial scientific challenges over the coming decade.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Pollock
- Division of Basic Neurobiology and Behavioral Research, Genetics and Molecular Neurobiology Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse/National Institutes of Health (NIH), 6001 Executive Boulevard, Bethesda, MD 20850, USA.
| | - Da-Yu Wu
- Division of Basic Neurobiology and Behavioral Research, Genetics and Molecular Neurobiology Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse/National Institutes of Health (NIH), 6001 Executive Boulevard, Bethesda, MD 20850, USA
| | - John S Satterlee
- Division of Basic Neurobiology and Behavioral Research, Genetics and Molecular Neurobiology Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse/National Institutes of Health (NIH), 6001 Executive Boulevard, Bethesda, MD 20850, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Manipulation of RNA Using Engineered Proteins with Customized Specificity. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 825:199-225. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-1221-6_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
|
32
|
Re A, Joshi T, Kulberkyte E, Morris Q, Workman CT. RNA-protein interactions: an overview. Methods Mol Biol 2014; 1097:491-521. [PMID: 24639174 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-62703-709-9_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
RNA binding proteins (RBPs) are key players in the regulation of gene expression. In this chapter we discuss the main protein-RNA recognition modes used by RBPs in order to regulate multiple steps of RNA processing. We discuss traditional and state-of-the-art technologies that can be used to study RNAs bound by individual RBPs, or vice versa, for both in vitro and in vivo methodologies. To help highlight the biological significance of RBP mediated regulation, online resources on experimentally verified protein-RNA interactions are briefly presented. Finally, we present the major tools to computationally infer RNA binding sites according to the modeling features and to the unsupervised or supervised frameworks that are adopted. Since some RNA binding site search algorithms are derived from DNA binding site search algorithms, we discuss the commonalities and novelties introduced to handle both sequence and structural features uniquely characterizing protein-RNA interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Re
- University of Trento, Mattarello, Italy
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Chen Y, Varani G. Engineering RNA-binding proteins for biology. FEBS J 2013; 280:3734-54. [PMID: 23742071 DOI: 10.1111/febs.12375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2013] [Revised: 05/27/2013] [Accepted: 05/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins play essential roles in the regulation of gene expression. Many have modular structures and combine relatively few common domains in various arrangements to recognize RNA sequences and/or structures. Recent progress in engineering the specificity of the PUF class RNA-binding proteins has shown that RNA-binding domains may be combined with various effector or functional domains to regulate the metabolism of targeted RNAs. Designer RNA-binding proteins with tailored sequence specificity will provide valuable tools for biochemical research as well as potential therapeutic applications. In this review, we discuss the suitability of various RNA-binding domains for engineering RNA-binding specificity, based on the structural basis for their recognition. We also compare various protein engineering and design methods applied to RNA-binding proteins, and discuss future applications of these proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-1700, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Wang Y, Wang Z, Tanaka Hall TM. Engineered proteins with Pumilio/fem-3 mRNA binding factor scaffold to manipulate RNA metabolism. FEBS J 2013; 280:3755-67. [PMID: 23731364 DOI: 10.1111/febs.12367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2013] [Revised: 05/29/2013] [Accepted: 05/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Pumilio/fem-3 mRNA binding factor proteins are characterized by a sequence-specific RNA-binding domain. This unique single-stranded RNA recognition module, whose sequence specificity can be reprogrammed, has been fused with functional modules to engineer protein factors with various functions. We summarize the advances made with respect to developing RNA regulatory tools, as well as opportunities for the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Vandevenne M, Jacques DA, Artuz C, Nguyen CD, Kwan AHY, Segal DJ, Matthews JM, Crossley M, Guss JM, Mackay JP. New insights into DNA recognition by zinc fingers revealed by structural analysis of the oncoprotein ZNF217. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:10616-27. [PMID: 23436653 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.441451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Classical zinc fingers (ZFs) are one of the most abundant and best characterized DNA-binding domains. Typically, tandem arrays of three or more ZFs bind DNA target sequences with high affinity and specificity, and the mode of DNA recognition is sufficiently well understood that tailor-made ZF-based DNA-binding proteins can be engineered. We have shown previously that a two-zinc finger unit found in the transcriptional coregulator ZNF217 recognizes DNA but with an affinity and specificity that is lower than other ZF arrays. To investigate the basis for these differences, we determined the structure of a ZNF217-DNA complex. We show that although the overall position of the ZFs on the DNA closely resembles that observed for other ZFs, the side-chain interaction pattern differs substantially from the canonical model. The structure also reveals the presence of two methyl-π interactions, each featuring a tyrosine contacting a thymine methyl group. To our knowledge, interactions of this type have not previously been described in classical ZF-DNA complexes. Finally, we investigated the sequence specificity of this two-ZF unit and discuss how ZNF217 might discriminate its target DNA sites in the cell.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marylène Vandevenne
- School of Molecular Bioscience, University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006 Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Jeong HS, Choi SM, Kim HW, Park JW, Park HN, Park SM, Jang SK, Rhee YM, Kim BH. Fluorescent peptide indicator displacement assay for monitoring interactions between RNA and RNA binding proteins. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 9:948-51. [DOI: 10.1039/c2mb25470k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
|
37
|
Ayub M, Bayley H. Individual RNA base recognition in immobilized oligonucleotides using a protein nanopore. NANO LETTERS 2012; 12:5637-43. [PMID: 23043363 PMCID: PMC3505278 DOI: 10.1021/nl3027873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Protein nanopores are under investigation as key components of rapid, low-cost platforms to sequence DNA molecules. Previously, it has been shown that the α-hemolysin (αHL) nanopore contains three recognition sites, capable of discriminating between individual DNA bases when oligonucleotides are immobilized within the nanopore. However, the direct sequencing of RNA is also of critical importance. Here, we achieve sharply defined current distributions that enable clear discrimination of the four nucleobases, guanine, cytosine, adenine, and uracil, in RNA. Further, the modified bases, inosine, N(6)-methyladenosine, and N(5)-methylcytosine, can be distinguished.
Collapse
|
38
|
Gebauer F, Preiss T, Hentze MW. From cis-regulatory elements to complex RNPs and back. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2012; 4:a012245. [PMID: 22751153 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a012245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Messenger RNAs (mRNAs), the templates for translation, have evolved to harbor abundant cis-acting sequences that affect their posttranscriptional fates. These elements are frequently located in the untranslated regions and serve as binding sites for trans-acting factors, RNA-binding proteins, and/or small non-coding RNAs. This article provides a systematic synopsis of cis-acting elements, trans-acting factors, and the mechanisms by which they affect translation. It also highlights recent technical advances that have ushered in the era of transcriptome-wide studies of the ribonucleoprotein complexes formed by mRNAs and their trans-acting factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fátima Gebauer
- Gene Regulation Programme, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) and UPF, 08003-Barcelona, Spain.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Mackereth CD, Sattler M. Dynamics in multi-domain protein recognition of RNA. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2012; 22:287-96. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2012.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2012] [Accepted: 03/25/2012] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
|
40
|
O'Connell MR, Vandevenne M, Nguyen CD, Matthews JM, Gamsjaeger R, Segal DJ, Mackay JP. Modular Assembly of RanBP2-Type Zinc Finger Domains to Target Single-Stranded RNA. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2012. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201200866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
|
41
|
O'Connell MR, Vandevenne M, Nguyen CD, Matthews JM, Gamsjaeger R, Segal DJ, Mackay JP. Modular assembly of RanBP2-type zinc finger domains to target single-stranded RNA. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2012; 51:5371-5. [PMID: 22517726 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201200866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2012] [Revised: 03/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell R O'Connell
- School of Molecular Bioscience, University of Sydney, Sydney, N.S.W 2006, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Synthetic oligonucleotides recruit ILF2/3 to RNA transcripts to modulate splicing. Nat Chem Biol 2012; 8:555-61. [PMID: 22504300 DOI: 10.1038/nchembio.939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2011] [Accepted: 02/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
We describe a new technology for recruiting specific proteins to RNA through selective recognition of heteroduplexes formed with chemically modified antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs). Typically, ASOs function by hybridizing to their RNA targets and blocking the binding of single-stranded RNA-binding proteins. Unexpectedly, we found that ASOs with 2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro (2'-F) nucleotides, but not with other 2' chemical modifications, have an additional property: they form heteroduplexes with RNA that are specifically recognized by the interleukin enhancer-binding factor 2 and 3 complex (ILF2/3). 2'-F ASO-directed recruitment of ILF2/3 to RNA can be harnessed to control gene expression by modulating alternative splicing of target transcripts. ILF2/3 recruitment to precursor mRNA near an exon results in omission of the exon from the mature mRNA, both in cell culture and in mice. We discuss the possibility of using chemically engineered ASOs that recruit specific proteins to modulate gene expression for therapeutic intervention.
Collapse
|
43
|
Filipovska A, Rackham O. Modular recognition of nucleic acids by PUF, TALE and PPR proteins. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2012; 8:699-708. [PMID: 22234420 DOI: 10.1039/c2mb05392f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Sequence specific binding of DNA and RNA is of fundamental importance in the regulation of cellular gene expression. Because of their modular structure repeat domain proteins are particularly well suited for these processes and have been widely adopted throughout evolution. Detailed biochemical and structural data has revealed the key residues responsible for recognition of RNA by Pumilio and FBF homology (PUF) repeat proteins and shown that the base specificity can be predicted and re-engineered. Recent work on the DNA-binding properties of transcription activator-like effector (TALE) proteins has shown that their specificity also relies on only a few key residues with a predictable code that can be used to design new DNA-binding proteins. Although less well understood, pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins contain motifs that appear to contribute to RNA recognition and comparisons to TALE and PUF proteins may help elucidate the code by which they recognize their RNA targets. Understanding how repeat proteins bind nucleic acids enables their biological roles to be uncovered and the design of engineered proteins with predictable RNA and DNA targets for use in biotechnology.
Collapse
|
44
|
Ascano M, Hafner M, Cekan P, Gerstberger S, Tuschl T. Identification of RNA-protein interaction networks using PAR-CLIP. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2011; 3:159-77. [PMID: 22213601 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
All mRNA molecules are subject to some degree of post-transcriptional gene regulation (PTGR) involving sequence-dependent modulation of splicing, cleavage and polyadenylation, editing, transport, stability, and translation. The recent introduction of deep-sequencing technologies enabled the development of new methods for broadly mapping interaction sites between RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and their RNA target sites. In this article, we review crosslinking and immunoprecipitation (CLIP) methods adapted for large-scale identification of target RNA-binding sites and the respective RNA recognition elements. CLIP methods have the potential to detect hundreds of thousands of binding sites in single experiments although the separation of signal from noise can be challenging. As a consequence, each CLIP method has developed different strategies to distinguish true targets from background. We focus on photoactivatable ribonucleoside-enhanced CLIP, which relies on the intracellular incorporation of photoactivatable ribonucleoside analogs into nascent transcripts, and yields characteristic sequence changes upon crosslinking that facilitate the separation of signal from noise. The precise knowledge of the position and distribution of binding sites across mature and primary mRNA transcripts allows critical insights into cellular localization and regulatory function of the examined RBP. When coupled with other systems-wide approaches measuring transcript and protein abundance, the generation of high-resolution RBP-binding site maps across the transcriptome will broaden our understanding of PTGR and thereby lead to new strategies for therapeutic treatment of genetic diseases perturbing these processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Ascano
- Laboratory of RNA Molecular Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Nunez N, Clifton MMK, Funnell APW, Artuz C, Hallal S, Quinlan KGR, Font J, Vandevenne M, Setiyaputra S, Pearson RCM, Mackay JP, Crossley M. The multi-zinc finger protein ZNF217 contacts DNA through a two-finger domain. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:38190-38201. [PMID: 21908891 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.301234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Classical C2H2 zinc finger proteins are among the most abundant transcription factors found in eukaryotes, and the mechanisms through which they recognize their target genes have been extensively investigated. In general, a tandem array of three fingers separated by characteristic TGERP links is required for sequence-specific DNA recognition. Nevertheless, a significant number of zinc finger proteins do not contain a hallmark three-finger array of this type, raising the question of whether and how they contact DNA. We have examined the multi-finger protein ZNF217, which contains eight classical zinc fingers. ZNF217 is implicated as an oncogene and in repressing the E-cadherin gene. We show that two of its zinc fingers, 6 and 7, can mediate contacts with DNA. We examine its putative recognition site in the E-cadherin promoter and demonstrate that this is a suboptimal site. NMR analysis and mutagenesis is used to define the DNA binding surface of ZNF217, and we examine the specificity of the DNA binding activity using fluorescence anisotropy titrations. Finally, sequence analysis reveals that a variety of multi-finger proteins also contain two-finger units, and our data support the idea that these may constitute a distinct subclass of DNA recognition motif.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noelia Nunez
- School of Molecular Bioscience, University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Molly M K Clifton
- School of Molecular Bioscience, University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Alister P W Funnell
- School of Molecular Bioscience, University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia; School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Crisbel Artuz
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Samantha Hallal
- School of Molecular Bioscience, University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Kate G R Quinlan
- School of Molecular Bioscience, University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Josep Font
- School of Molecular Bioscience, University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Marylène Vandevenne
- School of Molecular Bioscience, University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Surya Setiyaputra
- School of Molecular Bioscience, University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Richard C M Pearson
- School of Molecular Bioscience, University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia; School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Joel P Mackay
- School of Molecular Bioscience, University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Merlin Crossley
- School of Molecular Bioscience, University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia; School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, New South Wales 2052, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Chen Y, Varani G. Finding the missing code of RNA recognition by PUF proteins. CHEMISTRY & BIOLOGY 2011; 18:821-3. [PMID: 21802002 PMCID: PMC3161827 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2011.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Pumilio and FBF homology (PUF) proteins represent highly promising candidates for engineering sequence-specific RNA recognition, but were only known to recognize G, A, and U, significantly limiting applications. Two groups (Filipovska et al., 2011; Dong et al., 2011) have now reported the discovery of the cytosine-recognition code for PUF proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Mackay JP, Font J, Segal DJ. Erratum: The prospects for designer single-stranded RNA-binding proteins. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2011. [DOI: 10.1038/nsmb0411-516e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
|