1
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Jiang X, Zhan L, Tang X. RNA modifications in physiology and pathology: Progressing towards application in clinical settings. Cell Signal 2024; 121:111242. [PMID: 38851412 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111242] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
The potential to modify individual nucleotides through chemical means in order to impact the electrostatic charge, hydrophobic properties, and base pairing of RNA molecules is harnessed in the medical application of stable synthetic RNAs like mRNA vaccines and synthetic small RNA molecules. These modifications are used to either increase or decrease the production of therapeutic proteins. Additionally, naturally occurring biochemical alterations of nucleotides play a role in regulating RNA metabolism and function, thereby modulating essential cellular processes. Research elucidating the mechanisms through which RNA modifications govern fundamental cellular functions in multicellular organisms has enhanced our comprehension of how irregular RNA modification profiles can lead to human diseases. Collectively, these fundamental scientific findings have unveiled the molecular and cellular functions of RNA modifications, offering new opportunities for therapeutic intervention and paving the way for a variety of innovative clinical strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Jiang
- College of Pharmacy and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu College of Nursing, Huaian, Jiangsu 223005, China
| | - Lijuan Zhan
- College of Pharmacy and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu College of Nursing, Huaian, Jiangsu 223005, China.
| | - Xiaozhu Tang
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
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2
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Zhang J, Tong L, Liu Y, Li X, Wang J, Lin R, Zhou Z, Chen Y, Chen Y, Liu Y, Chen D. The regulatory role of m 6A modification in the maintenance and differentiation of embryonic stem cells. Genes Dis 2024; 11:101199. [PMID: 38947741 PMCID: PMC11214295 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.101199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
As the most prevalent and reversible internal epigenetic modification in eukaryotic mRNAs, N 6-methyladenosine (m6A) post-transcriptionally regulates the processing and metabolism of mRNAs involved in diverse biological processes. m6A modification is regulated by m6A writers, erasers, and readers. Emerging evidence suggests that m6A modification plays essential roles in modulating the cell-fate transition of embryonic stem cells. Mechanistic investigation of embryonic stem cell maintenance and differentiation is critical for understanding early embryonic development, which is also the premise for the application of embryonic stem cells in regenerative medicine. This review highlights the current knowledge of m6A modification and its essential regulatory contribution to the cell fate transition of mouse and human embryonic stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Center for Regeneration and Cell Therapy of Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Lingling Tong
- Center for Reproductive Medicine of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Center for Regeneration and Cell Therapy of Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Yuchen Liu
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Jiayi Wang
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Ruoxin Lin
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Ziyu Zhou
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Yunbing Chen
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Yanxi Chen
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Yirong Liu
- College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Minjiang University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, China
| | - Di Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Center for Regeneration and Cell Therapy of Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
- National Key Laboratory of Biobased Transportation Fuel Technology, Haining, Zhejiang 314400, China
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3
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Li W, Liu Y, Xu R, Zong Y, He L, Hu J, Li G. M 6A modification in cardiovascular disease: With a focus on programmed cell death. Genes Dis 2024; 11:101039. [PMID: 38988324 PMCID: PMC11233881 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.05.023] [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: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation is one of the most predominant internal RNA modifications in eukaryotes and has become a hot spot in the field of epigenetics in recent years. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of death globally. Emerging evidence demonstrates that RNA modifications, such as the m6A modification, are associated with the development and progression of many diseases, including CVDs. An increasing body of studies has indicated that programmed cell death (PCD) plays a vital role in CVDs. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying m6A modification and PCD in CVDs remain poorly understood. Herein, elaborating on the highly complex connections between the m6A mechanisms and different PCD signaling pathways and clarifying the exact molecular mechanism of m6A modification mediating PCD have significant meaning in developing new strategies for the prevention and therapy of CVDs. There is great potential for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Li
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic Disease, Department of Pathophysiology, MOE Key Lab of Rare Pediatric Diseases, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Yao Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Ruiyan Xu
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic Disease, Department of Pathophysiology, MOE Key Lab of Rare Pediatric Diseases, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Yuan Zong
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic Disease, Department of Pathophysiology, MOE Key Lab of Rare Pediatric Diseases, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Lu He
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Jun Hu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Guohua Li
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic Disease, Department of Pathophysiology, MOE Key Lab of Rare Pediatric Diseases, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
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4
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Shen J, Shentu J, Zhong C, Huang Q, Duan S. RNA splicing factor RBFOX2 is a key factor in the progression of cancer and cardiomyopathy. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1788. [PMID: 39243148 PMCID: PMC11380049 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1788] [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: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alternative splicing of pre-mRNA is a fundamental regulatory process in multicellular eukaryotes, significantly contributing to the diversification of the human proteome. RNA-binding fox-1 homologue 2 (RBFOX2), a member of the evolutionarily conserved RBFOX family, has emerged as a critical splicing regulator, playing a pivotal role in the alternative splicing of pre-mRNA. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of RBFOX2, elucidating its splicing activity through direct and indirect binding mechanisms. RBFOX2 exerts substantial influence over the alternative splicing of numerous transcripts, thereby shaping essential cellular processes such as differentiation and development. MAIN BODY OF THE ABSTRACT Dysregulation of RBFOX2-mediated alternative splicing has been closely linked to a spectrum of cardiovascular diseases and malignant tumours, underscoring its potential as a therapeutic target. Despite significant progress, current research faces notable challenges. The complete structural characterisation of RBFOX2 remains elusive, limiting in-depth exploration beyond its RNA-recognition motif. Furthermore, the scarcity of studies focusing on RBFOX2-targeting drugs poses a hindrance to translating research findings into clinical applications. CONCLUSION This review critically assesses the existing body of knowledge on RBFOX2, highlighting research gaps and limitations. By delineating these areas, this analysis not only serves as a foundational reference for future studies but also provides strategic insights for bridging these gaps. Addressing these challenges will be instrumental in unlocking the full therapeutic potential of RBFOX2, paving the way for innovative and effective treatments in various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinze Shen
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianqiao Shentu
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chenming Zhong
- Medical Genetics Center, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Qiankai Huang
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shiwei Duan
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, China
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Liang Z, Huang T, Li W, Ma Z, Wang K, Zhai Z, Fan Y, Fu Y, Wang X, Qin Y, Wang B, Zhao C, Kuang J, Pei D. ALKBH5 governs human endoderm fate by regulating the DKK1/4-mediated Wnt/β-catenin activation. Nucleic Acids Res 2024:gkae707. [PMID: 39166492 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenonsine (m6A) is ubiquitously distributed in mammalian mRNA. However, the precise involvement of m6A in early development has yet to be fully elucidated. Here, we report that deletion of the m6A demethylase ALKBH5 in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) severely impairs definitive endoderm (DE) differentiation. ALKBH5-/- hESCs fail to undergo the primitive streak (PS) intermediate transition that precedes endoderm specification. Mechanistically, we show that ALKBH5 deficiency induces m6A hypermethylation around the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of GATA6 transcripts and destabilizes GATA6 mRNA in a YTHDF2-dependent manner. Moreover, GATA6 binds to the promoters of critical regulatory genes involved in Wnt/β-catenin signaling transduction, including the canonical Wnt antagonist DKK1 and DKK4, which are unexpectedly repressed upon the dysregulation of GATA6 mRNA metabolism. Remarkably, DKK1 and DKK4 both exhibit a pleiotropic effect in modulating the Wnt/β-catenin cascade and guard the endogenous signaling activation underlying DE formation as potential downstream targets of the ALKBH5-GATA6 regulation. Here, we unravel a role of ALKBH5 in human endoderm formation in vitro by modulating the canonical Wnt signaling logic through the previously unrecognized functions of DKK1/4, thus capturing a more comprehensive role of m6A in early human embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zechuan Liang
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Laboratory of Cell Fate Control, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tao Huang
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Laboratory of Cell Fate Control, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaoyi Ma
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Laboratory of Cell Fate Control, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kaipeng Wang
- Laboratory of Cell Fate Control, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
- Fudan Unversity, Shanghai, China
| | - Ziwei Zhai
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yixin Fan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Fu
- Laboratory of Cell Fate Control, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
- Fudan Unversity, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaomin Wang
- Laboratory of Cell Fate Control, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yue Qin
- Laboratory of Cell Fate Control, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Laboratory of Cell Fate Control, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang University of Science and Technology School of Information and Electronic Engineering, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Biomedical Intelligent Computing Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chengchen Zhao
- Laboratory of Cell Fate Control, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Biomedical Intelligent Computing Technology, Hangzhou, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, 310024, Zhejiang, China
| | - Junqi Kuang
- Laboratory of Cell Fate Control, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, 310024, Zhejiang, China
| | - Duanqing Pei
- Laboratory of Cell Fate Control, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, 310024, Zhejiang, China
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Li C, Chen K, Fang Q, Shi S, Nan J, He J, Yin Y, Li X, Li J, Hou L, Hu X, Kellis M, Han X, Xiong X. Crosstalk between epitranscriptomic and epigenomic modifications and its implication in human diseases. CELL GENOMICS 2024; 4:100605. [PMID: 38981476 DOI: 10.1016/j.xgen.2024.100605] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Crosstalk between N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and epigenomes is crucial for gene regulation, but its regulatory directionality and disease significance remain unclear. Here, we utilize quantitative trait loci (QTLs) as genetic instruments to delineate directional maps of crosstalk between m6A and two epigenomic traits, DNA methylation (DNAme) and H3K27ac. We identify 47 m6A-to-H3K27ac and 4,733 m6A-to-DNAme and, in the reverse direction, 106 H3K27ac-to-m6A and 61,775 DNAme-to-m6A regulatory loci, with differential genomic location preference observed for different regulatory directions. Integrating these maps with complex diseases, we prioritize 20 genome-wide association study (GWAS) loci for neuroticism, depression, and narcolepsy in brain; 1,767 variants for asthma and expiratory flow traits in lung; and 249 for coronary artery disease, blood pressure, and pulse rate in muscle. This study establishes disease regulatory paths, such as rs3768410-DNAme-m6A-asthma and rs56104944-m6A-DNAme-hypertension, uncovering locus-specific crosstalk between m6A and epigenomic layers and offering insights into regulatory circuits underlying human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengyu Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital & Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 311121, China; State Key Laboratory of Transvascular Implantation Devices, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Kexuan Chen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital & Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 311121, China; State Key Laboratory of Transvascular Implantation Devices, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Qianchen Fang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital & Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 311121, China; State Key Laboratory of Transvascular Implantation Devices, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Shaohui Shi
- The Second Affiliated Hospital & Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 311121, China; State Key Laboratory of Transvascular Implantation Devices, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Jiuhong Nan
- The Second Affiliated Hospital & Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 311121, China; State Key Laboratory of Transvascular Implantation Devices, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Jialin He
- The Second Affiliated Hospital & Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 311121, China; State Key Laboratory of Transvascular Implantation Devices, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Yafei Yin
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Jingyun Li
- Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Lei Hou
- Department of Medicine, Biomedical Genetics Section, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Xinyang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Transvascular Implantation Devices, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 311121, China; The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Manolis Kellis
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Xikun Han
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
| | - Xushen Xiong
- The Second Affiliated Hospital & Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 311121, China; State Key Laboratory of Transvascular Implantation Devices, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 311121, China.
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Lu L, Zhang X, Zhou Y, Shi Z, Xie X, Zhang X, Gao L, Fu A, Liu C, He B, Xiong X, Yin Y, Wang Q, Yi C, Li X. Base-resolution m 5C profiling across the mammalian transcriptome by bisulfite-free enzyme-assisted chemical labeling approach. Mol Cell 2024; 84:2984-3000.e8. [PMID: 39002544 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2024.06.021] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
5-methylcytosine (m5C) is a prevalent RNA modification crucial for gene expression regulation. However, accurate and sensitive m5C sites identification remains challenging due to severe RNA degradation and reduced sequence complexity during bisulfite sequencing (BS-seq). Here, we report m5C-TAC-seq, a bisulfite-free approach combining TET-assisted m5C-to-f5C oxidation with selective chemical labeling, therefore enabling direct base-resolution m5C detection through pre-enrichment and C-to-T transitions at m5C sites. With m5C-TAC-seq, we comprehensively profiled the m5C methylomes in human and mouse cells, identifying a substantially larger number of confident m5C sites. Through perturbing potential m5C methyltransferases, we deciphered the responsible enzymes for most m5C sites, including the characterization of NSUN5's involvement in mRNA m5C deposition. Additionally, we characterized m5C dynamics during mESC differentiation. Notably, the mild reaction conditions and preservation of nucleotide composition in m5C-TAC-seq allow m5C detection in chromatin-associated RNAs. The accurate and robust m5C-TAC-seq will advance research into m5C methylation functional investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Lu
- Department of Biochemistry and Department of Gastroenterology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Institute of Immunology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xiaoting Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yuenan Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Department of Gastroenterology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Department of Cell Biology and Department of Cardiology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zuokun Shi
- Department of Biochemistry and Department of Gastroenterology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Department of Cell Biology and Department of Cardiology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xiwen Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Department of Gastroenterology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xinyue Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology and Department of Cardiology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Liaoliao Gao
- Department of Biochemistry and Department of Gastroenterology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Anbo Fu
- Department of Biochemistry and Department of Gastroenterology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Cong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Bo He
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xushen Xiong
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Yafei Yin
- Department of Cell Biology and Department of Cardiology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qingqing Wang
- Institute of Immunology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Chengqi Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Department of Chemical Biology and Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Department of Gastroenterology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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Liu X, Liang XQ, Lu TC, Feng Z, Zhang M, Liao NQ, Zhang FL, Wang B, Wang LS. Leech Poecilobdella manillensis protein extract ameliorated hyperuricemia by restoring gut microbiota dysregulation and affecting serum metabolites. World J Gastroenterol 2024; 30:3488-3510. [PMID: 39156502 PMCID: PMC11326090 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i29.3488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a public health concern that needs to be solved urgently. The lyophilized powder of Poecilobdella manillensis has been shown to significantly alleviate HUA; however, its underlying metabolic regulation remains unclear. AIM To explore the underlying mechanisms of Poecilobdella manillensis in HUA based on modulation of the gut microbiota and host metabolism. METHODS A mouse model of rapid HUA was established using a high-purine diet and potassium oxonate injections. The mice received oral drugs or saline. Additionally, 16S rRNA sequencing and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry-based untargeted metabolomics were performed to identify changes in the microbiome and host metabolome, respectively. The levels of uric acid transporters and epithelial tight junction proteins in the renal and intestinal tissues were analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS The protein extract of Poecilobdella manillensis lyophilized powder (49 mg/kg) showed an enhanced anti-trioxypurine ability than that of allopurinol (5 mg/kg) (P < 0.05). A total of nine bacterial genera were identified to be closely related to the anti-trioxypurine activity of Poecilobdella manillensis powder, which included the genera of Prevotella, Delftia, Dialister, Akkermansia, Lactococcus, Escherichia_Shigella, Enterococcus, and Bacteroides. Furthermore, 22 metabolites in the serum were found to be closely related to the anti-trioxypurine activity of Poecilobdella manillensis powder, which correlated to the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways of cysteine and methionine metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, galactose metabolism, and phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis. Correlation analysis found that changes in the gut microbiota were significantly related to these metabolites. CONCLUSION The proteins in Poecilobdella manillensis powder were effective for HUA. Mechanistically, they are associated with improvements in gut microbiota dysbiosis and the regulation of sphingolipid and galactose metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Liu
- Medical College, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, HIV/AIDS Clinical Treatment Center of Guangxi (Nanning), The Fourth People’s Hospital of Nanning, Nanning 530023, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Xing-Qiu Liang
- Department of Science and Technology, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530011, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Tian-Cai Lu
- General Manager’s Office, Guangxi Fuxinyi Biological Technology Co. Ltd., Pingnan 537300, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Zhe Feng
- Department of Joint and Sports Medicine, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530011, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Gerontology, Nanning Social Welfare Hospital, Nanning 530004, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Nan-Qing Liao
- Medical College, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Feng-Lian Zhang
- Medical College, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Medical College, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Li-Sheng Wang
- Medical College, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
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Wells GR, Pillai RS. Roles of N 6-methyladenosine writers, readers and erasers in the mammalian germline. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2024; 87:102224. [PMID: 38981182 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2024.102224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant internal modification of mRNAs in eukaryotes. Numerous studies have shown that m6A plays key roles in many biological and pathophysiological processes, including fertility. The factors involved in m6A-dependent mRNA regulation include writers, which deposit the m6A mark, erasers, which remove it, and readers, which bind to m6A-modified transcripts and mediate the regulation of mRNA fate. Many of these proteins are highly expressed in the germ cells of mammals, and some have been linked to fertility disorders in human patients. In this review, we summarise recent findings on the important roles played by proteins involved in m6A biology in mammalian gametogenesis and fertility. Continued study of the m6A pathway in the mammalian germline will shed further light on the importance of epitranscriptomics in reproduction and may lead to effective treatment of human fertility disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graeme R Wells
- Department of Molecular Biology, Science III, University of Geneva, 30 Quai Ernest-Ansermet, CH-1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland.
| | - Ramesh S Pillai
- Department of Molecular Biology, Science III, University of Geneva, 30 Quai Ernest-Ansermet, CH-1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
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10
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Zhang L, Zhang W, Wang H. Accurate Quantification of Ten Methylated Purine Nucleosides by Highly Sensitive and Stable Isotope-Diluted UHPLC-MS/MS. Anal Chem 2024; 96:11366-11373. [PMID: 38970538 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c01446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
The dynamic landscape of cellular nucleotides/nucleosides associated with RNA metabolism, particularly in diseases like cancer, has spurred intensive interest. Here, we report a robust stable isotope-diluted UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS method for accurate quantification of 12 purine ribonucleosides, including 10 methylated purine nucleosides. By the use of thermally decomposable ammonium bicarbonate (NH4HCO3) as a mobile phase additive for UHPLC-MS/MS detection, the ESI-MS/MS signal responses of these target compounds were enhanced by 1.7-24.5 folds. Noteworthily, three methylated guanosine isomers (m1G, m2G, and m7G) and two methylated adenosine isomers (m1A and m6A) that are indistinguishable directly by mass spectrometry were well resolved with optimal UHPLC separation. Combined with methanol extraction and solid-phase extraction (SPE) pretreatment, the method quantified intracellular concentrations of three modified nucleosides (Gm, m1G, and m2G), which would otherwise be undetectable because of significant suppression of their signals by the interfering cellular matrix. Nine purine nucleosides were simultaneously quantified in 293T cells, and their concentrations ranged by 4 orders of magnitude. Overall, the method presents high recovery rates over 90% for endogenous modified purine nucleosides in cultured cells, along with good precision, linearity, and LOD ranging from 0.30 fmol to 0.37 pmol per 5 × 105 cells. The developed UHPLC-MS/MS method holds potential for screening purine nucleosides as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and for quantifying purine epigenetic nucleosides post-cell metabolome analysis, thereby providing a valuable analytical tool for intracellular nucleoside quantification in future clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyuye Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry, School of Chemistry & Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Weibing Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry, School of Chemistry & Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Hailin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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11
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Su Z, Dong Y, Sun J, Wu Y, Wei Q, Liang Y, Lin Z, Li Y, Shen L, Xi C, Wu L, Xu Y, Liu Y, Yin J, Wang H, Shi K, Le R, Gao S, Xu X. RNA m 6A modification regulates cell fate transition between pluripotent stem cells and 2-cell-like cells. Cell Prolif 2024:e13696. [PMID: 38952035 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) exerts essential roles in early embryos, especially in the maternal-to-zygotic transition stage. However, the landscape and roles of RNA m6A modification during the transition between pluripotent stem cells and 2-cell-like (2C-like) cells remain elusive. Here, we utilised ultralow-input RNA m6A immunoprecipitation to depict the dynamic picture of transcriptome-wide m6A modifications during 2C-like transitions. We found that RNA m6A modification was preferentially enriched in zygotic genome activation (ZGA) transcripts and MERVL with high expression levels in 2C-like cells. During the exit of the 2C-like state, m6A facilitated the silencing of ZGA genes and MERVL. Notably, inhibition of m6A methyltransferase METTL3 and m6A reader protein IGF2BP2 is capable of significantly delaying 2C-like state exit and expanding 2C-like cells population. Together, our study reveals the critical roles of RNA m6A modification in the transition between 2C-like and pluripotent states, facilitating the study of totipotency and cell fate decision in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongqu Su
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Key Laboratory of Animal Bioengineering and Disease Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, China
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity & Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cells, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Dong
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity & Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cells, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiatong Sun
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity & Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cells, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - You Wu
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity & Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cells, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingqing Wei
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Key Laboratory of Animal Bioengineering and Disease Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, China
| | - Yuwei Liang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity & Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cells, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiyi Lin
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity & Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cells, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yujun Li
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity & Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cells, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Shen
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity & Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cells, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenxiang Xi
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity & Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cells, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Wu
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity & Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cells, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiliang Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Key Laboratory of Animal Bioengineering and Disease Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, China
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity & Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cells, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingdong Liu
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity & Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cells, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiqing Yin
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity & Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cells, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity & Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cells, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kerong Shi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Key Laboratory of Animal Bioengineering and Disease Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, China
| | - Rongrong Le
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity & Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cells, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaorong Gao
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity & Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cells, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaocui Xu
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity & Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cells, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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12
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He J, Mahmoudi A, Yao J, Yuan Q, Fu J, Liu W. N6-methyladenosine methylation analysis of circRNAs in acquired middle ear cholesteatoma. Front Genet 2024; 15:1396720. [PMID: 38978876 PMCID: PMC11229040 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1396720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Middle ear cholesteatoma is a chronic middle ear disease characterized by severe hearing loss and adjacent bone erosion, resulting in numerous complications. This study sought to identify pathways involved in N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of circRNA in middle ear cholesteatoma. Methods A m6A circRNA epitranscriptomic microarray analysis was performed in middle ear cholesteatoma tissues (n = 5) and normal post-auricular skin samples (n = 5). Bioinformatics analyses subsequently explored the biological functions (Gene Ontology, GO) and signaling pathways (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, KEGG) underlying middle ear cholesteatoma pathogenesis. Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation qPCR (MeRIP-qPCR) was performed to verify the presence of circRNAs with m6A modifications in middle ear cholesteatoma and normal skin samples. Results Microarray analysis identified 3,755 circRNAs as significantly differentially modified by m6A methylation in middle ear cholesteatoma compared with the normal post-auricular skin. Among these, 3,742 were hypermethylated (FC ≥ 2, FDR < 0.05) and 13 were hypomethylated (FC ≤ 1/2, FDR < 0.05). GO analysis terms with the highest enrichment score were localization, cytoplasm, and ATP-dependent activity for biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions respectively. Of the eight hypermethylated circRNA pathways, RNA degradation pathway has the highest enrichment score. Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway was hypomethylated. To validate the microarray analysis, we conducted MeRIP-qPCR to assess the methylation levels of five specific m6A-modified circRNAs: hsa_circRNA_061554, hsa_circRNA_001454, hsa_circRNA_031526, hsa_circRNA_100833, and hsa_circRNA_022382. The validation was highly consistent with the findings from the microarray analysis. Conclusion Our study firstly presents m6A modification patterns of circRNAs in middle ear cholesteatoma. This finding suggests a direction for circRNA m6A modification research in the etiology of cholesteatoma and provides potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of middle ear cholesteatoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun He
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ahmad Mahmoudi
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Jacqueline Yao
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Qiulin Yuan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jinfeng Fu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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13
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Zhang S, Xiao X, Yi Y, Wang X, Zhu L, Shen Y, Lin D, Wu C. Tumor initiation and early tumorigenesis: molecular mechanisms and interventional targets. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:149. [PMID: 38890350 PMCID: PMC11189549 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01848-7] [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: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumorigenesis is a multistep process, with oncogenic mutations in a normal cell conferring clonal advantage as the initial event. However, despite pervasive somatic mutations and clonal expansion in normal tissues, their transformation into cancer remains a rare event, indicating the presence of additional driver events for progression to an irreversible, highly heterogeneous, and invasive lesion. Recently, researchers are emphasizing the mechanisms of environmental tumor risk factors and epigenetic alterations that are profoundly influencing early clonal expansion and malignant evolution, independently of inducing mutations. Additionally, clonal evolution in tumorigenesis reflects a multifaceted interplay between cell-intrinsic identities and various cell-extrinsic factors that exert selective pressures to either restrain uncontrolled proliferation or allow specific clones to progress into tumors. However, the mechanisms by which driver events induce both intrinsic cellular competency and remodel environmental stress to facilitate malignant transformation are not fully understood. In this review, we summarize the genetic, epigenetic, and external driver events, and their effects on the co-evolution of the transformed cells and their ecosystem during tumor initiation and early malignant evolution. A deeper understanding of the earliest molecular events holds promise for translational applications, predicting individuals at high-risk of tumor and developing strategies to intercept malignant transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaosen Zhang
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Genomic Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyi Xiao
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Genomic Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - Yonglin Yi
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Genomic Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Genomic Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - Lingxuan Zhu
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Genomic Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
- Changping Laboratory, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - Yanrong Shen
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Genomic Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - Dongxin Lin
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Genomic Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China.
- Changping Laboratory, 100021, Beijing, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
| | - Chen Wu
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Genomic Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China.
- Changping Laboratory, 100021, Beijing, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
- CAMS Oxford Institute, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 100006, Beijing, China.
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14
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Xu W, Shen H. m 6A regulates heterochromatin in mammalian embryonic stem cells. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2024; 86:102196. [PMID: 38669774 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2024.102196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
As the most well-studied modification in mRNA, m6A has been shown to regulate multiple biological processes, including RNA degradation, processing, and translation. Recent studies showed that m6A modification is enriched in chromatin-associated RNAs and nascent RNAs, suggesting m6A might play regulatory roles in chromatin contexts. Indeed, in the past several years, a number of studies have clarified how m6A and its modulators regulate different types of chromatin states. Specifically, in the past 2-3 years, several studies discovered the roles of m6A and/or its modulators in regulating constitutive and facultative heterochromatin, shedding interesting lights on RNA-dependent heterochromatin formation in mammalian cells. This review will summarize and discuss the mechanisms underlying m6A's regulation in different types of heterochromatin, with a specific emphasis on the regulation in mammalian embryonic stem cells, which exhibit distinct features of multiple heterochromatin marks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqi Xu
- Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Hongjie Shen
- Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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15
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Radrizzani S, Kudla G, Izsvák Z, Hurst LD. Selection on synonymous sites: the unwanted transcript hypothesis. Nat Rev Genet 2024; 25:431-448. [PMID: 38297070 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-023-00686-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Although translational selection to favour codons that match the most abundant tRNAs is not readily observed in humans, there is nonetheless selection in humans on synonymous mutations. We hypothesize that much of this synonymous site selection can be explained in terms of protection against unwanted RNAs - spurious transcripts, mis-spliced forms or RNAs derived from transposable elements or viruses. We propose not only that selection on synonymous sites functions to reduce the rate of creation of unwanted transcripts (for example, through selection on exonic splice enhancers and cryptic splice sites) but also that high-GC content (but low-CpG content), together with intron presence and position, is both particular to functional native mRNAs and used to recognize transcripts as native. In support of this hypothesis, transcription, nuclear export, liquid phase condensation and RNA degradation have all recently been shown to promote GC-rich transcripts and suppress AU/CpG-rich ones. With such 'traps' being set against AU/CpG-rich transcripts, the codon usage of native genes has, in turn, evolved to avoid such suppression. That parallel filters against AU/CpG-rich transcripts also affect the endosomal import of RNAs further supports the unwanted transcript hypothesis of synonymous site selection and explains the similar design rules that have enabled the successful use of transgenes and RNA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Radrizzani
- Milner Centre for Evolution, Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, UK
- Milner Therapeutics Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Grzegorz Kudla
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute for Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Zsuzsanna Izsvák
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Society, Berlin, Germany
| | - Laurence D Hurst
- Milner Centre for Evolution, Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, UK.
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16
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Wang Y, Huang H, Chen J, Weng H. Crosstalk between histone/DNA modifications and RNA N 6-methyladenosine modification. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2024; 86:102205. [PMID: 38776766 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2024.102205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent internal RNA modification in eukaryotic messenger RNAs (mRNAs), regulating gene expression at the transcription and post-transcription levels. Complex interplay between m6A and other well-studied epigenetic modifications, including histone modifications and DNA modification, has been extensively reported in recent years. The crosstalk between RNA m6A modification and histone/DNA modifications plays a critical role in establishing the chromatin state for the precise and specific fine-tuning of gene expression and undoubtedly has profound impacts on both physiological and pathological processes. In this review, we discuss the crosstalk between RNA m6A modification and histone/DNA modifications, emphasizing their sophisticated communications and the mechanisms underlying to gain a comprehensive view of the biological relevance of m6A-based epigenetic network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yushuai Wang
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou 510005, China
| | - Huilin Huang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Jianjun Chen
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA; Gehr Family Center for Leukemia Research & City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
| | - Hengyou Weng
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou 510005, China; Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou 510005, China; The First Affiliated Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510005, China.
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Wang X, Gan M, Wang Y, Wang S, Lei Y, Wang K, Zhang X, Chen L, Zhao Y, Niu L, Zhang S, Zhu L, Shen L. Comprehensive review on lipid metabolism and RNA methylation: Biological mechanisms, perspectives and challenges. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 270:132057. [PMID: 38710243 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132057] [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: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Adipose tissue plays a crucial role in maintaining energy balance, regulating hormones, and promoting metabolic health. To address disorders related to obesity and develop effective therapies, it is essential to have a deep understanding of adipose tissue biology. In recent years, RNA methylation has emerged as a significant epigenetic modification involved in various cellular functions and metabolic pathways. Particularly in the realm of adipogenesis and lipid metabolism, extensive research is ongoing to uncover the mechanisms and functional importance of RNA methylation. Increasing evidence suggests that RNA methylation plays a regulatory role in adipocyte development, metabolism, and lipid utilization across different organs. This comprehensive review aims to provide an overview of common RNA methylation modifications, their occurrences, and regulatory mechanisms, focusing specifically on their intricate connections to fat metabolism. Additionally, we discuss the research methodologies used in studying RNA methylation and highlight relevant databases that can aid researchers in this rapidly advancing field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Mailin Gan
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Saihao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yuhang Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Kai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Lei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Ye Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Lili Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Shunhua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Li Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
| | - Linyuan Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
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18
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Yang S, Xu L, Zhuang H, Li F, Lu Y. A new perspective on hematological malignancies: m6A modification in immune microenvironment. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1374390. [PMID: 38868768 PMCID: PMC11168112 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1374390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy for hematological malignancies is a rapidly advancing field that has gained momentum in recent years, primarily encompassing chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapies, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and other modalities. However, its clinical efficacy remains limited, and drug resistance poses a significant challenge. Therefore, novel immunotherapeutic targets and agents need to be identified. Recently, N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most prevalent RNA epitope modification, has emerged as a pivotal factor in various malignancies. Reportedly, m6A mutations influence the immunological microenvironment of hematological malignancies, leading to immune evasion and compromising the anti-tumor immune response in hematological malignancies. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the roles of the currently identified m6A modifications in various hematological malignancies, with a particular focus on their impact on the immune microenvironment. Additionally, we provide an overview of the research progress made in developing m6A-targeted drugs for hematological tumor therapy, to offer novel clinical insights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyu Yang
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated People’s Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- Institute of Hematology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Liping Xu
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated People’s Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- Institute of Hematology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Haihui Zhuang
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated People’s Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- Institute of Hematology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Fenglin Li
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated People’s Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- Institute of Hematology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Ying Lu
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated People’s Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- Institute of Hematology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
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19
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Han Q, Ma R, Liu N. Epigenetic reprogramming in the transition from pluripotency to totipotency. J Cell Physiol 2024; 239:e31222. [PMID: 38375873 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31222] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Mammalian development commences with the zygote, which can differentiate into both embryonic and extraembryonic tissues, a capability known as totipotency. Only the zygote and embryos around zygotic genome activation (ZGA) (two-cell embryo stage in mice and eight-cell embryo in humans) are totipotent cells. Epigenetic modifications undergo extremely extensive changes during the acquisition of totipotency and subsequent development of differentiation. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Recently, the discovery of mouse two-cell embryo-like cells, human eight-cell embryo-like cells, extended pluripotent stem cells and totipotent-like stem cells with extra-embryonic developmental potential has greatly expanded our understanding of totipotency. Experiments with these in vitro models have led to insights into epigenetic changes in the reprogramming of pluri-to-totipotency, which have informed the exploration of preimplantation development. In this review, we highlight the recent findings in understanding the mechanisms of epigenetic remodeling during totipotency capture, including RNA splicing, DNA methylation, chromatin configuration, histone modifications, and nuclear organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingsheng Han
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ru Ma
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Na Liu
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
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20
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Wei G. RNA m6A modification, signals for degradation or stabilisation? Biochem Soc Trans 2024; 52:707-717. [PMID: 38629637 PMCID: PMC11088905 DOI: 10.1042/bst20230574] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
The RNA modification N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is conserved across eukaryotes, and profoundly influences RNA metabolism, including regulating RNA stability. METTL3 and METTL14, together with several accessory components, form a 'writer' complex catalysing m6A modification. Conversely, FTO and ALKBH5 function as demethylases, rendering m6A dynamic. Key to understanding the functional significance of m6A is its 'reader' proteins, exemplified by YTH-domain-containing proteins (YTHDFs) canonical reader and insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding proteins (IGF2BPs) non-canonical reader. These proteins play a crucial role in determining RNA stability: YTHDFs mainly promote mRNA degradation through different cytoplasmic pathways, whereas IGF2BPs function to maintain mRNA stability. Additionally, YTHDC1 functions within the nucleus to degrade or protect certain m6A-containing RNAs, and other non-canonical readers also contribute to RNA stability regulation. Notably, m6A regulates retrotransposon LINE1 RNA stability and/or transcription via multiple mechanisms. However, conflicting observations underscore the complexities underlying m6A's regulation of RNA stability depending upon the RNA sequence/structure context, developmental stage, and/or cellular environment. Understanding the interplay between m6A and other RNA regulatory elements is pivotal in deciphering the multifaceted roles m6A plays in RNA stability regulation and broader cellular biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guifeng Wei
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, U.K
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21
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Jarmoskaite I, Li JB. Multifaceted roles of RNA editing enzyme ADAR1 in innate immunity. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2024; 30:500-511. [PMID: 38531645 PMCID: PMC11019752 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079953.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Innate immunity must be tightly regulated to enable sensitive pathogen detection while averting autoimmunity triggered by pathogen-like host molecules. A hallmark of viral infection, double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) are also abundantly encoded in mammalian genomes, necessitating surveillance mechanisms to distinguish "self" from "nonself." ADAR1, an RNA editing enzyme, has emerged as an essential safeguard against dsRNA-induced autoimmunity. By converting adenosines to inosines (A-to-I) in long dsRNAs, ADAR1 covalently marks endogenous dsRNAs, thereby blocking the activation of the cytoplasmic dsRNA sensor MDA5. Moreover, beyond its editing function, ADAR1 binding to dsRNA impedes the activation of innate immune sensors PKR and ZBP1. Recent landmark studies underscore the utility of silencing ADAR1 for cancer immunotherapy, by exploiting the ADAR1-dependence developed by certain tumors to unleash an antitumor immune response. In this perspective, we summarize the genetic and mechanistic evidence for ADAR1's multipronged role in suppressing dsRNA-mediated autoimmunity and explore the evolving roles of ADAR1 as an immuno-oncology target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inga Jarmoskaite
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA
- AIRNA Corporation, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
| | - Jin Billy Li
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA
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22
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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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23
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Li Y, Wang Y, Vera-Rodriguez M, Lindeman LC, Skuggen LE, Rasmussen EMK, Jermstad I, Khan S, Fosslie M, Skuland T, Indahl M, Khodeer S, Klemsdal EK, Jin KX, Dalen KT, Fedorcsak P, Greggains GD, Lerdrup M, Klungland A, Au KF, Dahl JA. Single-cell m 6A mapping in vivo using picoMeRIP-seq. Nat Biotechnol 2024; 42:591-596. [PMID: 37349523 PMCID: PMC10739642 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-023-01831-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Current N6-methyladenosine (m6A) mapping methods need large amounts of RNA or are limited to cultured cells. Through optimized sample recovery and signal-to-noise ratio, we developed picogram-scale m6A RNA immunoprecipitation and sequencing (picoMeRIP-seq) for studying m6A in vivo in single cells and scarce cell types using standard laboratory equipment. We benchmark m6A mapping on titrations of poly(A) RNA and embryonic stem cells and in single zebrafish zygotes, mouse oocytes and embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjiao Li
- Department of Microbiology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Yunhao Wang
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Maria Vera-Rodriguez
- Department of Microbiology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | - Erik M K Rasmussen
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Aas, Norway
| | - Ingunn Jermstad
- Norwegian Transgenic Centre, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Shaista Khan
- Norwegian Transgenic Centre, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Madeleine Fosslie
- Department of Microbiology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trine Skuland
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Division of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marie Indahl
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Division of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sherif Khodeer
- Department of Microbiology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Leuven Institute for Single-Cell Omics (LISCO), Leuven Stem Cell Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Kang-Xuan Jin
- Department of Microbiology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Knut Tomas Dalen
- Norwegian Transgenic Centre, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Peter Fedorcsak
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Division of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gareth D Greggains
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mads Lerdrup
- Center for Chromosome Stability, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Arne Klungland
- Department of Microbiology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Kin Fai Au
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Biomedical Informatics Shared Resources, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - John Arne Dahl
- Department of Microbiology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.
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24
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Bao T, Liu X, Hu J, Ma M, Li J, Cao L, Yu B, Cheng H, Zhao S, Tian Z. Recruitment of PVT1 Enhances YTHDC1-Mediated m6A Modification of IL-33 in Hyperoxia-Induced Lung Injury During Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia. Inflammation 2024; 47:469-482. [PMID: 37917328 PMCID: PMC11074042 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-023-01923-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disease that specifically affects preterm infants. Oxygen therapy administered to treat BPD can lead to hyperoxia-induced lung injury, characterized by apoptosis of lung alveolar epithelial cells. Our epitranscriptomic microarray analysis of normal mice lungs and hyperoxia-stimulated mice lungs revealed elevated RNA expression levels of IL-33, as well as increased m6A RNA methylation levels of IL-33 and PVT1 in the hyperoxia-stimulated lungs. This study aimed to investigate the role of the PVT1/IL-33 axis in BPD. A mouse model of BPD was established through hyperoxia induction, and lung histological changes were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Parameters such as radial alveolar count and mean chord length were measured to assess lung function. Mouse and human lung alveolar epithelial cells (MLE12 and A549, respectively) were stimulated with hyperoxia to create an in vitro BPD model. Cell apoptosis was detected using Western blotting and flow cytometry analysis. Our results demonstrated that silencing PVT1 suppressed apoptosis in MLE12 and A549 cells and improved lung function in hyperoxia-stimulated lungs. Additionally, IL-33 reversed the effects of PVT1 both in vivo and in vitro. Through online bioinformatics analysis and RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation assays, YTHDC1 was identified as a RNA-binding protein (RBP) for both PVT1 and IL-33. We found that PVT1 positively regulated IL-33 expression by recruiting YTHDC1 to mediate m6A modification of IL-33. In conclusion, silencing PVT1 demonstrated beneficial effects in alleviating BPD by facilitating YTHDC1-mediated m6A modification of IL-33. Inhibition of the PVT1/IL-33 axis to suppress apoptosis in lung alveolar epithelial cells may hold promise as a therapeutic approach for managing hyperoxia-induced lung injury in BPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianping Bao
- Department of Neonatology, The Affiliated Huaian No.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 1 Western Huanghe Road, Huai'an, 223300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiangye Liu
- Department of Neonatology, The Affiliated Huaian No.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 1 Western Huanghe Road, Huai'an, 223300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jian Hu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Huaian No.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mengmeng Ma
- Department of Neonatology, The Affiliated Huaian No.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 1 Western Huanghe Road, Huai'an, 223300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jingyan Li
- Department of Neonatology, The Affiliated Huaian No.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 1 Western Huanghe Road, Huai'an, 223300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Linxia Cao
- Department of Neonatology, The Affiliated Huaian No.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 1 Western Huanghe Road, Huai'an, 223300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bingrui Yu
- Department of Neonatology, The Affiliated Huaian No.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 1 Western Huanghe Road, Huai'an, 223300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huaiping Cheng
- Department of Neonatology, The Affiliated Huaian No.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 1 Western Huanghe Road, Huai'an, 223300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Sai Zhao
- Department of Neonatology, The Affiliated Huaian No.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 1 Western Huanghe Road, Huai'an, 223300, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Zhaofang Tian
- Department of Neonatology, The Affiliated Huaian No.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 1 Western Huanghe Road, Huai'an, 223300, Jiangsu, China.
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25
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Zhang J, Liu X, Gao Y. FTO protein regulates the TGF-β signalling pathway through RNA N6-methyladenosine modification to induce unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion. FEBS J 2024; 291:1545-1559. [PMID: 38245815 DOI: 10.1111/febs.17053] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Recent studies have revealed the involvement of RNA m6A modification in embryonic development; however, the relationship between aberrant RNA m6A modification and unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA) remains unclear. In this study, we analysed the level of RNA m6A modification in trophoblasts using dot blot, RNA m6A quantification, and MeRIP assays. By integrating data from the GEO database, RNA-Seq, and MeRIP-Seq, we examined the aberrant expression of m6A methyltransferases and their downstream molecules in chorionic villus (placental) tissues. RNA pull-down, RIP, and electrophoretic mobility shift assay were used to analyse the binding relationship between the YTHDC1 protein and MEG3. Additionally, RNA stability and BrU immunoprecipitation chase assays were utilised to elucidate the regulation of MEG3 stability by YTHDC1. ChIP and DNA pull-down RNA experiments were performed to elucidate the mechanism by which MEG3 targets EZH2 to the TGF-β1 promoter. The results showed that the expression of the m6A demethylase FTO protein was significantly increased in URSA trophoblasts, leading to inhibition of the MEG3 m6A modification and weakening of the stabilising effect of the m6A binding protein YTHDC1 on MEG3. Furthermore, MEG3 was found to bind simultaneously with the EZH2 protein and the TGF-β1 gene promoter, enabling the localisation of EZH2 protein to the TGF-β1 gene promoter and subsequent inhibition of TGF-β1 gene expression. In summary, our findings elucidate the mechanism by which FTO protein regulates the MEG3-TGF-β signalling pathway, thereby suppressing trophoblast invasion and proliferation in URSA trophoblast cells. These findings provide new insights for the treatment of URSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University), China
| | - Xinqiong Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University), China
| | - Yali Gao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University), China
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26
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Vaid R, Thombare K, Mendez A, Burgos-Panadero R, Djos A, Jachimowicz D, Lundberg K, Bartenhagen C, Kumar N, Tümmler C, Sihlbom C, Fransson S, Johnsen J, Kogner P, Martinsson T, Fischer M, Mondal T. METTL3 drives telomere targeting of TERRA lncRNA through m6A-dependent R-loop formation: a therapeutic target for ALT-positive neuroblastoma. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:2648-2671. [PMID: 38180812 PMCID: PMC10954483 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad1242] [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: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Telomerase-negative tumors maintain telomere length by alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT), but the underlying mechanism behind ALT remains poorly understood. A proportion of aggressive neuroblastoma (NB), particularly relapsed tumors, are positive for ALT (ALT+), suggesting that a better dissection of the ALT mechanism could lead to novel therapeutic opportunities. TERRA, a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) derived from telomere ends, localizes to telomeres in a R-loop-dependent manner and plays a crucial role in telomere maintenance. Here we present evidence that RNA modification at the N6 position of internal adenosine (m6A) in TERRA by the methyltransferase METTL3 is essential for telomere maintenance in ALT+ cells, and the loss of TERRA m6A/METTL3 results in telomere damage. We observed that m6A modification is abundant in R-loop enriched TERRA, and the m6A-mediated recruitment of hnRNPA2B1 to TERRA is critical for R-loop formation. Our findings suggest that m6A drives telomere targeting of TERRA via R-loops, and this m6A-mediated R-loop formation could be a widespread mechanism employed by other chromatin-interacting lncRNAs. Furthermore, treatment of ALT+ NB cells with a METTL3 inhibitor resulted in compromised telomere targeting of TERRA and accumulation of DNA damage at telomeres, indicating that METTL3 inhibition may represent a therapeutic approach for ALT+ NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshan Vaid
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ketan Thombare
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Akram Mendez
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Rebeca Burgos-Panadero
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna Djos
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Daniel Jachimowicz
- Translational Genomics, Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kristina Ihrmark Lundberg
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, and Pediatric Oncology, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christoph Bartenhagen
- Department of Experimental Pediatric Oncology, University Children's Hospital of Cologne, Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Navinder Kumar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Conny Tümmler
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, and Pediatric Oncology, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carina Sihlbom
- Proteomics Core Facility, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Susanne Fransson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - John Inge Johnsen
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, and Pediatric Oncology, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Per Kogner
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, and Pediatric Oncology, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tommy Martinsson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Matthias Fischer
- Department of Experimental Pediatric Oncology, University Children's Hospital of Cologne, Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Tanmoy Mondal
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, 41345 Sweden
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27
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Vega-Sendino M, Ruiz S. Transition from totipotency to pluripotency in mice: insights into molecular mechanisms. Biochem Soc Trans 2024; 52:231-239. [PMID: 38288760 DOI: 10.1042/bst20230442] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Totipotency is the ability of a single cell to develop into a full organism and, in mammals, is strictly associated with the early stages of development following fertilization. This unlimited developmental potential becomes quickly restricted as embryonic cells transition into a pluripotent state. The loss of totipotency seems a consequence of the zygotic genome activation (ZGA), a process that determines the switch from maternal to embryonic transcription, which in mice takes place following the first cleavage. ZGA confers to the totipotent cell a transient transcriptional profile characterized by the expression of stage-specific genes and a set of transposable elements that prepares the embryo for subsequent development. The timely silencing of this transcriptional program during the exit from totipotency is required to ensure proper development. Importantly, the molecular mechanisms regulating the transition from totipotency to pluripotency have remained elusive due to the scarcity of embryonic material. However, the development of new in vitro totipotent-like models together with advances in low-input genome-wide technologies, are providing a better mechanistic understanding of how this important transition is achieved. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the molecular determinants that regulate the exit from totipotency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Vega-Sendino
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, CCR, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20814, U.S.A
| | - Sergio Ruiz
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, CCR, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20814, U.S.A
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Li Z, Fang F, Zafar MI, Wu X, Liu X, Tan X, Luo J, Ye Z, Xiong C, Li H. RNA m 6A modification regulates L1 retrotransposons in human spermatogonial stem cell differentiation in vitro and in vivo. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:92. [PMID: 38363375 PMCID: PMC10873452 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05119-0] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
The maintenance of genome integrity in the germline is crucial for mammalian development. Long interspersed element type 1 (LINE-1, L1) is a mobile genetic element that makes up about 17% of the human genome and poses a threat to genome integrity. N6-methyl-adenosine (m6A) plays an essential role in regulating various biological processes. However, the function of m6A modification in L1 retrotransposons and human germline development remains largely unknown. Here we knocked out the m6A methyltransferase METTL3 or the m6A reader YTHDF2 in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and discovered that METTL3 and YTHDF2 are crucial for inducing human spermatogonial stem cells (hSSCs) from hESCs in vitro. The removal of METTL3 or YTHDF2 resulted in increased L1 retrotransposition and reduced the efficiency of SSC differentiation in vitro. Further analysis showed that YTHDF2 recognizes the METTL3-catalyzed m6A modification of L1 retrotransposons and degrades L1 mRNA through autophagy, thereby blocking L1 retrotransposition. Moreover, the study confirmed that m6A modification in human fetal germ cells promotes the degradation of L1 retrotransposon RNA, preventing the insertion of new L1 retrotransposons into the genome. Interestingly, L1 retrotransposon RNA was highly expressed while METTL3 was significantly downregulated in the seminal plasma of azoospermic patients with meiotic arrest compared to males with normal fertility. Additionally, we identified some potentially pathogenic variants in m6A-related genes in azoospermic men with meiotic arrest. In summary, our study suggests that m6A modification serves as a guardian of genome stability during human germline development and provides novel insights into the function and regulatory mechanisms of m6A modification in restricting L1 retrotransposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zili Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Wuhan Huake Reproductive Hospital, 128 Sanyang Road, Wuhan, 430013, China
| | - Fang Fang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Mohammad Ishraq Zafar
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, N1 Shangcheng Avenue, Yiwu, China
| | - Xunwei Wu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xinyu Liu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xia Tan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Jingwen Luo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Zhen Ye
- Wuhan Huake Reproductive Hospital, 128 Sanyang Road, Wuhan, 430013, China
| | - Chengliang Xiong
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Wuhan Huake Reproductive Hospital, 128 Sanyang Road, Wuhan, 430013, China.
- Hubei Engineering Research Center for Preparation, Application and Preservation of Human Stem Cells, Wuhan, 430013, China.
| | - Honggang Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Wuhan Huake Reproductive Hospital, 128 Sanyang Road, Wuhan, 430013, China.
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29
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Bai X, Huang J, Jin Y, Chen J, Zhou S, Dong L, Han X, He X. M6A RNA methylation in biliary tract cancer: the function roles and potential therapeutic implications. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:83. [PMID: 38365891 PMCID: PMC10873351 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01849-z] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Biliary tract cancers (BTCs) are relatively rare malignancies with a poor prognosis. For advanced BTCs, the efficacy of current chemotherapeutic approaches is limited. Consequently, there is an urgent need to deepen our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying BTC tumorigenesis and development for the exploration of effective targeted therapies. N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most abundant RNA modifications in eukaryotes, is found usually dysregulated and involved in tumorigenesis, progression, and drug resistance in tumors. Numerous studies have confirmed that aberrant m6A regulators function as either oncogenes or tumor suppressors in BTCs by the reversible regulation of RNA metabolism, including splicing, export, degradation and translation. In this review, we summarized the current roles of the m6A regulators and their functional impacts on RNA fate in BTCs. The improved understanding of m6A modification in BTCs also provides a reasonable outlook for the exploration of new diagnostic strategies and efficient therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuesong Bai
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jianhao Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yiqun Jin
- Department of Ultrasound, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School Of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiemin Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shengnan Zhou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Liangbo Dong
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xianlin Han
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiaodong He
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
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30
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Shi Y, Zhen X, Zhang Y, Li Y, Koo S, Saiding Q, Kong N, Liu G, Chen W, Tao W. Chemically Modified Platforms for Better RNA Therapeutics. Chem Rev 2024; 124:929-1033. [PMID: 38284616 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
RNA-based therapies have catalyzed a revolutionary transformation in the biomedical landscape, offering unprecedented potential in disease prevention and treatment. However, despite their remarkable achievements, these therapies encounter substantial challenges including low stability, susceptibility to degradation by nucleases, and a prominent negative charge, thereby hindering further development. Chemically modified platforms have emerged as a strategic innovation, focusing on precise alterations either on the RNA moieties or their associated delivery vectors. This comprehensive review delves into these platforms, underscoring their significance in augmenting the performance and translational prospects of RNA-based therapeutics. It encompasses an in-depth analysis of various chemically modified delivery platforms that have been instrumental in propelling RNA therapeutics toward clinical utility. Moreover, the review scrutinizes the rationale behind diverse chemical modification techniques aiming at optimizing the therapeutic efficacy of RNA molecules, thereby facilitating robust disease management. Recent empirical studies corroborating the efficacy enhancement of RNA therapeutics through chemical modifications are highlighted. Conclusively, we offer profound insights into the transformative impact of chemical modifications on RNA drugs and delineates prospective trajectories for their future development and clinical integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yesi Shi
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Xueyan Zhen
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Yiming Zhang
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Yongjiang Li
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Seyoung Koo
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Qimanguli Saiding
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Na Kong
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Gang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Wei Tao
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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Delaunay S, Helm M, Frye M. RNA modifications in physiology and disease: towards clinical applications. Nat Rev Genet 2024; 25:104-122. [PMID: 37714958 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-023-00645-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
The ability of chemical modifications of single nucleotides to alter the electrostatic charge, hydrophobic surface and base pairing of RNA molecules is exploited for the clinical use of stable artificial RNAs such as mRNA vaccines and synthetic small RNA molecules - to increase or decrease the expression of therapeutic proteins. Furthermore, naturally occurring biochemical modifications of nucleotides regulate RNA metabolism and function to modulate crucial cellular processes. Studies showing the mechanisms by which RNA modifications regulate basic cell functions in higher organisms have led to greater understanding of how aberrant RNA modification profiles can cause disease in humans. Together, these basic science discoveries have unravelled the molecular and cellular functions of RNA modifications, have provided new prospects for therapeutic manipulation and have led to a range of innovative clinical approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Delaunay
- Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), Division of Mechanisms Regulating Gene Expression, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mark Helm
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Michaela Frye
- Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), Division of Mechanisms Regulating Gene Expression, Heidelberg, Germany.
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32
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Roy A, Ghosh A. Epigenetic Restriction Factors (eRFs) in Virus Infection. Viruses 2024; 16:183. [PMID: 38399958 PMCID: PMC10892949 DOI: 10.3390/v16020183] [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: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The ongoing arms race between viruses and their hosts is constantly evolving. One of the ways in which cells defend themselves against invading viruses is by using restriction factors (RFs), which are cell-intrinsic antiviral mechanisms that block viral replication and transcription. Recent research has identified a specific group of RFs that belong to the cellular epigenetic machinery and are able to restrict the gene expression of certain viruses. These RFs can be referred to as epigenetic restriction factors or eRFs. In this review, eRFs have been classified into two categories. The first category includes eRFs that target viral chromatin. So far, the identified eRFs in this category include the PML-NBs, the KRAB/KAP1 complex, IFI16, and the HUSH complex. The second category includes eRFs that target viral RNA or, more specifically, the viral epitranscriptome. These epitranscriptomic eRFs have been further classified into two types: those that edit RNA bases-adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR) and pseudouridine synthases (PUS), and those that covalently modify viral RNA-the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) writers, readers, and erasers. We delve into the molecular machinery of eRFs, their role in limiting various viruses, and the mechanisms by which viruses have evolved to counteract them. We also examine the crosstalk between different eRFs, including the common effectors that connect them. Finally, we explore the potential for new discoveries in the realm of epigenetic networks that restrict viral gene expression, as well as the future research directions in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arunava Roy
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
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33
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Ying X, Huang C, Li T, Li T, Gao M, Wang F, Cao J, Liu J. An RNA Methylation-Sensitive AIEgen-Aptamer Reporting System for Quantitatively Evaluating m 6A Methylase and Demethylase Activities. ACS Chem Biol 2024; 19:162-172. [PMID: 38105499 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.3c00613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) chemical modification determines the fate of the mammalian cellular mRNA to modulate crucial physiological and pathological processes. Dysregulations of m6A methylase and demethylase have been linked to cancer diseases. Therefore, evaluations of enzyme mutants' activities and related inhibitors for discovery of targeted therapeutic strategies are very necessary. Here, we report an RNA methylation-sensitive fluorescent aptamer reporting assay to measure the catalytic activities of m6A enzymes under various conditions. The rationale is that when an RNA aptamer, named A-Pepper, is methylated at a specific adenosine position to generate m6A-Pepper, the latter displays stronger fluorescence than the former upon binding the ligand, which is an aggregation-induced emission-active luminogen. The fluorescence signal enhancement is linearly proportional to the RNA methylation extent, which is equivalent to the methylase activity. On the contrary, the m6A demethylase activity is measured through calculating the fluorescence signal decrease caused by the switching from m6A-Pepper to A-Pepper. The assay has been successfully applied to quantitatively evaluate the mutation and inhibitor effects on the activities of m6A methylases METTL3/METTL14 and demethylase FTO, and the obtained results are well-consistent with those quantified by the expensive and time-consuming golden standard LC-MS/MS. Our work provides a simple tool capable of detecting m6A enzymes' activities and screening their inhibitors in a rapid, quantitative, cost-effective, and high-throughput manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiner Ying
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Chenyang Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Tengwei Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Ting Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Minsong Gao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Fengqin Wang
- College of Animal Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition & Feed Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jie Cao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jianzhao Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Center for RNA Medicine, International Institutes of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Yiwu 322000, China
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34
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Lu X. Regulation of endogenous retroviruses in murine embryonic stem cells and early embryos. J Mol Cell Biol 2024; 15:mjad052. [PMID: 37604781 PMCID: PMC10794949 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjad052] [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: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are important components of transposable elements that constitute ∼40% of the mouse genome. ERVs exhibit dynamic expression patterns during early embryonic development and are engaged in numerous biological processes. Therefore, ERV expression must be closely monitored in cells. Most studies have focused on the regulation of ERV expression in mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and during early embryonic development. This review touches on the classification, expression, and functions of ERVs in mouse ESCs and early embryos and mainly discusses ERV modulation strategies from the perspectives of transcription, epigenetic modification, nucleosome/chromatin assembly, and post-transcriptional control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
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35
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Hu N, Xiao X, Yao L, Chen X, Li X. The Protein Response of Salt-Tolerant Zygosaccharomyces rouxii to High-Temperature Stress during the Lag Phase. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:48. [PMID: 38248957 PMCID: PMC10817685 DOI: 10.3390/jof10010048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Zygosaccharomyces rouxii used in soy sauce brewing is an osmotolerant and halotolerant yeast, but it is not tolerant to high temperatures and the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Using a synthetic medium containing only Pro as a nitrogen source, the response of Z. rouxii in protein level to high-temperature stress (40 °C, HTS) during the lag phase was investigated. Within the first two h, the total intracellular protein concentration was significantly decreased from 220.99 ± 6.58 μg/mg DCW to 152.63 ± 10.49 μg/mg DCW. The analysis of the amino acid composition of the total protein through vacuum proteolysis technology and HPLC showed that new amino acids (Thr, Tyr, Ser, and His) were added to newborn protein over time during the lag phase under HTS. The nutritional conditions used in this study determined that the main source of amino acid supply for protein synthesis was through amino acid biosynthesis and ubiquitination-mediated protein degradation. Differential expression analysis of the amino acid biosynthesis-related genes in the transcriptome showed that most genes were upregulated under HTS, excluding ARO8, which was consistently repressed during the lag phase. RT-qPCR results showed that high-temperature stress significantly increased the upregulation of proteolysis genes, especially PSH1 (E3 ubiquitin ligase) by 13.23 ± 1.44 fold (p < 0.0001) within 4 h. Overall, these results indicated that Z. rouxii adapt to prolonged high temperatures stress by altering its basal protein composition. This protein renewal was related to the regulation of proteolysis and the biosynthesis of amino acids.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Xiong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, School of Biological Engineering and Food, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China; (N.H.); (X.X.); (L.Y.)
| | - Xin Li
- Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, School of Biological Engineering and Food, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China; (N.H.); (X.X.); (L.Y.)
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36
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Zhang J, Wang T, Shi R, Zhao Y, Zhang Y, Zhang C, Xing Q, Zhou T, Shan Y, Yao H, Zhang X, Pan G. YTHDF1 facilitates PRC1-mediated H2AK119ub in human ES cells. J Cell Physiol 2024; 239:152-165. [PMID: 37991435 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31152] [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: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Polycomb repressive complexes (PRCs) play critical roles in cell fate decisions during normal development as well as disease progression through mediating histone modifications such as H3K27me3 and H2AK119ub. How exactly PRCs recruited to chromatin remains to be fully illuminated. Here, we report that YTHDF1, the N6-methyladenine (m6 A) RNA reader that was previously known to be mainly cytoplasmic, associates with RNF2, a PRC1 protein that mediates H2AK119ub in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). A portion of YTHDF1 localizes in the nuclei and associates with RNF2/H2AK119ub on a subset of gene loci related to neural development functions. Knock-down YTHDF1 attenuates H2AK119ub modification on these genes and promotes neural differentiation in hESCs. Our findings provide a noncanonical mechanism that YTHDF1 participates in PRC1 functions in hESCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyuan Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong SAR, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Cell Lineage and Development, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Basic Science Research, Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tianyu Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong SAR, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Cell Lineage and Development, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruona Shi
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yuan Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Cell Lineage and Development, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanqi Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong SAR, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Cell Lineage and Development, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cong Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong SAR, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Cell Lineage and Development, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qi Xing
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong SAR, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Cell Lineage and Development, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tiancheng Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong SAR, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Cell Lineage and Development, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongli Shan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong SAR, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Cell Lineage and Development, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongjie Yao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong SAR, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Cell Lineage and Development, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Basic Science Research, Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaofei Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong SAR, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Cell Lineage and Development, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guangjin Pan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong SAR, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Cell Lineage and Development, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
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Tong B, Sun Y. Activation of Young LINE-1 Elements by CRISPRa. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:424. [PMID: 38203595 PMCID: PMC10778729 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010424] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Long interspersed element-1 (LINE-1; L1s) are mobile genetic elements that comprise nearly 20% of the human genome. L1s have been shown to have important functions in various biological processes, and their dysfunction is thought to be linked with diseases and cancers. However, the roles of the repetitive elements are largely not understood. While the CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) system based on catalytically deadCas9 (dCas9) is widely used for genome-wide interrogation of gene function and genetic interaction, few studies have been conducted on L1s. Here, we report using the CRISPRa method to efficiently activate L1s in human L02 cells, a derivative of the HeLa cancer cell line. After CRISPRa, the young L1 subfamilies such as L1HS/L1PA1 and L1PA2 are found to be expressed at higher levels than the older L1s. The L1s with high levels of transcription are closer to full-length and are more densely occupied by the YY1 transcription factor. The activated L1s can either be mis-spliced to form chimeric transcripts or act as alternative promoters or enhancers to facilitate the expression of neighboring genes. The method described here can be used for studying the functional roles of young L1s in cultured cells of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei Tong
- Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yuhua Sun
- Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
- The Innovation of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan 430070, China
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38
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Ramsoomair CK, Ceccarelli M, Heiss JD, Shah AH. The epitranscriptome of high-grade gliomas: a promising therapeutic target with implications from the tumor microenvironment to endogenous retroviruses. J Transl Med 2023; 21:893. [PMID: 38071304 PMCID: PMC10709919 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04725-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) comprises 45.6% of all primary malignant brain cancers and is one of the most common and aggressive intracranial tumors in adults. Intratumoral heterogeneity with a wide range of proteomic, genetic, and epigenetic dysregulation contributes to treatment resistance and poor prognosis, thus demanding novel therapeutic approaches. To date, numerous clinical trials have been developed to target the proteome and epigenome of high-grade gliomas with promising results. However, studying RNA modifications, or RNA epitranscriptomics, is a new frontier within neuro-oncology. RNA epitranscriptomics was discovered in the 1970s, but in the last decade, the extent of modification of mRNA and various non-coding RNAs has emerged and been implicated in transposable element activation and many other oncogenic processes within the tumor microenvironment. This review provides background information and discusses the therapeutic potential of agents modulating epitranscriptomics in high-grade gliomas. A particular emphasis will be placed on how combination therapies that include immune agents targeting hERV-mediated viral mimicry could improve the treatment of GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian K Ramsoomair
- Section of Virology and Immunotherapy, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1095 NW 14Th Terrace, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1095 NW 14Th Terrace, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
| | - Michele Ceccarelli
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1550 N.W. 10Th Avenue, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - John D Heiss
- Surgical Neurology Branch, Disorders and Stroke, National Institute of Neurological, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Ashish H Shah
- Section of Virology and Immunotherapy, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1095 NW 14Th Terrace, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
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39
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Torre D, Fstkchyan YS, Ho JSY, Cheon Y, Patel RS, Degrace EJ, Mzoughi S, Schwarz M, Mohammed K, Seo JS, Romero-Bueno R, Demircioglu D, Hasson D, Tang W, Mahajani SU, Campisi L, Zheng S, Song WS, Wang YC, Shah H, Francoeur N, Soto J, Salfati Z, Weirauch MT, Warburton P, Beaumont K, Smith ML, Mulder L, Villalta SA, Kessenbrock K, Jang C, Lee D, De Rubeis S, Cobos I, Tam O, Hammell MG, Seldin M, Shi Y, Basu U, Sebastiano V, Byun M, Sebra R, Rosenberg BR, Benner C, Guccione E, Marazzi I. Nuclear RNA catabolism controls endogenous retroviruses, gene expression asymmetry, and dedifferentiation. Mol Cell 2023; 83:4255-4271.e9. [PMID: 37995687 PMCID: PMC10842741 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.10.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are remnants of ancient parasitic infections and comprise sizable portions of most genomes. Although epigenetic mechanisms silence most ERVs by generating a repressive environment that prevents their expression (heterochromatin), little is known about mechanisms silencing ERVs residing in open regions of the genome (euchromatin). This is particularly important during embryonic development, where induction and repression of distinct classes of ERVs occur in short temporal windows. Here, we demonstrate that transcription-associated RNA degradation by the nuclear RNA exosome and Integrator is a regulatory mechanism that controls the productive transcription of most genes and many ERVs involved in preimplantation development. Disrupting nuclear RNA catabolism promotes dedifferentiation to a totipotent-like state characterized by defects in RNAPII elongation and decreased expression of long genes (gene-length asymmetry). Our results indicate that RNA catabolism is a core regulatory module of gene networks that safeguards RNAPII activity, ERV expression, cell identity, and developmental potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Torre
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Center for OncoGenomics and Innovative Therapeutics (COGIT), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Yesai S Fstkchyan
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Jessica Sook Yuin Ho
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Youngseo Cheon
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, South Korea; Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Center for Epigenetics and Metabolism, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Roosheel S Patel
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Emma J Degrace
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Slim Mzoughi
- Center for OncoGenomics and Innovative Therapeutics (COGIT), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Megan Schwarz
- Center for OncoGenomics and Innovative Therapeutics (COGIT), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Kevin Mohammed
- Center for OncoGenomics and Innovative Therapeutics (COGIT), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Ji-Seon Seo
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Center for Epigenetics and Metabolism, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Raquel Romero-Bueno
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Center for Epigenetics and Metabolism, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Deniz Demircioglu
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Bioinformatics for Next Generation Sequencing (BiNGS) Shared Resource Facility, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Dan Hasson
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Bioinformatics for Next Generation Sequencing (BiNGS) Shared Resource Facility, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Weijing Tang
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Sameehan U Mahajani
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Laura Campisi
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Simin Zheng
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Won-Suk Song
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Center for Epigenetics and Metabolism, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Ying-Chih Wang
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Hardik Shah
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Nancy Francoeur
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Juan Soto
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Zelda Salfati
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Matthew T Weirauch
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Peter Warburton
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Kristin Beaumont
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Melissa L Smith
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Lubbertus Mulder
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - S Armando Villalta
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Kai Kessenbrock
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Cholsoon Jang
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Center for Epigenetics and Metabolism, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Daeyoup Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, South Korea
| | - Silvia De Rubeis
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Department of Psychiatry, The Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Inma Cobos
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Oliver Tam
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | | | - Marcus Seldin
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Center for Epigenetics and Metabolism, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Yongsheng Shi
- Center for Epigenetics and Metabolism, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Uttiya Basu
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Vittorio Sebastiano
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Minji Byun
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Robert Sebra
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Brad R Rosenberg
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Chris Benner
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Ernesto Guccione
- Center for OncoGenomics and Innovative Therapeutics (COGIT), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Pharmacological Sciences and Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
| | - Ivan Marazzi
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Center for Epigenetics and Metabolism, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
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40
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Wang MK, Gao CC, Yang YG. Emerging Roles of RNA Methylation in Development. Acc Chem Res 2023; 56:3417-3427. [PMID: 37965760 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.3c00448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
ConspectusMore than 170 different types of chemical modifications have been identified on diverse types of RNA, collectively known as the epitranscriptome. Among them, N6-methyladenine (m6A), 5-methylcytosine (m5C), N1-methyladenine (m1A), and N7-methylguanosine (m7G) as the ubiquitous post-transcriptional modification are widely involved in regulating the metabolic processes such as RNA degradation, translation, stability, and export, mediating important physiological and pathological processes such as stress regulation, immune response, development, and tumorigenesis. Recently, the regulatory role of RNA modification during developmental processes is getting more attention. Therefore, the development of low-input even single-cell and high-resolution sequencing technologies is crucial for the exploration of the regulatory roles of RNA modifications in these important biological events of trace samples.This account focuses on the roles of RNA modifications in various developmental processes. We describe the distribution characteristics of various RNA modifications, catalytic enzymes, binding proteins, and the development of sequencing technologies. RNA modification is dynamically reversible, which can be catalyzed by methyltransferases and eliminated by demethylases. RNA m6A is the most abundant post-transcriptional modification on eukaryote mRNA, which is mainly concentrated near the stop codon, and involves in RNA metabolism regulation. RNA m5C, another most studied RNA modification, has been identified in a various of organisms and RNA species, mainly enriched in the regions downstream of translation initiation sites and broadly distributes across the whole coding sequence (CDS) in mammalian mRNAs. RNA m1A, with a lower abundance than m6A, is widely distributed in various RNA types, mainly locates in the 5' untranslated region (5'UTR) of mRNA and regulates translation. RNA m7G, one of the most common RNA modifications in eukaryotes, has been identified at cap regions and internal positions of RNAs and recently gained considerable attention.Thanks to the development of sequencing technology, m6A has been found to regulate the tumorigenic process, including tumor proliferation, invasion, and metastasis by modulating oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, and affect oocyte maturation and embryonic development through regulating maternal and zygotic genes. m5C related proteins have been identified to participate in embryonic development, plant growth, and neural stem cell differentiation in a m5C dependent manner. m1A also has been revealed to be involved in these developmental processes. m7G dysregulation mainly involves in neurodevelopmental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.Collectively, we summarized the gradually exhibited roles of RNA methylation during development, and discussed the possibility of RNA modifications as candidate biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets. The technological development is anticipated as the major driving force to expand our knowledge in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Ke Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, College of Future Technology, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, P. R. China
| | - Chun-Chun Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, College of Future Technology, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, P. R. China
| | - Yun-Gui Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, College of Future Technology, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, P. R. China
- Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, P. R. China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
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41
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Yuan S, Xi S, Weng H, Guo MM, Zhang JH, Yu ZP, Zhang H, Yu Z, Xing Z, Liu MY, Ming DJ, Sah RK, Zhou Y, Li G, Zeng T, Hong X, Li Y, Zeng XT, Hu H. YTHDC1 as a tumor progression suppressor through modulating FSP1-dependent ferroptosis suppression in lung cancer. Cell Death Differ 2023; 30:2477-2490. [PMID: 37903990 PMCID: PMC10733405 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-023-01234-w] [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: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a regulated cell death process initiated by iron-dependent phospholipid peroxidation and is mainly suppressed by GPX4-dependent and FSP1-dependent surveillance mechanisms. However, how the ferroptosis surveillance system is regulated during cancer development remains largely unknown. Here, we report that the YTHDC1-mediated m6A epigenetic regulation of FSP1 alleviates the FSP1-dependent ferroptosis suppression that partially contributes to the tumor suppressive role of YTHDC1 in lung cancer progression. YTHDC1 knockdown promoted the lung tumor progression and upregulated FSP1 protein level that resulted in ferroptosis resistance of lung cancer cells. Silencing FSP1 abrogated YTHDC1 knockdown-induced proliferation increase and ferroptosis resistance. Mechanistically, YTHDC1 binding to the m6A sites in the FSP1 3'-UTR recruited the alternative polyadenylation regulator CSTF3 to generate a less stable shorter 3'-UTR contained FSP1 mRNA, whereas YTHDC1 downregulation generated the longer 3'-UTR contained FSP1 mRNA that is stabilized by RNA binding protein HuR and thus led to the enhanced FSP1 protein level. Therefore, our findings identify YTHDC1 as a tumor progression suppressor in lung cancer and a ferroptosis regulator through modulating the FSP1 mRNA stability and thus suggest a ferroptosis-related therapeutic option for YTHDC1high lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Yuan
- Center for Evidence-Based and Translational Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shu Xi
- Center for Evidence-Based and Translational Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hong Weng
- Center for Evidence-Based and Translational Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Meng-Meng Guo
- Center for Evidence-Based and Translational Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jin-Hui Zhang
- Center for Evidence-Based and Translational Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhi-Ping Yu
- Center for Evidence-Based and Translational Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Haozhe Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhaojun Yu
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zengzhen Xing
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Meng-Yang Liu
- Center for Evidence-Based and Translational Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Dao-Jing Ming
- Center for Evidence-Based and Translational Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Rajiv Kumar Sah
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Gang Li
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, MoE Frontier Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, SAR, China
| | - Tao Zeng
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xin Hong
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Key University Laboratory of Metabolism and Health of Guangdong, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yafei Li
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Xian-Tao Zeng
- Center for Evidence-Based and Translational Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Hailiang Hu
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
- Key University Laboratory of Metabolism and Health of Guangdong, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
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Fan W, Wang L, Lei Z, Li H, Chu J, Yan M, Wang Y, Wang H, Yang J, Cho J. m 6A RNA demethylase AtALKBH9B promotes mobilization of a heat-activated long terminal repeat retrotransposon in Arabidopsis. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadf3292. [PMID: 38019921 PMCID: PMC10686560 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adf3292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Transposons are mobile and ubiquitous DNA molecules that can cause vast genomic alterations. In plants, it is well documented that transposon mobilization is strongly repressed by DNA methylation; however, its regulation at the posttranscriptional level remains relatively uninvestigated. Here, we suggest that transposon RNA is marked by m6A RNA methylation and can be localized in stress granules (SGs). Intriguingly, SG-localized AtALKBH9B selectively demethylates a heat-activated retroelement, Onsen, and thereby releases it from spatial confinement, allowing for its mobilization. In addition, we show evidence that m6A RNA methylation contributes to transpositional suppression by inhibiting virus-like particle assembly and extrachromosomal DNA production. In summary, this study unveils a previously unknown role for m6A in the suppression of transposon mobility and provides insight into how transposons counteract the m6A-mediated repression mechanism by hitchhiking the RNA demethylase of the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Fan
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ling Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhen Lei
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hui Li
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jie Chu
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Mengxiao Yan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Resources, Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden, Shanghai 201602, China
| | - Yuqin Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Resources, Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden, Shanghai 201602, China
| | - Hongxia Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Resources, Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden, Shanghai 201602, China
| | - Jun Yang
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Resources, Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden, Shanghai 201602, China
| | - Jungnam Cho
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- CAS-JIC Centre for Excellence in Plant and Microbial Science, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
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Tam PLF, Leung D. The Molecular Impacts of Retrotransposons in Development and Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16418. [PMID: 38003607 PMCID: PMC10671454 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216418] [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: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Retrotransposons are invasive genetic elements that constitute substantial portions of mammalian genomes. They have the potential to influence nearby gene expression through their cis-regulatory sequences, reverse transcription machinery, and the ability to mold higher-order chromatin structures. Due to their multifaceted functions, it is crucial for host fitness to maintain strict regulation of these parasitic sequences to ensure proper growth and development. This review explores how subsets of retrotransposons have undergone evolutionary exaptation to enhance the complexity of mammalian genomes. It also highlights the significance of regulating these elements, drawing on recent studies conducted in human and murine systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe Lut Fei Tam
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong SAR, China;
| | - Danny Leung
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong SAR, China;
- Center for Epigenomics Research, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Zhao S, Lu J, Pan B, Fan H, Byrum SD, Xu C, Kim A, Guo Y, Kanchi KL, Gong W, Sun T, Storey AJ, Burkholder NT, Mackintosh SG, Kuhlers PC, Edmondson RD, Strahl BD, Diao Y, Tackett AJ, Raab JR, Cai L, Song J, Wang GG. TNRC18 engages H3K9me3 to mediate silencing of endogenous retrotransposons. Nature 2023; 623:633-642. [PMID: 37938770 PMCID: PMC11000523 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06688-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9me3) is crucial for the regulation of gene repression and heterochromatin formation, cell-fate determination and organismal development1. H3K9me3 also provides an essential mechanism for silencing transposable elements1-4. However, previous studies have shown that canonical H3K9me3 readers (for example, HP1 (refs. 5-9) and MPP8 (refs. 10-12)) have limited roles in silencing endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), one of the main transposable element classes in the mammalian genome13. Here we report that trinucleotide-repeat-containing 18 (TNRC18), a poorly understood chromatin regulator, recognizes H3K9me3 to mediate the silencing of ERV class I (ERV1) elements such as LTR12 (ref. 14). Biochemical, biophysical and structural studies identified the carboxy-terminal bromo-adjacent homology (BAH) domain of TNRC18 (TNRC18(BAH)) as an H3K9me3-specific reader. Moreover, the amino-terminal segment of TNRC18 is a platform for the direct recruitment of co-repressors such as HDAC-Sin3-NCoR complexes, thus enforcing optimal repression of the H3K9me3-demarcated ERVs. Point mutagenesis that disrupts the TNRC18(BAH)-mediated H3K9me3 engagement caused neonatal death in mice and, in multiple mammalian cell models, led to derepressed expression of ERVs, which affected the landscape of cis-regulatory elements and, therefore, gene-expression programmes. Collectively, we describe a new H3K9me3-sensing and regulatory pathway that operates to epigenetically silence evolutionarily young ERVs and exert substantial effects on host genome integrity, transcriptomic regulation, immunity and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jiuwei Lu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Bo Pan
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Huitao Fan
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Stephanie D Byrum
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Chenxi Xu
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Arum Kim
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Yiran Guo
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Krishna L Kanchi
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Weida Gong
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Tongyu Sun
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Aaron J Storey
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Nathaniel T Burkholder
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Samuel G Mackintosh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Peyton C Kuhlers
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ricky D Edmondson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Brian D Strahl
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Yarui Diao
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Alan J Tackett
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Jesse R Raab
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ling Cai
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jikui Song
- Department of Biochemistry, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA.
| | - Gang Greg Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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Wang L, Zhu L, Liang C, Huang X, Liu Z, Huo J, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Chen L, Xu H, Li X, Xu L, Kuang M, Wong CC, Yu J. Targeting N6-methyladenosine reader YTHDF1 with siRNA boosts antitumor immunity in NASH-HCC by inhibiting EZH2-IL-6 axis. J Hepatol 2023; 79:1185-1200. [PMID: 37459919 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) reader protein YTHDF1 has been implicated in cancer; however, its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), especially in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis-associated HCC (NASH-HCC), remains unknown. Here, we investigated the functional role of YTHDF1 in NASH-HCC and its interplay with the tumor immune microenvironment. METHODS Hepatocyte-specific Ythdf1-overexpressing mice were subjected to a NASH-HCC-inducing diet. Tumor-infiltrating immune cells were profiled with single-cell RNA-sequencing, flow cytometry, and immunostaining. The molecular target of YTHDF1 was elucidated with RNA-sequencing, m6A-sequencing, YTHDF1 RNA immunoprecipitation-sequencing, proteomics, and ribosome-profiling. Ythdf1 in NASH-HCC models was targeted by lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-encapsulated small-interfering Ythdf1. RESULTS YTHDF1 is overexpressed in tumor tissues compared to adjacent peri-tumor tissues from patients with NASH-HCC. Liver-specific Ythdf1 overexpression drives tumorigenesis in dietary models of spontaneous NASH-HCC. Single-cell RNA-sequencing and flow cytometry revealed that Ythdf1 induced accumulation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and suppressed cytotoxic CD8+ T-cell function. Mechanistically, Ythdf1 expression in NASH-HCC cells induced the secretion of IL-6, which mediated MDSC recruitment and activation, leading to CD8+ T-cell dysfunction. EZH2 mRNA was identified as a key YTHDF1 target. YTHDF1 binds to m6A-modified EZH2 mRNA and promotes EZH2 translation. EZH2 in turn increased expression and secretion of IL-6. Ythdf1 knockout synergized with anti-PD-1 treatment to suppress tumor growth in NASH-HCC allografts. Furthermore, therapeutic targeting of Ythdf1 using LNP-encapsulated small-interfering RNA significantly increased the efficacy of anti-PD-1 blockade in NASH-HCC allografts. CONCLUSIONS We identified that YTHDF1 promotes NASH-HCC tumorigenesis via EZH2-IL-6 signaling, which recruits and activates MDSCs to cause cytotoxic CD8+ T-cell dysfunction. YTHDF1 may be a novel therapeutic target to improve responses to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in NASH-HCC. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS YTHDF1, a N6-methyladenosine reader, is upregulated in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, its role in modulating the tumor immune microenvironment in NASH-HCC remains unclear. Here, we show that Ythdf1 mediates immunosuppression in NASH-HCC and that targeting YTHDF1 in combination with immune checkpoint blockade elicits robust antitumor immune responses. Our findings suggest novel therapeutic targets for potentiating the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade in NASH-HCC and provide the rationale for developing YTHDF1 inhibitors for the treatment of NASH-HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Wang
- Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lefan Zhu
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cong Liang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiang Huang
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ziqin Liu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jihui Huo
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yifan Zhang
- Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lili Chen
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongzhi Xu
- Institute for Microbial Ecology, School of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiaoxing Li
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lixia Xu
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ming Kuang
- Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chi Chun Wong
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jun Yu
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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Gao L, Cao J, Gong S, Hao N, Du Y, Wang C, Wu T. The COPII subunit CsSEC23 mediates fruit glossiness in cucumber. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 116:524-540. [PMID: 37460197 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
To improve our understanding of the mechanism underlying cucumber glossiness regulation, a novel cucumber mutant with a glossy peel (Csgp) was identified. MutMap, genotyping, and gene editing results demonstrated that CsSEC23, which is the core component of COPII vesicles, mediates the glossiness of cucumber fruit peel. CsSEC23 is functionally conserved and located in the Golgi and endoplasmic reticulum. CsSEC23 could interact with CsSEC31, but this interaction was absent in the Csgp mutant, which decreased the efficiency of COPII vesicle transportation. Genes related to wax and cutin transport were upregulated in the Csgp mutant, and the cuticle structure of the Csgp-mutant peel became thinner. Moreover, the wax and cutin contents were also changed due to CsSEC23 mutation. Taken together, the results obtained from this study revealed that CsSEC23 mediates cucumber glossiness, and this mediating might be affected by COPII vesicle transportation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyao Gao
- College of Horticulture, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
- Key Laboratory for Evaluation and Utilization of Gene Resources of Horticultural Crops (vegetables, tea, etc.), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, Changsha, 410128, China
- Yuelushan Lab, Changsha, 410128, China
| | - Jiajian Cao
- College of Horticulture, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
- Key Laboratory for Evaluation and Utilization of Gene Resources of Horticultural Crops (vegetables, tea, etc.), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, Changsha, 410128, China
- Yuelushan Lab, Changsha, 410128, China
- Whampoa Innovation Research Institute, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
| | - Siyu Gong
- College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Ning Hao
- College of Horticulture, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
- Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and Fertilizers, Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Yalin Du
- College of Horticulture, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
- Key Laboratory for Evaluation and Utilization of Gene Resources of Horticultural Crops (vegetables, tea, etc.), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, Changsha, 410128, China
- Yuelushan Lab, Changsha, 410128, China
- Whampoa Innovation Research Institute, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
| | - Chunhua Wang
- College of Horticulture, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
- Key Laboratory for Evaluation and Utilization of Gene Resources of Horticultural Crops (vegetables, tea, etc.), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, Changsha, 410128, China
- Yuelushan Lab, Changsha, 410128, China
- Whampoa Innovation Research Institute, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
| | - Tao Wu
- College of Horticulture, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
- Key Laboratory for Evaluation and Utilization of Gene Resources of Horticultural Crops (vegetables, tea, etc.), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, Changsha, 410128, China
- Yuelushan Lab, Changsha, 410128, China
- Whampoa Innovation Research Institute, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
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Dou X, Huang L, Xiao Y, Liu C, Li Y, Zhang X, Yu L, Zhao R, Yang L, Chen C, Yu X, Gao B, Qi M, Gao Y, Shen B, Sun S, He C, Liu J. METTL14 is a chromatin regulator independent of its RNA N6-methyladenosine methyltransferase activity. Protein Cell 2023; 14:683-697. [PMID: 37030005 PMCID: PMC10501186 DOI: 10.1093/procel/pwad009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
METTL3 and METTL14 are two components that form the core heterodimer of the main RNA m6A methyltransferase complex (MTC) that installs m6A. Surprisingly, depletion of METTL3 or METTL14 displayed distinct effects on stemness maintenance of mouse embryonic stem cell (mESC). While comparable global hypo-methylation in RNA m6A was observed in Mettl3 or Mettl14 knockout mESCs, respectively. Mettl14 knockout led to a globally decreased nascent RNA synthesis, whereas Mettl3 depletion resulted in transcription upregulation, suggesting that METTL14 might possess an m6A-independent role in gene regulation. We found that METTL14 colocalizes with the repressive H3K27me3 modification. Mechanistically, METTL14, but not METTL3, binds H3K27me3 and recruits KDM6B to induce H3K27me3 demethylation independent of METTL3. Depletion of METTL14 thus led to a global increase in H3K27me3 level along with a global gene suppression. The effects of METTL14 on regulation of H3K27me3 is essential for the transition from self-renewal to differentiation of mESCs. This work reveals a regulatory mechanism on heterochromatin by METTL14 in a manner distinct from METTL3 and independently of m6A, and critically impacts transcriptional regulation, stemness maintenance, and differentiation of mESCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyang Dou
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Lulu Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yu Xiao
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Yini Li
- Department of Physiology and Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Xinning Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Lishan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Ran Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Lei Yang
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Chuan Chen
- The Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China
| | - Xianbin Yu
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Boyang Gao
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Meijie Qi
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230000, China
| | - Yawei Gao
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity & 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
| | - Bin Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, Gusu School, Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Shuying Sun
- Department of Physiology and Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Chuan He
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Jun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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Li K, Peng J, Yi C. Sequencing methods and functional decoding of mRNA modifications. FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 3:738-748. [PMID: 38933299 PMCID: PMC11197720 DOI: 10.1016/j.fmre.2023.05.010] [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: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
More than 160 types of post-transcriptional RNA modifications have been reported; there is substantial variation in modification type, abundance, site, and function across species, tissues, and RNA type. The recent development of high-throughput detection technology has enabled identification of diverse dynamic and reversible RNA modifications, including N6,2'-O-dimethyladenosine (m6Am), N1-methyladenosine (m1A), 5-methylcytosine (m5C), N6-methyladenosine (m6A), pseudouridine (Ψ), and inosine (I). In this review, we focus on eukaryotic mRNA modifications. We summarize their biogenesis, regulatory mechanisms, and biological functions, as well as high-throughput methods for detection of mRNA modifications. We also discuss challenges that must be addressed in mRNA modification research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Li
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jinying Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Chengqi Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Chemical Biology and Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
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49
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Zou Z, Wei J, He C. New horizons of regulatory RNA. FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 3:760-762. [PMID: 38933289 PMCID: PMC11197478 DOI: 10.1016/j.fmre.2022.12.001] [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: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic information flows from DNA to protein through RNA in the central dogma. Different RNA species are known to accomplish essential tasks of protein encoding (mRNAs), amino acid loading (tRNAs), and translation machinery assembly (rRNAs). However, on top of these well-known roles, RNAs are central to various cellular regulatory pathways. Here we summarize newly emerging regulatory functions of RNA, specifically focusing on regulations through RNA modifications, RNP granules, and chromatin-associated regulatory RNA. In addition to being an essential building block of the central dogma, RNA can be critical to the regulation of many cellular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongyu Zou
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, United States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, United States
| | - Jiangbo Wei
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, United States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, United States
| | - Chuan He
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, United States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, United States
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50
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Lee H, Park Y, Seo PJ. A New Epigenetic Crosstalk: Chemical Modification Information Flow. ADVANCED GENETICS (HOBOKEN, N.J.) 2023; 4:2200033. [PMID: 37766805 PMCID: PMC10520411 DOI: 10.1002/ggn2.202200033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Central dogma is the most fundamental hypothesis in the field of molecular biology and explains the genetic information flow from DNA to protein. Beyond residue-by-residue transmission of sequential information, chemical modifications of DNA, RNA, and protein are also relayed in the course of gene expression. Here, this work presents recent evidence supporting bidirectional interplay between chromatin modifications and RNA modifications. Furthermore, several RNA modifications likely affect chemical modifications of proteins. The relay of chemical modifications occurs co-transcriptionally or co-translationally, ensuring crosstalk among chemical modifications at the DNA, RNA, and protein levels. Overall, this work proposes a hypothetical framework that represents transmission of chemical modification information among chromatin, RNA, and proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwoo Lee
- Department of ChemistrySeoul National UniversitySeoul08826Republic of Korea
| | - Young‐Joon Park
- Department of ChemistrySeoul National UniversitySeoul08826Republic of Korea
- Department of Smart Farm ScienceKyung Hee UniversityYongin17104Republic of Korea
| | - Pil Joon Seo
- Department of ChemistrySeoul National UniversitySeoul08826Republic of Korea
- Plant Genomics and Breeding InstituteSeoul National UniversitySeoul08826Republic of Korea
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