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Zhang X, Wu L, Jia L, Hu X, Yao Y, Liu H, Ma J, Wang W, Li L, Chen K, Liu B. The implication of integrative multiple RNA modification-based subtypes in gastric cancer immunotherapy and prognosis. iScience 2024; 27:108897. [PMID: 38318382 PMCID: PMC10839690 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.108897] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have focused on the impact of individual RNA modifications on tumor development. This study comprehensively investigated the effects of multiple RNA modifications, including m6A, alternative polyadenylation, pseudouridine, adenosine-to-inosine editing, and uridylation, on gastric cancer (GC). By analyzing 1,946 GC samples from eleven independent cohorts, we identified distinct clusters of RNA modification genes with varying survival rates and immunological characteristics. We assessed the chromatin activity of these RNA modification clusters through regulon enrichment analysis. A prognostic model was developed using Stepwise Regression and Random Survival Forest algorithms and validated in ten independent datasets. Notably, the low-risk group showed a more favorable prognosis and positive response to immune checkpoint blockade therapy. Single-cell RNA sequencing confirmed the abundant expression of signature genes in B cells and plasma cells. Overall, our findings shed light on the potential significance of multiple RNA modifications in GC prognosis, stemness development, and chemotherapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangnan Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Human Major Diseases, Ministry of Education, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Liuxing Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Human Major Diseases, Ministry of Education, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300060, China
- Department of Bioinformatics, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Liqing Jia
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Human Major Diseases, Ministry of Education, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Xin Hu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Human Major Diseases, Ministry of Education, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Yanxin Yao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Human Major Diseases, Ministry of Education, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Huahuan Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Human Major Diseases, Ministry of Education, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Junfu Ma
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Human Major Diseases, Ministry of Education, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Human Major Diseases, Ministry of Education, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Lian Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Human Major Diseases, Ministry of Education, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Kexin Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Human Major Diseases, Ministry of Education, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Ben Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Human Major Diseases, Ministry of Education, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300060, China
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2
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Zheng J, Lu Y, Lin Y, Si S, Guo B, Zhao X, Cui L. Epitranscriptomic modifications in mesenchymal stem cell differentiation: advances, mechanistic insights, and beyond. Cell Death Differ 2024; 31:9-27. [PMID: 37985811 PMCID: PMC10782030 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-023-01238-6] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA modifications, known as the "epitranscriptome", represent a key layer of regulation that influences a wide array of biological processes in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). These modifications, catalyzed by specific enzymes, often termed "writers", "readers", and "erasers", can dynamically alter the MSCs' transcriptomic landscape, thereby modulating cell differentiation, proliferation, and responses to environmental cues. These enzymes include members of the classes METTL, IGF2BP, WTAP, YTHD, FTO, NAT, and others. Many of these RNA-modifying agents are active during MSC lineage differentiation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of different RNA modifications in MSCs, their roles in regulating stem cell behavior, and their implications in MSC-based therapies. It delves into how RNA modifications impact MSC biology, the functional significance of individual modifications, and the complex interplay among these modifications. We further discuss how these intricate regulatory mechanisms contribute to the functional diversity of MSCs, and how they might be harnessed for therapeutic applications. The review also highlights current challenges and potential future directions in the study of RNA modifications in MSCs, emphasizing the need for innovative tools to precisely map these modifications and decipher their context-specific effects. Collectively, this work paves the way for a deeper understanding of the role of the epitranscriptome in MSC biology, potentially advancing therapeutic strategies in regenerative medicine and MSC-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiarong Zheng
- Department of Dentistry, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China
| | - Ye Lu
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China
| | - Yunfan Lin
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China
| | - Shanshan Si
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China
| | - Bing Guo
- Department of Dentistry, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Xinyuan Zhao
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China.
| | - Li Cui
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China.
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, 90095, CA, USA.
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3
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Castillo PE, Jung H, Klann E, Riccio A. Presynaptic Protein Synthesis in Brain Function and Disease. J Neurosci 2023; 43:7483-7488. [PMID: 37940588 PMCID: PMC10634577 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1454-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Local protein synthesis in mature brain axons regulates the structure and function of presynaptic boutons by adjusting the presynaptic proteome to local demands. This crucial mechanism underlies experience-dependent modifications of brain circuits, and its dysregulation may contribute to brain disorders, such as autism and intellectual disability. Here, we discuss recent advancements in the axonal transcriptome, axonal RNA localization and translation, and the role of presynaptic local translation in synaptic plasticity and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo E Castillo
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461
| | - Hosung Jung
- Department of Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Eric Klann
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, New York 10003
- New York University Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016
| | - Antonella Riccio
- UCL Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
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4
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Russell J, Tzelepis K. A non-coding m 6A reader promotes leukaemia. Nat Cell Biol 2023; 25:1247-1249. [PMID: 37640840 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-023-01205-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- James Russell
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Konstantinos Tzelepis
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Milner Therapeutics Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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5
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Shi R, Gong P, Luo Q, Chen W, Wang C. Histone Acetyltransferase Rtt109 Regulates Development, Morphogenesis, and Citrinin Biosynthesis in Monascus purpureus. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9050530. [PMID: 37233241 DOI: 10.3390/jof9050530] [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: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Histone acetyltransferase (HAT) has been reported to be pivotal for various physiological processes in many fungi. However, the functions that HAT Rtt109 perform in edible fungi Monascus and the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we identified the rtt109 gene in Monascus, constructed the rtt109 knockout strain (Δrtt109) and its complementary strain (Δrtt109:com) by CRISPR/Cas9 methods, and functionally characterized the roles that Rtt109 play in Monascus. Deletion of rtt109 significantly reduced conidia formation and colony growth, whereas, it increased the yield of Monascus pigments (MPs) and citrinin (CTN). Further real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis indicated that Rtt109 remarkably affected the transcriptional expression of key genes related to development, morphogenesis, and secondary metabolism of Monascus. Together, our results revealed the critical roles of HAT Rtt109 in Monascus, and enriched our current knowledge of the development and regulation of secondary metabolism in fungi, throwing light on restraining or eliminating citrinin in the development and industrial applications of Monascus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoyu Shi
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health, Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, Beijing Technology & Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China
- Yunnan Plateau Characteristic Agricultural Industry Research Institute, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Pengfei Gong
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health, Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, Beijing Technology & Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China
| | - Qiaoqiao Luo
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health, Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, Beijing Technology & Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health, Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, Beijing Technology & Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China
| | - Chengtao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health, Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, Beijing Technology & Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China
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6
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The Emerging Role of m6A Modification in Endocrine Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041033. [PMID: 36831377 PMCID: PMC9954123 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041033] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
With the development of RNA modification research, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is regarded as one of the most important internal epigenetic modifications of eukaryotic mRNA. It is also regulated by methylase, demethylase, and protein preferentially recognizing the m6A modification. This dynamic and reversible post-transcriptional RNA alteration has steadily become the focus of cancer research. It can increase tumor stem cell self-renewal and cell proliferation. The m6A-modified genes may be the primary focus for cancer breakthroughs. Although some endocrine cancers are rare, they may have a high mortality rate. As a result, it is critical to recognize the significance of endocrine cancers and identify new therapeutic targets that will aid in improving disease treatment and prognosis. We summarized the latest experimental progress in the m6A modification in endocrine cancers and proposed the m6A alteration as a potential diagnostic marker for endocrine malignancies.
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7
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Roles of RNA-binding proteins in neurological disorders, COVID-19, and cancer. Hum Cell 2023; 36:493-514. [PMID: 36528839 PMCID: PMC9760055 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-022-00843-w] [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: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) have emerged as important players in multiple biological processes including transcription regulation, splicing, R-loop homeostasis, DNA rearrangement, miRNA function, biogenesis, and ribosome biogenesis. A large number of RBPs had already been identified by different approaches in various organisms and exhibited regulatory functions on RNAs' fate. RBPs can either directly or indirectly interact with their target RNAs or mRNAs to assume a key biological function whose outcome may trigger disease or normal biological events. They also exert distinct functions related to their canonical and non-canonical forms. This review summarizes the current understanding of a wide range of RBPs' functions and highlights their emerging roles in the regulation of diverse pathways, different physiological processes, and their molecular links with diseases. Various types of diseases, encompassing colorectal carcinoma, non-small cell lung carcinoma, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, aberrantly express RBPs. We also highlight some recent advances in the field that could prompt the development of RBPs-based therapeutic interventions.
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8
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Tsagkogeorga G, Santos-Rosa H, Alendar A, Leggate D, Rausch O, Kouzarides T, Weisser H, Han N. Predicting genes associated with RNA methylation pathways using machine learning. Commun Biol 2022; 5:868. [PMID: 36008532 PMCID: PMC9411552 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03821-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA methylation plays an important role in functional regulation of RNAs, and has thus attracted an increasing interest in biology and drug discovery. Here, we collected and collated transcriptomic, proteomic, structural and physical interaction data from the Harmonizome database, and applied supervised machine learning to predict novel genes associated with RNA methylation pathways in human. We selected five types of classifiers, which we trained and evaluated using cross-validation on multiple training sets. The best models reached 88% accuracy based on cross-validation, and an average 91% accuracy on the test set. Using protein-protein interaction data, we propose six molecular sub-networks linking model predictions to previously known RNA methylation genes, with roles in mRNA methylation, tRNA processing, rRNA processing, but also protein and chromatin modifications. Our study exemplifies how access to large omics datasets joined by machine learning methods can be used to predict gene function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Tsagkogeorga
- STORM Therapeutics Ltd, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK.
- Milner Therapeutics Institute, University of Cambridge, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Helena Santos-Rosa
- The Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, UK
| | - Andrej Alendar
- The Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, UK
| | - Dan Leggate
- STORM Therapeutics Ltd, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Oliver Rausch
- STORM Therapeutics Ltd, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Tony Kouzarides
- Milner Therapeutics Institute, University of Cambridge, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge, UK
- The Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, UK
| | - Hendrik Weisser
- STORM Therapeutics Ltd, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Namshik Han
- Milner Therapeutics Institute, University of Cambridge, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge, UK.
- Cambridge Centre for AI in Medicine, Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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9
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Gray JS, Wani SA, Campbell MJ. Epigenomic alterations in cancer: mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Clin Sci (Lond) 2022; 136:473-492. [PMID: 35383835 DOI: 10.1042/cs20210449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The human cell requires ways to specify its transcriptome without altering the essential sequence of DNA; this is achieved through mechanisms which govern the epigenetic state of DNA and epitranscriptomic state of RNA. These alterations can be found as modified histone proteins, cytosine DNA methylation, non-coding RNAs, and mRNA modifications, such as N6-methyladenosine (m6A). The different aspects of epigenomic and epitranscriptomic modifications require protein complexes to write, read, and erase these chemical alterations. Reflecting these important roles, many of these reader/writer/eraser proteins are either frequently mutated or differentially expressed in cancer. The disruption of epigenetic regulation in the cell can both contribute to cancer initiation and progression, and increase the likelihood of developing resistance to chemotherapies. Development of therapeutics to target proteins involved in epigenomic/epitranscriptomic modifications has been intensive, but further refinement is necessary to achieve ideal treatment outcomes without too many off-target effects for cancer patients. Therefore, further integration of clinical outcomes combined with large-scale genomic analyses is imperative for furthering understanding of epigenomic mechanisms in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaimie S Gray
- Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, U.S.A
| | - Sajad A Wani
- Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, U.S.A
| | - Moray J Campbell
- Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, U.S.A
- Biomedical Informatics Shared Resource, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, U.S.A
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10
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Guo J, Zheng J, Zhang H, Tong J. RNA m6A methylation regulators in ovarian cancer. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:609. [PMID: 34794452 PMCID: PMC8600856 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-02318-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant RNA modification of mammalian mRNAs and plays a vital role in many diseases, especially tumours. In recent years, m6A has become the topic of intense discussion in epigenetics. M6A modification is dynamically regulated by methyltransferases, demethylases and RNA-binding proteins. Ovarian cancer (OC) is a common but highly fatal malignancy in female. Increasing evidence shows that changes in m6A levels and the dysregulation of m6A regulators are associated with the occurrence, development or prognosis of OC. In this review, the latest studies on m6A and its regulators in OC have been summarized, and we focus on the key role of m6A modification in the development and progression of OC. Additionally, we also discuss the potential use of m6A modification and its regulators in the diagnosis and treatment of OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialu Guo
- Department of the Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 310053, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou Women's Hospital (Hangzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), 310008, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianfeng Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou Women's Hospital (Hangzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), 310008, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hangzhou Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 310008, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Huizhi Zhang
- Department of the Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 310053, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinyi Tong
- Department of the Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 310053, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou Women's Hospital (Hangzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), 310008, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.
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11
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m 6A RNA methylation regulates promoter- proximal pausing of RNA polymerase II. Mol Cell 2021; 81:3356-3367.e6. [PMID: 34297910 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2021.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
RNA polymerase II (RNAP II) pausing is essential to precisely control gene expression and is critical for development of metazoans. Here, we show that the m6A RNA modification regulates promoter-proximal RNAP II pausing in Drosophila cells. The m6A methyltransferase complex (MTC) and the nuclear reader Ythdc1 are recruited to gene promoters. Depleting the m6A MTC leads to a decrease in RNAP II pause release and in Ser2P occupancy on the gene body and affects nascent RNA transcription. Tethering Mettl3 to a heterologous gene promoter is sufficient to increase RNAP II pause release, an effect that relies on its m6A catalytic domain. Collectively, our data reveal an important link between RNAP II pausing and the m6A RNA modification, thus adding another layer to m6A-mediated gene regulation.
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12
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Ko EK, Capell BC. Methyltransferases in the Pathogenesis of Keratinocyte Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13143402. [PMID: 34298617 PMCID: PMC8304454 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that the disruption of gene expression by alterations in DNA, RNA, and histone methylation may be critical contributors to the pathogenesis of keratinocyte cancers (KCs), made up of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), which collectively outnumber all other human cancers combined. While it is clear that methylation modifiers are frequently dysregulated in KCs, the underlying molecular and mechanistic changes are only beginning to be understood. Intriguingly, it has recently emerged that there is extensive cross-talk amongst these distinct methylation processes. Here, we summarize and synthesize the latest findings in this space and highlight how these discoveries may uncover novel therapeutic approaches for these ubiquitous cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Kyung Ko
- Department of Dermatology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Brian C. Capell
- Department of Dermatology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Penn Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Correspondence:
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13
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Mapping single-nucleotide m 6A by m 6A-REF-seq. Methods 2021; 203:392-398. [PMID: 34174388 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2021.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The past few years have witnessed rapid progress in the field of RNA modifications. As the most prevailing modification on eukaryotic mRNA, m6A is characterized to play a vital role in various cellular activities. However, limitations of the detection method impede functional studies of m6A. Here we introduce m6A-REF-seq, a powerful and straightforward method to identify m6A at single-nucleotide resolution. m6A-REF-seq relies on the recognition of RNA endonuclease MazF towards m6A at the ACA motif, providing an orthogonal method independent of the m6A antibody being adopted by most of current methods. We describe a detailed protocol to perform m6A-REF-seq, including NGS library construction and sequencing data analysis. In particular, we describe an optimized assay to validate individual m6A sites identified by m6A-REF-seq, which can also be applied to detect any candidate m6A sites.
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14
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Vaziri A, Dus M. Brain on food: The neuroepigenetics of nutrition. Neurochem Int 2021; 149:105099. [PMID: 34133954 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2021.105099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Humans have known for millennia that nutrition has a profound influence on health and disease, but it is only recently that we have begun mapping the mechanisms via which the dietary environment impacts brain physiology and behavior. Here we review recent evidence on the effects of energy-dense and methionine diets on neural epigenetic marks, gene expression, and behavior in invertebrate and vertebrate model organisms. We also discuss limitations, open questions, and future directions in the emerging field of the neuroepigenetics of nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anoumid Vaziri
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA; Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Monica Dus
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA; Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA.
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15
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Wood S, Willbanks A, Cheng JX. The Role of RNA Modifications and RNA-modifying Proteins in Cancer Therapy and Drug Resistance. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2021; 21:326-352. [PMID: 33504307 DOI: 10.2174/1568009621666210127092828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The advent of new genome-wide sequencing technologies has uncovered abnormal RNA modifications and RNA editing in a variety of human cancers. The discovery of reversible RNA N6-methyladenosine (RNA: m6A) by fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) demethylase has led to exponential publications on the pathophysiological functions of m6A and its corresponding RNA modifying proteins (RMPs) in the past decade. Some excellent reviews have summarized the recent progress in this field. Compared to the extent of research into RNA: m6A and DNA 5-methylcytosine (DNA: m5C), much less is known about other RNA modifications and their associated RMPs, such as the role of RNA: m5C and its RNA cytosine methyltransferases (RCMTs) in cancer therapy and drug resistance. In this review, we will summarize the recent progress surrounding the function, intramolecular distribution and subcellular localization of several major RNA modifications, including 5' cap N7-methylguanosine (m7G) and 2'-O-methylation (Nm), m6A, m5C, A-to-I editing, and the associated RMPs. We will then discuss dysregulation of those RNA modifications and RMPs in cancer and their role in cancer therapy and drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaun Wood
- Department of Pathology, Hematopathology Section, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL60637, United States
| | - Amber Willbanks
- Department of Pathology, Hematopathology Section, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL60637, United States
| | - Jason X Cheng
- Department of Pathology, Hematopathology Section, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL60637, United States
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16
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Graille M. Division of labor in epitranscriptomics: What have we learnt from the structures of eukaryotic and viral multimeric RNA methyltransferases? WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2021; 13:e1673. [PMID: 34044474 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The translation of an mRNA template into the corresponding protein is a highly complex and regulated choreography performed by ribosomes, tRNAs, and translation factors. Most RNAs involved in this process are decorated by multiple chemical modifications (known as epitranscriptomic marks) contributing to the efficiency, the fidelity, and the regulation of the mRNA translation process. Many of these epitranscriptomic marks are written by holoenzymes made of a catalytic subunit associated with an activating subunit. These holoenzymes play critical roles in cell development. Indeed, several mutations being identified in the genes encoding for those proteins are linked to human pathologies such as cancers and intellectual disorders for instance. This review describes the structural and functional properties of RNA methyltransferase holoenzymes, which when mutated often result in brain development pathologies. It illustrates how structurally different activating subunits contribute to the catalytic activity of these holoenzymes through common mechanistic trends that most likely apply to other classes of holoenzymes. This article is categorized under: RNA Processing > RNA Editing and Modification RNA Processing > Capping and 5' End Modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Graille
- Laboratoire de Biologie Structurale de la Cellule (BIOC), CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, IP Paris, Palaiseau Cedex, France
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17
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Yankova E, Blackaby W, Albertella M, Rak J, De Braekeleer E, Tsagkogeorga G, Pilka ES, Aspris D, Leggate D, Hendrick AG, Webster NA, Andrews B, Fosbeary R, Guest P, Irigoyen N, Eleftheriou M, Gozdecka M, Dias JML, Bannister AJ, Vick B, Jeremias I, Vassiliou GS, Rausch O, Tzelepis K, Kouzarides T. Small-molecule inhibition of METTL3 as a strategy against myeloid leukaemia. Nature 2021; 593:597-601. [PMID: 33902106 PMCID: PMC7613134 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03536-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 525] [Impact Index Per Article: 175.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is an abundant internal RNA modification1,2 that is catalysed predominantly by the METTL3-METTL14 methyltransferase complex3,4. The m6A methyltransferase METTL3 has been linked to the initiation and maintenance of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), but the potential of therapeutic applications targeting this enzyme remains unknown5-7. Here we present the identification and characterization of STM2457, a highly potent and selective first-in-class catalytic inhibitor of METTL3, and a crystal structure of STM2457 in complex with METTL3-METTL14. Treatment of tumours with STM2457 leads to reduced AML growth and an increase in differentiation and apoptosis. These cellular effects are accompanied by selective reduction of m6A levels on known leukaemogenic mRNAs and a decrease in their expression consistent with a translational defect. We demonstrate that pharmacological inhibition of METTL3 in vivo leads to impaired engraftment and prolonged survival in various mouse models of AML, specifically targeting key stem cell subpopulations of AML. Collectively, these results reveal the inhibition of METTL3 as a potential therapeutic strategy against AML, and provide proof of concept that the targeting of RNA-modifying enzymes represents a promising avenue for anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza Yankova
- Milner Therapeutics Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Haematological Cancer Genetics, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Storm Therapeutics Ltd, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - Justyna Rak
- Haematological Cancer Genetics, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Etienne De Braekeleer
- Haematological Cancer Genetics, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Georgia Tsagkogeorga
- Milner Therapeutics Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Storm Therapeutics Ltd, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Demetrios Aspris
- Haematological Cancer Genetics, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
- The Center for the Study of Hematological Malignancies/Karaiskakio Foundation, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Nerea Irigoyen
- Division of Virology, Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Maria Eleftheriou
- Milner Therapeutics Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Malgorzata Gozdecka
- Haematological Cancer Genetics, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Joao M L Dias
- MRC Cancer Unit, University of Cambridge, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | - Andrew J Bannister
- The Gurdon Institute and Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Binje Vick
- Research Unit Apoptosis in Hematopoietic Stem Cells, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (HMGU), Munich, Germany
- German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), Munich, Germany
| | - Irmela Jeremias
- Research Unit Apoptosis in Hematopoietic Stem Cells, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (HMGU), Munich, Germany
- German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), Munich, Germany
- Department of Pediatrics, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University München, Munich, Germany
| | - George S Vassiliou
- Haematological Cancer Genetics, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- The Center for the Study of Hematological Malignancies/Karaiskakio Foundation, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | - Konstantinos Tzelepis
- Milner Therapeutics Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Haematological Cancer Genetics, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK.
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- The Gurdon Institute and Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Tony Kouzarides
- Milner Therapeutics Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- The Gurdon Institute and Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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18
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Small-Molecule Inhibitors of the RNA M6A Demethylases FTO Potently Support the Survival of Dopamine Neurons. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094537. [PMID: 33926120 PMCID: PMC8123663 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO), an RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) demethylase, is an important regulator of central nervous system development, neuronal signaling and disease. We present here the target-tailored development and biological characterization of small-molecule inhibitors of FTO. The active compounds were identified using high-throughput molecular docking and molecular dynamics screening of the ZINC compound library. In FTO binding and activity-inhibition assays the two best inhibitors demonstrated Kd = 185 nM; IC50 = 1.46 µM (compound 2) and Kd = 337 nM; IC50 = 28.9 µM (compound 3). Importantly, the treatment of mouse midbrain dopaminergic neurons with the compounds promoted cellular survival and rescued them from growth factor deprivation induced apoptosis already at nanomolar concentrations. Moreover, both the best inhibitors demonstrated good blood-brain-barrier penetration in the model system, 31.7% and 30.8%, respectively. The FTO inhibitors demonstrated increased potency as compared to our recently developed ALKBH5 m6A demethylase inhibitors in protecting dopamine neurons. Inhibition of m6A RNA demethylation by small-molecule drugs, as presented here, has therapeutic potential and provides tools for the identification of disease-modifying m6A RNAs in neurogenesis and neuroregeneration. Further refinement of the lead compounds identified in this study can also lead to unprecedented breakthroughs in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Willbanks A, Wood S, Cheng JX. RNA Epigenetics: Fine-Tuning Chromatin Plasticity and Transcriptional Regulation, and the Implications in Human Diseases. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12050627. [PMID: 33922187 PMCID: PMC8145807 DOI: 10.3390/genes12050627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromatin structure plays an essential role in eukaryotic gene expression and cell identity. Traditionally, DNA and histone modifications have been the focus of chromatin regulation; however, recent molecular and imaging studies have revealed an intimate connection between RNA epigenetics and chromatin structure. Accumulating evidence suggests that RNA serves as the interplay between chromatin and the transcription and splicing machineries within the cell. Additionally, epigenetic modifications of nascent RNAs fine-tune these interactions to regulate gene expression at the co- and post-transcriptional levels in normal cell development and human diseases. This review will provide an overview of recent advances in the emerging field of RNA epigenetics, specifically the role of RNA modifications and RNA modifying proteins in chromatin remodeling, transcription activation and RNA processing, as well as translational implications in human diseases.
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20
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Houlihan G, Arangundy-Franklin S, Porebski BT, Subramanian N, Taylor AI, Holliger P. Discovery and evolution of RNA and XNA reverse transcriptase function and fidelity. Nat Chem 2020; 12:683-690. [PMID: 32690899 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-020-0502-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The ability of reverse transcriptases (RTs) to synthesize a complementary DNA from natural RNA and a range of unnatural xeno nucleic acid (XNA) template chemistries, underpins key methods in molecular and synthetic genetics. However, RTs have proven challenging to discover and engineer, in particular for the more divergent XNA chemistries. Here we describe a general strategy for the directed evolution of RT function for any template chemistry called compartmentalized bead labelling and demonstrate it by the directed evolution of efficient RTs for 2'-O-methyl RNA and hexitol nucleic acids and the discovery of RTs for the orphan XNA chemistries D-altritol nucleic acid and 2'-methoxyethyl RNA, for which previously no RTs existed. Finally, we describe the engineering of XNA RTs with active exonucleolytic proofreading as well as the directed evolution of RNA RTs with very high complementary DNA synthesis fidelities, even in the absence of proofreading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian Houlihan
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Benjamin T Porebski
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Nithya Subramanian
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alexander I Taylor
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK.,Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease (CITIID), Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Philipp Holliger
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK.
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