1
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Abbouche L, Bythell-Douglas R, Deans AJ. FANCM branchpoint translocase: Master of traverse, reverse and adverse DNA repair. DNA Repair (Amst) 2024; 140:103701. [PMID: 38878565 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2024.103701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
FANCM is a multifunctional DNA repair enzyme that acts as a sensor and coordinator of replication stress responses, especially interstrand crosslink (ICL) repair mediated by the Fanconi anaemia (FA) pathway. Its specialised ability to bind and remodel branched DNA structures enables diverse genome maintenance activities. Through ATP-powered "branchpoint translocation", FANCM can promote fork reversal, facilitate replication traverse of ICLs, resolve deleterious R-loop structures, and restrain recombination. These remodelling functions also support a role as sensor of perturbed replication, eliciting checkpoint signalling and recruitment of downstream repair factors like the Fanconi anaemia FANCI:FANCD2 complex. Accordingly, FANCM deficiency causes chromosome fragility and cancer susceptibility. Other recent advances link FANCM to roles in gene editing efficiency and meiotic recombination, along with emerging synthetic lethal relationships, and targeting opportunities in ALT-positive cancers. Here we review key properties of FANCM's biochemical activities, with a particular focus on branchpoint translocation as a distinguishing characteristic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Abbouche
- Genome Stability Unit, St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia; Department of Medicine (St Vincent's), University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Rohan Bythell-Douglas
- Genome Stability Unit, St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew J Deans
- Genome Stability Unit, St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia; Department of Medicine (St Vincent's), University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia.
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2
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Deaville LA, Berrens RV. Technology to the rescue: how to uncover the role of transposable elements in preimplantation development. Biochem Soc Trans 2024; 52:1349-1362. [PMID: 38752836 DOI: 10.1042/bst20231262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) are highly expressed in preimplantation development. Preimplantation development is the phase when the cells of the early embryo undergo the first cell fate choice and change from being totipotent to pluripotent. A range of studies have advanced our understanding of TEs in preimplantation, as well as their epigenetic regulation and functional roles. However, many questions remain about the implications of TE expression during early development. Challenges originate first due to the abundance of TEs in the genome, and second because of the limited cell numbers in preimplantation. Here we review the most recent technological advancements promising to shed light onto the role of TEs in preimplantation development. We explore novel avenues to identify genomic TE insertions and improve our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms and roles of TEs and their RNA and protein products during early development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauryn A Deaville
- Institute for Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, Oxford University, IMS-Tetsuya Nakamura Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Dr, Oxford OX3 7TY, U.K
- Department of Paediatrics, Oxford University, Level 2, Children's Hospital, John Radcliffe Headington, Oxford OX3 9DU, U.K
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Oxford University, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DS, U.K
| | - Rebecca V Berrens
- Institute for Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, Oxford University, IMS-Tetsuya Nakamura Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Dr, Oxford OX3 7TY, U.K
- Department of Paediatrics, Oxford University, Level 2, Children's Hospital, John Radcliffe Headington, Oxford OX3 9DU, U.K
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3
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Wang ZY, Ge LP, Ouyang Y, Jin X, Jiang YZ. Targeting transposable elements in cancer: developments and opportunities. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189143. [PMID: 38936517 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs), comprising nearly 50% of the human genome, have transitioned from being perceived as "genomic junk" to key players in cancer progression. Contemporary research links TE regulatory disruptions with cancer development, underscoring their therapeutic potential. Advances in long-read sequencing, computational analytics, single-cell sequencing, proteomics, and CRISPR-Cas9 technologies have enriched our understanding of TEs' clinical implications, notably their impact on genome architecture, gene regulation, and evolutionary processes. In cancer, TEs, including long interspersed element-1 (LINE-1), Alus, and long terminal repeat (LTR) elements, demonstrate altered patterns, influencing both tumorigenic and tumor-suppressive mechanisms. TE-derived nucleic acids and tumor antigens play critical roles in tumor immunity, bridging innate and adaptive responses. Given their central role in oncology, TE-targeted therapies, particularly through reverse transcriptase inhibitors and epigenetic modulators, represent a novel avenue in cancer treatment. Combining these TE-focused strategies with existing chemotherapy or immunotherapy regimens could enhance efficacy and offer a new dimension in cancer treatment. This review delves into recent TE detection advancements, explores their multifaceted roles in tumorigenesis and immune regulation, discusses emerging diagnostic and therapeutic approaches centered on TEs, and anticipates future directions in cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Yu Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Li-Ping Ge
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yang Ouyang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xi Jin
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yi-Zhou Jiang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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4
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Bravo JI, Mizrahi CR, Kim S, Zhang L, Suh Y, Benayoun BA. An eQTL-based approach reveals candidate regulators of LINE-1 RNA levels in lymphoblastoid cells. PLoS Genet 2024; 20:e1011311. [PMID: 38848448 PMCID: PMC11189215 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Long interspersed element 1 (LINE-1; L1) are a family of transposons that occupy ~17% of the human genome. Though a small number of L1 copies remain capable of autonomous transposition, the overwhelming majority of copies are degenerate and immobile. Nevertheless, both mobile and immobile L1s can exert pleiotropic effects (promoting genome instability, inflammation, or cellular senescence) on their hosts, and L1's contributions to aging and aging diseases is an area of active research. However, because of the cell type-specific nature of transposon control, the catalogue of L1 regulators remains incomplete. Here, we employ an eQTL approach leveraging transcriptomic and genomic data from the GEUVADIS and 1000Genomes projects to computationally identify new candidate regulators of L1 RNA levels in lymphoblastoid cell lines. To cement the role of candidate genes in L1 regulation, we experimentally modulate the levels of top candidates in vitro, including IL16, STARD5, HSD17B12, and RNF5, and assess changes in TE family expression by Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). Remarkably, we observe subtle but widespread upregulation of TE family expression following IL16 and STARD5 overexpression. Moreover, a short-term 24-hour exposure to recombinant human IL16 was sufficient to transiently induce subtle, but widespread, upregulation of L1 subfamilies. Finally, we find that many L1 expression-associated genetic variants are co-associated with aging traits across genome-wide association study databases. Our results expand the catalogue of genes implicated in L1 RNA control and further suggest that L1-derived RNA contributes to aging processes. Given the ever-increasing availability of paired genomic and transcriptomic data, we anticipate this new approach to be a starting point for more comprehensive computational scans for regulators of transposon RNA levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan I. Bravo
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Graduate program in the Biology of Aging, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Chanelle R. Mizrahi
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- USC Gerontology Enriching MSTEM to Enhance Diversity in Aging Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Seungsoo Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Lucia Zhang
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Quantitative and Computational Biology Department, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Yousin Suh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Bérénice A. Benayoun
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Molecular and Computational Biology Department, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine Department, USC Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- USC Stem Cell Initiative, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
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5
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Brand CL, Oliver GT, Farkas IZ, Buszczak M, Levine MT. Recurrent Duplication and Diversification of a Vital DNA Repair Gene Family Across Drosophila. Mol Biol Evol 2024; 41:msae113. [PMID: 38865490 PMCID: PMC11210505 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msae113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Maintaining genome integrity is vital for organismal survival and reproduction. Essential, broadly conserved DNA repair pathways actively preserve genome integrity. However, many DNA repair proteins evolve adaptively. Ecological forces like UV exposure are classically cited drivers of DNA repair evolution. Intrinsic forces like repetitive DNA, which also imperil genome integrity, have received less attention. We recently reported that a Drosophila melanogaster-specific DNA satellite array triggered species-specific, adaptive evolution of a DNA repair protein called Spartan/MH. The Spartan family of proteases cleave hazardous, covalent crosslinks that form between DNA and proteins ("DNA-protein crosslink repair"). Appreciating that DNA satellites are both ubiquitous and universally fast-evolving, we hypothesized that satellite DNA turnover spurs adaptive evolution of DNA-protein crosslink repair beyond a single gene and beyond the D. melanogaster lineage. This hypothesis predicts pervasive Spartan gene family diversification across Drosophila species. To study the evolutionary history of the Drosophila Spartan gene family, we conducted population genetic, molecular evolution, phylogenomic, and tissue-specific expression analyses. We uncovered widespread signals of positive selection across multiple Spartan family genes and across multiple evolutionary timescales. We also detected recurrent Spartan family gene duplication, divergence, and gene loss. Finally, we found that ovary-enriched parent genes consistently birthed functionally diverged, testis-enriched daughter genes. To account for Spartan family diversification, we introduce a novel mechanistic model of antagonistic coevolution that links DNA satellite evolution and adaptive regulation of Spartan protease activity. This framework promises to accelerate our understanding of how DNA repeats drive recurrent evolutionary innovation to preserve genome integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara L Brand
- Department of Biology and Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Genevieve T Oliver
- Department of Biology and Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Isabella Z Farkas
- Department of Biology and Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Michael Buszczak
- Department of Molecular Biology and Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Mia T Levine
- Department of Biology and Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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6
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D'Ordine AM, Jogl G, Sedivy JM. Identification and characterization of small molecule inhibitors of the LINE-1 retrotransposon endonuclease. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3883. [PMID: 38719805 PMCID: PMC11078990 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48066-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The long interspersed nuclear element-1 (LINE-1 or L1) retrotransposon is the only active autonomously replicating retrotransposon in the human genome. L1 harms the cell by inserting new copies, generating DNA damage, and triggering inflammation. Therefore, L1 inhibition could be used to treat many diseases associated with these processes. Previous research has focused on inhibition of the L1 reverse transcriptase due to the prevalence of well-characterized inhibitors of related viral enzymes. Here we present the L1 endonuclease as another target for reducing L1 activity. We characterize structurally diverse small molecule endonuclease inhibitors using computational, biochemical, and biophysical methods. We also show that these inhibitors reduce L1 retrotransposition, L1-induced DNA damage, and inflammation reinforced by L1 in senescent cells. These inhibitors could be used for further pharmacological development and as tools to better understand the life cycle of this element and its impact on disease processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra M D'Ordine
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Center on the Biology of Aging, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Gerwald Jogl
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
- Center on the Biology of Aging, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
| | - John M Sedivy
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
- Center on the Biology of Aging, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
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7
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Terrazzan A, Vanini R, Ancona P, Bianchi N, Taccioli C, Aguiari G. State-of-the-art in transposable element modulation affected by drugs in malignant prostatic cancer cells. J Cell Biochem 2024; 125:e30557. [PMID: 38501160 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30557] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Over recent years, the investigation of transposable elements (TEs) has granted researchers a deeper comprehension of their characteristics and functions, particularly regarding their significance in the mechanisms contributing to cancer development. This manuscript focuses on prostate carcinoma cell lines and offers a comprehensive review intended to scrutinize the associations and interactions between TEs and genes, as well as their response to treatment using various chemical drugs, emphasizing their involvement in cancer progression. We assembled a compendium of articles retrieved from the PubMed database to construct networks demonstrating correlations with genes and pharmaceuticals. In doing so, we linked the transposition of certain TE types to the expression of specific transcripts directly implicated in carcinogenesis. Additionally, we underline that treatment employing different drugs revealed unique patterns of TE reactivation. Our hypothesis gathers the current understanding and guides research toward evidence-based investigations, emphasizing the association between antiviral drugs, chemotherapy, and the reduced expression of TEs in patients affected by prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Terrazzan
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory for Advanced Therapy Technologies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Riccardo Vanini
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Pietro Ancona
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Bianchi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Cristian Taccioli
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Gianluca Aguiari
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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8
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Janecki DM, Sen R, Szóstak N, Kajdasz A, Kordyś M, Plawgo K, Pandakov D, Philips A, Warkocki Z. LINE-1 mRNA 3' end dynamics shape its biology and retrotransposition potential. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:3327-3345. [PMID: 38197223 PMCID: PMC11014359 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad1251] [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: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
LINE-1 (L1) retrotransposons are mobile genetic elements that create new genomic insertions by a copy-paste mechanism involving L1 RNA/RNP intermediates. L1 encodes two ORFs, of which L1-ORF2p nicks genomic DNA and reverse transcribes L1 mRNA using the nicked DNA as a primer which base-pairs with poly(A) tail of L1 mRNA. To better understand the importance of non-templated L1 3' ends' dynamics and the interplay between L1 3' and 5' ends, we investigated the effects of genomic knock-outs and temporal knock-downs of XRN1, DCP2, and other factors. We hypothesized that in the absence of XRN1, the major 5'→3' exoribonuclease, there would be more L1 mRNA and retrotransposition. Conversely, we observed that loss of XRN1 decreased L1 retrotransposition. This occurred despite slight stabilization of L1 mRNA, but with decreased L1 RNP formation. Similarly, loss of DCP2, the catalytic subunit of the decapping complex, lowered retrotransposition despite increased steady-state levels of L1 proteins. In both XRN1 and DCP2 depletions we observed shortening of L1 3' poly(A) tails and their increased uridylation by TUT4/7. We explain the observed reduction of L1 retrotransposition by the changed qualities of non-templated L1 mRNA 3' ends demonstrating the important role of L1 3' end dynamics in L1 biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian M Janecki
- Department of RNA Metabolism, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Raneet Sen
- Department of RNA Metabolism, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Natalia Szóstak
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Arkadiusz Kajdasz
- Department of RNA Metabolism, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Martyna Kordyś
- Department of RNA Metabolism, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Kinga Plawgo
- Department of RNA Metabolism, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Dmytro Pandakov
- Department of RNA Metabolism, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Anna Philips
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Zbigniew Warkocki
- Department of RNA Metabolism, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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9
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Perkiö A, Pradhan B, Genc F, Pirttikoski A, Pikkusaari S, Erkan EP, Falco MM, Huhtinen K, Narva S, Hynninen J, Kauppi L, Vähärautio A. Locus-specific LINE-1 expression in clinical ovarian cancer specimens at the single-cell level. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4322. [PMID: 38383551 PMCID: PMC10881972 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54113-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Long interspersed nuclear elements (LINE-1s/L1s) are a group of retrotransposons that can copy themselves within a genome. In humans, it is the most successful transposon in nucleotide content. L1 expression is generally mild in normal human tissues, but the activity has been shown to increase significantly in many cancers. Few studies have examined L1 expression at single-cell resolution, thus it is undetermined whether L1 reactivation occurs solely in malignant cells within tumors. One of the cancer types with frequent L1 activity is high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC). Here, we identified locus-specific L1 expression with 3' single-cell RNA sequencing in pre- and post-chemotherapy HGSOC sample pairs from 11 patients, and in fallopian tube samples from five healthy women. Although L1 expression quantification with the chosen technique was challenging due to the repetitive nature of the element, we found evidence of L1 expression primarily in cancer cells, but also in other cell types, e.g. cancer-associated fibroblasts. The expression levels were similar in samples taken before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, indicating that L1 transcriptional activity was unaffected by clinical platinum-taxane treatment. Furthermore, L1 activity was negatively associated with the expression of MYC target genes, a finding that supports earlier literature of MYC being an L1 suppressor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Perkiö
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Barun Pradhan
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- New York Genome Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Fatih Genc
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anna Pirttikoski
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sanna Pikkusaari
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Erdogan Pekcan Erkan
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Matias Marin Falco
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kaisa Huhtinen
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
- Institute of Biomedicine and FICAN West Cancer Centre, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, 20521, Turku, Finland
| | - Sara Narva
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, 20521, Turku, Finland
| | - Johanna Hynninen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, 20521, Turku, Finland
| | - Liisa Kauppi
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00290, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Anna Vähärautio
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00290, Helsinki, Finland.
- Foundation for the Finnish Cancer Institute (FCI), Helsinki, Finland.
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10
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Mathavarajah S, Dellaire G. LINE-1: an emerging initiator of cGAS-STING signalling and inflammation that is dysregulated in disease. Biochem Cell Biol 2024; 102:38-46. [PMID: 37643478 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2023-0134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The cGAS-STING (cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING)) axis integrates DNA damage and cellular stress with type I interferon (IFN) signalling to facilitate transcriptional changes underlying inflammatory stress responses. The cGAS-STING pathway responds to cytosolic DNA in the form of double-stranded DNA, micronuclei, and long interspersed nuclear element 1 (L1) retroelements. L1 retroelements are a class of self-propagating non-long terminal repeat transposons that have remained highly active in mammalian genomes. L1 retroelements are emerging as important inducers of cGAS-STING and IFN signalling, which are often dysregulated in several diseases, including cancer. A key repressor of cGAS-STING and L1 activity is the exonuclease three prime repair exonuclease 1 (TREX1), and loss of TREX1 promotes the accumulation of L1. In addition, L1 dysregulation is a common theme among diseases with chronic induction of type I IFN signalling through cGAS-STING, such as Aicardi-Goutières syndrome, Fanconi anemia, and dermatomyositis. Although TREX1 is highly conserved in tetrapod species, other suppressor proteins exist that inhibit L1 retrotransposition. These suppressor genes when mutated are often associated with diseases characterized by unchecked inflammation that is associated with high cGAS-STING activity and elevated levels of L1 expression. In this review, we discuss these interconnected pathways of L1 suppression and their role in the regulation of cGAS-STING and inflammation in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Graham Dellaire
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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11
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Mendez-Dorantes C, Burns KH. LINE-1 retrotransposition and its deregulation in cancers: implications for therapeutic opportunities. Genes Dev 2023; 37:948-967. [PMID: 38092519 PMCID: PMC10760644 DOI: 10.1101/gad.351051.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Long interspersed element 1 (LINE-1) is the only protein-coding transposon that is active in humans. LINE-1 propagates in the genome using RNA intermediates via retrotransposition. This activity has resulted in LINE-1 sequences occupying approximately one-fifth of our genome. Although most copies of LINE-1 are immobile, ∼100 copies are retrotransposition-competent. Retrotransposition is normally limited via epigenetic silencing, DNA repair, and other host defense mechanisms. In contrast, LINE-1 overexpression and retrotransposition are hallmarks of cancers. Here, we review mechanisms of LINE-1 regulation and how LINE-1 may promote genetic heterogeneity in tumors. Finally, we discuss therapeutic strategies to exploit LINE-1 biology in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Mendez-Dorantes
- Department of Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA;
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
| | - Kathleen H Burns
- Department of Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA;
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
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12
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Zhen Z, Chen Y, Wang H, Tang H, Zhang H, Liu H, Jiang Y, Mao Z. Nuclear cGAS restricts L1 retrotransposition by promoting TRIM41-mediated ORF2p ubiquitination and degradation. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8217. [PMID: 38086852 PMCID: PMC10716122 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43001-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS), initially identified as a cytosolic DNA sensor, detects DNA fragments to trigger an innate immune response. Recently, accumulating evidence reveals the presence of cGAS within the nucleus. However, the biological functions of nuclear cGAS are not fully understood. Here, we demonstrate that nuclear cGAS represses LINE-1 (L1) retrotransposition to preserve genome integrity in human cells. Mechanistically, the E3 ligase TRIM41 interacts with and ubiquitinates ORF2p to influence its stability, and cGAS enhances the association of ORF2p with TRIM41, thereby promoting TRIM41-mediated ORF2p degradation and the suppression of L1 retrotransposition. In response to DNA damage, cGAS is phosphorylated at serine residues 120 and 305 by CHK2, which promotes cGAS-TRIM41 association, facilitating TRIM41-mediated ORF2p degradation. Moreover, we show that nuclear cGAS mediates the repression of L1 retrotransposition in senescent cells induced by DNA damage agents. We also identify several cancer-associated cGAS mutations that abolish the suppressive effect on L1 retrotransposition by disrupting the CHK2-cGAS-TRIM41-ORF2p regulatory axis. Together, these findings indicate that nuclear cGAS exhibits an inhibitory function in L1 retrotransposition which could provide avenues for future interventions in both aging and tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyi Zhen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, 200092, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
- Tsingtao Advanced Research Institute, Tongji University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, 200092, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Haiyan Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, 200092, Shanghai, China
| | - Huanyin Tang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, 200092, Shanghai, China
| | - Haiping Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, 200092, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Haipeng Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tuberculosis, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Ying Jiang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, 200092, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Zhiyong Mao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, 200092, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
- Tsingtao Advanced Research Institute, Tongji University, Qingdao, 266071, China.
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13
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Boeke JD, Burns KH, Chiappinelli KB, Classon M, Coffin JM, DeCarvalho DD, Dukes JD, Greenbaum B, Kassiotis G, Knutson SK, Levine AJ, Nath A, Papa S, Rios D, Sedivy J, Ting DT. Proceedings of the inaugural Dark Genome Symposium: November 2022. Mob DNA 2023; 14:18. [PMID: 37990347 PMCID: PMC10664479 DOI: 10.1186/s13100-023-00306-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
In November 2022 the first Dark Genome Symposium was held in Boston, USA. The meeting was hosted by Rome Therapeutics and Enara Bio, two biotechnology companies working on translating our growing understanding of this vast genetic landscape into therapies for human disease. The spirit and ambition of the meeting was one of shared knowledge, looking to strengthen the network of researchers engaged in the field. The meeting opened with a welcome from Rosana Kapeller and Kevin Pojasek followed by a first session of field defining talks from key academics in the space. A series of panels, bringing together academia and industry views, were then convened covering a wide range of pertinent topics. Finally, Richard Young and David Ting gave their views on the future direction and promise for patient impact inherent in the growing understanding of the Dark Genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jef D Boeke
- Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Kathleen H Burns
- Department of Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Katherine B Chiappinelli
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Marie Classon
- Pfizer Centre for Therapeutic Innovation, San Diego, USA
| | - John M Coffin
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Daniel D DeCarvalho
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Joseph D Dukes
- Enara Bio Limited, Magdalen Centre, 1 Robert Robinson Avenue, The Oxford Science Park, Oxford, OX4 4GA, UK
| | - Benjamin Greenbaum
- Computational Oncology, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - George Kassiotis
- Retroviral Immunology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Sarah K Knutson
- Rome Therapeutics, 201 Brookline Avenue, Suite 1001, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Arnold J Levine
- Simons Center for Systems Biology, Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Avindra Nath
- Section for Infections of the Nervous System, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sophie Papa
- Enara Bio Limited, Magdalen Centre, 1 Robert Robinson Avenue, The Oxford Science Park, Oxford, OX4 4GA, UK.
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Daniel Rios
- Rome Therapeutics, 201 Brookline Avenue, Suite 1001, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John Sedivy
- Center on the Biology of Aging, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - David T Ting
- Department of Medical Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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14
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Li Z, Duan S, Hua X, Xu X, Li Y, Menolfi D, Zhou H, Lu C, Zha S, Goff SP, Zhang Z. Asymmetric distribution of parental H3K9me3 in S phase silences L1 elements. Nature 2023; 623:643-651. [PMID: 37938774 PMCID: PMC11034792 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06711-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
In eukaryotes, repetitive DNA sequences are transcriptionally silenced through histone H3 lysine 9 trimethylation (H3K9me3). Loss of silencing of the repeat elements leads to genome instability and human diseases, including cancer and ageing1-3. Although the role of H3K9me3 in the establishment and maintenance of heterochromatin silencing has been extensively studied4-6, the pattern and mechanism that underlie the partitioning of parental H3K9me3 at replicating DNA strands are unknown. Here we report that H3K9me3 is preferentially transferred onto the leading strands of replication forks, which occurs predominantly at long interspersed nuclear element (LINE) retrotransposons (also known as LINE-1s or L1s) that are theoretically transcribed in the head-on direction with replication fork movement. Mechanistically, the human silencing hub (HUSH) complex interacts with the leading-strand DNA polymerase Pol ε and contributes to the asymmetric segregation of H3K9me3. Cells deficient in Pol ε subunits (POLE3 and POLE4) or the HUSH complex (MPP8 and TASOR) show compromised H3K9me3 asymmetry and increased LINE expression. Similar results were obtained in cells expressing a MPP8 mutant defective in H3K9me3 binding and in TASOR mutants with reduced interactions with Pol ε. These results reveal an unexpected mechanism whereby the HUSH complex functions with Pol ε to promote asymmetric H3K9me3 distribution at head-on LINEs to suppress their expression in S phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiming Li
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shoufu Duan
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xu Hua
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xiaowei Xu
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yinglu Li
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Demis Menolfi
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hui Zhou
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chao Lu
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shan Zha
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology, Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stephen P Goff
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zhiguo Zhang
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
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15
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Gambelli A, Ferrando A, Boncristiani C, Schoeftner S. Regulation and function of R-loops at repetitive elements. Biochimie 2023; 214:141-155. [PMID: 37619810 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
R-loops are atypical, three-stranded nucleic acid structures that contain a stretch of RNA:DNA hybrids and an unpaired, single stranded DNA loop. R-loops are physiological relevant and can act as regulators of gene expression, chromatin structure, DNA damage repair and DNA replication. However, unscheduled and persistent R-loops are mutagenic and can mediate replication-transcription conflicts, leading to DNA damage and genome instability if left unchecked. Detailed transcriptome analysis unveiled that 85% of the human genome, including repetitive regions, hold transcriptional activity. This anticipates that R-loops management plays a central role for the regulation and integrity of genomes. This function is expected to have a particular relevance for repetitive sequences that make up to 75% of the human genome. Here, we review the impact of R-loops on the function and stability of repetitive regions such as centromeres, telomeres, rDNA arrays, transposable elements and triplet repeat expansions and discuss their relevance for associated pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Gambelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Via E. Weiss 2, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandro Ferrando
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Via E. Weiss 2, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Chiara Boncristiani
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Via E. Weiss 2, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Stefan Schoeftner
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Via E. Weiss 2, 34127, Trieste, Italy.
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16
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Bona N, Crossan GP. Fanconi anemia DNA crosslink repair factors protect against LINE-1 retrotransposition during mouse development. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2023; 30:1434-1445. [PMID: 37580626 PMCID: PMC10584689 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-023-01067-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Long interspersed nuclear element 1 (LINE-1) is the only autonomous retrotransposon in humans and new integrations are a major source of genetic variation between individuals. These events can also lead to de novo germline mutations, giving rise to heritable genetic diseases. Recently, a role for DNA repair in regulating these events has been identified. Here we find that Fanconi anemia (FA) DNA crosslink repair factors act in a common pathway to prevent retrotransposition. We purify recombinant SLX4-XPF-ERCC1, the crosslink repair incision complex, and find that it cleaves putative nucleic acid intermediates of retrotransposition. Mice deficient in upstream crosslink repair signaling (FANCA), a downstream component (FANCD2) or the nuclease XPF-ERCC1 show increased LINE-1 retrotransposition in vivo. Organisms limit retrotransposition through transcriptional silencing but this protection is attenuated during early development leaving the zygote vulnerable. We find that during this window of vulnerability, DNA crosslink repair acts as a failsafe to prevent retrotransposition. Together, our results indicate that the FA DNA crosslink repair pathway acts together to protect against mutation by restricting LINE-1 retrotransposition.
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17
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Luqman-Fatah A, Miyoshi T. Human LINE-1 retrotransposons: impacts on the genome and regulation by host factors. Genes Genet Syst 2023; 98:121-154. [PMID: 36436935 DOI: 10.1266/ggs.22-00038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome sequencing revealed that nearly half of the human genome is comprised of transposable elements. Although most of these elements have been rendered inactive due to mutations, full-length intact long interspersed element-1 (LINE-1 or L1) copies retain the ability to mobilize through RNA intermediates by a so-called "copy-and-paste" mechanism, termed retrotransposition. L1 is the only known autonomous mobile genetic element in the genome, and its retrotransposition contributes to inter- or intra-individual genetic variation within the human population. However, L1 retrotransposition also poses a threat to genome integrity due to gene disruption and chromosomal instability. Moreover, recent studies suggest that aberrant L1 expression can impact human health by causing diseases such as cancer and chronic inflammation that might lead to autoimmune disorders. To counteract these adverse effects, the host cells have evolved multiple layers of defense mechanisms at the epigenetic, RNA and protein levels. Intriguingly, several host factors have also been reported to facilitate L1 retrotransposition, suggesting that there is competition between negative and positive regulation of L1 by host factors. Here, we summarize the known host proteins that regulate L1 activity at different stages of the replication cycle and discuss how these factors modulate disease-associated phenotypes caused by L1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Luqman-Fatah
- Department of Gene Mechanisms, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University
- Department of Stress Response, Radiation Biology Center, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University
| | - Tomoichiro Miyoshi
- Department of Gene Mechanisms, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University
- Department of Stress Response, Radiation Biology Center, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University
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18
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Gerdes P, Chan D, Lundberg M, Sanchez-Luque FJ, Bodea GO, Ewing AD, Faulkner GJ, Richardson SR. Locus-resolution analysis of L1 regulation and retrotransposition potential in mouse embryonic development. Genome Res 2023; 33:1465-1481. [PMID: 37798118 PMCID: PMC10620060 DOI: 10.1101/gr.278003.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Mice harbor ∼2800 intact copies of the retrotransposon Long Interspersed Element 1 (L1). The in vivo retrotransposition capacity of an L1 copy is defined by both its sequence integrity and epigenetic status, including DNA methylation of the monomeric units constituting young mouse L1 promoters. Locus-specific L1 methylation dynamics during development may therefore elucidate and explain spatiotemporal niches of endogenous retrotransposition but remain unresolved. Here, we interrogate the retrotransposition efficiency and epigenetic fate of source (donor) L1s, identified as mobile in vivo. We show that promoter monomer loss consistently attenuates the relative retrotransposition potential of their offspring (daughter) L1 insertions. We also observe that most donor/daughter L1 pairs are efficiently methylated upon differentiation in vivo and in vitro. We use Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) long-read sequencing to resolve L1 methylation genome-wide and at individual L1 loci, revealing a distinctive "smile" pattern in methylation levels across the L1 promoter region. Using Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) SMRT sequencing of L1 5' RACE products, we then examine DNA methylation dynamics at the mouse L1 promoter in parallel with transcription start site (TSS) distribution at locus-specific resolution. Together, our results offer a novel perspective on the interplay between epigenetic repression, L1 evolution, and genome stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Gerdes
- Mater Research Institute - University of Queensland, TRI Building, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Dorothy Chan
- Mater Research Institute - University of Queensland, TRI Building, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Mischa Lundberg
- Mater Research Institute - University of Queensland, TRI Building, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
- Translational Bioinformatics, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Sydney, New South Wales 2113, Australia
| | - Francisco J Sanchez-Luque
- Mater Research Institute - University of Queensland, TRI Building, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
- GENYO. Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research (Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government), PTS Granada, 18016, Spain
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer (IGC), University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, United Kingdom
| | - Gabriela O Bodea
- Mater Research Institute - University of Queensland, TRI Building, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Adam D Ewing
- Mater Research Institute - University of Queensland, TRI Building, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Geoffrey J Faulkner
- Mater Research Institute - University of Queensland, TRI Building, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia;
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Sandra R Richardson
- Mater Research Institute - University of Queensland, TRI Building, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia;
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19
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Zhou Z, Yin H, Suye S, Ren Z, Yan L, Shi L, Fu C. Fance deficiency inhibits primordial germ cell proliferation associated with transcription-replication conflicts accumulate and DNA repair defects. J Ovarian Res 2023; 16:160. [PMID: 37563658 PMCID: PMC10416540 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01252-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Fanconi anemia (FA) gene mutations are critical components in the genetic etiology of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). Fance-/- mice detected meiotic arrest of primordial germ cells (PGCs) as early as embryonic day (E) 13.5 and exhibited decreased ovarian reserve after birth. However, the mechanism of Fance defect leading to dysgenesis of PGCs is unclear. We aimed to explore the effect of Fance defects on mitotic proliferation of PGCs. Combined with transcriptomic sequencing and validation, we examined the effect of Fance defects on cell cycle, transcription-replication conflicts (TRCs), and multiple DNA repair pathways in PGCs during active DNA replication at E11.5 and E12.5. Results showed Fance defects cause decreased numbers of PGCs during rapid mitosis at E11.5 and E12.5. Mitotic cell cycle progression of Fance-/- PGCs was blocked at E11.5 and E12.5, shown by decreased cell proportions in S and G2 phases and increased cell proportions in M phase. RNA-seq suggested the mechanisms involved in DNA replication and repair. We found Fance-/- PGCs accumulate TRCs during active DNA replication at E11.5 and E12.5. Fance-/- PGCs down-regulate multiple DNA repair pathways at E11.5 and E12.5 including the FA pathway, homologous recombination (HR) pathway, and base excision repair (BER) pathway. In conclusion, Fance defect impaired the mitotic proliferation of PGCs leading to rapidly decreased numbers and abnormal cell cycle distribution. Proliferation inhibition of Fance-/- PGCs was associated with accumulated TRCs and down-regulation of FA, HR, BER pathways. These provided a theoretical basis for identifying the inherited etiology and guiding potential fertility management for POI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixian Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China
| | - Huan Yin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China
| | - Suye Suye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China
| | - Zhen Ren
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China
| | - Lei Yan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China
| | - Liye Shi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China
| | - Chun Fu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China.
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20
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Kelleher ES. Jack of all trades versus master of one: how generalist versus specialist strategies of transposable elements relate to their horizontal transfer between lineages. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2023; 81:102080. [PMID: 37459818 PMCID: PMC11062761 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2023.102080] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) are obligate genomic parasites, relying on host germline cells to ensure their replication and passage to future generations. While some TEs exhibit high fidelity to their host genome, being passed from parent to offspring through vertical transmission for millions of years, others frequently invade new and distantly related hosts through horizontal transfer. In this review, I highlight how the complexity of interactions between TE and host required for transposition may be an important determinant of horizontal transfer: with TEs with more complex regulatory requirements being less able to invade new host genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin S Kelleher
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77004, USA.
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21
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Fu J, Qin T, Li C, Zhu J, Ding Y, Zhou M, Yang Q, Liu X, Zhou J, Chen F. Research progress of LINE-1 in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of gynecologic tumors. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1201568. [PMID: 37546391 PMCID: PMC10399582 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1201568] [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: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The retrotransposon known as long interspersed nuclear element-1 (LINE-1), which is currently the sole autonomously mobile transposon in the human genome, can result in insertional mutations, chromosomal rearrangements, and genomic instability. In recent years, numerous studies have shown that LINE-1 is involved in the development of various diseases and also plays an important role in the immune regulation of the organism. The expression of LINE-1 in gynecologic tumors suggests that it is expected to be an independent indicator for early diagnosis and prognosis, and also, as a therapeutic target, LINE-1 is closely associated with gynecologic tumor prognosis. This article discusses the function of LINE-1 in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of ovarian, cervical, and endometrial malignancies, as well as other gynecologic malignancies. It offers fresh perspectives on the early detection of tumors and the creation of novel anti-tumor medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaojiao Fu
- The First Clinical Medical College of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Tiansheng Qin
- The First Clinical Medical College of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- The First Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Gastrointestinal Tumor, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Chaoming Li
- The First People’s Hospital of Longnan, Longnan City Hospital, Longnan, Gansu, China
| | - Jiaojiao Zhu
- The First Clinical Medical College of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yaoyao Ding
- The First Clinical Medical College of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Meiying Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Qing Yang
- The First Clinical Medical College of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xiaofeng Liu
- The First Clinical Medical College of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Juanhong Zhou
- The First Clinical Medical College of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Fan Chen
- The First Clinical Medical College of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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22
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Du Q, Stow EC, LaCoste D, Freeman B, Baddoo M, Shareef A, Miller KM, Belancio VP. A novel role of TRIM28 B box domain in L1 retrotransposition and ORF2p-mediated cDNA synthesis. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:4429-4450. [PMID: 37070200 PMCID: PMC10201437 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad247] [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: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The long interspersed element 1 (LINE-1 or L1) integration is affected by many cellular factors through various mechanisms. Some of these factors are required for L1 amplification, while others either suppress or enhance specific steps during L1 propagation. Previously, TRIM28 has been identified to suppress transposable elements, including L1 expression via its canonical role in chromatin remodeling. Here, we report that TRIM28 through its B box domain increases L1 retrotransposition and facilitates shorter cDNA and L1 insert generation in cultured cells. Consistent with the latter, we observe that tumor specific L1 inserts are shorter in endometrial, ovarian, and prostate tumors with higher TRIM28 mRNA expression than in those with lower TRIM28 expression. We determine that three amino acids in the B box domain that are involved in TRIM28 multimerization are critical for its effect on both L1 retrotransposition and cDNA synthesis. We provide evidence that B boxes from the other two members in the Class VI TRIM proteins, TRIM24 and TRIM33, also increase L1 retrotransposition. Our findings could lead to a better understanding of the host/L1 evolutionary arms race in the germline and their interplay during tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianhui Du
- Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane Health Sciences Center, 1700 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Tulane School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans 70112, USA
| | - Emily C Stow
- Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane Health Sciences Center, 1700 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Tulane School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans 70112, USA
| | - Dawn LaCoste
- Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane Health Sciences Center, 1700 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Tulane School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans 70112, USA
| | - Benjamin Freeman
- Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane Health Sciences Center, 1700 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Tulane School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans 70112, USA
| | - Melody Baddoo
- Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane Health Sciences Center, 1700 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Afzaal M Shareef
- Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane Health Sciences Center, 1700 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Tulane School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans 70112, USA
| | - Kyle M Miller
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, 100 E 24th Street, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Victoria P Belancio
- Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane Health Sciences Center, 1700 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Tulane School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans 70112, USA
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23
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Zhao N, Yin G, Liu C, Zhang W, Shen Y, Wang D, Lin Z, Yang J, Mao J, Guo R, Zhang Y, Wang F, Liu Z, Lu X, Liu L. Critically short telomeres derepress retrotransposons to promote genome instability in embryonic stem cells. Cell Discov 2023; 9:45. [PMID: 37130870 PMCID: PMC10154409 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-023-00538-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomeres, at the ends of chromosomes, protect chromosomes from fusion and preserve genomic stability. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying telomere attrition-induced genome instability remain to be understood. We systematically analyzed the expression of retrotransposons and performed genomic sequencing of different cell and tissue types with telomeres of varying lengths due to telomerase deficiency. We found that critically short telomeres altered retrotransposon activity to promote genomic instability in mouse embryonic stem cells, as evidenced by elevated numbers of single nucleotide variants, indels and copy number variations (CNVs). Transpositions of retrotransposons such as LINE1 resulting from the short telomeres can also be found in these genomes with elevated number of mutations and CNVs. Retrotransposon activation is linked to increased chromatin accessibility, and reduced heterochromatin abundance correlates with short telomeres. Re-elongation of telomeres upon recovery of telomerase partly represses retrotransposons and heterochromatin accumulation. Together, our findings suggest a potential mechanism by which telomeres maintain genomic stability by suppressing chromatin accessibility and retrotransposon activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nannan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Guoxing Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Chun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Weiyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yang Shen
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Dan Wang
- 2011 Collaborative Innovation Center of Tianjin for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Department of Immunology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhenzhen Lin
- 2011 Collaborative Innovation Center of Tianjin for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Department of Immunology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jian Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Renpeng Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yongwang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhe Liu
- 2011 Collaborative Innovation Center of Tianjin for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Department of Immunology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Xinyi Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.
- College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Lin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.
- Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China.
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.
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24
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Yushkova E, Moskalev A. Transposable elements and their role in aging. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 86:101881. [PMID: 36773759 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.101881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) are an important part of eukaryotic genomes. The role of somatic transposition in aging, carcinogenesis, and other age-related diseases has been determined. This review discusses the fundamental properties of TEs and their complex interactions with cellular processes, which are crucial for understanding the diverse effects of their activity on the genetics and epigenetics of the organism. The interactions of TEs with recombination, replication, repair, and chromosomal regulation; the ability of TEs to maintain a balance between their own activity and repression, the involvement of TEs in the creation of new or alternative genes, the expression of coding/non-coding RNA, and the role in DNA damage and modification of regulatory networks are reviewed. The contribution of the derepressed TEs to age-dependent effects in individual cells/tissues in different organisms was assessed. Conflicting information about TE activity under stress as well as theories of aging mechanisms related to TEs is discussed. On the one hand, transposition activity in response to stressors can lead to organisms acquiring adaptive innovations of great importance for evolution at the population level. On the other hand, the TE expression can cause decreased longevity and stress tolerance at the individual level. The specific features of TE effects on aging processes in germline and soma and the ways of their regulation in cells are highlighted. Recent results considering somatic mutations in normal human and animal tissues are indicated, with the emphasis on their possible functional consequences. In the context of aging, the correlation between somatic TE activation and age-related changes in the number of proteins required for heterochromatin maintenance and longevity regulation was analyzed. One of the original features of this review is a discussion of not only effects based on the TEs insertions and the associated consequences for the germline cell dynamics and somatic genome, but also the differences between transposon- and retrotransposon-mediated structural genome changes and possible phenotypic characteristics associated with aging and various age-related pathologies. Based on the analysis of published data, a hypothesis about the influence of the species-specific features of number, composition, and distribution of TEs on aging dynamics of different animal genomes was formulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Yushkova
- Laboratory of Geroprotective and Radioprotective Technologies, Institute of Biology, Komi Science Center, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 28 Kommunisticheskaya st., 167982 Syktyvkar, Russian Federation
| | - Alexey Moskalev
- Laboratory of Geroprotective and Radioprotective Technologies, Institute of Biology, Komi Science Center, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 28 Kommunisticheskaya st., 167982 Syktyvkar, Russian Federation; Laboratory of Genetics and Epigenetics of Aging, Russian Clinical Research Center for Gerontology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow 129226, Russian Federation; Longaevus Technologies, London, UK.
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25
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Warkocki Z. An update on post-transcriptional regulation of retrotransposons. FEBS Lett 2023; 597:380-406. [PMID: 36460901 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Retrotransposons, including LINE-1, Alu, SVA, and endogenous retroviruses, are one of the major constituents of human genomic repetitive sequences. Through the process of retrotransposition, some of them occasionally insert into new genomic locations by a copy-paste mechanism involving RNA intermediates. Irrespective of de novo genomic insertions, retrotransposon expression can lead to DNA double-strand breaks and stimulate cellular innate immunity through endogenous patterns. As a result, retrotransposons are tightly regulated by multi-layered regulatory processes to prevent the dangerous effects of their expression. In recent years, significant progress was made in revealing how retrotransposon biology intertwines with general post-transcriptional RNA metabolism. Here, I summarize current knowledge on the involvement of post-transcriptional factors in the biology of retrotransposons, focusing on LINE-1. I emphasize general RNA metabolisms such as methylation of adenine (m6 A), RNA 3'-end polyadenylation and uridylation, RNA decay and translation regulation. I discuss the effects of retrotransposon RNP sequestration in cytoplasmic bodies and autophagy. Finally, I summarize how innate immunity restricts retrotransposons and how retrotransposons make use of cellular enzymes, including the DNA repair machinery, to complete their replication cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zbigniew Warkocki
- Department of RNA Metabolism, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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26
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McKerrow W. Quantification of LINE-1 RNA Expression from Bulk RNA-seq Using L1EM. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2607:115-126. [PMID: 36449161 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2883-6_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
LINE-1 retrotransposons have the potential to cause DNA damage, contribute to genome instability, and induce an interferon response. Thus, accurate measurements of their expression, especially in disease contexts where genome instability and the interferon response are relevant, are of particular importance. Illumina-based bulk RNA sequencing remains the most abundant datatype for measuring gene expression. However, "active" expression from its own internal promoter is only one source of LINE-1 aligning reads in an RNA-seq experiment. With about half a million LINE-1 sequences scattered throughout the genome, many are incorporated into other transcripts that have nothing to do with LINE-1 activity. We call this "passive" co-transcription. Here we will describe how to use L1EM, a computational method that separates active from passive LINE-1 expression at the locus-specific level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilson McKerrow
- Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA.
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27
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Zhang Z, Zhang N, Guo S, Liu Q, Wang S, Zhang A, Yi D, Zhao J, Li Q, Wang J, Zhang Y, Ma L, Ding J, Cen S, Li X. The Zinc-Finger protein ZCCHC3 inhibits LINE-1 retrotransposition. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:891852. [PMID: 36274734 PMCID: PMC9580041 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.891852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-interspersed element 1 (LINE-1) is an autonomous non-LTR retrotransposon. Its replication can cause mutation and rearrangement of host genomic DNA, which may result in serious genetic diseases. Host cells therefore developed defense strategies to restrict LINE-1 mobilization. In this study, we reported that CCHC-type zinc-finger protein ZCCHC3 can repress LINE-1 retrotransposition, and this activity is closely related to its zinc-finger domain. Further studies show that ZCCHC3 can post-transcriptionally diminish the LINE-1 RNA level. The association of ZCCHC3 with both LINE-1 RNA and ORF1 suggests that ZCCHC3 interacts with LINE-1 RNP and consequently causes its RNA degradation. These data demonstrate collectively that ZCCHC3 contributes to the cellular control of LINE-1 replication.
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28
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The landscape of aging. SCIENCE CHINA LIFE SCIENCES 2022; 65:2354-2454. [PMID: 36066811 PMCID: PMC9446657 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-022-2161-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Aging is characterized by a progressive deterioration of physiological integrity, leading to impaired functional ability and ultimately increased susceptibility to death. It is a major risk factor for chronic human diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, neurological degeneration, and cancer. Therefore, the growing emphasis on “healthy aging” raises a series of important questions in life and social sciences. In recent years, there has been unprecedented progress in aging research, particularly the discovery that the rate of aging is at least partly controlled by evolutionarily conserved genetic pathways and biological processes. In an attempt to bring full-fledged understanding to both the aging process and age-associated diseases, we review the descriptive, conceptual, and interventive aspects of the landscape of aging composed of a number of layers at the cellular, tissue, organ, organ system, and organismal levels.
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29
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Loh D, Reiter RJ. Melatonin: Regulation of Viral Phase Separation and Epitranscriptomics in Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:8122. [PMID: 35897696 PMCID: PMC9368024 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The relentless, protracted evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 virus imposes tremendous pressure on herd immunity and demands versatile adaptations by the human host genome to counter transcriptomic and epitranscriptomic alterations associated with a wide range of short- and long-term manifestations during acute infection and post-acute recovery, respectively. To promote viral replication during active infection and viral persistence, the SARS-CoV-2 envelope protein regulates host cell microenvironment including pH and ion concentrations to maintain a high oxidative environment that supports template switching, causing extensive mitochondrial damage and activation of pro-inflammatory cytokine signaling cascades. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial distress induce dynamic changes to both the host and viral RNA m6A methylome, and can trigger the derepression of long interspersed nuclear element 1 (LINE1), resulting in global hypomethylation, epigenetic changes, and genomic instability. The timely application of melatonin during early infection enhances host innate antiviral immune responses by preventing the formation of "viral factories" by nucleocapsid liquid-liquid phase separation that effectively blockades viral genome transcription and packaging, the disassembly of stress granules, and the sequestration of DEAD-box RNA helicases, including DDX3X, vital to immune signaling. Melatonin prevents membrane depolarization and protects cristae morphology to suppress glycolysis via antioxidant-dependent and -independent mechanisms. By restraining the derepression of LINE1 via multifaceted strategies, and maintaining the balance in m6A RNA modifications, melatonin could be the quintessential ancient molecule that significantly influences the outcome of the constant struggle between virus and host to gain transcriptomic and epitranscriptomic dominance over the host genome during acute infection and PASC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doris Loh
- Independent Researcher, Marble Falls, TX 78654, USA;
| | - Russel J. Reiter
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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30
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Bhat A, Ghatage T, Bhan S, Lahane GP, Dhar A, Kumar R, Pandita RK, Bhat KM, Ramos KS, Pandita TK. Role of Transposable Elements in Genome Stability: Implications for Health and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:7802. [PMID: 35887150 PMCID: PMC9319628 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Most living organisms have in their genome a sizable proportion of DNA sequences capable of mobilization; these sequences are commonly referred to as transposons, transposable elements (TEs), or jumping genes. Although long thought to have no biological significance, advances in DNA sequencing and analytical technologies have enabled precise characterization of TEs and confirmed their ubiquitous presence across all forms of life. These findings have ignited intense debates over their biological significance. The available evidence now supports the notion that TEs exert major influence over many biological aspects of organismal life. Transposable elements contribute significantly to the evolution of the genome by giving rise to genetic variations in both active and passive modes. Due to their intrinsic nature of mobility within the genome, TEs primarily cause gene disruption and large-scale genomic alterations including inversions, deletions, and duplications. Besides genomic instability, growing evidence also points to many physiologically important functions of TEs, such as gene regulation through cis-acting control elements and modulation of the transcriptome through epigenetic control. In this review, we discuss the latest evidence demonstrating the impact of TEs on genome stability and the underling mechanisms, including those developed to mitigate the deleterious impact of TEs on genomic stability and human health. We have also highlighted the potential therapeutic application of TEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audesh Bhat
- Centre for Molecular Biology, Central University of Jammu, Jammu 181143, India;
| | - Trupti Ghatage
- Department of Pharmacy, BITS-Pilani Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad 500078, India; (T.G.); (G.P.L.); (A.D.)
| | - Sonali Bhan
- Centre for Molecular Biology, Central University of Jammu, Jammu 181143, India;
| | - Ganesh P. Lahane
- Department of Pharmacy, BITS-Pilani Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad 500078, India; (T.G.); (G.P.L.); (A.D.)
| | - Arti Dhar
- Department of Pharmacy, BITS-Pilani Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad 500078, India; (T.G.); (G.P.L.); (A.D.)
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Shri Mata Vaishnav Devi University, Katra 182320, India;
| | - Raj K. Pandita
- Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Krishna M. Bhat
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
| | - Kenneth S. Ramos
- Center for Genomics and Precision Medicine, Texas A&M College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Tej K. Pandita
- Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
- Center for Genomics and Precision Medicine, Texas A&M College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
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31
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Li ZM, Li YY, Fei CF, Zhou LQ. Insm2 deficiency results in female infertility by disturbing steroid pathway and decreasing ovarian reserve in mice. Cell Cycle 2022; 21:2255-2267. [PMID: 35786158 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2022.2092816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The number and quality of oocytes in the ovarian reserve are related to fertility and reproductive lifespan in mammals. Some transcription factors have been demonstrated to determine oogenesis. The insulinoma-associated 2 (Insm2) gene is a member of the Snail transcriptional repressor superfamily. Recent studies have demonstrated Insm2 plays an essential role for insulin secretion and glucose intolerance in mice, but the functions of Insm2 in reproduction remain elusive. Here, by examination of Insm2 knockout mice, we found Insm2 was essential for female fertility. Loss of Insm2 resulted in female infertility with major defects in primordial follicle pool, ovarian folliculogenesis and ovulation. Transcriptomic profiling of ovaries suggests that loss of Insm2 caused defects in oocyte meiosis and steroid synthesis. Both oocyte- and granulosa cell-expressed genes were dysregulated, including Foxo1 and other known genes involved in primary ovarian insufficiency. Together, these studies show that Insm2 is required for oocyte development and their communication with ovarian somatic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Ming Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Cai-Feng Fei
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Li-Quan Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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32
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Rajurkar M, Parikh AR, Solovyov A, You E, Kulkarni AS, Chu C, Xu KH, Jaicks C, Taylor MS, Wu C, Alexander KA, Good CR, Szabolcs A, Gerstberger S, Tran AV, Xu N, Ebright RY, Van Seventer EE, Vo KD, Tai EC, Lu C, Joseph-Chazan J, Raabe MJ, Nieman LT, Desai N, Arora KS, Ligorio M, Thapar V, Cohen L, Garden PM, Senussi Y, Zheng H, Allen JN, Blaszkowsky LS, Clark JW, Goyal L, Wo JY, Ryan DP, Corcoran RB, Deshpande V, Rivera MN, Aryee MJ, Hong TS, Berger SL, Walt DR, Burns KH, Park PJ, Greenbaum BD, Ting DT. Reverse Transcriptase Inhibition Disrupts Repeat Element Life Cycle in Colorectal Cancer. Cancer Discov 2022; 12:1462-1481. [PMID: 35320348 PMCID: PMC9167735 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-21-1117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Altered RNA expression of repetitive sequences and retrotransposition are frequently seen in colorectal cancer, implicating a functional importance of repeat activity in cancer progression. We show the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor 3TC targets activities of these repeat elements in colorectal cancer preclinical models with a preferential effect in p53-mutant cell lines linked with direct binding of p53 to repeat elements. We translate these findings to a human phase II trial of single-agent 3TC treatment in metastatic colorectal cancer with demonstration of clinical benefit in 9 of 32 patients. Analysis of 3TC effects on colorectal cancer tumorspheres demonstrates accumulation of immunogenic RNA:DNA hybrids linked with induction of interferon response genes and DNA damage response. Epigenetic and DNA-damaging agents induce repeat RNAs and have enhanced cytotoxicity with 3TC. These findings identify a vulnerability in colorectal cancer by targeting the viral mimicry of repeat elements. SIGNIFICANCE Colorectal cancers express abundant repeat elements that have a viral-like life cycle that can be therapeutically targeted with nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI) commonly used for viral diseases. NRTIs induce DNA damage and interferon response that provide a new anticancer therapeutic strategy. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1397.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihir Rajurkar
- Mass General Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Aparna R. Parikh
- Mass General Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Charlestown, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alexander Solovyov
- Computational Oncology, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics; Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eunae You
- Mass General Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Charlestown, MA, USA
| | | | - Chong Chu
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Katherine H. Xu
- Mass General Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Christopher Jaicks
- Mass General Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Martin S. Taylor
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Connie Wu
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Katherine A. Alexander
- Epigenetics Institute, Departments of Cell and Developmental Biology, Genetics, and Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Charly R. Good
- Epigenetics Institute, Departments of Cell and Developmental Biology, Genetics, and Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Annamaria Szabolcs
- Mass General Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Stefanie Gerstberger
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Antuan V. Tran
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nova Xu
- Mass General Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Richard Y. Ebright
- Mass General Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Charlestown, MA, USA
| | | | - Kevin D. Vo
- Mass General Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Eric C. Tai
- Mass General Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Chenyue Lu
- Mass General Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Charlestown, MA, USA
| | | | - Michael J. Raabe
- Mass General Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Linda T. Nieman
- Mass General Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Niyati Desai
- Mass General Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Kshitij S. Arora
- Mass General Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Charlestown, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Matteo Ligorio
- Mass General Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Charlestown, MA, USA
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vishal Thapar
- Mass General Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Limor Cohen
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Padric M. Garden
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yasmeen Senussi
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hui Zheng
- Biostatistics Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jill N. Allen
- Mass General Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Charlestown, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lawrence S. Blaszkowsky
- Mass General Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Charlestown, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeffrey W. Clark
- Mass General Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Charlestown, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lipika Goyal
- Mass General Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Charlestown, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer Y. Wo
- Mass General Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Charlestown, MA, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - David P. Ryan
- Mass General Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Charlestown, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ryan B. Corcoran
- Mass General Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Charlestown, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vikram Deshpande
- Mass General Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Charlestown, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Miguel N. Rivera
- Mass General Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Charlestown, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Martin J. Aryee
- Mass General Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Charlestown, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Theodore S. Hong
- Mass General Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Charlestown, MA, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shelley L. Berger
- Epigenetics Institute, Departments of Cell and Developmental Biology, Genetics, and Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - David R. Walt
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kathleen H. Burns
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Oncologic Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Peter J. Park
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Benjamin D. Greenbaum
- Computational Oncology, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics; Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Physiology, Biophysics & Systems Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - David T. Ting
- Mass General Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Charlestown, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
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33
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Switzer CH, Cho HJ, Eykyn TR, Lavender P, Eaton P. NOS2 and S-nitrosothiol signaling induces DNA hypomethylation and LINE-1 retrotransposon expression. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2200022119. [PMID: 35584114 PMCID: PMC9173756 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2200022119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2) produces high local concentrations of nitric oxide (NO), and its expression is associated with inflammation, cellular stress signals, and cellular transformation. Additionally, NOS2 expression results in aggressive cancer cell phenotypes and is correlated with poor outcomes in patients with breast cancer. DNA hypomethylation, especially of noncoding repeat elements, is an early event in carcinogenesis and is a common feature of cancer cells. In addition to altered gene expression, DNA hypomethylation results in genomic instability via retrotransposon activation. Here, we show that NOS2 expression and associated NO signaling results in substantial DNA hypomethylation in human cell lines by inducing the degradation of DNA (cytosine-5)–methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) protein. Similarly, NOS2 expression levels were correlated with decreased DNA methylation in human breast tumors. NOS2 expression and NO signaling also resulted in long interspersed noncoding element 1 (LINE-1) retrotransposon hypomethylation, expression, and DNA damage. DNMT1 degradation was mediated by an NO/p38-MAPK/lysine acetyltransferase 5–dependent mechanism. Furthermore, we show that this mechanism is required for NO-mediated epithelial transformation. Therefore, we conclude that NOS2 and NO signaling results in DNA damage and malignant cellular transformation via an epigenetic mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher H. Switzer
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts & The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom
| | - Hyun-Ju Cho
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts & The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas R. Eykyn
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, St. Thomas’ Hospital, London, SE1 7EH, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Lavender
- AsthmaUK Centre in Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma, School of Immunology and Microbial Science, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, United Kingdom
| | - Philip Eaton
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts & The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom
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34
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Petrosino G, Ponte G, Volpe M, Zarrella I, Ansaloni F, Langella C, Di Cristina G, Finaurini S, Russo MT, Basu S, Musacchia F, Ristoratore F, Pavlinic D, Benes V, Ferrante MI, Albertin C, Simakov O, Gustincich S, Fiorito G, Sanges R. Identification of LINE retrotransposons and long non-coding RNAs expressed in the octopus brain. BMC Biol 2022; 20:116. [PMID: 35581640 PMCID: PMC9115989 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-022-01303-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Transposable elements (TEs) widely contribute to the evolution of genomes allowing genomic innovations, generating germinal and somatic heterogeneity, and giving birth to long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). These features have been associated to the evolution, functioning, and complexity of the nervous system at such a level that somatic retrotransposition of long interspersed element (LINE) L1 has been proposed to be associated to human cognition. Among invertebrates, octopuses are fascinating animals whose nervous system reaches a high level of complexity achieving sophisticated cognitive abilities. The sequencing of the genome of the Octopus bimaculoides revealed a striking expansion of TEs which were proposed to have contributed to the evolution of its complex nervous system. We recently found a similar expansion also in the genome of Octopus vulgaris. However, a specific search for the existence and the transcription of full-length transpositionally competent TEs has not been performed in this genus. Results Here, we report the identification of LINE elements competent for retrotransposition in Octopus vulgaris and Octopus bimaculoides and show evidence suggesting that they might be transcribed and determine germline and somatic polymorphisms especially in the brain. Transcription and translation measured for one of these elements resulted in specific signals in neurons belonging to areas associated with behavioral plasticity. We also report the transcription of thousands of lncRNAs and the pervasive inclusion of TE fragments in the transcriptomes of both Octopus species, further testifying the crucial activity of TEs in the evolution of the octopus genomes. Conclusions The neural transcriptome of the octopus shows the transcription of thousands of putative lncRNAs and of a full-length LINE element belonging to the RTE class. We speculate that a convergent evolutionary process involving retrotransposons activity in the brain has been important for the evolution of sophisticated cognitive abilities in this genus. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-022-01303-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Petrosino
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, SZN, 80121, Naples, Italy.,Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Mainz, Germany
| | - Giovanna Ponte
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, SZN, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Volpe
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, SZN, 80121, Naples, Italy.,Central RNA Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Via Enrico Melen 83, 16152, Genova, Italy.,Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Ilaria Zarrella
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, SZN, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Federico Ansaloni
- Central RNA Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Via Enrico Melen 83, 16152, Genova, Italy
| | - Concetta Langella
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, SZN, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Giulia Di Cristina
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, SZN, 80121, Naples, Italy.,Institute of Zoology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sara Finaurini
- Neurobiology Sector, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Via Bonomea 265, 34136, Trieste, Italy
| | - Monia T Russo
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, SZN, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Swaraj Basu
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, SZN, 80121, Naples, Italy.,Strand Life Sciences, Bengaluru, India
| | - Francesco Musacchia
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, SZN, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Filomena Ristoratore
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, SZN, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Dinko Pavlinic
- Scientific Core Facilities & Technologies, GeneCore, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Meyerhofstrasse 1, 69117, Heidelberg, Germany.,Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Vladimir Benes
- Scientific Core Facilities & Technologies, GeneCore, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Meyerhofstrasse 1, 69117, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Maria I Ferrante
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, SZN, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Oleg Simakov
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna, Okinawa, 9040495, Japan.,Department of Molecular Evolution and Development, Wien University, Althanstraße 14 (UZA I), 1090, Wien, Austria
| | - Stefano Gustincich
- Central RNA Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Via Enrico Melen 83, 16152, Genova, Italy.,Neurobiology Sector, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Via Bonomea 265, 34136, Trieste, Italy
| | - Graziano Fiorito
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, SZN, 80121, Naples, Italy.
| | - Remo Sanges
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, SZN, 80121, Naples, Italy. .,Central RNA Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Via Enrico Melen 83, 16152, Genova, Italy. .,Neurobiology Sector, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Via Bonomea 265, 34136, Trieste, Italy.
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35
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Transposable Elements and Human Diseases: Mechanisms and Implication in the Response to Environmental Pollutants. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052551. [PMID: 35269693 PMCID: PMC8910135 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) are recognized as major players in genome plasticity and evolution. The high abundance of TEs in the human genome, especially the Alu and Long Interspersed Nuclear Element-1 (LINE-1) repeats, makes them responsible for the molecular origin of several diseases. This involves several molecular mechanisms that are presented in this review: insertional mutation, DNA recombination and chromosomal rearrangements, modification of gene expression, as well as alteration of epigenetic regulations. This literature review also presents some of the more recent and/or more classical examples of human diseases in which TEs are involved. Whether through insertion of LINE-1 or Alu elements that cause chromosomal rearrangements, or through epigenetic modifications, TEs are widely implicated in the origin of human cancers. Many other human diseases can have a molecular origin in TE-mediated chromosomal recombination or alteration of gene structure and/or expression. These diseases are very diverse and include hemoglobinopathies, metabolic and neurological diseases, and common diseases. Moreover, TEs can also have an impact on aging. Finally, the exposure of individuals to stresses and environmental contaminants seems to have a non-negligible impact on the epigenetic derepression and mobility of TEs, which can lead to the development of diseases. Thus, improving our knowledge of TEs may lead to new potential diagnostic markers of diseases.
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36
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McKerrow W, Wang X, Mendez-Dorantes C, Mita P, Cao S, Grivainis M, Ding L, LaCava J, Burns KH, Boeke JD, Fenyö D. LINE-1 expression in cancer correlates with p53 mutation, copy number alteration, and S phase checkpoint. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2115999119. [PMID: 35169076 PMCID: PMC8872788 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2115999119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Retrotransposons are genomic DNA sequences that copy themselves to new genomic locations via RNA intermediates; LINE-1 is the only active and autonomous retrotransposon in the human genome. The mobility of LINE-1 is largely repressed in somatic tissues but is derepressed in many cancers, where LINE-1 retrotransposition is correlated with p53 mutation and copy number alteration (CNA). In cell lines, inducing LINE-1 expression can cause double-strand breaks (DSBs) and replication stress. Reanalyzing multiomic data from breast, ovarian, endometrial, and colon cancers, we confirmed correlations between LINE-1 expression, p53 mutation status, and CNA. We observed a consistent correlation between LINE-1 expression and the abundance of DNA replication complex components, indicating that LINE-1 may also induce replication stress in human tumors. In endometrial cancer, high-quality phosphoproteomic data allowed us to identify the DSB-induced ATM-MRN-SMC S phase checkpoint pathway as the primary DNA damage response (DDR) pathway associated with LINE-1 expression. Induction of LINE-1 expression in an in vitro model led to increased phosphorylation of MRN complex member RAD50, suggesting that LINE-1 directly activates this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilson McKerrow
- Institute for Systems Genetics, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016
| | - Xuya Wang
- Institute for Systems Genetics, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016
| | - Carlos Mendez-Dorantes
- Department of Oncologic Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Paolo Mita
- Institute for Systems Genetics, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016
| | - Song Cao
- Department of Medicine and Genetics, Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63108
| | - Mark Grivainis
- Institute for Systems Genetics, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016
| | - Li Ding
- Department of Medicine and Genetics, Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63108
| | - John LaCava
- Laboratory of Cellular and Structural Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Kathleen H Burns
- Department of Oncologic Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Jef D Boeke
- Institute for Systems Genetics, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY11201
| | - David Fenyö
- Institute for Systems Genetics, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016
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37
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Landelouci K, Sinha S, Pépin G. Type-I Interferon Signaling in Fanconi Anemia. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:820273. [PMID: 35198459 PMCID: PMC8859461 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.820273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Fanconi Anemia (FA) is a genome instability syndrome caused by mutations in one of the 23 repair genes of the Fanconi pathway. This heterogenous disease is usually characterized by congenital abnormalities, premature ageing and bone marrow failure. FA patients also show a high predisposition to hematological and solid cancers. The Fanconi pathway ensures the repair of interstrand crosslinks (ICLs) DNA damage. Defect in one of its proteins prevents functional DNA repair, leading to the accumulation of DNA breaks and genome instability. Accumulating evidence has documented a close relationship between genome instability and inflammation, including the production of type-I Interferon. In this context, type-I Interferon is produced upon activation of pattern recognition receptors by nucleic acids including by the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) that detects DNA. In mouse models of diseases displaying genome instability, type-I Interferon response is responsible for an important part of the pathological symptoms, including premature aging, short stature, and neurodegeneration. This is illustrated in mouse models of Ataxia-telangiectasia and Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome in which genetic depletion of either Interferon Receptor IFNAR, cGAS or STING relieves pathological symptoms. FA is also a genetic instability syndrome with symptoms such as premature aging and predisposition to cancer. In this review we will focus on the different molecular mechanisms potentially leading to type-I Interferon activation. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms engaging type-I Interferon signaling in FA may ultimately lead to the discovery of new therapeutic targets to rescue the pathological inflammation and premature aging associated with Fanconi Anemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karima Landelouci
- Département de Biologie Médicale, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
- Groupe de Recherche en Signalisation Cellulaire, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Shruti Sinha
- Department of Biotechnology, GITAM Institute of Technology, GITAM deemed to be University, Visakhapatnam, India
| | - Geneviève Pépin
- Département de Biologie Médicale, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
- Groupe de Recherche en Signalisation Cellulaire, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Geneviève Pépin,
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38
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Sudhindar PD, Wainwright D, Saha S, Howarth R, McCain M, Bury Y, Saha SS, McPherson S, Reeves H, Patel AH, Faulkner GJ, Lunec J, Shukla R. HCV Activates Somatic L1 Retrotransposition-A Potential Hepatocarcinogenesis Pathway. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5079. [PMID: 34680227 PMCID: PMC8533982 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a common cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The activation and mutagenic consequences of L1 retrotransposons in virus-associated-HCC have been documented. However, the direct influence of HCV upon L1 elements is unclear, and is the focus of the present study. L1 transcript expression was evaluated in a publicly available liver tissue RNA-seq dataset from patients with chronic HCV hepatitis (CHC), as well as healthy controls. L1 transcript expression was significantly higher in CHC than in controls. L1orf1p (a L1 encoded protein) expression was observed in six out of 11 CHC livers by immunohistochemistry. To evaluate the influence of HCV on retrotransposition efficiency, in vitro engineered-L1 retrotransposition assays were employed in Huh7 cells in the presence and absence of an HCV replicon. An increased retrotransposition rate was observed in the presence of replicating HCV RNA, and persisted in cells after viral clearance due to sofosbuvir (PSI7977) treatment. Increased retrotransposition could be due to dysregulation of the DNA-damage repair response, including homologous recombination, due to HCV infection. Altogether these data suggest that L1 expression can be activated before oncogenic transformation in CHC patients, with HCV-upregulated retrotransposition potentially contributing to HCC genomic instability and a risk of transformation that persists post-viral clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praveen D. Sudhindar
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (P.D.S.); (D.W.); (R.H.); (J.L.)
| | - Daniel Wainwright
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (P.D.S.); (D.W.); (R.H.); (J.L.)
| | - Santu Saha
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (S.S.); (M.M.); (S.S.S.); (H.R.)
| | - Rachel Howarth
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (P.D.S.); (D.W.); (R.H.); (J.L.)
| | - Misti McCain
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (S.S.); (M.M.); (S.S.S.); (H.R.)
| | - Yvonne Bury
- Department of Cellular Pathology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4LP, UK;
| | - Sweta S. Saha
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (S.S.); (M.M.); (S.S.S.); (H.R.)
| | - Stuart McPherson
- The Liver Unit, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Heaton NE7 7DN, UK;
| | - Helen Reeves
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (S.S.); (M.M.); (S.S.S.); (H.R.)
- The Liver Unit, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Heaton NE7 7DN, UK;
| | - Arvind H. Patel
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK;
| | - Geoffrey J. Faulkner
- Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia;
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - John Lunec
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (P.D.S.); (D.W.); (R.H.); (J.L.)
| | - Ruchi Shukla
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (P.D.S.); (D.W.); (R.H.); (J.L.)
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39
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Factors Regulating the Activity of LINE1 Retrotransposons. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12101562. [PMID: 34680956 PMCID: PMC8535693 DOI: 10.3390/genes12101562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
LINE-1 (L1) is a class of autonomous mobile genetic elements that form somatic mosaicisms in various tissues of the organism. The activity of L1 retrotransposons is strictly controlled by many factors in somatic and germ cells at all stages of ontogenesis. Alteration of L1 activity was noted in a number of diseases: in neuropsychiatric and autoimmune diseases, as well as in various forms of cancer. Altered activity of L1 retrotransposons for some pathologies is associated with epigenetic changes and defects in the genes involved in their repression. This review discusses the molecular genetic mechanisms of the retrotransposition and regulation of the activity of L1 elements. The contribution of various factors controlling the expression and distribution of L1 elements in the genome occurs at all stages of the retrotransposition. The regulation of L1 elements at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional and integration into the genome stages is described in detail. Finally, this review also focuses on the evolutionary aspects of L1 accumulation and their interplay with the host regulation system.
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Gorbunova V, Seluanov A, Mita P, McKerrow W, Fenyö D, Boeke JD, Linker SB, Gage FH, Kreiling JA, Petrashen AP, Woodham TA, Taylor JR, Helfand SL, Sedivy JM. The role of retrotransposable elements in ageing and age-associated diseases. Nature 2021; 596:43-53. [PMID: 34349292 PMCID: PMC8600649 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03542-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The genomes of virtually all organisms contain repetitive sequences that are generated by the activity of transposable elements (transposons). Transposons are mobile genetic elements that can move from one genomic location to another; in this process, they amplify and increase their presence in genomes, sometimes to very high copy numbers. In this Review we discuss new evidence and ideas that the activity of retrotransposons, a major subgroup of transposons overall, influences and even promotes the process of ageing and age-related diseases in complex metazoan organisms, including humans. Retrotransposons have been coevolving with their host genomes since the dawn of life. This relationship has been largely competitive, and transposons have earned epithets such as 'junk DNA' and 'molecular parasites'. Much of our knowledge of the evolution of retrotransposons reflects their activity in the germline and is evident from genome sequence data. Recent research has provided a wealth of information on the activity of retrotransposons in somatic tissues during an individual lifespan, the molecular mechanisms that underlie this activity, and the manner in which these processes intersect with our own physiology, health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Gorbunova
- Departments of Biology and Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627, USA
| | - Andrei Seluanov
- Departments of Biology and Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627, USA
| | - Paolo Mita
- Institute for Systems Genetics, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York 10016, USA
| | - Wilson McKerrow
- Institute for Systems Genetics, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York 10016, USA
| | - David Fenyö
- Institute for Systems Genetics, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York 10016, USA
| | - Jef D. Boeke
- Institute for Systems Genetics, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York 10016, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn 11201, NY, USA
| | - Sara B. Linker
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
| | - Fred H. Gage
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
| | - Jill A. Kreiling
- Center on the Biology of Aging, and Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, USA
| | - Anna P. Petrashen
- Center on the Biology of Aging, and Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, USA
| | - Trenton A. Woodham
- Center on the Biology of Aging, and Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, USA
| | - Jackson R. Taylor
- Center on the Biology of Aging, and Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, USA
| | - Stephen L. Helfand
- Center on the Biology of Aging, and Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, USA
| | - John M. Sedivy
- Center on the Biology of Aging, and Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, USA.,Corresponding author
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RNA m 6A modification orchestrates a LINE-1-host interaction that facilitates retrotransposition and contributes to long gene vulnerability. Cell Res 2021; 31:861-885. [PMID: 34108665 PMCID: PMC8324889 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-021-00515-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecular basis underlying the interaction between retrotransposable elements (RTEs) and the human genome remains poorly understood. Here, we profiled N6-methyladenosine (m6A) deposition on nascent RNAs in human cells by developing a new method MINT-Seq, which revealed that many classes of RTE RNAs, particularly intronic LINE-1s (L1s), are strongly methylated. These m6A-marked intronic L1s (MILs) are evolutionarily young, sense-oriented to hosting genes, and are bound by a dozen RNA binding proteins (RBPs) that are putative novel readers of m6A-modified RNAs, including a nuclear matrix protein SAFB. Notably, m6A positively controls the expression of both autonomous L1s and co-transcribed L1 relics, promoting L1 retrotransposition. We showed that MILs preferentially reside in long genes with critical roles in DNA damage repair and sometimes in L1 suppression per se, where they act as transcriptional "roadblocks" to impede the hosting gene expression, revealing a novel host-weakening strategy by the L1s. In counteraction, the host uses the SAFB reader complex to bind m6A-L1s to reduce their levels, and to safeguard hosting gene transcription. Remarkably, our analysis identified thousands of MILs in multiple human fetal tissues, enlisting them as a novel category of cell-type-specific regulatory elements that often compromise transcription of long genes and confer their vulnerability in neurodevelopmental disorders. We propose that this m6A-orchestrated L1-host interaction plays widespread roles in gene regulation, genome integrity, human development and diseases.
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Structural insight into FANCI-FANCD2 monoubiquitination. Essays Biochem 2021; 64:807-817. [PMID: 32725171 PMCID: PMC7588663 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20200001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The Fanconi anemia (FA) pathway coordinates a faithful repair mechanism for DNA damage that blocks DNA replication, such as interstrand cross-links. A key step in the FA pathway is the conjugation of ubiquitin on to FANCD2 and FANCI, which is facilitated by a large E3 ubiquitin ligase complex called the FA core complex. Mutations in FANCD2, FANCI or FA core complex components cause the FA bone marrow failure syndrome. Despite the importance of these proteins to DNA repair and human disease, our molecular understanding of the FA pathway has been limited due to a deficit in structural studies. With the recent development in cryo-electron microscopy (EM), significant advances have been made in structural characterization of these proteins in the last 6 months. These structures, combined with new biochemical studies, now provide a more detailed understanding of how FANCD2 and FANCI are monoubiquitinated and how DNA repair may occur. In this review, we summarize these recent advances in the structural and molecular understanding of these key components in the FA pathway, compare the activation steps of FANCD2 and FANCI monoubiquitination and suggest molecular steps that are likely to be involved in regulating its activity.
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The Combination of Single-Cell and Next-Generation Sequencing Can Reveal Mosaicism for BRCA2 Mutations and the Fine Molecular Details of Tumorigenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13102354. [PMID: 34068254 PMCID: PMC8153129 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Germline mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are responsible for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome. Germline and somatic BRCA1/2 mutations may define therapeutic targets and refine cancer treatment options. However, routine BRCA diagnostic approaches cannot reveal the exact time and origin of BRCA1/2 mutation formation, and thus, the fine details of their contribution to tumor progression remain less clear. Here, we establish a diagnostic pipeline using high-resolution microscopy and laser microcapture microscopy to test for BRCA1/2 mutations in the tumor at the single-cell level, followed by deep next-generation sequencing of various tissues from the patient. To demonstrate the power of our approach, here, we describe a detailed single-cell-level analysis of an ovarian cancer patient we found to exhibit constitutional somatic mosaicism of a pathogenic BRCA2 mutation. Employing next-generation sequencing, BRCA2 c.7795G>T, p.(Glu2599Ter) was detected in 78% of reads in DNA extracted from ovarian cancer tissue and 25% of reads in DNA derived from peripheral blood, which differs significantly from the expected 50% of a hereditary mutation. The BRCA2 mutation was subsequently observed at 17-20% levels in the normal ovarian and buccal tissue of the patient. Together, our findings suggest that this mutation occurred early in embryonic development. Characterization of the mosaic mutation at the single-cell level contributes to a better understanding of BRCA mutation formation and supports the concept that the combination of single-cell and next-generation sequencing methods is advantageous over traditional mutational analysis methods. This study is the first to characterize constitutional mosaicism down to the single-cell level, and it demonstrates that BRCA2 mosaicism occurring early during embryogenesis can drive tumorigenesis in ovarian cancer.
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Alkailani M, Palidwor G, Poulin A, Mohan R, Pepin D, Vanderhyden B, Gibbings D. A genome-wide strategy to identify causes and consequences of retrotransposon expression finds activation by BRCA1 in ovarian cancer. NAR Cancer 2021; 3:zcaa040. [PMID: 33447827 PMCID: PMC7787265 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcaa040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
It is challenging to identify the causes and consequences of retrotransposon expression in human disease due to the hundreds of active genomic copies and their poor conservation across species. We profiled genomic insertions of retrotransposons in ovarian cancer. In addition, in ovarian and breast cancer we analyzed RNAs exhibiting Bayesian correlation with retrotransposon RNA to identify causes and consequences of retrotransposon expression. This strategy finds divergent inflammatory responses associated with retrotransposon expression in ovarian and breast cancer and identifies new factors inducing expression of endogenous retrotransposons including anti-viral responses and the common tumor suppressor BRCA1. In cell lines, mouse ovarian epithelial cells and patient-derived tumor spheroids, BRCA1 promotes accumulation of retrotransposon RNA. BRCA1 promotes transcription of active families of retrotransposons and their insertion into the genome. Intriguingly, elevated retrotransposon expression predicts survival in ovarian cancer patients. Retrotransposons are part of a complex regulatory network in ovarian cancer including BRCA1 that contributes to patient survival. The described strategy can be used to identify the regulators and impacts of retrotransposons in various contexts of biology and disease in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maisa Alkailani
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Gareth Palidwor
- Ottawa Institute for Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8M5, Canada
- Bioinformatics, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Ariane Poulin
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Raghav Mohan
- Pediatrics Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 021145, USA
| | - David Pepin
- Pediatrics Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 021145, USA
- Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 021156, USA
| | - Barbara Vanderhyden
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8M5, Canada
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Derrick Gibbings
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8M5, Canada
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Briggs EM, McKerrow W, Mita P, Boeke JD, Logan SK, Fenyö D. RIP-seq reveals LINE-1 ORF1p association with p-body enriched mRNAs. Mob DNA 2021; 12:5. [PMID: 33563338 PMCID: PMC7874467 DOI: 10.1186/s13100-021-00233-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long INterspersed Element-1 (LINE-1) is an autonomous retroelement able to "copy-and-paste" itself into new loci of the host genome through a process called retrotransposition. The LINE-1 bicistronic mRNA codes for two proteins, ORF1p, a nucleic acid chaperone, and ORF2p, a protein with endonuclease and reverse transcriptase activity. Both proteins bind LINE-1 mRNA in cis and are necessary for retrotransposition. While LINE-1 transcription is usually repressed in most healthy somatic cells through a plethora of mechanisms, ORF1p expression has been observed in nearly 50% of tumors, and new LINE-1 insertions have been documented in a similar fraction of tumors, including prostate cancer. RESULTS Here, we utilized RNA ImmunoPrecipitation (RIP) and the L1EM analysis software to identify ORF1p bound RNA in prostate cancer cells. We identified LINE-1 loci that were expressed in parental androgen sensitive and androgen independent clonal derivatives. In all androgen independent cells, we found higher levels of LINE-1 RNA, as well as unique expression patterns of LINE-1 loci. Interestingly, we observed that ORF1p bound many non-LINE-1 mRNA in all prostate cancer cell lines evaluated, and polyA RNA, and RNA localized in p-bodies were especially enriched. Furthermore, the expression levels of RNAs identified in our ORF1p RIP correlated with RNAs expressed in LINE-1 positive tumors from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). CONCLUSION Our results show a significant remodeling of LINE-1 loci expression in androgen independent cell lines when compared to parental androgen dependent cells. Additionally, we found that ORF1p bound a significant amount of non-LINE-1 mRNA, and that the enriched ORF1p bound mRNAs are also amplified in LINE-1 expressing TCGA prostate tumors, indicating the biological relevance of our findings to prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica M Briggs
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University, 450 East 29th Street, Room 321, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Wilson McKerrow
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University, 450 East 29th Street, Room 321, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- Institute for Systems Genetics, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 435 East 30th St, 9th Floor, NY, 10016, New York, USA
| | - Paolo Mita
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University, 450 East 29th Street, Room 321, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- Institute for Systems Genetics, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 435 East 30th St, 9th Floor, NY, 10016, New York, USA
| | - Jef D Boeke
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University, 450 East 29th Street, Room 321, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- Institute for Systems Genetics, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 435 East 30th St, 9th Floor, NY, 10016, New York, USA
| | - Susan K Logan
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University, 450 East 29th Street, Room 321, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
- Urology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 450 East 29th Street, Room 321, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
| | - David Fenyö
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University, 450 East 29th Street, Room 321, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
- Institute for Systems Genetics, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 435 East 30th St, 9th Floor, NY, 10016, New York, USA.
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Grundy EE, Diab N, Chiappinelli KB. Transposable element regulation and expression in cancer. FEBS J 2021; 289:1160-1179. [PMID: 33471418 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Approximately 45% of the human genome is composed of transposable elements (TEs). Expression of these elements is tightly regulated during normal development. TEs may be expressed at high levels in embryonic stem cells but are epigenetically silenced in terminally differentiated cells. As part of the global 'epigenetic dysregulation' that cells undergo during transformation from normal to cancer, TEs can lose epigenetic silencing and become transcribed, and, in some cases, active. Here, we summarize recent advances detailing the consequences of TE activation in cancer and describe how these understudied residents of our genome can both aid tumorigenesis and potentially be harnessed for anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E Grundy
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.,The GW Cancer Center, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.,The Institute for Biomedical Sciences at The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Noor Diab
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.,The GW Cancer Center, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Katherine B Chiappinelli
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.,The GW Cancer Center, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
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47
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Many Different LINE-1 Retroelements Are Activated in Bladder Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249433. [PMID: 33322422 PMCID: PMC7763009 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Human genomes contain about 100,000 LINE-1 (L1) retroelements, of which more than 100 are intact. L1s are normally tightly controlled by epigenetic mechanisms, which often fail in cancer. In bladder urothelial carcinoma (UC), particularly, L1s become DNA-hypomethylated, expressed and contribute to genomic instability and tumor growth. It is, however, unknown which individual L1s are activated. Following RNA-immunoprecipitation with a L1-specific antibody, third generation nanopore sequencing detected transcripts of 90 individual elements in the VM-Cub-1 UC line with high overall L1 expression. In total, 10 L1s accounted for >60% of the reads. Analysis of five specific L1s by RT-qPCR revealed generally increased expression in UC tissues and cell lines over normal controls, but variable expression among tumor cell lines from bladder, prostate and testicular cancer. Chromatin immunoprecipitation demonstrated active histone marks at L1 sequences with increased expression in VM-Cub-1, but not in a different UC cell line with low L1 expression. We conclude that many L1 elements are epigenetically activated in bladder cancer in a varied pattern. Our findings indicate that expression of individual L1s is highly heterogeneous between and among cancer types.
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Tunbak H, Enriquez-Gasca R, Tie CHC, Gould PA, Mlcochova P, Gupta RK, Fernandes L, Holt J, van der Veen AG, Giampazolias E, Burns KH, Maillard PV, Rowe HM. The HUSH complex is a gatekeeper of type I interferon through epigenetic regulation of LINE-1s. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5387. [PMID: 33144593 PMCID: PMC7609715 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19170-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Human Silencing Hub (HUSH) complex is necessary for epigenetic repression of LINE-1 elements. We show that HUSH-depletion in human cell lines and primary fibroblasts leads to induction of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) through JAK/STAT signaling. This effect is mainly attributed to MDA5 and RIG-I sensing of double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs). This coincides with upregulation of primate-conserved LINE-1s, as well as increased expression of full-length hominid-specific LINE-1s that produce bidirectional RNAs, which may form dsRNA. Notably, LTRs nearby ISGs are derepressed likely rendering these genes more responsive to interferon. LINE-1 shRNAs can abrogate the HUSH-dependent response, while overexpression of an engineered LINE-1 construct activates interferon signaling. Finally, we show that the HUSH component, MPP8 is frequently downregulated in diverse cancers and that its depletion leads to DNA damage. These results suggest that LINE-1s may drive physiological or autoinflammatory responses through dsRNA sensing and gene-regulatory roles and are controlled by the HUSH complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hale Tunbak
- Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 2AT, UK
| | - Rocio Enriquez-Gasca
- Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 2AT, UK
| | | | - Poppy A Gould
- Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 2AT, UK
| | - Petra Mlcochova
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, CB2 0AF, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ravindra K Gupta
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, CB2 0AF, Cambridge, UK
| | - Liane Fernandes
- Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 2AT, UK
| | - James Holt
- Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 2AT, UK
| | - Annemarthe G van der Veen
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
- Leiden University Medical Centre, Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Kathleen H Burns
- Department of Pathology, John Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Pierre V Maillard
- Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 2AT, UK
| | - Helen M Rowe
- Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 2AT, UK.
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Dueva R, Iliakis G. Replication protein A: a multifunctional protein with roles in DNA replication, repair and beyond. NAR Cancer 2020; 2:zcaa022. [PMID: 34316690 PMCID: PMC8210275 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcaa022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) forms continuously during DNA replication and is an important intermediate during recombination-mediated repair of damaged DNA. Replication protein A (RPA) is the major eukaryotic ssDNA-binding protein. As such, RPA protects the transiently formed ssDNA from nucleolytic degradation and serves as a physical platform for the recruitment of DNA damage response factors. Prominent and well-studied RPA-interacting partners are the tumor suppressor protein p53, the RAD51 recombinase and the ATR-interacting proteins ATRIP and ETAA1. RPA interactions are also documented with the helicases BLM, WRN and SMARCAL1/HARP, as well as the nucleotide excision repair proteins XPA, XPG and XPF–ERCC1. Besides its well-studied roles in DNA replication (restart) and repair, accumulating evidence shows that RPA is engaged in DNA activities in a broader biological context, including nucleosome assembly on nascent chromatin, regulation of gene expression, telomere maintenance and numerous other aspects of nucleic acid metabolism. In addition, novel RPA inhibitors show promising effects in cancer treatment, as single agents or in combination with chemotherapeutics. Since the biochemical properties of RPA and its roles in DNA repair have been extensively reviewed, here we focus on recent discoveries describing several non-canonical functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rositsa Dueva
- Institute of Medical Radiation Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen Medical School, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - George Iliakis
- Institute of Medical Radiation Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen Medical School, 45122 Essen, Germany
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