1
|
Jiang J, Wu H, Ji Y, Han K, Tang JM, Hu S, Lei W. Development and disease-specific regulation of RNA splicing in cardiovascular system. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1423553. [PMID: 39045460 PMCID: PMC11263117 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1423553] [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: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing is a complex gene regulatory process that distinguishes itself from canonical splicing by rearranging the introns and exons of an immature pre-mRNA transcript. This process plays a vital role in enhancing transcriptomic and proteomic diversity from the genome. Alternative splicing has emerged as a pivotal mechanism governing complex biological processes during both heart development and the development of cardiovascular diseases. Multiple alternative splicing factors are involved in a synergistic or antagonistic manner in the regulation of important genes in relevant physiological processes. Notably, circular RNAs have only recently garnered attention for their tissue-specific expression patterns and regulatory functions. This resurgence of interest has prompted a reevaluation of the topic. Here, we provide an overview of our current understanding of alternative splicing mechanisms and the regulatory roles of alternative splicing factors in cardiovascular development and pathological process of different cardiovascular diseases, including cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction, heart failure and atherosclerosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinxiu Jiang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital and Institute for Cardiovascular Science, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Hongchun Wu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital and Institute for Cardiovascular Science, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yabo Ji
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital and Institute for Cardiovascular Science, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Kunjun Han
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital and Institute for Cardiovascular Science, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jun-Ming Tang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Shijun Hu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital and Institute for Cardiovascular Science, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Wei Lei
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital and Institute for Cardiovascular Science, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Verma SK, Kuyumcu-Martinez MN. RNA binding proteins in cardiovascular development and disease. Curr Top Dev Biol 2024; 156:51-119. [PMID: 38556427 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2024.01.007] [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] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common birth defect affecting>1.35 million newborn babies worldwide. CHD can lead to prenatal, neonatal, postnatal lethality or life-long cardiac complications. RNA binding protein (RBP) mutations or variants are emerging as contributors to CHDs. RBPs are wizards of gene regulation and are major contributors to mRNA and protein landscape. However, not much is known about RBPs in the developing heart and their contributions to CHD. In this chapter, we will discuss our current knowledge about specific RBPs implicated in CHDs. We are in an exciting era to study RBPs using the currently available and highly successful RNA-based therapies and methodologies. Understanding how RBPs shape the developing heart will unveil their contributions to CHD. Identifying their target RNAs in the embryonic heart will ultimately lead to RNA-based treatments for congenital heart disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sunil K Verma
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine Charlottesville, VA, United States.
| | - Muge N Kuyumcu-Martinez
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine Charlottesville, VA, United States; Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States; University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Xu F, Zheng C, Xu W, Zhang S, Liu S, Chen X, Yao K. Breaking genetic shackles: The advance of base editing in genetic disorder treatment. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1364135. [PMID: 38510648 PMCID: PMC10953296 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1364135] [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: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The rapid evolution of gene editing technology has markedly improved the outlook for treating genetic diseases. Base editing, recognized as an exceptionally precise genetic modification tool, is emerging as a focus in the realm of genetic disease therapy. We provide a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles and delivery methods of cytosine base editors (CBE), adenine base editors (ABE), and RNA base editors, with a particular focus on their applications and recent research advances in the treatment of genetic diseases. We have also explored the potential challenges faced by base editing technology in treatment, including aspects such as targeting specificity, safety, and efficacy, and have enumerated a series of possible solutions to propel the clinical translation of base editing technology. In conclusion, this article not only underscores the present state of base editing technology but also envisions its tremendous potential in the future, providing a novel perspective on the treatment of genetic diseases. It underscores the vast potential of base editing technology in the realm of genetic medicine, providing support for the progression of gene medicine and the development of innovative approaches to genetic disease therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fang Xu
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Caiyan Zheng
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Weihui Xu
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shiyao Zhang
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shanshan Liu
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaopeng Chen
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kai Yao
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cao J, Wei Z, Nie Y, Chen HZ. Therapeutic potential of alternative splicing in cardiovascular diseases. EBioMedicine 2024; 101:104995. [PMID: 38350330 PMCID: PMC10874720 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.104995] [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: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
RNA splicing is an important RNA processing step required by multiexon protein-coding mRNAs and some noncoding RNAs. Precise RNA splicing is required for maintaining gene and cell function; however, mis-spliced RNA transcripts can lead to loss- or gain-of-function effects in human diseases. Mis-spliced RNAs induced by gene mutations or the dysregulation of splicing regulators may result in frameshifts, nonsense-mediated decay (NMD), or inclusion/exclusion of exons. Genetic animal models have characterised multiple splicing factors required for cardiac development or function. Moreover, sarcomeric and ion channel genes, which are closely associated with cardiovascular function and disease, are hotspots for AS. Here, we summarise splicing factors and their targets that are associated with cardiovascular diseases, introduce some therapies potentially related to pathological AS targets, and raise outstanding questions and future directions in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Cao
- College of Chemistry and Life Science, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, PR China; University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Ziyu Wei
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Yu Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100037, China.
| | - Hou-Zao Chen
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China; Medical Epigenetics Research Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Caudal A, Snyder MP, Wu JC. Harnessing human genetics and stem cells for precision cardiovascular medicine. CELL GENOMICS 2024; 4:100445. [PMID: 38359791 PMCID: PMC10879032 DOI: 10.1016/j.xgen.2023.100445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) platforms are valuable for biomedical and pharmaceutical research by providing tissue-specific human cells that retain patients' genetic integrity and display disease phenotypes in a dish. Looking forward, combining iPSC phenotyping platforms with genomic and screening technologies will continue to pave new directions for precision medicine, including genetic prediction, visualization, and treatment of heart disease. This review summarizes the recent use of iPSC technology to unpack the influence of genetic variants in cardiovascular pathology. We focus on various state-of-the-art genomic tools for cardiovascular therapies-including the expansion of genetic toolkits for molecular interrogation, in vitro population studies, and function-based drug screening-and their current applications in patient- and genome-edited iPSC platforms that are heralding new avenues for cardiovascular research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arianne Caudal
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Michael P Snyder
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Joseph C Wu
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Greenstone Biosciences, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gregorich ZR, Yanghai Z, Kamp TJ, Granzier H, Guo W. Mechanisms of RBM20 Cardiomyopathy: Insights From Model Systems. CIRCULATION. GENOMIC AND PRECISION MEDICINE 2024; 17:e004355. [PMID: 38288598 PMCID: PMC10923161 DOI: 10.1161/circgen.123.004355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
RBM20 (RNA-binding motif protein 20) is a vertebrate- and muscle-specific RNA-binding protein that belongs to the serine-arginine-rich family of splicing factors. The RBM20 gene was first identified as a dilated cardiomyopathy-linked gene over a decade ago. Early studies in Rbm20 knockout rodents implicated disrupted splicing of RBM20 target genes as a causative mechanism. Clinical studies show that pathogenic variants in RBM20 are linked to aggressive dilated cardiomyopathy with early onset heart failure and high mortality. Subsequent studies employing pathogenic variant knock-in animal models revealed that variants in a specific portion of the arginine-serine-rich domain in RBM20 not only disrupt splicing but also hinder nucleocytoplasmic transport and lead to the formation of RBM20 biomolecular condensates in the sarcoplasm. Conversely, mice harboring a disease-associated variant in the RRM (RNA recognition motif) do not show evidence of adverse remodeling or exhibit sudden death despite disrupted splicing of RBM20 target genes. Thus, whether disrupted splicing, biomolecular condensates, or both contribute to dilated cardiomyopathy is under debate. Beyond this, additional questions remain, such as whether there is sexual dimorphism in the presentation of RBM20 cardiomyopathy. What are the clinical features of RBM20 cardiomyopathy and why do some individuals develop more severe disease than others? In this review, we summarize the reported observations and discuss potential mechanisms of RBM20 cardiomyopathy derived from studies employing in vivo animal models and in vitro human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. Potential therapeutic strategies to treat RBM20 cardiomyopathy are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zachery R. Gregorich
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - Zhang Yanghai
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - Timothy J. Kamp
- Cellular and Molecular Arrhythmia Research Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
- Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - Henk Granzier
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
- Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| |
Collapse
|