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Ruan K, Bai G, Fang Y, Li D, Li T, Liu X, Lu B, Lu Q, Songyang Z, Sun S, Wang Z, Zhang X, Zhou W, Zhang H. Biomolecular condensates and disease pathogenesis. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024:10.1007/s11427-024-2661-3. [PMID: 39037698 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-024-2661-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Biomolecular condensates or membraneless organelles (MLOs) formed by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) divide intracellular spaces into discrete compartments for specific functions. Dysregulation of LLPS or aberrant phase transition that disturbs the formation or material states of MLOs is closely correlated with neurodegeneration, tumorigenesis, and many other pathological processes. Herein, we summarize the recent progress in development of methods to monitor phase separation and we discuss the biogenesis and function of MLOs formed through phase separation. We then present emerging proof-of-concept examples regarding the disruption of phase separation homeostasis in a diverse array of clinical conditions including neurodegenerative disorders, hearing loss, cancers, and immunological diseases. Finally, we describe the emerging discovery of chemical modulators of phase separation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Ruan
- The First Affiliated Hospital & School of Life Sciences, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membrane-less Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Research Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences at the Microscale, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
| | - Ge Bai
- Nanhu Brain-computer Interface Institute, Hangzhou, 311100, China.
- Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Yanshan Fang
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201210, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Dan Li
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China.
| | - Tingting Li
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Xingguo Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China.
- Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510000, China.
| | - Boxun Lu
- Neurology Department at Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Qing Lu
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China.
| | - Zhou Songyang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China.
| | - Shuguo Sun
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Zheng Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China.
| | - Xin Zhang
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, 310024, China.
| | - Wen Zhou
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Hong Zhang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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Wang H, Xie L, Guo H, Li L, Chen S, Fan Y, Tian J, Xu L, Kong X, Xuan A. m 1A demethylase Alkbh3 regulates neurogenesis through m 1A demethylation of Mmp15 mRNA. Cell Biosci 2024; 14:92. [PMID: 39004750 PMCID: PMC11246583 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-024-01275-9] [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: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND N1-Methyladenosine (m1A) is an abundant modification of transcripts regulating mRNA structure and translation efficiency. However, the characteristics and biological functions of mRNA m1A modification in adult hippocampal neurogenesis remain enigmatic. RESULTS We found that m1A demethylase Alkbh3 was dramatically enriched in neurons and neuronal genesis. Functionally, depletion of Alkbh3 in neural stem cells (NSCs) significantly decreased m1A modification, neuronal differentiation and proliferation coupling with increasing gliogenesis, whereas overexpressing Alkbh3 facilitated neuronal differentiation and proliferation. Mechanistically, the m1A demethylation of Mmp15 mRNA by Alkbh3 improved its RNA stability and translational efficacy, which promoted neurogenesis. Therapeutically, the silencing of Alkbh3 reduced hippocampal neurogenesis and impaired spatial memory in the adult mice. CONCLUSIONS We reveal a novel function of m1A demethylation on Mmp15 mRNA in Alkbh3-mediated neurogenesis, which shed light on advancing Alkbh3 regulation of neurogenesis as a novel neurotherapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Linjie Xie
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Haomin Guo
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Lishi Li
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Shuwei Chen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China
| | - Ye Fan
- Scientific Research Center of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China
| | - Jingyuan Tian
- Scientific Research Center of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China
| | - Liping Xu
- Scientific Research Center of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China.
- The Affiliated TCM Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510645, China.
| | - Xuejian Kong
- Qingyuan People's Hospital, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan, 511518, China.
| | - Aiguo Xuan
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China.
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China.
- Scientific Research Center of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China.
- Qingyuan People's Hospital, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan, 511518, China.
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Zhang X, Yuan L, Zhang W, Zhang Y, Wu Q, Li C, Wu M, Huang Y. Liquid-liquid phase separation in diseases. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e640. [PMID: 39006762 PMCID: PMC11245632 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.640] [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: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), an emerging biophysical phenomenon, can sequester molecules to implement physiological and pathological functions. LLPS implements the assembly of numerous membraneless chambers, including stress granules and P-bodies, containing RNA and protein. RNA-RNA and RNA-protein interactions play a critical role in LLPS. Scaffolding proteins, through multivalent interactions and external factors, support protein-RNA interaction networks to form condensates involved in a variety of diseases, particularly neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Modulating LLPS phenomenon in multiple pathogenic proteins for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and cancer could present a promising direction, though recent advances in this area are limited. Here, we summarize in detail the complexity of LLPS in constructing signaling pathways and highlight the role of LLPS in neurodegenerative diseases and cancers. We also explore RNA modifications on LLPS to alter diseases progression because these modifications can influence LLPS of certain proteins or the formation of stress granules, and discuss the possibility of proper manipulation of LLPS process to restore cellular homeostasis or develop therapeutic drugs for the eradication of diseases. This review attempts to discuss potential therapeutic opportunities by elaborating on the connection between LLPS, RNA modification, and their roles in diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Zhang
- College of Life and Health Sciences Northeastern University Shenyang China
| | - Lin Yuan
- Laboratory of Research in Parkinson's Disease and Related Disorders Health Sciences Institute China Medical University Shenyang China
| | - Wanlu Zhang
- College of Life and Health Sciences Northeastern University Shenyang China
| | - Yi Zhang
- College of Life and Health Sciences Northeastern University Shenyang China
| | - Qun Wu
- Department of Pediatrics Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine Shanghai China
| | - Chunting Li
- College of Life and Health Sciences Northeastern University Shenyang China
| | - Min Wu
- Wenzhou Institute University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Wenzhou Zhejiang China
- The Joint Research Center Affiliated Xiangshan Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Ningbo China
| | - Yongye Huang
- College of Life and Health Sciences Northeastern University Shenyang China
- Key Laboratory of Bioresource Research and Development of Liaoning Province College of Life and Health Sciences Northeastern University Shenyang China
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Min YH, Shao WX, Hu QS, Xie NB, Zhang S, Feng YQ, Xing XW, Yuan BF. Simultaneous Detection of Adenosine-to-Inosine Editing and N6-Methyladenosine at Identical RNA Sites through Deamination-Assisted Reverse Transcription Stalling. Anal Chem 2024; 96:8730-8739. [PMID: 38743814 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c01022] [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: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) editing and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications are pivotal RNA modifications with widespread functional significance in physiological and pathological processes. Although significant effort has been dedicated to developing methodologies for identifying and quantifying these modifications, traditional approaches have often focused on each modification independently, neglecting the potential co-occurrence of A-to-I editing and m6A modifications at the same adenosine residues. This limitation has constrained our understanding of the intricate regulatory mechanisms governing RNA function and the interplay between different types of RNA modifications. To address this gap, we introduced an innovative technique called deamination-assisted reverse transcription stalling (DARTS), specifically designed for the simultaneous quantification of A-to-I editing and m6A at the same RNA sites. DARTS leverages the selective deamination activity of the engineered TadA-TadA8e protein, which converts adenosine residues to inosine, in combination with the unique property of Bst 2.0 DNA polymerase, which stalls when encountering inosine during reverse transcription. This approach enables the accurate quantification of A-to-I editing, m6A, and unmodified adenosine at identical RNA sites. The DARTS method is remarkable for its ability to directly quantify two distinct types of RNA modifications simultaneously, a capability that has remained largely unexplored in the field of RNA biology. By facilitating a comprehensive analysis of the co-occurrence and interaction between A-to-I editing and m6A modifications, DARTS opens new avenues for exploring the complex regulatory networks modulated by different RNA modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Hao Min
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Wen-Xuan Shao
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Qiu-Shuang Hu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Neng-Bin Xie
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Research Center of Public Health, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
- Cancer Precision Diagnosis and Treatment and Translational Medicine Hubei Engineering Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan Research Center for Infectious Diseases and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Shan Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yu-Qi Feng
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xi-Wen Xing
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Bi-Feng Yuan
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Research Center of Public Health, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
- Cancer Precision Diagnosis and Treatment and Translational Medicine Hubei Engineering Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan Research Center for Infectious Diseases and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
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Cui Q, Liu Z, Bai G. Friend or foe: The role of stress granule in neurodegenerative disease. Neuron 2024:S0896-6273(24)00286-1. [PMID: 38744273 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Stress granules (SGs) are dynamic membraneless organelles that form in response to cellular stress. SGs are predominantly composed of RNA and RNA-binding proteins that assemble through liquid-liquid phase separation. Although the formation of SGs is considered a transient and protective response to cellular stress, their dysregulation or persistence may contribute to various neurodegenerative diseases. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of SG physiology and pathology. It covers the formation, composition, regulation, and functions of SGs, along with their crosstalk with other membrane-bound and membraneless organelles. Furthermore, this review discusses the dual roles of SGs as both friends and foes in neurodegenerative diseases and explores potential therapeutic approaches targeting SGs. The challenges and future perspectives in this field are also highlighted. A more profound comprehension of the intricate relationship between SGs and neurodegenerative diseases could inspire the development of innovative therapeutic interventions against these devastating diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinqin Cui
- Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Nanhu Brain-Computer Interface Institute, Hangzhou 311100, China.
| | - Zongyu Liu
- Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Ge Bai
- Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Nanhu Brain-Computer Interface Institute, Hangzhou 311100, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China; NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Institute of Fundamental and Transdisciplinary Research, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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Zhang M, Zhang X, Ma Y, Yi C. New directions for Ψ and m 1A decoding in mRNA: deciphering the stoichiometry and function. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2024; 30:537-547. [PMID: 38531648 PMCID: PMC11019747 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079950.124] [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: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Over the past decade, advancements in epitranscriptomics have significantly enhanced our understanding of mRNA metabolism and its role in human development and diseases. This period has witnessed breakthroughs in sequencing technologies and the identification of key proteins involved in RNA modification processes. Alongside the well-studied m6A, Ψ and m1A have emerged as key epitranscriptomic markers. Initially identified through transcriptome-wide profiling, these modifications are now recognized for their broad impact on RNA metabolism and gene expression. In this Perspective, we focus on the detections and functions of Ψ and m1A modifications in mRNA and discuss previous discrepancies and future challenges. We summarize recent advances and highlight the latest sequencing technologies for stoichiometric detection and their mechanistic investigations for functional unveiling in mRNA as the new research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiling Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xiaoting Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yichen Ma
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for 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 100871, 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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Fan S, Zhang Y, Zhu S, Shen L. Plant RNA-binding proteins: Phase separation dynamics and functional mechanisms underlying plant development and stress responses. MOLECULAR PLANT 2024; 17:531-551. [PMID: 38419328 DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2024.02.016] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) accompany RNA from synthesis to decay, mediating every aspect of RNA metabolism and impacting diverse cellular and developmental processes in eukaryotes. Many RBPs undergo phase separation along with their bound RNA to form and function in dynamic membraneless biomolecular condensates for spatiotemporal coordination or regulation of RNA metabolism. Increasing evidence suggests that phase-separating RBPs with RNA-binding domains and intrinsically disordered regions play important roles in plant development and stress adaptation. Here, we summarize the current knowledge about how dynamic partitioning of RBPs into condensates controls plant development and enables sensing of experimental changes to confer growth plasticity under stress conditions, with a focus on the dynamics and functional mechanisms of RBP-rich nuclear condensates and cytoplasmic granules in mediating RNA metabolism. We also discuss roles of multiple factors, such as environmental signals, protein modifications, and N6-methyladenosine RNA methylation, in modulating the phase separation behaviors of RBPs, and highlight the prospects and challenges for future research on phase-separating RBPs in crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Fan
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, National University of Singapore, 1 Research Link, Singapore 117604, Singapore
| | - Yu Zhang
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, National University of Singapore, 1 Research Link, Singapore 117604, Singapore
| | - Shaobo Zhu
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, National University of Singapore, 1 Research Link, Singapore 117604, Singapore
| | - Lisha Shen
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, National University of Singapore, 1 Research Link, Singapore 117604, Singapore; Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117543, Singapore.
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Tsao N, Olabode J, Rodell R, Sun H, Brickner JR, Tsai MS, Pollina EA, Chen CK, Mosammaparast N. YTHDC1 cooperates with the THO complex to prevent RNA damage-induced DNA breaks. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.14.585107. [PMID: 38559256 PMCID: PMC10979943 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.14.585107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Certain environmental toxins are nucleic acid damaging agents, as are many chemotherapeutics used for cancer therapy. These agents induce various adducts in DNA as well as RNA. Indeed, most of the nucleic acid adducts (>90%) formed due to these chemicals, such as alkylating agents, occur in RNA 1 . However, compared to the well-studied mechanisms for DNA alkylation repair, the biological consequences of RNA damage are largely unexplored. Here, we demonstrate that RNA damage can directly result in loss of genome integrity. Specifically, we show that a human YTH domain-containing protein, YTHDC1, regulates alkylation damage responses in association with the THO complex (THOC) 2 . In addition to its established binding to N 6-methyladenosine (m6A)-containing RNAs, YTHDC1 binds to N 1-methyladenosine (m1A)-containing RNAs upon alkylation. In the absence of YTHDC1, alkylation damage results in increased alkylation damage sensitivity and DNA breaks. Such phenotypes are fully attributable to RNA damage, since an RNA-specific dealkylase can rescue these phenotypes. These R NA d amage-induced DNA b reaks (RDIBs) depend on R-loop formation, which in turn are processed by factors involved in transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair. Strikingly, in the absence of YTHDC1 or THOC, an RNA m1A methyltransferase targeted to the nucleus is sufficient to induce DNA breaks. Our results uncover a unique role for YTHDC1-THOC in base damage responses by preventing RDIBs, providing definitive evidence for how damaged RNAs can impact genomic integrity.
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Miller L, Shorter J. Mo' m 1A, mo' problems. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:14-16. [PMID: 38242092 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2023.12.013] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
CAG-repeat expansions underlie fatal neurodegenerative disorders. In a lodestar study published in a recent issue of Nature, Sun et al.1 identify a writer and eraser of N1-methyladenosine (m1A) modifications of CAG-repeat RNA. They establish that m1A modifications in CAG-repeat expanded RNA promote neurodegeneration and aberrant phase transitions of TDP-43. These findings suggest therapeutic strategies for CAG-repeat expansion disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linamarie Miller
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - James Shorter
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Gaweł P, Foroutan-Nejad C. Carbon rings push limits of chemical theories. Nature 2023; 623:922-924. [PMID: 38030774 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-023-03575-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
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