1
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Gunn JC, Christensen BM, Bueno EM, Cohen ZP, Kissonergis AS, Chen YH. Agricultural insect pests as models for studying stress-induced evolutionary processes. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 33:432-443. [PMID: 38655882 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12915] [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: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Agricultural insect pests (AIPs) are widely successful in adapting to natural and anthropogenic stressors, repeatedly overcoming population bottlenecks and acquiring resistance to intensive management practices. Although they have been largely overlooked in evolutionary studies, AIPs are ideal systems for understanding rapid adaptation under novel environmental conditions. Researchers have identified several genomic mechanisms that likely contribute to adaptive stress responses, including positive selection on de novo mutations, polygenic selection on standing allelic variation and phenotypic plasticity (e.g., hormesis). However, new theory suggests that stress itself may induce epigenetic modifications, which may confer heritable physiological changes (i.e., stress-resistant phenotypes). In this perspective, we discuss how environmental stress from agricultural management generates the epigenetic and genetic modifications that are associated with rapid adaptation in AIPs. We summarise existing evidence for stress-induced evolutionary processes in the context of insecticide resistance. Ultimately, we propose that studying AIPs offers new opportunities and resources for advancing our knowledge of stress-induced evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe C Gunn
- Department of Plant and Soil Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Blair M Christensen
- Department of Plant and Soil Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Erika M Bueno
- Department of Plant and Soil Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Zachary P Cohen
- Insect Control and Cotton Disease Research, USDA ARS, College Station, Texas, USA
| | | | - Yolanda H Chen
- Department of Plant and Soil Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
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2
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Fang C, Huang K, Wu X, Zhang H, Gu Z, Wang J, Zhang Y. Transcription elongation of the plant RNA polymerase IV is prone to backtracking. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadq3087. [PMID: 39178250 PMCID: PMC11343019 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adq3087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/25/2024]
Abstract
RNA polymerase IV (Pol IV) forms a complex with RNA-directed RNA polymerase 2 (RDR2) to produce double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) precursors essential for plant gene silencing. In the "backtracking-triggered RNA channeling" model, Pol IV backtracks and delivers its transcript's 3' terminus to RDR2, which synthesizes dsRNA. However, the mechanisms underlying Pol IV backtracking and RNA protection from cleavage are unclear. Here, we determined cryo-electron microscopy structures of Pol IV elongation complexes at four states of its nucleotide addition cycle (NAC): posttranslocation, guanosine triphosphate-bound, pretranslocation, and backtracked states. The structures reveal that Pol IV maintains an open DNA cleft and kinked bridge helix in all NAC states, loosely interacts with the nucleoside triphosphate substrate, and barely contacts proximal backtracked nucleotides. Biochemical data indicate that Pol IV is inefficient in forward translocation and RNA cleavage. These findings suggest that Pol IV transcription elongation is prone to backtracking and incapable of RNA hydrolysis, ensuring efficient dsRNA production by Pol IV-RDR2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengli Fang
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, State Key Laboratory of Plant Design, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Kun Huang
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, State Key Laboratory of Plant Design, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiaoxian Wu
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, State Key Laboratory of Plant Design, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Hongwei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, State Key Laboratory of Plant Design, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhanxi Gu
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, State Key Laboratory of Plant Design, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jiawei Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, State Key Laboratory of Plant Design, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
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3
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Li Z, Li Z, Zhang Y, Zhou L, Xu Q, Li L, Zeng L, Xue J, Niu H, Zhong J, Yu Q, Li D, Gui M, Huang Y, Tu S, Zhang Z, Song CQ, Wu J, Shen EZ. Mammalian PIWI-piRNA-target complexes reveal features for broad and efficient target silencing. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2024; 31:1222-1231. [PMID: 38658622 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-024-01287-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
The PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) pathway is an adaptive defense system wherein piRNAs guide PIWI family Argonaute proteins to recognize and silence ever-evolving selfish genetic elements and ensure genome integrity. Driven by this intensive host-pathogen arms race, the piRNA pathway and its targeted transposons have coevolved rapidly in a species-specific manner, but how the piRNA pathway adapts specifically to target silencing in mammals remains elusive. Here, we show that mouse MILI and human HILI piRNA-induced silencing complexes (piRISCs) bind and cleave targets more efficiently than their invertebrate counterparts from the sponge Ephydatia fluviatilis. The inherent functional differences comport with structural features identified by cryo-EM studies of piRISCs. In the absence of target, MILI and HILI piRISCs adopt a wider nucleic-acid-binding channel and display an extended prearranged piRNA seed as compared with EfPiwi piRISC, consistent with their ability to capture targets more efficiently than EfPiwi piRISC. In the presence of target, the seed gate-which enforces seed-target fidelity in microRNA RISC-adopts a relaxed state in mammalian piRISC, revealing how MILI and HILI tolerate seed-target mismatches to broaden the target spectrum. A vertebrate-specific lysine distorts the piRNA seed, shifting the trajectory of the piRNA-target duplex out of the central cleft and toward the PAZ lobe. Functional analyses reveal that this lysine promotes target binding and cleavage. Our study therefore provides a molecular basis for the piRNA targeting mechanism in mice and humans, and suggests that mammalian piRNA machinery can achieve broad target silencing using a limited supply of piRNA species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqing Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhenzhen Li
- Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuqi Zhang
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lunni Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qikui Xu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lili Li
- Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lin Zeng
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Center for Cognitive Machines and Computational Health (CMaCH), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junchao Xue
- Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huilin Niu
- Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qilu Yu
- Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dengfeng Li
- Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China
| | - Miao Gui
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yongping Huang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological SciencesChinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Shikui Tu
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Center for Cognitive Machines and Computational Health (CMaCH), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhao Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Chun-Qing Song
- Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China.
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, China.
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Jianping Wu
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, China.
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - En-Zhi Shen
- Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China.
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, China.
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China.
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4
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Guynes K, Sarre LA, Carrillo-Baltodano AM, Davies BE, Xu L, Liang Y, Martín-Zamora FM, Hurd PJ, de Mendoza A, Martín-Durán JM. Annelid methylomes reveal ancestral developmental and aging-associated epigenetic erosion across Bilateria. Genome Biol 2024; 25:204. [PMID: 39090757 PMCID: PMC11292947 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-024-03346-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND DNA methylation in the form of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) is the most abundant base modification in animals. However, 5mC levels vary widely across taxa. While vertebrate genomes are hypermethylated, in most invertebrates, 5mC concentrates on constantly and highly transcribed genes (gene body methylation; GbM) and, in some species, on transposable elements (TEs), a pattern known as "mosaic". Yet, the role and developmental dynamics of 5mC and how these explain interspecies differences in DNA methylation patterns remain poorly understood, especially in Spiralia, a large clade of invertebrates comprising nearly half of the animal phyla. RESULTS Here, we generate base-resolution methylomes for three species with distinct genomic features and phylogenetic positions in Annelida, a major spiralian phylum. All possible 5mC patterns occur in annelids, from typical invertebrate intermediate levels in a mosaic distribution to hypermethylation and methylation loss. GbM is common to annelids with 5mC, and methylation differences across species are explained by taxon-specific transcriptional dynamics or the presence of intronic TEs. Notably, the link between GbM and transcription decays during development, alongside a gradual and global, age-dependent demethylation in adult stages. Additionally, reducing 5mC levels with cytidine analogs during early development impairs normal embryogenesis and reactivates TEs in the annelid Owenia fusiformis. CONCLUSIONS Our study indicates that global epigenetic erosion during development and aging is an ancestral feature of bilateral animals. However, the tight link between transcription and gene body methylation is likely more important in early embryonic stages, and 5mC-mediated TE silencing probably emerged convergently across animal lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kero Guynes
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, 1030, Austria
| | - Luke A Sarre
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Allan M Carrillo-Baltodano
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Billie E Davies
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Lan Xu
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Yan Liang
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Francisco M Martín-Zamora
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK
- Altos Labs, Cambridge, UK
| | - Paul J Hurd
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Alex de Mendoza
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK.
| | - José M Martín-Durán
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK.
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5
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Mortillo M, Kennedy E, Hermetz K, Burt A, Marsit C. Associations between placental hydroxymethylation and birthweight. EPIGENETICS REPORTS 2024; 2:1-7. [PMID: 39091447 PMCID: PMC11290493 DOI: 10.1080/28361512.2024.2376954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), formed through the ten-eleven translocation (TET) methylcytosine dioxygenase mediated oxidation of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) at cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) dinucleotides, is believed to mainly serve as an intermediate in the DNA demethylation pathway, though recent evidence suggests that 5hmC may also play a functionally relevant role. We have conducted an epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) to assess the association between placenta 5hmC, obtained through parallel bisulfite and oxidative bisulfite modification of DNA and array-based assessment, and newborn birthweight in the Rhode Island Child Health Study (RICHS). We also assessed whether the removal of 5hmC signal impacts the observed results from traditional epigenome-wide studies that rely on BS modification-based (combined 5mC and 5hmC) assessment alone. We identified 5hmC at one CpG in the CUBN gene to be significantly associated with birthweight (FDR < 0.05) and demonstrate that expression of that gene was also associated with birthweight. Comparison of 5hmC+5mC and 5mC EWAS effect estimates reveal a strong correlation (r = 0.77, p < 0.0001). Our study suggests that traditional assessment of 5mC through bisulfite modification alone provides an accurate assessment of CpG-specific DNA methylation for EWAS studies but was unable to provide evidence of widespread associations between placental 5hmC and birthweight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Mortillo
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University
| | - Elizabeth Kennedy
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University
| | - Karen Hermetz
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University
| | - Amber Burt
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University
| | - Carmen Marsit
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University
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6
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Sarre LA, Kim IV, Ovchinnikov V, Olivetta M, Suga H, Dudin O, Sebé-Pedrós A, de Mendoza A. DNA methylation enables recurrent endogenization of giant viruses in an animal relative. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eado6406. [PMID: 38996012 PMCID: PMC11244446 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ado6406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
5-Methylcytosine (5mC) is a widespread silencing mechanism that controls genomic parasites. In eukaryotes, 5mC has gained complex roles in gene regulation beyond parasite control, yet 5mC has also been lost in many lineages. The causes for 5mC retention and its genomic consequences are still poorly understood. Here, we show that the protist closely related to animals Amoebidium appalachense features both transposon and gene body methylation, a pattern reminiscent of invertebrates and plants. Unexpectedly, hypermethylated genomic regions in Amoebidium derive from viral insertions, including hundreds of endogenized giant viruses, contributing 14% of the proteome. Using a combination of inhibitors and genomic assays, we demonstrate that 5mC silences these giant virus insertions. Moreover, alternative Amoebidium isolates show polymorphic giant virus insertions, highlighting a dynamic process of infection, endogenization, and purging. Our results indicate that 5mC is critical for the controlled coexistence of newly acquired viral DNA into eukaryotic genomes, making Amoebidium a unique model to understand the hybrid origins of eukaryotic DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke A. Sarre
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Iana V. Kim
- CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vladimir Ovchinnikov
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Marine Olivetta
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Hiroshi Suga
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Prefectural University of Hiroshima, Shobara, Japan
| | - Omaya Dudin
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Arnau Sebé-Pedrós
- CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
- ICREA, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alex de Mendoza
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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7
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Hubinský M, Hobza R, Starczak M, Gackowski D, Kubát Z, Janíček T, Horáková L, Rodriguez Lorenzo JL. Non-canonical bases differentially represented in the sex chromosomes of the dioecious plant Silene latifolia. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2024; 75:3849-3861. [PMID: 38652039 PMCID: PMC11233409 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erae178] [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] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
The oxidation of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), 5-formylcytosine (5fC), and 5-carboxylcytosine (5caC), known as oxi-mCs, garners significant interest in plants as potential epigenetic marks. While research in mammals has established a role in cell reprogramming, carcinogenesis, and gene regulation, their functions in plants remain unclear. In rice, 5hmC has been associated with transposable elements (TEs) and heterochromatin. This study utilizes Silene latifolia, a dioecious plant with heteromorphic sex chromosomes and a genome with a large proportion of TEs, which provides a favourable environment for the study of oxi-mCs in individual sexes. Notably, we detected surprisingly high levels of oxi-mCs in S. latifolia comparable with mammals. Nuclei showed enrichment in heterochromatic regions, except for 5hmC whose signal was homogeneously distributed. Intriguingly, the same X chromosome in females displayed overall enrichment of 5hmC and 5fC compared with its counterpart. This fact is shared with 5mC, resembling dosage compensation. Co-localization showed higher correlation between 5mC and 5fC than with 5hmC, indicating no potential relationship between 5hmC and 5fC. Additionally, the promoter of several sex-linked genes and sex-biased TEs clustered in a clear sex-dependent way. Together, these findings unveil a hypothetical role for oxi-mCs in S. latifolia sex chromosome development, warranting further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel Hubinský
- Department of Plant Developmental Genetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic
- National Centre for Biomolecular Research, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Roman Hobza
- Department of Plant Developmental Genetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marta Starczak
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, ul. Karlowicza 24, PO-85-092, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Daniel Gackowski
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, ul. Karlowicza 24, PO-85-092, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Zdeněk Kubát
- Department of Plant Developmental Genetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Janíček
- Department of Plant Developmental Genetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Horáková
- Department of Plant Developmental Genetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jose Luis Rodriguez Lorenzo
- Department of Plant Developmental Genetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic
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8
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Wang ZY, Ge LP, Ouyang Y, Jin X, Jiang YZ. Targeting transposable elements in cancer: developments and opportunities. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189143. [PMID: 38936517 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs), comprising nearly 50% of the human genome, have transitioned from being perceived as "genomic junk" to key players in cancer progression. Contemporary research links TE regulatory disruptions with cancer development, underscoring their therapeutic potential. Advances in long-read sequencing, computational analytics, single-cell sequencing, proteomics, and CRISPR-Cas9 technologies have enriched our understanding of TEs' clinical implications, notably their impact on genome architecture, gene regulation, and evolutionary processes. In cancer, TEs, including long interspersed element-1 (LINE-1), Alus, and long terminal repeat (LTR) elements, demonstrate altered patterns, influencing both tumorigenic and tumor-suppressive mechanisms. TE-derived nucleic acids and tumor antigens play critical roles in tumor immunity, bridging innate and adaptive responses. Given their central role in oncology, TE-targeted therapies, particularly through reverse transcriptase inhibitors and epigenetic modulators, represent a novel avenue in cancer treatment. Combining these TE-focused strategies with existing chemotherapy or immunotherapy regimens could enhance efficacy and offer a new dimension in cancer treatment. This review delves into recent TE detection advancements, explores their multifaceted roles in tumorigenesis and immune regulation, discusses emerging diagnostic and therapeutic approaches centered on TEs, and anticipates future directions in cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Yu Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Li-Ping Ge
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yang Ouyang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xi Jin
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yi-Zhou Jiang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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9
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Horváth V, Garza R, Jönsson ME, Johansson PA, Adami A, Christoforidou G, Karlsson O, Castilla Vallmanya L, Koutounidou S, Gerdes P, Pandiloski N, Douse CH, Jakobsson J. Mini-heterochromatin domains constrain the cis-regulatory impact of SVA transposons in human brain development and disease. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2024:10.1038/s41594-024-01320-8. [PMID: 38834915 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-024-01320-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
SVA (SINE (short interspersed nuclear element)-VNTR (variable number of tandem repeats)-Alu) retrotransposons remain active in humans and contribute to individual genetic variation. Polymorphic SVA alleles harbor gene regulatory potential and can cause genetic disease. However, how SVA insertions are controlled and functionally impact human disease is unknown. Here we dissect the epigenetic regulation and influence of SVAs in cellular models of X-linked dystonia parkinsonism (XDP), a neurodegenerative disorder caused by an SVA insertion at the TAF1 locus. We demonstrate that the KRAB zinc finger protein ZNF91 establishes H3K9me3 and DNA methylation over SVAs, including polymorphic alleles, in human neural progenitor cells. The resulting mini-heterochromatin domains attenuate the cis-regulatory impact of SVAs. This is critical for XDP pathology; removal of local heterochromatin severely aggravates the XDP molecular phenotype, resulting in increased TAF1 intron retention and reduced expression. Our results provide unique mechanistic insights into how human polymorphic transposon insertions are recognized and how their regulatory impact is constrained by an innate epigenetic defense system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivien Horváth
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Raquel Garza
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Marie E Jönsson
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Pia A Johansson
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Anita Adami
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Georgia Christoforidou
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Chromatin Dynamics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ofelia Karlsson
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Laura Castilla Vallmanya
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Symela Koutounidou
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Chromatin Dynamics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Patricia Gerdes
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ninoslav Pandiloski
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Chromatin Dynamics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Christopher H Douse
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Chromatin Dynamics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Johan Jakobsson
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
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10
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Shao F, Zeng M, Xu X, Zhang H, Peng Z. FishTEDB 2.0: an update fish transposable element (TE) database with new functions to facilitate TE research. Database (Oxford) 2024; 2024:baae044. [PMID: 38829853 PMCID: PMC11146639 DOI: 10.1093/database/baae044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
We launched the initial version of FishTEDB in 2018, which aimed to establish an open-source, user-friendly, data-rich transposable element (TE) database. Over the past 5 years, FishTEDB 1.0 has gained approximately 10 000 users, accumulating more than 450 000 interactions. With the unveiling of extensive fish genome data and the increasing emphasis on TE research, FishTEDB needs to extend the richness of data and functions. To achieve the above goals, we introduced 33 new fish species to FishTEDB 2.0, encompassing a wide array of fish belonging to 48 orders. To make the updated database more functional, we added a genome browser to visualize the positional relationship between TEs and genes and the estimated TE insertion time in different species. In conclusion, we released a new version of the fish TE database, FishTEDB 2.0, designed to assist researchers in the future study of TE functions and promote the progress of biological theories related to TEs. Database URL: https://www.fishtedb.com/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Shao
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Southwest University School of Life Sciences, 2 Tiansheng Road, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Minzhi Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Southwest University School of Life Sciences, 2 Tiansheng Road, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xiaofei Xu
- School of Computing Technologies, RMIT University, 124 La Trobe Street, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Huahao Zhang
- College of Pharmacy and Life Science, Jiujiang University, 551 Qianjin East Road, Jiujiang 332005, China
| | - Zuogang Peng
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Southwest University School of Life Sciences, 2 Tiansheng Road, Chongqing 400715, China
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11
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Wong EWP, Sahin M, Yang R, Lee U, Zhan YA, Misra R, Tomas F, Alomran N, Polyzos A, Lee CJ, Trieu T, Fundichely AM, Wiesner T, Rosowicz A, Cheng S, Liu C, Lallo M, Merghoub T, Hamard PJ, Koche R, Khurana E, Apostolou E, Zheng D, Chen Y, Leslie CS, Chi P. TAD hierarchy restricts poised LTR activation and loss of TAD hierarchy promotes LTR co-option in cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.31.596845. [PMID: 38895201 PMCID: PMC11185511 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.31.596845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) are abundant in the human genome, and they provide the sources for genetic and functional diversity. The regulation of TEs expression and their functional consequences in physiological conditions and cancer development remain to be fully elucidated. Previous studies suggested TEs are repressed by DNA methylation and chromatin modifications. The effect of 3D chromatin topology on TE regulation remains elusive. Here, by integrating transcriptome and 3D genome architecture studies, we showed that haploinsufficient loss of NIPBL selectively activates alternative promoters at the long terminal repeats (LTRs) of the TE subclasses. This activation occurs through the reorganization of topologically associating domain (TAD) hierarchical structures and recruitment of proximal enhancers. These observations indicate that TAD hierarchy restricts transcriptional activation of LTRs that already possess open chromatin features. In cancer, perturbation of the hierarchical chromatin topology can lead to co-option of LTRs as functional alternative promoters in a context-dependent manner and drive aberrant transcriptional activation of novel oncogenes and other divergent transcripts. These data uncovered a new layer of regulatory mechanism of TE expression beyond DNA and chromatin modification in human genome. They also posit the TAD hierarchy dysregulation as a novel mechanism for alternative promoter-mediated oncogene activation and transcriptional diversity in cancer, which may be exploited therapeutically.
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12
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Lee AV, Nestler KA, Chiappinelli KB. Therapeutic targeting of DNA methylation alterations in cancer. Pharmacol Ther 2024; 258:108640. [PMID: 38570075 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108640] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
DNA methylation is a critical component of gene regulation and plays an important role in the development of cancer. Hypermethylation of tumor suppressor genes and silencing of DNA repair pathways facilitate uncontrolled cell growth and synergize with oncogenic mutations to perpetuate cancer phenotypes. Additionally, aberrant DNA methylation hinders immune responses crucial for antitumor immunity. Thus, inhibiting dysregulated DNA methylation is a promising cancer therapy. Pharmacologic inhibition of DNA methylation reactivates silenced tumor suppressors and bolster immune responses through induction of viral mimicry. Now, with the advent of immunotherapies and discovery of the immune-modulatory effects of DNA methylation inhibitors, there is great interest in understanding how targeting DNA methylation in combination with other therapies can enhance antitumor immunity. Here, we describe the role of aberrant DNA methylation in cancer and mechanisms by which it promotes tumorigenesis and modulates immune responses. Finally, we review the initial discoveries and ongoing efforts to target DNA methylation as a cancer therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail V Lee
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kevin A Nestler
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Katherine B Chiappinelli
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
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13
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Boman J, Qvarnström A, Mugal CF. Regulatory and evolutionary impact of DNA methylation in two songbird species and their naturally occurring F 1 hybrids. BMC Biol 2024; 22:124. [PMID: 38807214 PMCID: PMC11134931 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-024-01920-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regulation of transcription by DNA methylation in 5'-CpG-3' context is a widespread mechanism allowing differential expression of genetically identical cells to persist throughout development. Consequently, differences in DNA methylation can reinforce variation in gene expression among cells, tissues, populations, and species. Despite a surge in studies on DNA methylation, we know little about the importance of DNA methylation in population differentiation and speciation. Here we investigate the regulatory and evolutionary impact of DNA methylation in five tissues of two Ficedula flycatcher species and their naturally occurring F1 hybrids. RESULTS We show that the density of CpG in the promoters of genes determines the strength of the association between DNA methylation and gene expression. The impact of DNA methylation on gene expression varies among tissues with the brain showing unique patterns. Differentially expressed genes between parental species are predicted by genetic and methylation differentiation in CpG-rich promoters. However, both these factors fail to predict hybrid misexpression suggesting that promoter mismethylation is not a main determinant of hybrid misexpression in Ficedula flycatchers. Using allele-specific methylation estimates in hybrids, we also determine the genome-wide contribution of cis- and trans effects in DNA methylation differentiation. These distinct mechanisms are roughly balanced in all tissues except the brain, where trans differences predominate. CONCLUSIONS Overall, this study provides insight on the regulatory and evolutionary impact of DNA methylation in songbirds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesper Boman
- Department of Ecology and Genetics (IEG), Division of Evolutionary Biology, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18D, Uppsala, SE-752 36, Sweden.
| | - Anna Qvarnström
- Department of Ecology and Genetics (IEG), Division of Animal Ecology, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18D, Uppsala, SE-752 36, Sweden
| | - Carina F Mugal
- Department of Ecology and Genetics (IEG), Division of Evolutionary Biology, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18D, Uppsala, SE-752 36, Sweden.
- CNRS, Laboratory of Biometry and Evolutionary Biology (LBBE), UMR 5558, University of Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France.
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14
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Dossmann L, Emperle M, Dukatz M, de Mendoza A, Bashtrykov P, Jeltsch A. Specific DNMT3C flanking sequence preferences facilitate methylation of young murine retrotransposons. Commun Biol 2024; 7:582. [PMID: 38755427 PMCID: PMC11099192 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06252-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The DNA methyltransferase DNMT3C appeared as a duplication of the DNMT3B gene in muroids and is required for silencing of young retrotransposons in the male germline. Using specialized assay systems, we investigate the flanking sequence preferences of DNMT3C and observe characteristic preferences for cytosine at the -2 and -1 flank that are unique among DNMT3 enzymes. We identify two amino acids in the catalytic domain of DNMT3C (C543 and V547) that are responsible for the DNMT3C-specific flanking sequence preferences and evolutionary conserved in muroids. Reanalysis of published data shows that DNMT3C flanking preferences are consistent with genome-wide methylation patterns in mouse ES cells only expressing DNMT3C. Strikingly, we show that CpG sites with the preferred flanking sequences of DNMT3C are enriched in murine retrotransposons that were previously identified as DNMT3C targets. Finally, we demonstrate experimentally that DNMT3C has elevated methylation activity on substrates derived from these biological targets. Our data show that DNMT3C flanking sequence preferences match the sequences of young murine retrotransposons which facilitates their methylation. By this, our data provide mechanistic insights into the molecular co-evolution of repeat elements and (epi)genetic defense systems dedicated to maintain genomic stability in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Dossmann
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Max Emperle
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Michael Dukatz
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Alex de Mendoza
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, E1 4NS, London, UK
| | - Pavel Bashtrykov
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Albert Jeltsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany.
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15
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Su Y, Yu Z, Jin S, Ai Z, Yuan R, Chen X, Xue Z, Guo Y, Chen D, Liang H, Liu Z, Liu W. Comprehensive assessment of mRNA isoform detection methods for long-read sequencing data. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3972. [PMID: 38730241 PMCID: PMC11087464 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48117-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The advancement of Long-Read Sequencing (LRS) techniques has significantly increased the length of sequencing to several kilobases, thereby facilitating the identification of alternative splicing events and isoform expressions. Recently, numerous computational tools for isoform detection using long-read sequencing data have been developed. Nevertheless, there remains a deficiency in comparative studies that systemically evaluate the performance of these tools, which are implemented with different algorithms, under various simulations that encompass potential influencing factors. In this study, we conducted a benchmark analysis of thirteen methods implemented in nine tools capable of identifying isoform structures from long-read RNA-seq data. We evaluated their performances using simulated data, which represented diverse sequencing platforms generated by an in-house simulator, RNA sequins (sequencing spike-ins) data, as well as experimental data. Our findings demonstrate IsoQuant as a highly effective tool for isoform detection with LRS, with Bambu and StringTie2 also exhibiting strong performance. These results offer valuable guidance for future research on alternative splicing analysis and the ongoing improvement of tools for isoform detection using LRS data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqi Su
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China
- Centre of Biomedical Systems and Informatics of Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), International Campus, Zhejiang University, Haining, 314400, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Zhejian Yu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China
- Centre of Biomedical Systems and Informatics of Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), International Campus, Zhejiang University, Haining, 314400, Zhejiang, China
| | - Siqian Jin
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China
- Centre of Biomedical Systems and Informatics of Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), International Campus, Zhejiang University, Haining, 314400, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhipeng Ai
- Division of Human Reproduction and Developmental Genetics, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ruihong Yuan
- Centre of Biomedical Systems and Informatics of Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), International Campus, Zhejiang University, Haining, 314400, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xinyi Chen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China
- Centre of Biomedical Systems and Informatics of Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), International Campus, Zhejiang University, Haining, 314400, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ziwei Xue
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China
- Centre of Biomedical Systems and Informatics of Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), International Campus, Zhejiang University, Haining, 314400, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yixin Guo
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China
- Centre of Biomedical Systems and Informatics of Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), International Campus, Zhejiang University, Haining, 314400, Zhejiang, China
| | - Di Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine of the Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China
- Centre for Regeneration and Cell Therapy of Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), International Campus, Zhejiang University, Haining, 314400, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hongqing Liang
- Division of Human Reproduction and Developmental Genetics, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zuozhu Liu
- Zhejiang University-Angel Align Inc. R&D Center for Intelligent Healthcare, Zhejiang University-University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute (ZJU-UIUC Institute), International Campus, Zhejiang University, Haining, 314400, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wanlu Liu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China.
- Centre of Biomedical Systems and Informatics of Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), International Campus, Zhejiang University, Haining, 314400, Zhejiang, China.
- Future Health Laboratory, Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta, Zhejiang University, Jiaxing, 314100, China.
- Alibaba-Zhejiang University Joint Research Center of Future Digital Healthcare, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China.
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16
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Gerra MC, Dallabona C, Cecchi R. Epigenetic analyses in forensic medicine: future and challenges. Int J Legal Med 2024; 138:701-719. [PMID: 38242965 PMCID: PMC11003920 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-024-03165-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
The possibility of using epigenetics in forensic investigation has gradually risen over the last few years. Epigenetic changes with their dynamic nature can either be inherited or accumulated throughout a lifetime and be reversible, prompting investigation of their use across various fields. In forensic sciences, multiple applications have been proposed, such as the discrimination of monozygotic twins, identifying the source of a biological trace left at a crime scene, age prediction, determination of body fluids and tissues, human behavior association, wound healing progression, and determination of the post-mortem interval (PMI). Despite all these applications, not all the studies considered the impact of PMI and post-sampling effects on the epigenetic modifications and the tissue-specificity of the epigenetic marks.This review aims to highlight the substantial forensic significance that epigenetics could support in various forensic investigations. First, basic concepts in epigenetics, describing the main epigenetic modifications and their functions, in particular, DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA, with a particular focus on forensic applications, were covered. For each epigenetic marker, post-mortem stability and tissue-specificity, factors that should be carefully considered in the study of epigenetic biomarkers in the forensic context, have been discussed. The advantages and limitations of using post-mortem tissues have been also addressed, proposing directions for these innovative strategies to analyze forensic specimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Carla Gerra
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area Delle Scienze 11a, Viale Delle Scienze 11a, 43124, Parma, PR, Italy
| | - Cristina Dallabona
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area Delle Scienze 11a, Viale Delle Scienze 11a, 43124, Parma, PR, Italy.
| | - Rossana Cecchi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Antonio Gramsci 14, 43126, Parma, PR, Italy
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17
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Lee MK, Azizgolshani N, Zhang Z, Perreard L, Kolling FW, Nguyen LN, Zanazzi GJ, Salas LA, Christensen BC. Associations in cell type-specific hydroxymethylation and transcriptional alterations of pediatric central nervous system tumors. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3635. [PMID: 38688903 PMCID: PMC11061294 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47943-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Although intratumoral heterogeneity has been established in pediatric central nervous system tumors, epigenomic alterations at the cell type level have largely remained unresolved. To identify cell type-specific alterations to cytosine modifications in pediatric central nervous system tumors, we utilize a multi-omic approach that integrated bulk DNA cytosine modification data (methylation and hydroxymethylation) with both bulk and single-cell RNA-sequencing data. We demonstrate a large reduction in the scope of significantly differentially modified cytosines in tumors when accounting for tumor cell type composition. In the progenitor-like cell types of tumors, we identify a preponderance differential Cytosine-phosphate-Guanine site hydroxymethylation rather than methylation. Genes with differential hydroxymethylation, like histone deacetylase 4 and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor, are associated with cell type-specific changes in gene expression in tumors. Our results highlight the importance of epigenomic alterations in the progenitor-like cell types and its role in cell type-specific transcriptional regulation in pediatric central nervous system tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Kyung Lee
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA.
| | - Nasim Azizgolshani
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
- Department of Surgery, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ze Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Laurent Perreard
- Dartmouth Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Fred W Kolling
- Dartmouth Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Lananh N Nguyen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - George J Zanazzi
- Dartmouth Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Lucas A Salas
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Brock C Christensen
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA.
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA.
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18
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Larouche JD, Laumont CM, Trofimov A, Vincent K, Hesnard L, Brochu S, Côté C, Humeau JF, Bonneil É, Lanoix J, Durette C, Gendron P, Laverdure JP, Richie ER, Lemieux S, Thibault P, Perreault C. Transposable elements regulate thymus development and function. eLife 2024; 12:RP91037. [PMID: 38635416 PMCID: PMC11026094 DOI: 10.7554/elife.91037] [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: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) are repetitive sequences representing ~45% of the human and mouse genomes and are highly expressed by medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs). In this study, we investigated the role of TEs on T-cell development in the thymus. We performed multiomic analyses of TEs in human and mouse thymic cells to elucidate their role in T-cell development. We report that TE expression in the human thymus is high and shows extensive age- and cell lineage-related variations. TE expression correlates with multiple transcription factors in all cell types of the human thymus. Two cell types express particularly broad TE repertoires: mTECs and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs). In mTECs, transcriptomic data suggest that TEs interact with transcription factors essential for mTEC development and function (e.g., PAX1 and REL), and immunopeptidomic data showed that TEs generate MHC-I-associated peptides implicated in thymocyte education. Notably, AIRE, FEZF2, and CHD4 regulate small yet non-redundant sets of TEs in murine mTECs. Human thymic pDCs homogenously express large numbers of TEs that likely form dsRNA, which can activate innate immune receptors, potentially explaining why thymic pDCs constitutively secrete IFN ɑ/β. This study highlights the diversity of interactions between TEs and the adaptive immune system. TEs are genetic parasites, and the two thymic cell types most affected by TEs (mTEcs and pDCs) are essential to establishing central T-cell tolerance. Therefore, we propose that orchestrating TE expression in thymic cells is critical to prevent autoimmunity in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-David Larouche
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de MontréalMontrealCanada
- Department of Medicine, Université de MontréalMontréalCanada
| | - Céline M Laumont
- Deeley Research Centre, BC CancerVictoriaCanada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British ColumbiaVancouverCanada
| | - Assya Trofimov
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de MontréalMontrealCanada
- Department of Computer Science and Operations Research, Université de MontréalMontréalCanada
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer CenterSeattleUnited States
- Department of Physics, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - Krystel Vincent
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de MontréalMontrealCanada
| | - Leslie Hesnard
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de MontréalMontrealCanada
| | - Sylvie Brochu
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de MontréalMontrealCanada
| | - Caroline Côté
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de MontréalMontrealCanada
| | - Juliette F Humeau
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de MontréalMontrealCanada
| | - Éric Bonneil
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de MontréalMontrealCanada
| | - Joel Lanoix
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de MontréalMontrealCanada
| | - Chantal Durette
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de MontréalMontrealCanada
| | - Patrick Gendron
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de MontréalMontrealCanada
| | | | - Ellen R Richie
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonUnited States
| | - Sébastien Lemieux
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de MontréalMontrealCanada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de MontréalMontrealCanada
| | - Pierre Thibault
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de MontréalMontrealCanada
- Department of Chemistry, Université de MontréalMontréalCanada
| | - Claude Perreault
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de MontréalMontrealCanada
- Department of Medicine, Université de MontréalMontréalCanada
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19
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Bell CG. Epigenomic insights into common human disease pathology. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:178. [PMID: 38602535 PMCID: PMC11008083 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05206-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
The epigenome-the chemical modifications and chromatin-related packaging of the genome-enables the same genetic template to be activated or repressed in different cellular settings. This multi-layered mechanism facilitates cell-type specific function by setting the local sequence and 3D interactive activity level. Gene transcription is further modulated through the interplay with transcription factors and co-regulators. The human body requires this epigenomic apparatus to be precisely installed throughout development and then adequately maintained during the lifespan. The causal role of the epigenome in human pathology, beyond imprinting disorders and specific tumour suppressor genes, was further brought into the spotlight by large-scale sequencing projects identifying that mutations in epigenomic machinery genes could be critical drivers in both cancer and developmental disorders. Abrogation of this cellular mechanism is providing new molecular insights into pathogenesis. However, deciphering the full breadth and implications of these epigenomic changes remains challenging. Knowledge is accruing regarding disease mechanisms and clinical biomarkers, through pathogenically relevant and surrogate tissue analyses, respectively. Advances include consortia generated cell-type specific reference epigenomes, high-throughput DNA methylome association studies, as well as insights into ageing-related diseases from biological 'clocks' constructed by machine learning algorithms. Also, 3rd-generation sequencing is beginning to disentangle the complexity of genetic and DNA modification haplotypes. Cell-free DNA methylation as a cancer biomarker has clear clinical utility and further potential to assess organ damage across many disorders. Finally, molecular understanding of disease aetiology brings with it the opportunity for exact therapeutic alteration of the epigenome through CRISPR-activation or inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher G Bell
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts & The London Faculty of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK.
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20
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Pabis K, Barardo D, Sirbu O, Selvarajoo K, Gruber J, Kennedy BK. A concerted increase in readthrough and intron retention drives transposon expression during aging and senescence. eLife 2024; 12:RP87811. [PMID: 38567944 PMCID: PMC10990488 DOI: 10.7554/elife.87811] [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: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Aging and senescence are characterized by pervasive transcriptional dysfunction, including increased expression of transposons and introns. Our aim was to elucidate mechanisms behind this increased expression. Most transposons are found within genes and introns, with a large minority being close to genes. This raises the possibility that transcriptional readthrough and intron retention are responsible for age-related changes in transposon expression rather than expression of autonomous transposons. To test this, we compiled public RNA-seq datasets from aged human fibroblasts, replicative and drug-induced senescence in human cells, and RNA-seq from aging mice and senescent mouse cells. Indeed, our reanalysis revealed a correlation between transposons expression, intron retention, and transcriptional readthrough across samples and within samples. Both intron retention and readthrough increased with aging or cellular senescence and these transcriptional defects were more pronounced in human samples as compared to those of mice. In support of a causal connection between readthrough and transposon expression, analysis of models showing induced transcriptional readthrough confirmed that they also show elevated transposon expression. Taken together, our data suggest that elevated transposon reads during aging seen in various RNA-seq dataset are concomitant with multiple transcriptional defects. Intron retention and transcriptional readthrough are the most likely explanation for the expression of transposable elements that lack a functional promoter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamil Pabis
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Centre for Healthy Longevity, National University Health SystemSingaporeSingapore
| | - Diogo Barardo
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Centre for Healthy Longevity, National University Health SystemSingaporeSingapore
| | - Olga Sirbu
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)SingaporeSingapore
| | - Kumar Selvarajoo
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)SingaporeSingapore
- Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)SingaporeSingapore
- NUS Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI), National University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological UniversitySingaporeSingapore
| | - Jan Gruber
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Science Divisions, Yale-NUS CollegeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Brian K Kennedy
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Centre for Healthy Longevity, National University Health SystemSingaporeSingapore
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21
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Bureš P, Elliott TL, Veselý P, Šmarda P, Forest F, Leitch IJ, Nic Lughadha E, Soto Gomez M, Pironon S, Brown MJM, Šmerda J, Zedek F. The global distribution of angiosperm genome size is shaped by climate. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2024; 242:744-759. [PMID: 38264772 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19544] [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] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Angiosperms, which inhabit diverse environments across all continents, exhibit significant variation in genome sizes, making them an excellent model system for examining hypotheses about the global distribution of genome size. These include the previously proposed large genome constraint, mutational hazard, polyploidy-mediated, and climate-mediated hypotheses. We compiled the largest genome size dataset to date, encompassing 16 017 (> 5% of known) angiosperm species, and analyzed genome size distribution using a comprehensive geographic distribution dataset for all angiosperms. We observed that angiosperms with large range sizes generally had small genomes, supporting the large genome constraint hypothesis. Climate was shown to exert a strong influence on genome size distribution along the global latitudinal gradient, while the frequency of polyploidy and the type of growth form had negligible effects. In contrast to the unimodal patterns along the global latitudinal gradient shown by plant size traits and polyploid proportions, the increase in angiosperm genome size from the equator to 40-50°N/S is probably mediated by different (mostly climatic) mechanisms than the decrease in genome sizes observed from 40 to 50°N northward. Our analysis suggests that the global distribution of genome sizes in angiosperms is mainly shaped by climatically mediated purifying selection, genetic drift, relaxed selection, and environmental filtering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petr Bureš
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, 611 37, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tammy L Elliott
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, 611 37, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7700, South Africa
| | - Pavel Veselý
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, 611 37, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Šmarda
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, 611 37, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Félix Forest
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AE, UK
| | | | | | | | - Samuel Pironon
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AE, UK
- UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC), Cambridge, CB3 0DL, UK
| | | | - Jakub Šmerda
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, 611 37, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - František Zedek
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, 611 37, Brno, Czech Republic
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22
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Meng WY, Wang ZX, Zhang Y, Hou Y, Xue JH. Epigenetic marks or not? The discovery of novel DNA modifications in eukaryotes. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:106791. [PMID: 38403247 PMCID: PMC11065753 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.106791] [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: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA modifications add another layer of complexity to the eukaryotic genome to regulate gene expression, playing critical roles as epigenetic marks. In eukaryotes, the study of DNA epigenetic modifications has been confined to 5mC and its derivatives for decades. However, rapid developing approaches have witnessed the expansion of DNA modification reservoirs during the past several years, including the identification of 6mA, 5gmC, 4mC, and 4acC in diverse organisms. However, whether these DNA modifications function as epigenetic marks requires careful consideration. In this review, we try to present a panorama of all the DNA epigenetic modifications in eukaryotes, emphasizing recent breakthroughs in the identification of novel DNA modifications. The characterization of their roles in transcriptional regulation as potential epigenetic marks is summarized. More importantly, the pathways for generating or eliminating these DNA modifications, as well as the proteins involved are comprehensively dissected. Furthermore, we briefly discuss the potential challenges and perspectives, which should be taken into account while investigating novel DNA modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Ying Meng
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital affiliated to Tongji University, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zi-Xin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital affiliated to Tongji University, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunfang Zhang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yujun Hou
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jian-Huang Xue
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital affiliated to Tongji University, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
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23
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Lee M, Ahmad SF, Xu J. Regulation and function of transposable elements in cancer genomes. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:157. [PMID: 38556602 PMCID: PMC10982106 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05195-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Over half of human genomic DNA is composed of repetitive sequences generated throughout evolution by prolific mobile genetic parasites called transposable elements (TEs). Long disregarded as "junk" or "selfish" DNA, TEs are increasingly recognized as formative elements in genome evolution, wired intimately into the structure and function of the human genome. Advances in sequencing technologies and computational methods have ushered in an era of unprecedented insight into how TE activity impacts human biology in health and disease. Here we discuss the current views on how TEs have shaped the regulatory landscape of the human genome, how TE activity is implicated in human cancers, and how recent findings motivate novel strategies to leverage TE activity for improved cancer therapy. Given the crucial role of methodological advances in TE biology, we pair our conceptual discussions with an in-depth review of the inherent technical challenges in studying repeats, specifically related to structural variation, expression analyses, and chromatin regulation. Lastly, we provide a catalog of existing and emerging assays and bioinformatic software that altogether are enabling the most sophisticated and comprehensive investigations yet into the regulation and function of interspersed repeats in cancer genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Medical Center Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
| | - Syed Farhan Ahmad
- Department of Pathology, Center of Excellence for Leukemia Studies, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place - MS 345, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Jian Xu
- Department of Pathology, Center of Excellence for Leukemia Studies, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place - MS 345, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA.
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24
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Liu S, Huang J, Zhou J, Chen S, Zheng W, Liu C, Lin Q, Zhang P, Wu D, He S, Ye J, Liu S, Zhou K, Li B, Qu L, Yang J. NAP-seq reveals multiple classes of structured noncoding RNAs with regulatory functions. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2425. [PMID: 38499544 PMCID: PMC10948791 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46596-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Up to 80% of the human genome produces "dark matter" RNAs, most of which are noncapped RNAs (napRNAs) that frequently act as noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) to modulate gene expression. Here, by developing a method, NAP-seq, to globally profile the full-length sequences of napRNAs with various terminal modifications at single-nucleotide resolution, we reveal diverse classes of structured ncRNAs. We discover stably expressed linear intron RNAs (sliRNAs), a class of snoRNA-intron RNAs (snotrons), a class of RNAs embedded in miRNA spacers (misRNAs) and thousands of previously uncharacterized structured napRNAs in humans and mice. These napRNAs undergo dynamic changes in response to various stimuli and differentiation stages. Importantly, we show that a structured napRNA regulates myoblast differentiation and a napRNA DINAP interacts with dyskerin pseudouridine synthase 1 (DKC1) to promote cell proliferation by maintaining DKC1 protein stability. Our approach establishes a paradigm for discovering various classes of ncRNAs with regulatory functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shurong Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, Guangdong, China
| | - Junhong Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, Guangdong, China
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519082, Guangdong, China
| | - Jie Zhou
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, Guangdong, China
| | - Siyan Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, Guangdong, China
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519082, Guangdong, China
| | - Wujian Zheng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, Guangdong, China
| | - Chang Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiao Lin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, Guangdong, China
| | - Ping Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, Guangdong, China
| | - Di Wu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, Guangdong, China
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519082, Guangdong, China
| | - Simeng He
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519082, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiayi Ye
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, Guangdong, China
| | - Shun Liu
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Keren Zhou
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA, 91016, USA
| | - Bin Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, Guangdong, China.
| | - Lianghu Qu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, Guangdong, China.
| | - Jianhua Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, Guangdong, China.
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519082, Guangdong, China.
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25
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Wang M, Bissonnette N, Laterrière M, Dudemaine PL, Gagné D, Roy JP, Sirard MA, Ibeagha-Awemu EM. DNA methylation haplotype block signatures responding to Staphylococcus aureus subclinical mastitis and association with production and health traits. BMC Biol 2024; 22:65. [PMID: 38486242 PMCID: PMC10941392 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-024-01843-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND DNA methylation has been documented to play vital roles in diseases and biological processes. In bovine, little is known about the regulatory roles of DNA methylation alterations on production and health traits, including mastitis. RESULTS Here, we employed whole-genome DNA methylation sequencing to profile the DNA methylation patterns of milk somatic cells from sixteen cows with naturally occurring Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) subclinical mastitis and ten healthy control cows. We observed abundant DNA methylation alterations, including 3,356,456 differentially methylated cytosines and 153,783 differential methylation haplotype blocks (dMHBs). The DNA methylation in regulatory regions, including promoters, first exons and first introns, showed global significant negative correlations with gene expression status. We identified 6435 dMHBs located in the regulatory regions of differentially expressed genes and significantly correlated with their corresponding genes, revealing their potential effects on transcriptional activities. Genes harboring DNA methylation alterations were significantly enriched in multiple immune- and disease-related pathways, suggesting the involvement of DNA methylation in regulating host responses to S. aureus subclinical mastitis. In addition, we found nine discriminant signatures (differentiates cows with S. aureus subclinical mastitis from healthy cows) representing the majority of the DNA methylation variations related to S. aureus subclinical mastitis. Validation of seven dMHBs in 200 cows indicated significant associations with mammary gland health (SCC and SCS) and milk production performance (milk yield). CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, our findings revealed abundant DNA methylation alterations in milk somatic cells that may be involved in regulating mammary gland defense against S. aureus infection. Particularly noteworthy is the identification of seven dMHBs showing significant associations with mammary gland health, underscoring their potential as promising epigenetic biomarkers. Overall, our findings on DNA methylation alterations offer novel insights into the regulatory mechanisms of bovine subclinical mastitis, providing further avenues for the development of effective control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Wang
- Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- Department of Animal Science, Laval University, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Nathalie Bissonnette
- Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Mario Laterrière
- Quebec Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Pier-Luc Dudemaine
- Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - David Gagné
- Quebec Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-Philippe Roy
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| | | | - Eveline M Ibeagha-Awemu
- Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
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26
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Xiong L, Li F, Guo Y, Zhang J, Xu K, Xiong Z, Tong A, Li L, Yang S. Discovery of a Potent and Cell-Active Inhibitor of DNA 6mA Demethylase ALKBH1. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:6992-7006. [PMID: 38437718 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c00194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
N6-Methyladenine (6mA) of DNA has emerged as a novel epigenetic mark in eukaryotes, and several 6mA effector proteins have been identified. However, efforts to selectively inhibit the biological functions of these effector proteins with small molecules are unsuccessful to date. Here we report the first potent and selective small molecule inhibitor (13h) of AlkB homologue 1 (ALKBH1), the only validated 6mA demethylase. 13h showed an IC50 of 0.026 ± 0.013 μM and 1.39 ± 0.13 μM in the fluorescence polarization (FP) and enzyme activity assay, respectively, and a KD of 0.112 ± 0.017 μM in the isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) assay. The potency of 13h was well explained by the cocrystal structure of the 13h-ALKBH1 complex. Furthermore, 13h displayed excellent selectivity for ALKBH1. In cells, compound 13h and its derivative 16 were able to engage ALKBH1 and modulate the 6mA levels. Collectively, our study identified the first potent, isoform selective, and cell-active ALKBH1 inhibitor, providing a tool compound for exploring the biological functions of ALKBH1 and DNA 6mA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Xiong
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yinping Guo
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Ke Xu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System of Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Zijie Xiong
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Aiping Tong
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Linli Li
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System of Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Shengyong Yang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
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27
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Gong Y, Wang Q, Wei L, Liang W, Wang L, Lv N, Du X, Zhang J, Shen C, Xin Y, Sun L, Xu J. Genome-wide adenine N6-methylation map reveals epigenomic regulation of lipid accumulation in Nannochloropsis. PLANT COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 5:100773. [PMID: 38007614 PMCID: PMC10943562 DOI: 10.1016/j.xplc.2023.100773] [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: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic marks on histones and DNA, such as DNA methylation at N6-adenine (6mA), play crucial roles in gene expression and genome maintenance, but their deposition and function in microalgae remain largely uncharacterized. Here, we report a genome-wide 6mA map for the model industrial oleaginous microalga Nannochloropsis oceanica produced by single-molecule real-time sequencing. Found in 0.1% of adenines, 6mA sites are mostly enriched at the AGGYV motif, more abundant in transposons and 3' untranslated regions, and associated with active transcription. Moreover, 6mA gradually increases in abundance along the direction of gene transcription and shows special positional enrichment near splicing donor and transcription termination sites. Highly expressed genes tend to show greater 6mA abundance in the gene body than do poorly expressed genes, indicating a positive interaction between 6mA and general transcription factors. Furthermore, knockout of the putative 6mA methylase NO08G00280 by genome editing leads to changes in methylation patterns that are correlated with changes in the expression of molybdenum cofactor, sulfate transporter, glycosyl transferase, and lipase genes that underlie reductions in biomass and oil productivity. By contrast, knockout of the candidate demethylase NO06G02500 results in increased 6mA levels and reduced growth. Unraveling the epigenomic players and their roles in biomass productivity and lipid metabolism lays a foundation for epigenetic engineering of industrial microalgae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhai Gong
- Single-Cell Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Biofuels, Shandong Key Laboratory of Energy Genetics, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China; Shandong Energy Institute, Qingdao, China; Qingdao New Energy Shandong Laboratory, Qingdao, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Qintao Wang
- Single-Cell Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Biofuels, Shandong Key Laboratory of Energy Genetics, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China; Shandong Energy Institute, Qingdao, China; Qingdao New Energy Shandong Laboratory, Qingdao, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Li Wei
- Single-Cell Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Biofuels, Shandong Key Laboratory of Energy Genetics, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China; Shandong Energy Institute, Qingdao, China; Qingdao New Energy Shandong Laboratory, Qingdao, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Wensi Liang
- Single-Cell Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Biofuels, Shandong Key Laboratory of Energy Genetics, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China; Shandong Energy Institute, Qingdao, China; Qingdao New Energy Shandong Laboratory, Qingdao, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Lianhong Wang
- Single-Cell Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Biofuels, Shandong Key Laboratory of Energy Genetics, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China; Shandong Energy Institute, Qingdao, China; Qingdao New Energy Shandong Laboratory, Qingdao, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Nana Lv
- Single-Cell Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Biofuels, Shandong Key Laboratory of Energy Genetics, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China; Shandong Energy Institute, Qingdao, China; Qingdao New Energy Shandong Laboratory, Qingdao, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Xuefeng Du
- Single-Cell Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Biofuels, Shandong Key Laboratory of Energy Genetics, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China; Shandong Energy Institute, Qingdao, China; Qingdao New Energy Shandong Laboratory, Qingdao, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Jiashun Zhang
- Single-Cell Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Biofuels, Shandong Key Laboratory of Energy Genetics, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China; Shandong Energy Institute, Qingdao, China; Qingdao New Energy Shandong Laboratory, Qingdao, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Chen Shen
- Single-Cell Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Biofuels, Shandong Key Laboratory of Energy Genetics, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China; Shandong Energy Institute, Qingdao, China; Qingdao New Energy Shandong Laboratory, Qingdao, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Yi Xin
- Single-Cell Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Biofuels, Shandong Key Laboratory of Energy Genetics, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China; Shandong Energy Institute, Qingdao, China; Qingdao New Energy Shandong Laboratory, Qingdao, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Luyang Sun
- Single-Cell Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Biofuels, Shandong Key Laboratory of Energy Genetics, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China; Shandong Energy Institute, Qingdao, China; Qingdao New Energy Shandong Laboratory, Qingdao, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Jian Xu
- Single-Cell Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Biofuels, Shandong Key Laboratory of Energy Genetics, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China; Shandong Energy Institute, Qingdao, China; Qingdao New Energy Shandong Laboratory, Qingdao, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China.
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Yuditskiy K, Bezdvornykh I, Kazantseva A, Kanapin A, Samsonova A. BSXplorer: analytical framework for exploratory analysis of BS-seq data. BMC Bioinformatics 2024; 25:96. [PMID: 38438881 PMCID: PMC10913661 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-024-05722-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bisulfite sequencing detects and quantifies DNA methylation patterns, contributing to our understanding of gene expression regulation, genome stability maintenance, conservation of epigenetic mechanisms across divergent taxa, epigenetic inheritance and, eventually, phenotypic variation. Graphical representation of methylation data is crucial in exploring epigenetic regulation on a genome-wide scale in both plants and animals. This is especially relevant for non-model organisms with poorly annotated genomes and/or organisms where genome sequences are not yet assembled on chromosome level. Despite being a technology of choice to profile DNA methylation for many years now there are surprisingly few lightweight and robust standalone tools available for efficient graphical analysis of data in non-model systems. This significantly limits evolutionary studies and agrigenomics research. BSXplorer is a tool specifically developed to fill this gap and assist researchers in explorative data analysis and in visualising and interpreting bisulfite sequencing data more easily. RESULTS BSXplorer provides in-depth graphical analysis of sequencing data encompassing (a) profiling of methylation levels in metagenes or in user-defined regions using line plots and heatmaps, generation of summary statistics charts, (b) enabling comparative analyses of methylation patterns across experimental samples, methylation contexts and species, and (c) identification of modules sharing similar methylation signatures at functional genomic elements. The tool processes methylation data quickly and offers API and CLI capabilities, along with the ability to create high-quality figures suitable for publication. CONCLUSIONS BSXplorer facilitates efficient methylation data mining, contrasting and visualization, making it an easy-to-use package that is highly useful for epigenetic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Yuditskiy
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 199004
| | - Igor Bezdvornykh
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 199004
| | - Anastasiya Kazantseva
- Laboratory of Neurocognitive Genomics, Department of Genetics and Fundamental Medicine, Ufa University of Science and Technology, Ufa, Russia, 450076
| | - Alexander Kanapin
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 199004
| | - Anastasia Samsonova
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 199004.
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29
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Cappelluti MA, Mollica Poeta V, Valsoni S, Quarato P, Merlin S, Merelli I, Lombardo A. Durable and efficient gene silencing in vivo by hit-and-run epigenome editing. Nature 2024; 627:416-423. [PMID: 38418872 PMCID: PMC10937395 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07087-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Permanent epigenetic silencing using programmable editors equipped with transcriptional repressors holds great promise for the treatment of human diseases1-3. However, to unlock its full therapeutic potential, an experimental confirmation of durable epigenetic silencing after the delivery of transient delivery of editors in vivo is needed. To this end, here we targeted Pcsk9, a gene expressed in hepatocytes that is involved in cholesterol homeostasis. In vitro screening of different editor designs indicated that zinc-finger proteins were the best-performing DNA-binding platform for efficient silencing of mouse Pcsk9. A single administration of lipid nanoparticles loaded with the editors' mRNAs almost halved the circulating levels of PCSK9 for nearly one year in mice. Notably, Pcsk9 silencing and accompanying epigenetic repressive marks also persisted after forced liver regeneration, further corroborating the heritability of the newly installed epigenetic state. Improvements in construct design resulted in the development of an all-in-one configuration that we term evolved engineered transcriptional repressor (EvoETR). This design, which is characterized by a high specificity profile, further reduced the circulating levels of PCSK9 in mice with an efficiency comparable with that obtained through conventional gene editing, but without causing DNA breaks. Our study lays the foundation for the development of in vivo therapeutics that are based on epigenetic silencing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valeria Mollica Poeta
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Valsoni
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Piergiuseppe Quarato
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Simone Merlin
- Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Ivan Merelli
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Institute for Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Segrate, Italy
| | - Angelo Lombardo
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
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30
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Le Breton A, Bettencourt MP, Gendrel AV. Navigating the brain and aging: exploring the impact of transposable elements from health to disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1357576. [PMID: 38476259 PMCID: PMC10927736 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1357576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile genetic elements that constitute on average 45% of mammalian genomes. Their presence and activity in genomes represent a major source of genetic variability. While this is an important driver of genome evolution, TEs can also have deleterious effects on their hosts. A growing number of studies have focused on the role of TEs in the brain, both in physiological and pathological contexts. In the brain, their activity is believed to be important for neuronal plasticity. In neurological and age-related disorders, aberrant activity of TEs may contribute to disease etiology, although this remains unclear. After providing a comprehensive overview of transposable elements and their interactions with the host, this review summarizes the current understanding of TE activity within the brain, during the aging process, and in the context of neurological and age-related conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anne-Valerie Gendrel
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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31
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Lanciano S, Philippe C, Sarkar A, Pratella D, Domrane C, Doucet AJ, van Essen D, Saccani S, Ferry L, Defossez PA, Cristofari G. Locus-level L1 DNA methylation profiling reveals the epigenetic and transcriptional interplay between L1s and their integration sites. CELL GENOMICS 2024; 4:100498. [PMID: 38309261 PMCID: PMC10879037 DOI: 10.1016/j.xgen.2024.100498] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Long interspersed element 1 (L1) retrotransposons are implicated in human disease and evolution. Their global activity is repressed by DNA methylation, but deciphering the regulation of individual copies has been challenging. Here, we combine short- and long-read sequencing to unveil L1 methylation heterogeneity across cell types, families, and individual loci and elucidate key principles involved. We find that the youngest primate L1 families are specifically hypomethylated in pluripotent stem cells and the placenta but not in most tumors. Locally, intronic L1 methylation is intimately associated with gene transcription. Conversely, the L1 methylation state can propagate to the proximal region up to 300 bp. This phenomenon is accompanied by the binding of specific transcription factors, which drive the expression of L1 and chimeric transcripts. Finally, L1 hypomethylation alone is typically insufficient to trigger L1 expression due to redundant silencing pathways. Our results illuminate the epigenetic and transcriptional interplay between retrotransposons and their host genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Lanciano
- University Cote d'Azur, INSERM, CNRS, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), Nice, France
| | - Claude Philippe
- University Cote d'Azur, INSERM, CNRS, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), Nice, France
| | - Arpita Sarkar
- University Cote d'Azur, INSERM, CNRS, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), Nice, France
| | - David Pratella
- University Cote d'Azur, INSERM, CNRS, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), Nice, France
| | - Cécilia Domrane
- University Paris Cité, CNRS, Epigenetics and Cell Fate, Paris, France
| | - Aurélien J Doucet
- University Cote d'Azur, INSERM, CNRS, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), Nice, France
| | - Dominic van Essen
- University Cote d'Azur, INSERM, CNRS, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), Nice, France
| | - Simona Saccani
- University Cote d'Azur, INSERM, CNRS, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), Nice, France
| | - Laure Ferry
- University Paris Cité, CNRS, Epigenetics and Cell Fate, Paris, France
| | | | - Gael Cristofari
- University Cote d'Azur, INSERM, CNRS, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), Nice, France.
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32
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Zhang D, Gan Y, Le L, Pu L. Epigenetic variation in maize agronomical traits for breeding and trait improvement. J Genet Genomics 2024:S1673-8527(24)00028-6. [PMID: 38310944 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2024.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetics-mediated breeding (Epibreeding) involves engineering crop traits and stress responses through the targeted manipulation of key epigenetic features to enhance agricultural productivity. While conventional breeding methods raise concerns about reduced genetic diversity, epibreeding propels crop improvement through epigenetic variations that regulate gene expression, ultimately impacting crop yield. Epigenetic regulation in crops encompasses various modes, including histone modification, DNA modification, RNA modification, non-coding RNA, and chromatin remodeling. This review summarizes the epigenetic mechanisms underlying major agronomic traits in maize and identifies candidate epigenetic landmarks in the maize breeding process. We propose a valuable strategy for improving maize yield through epibreeding, combining CRISPR/Cas-based epigenome editing technology and Synthetic Epigenetics (SynEpi). Finally, we discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with maize trait improvement through epibreeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daolei Zhang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; School of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010021, China
| | - Yujun Gan
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Liang Le
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Li Pu
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
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33
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Yu ST, Zhao R, Sun XQ, Hou MX, Cao YM, Zhang J, Chen YJ, Wang KK, Zhang Y, Li JT, Wang Q. DNA Methylation and Chromatin Accessibility Impact Subgenome Expression Dominance in the Common Carp ( Cyprinus carpio). Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1635. [PMID: 38338913 PMCID: PMC10855618 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation and chromatin accessibility play important roles in gene expression, but their function in subgenome expression dominance remains largely unknown. We conducted comprehensive analyses of the transcriptome, DNA methylation, and chromatin accessibility in liver and muscle tissues of allotetraploid common carp, aiming to reveal the function of epigenetic modifications in subgenome expression dominance. A noteworthy overlap in differential expressed genes (DEGs) as well as their functions was observed across the two subgenomes. In the promoter and gene body, the DNA methylation level of the B subgenome was significantly different than that of the A subgenome. Nevertheless, differences in DNA methylation did not align with changes in homoeologous biased expression across liver and muscle tissues. Moreover, the B subgenome exhibited a higher prevalence of open chromatin regions and greater chromatin accessibility, in comparison to the A subgenome. The expression levels of genes located proximally to open chromatin regions were significantly higher than others. Genes with higher chromatin accessibility in the B subgenome exhibited significantly elevated expression levels compared to the A subgenome. Contrastingly, genes without accessibility exhibited similar expression levels in both subgenomes. This study contributes to understanding the regulation of subgenome expression dominance in allotetraploid common carp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang-Ting Yu
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genomics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and Beijing Key Laboratory of Fishery Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Beijing 100141, China; (S.-T.Y.); (R.Z.); (X.-Q.S.); (M.-X.H.); (Y.-M.C.); (J.Z.); (Y.-J.C.); (K.-K.W.); (Y.Z.)
- Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Ran Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genomics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and Beijing Key Laboratory of Fishery Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Beijing 100141, China; (S.-T.Y.); (R.Z.); (X.-Q.S.); (M.-X.H.); (Y.-M.C.); (J.Z.); (Y.-J.C.); (K.-K.W.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Xiao-Qing Sun
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genomics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and Beijing Key Laboratory of Fishery Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Beijing 100141, China; (S.-T.Y.); (R.Z.); (X.-Q.S.); (M.-X.H.); (Y.-M.C.); (J.Z.); (Y.-J.C.); (K.-K.W.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Ming-Xi Hou
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genomics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and Beijing Key Laboratory of Fishery Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Beijing 100141, China; (S.-T.Y.); (R.Z.); (X.-Q.S.); (M.-X.H.); (Y.-M.C.); (J.Z.); (Y.-J.C.); (K.-K.W.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yi-Ming Cao
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genomics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and Beijing Key Laboratory of Fishery Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Beijing 100141, China; (S.-T.Y.); (R.Z.); (X.-Q.S.); (M.-X.H.); (Y.-M.C.); (J.Z.); (Y.-J.C.); (K.-K.W.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Jin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genomics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and Beijing Key Laboratory of Fishery Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Beijing 100141, China; (S.-T.Y.); (R.Z.); (X.-Q.S.); (M.-X.H.); (Y.-M.C.); (J.Z.); (Y.-J.C.); (K.-K.W.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Ying-Jie Chen
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genomics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and Beijing Key Laboratory of Fishery Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Beijing 100141, China; (S.-T.Y.); (R.Z.); (X.-Q.S.); (M.-X.H.); (Y.-M.C.); (J.Z.); (Y.-J.C.); (K.-K.W.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Kai-Kuo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genomics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and Beijing Key Laboratory of Fishery Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Beijing 100141, China; (S.-T.Y.); (R.Z.); (X.-Q.S.); (M.-X.H.); (Y.-M.C.); (J.Z.); (Y.-J.C.); (K.-K.W.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genomics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and Beijing Key Laboratory of Fishery Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Beijing 100141, China; (S.-T.Y.); (R.Z.); (X.-Q.S.); (M.-X.H.); (Y.-M.C.); (J.Z.); (Y.-J.C.); (K.-K.W.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Jiong-Tang Li
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genomics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and Beijing Key Laboratory of Fishery Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Beijing 100141, China; (S.-T.Y.); (R.Z.); (X.-Q.S.); (M.-X.H.); (Y.-M.C.); (J.Z.); (Y.-J.C.); (K.-K.W.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Qi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genomics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and Beijing Key Laboratory of Fishery Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Beijing 100141, China; (S.-T.Y.); (R.Z.); (X.-Q.S.); (M.-X.H.); (Y.-M.C.); (J.Z.); (Y.-J.C.); (K.-K.W.); (Y.Z.)
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34
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Singh S, Borkar MR, Bhatt LK. Transposable Elements: Emerging Therapeutic Targets in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Neurotox Res 2024; 42:9. [PMID: 38270797 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-024-00688-1] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), are characterized by the progressive loss of neuronal function and structure. While several genetic and environmental factors have been implicated in the pathogenesis of these disorders, emerging evidence suggests that transposable elements (TEs), once considered "junk DNA," play a significant role in their development and progression. TEs are mobile genetic elements capable of moving within the genome, and their dysregulation has been associated with genomic instability, altered gene expression, and neuroinflammation. This review provides an overview of TEs, including long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs), short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs), and endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), mechanisms of repression and derepression, and their potential impact on neurodegeneration. The evidence linking TEs to AD, PD, and ALS by shedding light on the complex interactions between TEs and neurodegeneration has been discussed. Furthermore, the therapeutic potential of targeting TEs in neurodegenerative diseases has been explored. Understanding the role of TEs in neurodegeneration holds promise for developing novel therapeutic strategies aimed at mitigating disease progression and preserving neuronal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shrishti Singh
- Department of Pharmacology, Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, SVKM's DrVile Parle (W), Mumbai, India
| | - Maheshkumar R Borkar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, SVKM's Dr, Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai, India
| | - Lokesh Kumar Bhatt
- Department of Pharmacology, Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, SVKM's DrVile Parle (W), Mumbai, India.
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Hou Y, Li Y, Xiang JF, Tilahun K, Jiang J, Corces VG, Yao B. TDP-43 chronic deficiency leads to dysregulation of transposable elements and gene expression by affecting R-loop and 5hmC crosstalk. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113662. [PMID: 38184854 PMCID: PMC10857847 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
TDP-43 is an RNA/DNA-binding protein that forms aggregates in various brain disorders. TDP-43 engages in many aspects of RNA metabolism, but its molecular roles in regulating genes and transposable elements (TEs) have not been extensively explored. Chronic TDP-43 knockdown impairs cell proliferation and cellular responses to DNA damage. At the molecular level, TDP-43 chronic deficiency affects gene expression either locally or distally by concomitantly altering the crosstalk between R-loops and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) in gene bodies and long-range enhancer/promoter interactions. Furthermore, TDP-43 knockdown induces substantial disease-relevant TE activation by influencing their R-loop and 5hmC homeostasis in a locus-specific manner. Together, our findings highlight the genomic roles of TDP-43 in modulating R-loop-5hmC coordination in coding genes, distal regulatory elements, and TEs, presenting a general and broad molecular mechanism underlying the contributions of proteinopathies to the etiology of neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingzi Hou
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Yangping Li
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Jian-Feng Xiang
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Kedamawit Tilahun
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Jie Jiang
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Victor G Corces
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Bing Yao
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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Albrecht C, Rajaram N, Broche J, Bashtrykov P, Jeltsch A. Locus-Specific and Stable DNA Demethylation at the H19/ IGF2 ICR1 by Epigenome Editing Using a dCas9-SunTag System and the Catalytic Domain of TET1. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:80. [PMID: 38254969 PMCID: PMC10815749 DOI: 10.3390/genes15010080] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is critically involved in the regulation of chromatin states and cell-type-specific gene expression. The exclusive expression of imprinted genes from either the maternal or the paternal allele is regulated by allele-specific DNA methylation at imprinting control regions (ICRs). Aberrant DNA hyper- or hypomethylation at the ICR1 of the H19/IGF2 imprinting locus is characteristic for the imprinting disorders Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) and Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS), respectively. In this paper, we performed epigenome editing to induce targeted DNA demethylation at ICR1 in HEK293 cells using dCas9-SunTag and the catalytic domain of TET1. 5-methylcytosine (5mC) levels at the target locus were reduced up to 90% and, 27 days after transient transfection, >60% demethylation was still observed. Consistent with the stable demethylation of CTCF-binding sites within the ICR1, the occupancy of the DNA methylation-sensitive insulator CTCF protein increased by >2-fold throughout the 27 days. Additionally, the H19 expression was increased by 2-fold stably, while IGF2 was repressed though only transiently. Our data illustrate the ability of epigenome editing to implement long-term changes in DNA methylation at imprinting control regions after a single transient treatment, potentially paving the way for therapeutic epigenome editing approaches in the treatment of imprinting disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Albert Jeltsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany; (C.A.)
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Zhang XJ, Han BB, Shao ZY, Yan R, Gao J, Liu T, Jin ZY, Lai W, Xu ZM, Wang CH, Zhang F, Gu C, Wang Y, Wang H, Walsh CP, Guo F, Xu GL, Du YR. Auto-suppression of Tet dioxygenases protects the mouse oocyte genome from oxidative demethylation. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2024; 31:42-53. [PMID: 38177668 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-023-01125-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
DNA cytosine methylation plays a vital role in repressing retrotransposons, and such derepression is linked with developmental failure, tumorigenesis and aging. DNA methylation patterns are formed by precisely regulated actions of DNA methylation writers (DNA methyltransferases) and erasers (TET, ten-eleven translocation dioxygenases). However, the mechanisms underlying target-specific oxidation of 5mC by TET dioxygenases remain largely unexplored. Here we show that a large low-complexity domain (LCD), located in the catalytic part of Tet enzymes, negatively regulates the dioxygenase activity. Recombinant Tet3 lacking LCD is shown to be hyperactive in converting 5mC into oxidized species in vitro. Endogenous expression of the hyperactive Tet3 mutant in mouse oocytes results in genome-wide 5mC oxidation. Notably, the occurrence of aberrant 5mC oxidation correlates with a consequent loss of the repressive histone mark H3K9me3 at ERVK retrotransposons. The erosion of both 5mC and H3K9me3 causes ERVK derepression along with upregulation of their neighboring genes, potentially leading to the impairment of oocyte development. These findings suggest that Tet dioxygenases use an intrinsic auto-regulatory mechanism to tightly regulate their enzymatic activity, thus achieving spatiotemporal specificity of methylome reprogramming, and highlight the importance of methylome integrity for development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Jie Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin-Bin Han
- CAS Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen-Yu Shao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Ting Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zi-Yang Jin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiyi Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi-Mei Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao-Han Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Fengjuan Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Chan Gu
- Changping Laboratory, Beijing, China
| | - Yin Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (RU069) and Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hailin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Colum P Walsh
- Genomic Medicine Research Group, Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute for Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Fan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Guo-Liang Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (RU069) and Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ya-Rui Du
- CAS Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
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38
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Xiao Y, Xi Z, Wang F, Wang J. Genomic asymmetric epigenetic modification of transposable elements is involved in gene expression regulation of allopolyploid Brassica napus. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 117:226-241. [PMID: 37797206 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16491] [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] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Polyploids are common and have a wide geographical distribution and environmental adaptability. Allopolyploidy may lead to the activation of transposable elements (TE). However, the mechanism of epigenetic modification of TEs in the establishment and evolution of allopolyploids remains to be explored. We focused on the TEs of model allopolyploid Brassica napus (An An Cn Cn ), exploring the TE characteristics of the genome, epigenetic modifications of TEs during allopolyploidization, and regulation of gene expression by TE methylation. In B. napus, approximately 50% of the genome was composed of TEs. TEs increased with proximity to genes, especially DNA transposons. TE methylation levels were negatively correlated with gene expression, and changes in TE methylation levels were able to regulate the expression of neighboring genes related to responses to light intensity and stress, which promoted powerful adaptation of allopolyploids to new environments. TEs can be synergistically regulated by RNA-directed DNA methylation pathways and histone modifications. The epigenetic modification levels of TEs tended to be similar to those of the diploid parents during the genome evolution of B. napus. The TEs of the An subgenome were more likely to be modified, and the imbalance in TE number and epigenetic modification level in the An and Cn subgenomes may lead to the establishment of subgenome dominance. Our study analyzed the characteristics of TE location, DNA methylation, siRNA, and histone modification in B. napus and highlighted the importance of TE epigenetic modifications during the allopolyploidy process, providing support for revealing the mechanism of allopolyploid formation and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yafang Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Zengde Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Fei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Jianbo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
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39
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Kramer MC, Swanson R, Slotkin RK. Reading banned regions of genomes. NATURE PLANTS 2024; 10:7-8. [PMID: 38225351 DOI: 10.1038/s41477-023-01600-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ryan Swanson
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, St Louis, MO, USA
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - R Keith Slotkin
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, St Louis, MO, USA.
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
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40
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de Tomás C, Vicient CM. The Genomic Shock Hypothesis: Genetic and Epigenetic Alterations of Transposable Elements after Interspecific Hybridization in Plants. EPIGENOMES 2023; 8:2. [PMID: 38247729 PMCID: PMC10801548 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes8010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) are major components of plant genomes with the ability to change their position in the genome or to create new copies of themselves in other positions in the genome. These can cause gene disruption and large-scale genomic alterations, including inversions, deletions, and duplications. Host organisms have evolved a set of mechanisms to suppress TE activity and counter the threat that they pose to genome integrity. These includes the epigenetic silencing of TEs mediated by a process of RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM). In most cases, the silencing machinery is very efficient for the vast majority of TEs. However, there are specific circumstances in which TEs can evade such silencing mechanisms, for example, a variety of biotic and abiotic stresses or in vitro culture. Hybridization is also proposed as an inductor of TE proliferation. In fact, the discoverer of the transposons, Barbara McClintock, first hypothesized that interspecific hybridization provides a "genomic shock" that inhibits the TE control mechanisms leading to the mobilization of TEs. However, the studies carried out on this topic have yielded diverse results, showing in some cases a total absence of mobilization or being limited to only some TE families. Here, we review the current knowledge about the impact of interspecific hybridization on TEs in plants and the possible implications of changes in the epigenetic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carlos M. Vicient
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics, CRAG (CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB), Campus UAB, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
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41
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Xie NB, Wang M, Chen W, Ji TT, Guo X, Gang FY, Wang YF, Feng YQ, Liang Y, Ci W, Yuan BF. Whole-Genome Sequencing of 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine at Base Resolution by Bisulfite-Free Single-Step Deamination with Engineered Cytosine Deaminase. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2023; 9:2315-2325. [PMID: 38161361 PMCID: PMC10755730 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.3c01131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The epigenetic modification 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) plays a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression. Although some methods have been developed to detect 5hmC, direct genome-wide mapping of 5hmC at base resolution is still highly desirable. Herein, we proposed a single-step deamination sequencing (SSD-seq) method, designed to precisely map 5hmC across the genome at single-base resolution. SSD-seq takes advantage of a screened engineered human apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing catalytic polypeptide-like 3A (A3A) protein, known as eA3A-v10, to selectively deaminate cytosine (C) and 5-methylcytosine (5mC) but not 5hmC. During sequencing, the deaminated C and 5mC are converted to uracil (U) and thymine (T), read as T in the sequencing data. However, 5hmC remains unaffected by eA3A-v10 and is read as C during sequencing. Consequently, the presence of C in the sequence reads indicates the original 5hmC. We applied SSD-seq to generate a base-resolution map of 5hmC in human lung tissue. Our findings revealed that 5hmC was predominantly localized to CpG dinucleotides. Furthermore, the base-resolution map of 5hmC generated by SSD-seq demonstrated a strong correlation with prior ACE-seq results. The advantages of SSD-seq are its single-step process, absence of bisulfite treatment or DNA glycosylation, cost effectiveness, and ability to detect and quantify 5hmC directly at single-base resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neng-Bin Xie
- Department
of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Research
Center of Public Health, Renmin Hospital
of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Min Wang
- College
of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan
University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department
of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital
of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Tong-Tong Ji
- College
of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan
University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Xia Guo
- College
of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan
University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Fang-Yin Gang
- Department
of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Ya-Feng Wang
- Department
of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yu-Qi Feng
- Department
of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yuan Liang
- Key
Laboratory of Genomics and Precision Medicine, and China National
Center for Bioinformation, Beijing Institute
of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University
of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Weimin Ci
- Key
Laboratory of Genomics and Precision Medicine, and China National
Center for Bioinformation, Beijing Institute
of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University
of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Bi-Feng Yuan
- Department
of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Research
Center of Public Health, Renmin Hospital
of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
- College
of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan
University, Wuhan 430072, China
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42
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Wassing IE, Nishiyama A, Hiruta M, Jia Q, Shikimachi R, Kikuchi A, Sugimura K, Hong X, Chiba Y, Peng J, Jenness C, Nakanishi M, Zhao L, Arita K, Funabiki H. CDCA7 is a hemimethylated DNA adaptor for the nucleosome remodeler HELLS. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.19.572350. [PMID: 38187757 PMCID: PMC10769307 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.19.572350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Mutations of the SNF2 family ATPase HELLS and its activator CDCA7 cause immunodeficiency-centromeric instability-facial anomalies (ICF) syndrome, characterized by hypomethylation at heterochromatin. The unique zinc-finger domain, zf-4CXXC_R1, of CDCA7 is widely conserved across eukaryotes but is absent from species that lack HELLS and DNA methyltransferases, implying its specialized relation with methylated DNA. Here we demonstrate that zf-4CXXC_R1 acts as a hemimethylated DNA sensor. The zf-4CXXC_R1 domain of CDCA7 selectively binds to DNA with a hemimethylated CpG, but not unmethylated or fully methylated CpG, and ICF disease mutations eliminated this binding. CDCA7 and HELLS interact via their N-terminal alpha helices, through which HELLS is recruited to hemimethylated DNA. While placement of a hemimethylated CpG within the nucleosome core particle can hinder its recognition by CDCA7, cryo-EM structure analysis of the CDCA7-nucleosome complex suggests that zf-4CXXC_R1 recognizes a hemimethylated CpG in the major groove at linker DNA. Our study provides insights into how the CDCA7-HELLS nucleosome remodeling complex uniquely assists maintenance DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel E. Wassing
- Laboratory of Chromosome and Cell Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Atsuya Nishiyama
- Division of Cancer Cell Biology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639 Japan
| | - Moeri Hiruta
- Structural Biology Laboratory, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Qingyuan Jia
- Laboratory of Chromosome and Cell Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Reia Shikimachi
- Structural Biology Laboratory, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Amika Kikuchi
- Structural Biology Laboratory, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Keita Sugimura
- Division of Cancer Cell Biology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639 Japan
| | - Xin Hong
- Division of Cancer Cell Biology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639 Japan
| | - Yoshie Chiba
- Division of Cancer Cell Biology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639 Japan
| | - Junhui Peng
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Genetics and Genomics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Christopher Jenness
- Laboratory of Chromosome and Cell Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Makoto Nakanishi
- Division of Cancer Cell Biology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639 Japan
| | - Li Zhao
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Genetics and Genomics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Kyohei Arita
- Structural Biology Laboratory, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Hironori Funabiki
- Laboratory of Chromosome and Cell Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
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43
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Luo P, Li S, Jing W, Tu J, Long X. N 6-methyladenosine RNA modification in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2023; 34:838-848. [PMID: 37758602 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2023.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide, influencing numerous regulatory axes and extrahepatic vital organs. The molecular mechanisms that lead to the progression of NAFLD remain unclear and knowledge on the pathways causing hepatocellular damage followed by lipid accumulation is limited. Recently, a number of studies have shown that mRNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification contributes to the progression of NAFLD. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on m6A modification in the metabolic processes associated with NAFLD and discuss the challenges of and prospects for therapeutic avenues based on m6A regulation for the treatment of liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Luo
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shiqi Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Jing
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine of Henan, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jiancheng Tu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinghua Long
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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44
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Irving OJ, Matthews L, Coulthard S, Neely RK, Grant MM, Albrecht T. Sterically Enhanced Control of Enzyme-Assisted DNA Assembly. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202300361. [PMID: 37681318 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300361] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Traditional methods for the assembly of functionalised DNA structures, involving enzyme restriction and modification, present difficulties when working with small DNA fragments (<100 bp), in part due to a lack of control over enzymatic action during the DNA modification process. This limits the design flexibility and range of accessible DNA structures. Here, we show that these limitations can be overcome by introducing chemical modifications into the DNA that spatially restrict enzymatic activity. This approach, sterically controlled nuclease enhanced (SCoNE) DNA assembly, thereby circumvents the size limitations of conventional Gibson assembly (GA) and allows the preparation of well-defined, functionalised DNA structures with multiple probes for specific analytes, such as IL-6, procalcitonin (PCT), and a biotin reporter group. Notably, when using the same starting materials, conventional GA under typical conditions fails. We demonstrate successful analyte capture based on standard and modified sandwich ELISA and also show how the inclusion of biotin probes provides additional functionality for product isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver J Irving
- School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Lauren Matthews
- School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Steven Coulthard
- School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Robert K Neely
- School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Melissa M Grant
- School of Dentistry, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham and Birmingham Dental Hospital, Birmingham Community Healthcare Trust), 5 Mill Pool Way, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B5 7EG, UK
| | - Tim Albrecht
- School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
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45
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Tooley KB, Chucair-Elliott AJ, Ocañas SR, Machalinski AH, Pham KD, Hoolehan W, Kulpa AM, Stanford DR, Freeman WM. Differential usage of DNA modifications in neurons, astrocytes, and microglia. Epigenetics Chromatin 2023; 16:45. [PMID: 37953264 PMCID: PMC10642035 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-023-00522-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cellular identity is determined partly by cell type-specific epigenomic profiles that regulate gene expression. In neuroscience, there is a pressing need to isolate and characterize the epigenomes of specific CNS cell types in health and disease. In this study, we developed an in vivo tagging mouse model (Camk2a-NuTRAP) for paired isolation of neuronal DNA and RNA without cell sorting and then used this model to assess epigenomic regulation, DNA modifications in particular, of gene expression between neurons and glia. RESULTS After validating the cell-specificity of the Camk2a-NuTRAP model, we performed TRAP-RNA-Seq and INTACT-whole genome oxidative bisulfite sequencing (WGoxBS) to assess the neuronal translatome and epigenome in the hippocampus of young mice (4 months old). WGoxBS findings were validated with enzymatic methyl-Seq (EM-Seq) and nanopore sequencing. Comparing neuronal data to microglial and astrocytic data from NuTRAP models, microglia had the highest global mCG levels followed by astrocytes and then neurons, with the opposite pattern observed for hmCG and mCH. Differentially modified regions between cell types were predominantly found within gene bodies and distal intergenic regions, rather than proximal promoters. Across cell types there was a negative correlation between DNA modifications (mCG, mCH, hmCG) and gene expression at proximal promoters. In contrast, a negative correlation of gene body mCG and a positive relationship between distal promoter and gene body hmCG with gene expression was observed. Furthermore, we identified a neuron-specific inverse relationship between mCH and gene expression across promoter and gene body regions. CONCLUSIONS Neurons, astrocytes, and microglia demonstrate different genome-wide levels of mCG, hmCG, and mCH that are reproducible across analytical methods. However, modification-gene expression relationships are conserved across cell types. Enrichment of differential modifications across cell types in gene bodies and distal regulatory elements, but not proximal promoters, highlights epigenomic patterning in these regions as potentially greater determinants of cell identity. These findings also demonstrate the importance of differentiating between mC and hmC in neuroepigenomic analyses, as up to 30% of what is conventionally interpreted as mCG can be hmCG, which often has a different relationship to gene expression than mCG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyla B Tooley
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Genes & Human Disease Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 825 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Ana J Chucair-Elliott
- Genes & Human Disease Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 825 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Sarah R Ocañas
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Genes & Human Disease Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 825 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Adeline H Machalinski
- Genes & Human Disease Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 825 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Kevin D Pham
- Genes & Human Disease Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 825 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Walker Hoolehan
- Genes & Human Disease Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 825 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Adam M Kulpa
- Genes & Human Disease Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 825 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - David R Stanford
- Center for Biomedical Data Sciences, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Willard M Freeman
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
- Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
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46
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Garza R, Atacho DA, Adami A, Gerdes P, Vinod M, Hsieh P, Karlsson O, Horvath V, Johansson PA, Pandiloski N, Matas-Fuentes J, Quaegebeur A, Kouli A, Sharma Y, Jönsson ME, Monni E, Englund E, Eichler EE, Gale Hammell M, Barker RA, Kokaia Z, Douse CH, Jakobsson J. LINE-1 retrotransposons drive human neuronal transcriptome complexity and functional diversification. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadh9543. [PMID: 37910626 PMCID: PMC10619931 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh9543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
The genetic mechanisms underlying the expansion in size and complexity of the human brain remain poorly understood. Long interspersed nuclear element-1 (L1) retrotransposons are a source of divergent genetic information in hominoid genomes, but their importance in physiological functions and their contribution to human brain evolution are largely unknown. Using multiomics profiling, we here demonstrate that L1 promoters are dynamically active in the developing and the adult human brain. L1s generate hundreds of developmentally regulated and cell type-specific transcripts, many that are co-opted as chimeric transcripts or regulatory RNAs. One L1-derived long noncoding RNA, LINC01876, is a human-specific transcript expressed exclusively during brain development. CRISPR interference silencing of LINC01876 results in reduced size of cerebral organoids and premature differentiation of neural progenitors, implicating L1s in human-specific developmental processes. In summary, our results demonstrate that L1-derived transcripts provide a previously undescribed layer of primate- and human-specific transcriptome complexity that contributes to the functional diversification of the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Garza
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC A11, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
| | - Diahann A. M. Atacho
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC A11, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
| | - Anita Adami
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC A11, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
| | - Patricia Gerdes
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC A11, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Meghna Vinod
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC A11, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - PingHsun Hsieh
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Ofelia Karlsson
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC A11, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Vivien Horvath
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC A11, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Pia A. Johansson
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC A11, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Ninoslav Pandiloski
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC A11, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
- Epigenetics and Chromatin Dynamics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC B11, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Jon Matas-Fuentes
- Epigenetics and Chromatin Dynamics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC B11, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Annelies Quaegebeur
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge and Department of Pathology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Antonina Kouli
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Cambridge CB2 0PY, UK
| | - Yogita Sharma
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC A11, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Marie E. Jönsson
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC A11, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Emanuela Monni
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Restorative Neurology, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, SE-22184 Lund, Sweden
| | - Elisabet Englund
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Division of Pathology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Evan E. Eichler
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Molly Gale Hammell
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
- Institute for Systems Genetics, Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Neuroscience Institute, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Roger A. Barker
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Cambridge CB2 0PY, UK
| | - Zaal Kokaia
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Restorative Neurology, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, SE-22184 Lund, Sweden
| | - Christopher H. Douse
- Epigenetics and Chromatin Dynamics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC B11, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Johan Jakobsson
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC A11, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
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Fröhlich A, Hughes LS, Middlehurst B, Pfaff AL, Bubb VJ, Koks S, Quinn JP. CRISPR deletion of a SINE-VNTR- Alu (SVA_67) retrotransposon demonstrates its ability to differentially modulate gene expression at the MAPT locus. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1273036. [PMID: 37840928 PMCID: PMC10570551 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1273036] [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: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background SINE-VNTR-Alu (SVA) retrotransposons are hominid-specific elements which have been shown to play important roles in processes such as chromatin structure remodelling and regulation of gene expression demonstrating that these repetitive elements exert regulatory functions. We have previously shown that the presence or absence of a specific SVA element, termed SVA_67, was associated with differential expression of several genes at the MAPT locus, a locus associated with Parkinson's Disease (PD) and frontotemporal dementia. However, we were not able to demonstrate that causation of differential gene expression was directed by the SVA due to lack of functional validation. Methods We performed CRISPR to delete SVA_67 in the HEK293 cell line. Quantification of target gene expression was performed using qPCR to assess the effects on expression in response to the deletion of SVA_67. Differences between CRISPR edit and control cell lines were analysed using two-tailed t-test with a minimum 95% confidence interval to determine statistical significance. Results In this study, we provide data highlighting the SVA-specific effect on differential gene expression. We demonstrate that the hemizygous deletion of the endogenous SVA_67 in CRISPR edited cell lines was associated with differential expression of several genes at the MAPT locus associated with neurodegenerative diseases including KANSL1, MAPT and LRRC37A. Discussion This data is consistent with our previous bioinformatic work of differential gene expression analysis using transcriptomic data from the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) cohort. As SVAs have regulatory influences on gene expression, and insertion polymorphisms contribute to interpersonal differences in expression patterns, these results highlight the potential contribution of these elements to complex diseases with potentially many genetic components, such as PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Fröhlich
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Lauren S. Hughes
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Ben Middlehurst
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Abigail L. Pfaff
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Vivien J. Bubb
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Sulev Koks
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - John P. Quinn
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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48
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Yang DL, Huang K, Deng D, Zeng Y, Wang Z, Zhang Y. DNA-dependent RNA polymerases in plants. THE PLANT CELL 2023; 35:3641-3661. [PMID: 37453082 PMCID: PMC10533338 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koad195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
DNA-dependent RNA polymerases (Pols) transfer the genetic information stored in genomic DNA to RNA in all organisms. In eukaryotes, the typical products of nuclear Pol I, Pol II, and Pol III are ribosomal RNAs, mRNAs, and transfer RNAs, respectively. Intriguingly, plants possess two additional Pols, Pol IV and Pol V, which produce small RNAs and long noncoding RNAs, respectively, mainly for silencing transposable elements. The five plant Pols share some subunits, but their distinct functions stem from unique subunits that interact with specific regulatory factors in their transcription cycles. Here, we summarize recent advances in our understanding of plant nucleus-localized Pols, including their evolution, function, structures, and transcription cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Lei Yang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Kun Huang
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Deyin Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, School of Forestry and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Lin’an, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Yuan Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhenxing Wang
- College of Horticulture, National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
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49
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Duhamel M, Hood ME, Rodríguez de la Vega RC, Giraud T. Dynamics of transposable element accumulation in the non-recombining regions of mating-type chromosomes in anther-smut fungi. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5692. [PMID: 37709766 PMCID: PMC10502011 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41413-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
In the absence of recombination, the number of transposable elements (TEs) increases due to less efficient selection, but the dynamics of such TE accumulations are not well characterized. Leveraging a dataset of 21 independent events of recombination cessation of different ages in mating-type chromosomes of Microbotryum fungi, we show that TEs rapidly accumulated in regions lacking recombination, but that TE content reached a plateau at ca. 50% of occupied base pairs by 1.5 million years following recombination suppression. The same TE superfamilies have expanded in independently evolved non-recombining regions, in particular rolling-circle replication elements (Helitrons). Long-terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons of the Copia and Ty3 superfamilies also expanded, through transposition bursts (distinguished from gene conversion based on LTR divergence), with both non-recombining regions and autosomes affected, suggesting that non-recombining regions constitute TE reservoirs. This study improves our knowledge of genome evolution by showing that TEs can accumulate through bursts, following non-linear decelerating dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Duhamel
- Ecologie Systématique Evolution, IDEEV, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, AgroParisTech, Bâtiment 680, 12 route RD128, 91190, Gif-sur-Yvette, France.
- Evolution der Pflanzen und Pilze, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44780, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Michael E Hood
- Department of Biology, Amherst College, 01002-5000, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Ricardo C Rodríguez de la Vega
- Ecologie Systématique Evolution, IDEEV, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, AgroParisTech, Bâtiment 680, 12 route RD128, 91190, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Tatiana Giraud
- Ecologie Systématique Evolution, IDEEV, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, AgroParisTech, Bâtiment 680, 12 route RD128, 91190, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
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50
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Gerdes P, Chan D, Lundberg M, Sanchez-Luque FJ, Bodea GO, Ewing AD, Faulkner GJ, Richardson SR. Locus-resolution analysis of L1 regulation and retrotransposition potential in mouse embryonic development. Genome Res 2023; 33:1465-1481. [PMID: 37798118 PMCID: PMC10620060 DOI: 10.1101/gr.278003.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Mice harbor ∼2800 intact copies of the retrotransposon Long Interspersed Element 1 (L1). The in vivo retrotransposition capacity of an L1 copy is defined by both its sequence integrity and epigenetic status, including DNA methylation of the monomeric units constituting young mouse L1 promoters. Locus-specific L1 methylation dynamics during development may therefore elucidate and explain spatiotemporal niches of endogenous retrotransposition but remain unresolved. Here, we interrogate the retrotransposition efficiency and epigenetic fate of source (donor) L1s, identified as mobile in vivo. We show that promoter monomer loss consistently attenuates the relative retrotransposition potential of their offspring (daughter) L1 insertions. We also observe that most donor/daughter L1 pairs are efficiently methylated upon differentiation in vivo and in vitro. We use Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) long-read sequencing to resolve L1 methylation genome-wide and at individual L1 loci, revealing a distinctive "smile" pattern in methylation levels across the L1 promoter region. Using Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) SMRT sequencing of L1 5' RACE products, we then examine DNA methylation dynamics at the mouse L1 promoter in parallel with transcription start site (TSS) distribution at locus-specific resolution. Together, our results offer a novel perspective on the interplay between epigenetic repression, L1 evolution, and genome stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Gerdes
- Mater Research Institute - University of Queensland, TRI Building, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Dorothy Chan
- Mater Research Institute - University of Queensland, TRI Building, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Mischa Lundberg
- Mater Research Institute - University of Queensland, TRI Building, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
- Translational Bioinformatics, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Sydney, New South Wales 2113, Australia
| | - Francisco J Sanchez-Luque
- Mater Research Institute - University of Queensland, TRI Building, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
- GENYO. Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research (Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government), PTS Granada, 18016, Spain
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer (IGC), University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, United Kingdom
| | - Gabriela O Bodea
- Mater Research Institute - University of Queensland, TRI Building, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Adam D Ewing
- Mater Research Institute - University of Queensland, TRI Building, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Geoffrey J Faulkner
- Mater Research Institute - University of Queensland, TRI Building, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia;
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Sandra R Richardson
- Mater Research Institute - University of Queensland, TRI Building, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia;
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