1
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Blumenstiel JP. From the cauldron of conflict: Endogenous gene regulation by piRNA and other modes of adaptation enabled by selfish transposable elements. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2025; 164:1-12. [PMID: 38823219 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2024.05.001] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) provide a prime example of genetic conflict because they can proliferate in genomes and populations even if they harm the host. However, numerous studies have shown that TEs, though typically harmful, can also provide fuel for adaptation. This is because they code functional sequences that can be useful for the host in which they reside. In this review, I summarize the "how" and "why" of adaptation enabled by the genetic conflict between TEs and hosts. In addition, focusing on mechanisms of TE control by small piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), I highlight an indirect form of adaptation enabled by conflict. In this case, mechanisms of host defense that regulate TEs have been redeployed for endogenous gene regulation. I propose that the genetic conflict released by meiosis in early eukaryotes may have been important because, among other reasons, it spurred evolutionary innovation on multiple interwoven trajectories - on the part of hosts and also embedded genetic parasites. This form of evolution may function as a complexity generating engine that was a critical player in eukaryotic evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin P Blumenstiel
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Kansas, 1200 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, United States.
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2
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Ballesio F, Pepe G, Ausiello G, Novelletto A, Helmer-Citterich M, Gherardini PF. Human lncRNAs harbor conserved modules embedded in different sequence contexts. Noncoding RNA Res 2024; 9:1257-1270. [PMID: 39040814 PMCID: PMC11261117 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2024.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
We analyzed the structure of human long non-coding RNA (lncRNAs) genes to investigate whether the non-coding transcriptome is organized in modular domains, as is the case for protein-coding genes. To this aim, we compared all known human lncRNA exons and identified 340 pairs of exons with high sequence and/or secondary structure similarity but embedded in a dissimilar sequence context. We grouped these pairs in 106 clusters based on their reciprocal similarities. These shared modules are highly conserved between humans and the four great ape species, display evidence of purifying selection and likely arose as a result of recent segmental duplications. Our analysis contributes to the understanding of the mechanisms driving the evolution of the non-coding genome and suggests additional strategies towards deciphering the functional complexity of this class of molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Ballesio
- PhD Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Gerardo Pepe
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Ausiello
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Novelletto
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
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3
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Kravchenko P, Tachibana K. Rise and SINE: roles of transcription factors and retrotransposons in zygotic genome activation. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2024:10.1038/s41580-024-00772-6. [PMID: 39358607 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-024-00772-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024]
Abstract
In sexually reproducing organisms, life begins with the fusion of transcriptionally silent gametes, the oocyte and sperm. Although initiation of transcription in the embryo, known as zygotic genome activation (ZGA), is universally required for development, the transcription factors regulating this process are poorly conserved. In this Perspective, we discuss recent insights into the mechanisms of ZGA in totipotent mammalian embryos, namely ZGA regulation by several transcription factors, including by orphan nuclear receptors (OrphNRs) such as the pioneer transcription factor NR5A2, and by factors of the DUX, TPRX and OBOX families. We performed a meta-analysis and compiled a list of pan-ZGA genes, and found that most of these genes are indeed targets of the above transcription factors. Remarkably, more than a third of these ZGA genes appear to be regulated both by OrphNRs such as NR5A2 and by OBOX proteins, whose motifs co-occur in SINE B1 retrotransposable elements, which are enriched near ZGA genes. We propose that ZGA in mice is activated by recruitment of multiple transcription factors to SINE B1 elements that function as enhancers, and discuss a potential relevance of this mechanism to Alu retrotransposable elements in human ZGA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Kravchenko
- Department of Totipotency, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Munich, Germany
| | - Kikuë Tachibana
- Department of Totipotency, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Munich, Germany.
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4
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Lei X, Mao S, Li Y, Huang S, Li J, Du W, Kuang C, Yuan K. ERVcancer: a web resource designed for querying activation of human endogenous retroviruses across major cancer types. J Genet Genomics 2024:S1673-8527(24)00241-8. [PMID: 39265822 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2024.09.004] [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: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 09/04/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/14/2024]
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) comprise approximately 8% of the human genome, co-opted into the dynamic regulatory network of cellular potency in early embryonic development. In recent studies, resurgent HERVs' transcriptional activity has been frequently observed in many types of human cancers, suggesting their potential functions in the occurrence and progression of malignancy. However, a dedicated web resource for querying the relationship between activation of HERVs and cancer development is lacking. Here, we have constructed a database to explore the sequence information, expression profiles, survival prognosis, and genetic interactions of HERVs in diverse cancer types. Our database currently contains RNA sequencing data of 580 HERVs across 16246 samples, including that of 6478 tumoral and 634 normal tissues, 932 cancer cell lines, as well as 151 early embryonic and 8051 human adult tissues. The primary goal is to provide an easily accessible and user-friendly database for professionals in the fields of bioinformatics, pathology, pharmacology, and related areas, enabling them to efficiently screen the activity of HERVs of interest in normal and cancerous tissues and evaluate the clinical relevance. The ERVcancer database is available at http://kyuanlab.com/ervcancer/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyun Lei
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Precision Medicine, Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics and Genomics, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530007, China
| | - Song Mao
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Precision Medicine, Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Yinshuang Li
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Precision Medicine, Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Shi Huang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
| | - Jinchen Li
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
| | - Wei Du
- Department of Pathology, Changde Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changde, Hunan 415000, China
| | - Chunmei Kuang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Precision Medicine, Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Kai Yuan
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Precision Medicine, Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Furong Laboratory, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China; The Biobank of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China.
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5
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Cantarella S, Vezzoli M, Carnevali D, Morselli M, Zemke NR, Montanini B, Daussy CF, Wodrich H, Teichmann M, Pellegrini M, Berk AJ, Dieci G, Ferrari R. Adenovirus small E1A directs activation of Alu transcription at YAP/TEAD- and AP-1-bound enhancers through interactions with the EP400 chromatin remodeler. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:9481-9500. [PMID: 39011896 PMCID: PMC11381368 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae615] [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: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Alu retrotransposons, which form the largest family of mobile DNA elements in the human genome, have recently come to attention as a potential source of regulatory novelties, most notably by participating in enhancer function. Even though Alu transcription by RNA polymerase III is subjected to tight epigenetic silencing, their expression has long been known to increase in response to various types of stress, including viral infection. Here we show that, in primary human fibroblasts, adenovirus small e1a triggered derepression of hundreds of individual Alus by promoting TFIIIB recruitment by Alu-bound TFIIIC. Epigenome profiling revealed an e1a-induced decrease of H3K27 acetylation and increase of H3K4 monomethylation at derepressed Alus, making them resemble poised enhancers. The enhancer nature of e1a-targeted Alus was confirmed by the enrichment, in their upstream regions, of the EP300/CBP acetyltransferase, EP400 chromatin remodeler and YAP1 and FOS transcription factors. The physical interaction of e1a with EP400 was critical for Alu derepression, which was abrogated upon EP400 ablation. Our data suggest that e1a targets a subset of enhancer Alus whose transcriptional activation, which requires EP400 and is mediated by the e1a-EP400 interaction, may participate in the manipulation of enhancer activity by adenoviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Cantarella
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Marco Vezzoli
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Davide Carnevali
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Marco Morselli
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Nathan R Zemke
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Barbara Montanini
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Coralie F Daussy
- Bordeaux University, CNRS UMR 5234, Fundamental Microbiology and Pathogenicity, Bordeaux, France
| | - Harald Wodrich
- Bordeaux University, CNRS UMR 5234, Fundamental Microbiology and Pathogenicity, Bordeaux, France
| | - Martin Teichmann
- Bordeaux University, Inserm U 1312, Bordeaux Institute of Oncology, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Matteo Pellegrini
- Department of Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Arnold J Berk
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Giorgio Dieci
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Roberto Ferrari
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
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6
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Katsanou A, Kostoulas C, Liberopoulos E, Tsatsoulis A, Georgiou I, Tigas S. Retrotransposons and Diabetes Mellitus. EPIGENOMES 2024; 8:35. [PMID: 39311137 PMCID: PMC11417941 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes8030035] [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: 06/23/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Retrotransposons are invasive genetic elements, which replicate by copying and pasting themselves throughout the genome in a process called retrotransposition. The most abundant retrotransposons by number in the human genome are Alu and LINE-1 elements, which comprise approximately 40% of the human genome. The ability of retrotransposons to expand and colonize eukaryotic genomes has rendered them evolutionarily successful and is responsible for creating genetic alterations leading to significant impacts on their hosts. Previous research suggested that hypomethylation of Alu and LINE-1 elements is associated with global hypomethylation and genomic instability in several types of cancer and diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases, obesity, osteoporosis, and diabetes mellitus (DM). With the advancement of sequencing technologies and computational tools, the study of the retrotransposon's association with physiology and diseases is becoming a hot topic among researchers. Quantifying Alu and LINE-1 methylation is thought to serve as a surrogate measurement of global DNA methylation level. Although Alu and LINE-1 hypomethylation appears to serve as a cellular senescence biomarker promoting genomic instability, there is sparse information available regarding their potential functional and biological significance in DM. This review article summarizes the current knowledge on the involvement of the main epigenetic alterations in the methylation status of Alu and LINE-1 retrotransposons and their potential role as epigenetic markers of global DNA methylation in the pathogenesis of DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andromachi Katsanou
- Department of Endocrinology, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.K.); (A.T.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hatzikosta General Hospital, 45445 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Charilaos Kostoulas
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (C.K.); (I.G.)
| | - Evangelos Liberopoulos
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Agathocles Tsatsoulis
- Department of Endocrinology, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.K.); (A.T.)
| | - Ioannis Georgiou
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (C.K.); (I.G.)
| | - Stelios Tigas
- Department of Endocrinology, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.K.); (A.T.)
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7
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Zhang R, Wu M, Xiang D, Zhu J, Zhang Q, Zhong H, Peng Y, Wang Z, Ma G, Li G, Liu F, Ye W, Shi R, Zhou X, Babarinde IA, Su H, Chen J, Zhang X, Qin D, Hutchins AP, Pei D, Li D. A primate-specific endogenous retroviral envelope protein sequesters SFRP2 to regulate human cardiomyocyte development. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:1298-1314.e8. [PMID: 39146934 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2024.07.006] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) occupy a significant part of the human genome, with some encoding proteins that influence the immune system or regulate cell-cell fusion in early extra-embryonic development. However, whether ERV-derived proteins regulate somatic development is unknown. Here, we report a somatic developmental function for the primate-specific ERVH48-1 (SUPYN/Suppressyn). ERVH48-1 encodes a fragment of a viral envelope that is expressed during early embryonic development. Loss of ERVH48-1 led to impaired mesoderm and cardiomyocyte commitment and diverted cells to an ectoderm-like fate. Mechanistically, ERVH48-1 is localized to sub-cellular membrane compartments through a functional N-terminal signal peptide and binds to the WNT antagonist SFRP2 to promote its polyubiquitination and degradation, thus limiting SFRP2 secretion and blocking repression of WNT/β-catenin signaling. Knockdown of SFRP2 or expression of a chimeric SFRP2 with the ERVH48-1 signal peptide rescued cardiomyocyte differentiation. This study demonstrates how ERVH48-1 modulates WNT/β-catenin signaling and cell type commitment in somatic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510799, China; State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Menghua Wu
- Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510799, China
| | - Dan Xiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-HKU Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510530, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jieying Zhu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-HKU Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510530, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510799, China
| | - Hui Zhong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-HKU Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510530, China
| | - Yuling Peng
- Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510799, China
| | - Zhenhua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510799, China
| | - Gang Ma
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Guihuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510799, China
| | - Fengping Liu
- Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510799, China; Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau 999078, China
| | - Weipeng Ye
- Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510799, China
| | - Ruona Shi
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xuemeng Zhou
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Isaac A Babarinde
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Huanxing Su
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Jiekai Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-HKU Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510530, China
| | - Xiaofei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510799, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-HKU Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510530, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Dajiang Qin
- Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510799, China; Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Andrew P Hutchins
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Duanqing Pei
- Laboratory of Cell Fate Control, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China.
| | - Dongwei Li
- Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510799, China.
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8
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Huang G, Bao Z, Feng L, Zhai J, Wendel JF, Cao X, Zhu Y. A telomere-to-telomere cotton genome assembly reveals centromere evolution and a Mutator transposon-linked module regulating embryo development. Nat Genet 2024; 56:1953-1963. [PMID: 39147922 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-024-01877-6] [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: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Assembly of complete genomes can reveal functional genetic elements missing from draft sequences. Here we present the near-complete telomere-to-telomere and contiguous genome of the cotton species Gossypium raimondii. Our assembly identified gaps and misoriented or misassembled regions in previous assemblies and produced 13 centromeres, with 25 chromosomal ends having telomeres. In contrast to satellite-rich Arabidopsis and rice centromeres, cotton centromeres lack phased CENH3 nucleosome positioning patterns and probably evolved by invasion from long terminal repeat retrotransposons. In-depth expression profiling of transposable elements revealed a previously unannotated DNA transposon (MuTC01) that interacts with miR2947 to produce trans-acting small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), one of which targets the newly evolved LEC2 (LEC2b) to produce phased siRNAs. Systematic genome editing experiments revealed that this tripartite module, miR2947-MuTC01-LEC2b, controls the morphogenesis of complex folded embryos characteristic of Gossypium and its close relatives in the cotton tribe. Our study reveals a trans-acting siRNA-based tripartite regulatory pathway for embryo development in higher plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gai Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.
- Institute for Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
- Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Zhigui Bao
- Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Li Feng
- Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jixian Zhai
- Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jonathan F Wendel
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Xiaofeng Cao
- Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuxian Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.
- Institute for Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China.
- Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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9
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Hu Z, Guo X, Li Z, Meng Z, Huang S. The neoantigens derived from transposable elements - A hidden treasure for cancer immunotherapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189126. [PMID: 38849060 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189126] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Neoantigen-based therapy is a promising approach that selectively activates the immune system of the host to recognize and eradicate cancer cells. Preliminary clinical trials have validated the feasibility, safety, and immunogenicity of personalized neoantigen-directed vaccines, enhancing their effectiveness and broad applicability in immunotherapy. While many ongoing oncological trials concentrate on neoantigens derived from mutations, these targets do not consistently provoke an immune response in all patients harboring the mutations. Additionally, tumors like ovarian cancer, which have a low tumor mutational burden (TMB), may be less amenable to mutation-based neoantigen therapies. Recent advancements in next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics have uncovered a rich source of neoantigens from non-canonical RNAs associated with transposable elements (TEs). Considering the substantial presence of TEs in the human genome and the proven immunogenicity of TE-derived neoantigens in various tumor types, this review investigates the latest findings on TE-derived neoantigens, examining their clinical implications, challenges, and unique advantages in enhancing tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixiang Hu
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyi Guo
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ziteng Li
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiqiang Meng
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Shenglin Huang
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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10
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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] [MESH Headings] [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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11
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Lee DH, Park EG, Kim JM, Shin HJ, Lee YJ, Jeong HS, Roh HY, Kim WR, Ha H, Kim SW, Choi YH, Kim HS. Genomic analyses of intricate interaction of TE-lncRNA overlapping genes with miRNAs in human diseases. Genes Genomics 2024:10.1007/s13258-024-01547-1. [PMID: 39215947 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-024-01547-1] [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: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transposable elements (TEs) are known to be inserted into genome to create transcript isoforms or to generate long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) sequences. The insertion of TEs generates a gene protein sequence within the genome, but also provides a microRNA (miRNA) regulatory region. OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of gene sequence changes caused by TE insertion on miRNA binding and to investigate the formation of an overlapping lncRNA that represses it. METHODS The distribution of overlapping regions between exons and TE regions with lncRNA was examined using the Bedtools. miRNAs that can bind to those overlapping regions were identified through the miRDB web program. For TE-lncRNA overlapping genes, bioinformatic analysis was conducted using DAVID web database. Differential expression analysis was conducted using data from the GEO dataset and TCGA. RESULTS Most TEs were distributed more frequently in untranslated regions than open reading frames. There were 30 annotated TE-lncRNA overlapping genes with same strand that could bind to the same miRNA. As a result of identifying the association between these 30 genes and diseases, TGFB2, FCGR2A, DCTN5, and IFI6 were associated with breast cancer, and HMGCS1, FRMD4A, EDNRB, and SNCA were associated with Alzheimer's disease. Analysis of the GEO and TCGA data showed that the relevant expression of miR-891a and miR-28, which bind to the TE overlapping region of DCTN5 and HMGCS1, decreased. CONCLUSION This study indicates that the interaction between TE-lncRNA overlapping genes and miRNAs can affect disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Du Hyeong Lee
- Department of Integrated Biological Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Systems Biology, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Gyung Park
- Department of Integrated Biological Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Systems Biology, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Min Kim
- Department of Integrated Biological Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Systems Biology, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae Jin Shin
- Department of Integrated Biological Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Systems Biology, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Ju Lee
- Department of Integrated Biological Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Systems Biology, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeon-Su Jeong
- Department of Integrated Biological Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Systems Biology, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Young Roh
- Institute of Systems Biology, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo Ryung Kim
- Department of Integrated Biological Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Systems Biology, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Hongseok Ha
- Institute of Endemic Disease, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Woo Kim
- Department of Integrated Biological Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Yung Hyun Choi
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Oriental Medicine, Dong-Eui University, Busan, 47227, Republic of Korea
| | - Heui-Soo Kim
- Institute of Systems Biology, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea.
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12
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Du AY, Chobirko JD, Zhuo X, Feschotte C, Wang T. Regulatory transposable elements in the encyclopedia of DNA elements. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7594. [PMID: 39217141 PMCID: PMC11366022 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51921-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) comprise ~50% of our genome, but knowledge of how TEs affect genome evolution remains incomplete. Leveraging ENCODE4 data, we provide the most comprehensive study to date of TE contributions to the regulatory genome. We find 236,181 (~25%) human candidate cis-regulatory elements (cCREs) are TE-derived, with over 90% lineage-specific since the human-mouse split, accounting for 8-36% of lineage-specific cCREs. Except for SINEs, cCRE-associated transcription factor (TF) motifs in TEs are derived from ancestral TE sequence more than expected by chance. We show that TEs may adopt similar regulatory activities of elements near their integration site. Since human-mouse divergence, TEs have contributed 3-56% of TF binding site turnover events across 30 examined TFs. Finally, TE-derived cCREs are similar to non-TE cCREs in terms of MPRA activity and GWAS variant enrichment. Overall, our results substantiate the notion that TEs have played an important role in shaping the human regulatory genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Y Du
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- The Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jason D Chobirko
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Xiaoyu Zhuo
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- The Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Cédric Feschotte
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
- The Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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13
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Trovato M, Bunina D, Yildiz U, Fernandez-Novel Marx N, Uckelmann M, Levina V, Perez Y, Janeva A, Garcia BA, Davidovich C, Zaugg JB, Noh KM. Histone H3.3 lysine 9 and 27 control repressive chromatin at cryptic enhancers and bivalent promoters. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7557. [PMID: 39214979 PMCID: PMC11364623 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51785-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Histone modifications are associated with distinct transcriptional states, but it is unclear whether they instruct gene expression. To investigate this, we mutate histone H3.3 K9 and K27 residues in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). Here, we find that H3.3K9 is essential for controlling specific distal intergenic regions and for proper H3K27me3 deposition at promoters. The H3.3K9A mutation resulted in decreased H3K9me3 at regions encompassing endogenous retroviruses and induced a gain of H3K27ac and nascent transcription. These changes in the chromatin environment unleash cryptic enhancers, resulting in the activation of distinctive transcriptional programs and culminating in protein expression normally restricted to specialized immune cell types. The H3.3K27A mutant disrupts the deposition and spreading of the repressive H3K27me3 mark, particularly impacting bivalent genes with higher basal levels of H3.3 at promoters. Therefore, H3.3K9 and K27 crucially orchestrate repressive chromatin states at cis-regulatory elements and bivalent promoters, respectively, and instruct proper transcription in mESCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Trovato
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Genome Biology Unit, Heidelberg, Germany
- Collaboration for joint PhD degree between EMBL and Heidelberg University, Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Daria Bunina
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Genome Biology Unit, Heidelberg, Germany
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Structural and Computational Biology Unit, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Umut Yildiz
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Genome Biology Unit, Heidelberg, Germany
- Collaboration for joint PhD degree between EMBL and Heidelberg University, Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Michael Uckelmann
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, and EMBL-Australia, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Vita Levina
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, and EMBL-Australia, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Yekaterina Perez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Ana Janeva
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Genome Biology Unit, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Benjamin A Garcia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Chen Davidovich
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, and EMBL-Australia, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Judith B Zaugg
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Structural and Computational Biology Unit, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kyung-Min Noh
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Genome Biology Unit, Heidelberg, Germany.
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14
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Song C, Wang L, Zhang F, Lv C, Meng M, Wang W, Zhou W. DUSP6 protein action and related hub genes prevention of sepsis-induced lung injury were screened by WGCNA and Venn. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 279:135117. [PMID: 39197622 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.135117] [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: 07/09/2024] [Revised: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024]
Abstract
During a sepsis infection, the lung is extremely susceptible to damage. A condition known as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) may develop in extreme circumstances. The primary objective of this research is to identify important genes that are related with both sepsis and lung injury. These genes have the potential to act as novel biomarkers in the investigation of sepsis-induced lung injury prevention strategies. It was possible to download from GEO data both the sepsis-related dataset (GSE64457) and the lung injury-related dataset (GSE40839). In the GSE64457 dataset, using the "limma" package in R revealed 429 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with logFC values more than or equal to -1 and p values <0.05. There were 266 genes that were up-regulated and 163 genes that were down-regulated. Through the use of Gene Ontology (GO), it was discovered that the majority of the DEGs were associated with the inflammatory response (BP terms), a particular granule lumen (CC terms), and protein binding (MF terms). By doing a pathway enrichment analysis using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), researchers were able to identify DEGs that were mostly associated with the NOD-like receptor signalling pathway, the TNF signalling pathway, and Epstein-Barr virus infection. Within the GSE40839 dataset, Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) yielded a total of 7 modules, from which it was possible to screen out 2 critical modules and 693 key genes. The important genes and DEGs were both subjected to a Venn analysis. Finally, 14 genes that overlapped (ARL4A, LAIR1, MTHFD2, TSPAN13, DUSP6, PECR, CBS, TES, ASNS, SYNE1, FGF13, LCN2, KLF10, BCAT1) were closely associated to the incidence and development of sepsis-induced lung injury. This indicates that these genes are the essential genes to avoid the occurrence of sepsis-induced lung injury. This study provides novel strategies for preventing lung harm brought on by sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Song
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing Luhe People's Hospital, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Fei Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing Luhe People's Hospital, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Chuanxin Lv
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing Luhe People's Hospital, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Min Meng
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing Luhe People's Hospital, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Wenxing Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing Luhe People's Hospital, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu Province, China.
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15
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Simon M, Stüve P, Schmidleithner L, Bittner S, Beumer N, Strieder N, Schmidl C, Pant A, Gebhard C, Eigenberger A, Rehli M, Prantl L, Hehlgans T, Brors B, Imbusch CD, Delacher M, Feuerer M. Single-cell chromatin accessibility and transposable element landscapes reveal shared features of tissue-residing immune cells. Immunity 2024; 57:1975-1993.e10. [PMID: 39047731 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2024.06.015] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Tissue adaptation is required for regulatory T (Treg) cell function within organs. Whether this program shares aspects with other tissue-localized immune populations is unclear. Here, we analyzed single-cell chromatin accessibility data, including the transposable element (TE) landscape of CD45+ immune cells from colon, skin, adipose tissue, and spleen. We identified features of organ-specific tissue adaptation across different immune cells. Focusing on tissue Treg cells, we found conservation of the Treg tissue adaptation program in other tissue-localized immune cells, such as amphiregulin-producing T helper (Th)17 cells. Accessible TEs can act as regulatory elements, but their contribution to tissue adaptation is not understood. TE landscape analysis revealed an enrichment of specific transcription factor binding motifs in TE regions within accessible chromatin peaks. TEs, specifically from the LTR family, were located in enhancer regions and associated with tissue adaptation. These findings broaden our understanding of immune tissue residency and provide an important step toward organ-specific immune interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malte Simon
- Division of Applied Bioinformatics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; Chair for Immunology, University Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Stüve
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; Chair for Immunology, University Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Lisa Schmidleithner
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; Chair for Immunology, University Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Bittner
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; Chair for Immunology, University Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Niklas Beumer
- Division of Applied Bioinformatics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; Division of Personalized Medical Oncology, DKFZ, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Personalized Oncology, University Hospital Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | | | | | - Asmita Pant
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; Chair for Immunology, University Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Gebhard
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Eigenberger
- Department of Plastic, Hand, and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Michael Rehli
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Lukas Prantl
- Department of Plastic, Hand, and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Hehlgans
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; Chair for Immunology, University Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Benedikt Brors
- Division of Applied Bioinformatics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), DKFZ, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Medical Faculty Heidelberg and Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Charles D Imbusch
- Division of Applied Bioinformatics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Delacher
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; Research Center for Immunotherapy, University Medical Center Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Markus Feuerer
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; Chair for Immunology, University Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
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16
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Schettini GP, Morozyuk M, Biase FH. Identification of novel cattle (Bos taurus) genes and biological insights of their function in pre-implantation embryo development. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:775. [PMID: 39118001 PMCID: PMC11313146 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10685-5] [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: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Appropriate regulation of genes expressed in oocytes and embryos is essential for acquisition of developmental competence in mammals. Here, we hypothesized that several genes expressed in oocytes and pre-implantation embryos remain unknown. Our goal was to reconstruct the transcriptome of oocytes (germinal vesicle and metaphase II) and pre-implantation cattle embryos (blastocysts) using short-read and long-read sequences to identify putative new genes. RESULTS We identified 274,342 transcript sequences and 3,033 of those loci do not match a gene present in official annotations and thus are potential new genes. Notably, 63.67% (1,931/3,033) of potential novel genes exhibited coding potential. Also noteworthy, 97.92% of the putative novel genes overlapped annotation with transposable elements. Comparative analysis of transcript abundance identified that 1,840 novel genes (recently added to the annotation) or potential new genes were differentially expressed between developmental stages (FDR < 0.01). We also determined that 522 novel or potential new genes (448 and 34, respectively) were upregulated at eight-cell embryos compared to oocytes (FDR < 0.01). In eight-cell embryos, 102 novel or putative new genes were co-expressed (|r|> 0.85, P < 1 × 10-8) with several genes annotated with gene ontology biological processes related to pluripotency maintenance and embryo development. CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing confirmed that the disruption of one of the novel genes highly expressed in eight-cell embryos reduced blastocyst development (ENSBTAG00000068261, P = 1.55 × 10-7). CONCLUSIONS Our results revealed several putative new genes that need careful annotation. Many of the putative new genes have dynamic regulation during pre-implantation development and are important components of gene regulatory networks involved in pluripotency and blastocyst formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo P Schettini
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Michael Morozyuk
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Fernando H Biase
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
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17
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Ndhlovu LC, Bendall ML, Dwaraka V, Pang APS, Dopkins N, Carreras N, Smith R, Nixon DF, Corley MJ. Retro-age: A unique epigenetic biomarker of aging captured by DNA methylation states of retroelements. Aging Cell 2024:e14288. [PMID: 39092674 DOI: 10.1111/acel.14288] [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: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Reactivation of retroelements in the human genome has been linked to aging. However, whether the epigenetic state of specific retroelements can predict chronological age remains unknown. We provide evidence that locus-specific retroelement DNA methylation can be used to create retroelement-based epigenetic clocks that accurately measure chronological age in the immune system, across human tissues, and pan-mammalian species. We also developed a highly accurate retroelement epigenetic clock compatible with EPICv.2.0 data that was constructed from CpGs that did not overlap with existing first- and second-generation epigenetic clocks, suggesting a unique signal for epigenetic clocks not previously captured. We found retroelement-based epigenetic clocks were reversed during transient epigenetic reprogramming, accelerated in people living with HIV-1, and responsive to antiretroviral therapy. Our findings highlight the utility of retroelement-based biomarkers of aging and support a renewed emphasis on the role of retroelements in geroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lishomwa C Ndhlovu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York City, USA
| | - Matthew L Bendall
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York City, USA
| | | | - Alina P S Pang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York City, USA
| | - Nicholas Dopkins
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York City, USA
| | | | | | - Douglas F Nixon
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York City, USA
| | - Michael J Corley
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York City, USA
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18
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Betancourt AJ, Wei KHC, Huang Y, Lee YCG. Causes and Consequences of Varying Transposable Element Activity: An Evolutionary Perspective. Annu Rev Genomics Hum Genet 2024; 25:1-25. [PMID: 38603565 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genom-120822-105708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) are genomic parasites found in nearly all eukaryotes, including humans. This evolutionary success of TEs is due to their replicative activity, involving insertion into new genomic locations. TE activity varies at multiple levels, from between taxa to within individuals. The rapidly accumulating evidence of the influence of TE activity on human health, as well as the rapid growth of new tools to study it, motivated an evaluation of what we know about TE activity thus far. Here, we discuss why TE activity varies, and the consequences of this variation, from an evolutionary perspective. By studying TE activity in nonhuman organisms in the context of evolutionary theories, we can shed light on the factors that affect TE activity. While the consequences of TE activity are usually deleterious, some have lasting evolutionary impacts by conferring benefits on the host or affecting other evolutionary processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea J Betancourt
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary, and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin H-C Wei
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Yuheng Huang
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Yuh Chwen G Lee
- Center for Complex Biological Systems, University of California, Irvine, California, USA;
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
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19
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Oh JW, Beer MA. Gapped-kmer sequence modeling robustly identifies regulatory vocabularies and distal enhancers conserved between evolutionarily distant mammals. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6464. [PMID: 39085231 PMCID: PMC11291912 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50708-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: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Gene regulatory elements drive complex biological phenomena and their mutations are associated with common human diseases. The impacts of human regulatory variants are often tested using model organisms such as mice. However, mapping human enhancers to conserved elements in mice remains a challenge, due to both rapid enhancer evolution and limitations of current computational methods. We analyze distal enhancers across 45 matched human/mouse cell/tissue pairs from a comprehensive dataset of DNase-seq experiments, and show that while cell-specific regulatory vocabulary is conserved, enhancers evolve more rapidly than promoters and CTCF binding sites. Enhancer conservation rates vary across cell types, in part explainable by tissue specific transposable element activity. We present an improved genome alignment algorithm using gapped-kmer features, called gkm-align, and make genome wide predictions for 1,401,803 orthologous regulatory elements. We show that gkm-align discovers 23,660 novel human/mouse conserved enhancers missed by previous algorithms, with strong evidence of conserved functional activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Woo Oh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael A Beer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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20
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Zhou B, Hu P, Liu G, Chang Z, Dong Z, Li Z, Yin Y, Tian Z, Han G, Wang W, Li X. Evolutionary patterns and functional effects of 3D chromatin structures in butterflies with extensive genome rearrangements. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6303. [PMID: 39060230 PMCID: PMC11282110 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50529-0] [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: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Chromosome rearrangements may distort 3D chromatin architectures and thus change gene regulation, yet how 3D chromatin structures evolve in insects is largely unknown. Here, we obtain chromosome-level genomes for four butterfly species, Graphium cloanthus, Graphium sarpedon, Graphium eurypylus with 2n = 30, 40, and 60, respectively, and Papilio bianor with 2n = 60. Together with large-scale Hi-C data, we find that inter-chromosome rearrangements very rarely disrupted the pre-existing 3D chromatin structure of ancestral chromosomes. However, some intra-chromosome rearrangements changed 3D chromatin structures compared to the ancestral configuration. We find that new TADs and subTADs have emerged across the rearrangement sites where their adjacent compartments exhibit uniform types. Two intra-chromosome rearrangements altered Rel and lft regulation, potentially contributing to wing patterning differentiation and host plant choice. Notably, butterflies exhibited chromatin loops between Hox gene cluster ANT-C and BX-C, unlike Drosophila. Our CRISPR-Cas9 experiments in butterflies confirm that knocking out the CTCF binding site of the loops in BX-C affected the phenotypes regulated by Antp in ANT-C, resulting in legless larva. Our results reveal evolutionary patterns of insect 3D chromatin structures and provide evidence that 3D chromatin structure changes can play important roles in the evolution of traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Botong Zhou
- School of Ecology and Environment, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China
| | - Ping Hu
- Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution & Animal Models, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223, China
| | - Guichun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution & Animal Models, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223, China
| | - Zhou Chang
- Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution & Animal Models, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223, China
| | - Zhiwei Dong
- Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution & Animal Models, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223, China
| | - Zihe Li
- School of Ecology and Environment, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China
| | - Yuan Yin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Technology Medical Transformation, Mianyang Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Mianyang, 621000, China
| | - Zunzhe Tian
- School of Ecology and Environment, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China
| | - Ge Han
- School of Ecology and Environment, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China
| | - Wen Wang
- School of Ecology and Environment, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China.
- Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution & Animal Models, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223, China.
| | - Xueyan Li
- Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution & Animal Models, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223, China.
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Biodiversity Information, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650223, China.
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21
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Barai P, Biswas S, Verma P, Duncan EM. RNaseH-based ribodepletion of total planarian RNA improves detection of longer and non-polyadenylated transcripts. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.20.604429. [PMID: 39071286 PMCID: PMC11275719 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.20.604429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
The overwhelming majority of RNA species isolated from cells or tissues using organic extraction are ribosomal RNAs (rRNA), whereas a relatively small percentage are messenger RNAs (mRNA). For studies that seek to detect mRNA transcripts and measure changes in their expression, this lopsided ratio of desired transcripts to undesired transcripts creates a significant challenge to obtaining sensitive and reproducible results. One method for improving mRNA detection is to selectively amplify polyadenylated (polyA) mRNA molecules when generating RNA-seq libraries, a strategy that is generally very successful in many species. However, this strategy is less effective when starting with total RNA from some species e.g., the planarian species Schmidtea mediterranea (S.med), as it generates libraries that still contain significant and variable amounts of rRNA reads. Further, commercially available ribodepletion kits do not efficiently deplete rRNAs from these samples because their sequences are divergent from mammalian rRNAs. Here we report a customized, optimized, and economical ribodepletion strategy than allows the generation of comprehensive RNA-seq libraries with less than one percent rRNA contamination. We show that this method improves transcript detection, particularly for those without polyA tails (e.g., core histones) and those that are relatively long (e.g., microtubule motor proteins). Using this custom ribodepletion approach, we also detected many transcripts that are not represented in the most recent set of S.med gene annotations, including a subset that are likely expressed transposable elements (TEs). To facilitate future differential expression analyses of these newly identified loci, we created both an annotation file of the new loci we identified and a bioinformatic pipeline for generating additional annotations from future libraries. As significant recent research shows that TE activation is regulated and functionally important, the resources provided here will provide a starting point for investigating such mechanisms in planarians and other species with less conserved rRNA sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pallob Barai
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington KY 40506
| | - Shishir Biswas
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington KY 40506
| | - Prince Verma
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington KY 40506
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22
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Marin H, Simental E, Allen C, Martin E, Panning B, Al-Sady B, Buchwalter A. The nuclear periphery confers repression on H3K9me2-marked genes and transposons to shape cell fate. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.08.602542. [PMID: 39026839 PMCID: PMC11257442 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.08.602542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Heterochromatic loci marked by histone H3 lysine 9 dimethylation (H3K9me2) are enriched at the nuclear periphery in metazoans, but the effect of spatial position on heterochromatin function has not been defined. Here, we remove three nuclear lamins and lamin B receptor (LBR) in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) and show that heterochromatin detaches from the nuclear periphery. Mutant mESCs sustain naïve pluripotency and maintain H3K9me2 across the genome but cannot repress H3K9me2-marked genes or transposons. Further, mutant cells fail to differentiate into epiblast-like cells (EpiLCs), a transition that requires the expansion of H3K9me2 across the genome. Mutant EpiLCs can silence naïve pluripotency genes and activate epiblast-stage genes. However, H3K9me2 cannot repress markers of alternative fates, including primitive endoderm. We conclude that the nuclear periphery controls the spatial position, dynamic remodeling, and repressive capacity of H3K9me2-marked heterochromatin to shape cell fate decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harold Marin
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Eric Simental
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Charlie Allen
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Eric Martin
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Barbara Panning
- Department of Biochemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Bassem Al-Sady
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Abigail Buchwalter
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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23
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Li Y, Lyu R, Chen S, Wang Y, Sun MA. TEENA: an integrated web server for transposable element enrichment analysis in various model and non-model organisms. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:W126-W131. [PMID: 38747349 PMCID: PMC11223789 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) are abundant in the genomes of various eukaryote organisms. Increasing evidence suggests that TEs can play crucial regulatory roles-usually by creating cis-elements (e.g. enhancers and promoters) bound by distinct transcription factors (TFs). TE-derived cis-elements have gained unprecedented attentions recently, and one key step toward their understanding is to identify the enriched TEs in distinct genomic intervals (e.g. a set of enhancers or TF binding sites) as candidates for further study. Nevertheless, such analysis remains challenging for researchers unfamiliar with TEs or lack strong bioinformatic skills. Here, we present TEENA (Transposable Element ENrichment Analyzer) to streamline TE enrichment analysis in various organisms. It implements an optimized pipeline, hosts the genome/gene/TE annotations of almost one hundred species, and provides multiple parameters to enable its flexibility. Taking genomic interval data as the only user-supplied file, it can automatically retrieve the corresponding annotations and finish a routine analysis in a couple minutes. Multiple case studies demonstrate that it can produce highly reliable results matching previous knowledge. TEENA can be freely accessed at: https://sun-lab.yzu.edu.cn/TEENA. Due to its easy-to-use design, we expect it to facilitate the studies of the regulatory function of TEs in various model and non-model organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzhuo Li
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009 Jiangsu, China
| | - Renzhe Lyu
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009 Jiangsu, China
| | - Shuai Chen
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009 Jiangsu, China
| | - Yejun Wang
- Youth Innovation Team of Medical Bioinformatics, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Ming-an Sun
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009 Jiangsu, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009 Jiangsu, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009 Jiangsu, China
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24
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Jing T, Wei D, Xu X, Wu C, Yuan L, Huang Y, Liu Y, Jiang Y, Wang B. Transposable elements-mediated recruitment of KDM1A epigenetically silences HNF4A expression to promote hepatocellular carcinoma. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5631. [PMID: 38965210 PMCID: PMC11224304 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49926-2] [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: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) contribute to gene expression regulation by acting as cis-regulatory elements that attract transcription factors and epigenetic regulators. This research aims to explore the functional and clinical implications of transposable element-related molecular events in hepatocellular carcinoma, focusing on the mechanism through which liver-specific accessible TEs (liver-TEs) regulate adjacent gene expression. Our findings reveal that the expression of HNF4A is inversely regulated by proximate liver-TEs, which facilitates liver cancer cell proliferation. Mechanistically, liver-TEs are predominantly occupied by the histone demethylase, KDM1A. KDM1A negatively influences the methylation of histone H3 Lys4 (H3K4) of liver-TEs, resulting in the epigenetic silencing of HNF4A expression. The suppression of HNF4A mediated by KDM1A promotes liver cancer cell proliferation. In conclusion, this study uncovers a liver-TE/KDM1A/HNF4A regulatory axis that promotes liver cancer growth and highlights KDM1A as a promising therapeutic target. Our findings provide insight into the transposable element-related molecular mechanisms underlying liver cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Jing
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Dianhui Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiaoli Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Chengsi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lili Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yiwen Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yizhen Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Yanyi Jiang
- Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China.
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China.
| | - Boshi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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25
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Zhang X, Luo Z, Marand AP, Yan H, Jang H, Bang S, Mendieta JP, Minow MA, Schmitz RJ. A spatially resolved multiomic single-cell atlas of soybean development. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.03.601616. [PMID: 39005400 PMCID: PMC11244997 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.03.601616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Cis-regulatory elements (CREs) precisely control spatiotemporal gene expression in cells. Using a spatially resolved single-cell atlas of gene expression with chromatin accessibility across ten soybean tissues, we identified 103 distinct cell types and 303,199 accessible chromatin regions (ACRs). Nearly 40% of the ACRs showed cell-type-specific patterns and were enriched for transcription factor (TF) motifs defining diverse cell identities. We identified de novo enriched TF motifs and explored conservation of gene regulatory networks underpinning legume symbiotic nitrogen fixation. With comprehensive developmental trajectories for endosperm and embryo, we uncovered the functional transition of the three sub-cell types of endosperm, identified 13 sucrose transporters sharing the DOF11 motif that were co-up-regulated in late peripheral endosperm and identified key embryo cell-type specification regulators during embryogenesis, including a homeobox TF that promotes cotyledon parenchyma identity. This resource provides a valuable foundation for analyzing gene regulatory programs in soybean cell types across tissues and life stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Zhang
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- These authors contributed equally: Xuan Zhang, Ziliang Luo, Alexandre P. Marand
| | - Ziliang Luo
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- These authors contributed equally: Xuan Zhang, Ziliang Luo, Alexandre P. Marand
| | - Alexandre P. Marand
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Development Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- These authors contributed equally: Xuan Zhang, Ziliang Luo, Alexandre P. Marand
| | - Haidong Yan
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Current address: College of Grassland Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hosung Jang
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Sohyun Bang
- Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | | | - Mark A.A. Minow
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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26
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Li X, Bie L, Wang Y, Hong Y, Zhou Z, Fan Y, Yan X, Tao Y, Huang C, Zhang Y, Sun X, Li JXH, Zhang J, Chang Z, Xi Q, Meng A, Shen X, Xie W, Liu N. LINE-1 transcription activates long-range gene expression. Nat Genet 2024; 56:1494-1502. [PMID: 38849613 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-024-01789-5] [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: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Long interspersed nuclear element-1 (LINE-1 or L1) is a retrotransposon group that constitutes 17% of the human genome and shows variable expression across cell types. However, the control of L1 expression and its function in gene regulation are incompletely understood. Here we show that L1 transcription activates long-range gene expression. Genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 screening using a reporter driven by the L1 5' UTR in human cells identifies functionally diverse genes affecting L1 expression. Unexpectedly, altering L1 expression by knockout of regulatory genes impacts distant gene expression. L1s can physically contact their distal target genes, with these interactions becoming stronger upon L1 activation and weaker when L1 is silenced. Remarkably, L1s contact and activate genes essential for zygotic genome activation (ZGA), and L1 knockdown impairs ZGA, leading to developmental arrest in mouse embryos. These results characterize the regulation and function of L1 in long-range gene activation and reveal its importance in mammalian ZGA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiufeng Li
- Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Luyao Bie
- Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yaqiang Hong
- Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Ziqiang Zhou
- Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yiming Fan
- Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohan Yan
- Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yibing Tao
- Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Chunyi Huang
- Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yongyan Zhang
- Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xueyan Sun
- Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - John Xiao He Li
- Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Zai Chang
- Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiaoran Xi
- Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Anming Meng
- Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohua Shen
- Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Xie
- Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Nian Liu
- Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
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27
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Liu Y, Kong J, Liu G, Li Z, Xiao Y. Precise Gene Knock-In Tools with Minimized Risk of DSBs: A Trend for Gene Manipulation. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2401797. [PMID: 38728624 PMCID: PMC11267366 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202401797] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Gene knock-in refers to the insertion of exogenous functional genes into a target genome to achieve continuous expression. Currently, most knock-in tools are based on site-directed nucleases, which can induce double-strand breaks (DSBs) at the target, following which the designed donors carrying functional genes can be inserted via the endogenous gene repair pathway. The size of donor genes is limited by the characteristics of gene repair, and the DSBs induce risks like genotoxicity. New generation tools, such as prime editing, transposase, and integrase, can insert larger gene fragments while minimizing or eliminating the risk of DSBs, opening new avenues in the development of animal models and gene therapy. However, the elimination of off-target events and the production of delivery carriers with precise requirements remain challenging, restricting the application of the current knock-in treatments to mainly in vitro settings. Here, a comprehensive review of the knock-in tools that do not/minimally rely on DSBs and use other mechanisms is provided. Moreover, the challenges and recent advances of in vivo knock-in treatments in terms of the therapeutic process is discussed. Collectively, the new generation of DSBs-minimizing and large-fragment knock-in tools has revolutionized the field of gene editing, from basic research to clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongfeng Liu
- Department of PharmacologySchool of PharmacyChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing210009China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing210009China
- Mudi Meng Honors CollegeChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing210009China
| | - Jianping Kong
- Department of PharmacologySchool of PharmacyChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing210009China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing210009China
| | - Gongyu Liu
- Department of PharmacologySchool of PharmacyChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing210009China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing210009China
| | - Zhaoxing Li
- Department of PharmacologySchool of PharmacyChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing210009China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing210009China
- Chongqing Innovation Institute of China Pharmaceutical UniversityChongqing401135China
| | - Yibei Xiao
- Department of PharmacologySchool of PharmacyChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing210009China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing210009China
- Chongqing Innovation Institute of China Pharmaceutical UniversityChongqing401135China
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28
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Deaville LA, Berrens RV. Technology to the rescue: how to uncover the role of transposable elements in preimplantation development. Biochem Soc Trans 2024; 52:1349-1362. [PMID: 38752836 PMCID: PMC11346443 DOI: 10.1042/bst20231262] [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: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) are highly expressed in preimplantation development. Preimplantation development is the phase when the cells of the early embryo undergo the first cell fate choice and change from being totipotent to pluripotent. A range of studies have advanced our understanding of TEs in preimplantation, as well as their epigenetic regulation and functional roles. However, many questions remain about the implications of TE expression during early development. Challenges originate first due to the abundance of TEs in the genome, and second because of the limited cell numbers in preimplantation. Here we review the most recent technological advancements promising to shed light onto the role of TEs in preimplantation development. We explore novel avenues to identify genomic TE insertions and improve our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms and roles of TEs and their RNA and protein products during early development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauryn A. Deaville
- Institute for Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, Oxford University, IMS-Tetsuya Nakamura Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Dr, Oxford OX3 7TY, U.K
- Department of Paediatrics, Oxford University, Level 2, Children's Hospital, John Radcliffe Headington, Oxford OX3 9DU, U.K
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Oxford University, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DS, U.K
| | - Rebecca V. Berrens
- Institute for Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, Oxford University, IMS-Tetsuya Nakamura Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Dr, Oxford OX3 7TY, U.K
- Department of Paediatrics, Oxford University, Level 2, Children's Hospital, John Radcliffe Headington, Oxford OX3 9DU, U.K
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29
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Fu B, Ma H, Liu D. Pioneer Transcription Factors: The First Domino in Zygotic Genome Activation. Biomolecules 2024; 14:720. [PMID: 38927123 PMCID: PMC11202083 DOI: 10.3390/biom14060720] [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: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Zygotic genome activation (ZGA) is a pivotal event in mammalian embryogenesis, marking the transition from maternal to zygotic control of development. During the ZGA process that is characterized by the intricate cascade of gene expression, who tipped the first domino in a meticulously arranged sequence is a subject of paramount interest. Recently, Dux, Obox and Nr5a2 were identified as pioneer transcription factors that reside at the top of transcriptional hierarchy. Through co-option of retrotransposon elements as hubs for transcriptional activation, these pioneer transcription factors rewire the gene regulatory network, thus initiating ZGA. In this review, we provide a snapshot of the mechanisms underlying the functions of these pioneer transcription factors. We propose that ZGA is the starting point where the embryo's own genome begins to influence development trajectory, therefore in-depth dissecting the functions of pioneer transcription factors during ZGA will form a cornerstone of our understanding for early embryonic development, which will pave the way for advancing our grasp of mammalian developmental biology and optimizing in vitro production (IVP) techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Fu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry, HeiLongJiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150086, China; (B.F.); (H.M.)
- Key Laboratory of Combining Farming and Animal Husbandry, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Hong Ma
- Institute of Animal Husbandry, HeiLongJiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150086, China; (B.F.); (H.M.)
- Key Laboratory of Combining Farming and Animal Husbandry, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Di Liu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry, HeiLongJiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150086, China; (B.F.); (H.M.)
- Key Laboratory of Combining Farming and Animal Husbandry, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Harbin 150086, China
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30
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Catlin NS, Agha HI, Platts AE, Munasinghe M, Hirsch CN, Josephs EB. Structural variants contribute to phenotypic variation in maize. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.14.599082. [PMID: 38948717 PMCID: PMC11212879 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.14.599082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Comprehensively identifying the loci shaping trait variation has been challenging, in part because standard approaches often miss many types of genetic variants. Structural variants, especially transposable elements are likely to affect phenotypic variation but we need better methods in maize for detecting polymorphic structural variants and TEs using short-read sequencing data. Here, we used a whole genome alignment between two maize genotypes to identify polymorphic structural variants and then genotyped a large maize diversity panel for these variants using short-read sequencing data. We characterized variation of SVs within the panel and identified SV polymorphisms that are associated with life history traits and genotype-by-environment interactions. While most of the SVs associated with traits contained TEs, only one of the SV's boundaries clearly matched TE breakpoints indicative of a TE insertion, whereas the other polymorphisms were likely caused by deletions. All of the SVs associated with traits were in linkage disequilibrium with nearby single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), suggesting that this method did not identify variants that would have been missed in a SNP association study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan S. Catlin
- Department of Plant Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
- Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
- Plant Resilience Institute, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Husain I. Agha
- Department of Plant Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
- Plant Resilience Institute, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Adrian E. Platts
- Department of Plant Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Manisha Munasinghe
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - Candice N. Hirsch
- Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Emily B. Josephs
- Department of Plant Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
- Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
- Plant Resilience Institute, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
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Bao H, Sun Y, Deng N, Zhang L, Jia Y, Li G, Gao Y, Li X, Tang Y, Cai H, Lu J, Wang H, Deng W, Kong S. PR-SET7 epigenetically restrains uterine interferon response and cell death governing proper postnatal stromal development. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4920. [PMID: 38858353 PMCID: PMC11164956 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49342-6] [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: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The differentiation of the stroma is a hallmark event during postnatal uterine development. However, the spatiotemporal changes that occur during this process and the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we comprehensively delineated the dynamic development of the neonatal uterus at single-cell resolution and characterized two distinct stromal subpopulations, inner and outer stroma. Furthermore, single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that uterine ablation of Pr-set7, the sole methyltransferase catalyzing H4K20me1, led to a reduced proportion of the inner stroma due to massive cell death, thus impeding uterine development. By combining RNA sequencing and epigenetic profiling of H4K20me1, we demonstrated that PR-SET7-H4K20me1 either directly repressed the transcription of interferon stimulated genes or indirectly restricted the interferon response via silencing endogenous retroviruses. Declined H4K20me1 level caused viral mimicry responses and ZBP1-mediated apoptosis and necroptosis in stromal cells. Collectively, our study provides insight into the epigenetic machinery governing postnatal uterine stromal development mediated by PR-SET7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haili Bao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Yang Sun
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Na Deng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Leilei Zhang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Yuanyuan Jia
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Gaizhen Li
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Yun Gao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Xinyi Li
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Yedong Tang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Han Cai
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Jinhua Lu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Haibin Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China.
| | - Wenbo Deng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China.
| | - Shuangbo Kong
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China.
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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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Zhu T, Okabe A, Usui G, Fujiki R, Komiyama D, Huang KK, Seki M, Fukuyo M, Abe H, Ning M, Okada T, Minami M, Matsumoto M, Fan Q, Rahmutulla B, Hoshii T, Tan P, Morikawa T, Ushiku T, Kaneda A. Integrated enhancer regulatory network by enhancer-promoter looping in gastric cancer. NAR Cancer 2024; 6:zcae020. [PMID: 38720882 PMCID: PMC11077903 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcae020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Enhancer cis-regulatory elements play critical roles in gene regulation at many stages of cell growth. Enhancers in cancer cells also regulate the transcription of oncogenes. In this study, we performed a comprehensive analysis of long-range chromatin interactions, histone modifications, chromatin accessibility and expression in two gastric cancer (GC) cell lines compared to normal gastric epithelial cells. We found that GC-specific enhancers marked by histone modifications can activate a population of genes, including some oncogenes, by interacting with their proximal promoters. In addition, motif analysis of enhancer-promoter interacting enhancers showed that GC-specific transcription factors are enriched. Among them, we found that MYB is crucial for GC cell growth and activated by the enhancer with an enhancer-promoter loop and TCF7 upregulation. Clinical GC samples showed epigenetic activation of enhancers at the MYB locus and significant upregulation of TCF7 and MYB, regardless of molecular GC subtype and clinicopathological factors. Single-cell RNA sequencing of gastric mucosa with intestinal metaplasia showed high expression of TCF7 and MYB in intestinal stem cells. When we inactivated the loop-forming enhancer at the MYB locus using CRISPR interference (dCas9-KRAB), GC cell growth was significantly inhibited. In conclusion, we identified MYB as an oncogene activated by a loop-forming enhancer and contributing to GC cell growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianhui Zhu
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Atsushi Okabe
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
- Health and Disease Omics Center, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Genki Usui
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Ryoji Fujiki
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Daichi Komiyama
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Kie Kyon Huang
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke–NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Motoaki Seki
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Masaki Fukuyo
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Abe
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Meng Ning
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Tomoka Okada
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Mizuki Minami
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Makoto Matsumoto
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Qin Fan
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Bahityar Rahmutulla
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Takayuki Hoshii
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Patrick Tan
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke–NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore 138632, Singapore
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
| | - Teppei Morikawa
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, NTT Medical Center Tokyo, Tokyo 141-8625, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Ushiku
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Atsushi Kaneda
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
- Health and Disease Omics Center, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
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Boyboy BAG, Ichiyanagi K. Insertion of short L1 sequences generates inter-strain histone acetylation differences in the mouse. Mob DNA 2024; 15:11. [PMID: 38730323 PMCID: PMC11084082 DOI: 10.1186/s13100-024-00321-0] [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: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gene expression divergence between populations and between individuals can emerge from genetic variations within the genes and/or in the cis regulatory elements. Since epigenetic modifications regulate gene expression, it is conceivable that epigenetic variations in cis regulatory elements can also be a source of gene expression divergence. RESULTS In this study, we compared histone acetylation (namely, H3K9ac) profiles in two mouse strains of different subspecies origin, C57BL/6 J (B6) and MSM/Ms (MSM), as well as their F1 hybrids. This identified 319 regions of strain-specific acetylation, about half of which were observed between the alleles of F1 hybrids. While the allele-specific presence of the interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) binding sequence was associated with allele-specific histone acetylation, we also revealed that B6-specific insertions of a short 3' fragment of LINE-1 (L1) retrotransposon occur within or proximal to MSM-specific acetylated regions. Furthermore, even in hyperacetylated domains, flanking regions of non-polymorphic 3' L1 fragments were hypoacetylated, suggesting a general activity of the 3' L1 fragment to induce hypoacetylation. Indeed, we confirmed the binding of the 3' region of L1 by three Krüppel-associated box domain-containing zinc finger proteins (KZFPs), which interact with histone deacetylases. These results suggest that even a short insertion of L1 would be excluded from gene- and acetylation-rich regions by natural selection. Finally, mRNA-seq analysis for F1 hybrids was carried out, which disclosed a link between allele-specific promoter/enhancer acetylation and gene expression. CONCLUSIONS This study disclosed a number of genetic changes that have changed the histone acetylation levels during the evolution of mouse subspecies, a part of which is associated with gene expression changes. Insertions of even a very short L1 fragment can decrease the acetylation level in their neighboring regions and thereby have been counter-selected in gene-rich regions, which may explain a long-standing mystery of discrete genomic distribution of LINEs and SINEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beverly Ann G Boyboy
- Laboratory of Genome and Epigenome Dynamics, Department of Animal Sciences, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan
| | - Kenji Ichiyanagi
- Laboratory of Genome and Epigenome Dynamics, Department of Animal Sciences, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan.
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Li R, Du K, Zhang C, Shen X, Yun L, Wang S, Li Z, Sun Z, Wei J, Li Y, Guo B, Sun C. Single-cell transcriptome profiling reveals the spatiotemporal distribution of triterpenoid saponin biosynthesis and transposable element activity in Gynostemma pentaphyllum shoot apexes and leaves. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1394587. [PMID: 38779067 PMCID: PMC11109411 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1394587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino is an important producer of dammarene-type triterpenoid saponins. These saponins (gypenosides) exhibit diverse pharmacological benefits such as anticancer, antidiabetic, and immunomodulatory effects, and have major potential in the pharmaceutical and health care industries. Here, we employed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to profile the transcriptomes of more than 50,000 cells derived from G. pentaphyllum shoot apexes and leaves. Following cell clustering and annotation, we identified five major cell types in shoot apexes and four in leaves. Each cell type displayed substantial transcriptomic heterogeneity both within and between tissues. Examining gene expression patterns across various cell types revealed that gypenoside biosynthesis predominantly occurred in mesophyll cells, with heightened activity observed in shoot apexes compared to leaves. Furthermore, we explored the impact of transposable elements (TEs) on G. pentaphyllum transcriptomic landscapes. Our findings the highlighted the unbalanced expression of certain TE families across different cell types in shoot apexes and leaves, marking the first investigation of TE expression at the single-cell level in plants. Additionally, we observed dynamic expression of genes involved in gypenoside biosynthesis and specific TE families during epidermal and vascular cell development. The involvement of TE expression in regulating cell differentiation and gypenoside biosynthesis warrant further exploration. Overall, this study not only provides new insights into the spatiotemporal organization of gypenoside biosynthesis and TE activity in G. pentaphyllum shoot apexes and leaves but also offers valuable cellular and genetic resources for a deeper understanding of developmental and physiological processes at single-cell resolution in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rucan Li
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ke Du
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Chuyi Zhang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaofeng Shen
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Lingling Yun
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shu Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ziqin Li
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zhiying Sun
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jianhe Wei
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Li
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Baolin Guo
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Sun
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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New genes are involved in the adaptation of acorn barnacles to sessile life. Nat Genet 2024; 56:750-751. [PMID: 38684901 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-024-01734-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
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Dopkins N, Fei T, Michael S, Liotta N, Guo K, Mickens KL, Barrett BS, Bendall ML, Dillon SM, Wilson CC, Santiago ML, Nixon DF. Endogenous retroelement expression in the gut microenvironment of people living with HIV-1. EBioMedicine 2024; 103:105133. [PMID: 38677181 PMCID: PMC11061259 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105133] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endogenous retroelements (EREs), including human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) and long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs), comprise almost half of the human genome. Our previous studies of the interferome in the gut suggest potential mechanisms regarding how IFNb may drive HIV-1 gut pathogenesis. As ERE activity is suggested to partake in type 1 immune responses and is incredibly sensitive to viral infections, we sought to elucidate underlying interactions between ERE expression and gut dynamics in people living with HIV-1 (PLWH). METHODS ERE expression profiles from bulk RNA sequencing of colon biopsies and PBMC were compared between a cohort of PLWH not on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and uninfected controls. FINDINGS 59 EREs were differentially expressed in the colon of PLWH when compared to uninfected controls (padj <0.05 and FC ≤ -1 or ≥ 1) [Wald's Test]. Of these 59, 12 EREs were downregulated in PLWH and 47 were upregulated. Colon expression of the ERE loci LTR19_12p13.31 and L1FLnI_1q23.1s showed significant correlations with certain gut immune cell subset frequencies in the colon. Furthermore L1FLnI_1q23.1s showed a significant upregulation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of PLWH when compared to uninfected controls suggesting a common mechanism of differential ERE expression in the colon and PBMC. INTERPRETATION ERE activity has been largely understudied in genomic characterizations of human pathologies. We show that the activity of certain EREs in the colon of PLWH is deregulated, supporting our hypotheses that their underlying activity could function as (bio)markers and potential mediators of pathogenesis in HIV-1 reservoirs. FUNDING US NIH grants NCI CA260691 (DFN) and NIAID UM1AI164559 (DFN).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Dopkins
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Tongyi Fei
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stephanie Michael
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nicholas Liotta
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kejun Guo
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA; RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kaylee L Mickens
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA; RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Brad S Barrett
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA; RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Matthew L Bendall
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stephanie M Dillon
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Cara C Wilson
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA; RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Mario L Santiago
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA; RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Douglas F Nixon
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Cornejo-Páramo P, Petrova V, Zhang X, Young RS, Wong ES. Emergence of enhancers at late DNA replicating regions. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3451. [PMID: 38658544 PMCID: PMC11043393 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47391-5] [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: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Enhancers are fast-evolving genomic sequences that control spatiotemporal gene expression patterns. By examining enhancer turnover across mammalian species and in multiple tissue types, we uncover a relationship between the emergence of enhancers and genome organization as a function of germline DNA replication time. While enhancers are most abundant in euchromatic regions, enhancers emerge almost twice as often in late compared to early germline replicating regions, independent of transposable elements. Using a deep learning sequence model, we demonstrate that new enhancers are enriched for mutations that alter transcription factor (TF) binding. Recently evolved enhancers appear to be mostly neutrally evolving and enriched in eQTLs. They also show more tissue specificity than conserved enhancers, and the TFs that bind to these elements, as inferred by binding sequences, also show increased tissue-specific gene expression. We find a similar relationship with DNA replication time in cancer, suggesting that these observations may be time-invariant principles of genome evolution. Our work underscores that genome organization has a profound impact in shaping mammalian gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Cornejo-Páramo
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Veronika Petrova
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Robert S Young
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Teviot Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9AG, United Kingdom
- Zhejiang University - University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University, 718 East Haizhou Road, 314400, Haining, PR China
| | - Emily S Wong
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia.
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Wang C, Chen C, Lei B, Qin S, Zhang Y, Li K, Zhang S, Liu Y. Constructing eRNA-mediated gene regulatory networks to explore the genetic basis of muscle and fat-relevant traits in pigs. Genet Sel Evol 2024; 56:28. [PMID: 38594607 PMCID: PMC11003151 DOI: 10.1186/s12711-024-00897-4] [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: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enhancer RNAs (eRNAs) play a crucial role in transcriptional regulation. While significant progress has been made in understanding epigenetic regulation mediated by eRNAs, research on the construction of eRNA-mediated gene regulatory networks (eGRN) and the identification of critical network components that influence complex traits is lacking. RESULTS Here, employing the pig as a model, we conducted a comprehensive study using H3K27ac histone ChIP-seq and RNA-seq data to construct eRNA expression profiles from multiple tissues of two distinct pig breeds, namely Enshi Black (ES) and Duroc. In addition to revealing the regulatory landscape of eRNAs at the tissue level, we developed an innovative network construction and refinement method by integrating RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, genome-wide association study (GWAS) signals and enhancer-modulating effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) measured by self-transcribing active regulatory region sequencing (STARR-seq) experiments. Using this approach, we unraveled eGRN that significantly influence the growth and development of muscle and fat tissues, and identified several novel genes that affect adipocyte differentiation in a cell line model. CONCLUSIONS Our work not only provides novel insights into the genetic basis of economic pig traits, but also offers a generalizable approach to elucidate the eRNA-mediated transcriptional regulation underlying a wide spectrum of complex traits for diverse organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wang
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics of MARA, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, 518124, People's Republic of China
- Innovation Group of Pig Genome Design and Breeding, Research Centre for Animal Genome, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, 518124, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education & Key Lab of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Choulin Chen
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics of MARA, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, 518124, People's Republic of China
- Innovation Group of Pig Genome Design and Breeding, Research Centre for Animal Genome, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, 518124, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education & Key Lab of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Bowen Lei
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics of MARA, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, 518124, People's Republic of China
- Innovation Group of Pig Genome Design and Breeding, Research Centre for Animal Genome, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, 518124, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education & Key Lab of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Shenghua Qin
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics of MARA, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, 518124, People's Republic of China
- Innovation Group of Pig Genome Design and Breeding, Research Centre for Animal Genome, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, 518124, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics of MARA, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, 518124, People's Republic of China
- Innovation Group of Pig Genome Design and Breeding, Research Centre for Animal Genome, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, 518124, People's Republic of China
- School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, People's Republic of China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Henan University, Shenzhen, 518000, People's Republic of China
| | - Kui Li
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics of MARA, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, 518124, People's Republic of China
- Innovation Group of Pig Genome Design and Breeding, Research Centre for Animal Genome, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, 518124, People's Republic of China
| | - Song Zhang
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics of MARA, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, 518124, People's Republic of China.
- Innovation Group of Pig Genome Design and Breeding, Research Centre for Animal Genome, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, 518124, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yuwen Liu
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics of MARA, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, 518124, People's Republic of China.
- Innovation Group of Pig Genome Design and Breeding, Research Centre for Animal Genome, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, 518124, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education & Key Lab of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China.
- Kunpeng Institute of Modern Agriculture at Foshan, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Foshan, 528226, People's Republic of China.
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40
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Henriques WS, Young JM, Nemudryi A, Nemudraia A, Wiedenheft B, Malik HS. The Diverse Evolutionary Histories of Domesticated Metaviral Capsid Genes in Mammals. Mol Biol Evol 2024; 41:msae061. [PMID: 38507667 PMCID: PMC11011659 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msae061] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Selfish genetic elements comprise significant fractions of mammalian genomes. In rare instances, host genomes domesticate segments of these elements for function. Using a complete human genome assembly and 25 additional vertebrate genomes, we re-analyzed the evolutionary trajectories and functional potential of capsid (CA) genes domesticated from Metaviridae, a lineage of retrovirus-like retrotransposons. Our study expands on previous analyses to unearth several new insights about the evolutionary histories of these ancient genes. We find that at least five independent domestication events occurred from diverse Metaviridae, giving rise to three universally retained single-copy genes evolving under purifying selection and two gene families unique to placental mammals, with multiple members showing evidence of rapid evolution. In the SIRH/RTL family, we find diverse amino-terminal domains, widespread loss of protein-coding capacity in RTL10 despite its retention in several mammalian lineages, and differential utilization of an ancient programmed ribosomal frameshift in RTL3 between the domesticated CA and protease domains. Our analyses also reveal that most members of the PNMA family in mammalian genomes encode a conserved putative amino-terminal RNA-binding domain (RBD) both adjoining and independent from domesticated CA domains. Our analyses lead to a significant correction of previous annotations of the essential CCDC8 gene. We show that this putative RBD is also present in several extant Metaviridae, revealing a novel protein domain configuration in retrotransposons. Collectively, our study reveals the divergent outcomes of multiple domestication events from diverse Metaviridae in the common ancestor of placental mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- William S Henriques
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
| | - Janet M Young
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Artem Nemudryi
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
| | - Anna Nemudraia
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
| | - Blake Wiedenheft
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
| | - Harmit S Malik
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
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41
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Oomen ME, Torres-Padilla ME. Jump-starting life: balancing transposable element co-option and genome integrity in the developing mammalian embryo. EMBO Rep 2024; 25:1721-1733. [PMID: 38528171 PMCID: PMC11015026 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-024-00118-5] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Remnants of transposable elements (TEs) are widely expressed throughout mammalian embryo development. Originally infesting our genomes as selfish elements and acting as a source of genome instability, several of these elements have been co-opted as part of a complex system of genome regulation. Many TEs have lost transposition ability and their transcriptional potential has been tampered as a result of interactions with the host throughout evolutionary time. It has been proposed that TEs have been ultimately repurposed to function as gene regulatory hubs scattered throughout our genomes. In the early embryo in particular, TEs find a perfect environment of naïve chromatin to escape transcriptional repression by the host. As a consequence, it is thought that hosts found ways to co-opt TE sequences to regulate large-scale changes in chromatin and transcription state of their genomes. In this review, we discuss several examples of TEs expressed during embryo development, their potential for co-option in genome regulation and the evolutionary pressures on TEs and on our genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlies E Oomen
- Institute of Epigenetics and Stem Cells, Helmholtz Zentrum München, München, Germany
| | - Maria-Elena Torres-Padilla
- Institute of Epigenetics and Stem Cells, Helmholtz Zentrum München, München, Germany.
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität, München, Germany.
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42
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Almeida MV, Blumer M, Yuan CU, Sierra P, Price JL, Quah FX, Friman A, Dallaire A, Vernaz G, Putman ALK, Smith AM, Joyce DA, Butter F, Haase AD, Durbin R, Santos ME, Miska EA. Dynamic co-evolution of transposable elements and the piRNA pathway in African cichlid fishes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.01.587621. [PMID: 38617250 PMCID: PMC11014572 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.01.587621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
East African cichlid fishes have diversified in an explosive fashion, but the (epi)genetic basis of the phenotypic diversity of these fishes remains largely unknown. Although transposable elements (TEs) have been associated with phenotypic variation in cichlids, little is known about their transcriptional activity and epigenetic silencing. Here, we describe dynamic patterns of TE expression in African cichlid gonads and during early development. Orthology inference revealed an expansion of piwil1 genes in Lake Malawi cichlids, likely driven by PiggyBac TEs. The expanded piwil1 copies have signatures of positive selection and retain amino acid residues essential for catalytic activity. Furthermore, the gonads of African cichlids express a Piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA) pathway that target TEs. We define the genomic sites of piRNA production in African cichlids and find divergence in closely related species, in line with fast evolution of piRNA-producing loci. Our findings suggest dynamic co-evolution of TEs and host silencing pathways in the African cichlid radiations. We propose that this co-evolution has contributed to cichlid genomic diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Vasconcelos Almeida
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1GA, UK
- Wellcome/CRUK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QN, UK
| | - Moritz Blumer
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EH, UK
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Chengwei Ulrika Yuan
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1GA, UK
- Wellcome/CRUK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QN, UK
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EH, UK
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Pío Sierra
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EH, UK
| | - Jonathan L. Price
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1GA, UK
- Wellcome/CRUK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QN, UK
| | - Fu Xiang Quah
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1GA, UK
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EH, UK
| | - Aleksandr Friman
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Biophysics Graduate Program, Institute for Physical Science and Technology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
| | - Alexandra Dallaire
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1GA, UK
- Wellcome/CRUK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QN, UK
- Comparative Fungal Biology, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Jodrell Laboratory, Richmond TW9 3DS, UK
| | - Grégoire Vernaz
- Wellcome/CRUK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QN, UK
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EH, UK
- Present address: Zoological Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, Vesalgasse 1, Basel, 4051, Switzerland
| | - Audrey L. K. Putman
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1GA, UK
- Wellcome/CRUK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QN, UK
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EH, UK
| | - Alan M. Smith
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Hull, Hull, HU6 7RX, UK
| | - Domino A. Joyce
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Hull, Hull, HU6 7RX, UK
| | - Falk Butter
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Quantitative Proteomics, Ackermannweg 4, Mainz, 55128, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Südufer, Greifswald, 17493, Germany
| | - Astrid D. Haase
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Richard Durbin
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EH, UK
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Tree of Life, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - M. Emília Santos
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Eric A. Miska
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1GA, UK
- Wellcome/CRUK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QN, UK
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Tree of Life, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK
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43
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Zong W, Zhao R, Wang X, Zhou C, Wang J, Chen C, Niu N, Zheng Y, Chen L, Liu X, Hou X, Zhao F, Wang L, Wang L, Song C, Zhang L. Population genetic analysis based on the polymorphisms mediated by transposons in the genomes of pig. DNA Res 2024; 31:dsae008. [PMID: 38447059 PMCID: PMC11090087 DOI: 10.1093/dnares/dsae008] [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: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) mobility is capable of generating a large number of structural variants (SVs), which can have considerable potential as molecular markers for genetic analysis and molecular breeding in livestock. Our results showed that the pig genome contains mainly TE-SVs generated by short interspersed nuclear elements (51,873/76.49%), followed by long interspersed nuclear elements (11,131/16.41%), and more than 84% of the common TE-SVs (Minor allele frequency, MAF > 0.10) were validated to be polymorphic. Subsequently, we utilized the identified TE-SVs to gain insights into the population structure, resulting in clear differentiation among the three pig groups and facilitating the identification of relationships within Chinese local pig breeds. In addition, we investigated the frequencies of TEs in the gene coding regions of different pig groups and annotated the respective TE types, related genes, and functional pathways. Through genome-wide comparisons of Large White pigs and Chinese local pigs utilizing the Beijing Black pigs, we identified TE-mediated SVs associated with quantitative trait loci and observed that they were mainly involved in carcass traits and meat quality traits. Lastly, we present the first documented evidence of TE transduction in the pig genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wencheng Zong
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China
| | - Runze Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Chenyu Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jinbu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China
| | - Cai Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Naiqi Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China
| | - Yao Zheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Li Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Science, Chongqing, China
| | - Xin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China
| | - Xinhua Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China
| | - Fuping Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China
| | - Ligang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China
| | - Lixian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China
| | - Chengyi Song
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Longchao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China
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44
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Wang J, Lu X, Zhang W, Liu GH. Endogenous retroviruses in development and health. Trends Microbiol 2024; 32:342-354. [PMID: 37802660 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are evolutionary remnants of retroviral infections in which the viral genome became embedded as a dormant regulatory element within the host germline. When ERVs become activated, they comprehensively rewire genomic regulatory networks of the host and facilitate critical developmental events, such as preimplantation development and placentation, in a manner specific to species, developmental stage, and tissues. However, accumulating evidence suggests that aberrant ERV transcription compromises genome stability and has been implicated in cellular senescence and various pathogenic processes, underscoring the significance of host genomic surveillance mechanisms. Here, we revisit the prominent functions of ERVs in early development and highlight their emerging roles in mammalian post-implantation development and organogenesis. We also discuss their implications for aging and pathological processes such as microbial infection, immune response. Furthermore, we discuss recent advances in stem-cell-based models, single-cell omics, and genome editing technologies, which serve as beacons illuminating the versatile nature of ERVs in mammalian development and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jichang Wang
- Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Xinyi Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Weiqi Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics and China National Center for Bioinformation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Guang-Hui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China.
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45
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Crawford BI, Talley MJ, Russman J, Riddle J, Torres S, Williams T, Longworth MS. Condensin-mediated restriction of retrotransposable elements facilitates brain development in Drosophila melanogaster. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2716. [PMID: 38548759 PMCID: PMC10978865 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47042-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Neural stem and progenitor cell (NSPC) maintenance is essential for ensuring that organisms are born with proper brain volumes and head sizes. Microcephaly is a disorder in which babies are born with significantly smaller head sizes and cortical volumes. Mutations in subunits of the DNA organizing complex condensin have been identified in microcephaly patients. However, the molecular mechanisms by which condensin insufficiency causes microcephaly remain elusive. We previously identified conserved roles for condensins in repression of retrotransposable elements (RTEs). Here, we show that condensin subunit knockdown in NSPCs of the Drosophila larval central brain increases RTE expression and mobility which causes cell death, and significantly decreases adult head sizes and brain volumes. These findings suggest that unrestricted RTE expression and activity may lead to improper brain development in condensin insufficient organisms, and lay the foundation for future exploration of causative roles for RTEs in other microcephaly models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bert I Crawford
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Mary Jo Talley
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Joshua Russman
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - James Riddle
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Sabrina Torres
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Troy Williams
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Michelle S Longworth
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.
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46
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Yang J, Cook L, Chen Z. Systematic evaluation of retroviral LTRs as cis-regulatory elements in mouse embryos. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113775. [PMID: 38381606 PMCID: PMC11024894 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113775] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
In mammals, many retrotransposons are de-repressed during zygotic genome activation (ZGA). However, their functions in early development remain elusive largely due to the challenge to simultaneously manipulate thousands of retrotransposon insertions in embryos. Here, we applied CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) to perturb the long terminal repeat (LTR) MT2_Mm, a well-known ZGA and totipotency marker that exists in ∼2,667 insertions throughout the mouse genome. CRISPRi robustly perturbed 2,485 (∼93%) MT2_Mm insertions and 1,090 (∼55%) insertions of the closely related MT2C_Mm in 2-cell embryos. Remarkably, such perturbation caused downregulation of hundreds of ZGA genes and embryonic arrest mostly at the morula stage. Mechanistically, MT2 LTRs are globally enriched for open chromatin and H3K27ac and function as promoters/enhancers downstream of OBOX/DUX proteins. Thus, we not only provide direct evidence to support the functional importance of MT2 activation in development but also systematically define cis-regulatory function of MT2 in embryos by integrating functional perturbation and multi-omic analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Yang
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Lauryn Cook
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Zhiyuan Chen
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
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47
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Wang W, Gao R, Yang D, Ma M, Zang R, Wang X, Chen C, Kou X, Zhao Y, Chen J, Liu X, Lu J, Xu B, Liu J, Huang Y, Chen C, Wang H, Gao S, Zhang Y, Gao Y. ADNP modulates SINE B2-derived CTCF-binding sites during blastocyst formation in mice. Genes Dev 2024; 38:168-188. [PMID: 38479840 PMCID: PMC10982698 DOI: 10.1101/gad.351189.123] [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: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
CTCF is crucial for chromatin structure and transcription regulation in early embryonic development. However, the kinetics of CTCF chromatin occupation in preimplantation embryos have remained unclear. In this study, we used CUT&RUN technology to investigate CTCF occupancy in mouse preimplantation development. Our findings revealed that CTCF begins binding to the genome prior to zygotic genome activation (ZGA), with a preference for CTCF-anchored chromatin loops. Although the majority of CTCF occupancy is consistently maintained, we identified a specific set of binding sites enriched in the mouse-specific short interspersed element (SINE) family B2 that are restricted to the cleavage stages. Notably, we discovered that the neuroprotective protein ADNP counteracts the stable association of CTCF at SINE B2-derived CTCF-binding sites. Knockout of Adnp in the zygote led to impaired CTCF binding signal recovery, failed deposition of H3K9me3, and transcriptional derepression of SINE B2 during the morula-to-blastocyst transition, which further led to unfaithful cell differentiation in embryos around implantation. Our analysis highlights an ADNP-dependent restriction of CTCF binding during cell differentiation in preimplantation embryos. Furthermore, our findings shed light on the functional importance of transposable elements (TEs) in promoting genetic innovation and actively shaping the early embryo developmental process specific to mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Wang
- 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 200092, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology and Medical Innovation Center, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Rui Gao
- 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 200092, China
| | - Dongxu Yang
- 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 200092, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology and Medical Innovation Center, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Mingli Ma
- 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 200092, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology and Medical Innovation Center, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Ruge Zang
- 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 200092, China
| | - Xiangxiu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Modern Life Science Experiment Teaching Center at Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Chuan Chen
- Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China
| | - Xiaochen Kou
- 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 200092, China
| | - Yanhong Zhao
- 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 200092, China
| | - Jiayu Chen
- 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 200092, China
- Shanghai Institute of Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Xuelian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology and Medical Innovation Center, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jiaxu Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology and Medical Innovation Center, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Ben Xu
- 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 200092, China
| | - Juntao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology and Medical Innovation Center, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yanxin Huang
- 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 200092, China
| | - Chaoqun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology and Medical Innovation Center, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Hong Wang
- 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 200092, China
| | - Shaorong Gao
- 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 200092, China;
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology and Medical Innovation Center, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- Shanghai Institute of Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology and Medical Innovation Center, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China;
- Shanghai Institute of Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Yawei Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology and Medical Innovation Center, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China;
- Shanghai Institute of Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation, Shanghai 200120, China
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48
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Dopkins N, Nixon DF. Activation of human endogenous retroviruses and its physiological consequences. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2024; 25:212-222. [PMID: 37872387 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-023-00674-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are abundant sequences that persist within the human genome as remnants of ancient retroviral infections. These sequences became fixed and accumulate mutations or deletions over time. HERVs have affected human evolution and physiology by providing a unique repertoire of coding and non-coding sequences to the genome. In healthy individuals, HERVs participate in immune responses, formation of syncytiotrophoblasts and cell-fate specification. In this Review, we discuss how endogenized retroviral motifs and regulatory sequences have been co-opted into human physiology and how they are tightly regulated. Infections and mutations can derail this regulation, leading to differential HERV expression, which may contribute to pathologies including neurodegeneration, pathological inflammation and oncogenesis. Emerging evidence demonstrates that HERVs are crucial to human health and represent an understudied facet of many diseases, and we therefore argue that investigating their fundamental properties could improve existing therapies and help develop novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Dopkins
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Douglas F Nixon
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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49
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Salinas-Pena M, Serna-Pujol N, Jordan A. Genomic profiling of six human somatic histone H1 variants denotes that H1X accumulates at recently incorporated transposable elements. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:1793-1813. [PMID: 38261975 PMCID: PMC10899769 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae014] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Histone H1, a vital component in chromatin structure, binds to linker DNA and regulates nuclear processes. We have investigated the distribution of histone H1 variants in a breast cancer cell line using ChIP-Seq. Two major groups of variants are identified: H1.2, H1.3, H1.5 and H1.0 are abundant in low GC regions (B compartment), while H1.4 and H1X preferentially localize in high GC regions (A compartment). Examining their abundance within transposable elements (TEs) reveals that H1X and H1.4 are enriched in recently-incorporated TEs (SVA and SINE-Alu), while H1.0/H1.2/H1.3/H1.5 are more abundant in older elements. Notably, H1X is particularly enriched in SVA families, while H1.4 shows the highest abundance in young AluY elements. Although low GC variants are generally enriched in LINE, LTR and DNA repeats, H1X and H1.4 are also abundant in a subset of recent LINE-L1 and LTR repeats. H1X enrichment at SVA and Alu is consistent across multiple cell lines. Further, H1X depletion leads to TE derepression, suggesting its role in maintaining TE repression. Overall, this study provides novel insights into the differential distribution of histone H1 variants among repetitive elements, highlighting the potential involvement of H1X in repressing TEs recently incorporated within the human genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Salinas-Pena
- Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Department of Structural and Molecular Biology, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Núria Serna-Pujol
- Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Department of Structural and Molecular Biology, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Albert Jordan
- Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Department of Structural and Molecular Biology, Barcelona 08028, Spain
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50
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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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