1
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Beknazarov N, Konovalov D, Herbert A, Poptsova M. Z-DNA formation in promoters conserved between human and mouse are associated with increased transcription reinitiation rates. Sci Rep 2024; 14:17786. [PMID: 39090226 PMCID: PMC11294368 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-68439-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
A long-standing question concerns the role of Z-DNA in transcription. Here we use a deep learning approach DeepZ that predicts Z-flipons based on DNA sequence, structural properties of nucleotides and omics data. We examined Z-flipons that are conserved between human and mouse genomes after generating whole-genome Z-flipon maps and then validated them by orthogonal approaches based on high resolution chemical mapping of Z-DNA and the transformer algorithm Z-DNABERT. For human and mouse, we revealed similar pattern of transcription factors, chromatin remodelers, and histone marks associated with conserved Z-flipons. We found significant enrichment of Z-flipons in alternative and bidirectional promoters associated with neurogenesis genes. We show that conserved Z-flipons are associated with increased experimentally determined transcription reinitiation rates compared to promoters without Z-flipons, but without affecting elongation or pausing. Our findings support a model where Z-flipons engage Transcription Factor E and impact phenotype by enabling the reset of preinitiation complexes when active, and the suppression of gene expression when engaged by repressive chromatin complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazar Beknazarov
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Faculty of Computer Science, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry Konovalov
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Faculty of Computer Science, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alan Herbert
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Faculty of Computer Science, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia.
- InsideOutBio, Charlestown, MA, USA.
| | - Maria Poptsova
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Faculty of Computer Science, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia.
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2
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Marshall PR, Davies J, Zhao Q, Liau WS, Lee Y, Basic D, Periyakaruppiah A, Zajaczkowski EL, Leighton LJ, Madugalle SU, Musgrove M, Kielar M, Brueckner AM, Gong H, Ren H, Walsh A, Kaczmarczyk L, Jackson WS, Chen A, Spitale RC, Bredy TW. DNA G-Quadruplex Is a Transcriptional Control Device That Regulates Memory. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e0093232024. [PMID: 38418220 PMCID: PMC11007313 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0093-23.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The conformational state of DNA fine-tunes the transcriptional rate and abundance of RNA. Here, we report that G-quadruplex DNA (G4-DNA) accumulates in neurons, in an experience-dependent manner, and that this is required for the transient silencing and activation of genes that are critically involved in learning and memory in male C57/BL6 mice. In addition, site-specific resolution of G4-DNA by dCas9-mediated deposition of the helicase DHX36 impairs fear extinction memory. Dynamic DNA structure states therefore represent a key molecular mechanism underlying memory consolidation.One-Sentence Summary: G4-DNA is a molecular switch that enables the temporal regulation of the gene expression underlying the formation of fear extinction memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul R Marshall
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, The Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Genome Sciences and Cancer Division & Eccles Institute of Neuroscience, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra 2601, Australia
| | - Joshua Davies
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, The Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Qiongyi Zhao
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, The Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Wei-Siang Liau
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, The Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Yujin Lee
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, The Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Dean Basic
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, The Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Ambika Periyakaruppiah
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, The Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Esmi L Zajaczkowski
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, The Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Laura J Leighton
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, The Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Sachithrani U Madugalle
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, The Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Mason Musgrove
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, The Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Marcin Kielar
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, The Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Arie Maeve Brueckner
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, The Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Hao Gong
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, The Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Haobin Ren
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, The Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Alexander Walsh
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, The Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Lech Kaczmarczyk
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), Division of Neurobiology (NEURO), Linköping University, Linköping 581 83, Sweden
| | - Walker S Jackson
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), Division of Neurobiology (NEURO), Linköping University, Linköping 581 83, Sweden
| | - Alon Chen
- Neurobiology of Stress Laboratory, Department Brain Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Robert C Spitale
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697
| | - Timothy W Bredy
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, The Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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3
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Fang Y, Bansal K, Mostafavi S, Benoist C, Mathis D. AIRE relies on Z-DNA to flag gene targets for thymic T cell tolerization. Nature 2024; 628:400-407. [PMID: 38480882 PMCID: PMC11091860 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07169-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
AIRE is an unconventional transcription factor that enhances the expression of thousands of genes in medullary thymic epithelial cells and promotes clonal deletion or phenotypic diversion of self-reactive T cells1-4. The biological logic of AIRE's target specificity remains largely unclear as, in contrast to many transcription factors, it does not bind to a particular DNA sequence motif. Here we implemented two orthogonal approaches to investigate AIRE's cis-regulatory mechanisms: construction of a convolutional neural network and leveraging natural genetic variation through analysis of F1 hybrid mice5. Both approaches nominated Z-DNA and NFE2-MAF as putative positive influences on AIRE's target choices. Genome-wide mapping studies revealed that Z-DNA-forming and NFE2L2-binding motifs were positively associated with the inherent ability of a gene's promoter to generate DNA double-stranded breaks, and promoters showing strong double-stranded break generation were more likely to enter a poised state with accessible chromatin and already-assembled transcriptional machinery. Consequently, AIRE preferentially targets genes with poised promoters. We propose a model in which Z-DNA anchors the AIRE-mediated transcriptional program by enhancing double-stranded break generation and promoter poising. Beyond resolving a long-standing mechanistic conundrum, these findings suggest routes for manipulating T cell tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Fang
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Kushagra Bansal
- Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore, India
| | - Sara Mostafavi
- Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Diane Mathis
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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4
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Banazadeh M, Abiri A, Poortaheri MM, Asnaashari L, Langarizadeh MA, Forootanfar H. Unexplored power of CRISPR-Cas9 in neuroscience, a multi-OMICs review. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 263:130413. [PMID: 38408576 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130413] [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: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
The neuroscience and neurobiology of gene editing to enhance learning and memory is of paramount interest to the scientific community. The advancements of CRISPR system have created avenues to treat neurological disorders by means of versatile modalities varying from expression to suppression of genes and proteins. Neurodegenerative disorders have also been attributed to non-canonical DNA secondary structures by affecting neuron activity through controlling gene expression, nucleosome shape, transcription, translation, replication, and recombination. Changing DNA regulatory elements which could contribute to the fate and function of neurons are thoroughly discussed in this review. This study presents the ability of CRISPR system to boost learning power and memory, treat or cure genetically-based neurological disorders, and alleviate psychiatric diseases by altering the activity and the irritability of the neurons at the synaptic cleft through DNA manipulation, and also, epigenetic modifications using Cas9. We explore and examine how each different OMIC techniques can come useful when altering DNA sequences. Such insight into the underlying relationship between OMICs and cellular behaviors leads us to better neurological and psychiatric therapeutics by intelligently designing and utilizing the CRISPR/Cas9 technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Banazadeh
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Cosmetic Products Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ardavan Abiri
- Program in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Integrated Graduate Program in Physical and Engineering Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | | | - Lida Asnaashari
- Student Research Committee, Kerman Universiy of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amin Langarizadeh
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Hamid Forootanfar
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Cosmetic Products Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
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5
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Liau WS, Zhao Q, Bademosi A, Gormal RS, Gong H, Marshall PR, Periyakaruppiah A, Madugalle SU, Zajaczkowski EL, Leighton LJ, Ren H, Musgrove M, Davies J, Rauch S, He C, Dickinson BC, Li X, Wei W, Meunier FA, Fernández-Moya SM, Kiebler MA, Srinivasan B, Banerjee S, Clark M, Spitale RC, Bredy TW. Fear extinction is regulated by the activity of long noncoding RNAs at the synapse. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7616. [PMID: 37993455 PMCID: PMC10665438 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43535-1] [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: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) represent a multidimensional class of regulatory molecules that are involved in many aspects of brain function. Emerging evidence indicates that lncRNAs are localized to the synapse; however, a direct role for their activity in this subcellular compartment in memory formation has yet to be demonstrated. Using lncRNA capture-seq, we identified a specific set of lncRNAs that accumulate in the synaptic compartment within the infralimbic prefrontal cortex of adult male C57/Bl6 mice. Among these was a splice variant related to the stress-associated lncRNA, Gas5. RNA immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry and single-molecule imaging revealed that this Gas5 isoform, in association with the RNA binding proteins G3BP2 and CAPRIN1, regulates the activity-dependent trafficking and clustering of RNA granules. In addition, we found that cell-type-specific, activity-dependent, and synapse-specific knockdown of the Gas5 variant led to impaired fear extinction memory. These findings identify a new mechanism of fear extinction that involves the dynamic interaction between local lncRNA activity and RNA condensates in the synaptic compartment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Siang Liau
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| | - Qiongyi Zhao
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Adekunle Bademosi
- Single Molecule Neuroscience Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Rachel S Gormal
- Single Molecule Neuroscience Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Hao Gong
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Paul R Marshall
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Ambika Periyakaruppiah
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Sachithrani U Madugalle
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Esmi L Zajaczkowski
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Laura J Leighton
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Haobin Ren
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Mason Musgrove
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Joshua Davies
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Simone Rauch
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Chuan He
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Bryan C Dickinson
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Frédéric A Meunier
- Single Molecule Neuroscience Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Sandra M Fernández-Moya
- Biomedical Centre, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Gene Regulation of Cell Identity, Regenerative Medicine Program, Bellvitge Institute for Biomedical Research (IDIBELL) and Program for Advancing Clinical Translation of Regenerative Medicine of Catalonia, P-CMR[C], L'Hospitalet del Llobregat, 08908, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Michael A Kiebler
- Biomedical Centre, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | - Michael Clark
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Robert C Spitale
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Timothy W Bredy
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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6
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Wang G, Vasquez KM. Dynamic alternative DNA structures in biology and disease. Nat Rev Genet 2023; 24:211-234. [PMID: 36316397 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-022-00539-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Repetitive elements in the human genome, once considered 'junk DNA', are now known to adopt more than a dozen alternative (that is, non-B) DNA structures, such as self-annealed hairpins, left-handed Z-DNA, three-stranded triplexes (H-DNA) or four-stranded guanine quadruplex structures (G4 DNA). These dynamic conformations can act as functional genomic elements involved in DNA replication and transcription, chromatin organization and genome stability. In addition, recent studies have revealed a role for these alternative structures in triggering error-generating DNA repair processes, thereby actively enabling genome plasticity. As a driving force for genetic variation, non-B DNA structures thus contribute to both disease aetiology and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guliang Wang
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Dell Paediatric Research Institute, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Karen M Vasquez
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Dell Paediatric Research Institute, Austin, TX, USA.
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7
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Z-DNA and Z-RNA: Methods-Past and Future. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2651:295-329. [PMID: 36892776 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3084-6_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
A quote attributed to Yogi Berra makes the observation that "It's tough to make predictions, especially about the future," highlighting the difficulties posed to an author writing a manuscript like the present. The history of Z-DNA shows that earlier postulates about its biology have failed the test of time, both those from proponents who were wildly enthusiastic in enunciating roles that till this day still remain elusive to experimental validation and those from skeptics within the larger community who considered the field a folly, presumably because of the limitations in the methods available at that time. If anything, the biological roles we now know for Z-DNA and Z-RNA were not anticipated by anyone, even when those early predictions are interpreted in the most favorable way possible. The breakthroughs in the field were made using a combination of methods, especially those based on human and mouse genetic approaches informed by the biochemical and biophysical characterization of the Zα family of proteins. The first success was with the p150 Zα isoform of ADAR1 (adenosine deaminase RNA specific), with insights into the functions of ZBP1 (Z-DNA-binding protein 1) following soon after from the cell death community. Just as the replacement of mechanical clocks by more accurate designs changed expectations about navigation, the discovery of the roles assigned by nature to alternative conformations like Z-DNA has forever altered our view of how the genome operates. These recent advances have been driven by better methodology and by better analytical approaches. This article will briefly describe the methods that were key to these discoveries and highlight areas where new method development is likely to further advance our knowledge.
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8
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Yi J, Yeou S, Lee NK. DNA Bending Force Facilitates Z-DNA Formation under Physiological Salt Conditions. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:13137-13145. [PMID: 35839423 PMCID: PMC9335521 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c02466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Z-DNA, a noncanonical helical structure of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), plays pivotal roles in various biological processes, including transcription regulation. Mechanical stresses on dsDNA, such as twisting and stretching, help to form Z-DNA. However, the effect of DNA bending, one of the most common dsDNA deformations, on Z-DNA formation is utterly unknown. Here, we show that DNA bending induces the formation of Z-DNA, that is, more Z-DNA is formed as the bending force becomes stronger. We regulated the bending force on dsDNA by using D-shaped DNA nanostructures. The B-Z transition was observed by single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer. We found that as the bending force became stronger, Z-DNA was formed at lower Mg2+ concentrations. When dsDNA contained cytosine methylations, the B-Z transition occurred at 78 mM Mg2+ (midpoint) in the absence of the bending force. However, the B-Z transition occurred at a 28-fold lower Mg2+ concentration (2.8 mM) in the presence of the bending force. Monte Carlo simulation suggested that the B-Z transition stabilizes the bent form via the formation of the B-Z junction with base extrusion, which effectively releases the bending stress on DNA. Our results clearly show that the bending force facilitates the B-Z transition under physiological salt conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaehun Yi
- Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Sanghun Yeou
- Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Nam Ki Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
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9
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Wei W, Zhao Q, Wang Z, Liau WS, Basic D, Ren H, Marshall PR, Zajaczkowski EL, Leighton LJ, Madugalle SU, Musgrove M, Periyakaruppiah A, Shi J, Zhang J, Mattick JS, Mercer TR, Spitale RC, Li X, Bredy TW. ADRAM is an experience-dependent long noncoding RNA that drives fear extinction through a direct interaction with the chaperone protein 14-3-3. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110546. [PMID: 35320727 PMCID: PMC9015815 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we used RNA capture-seq to identify a large population of lncRNAs that are expressed in the infralimbic prefrontal cortex of adult male mice in response to fear-related learning. Combining these data with cell-type-specific ATAC-seq on neurons that had been selectively activated by fear extinction learning, we find inducible 434 lncRNAs that are derived from enhancer regions in the vicinity of protein-coding genes. In particular, we discover an experience-induced lncRNA we call ADRAM (activity-dependent lncRNA associated with memory) that acts as both a scaffold and a combinatorial guide to recruit the brain-enriched chaperone protein 14-3-3 to the promoter of the memory-associated immediate-early gene Nr4a2 and is required fear extinction memory. This study expands the lexicon of experience-dependent lncRNA activity in the brain and highlights enhancer-derived RNAs (eRNAs) as key players in the epigenomic regulation of gene expression associated with the formation of fear extinction memory. Wei et al. use targeted RNA capture sequencing to examine experience-dependent long noncoding RNA activity in the infralimbic prefrontal cortex of adult mice. They discover a gene, which they call ADRAM, that is directly involved in the epigenomic regulation of gene expression underlying memory formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wei
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Brain Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Qiongyi Zhao
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Ziqi Wang
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Wei-Siang Liau
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Dean Basic
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Haobin Ren
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Paul R Marshall
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Esmi L Zajaczkowski
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Laura J Leighton
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Sachithrani U Madugalle
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Mason Musgrove
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Ambika Periyakaruppiah
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jichun Shi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Brain Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianjian Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - John S Mattick
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Timothy R Mercer
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Robert C Spitale
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, USA
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Brain Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Timothy W Bredy
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
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10
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Nakahama T, Kawahara Y. Deciphering the Biological Significance of ADAR1-Z-RNA Interactions. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111435. [PMID: 34768866 PMCID: PMC8584189 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenosine deaminase acting on RNA 1 (ADAR1) is an enzyme responsible for double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-specific adenosine-to-inosine RNA editing, which is estimated to occur at over 100 million sites in humans. ADAR1 is composed of two isoforms transcribed from different promoters: p150 and N-terminal truncated p110. Deletion of ADAR1 p150 in mice activates melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 (MDA5)-sensing pathway, which recognizes endogenous unedited RNA as non-self. In contrast, we have recently demonstrated that ADAR1 p110-mediated RNA editing does not contribute to this function, implying that a unique Z-DNA/RNA-binding domain α (Zα) in the N terminus of ADAR1 p150 provides specific RNA editing, which is critical for preventing MDA5 activation. In addition, a mutation in the Zα domain is identified in patients with Aicardi–Goutières syndrome (AGS), an inherited encephalopathy characterized by overproduction of type I interferon. Accordingly, we and other groups have recently demonstrated that Adar1 Zα-mutated mice show MDA5-dependent type I interferon responses. Furthermore, one such mutant mouse carrying a W197A point mutation in the Zα domain, which inhibits Z-RNA binding, manifests AGS-like encephalopathy. These findings collectively suggest that Z-RNA binding by ADAR1 p150 is essential for proper RNA editing at certain sites, preventing aberrant MDA5 activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taisuke Nakahama
- Department of RNA Biology and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan;
| | - Yukio Kawahara
- Department of RNA Biology and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan;
- Integrated Frontier Research for Medical Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives (OTRI), Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-6-6879-3827
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11
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Matsumoto S, Sugimoto N. New Insights into the Functions of Nucleic Acids Controlled by Cellular Microenvironments. Top Curr Chem (Cham) 2021; 379:17. [PMID: 33782792 DOI: 10.1007/s41061-021-00329-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The right-handed double-helical B-form structure (B-form duplex) has been widely recognized as the canonical structure of nucleic acids since it was first proposed by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953. This B-form duplex model has a monochronic and static structure and codes genetic information within a sequence. Interestingly, DNA and RNA can form various non-canonical structures, such as hairpin loops, left-handed helices, triplexes, tetraplexes of G-quadruplex and i-motif, and branched junctions, in addition to the canonical structure. The formation of non-canonical structures depends not only on sequence but also on the surrounding environment. Importantly, these non-canonical structures may exhibit a wide variety of biological roles by changing their structures and stabilities in response to the surrounding environments, which undergo vast changes at specific locations and at specific times in cells. Here, we review recent progress regarding the interesting behaviors and functions of nucleic acids controlled by molecularly crowded cellular conditions. New insights gained from recent studies suggest that nucleic acids not only code genetic information in sequences but also have unknown functions regarding their structures and stabilities through drastic structural changes in cellular environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saki Matsumoto
- Frontier Institute for Biomolecular Engineering Research (FIBER), Konan University, 7-1-20 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Naoki Sugimoto
- Frontier Institute for Biomolecular Engineering Research (FIBER), Konan University, 7-1-20 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan. .,Graduate School of Frontiers of Innovative Research in Science and Technology (FIRST), Konan University, 7-1-20 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan.
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Beknazarov N, Jin S, Poptsova M. Deep learning approach for predicting functional Z-DNA regions using omics data. Sci Rep 2020; 10:19134. [PMID: 33154517 PMCID: PMC7644757 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76203-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Computational methods to predict Z-DNA regions are in high demand to understand the functional role of Z-DNA. The previous state-of-the-art method Z-Hunt is based on statistical mechanical and energy considerations about B- to Z-DNA transition using sequence information. Z-DNA CHiP-seq experiment results showed little overlap with Z-Hunt predictions implying that sequence information only is not sufficient to explain emergence of Z-DNA at different genomic locations. Adding epigenetic and other functional genomic mark-ups to DNA sequence level can help revealing the functional Z-DNA sites. Here we take advantage of the deep learning approach that can analyze and extract information from large volumes of molecular biology data. We developed a machine learning approach DeepZ that aggregates information from genome-wide maps of epigenetic markers, transcription factor and RNA polymerase binding sites, and chromosome accessibility maps. With the developed model we not only verify the experimental Z-DNA predictions, but also generate the whole-genome annotation, introducing new possible Z-DNA regions, which have not yet been found in experiments and can be of interest to the researchers from various fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazar Beknazarov
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Faculty of Computer Science, National Research University Higher School of Economics, 11 Pokrovsky boulvar, Moscow, Russia, 101000
| | - Seungmin Jin
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Faculty of Computer Science, National Research University Higher School of Economics, 11 Pokrovsky boulvar, Moscow, Russia, 101000
| | - Maria Poptsova
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Faculty of Computer Science, National Research University Higher School of Economics, 11 Pokrovsky boulvar, Moscow, Russia, 101000.
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Abstract
Higher-order organisms possess information processing capabilities that
are only made possible by their biological complexity. Emerging
evidence indicates a critical role for regulatory RNAs in coordinating
many aspects of cellular function that are directly involved in
experience-dependent neural plasticity. Here, we focus on a
structurally distinct class of RNAs known as circular RNAs. These
closed loop, single-stranded RNA molecules are highly stable, enriched
in the brain, and functionally active in both healthy and disease
conditions. Current evidence implicating this ancient class of RNA as
a contributor toward higher-order functions such as cognition and
memory is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmi L. Zajaczkowski
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics
Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland,
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Esmi L. Zajaczkowski, The University
of Queensland, QBI Building 79, University of Queensland, Saint Lucia,
Queensland 4072, Australia.
| | - Timothy W. Bredy
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics
Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland,
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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14
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Kim
- Department of Molecular and Life Science, Hanyang University [ERICA Campus], Ansan 15588, Korea
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15
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Human MYC G-quadruplex: From discovery to a cancer therapeutic target. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2020; 1874:188410. [PMID: 32827579 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2020.188410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Overexpression of the MYC oncogene is a molecular hallmark of both cancer initiation and progression. Targeting MYC is a logical and effective cancer therapeutic strategy. A special DNA secondary structure, the G-quadruplex (G4), is formed within the nuclease hypersensitivity element III1 (NHE III1) region, located upstream of the MYC gene's P1 promoter that drives the majority of its transcription. Targeting such G4 structures has been a focus of anticancer therapies in recent decades. Thus, a comprehensive review of the MYC G4 structure and its role as a potential therapeutic target is timely. In this review, we first outline the discovery of the MYC G4 structure and evidence of its formation in vitro and in cells. Then, we describe the functional role of G4 in regulating MYC gene expression. We also summarize three types of MYC G4-interacting proteins that can promote, stabilize and unwind G4 structures. Finally, we discuss G4-binding molecules and the anticancer activities of G4-stabilizing ligands, including small molecular compounds and peptides, and assess their potential as novel anticancer therapeutics.
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A-to-Z interactions in fear extinction. Nat Rev Neurosci 2020; 21:351. [DOI: 10.1038/s41583-020-0321-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Herbert A. ALU non-B-DNA conformations, flipons, binary codes and evolution. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2020; 7:200222. [PMID: 32742689 PMCID: PMC7353975 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.200222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
ALUs contribute to genetic diversity by altering DNA's linear sequence through retrotransposition, recombination and repair. ALUs also have the potential to form alternative non-B-DNA conformations such as Z-DNA, triplexes and quadruplexes that alter the read-out of information from the genome. I suggest here these structures enable the rapid reprogramming of cellular pathways to offset DNA damage and regulate inflammation. The experimental data supporting this form of genetic encoding is presented. ALU sequence motifs that form non-B-DNA conformations under physiological conditions are called flipons. Flipons are binary switches. They are dissipative structures that trade energy for information. By efficiently targeting cellular machines to active genes, flipons expand the repertoire of RNAs compiled from a gene. Their action greatly increases the informational capacity of linearly encoded genomes. Flipons are programmable by epigenetic modification, synchronizing cellular events by altering both chromatin state and nucleosome phasing. Different classes of flipon exist. Z-flipons are based on Z-DNA and modify the transcripts compiled from a gene. T-flipons are based on triplexes and localize non-coding RNAs that direct the assembly of cellular machines. G-flipons are based on G-quadruplexes and sense DNA damage, then trigger the appropriate protective responses. Flipon conformation is dynamic, changing with context. When frozen in one state, flipons often cause disease. The propagation of flipons throughout the genome by ALU elements represents a novel evolutionary innovation that allows for rapid change. Each ALU insertion creates variability by extracting a different set of information from the neighbourhood in which it lands. By elaborating on already successful adaptations, the newly compiled transcripts work with the old to enhance survival. Systems that optimize flipon settings through learning can adapt faster than with other forms of evolution. They avoid the risk of relying on random and irreversible codon rewrites.
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