1
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Gao M. Me31B: a key repressor in germline regulation and beyond. Biosci Rep 2024; 44:BSR20231769. [PMID: 38606619 PMCID: PMC11065648 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20231769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Maternally Expressed at 31B (Me31B), an evolutionarily conserved ATP-dependent RNA helicase, plays an important role in the development of the germline across diverse animal species. Its cellular functionality has been posited as a translational repressor, participating in various RNA metabolism pathways to intricately regulate the spatiotemporal expression of RNAs. Despite its evident significance, the precise role and mechanistic underpinnings of Me31B remain insufficiently understood. This article endeavors to comprehensively review historic and recent research on Me31B, distill the major findings, discern generalizable patterns in Me31B's functions across different research contexts, and provide insights into its fundamental role and mechanism of action. The primary focus of this article centers on elucidating the role of Drosophila Me31B within the germline, while concurrently delving into pertinent research on its orthologs within other species and cellular systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Gao
- Biology Department, Indiana University Northwest, Gary, IN, U.S.A
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2
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Cassani M, Seydoux G. P-body-like condensates in the germline. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 157:24-32. [PMID: 37407370 PMCID: PMC10761593 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2023.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
P-bodies are cytoplasmic condensates that accumulate low-translation mRNAs for temporary storage before translation or degradation. P-bodies have been best characterized in yeast and mammalian tissue culture cells. We describe here related condensates in the germline of animal models. Germline P-bodies have been reported at all stages of germline development from primordial germ cells to gametes. The activity of the universal germ cell fate regulator, Nanos, is linked to the mRNA decay function of P-bodies, and spatially-regulated condensation of P-body like condensates in embryos is required to localize mRNA regulators to primordial germ cells. In most cases, however, it is not known whether P-bodies represent functional compartments or non-functional condensation by-products that arise when ribonucleoprotein complexes saturate the cytoplasm. We speculate that the ubiquity of P-body-like condensates in germ cells reflects the strong reliance of the germline on cytoplasmic, rather than nuclear, mechanisms of gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline Cassani
- HHMI and Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Geraldine Seydoux
- HHMI and Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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3
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Hernández G, Vazquez-Pianzola P. eIF4E as a molecular wildcard in metazoans RNA metabolism. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2023; 98:2284-2306. [PMID: 37553111 DOI: 10.1111/brv.13005] [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: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
The evolutionary origin of eukaryotes spurred the transition from prokaryotic-like translation to a more sophisticated, eukaryotic translation. During this process, successive gene duplication of a single, primordial eIF4E gene encoding the mRNA cap-binding protein eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) gave rise to a plethora of paralog genes across eukaryotes that underwent further functional diversification in RNA metabolism. The ability to take different roles is due to eIF4E promiscuity in binding many partner proteins, rendering eIF4E a highly versatile and multifunctional player that functions as a molecular wildcard. Thus, in metazoans, eIF4E paralogs are involved in various processes, including messenger RNA (mRNA) processing, export, translation, storage, and decay. Moreover, some paralogs display differential expression in tissues and developmental stages and show variable biochemical properties. In this review, we discuss recent advances shedding light on the functional diversification of eIF4E in metazoans. We emphasise humans and two phylogenetically distant species which have become paradigms for studies on development, namely the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster and the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greco Hernández
- mRNA and Cancer Laboratory, Unit of Biomedical Research on Cancer, National Institute of Cancer (Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, INCan), 22 San Fernando Ave., Tlalpan, Mexico City, 14080, Mexico
| | - Paula Vazquez-Pianzola
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 4, Berne, 3012, Switzerland
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4
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Wilby EL, Weil TT. Relating the Biogenesis and Function of P Bodies in Drosophila to Human Disease. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1675. [PMID: 37761815 PMCID: PMC10530015 DOI: 10.3390/genes14091675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Drosophila has been a premier model organism for over a century and many discoveries in flies have furthered our understanding of human disease. Flies have been successfully applied to many aspects of health-based research spanning from behavioural addiction, to dysplasia, to RNA dysregulation and protein misfolding. Recently, Drosophila tissues have been used to study biomolecular condensates and their role in multicellular systems. Identified in a wide range of plant and animal species, biomolecular condensates are dynamic, non-membrane-bound sub-compartments that have been observed and characterised in the cytoplasm and nuclei of many cell types. Condensate biology has exciting research prospects because of their diverse roles within cells, links to disease, and potential for therapeutics. In this review, we will discuss processing bodies (P bodies), a conserved biomolecular condensate, with a particular interest in how Drosophila can be applied to advance our understanding of condensate biogenesis and their role in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Timothy T. Weil
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK;
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5
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Kara E, McCambridge A, Proffer M, Dilts C, Pumnea B, Eshak J, Smith KA, Fielder I, Doyle DA, Ortega BM, Mukatash Y, Malik N, Mohammed AR, Govani D, Niepielko MG, Gao M. Mutational analysis of the functional motifs of the DEAD-box RNA helicase Me31B/DDX6 in Drosophila germline development. FEBS Lett 2023; 597:1848-1867. [PMID: 37235728 PMCID: PMC10389067 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Me31B/DDX6 is a DEAD-box family RNA helicase playing roles in post-transcriptional RNA regulation in different cell types and species. Despite the known motifs/domains of Me31B, the in vivo functions of the motifs remain unclear. Here, we used the Drosophila germline as a model and used CRISPR to mutate the key Me31B motifs/domains: helicase domain, N-terminal domain, C-terminal domain and FDF-binding motif. Then, we performed screening characterization on the mutants and report the effects of the mutations on the Drosophila germline, on processes such as fertility, oogenesis, embryo patterning, germline mRNA regulation and Me31B protein expression. The study indicates that the Me31B motifs contribute different functions to the protein and are needed for proper germline development, providing insights into the in vivo working mechanism of the helicase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan Kara
- Biology Department, Indiana University Northwest, Gary, IN, USA
| | | | - Megan Proffer
- Biology Department, Indiana University Northwest, Gary, IN, USA
| | - Carol Dilts
- Biology Department, Indiana University Northwest, Gary, IN, USA
| | - Brooke Pumnea
- Biology Department, Indiana University Northwest, Gary, IN, USA
| | - John Eshak
- Biology Department, Indiana University Northwest, Gary, IN, USA
| | - Korey A. Smith
- Biology Department, Indiana University Northwest, Gary, IN, USA
| | - Isaac Fielder
- Biology Department, Indiana University Northwest, Gary, IN, USA
| | - Dominique A. Doyle
- School of Integrative Science and Technology, Kean University, Union, NJ, USA
| | - Bianca M. Ortega
- School of Integrative Science and Technology, Kean University, Union, NJ, USA
| | - Yousif Mukatash
- Biology Department, Indiana University Northwest, Gary, IN, USA
| | - Noor Malik
- Biology Department, Indiana University Northwest, Gary, IN, USA
| | | | - Deep Govani
- Biology Department, Indiana University Northwest, Gary, IN, USA
| | - Matthew G. Niepielko
- School of Integrative Science and Technology, Kean University, Union, NJ, USA
- Biology Department, Kean University, Union, NJ, USA
| | - Ming Gao
- Biology Department, Indiana University Northwest, Gary, IN, USA
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6
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Hakes AC, Gavis ER. Plasticity of Drosophila germ granules during germ cell development. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3002069. [PMID: 37053289 PMCID: PMC10128949 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Compartmentalization of RNAs and proteins into membraneless structures called granules is a ubiquitous mechanism for organizing and regulating cohorts of RNAs. Germ granules are ribonucleoprotein (RNP) assemblies required for germline development across the animal kingdom, but their regulatory roles in germ cells are not fully understood. We show that after germ cell specification, Drosophila germ granules enlarge through fusion and this growth is accompanied by a shift in function. Whereas germ granules initially protect their constituent mRNAs from degradation, they subsequently target a subset of these mRNAs for degradation while maintaining protection of others. This functional shift occurs through the recruitment of decapping and degradation factors to the germ granules, which is promoted by decapping activators and renders these structures P body-like. Disrupting either the mRNA protection or degradation function results in germ cell migration defects. Our findings reveal plasticity in germ granule function that allows them to be repurposed at different stages of development to ensure population of the gonad by germ cells. Additionally, these results reveal an unexpected level of functional complexity whereby constituent RNAs within the same granule type can be differentially regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna C Hakes
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth R Gavis
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, United States of America
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7
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Layana C, Vilardo ES, Corujo G, Hernández G, Rivera-Pomar R. Drosophila Me31B is a Dual eIF4E-Interacting Protein. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:167949. [PMID: 36638908 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.167949] [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: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) is a key factor involved in different aspects of mRNA metabolism. Drosophila melanogaster genome encodes eight eIF4E isoforms, and the canonical isoform eIF4E-1 is a ubiquitous protein that plays a key role in mRNA translation. eIF4E-3 is specifically expressed in testis and controls translation during spermatogenesis. In eukaryotic cells, translational control and mRNA decay is highly regulated in different cytoplasmic ribonucleoprotein foci, which include the processing bodies (PBs). In this study, we show that Drosophila eIF4E-1 and eIF4E-3 occur in PBs along the DEAD-box RNA helicase Me31B. We show that Me31B interacts with eIF4E-1 and eIF4E-3 by means of yeast two-hybrid system, FRET in D. melanogaster S2 cells and coimmunoprecipitation in testis. Truncation and point mutations of Me31B proteins show two eIF4E-binding sites located in different protein domains. Residues Y401-L407 (at the carboxy-terminus) are essential for interaction with eIF4E-1, whereas residues F63-L70 (at the amino-terminus) are critical for interaction with eIF4E-3. The residue W117 in eIF4E-1 and the homolog position F103 in eIF4E-3 are necessary for Me31B-eIF4E interaction suggesting that the change of tryptophan to phenylalanine provides specificity. Me31B represents a novel type of eIF4E-interacting protein with dual and specific interaction domains that might be recognized by different eIF4E isoforms in different tissues, adding complexity to the control of gene expression in eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Layana
- Centro Regional de Estudios Genómicos, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Boulevard 120 N° 1459, 1900 La Plata, Argentina.
| | - Emiliano Salvador Vilardo
- Centro Regional de Estudios Genómicos, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Boulevard 120 N° 1459, 1900 La Plata, Argentina
| | - Gonzalo Corujo
- Centro Regional de Estudios Genómicos, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Boulevard 120 N° 1459, 1900 La Plata, Argentina
| | - Greco Hernández
- Translation and Cancer Laboratory, Unit of Biomedical Research on Cancer, National Institute of Cancer (Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, INCan), 22 San Fernando Ave., Tlalpan, 14080 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rolando Rivera-Pomar
- Centro Regional de Estudios Genómicos, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Boulevard 120 N° 1459, 1900 La Plata, Argentina; Centro de Investigación y Transferencia del Noroeste de Buenos Aires (CITNOBA) - Centro de Bioinvestigaciones, Universidad Nacional del Noroeste de Buenos Aires, Av. Presidente Frondizi Km 4, 2700 Pergamino, Argentina; Molecular Developmental Biology Emeritus Group, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
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8
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Zhu Y, Liu L, Zhang C, Zhang C, Han T, Duan R, Jin Y, Guo H, She K, Xiao Y, Goto A, Cai Q, Ji S. Endoplasmic reticulum-associated protein degradation contributes to Toll innate immune defense in Drosophila melanogaster. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1099637. [PMID: 36741393 PMCID: PMC9893508 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1099637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
In Drosophila, the endoplasmic reticulum-associated protein degradation (ERAD) is engaged in regulating pleiotropic biological processes, with regard to retinal degeneration, intestinal homeostasis, and organismal development. The extent to which it functions in controlling the fly innate immune defense, however, remains largely unknown. Here, we show that blockade of the ERAD in fat bodies antagonizes the Toll but not the IMD innate immune defense in Drosophila. Genetic approaches further suggest a functional role of Me31B in the ERAD-mediated fly innate immunity. Moreover, we provide evidence that silence of Xbp1 other than PERK or Atf6 partially rescues the immune defects by the dysregulated ERAD in fat bodies. Collectively, our study uncovers an essential function of the ERAD in mediating the Toll innate immune reaction in Drosophila.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Zhu
- Center for Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Center for Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Chuchu Zhang
- Center for Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Center for Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Tingting Han
- Center for Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Renjie Duan
- Center for Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China,School of Preclinical Medicine, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Yiheng Jin
- Center for Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Huimin Guo
- Center for Biological Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Kan She
- Center for Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yihua Xiao
- Center for Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Akira Goto
- Université de Strasbourg, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Insect Models of Innate Immunity (M3I; UPR9022), Strasbourg, France
| | - Qingshuang Cai
- Center for Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China,Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France,*Correspondence: Qingshuang Cai, ; Shanming Ji,
| | - Shanming Ji
- Center for Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China,*Correspondence: Qingshuang Cai, ; Shanming Ji,
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9
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Cassani M, Seydoux G. Specialized germline P-bodies are required to specify germ cell fate in Caenorhabditis elegans embryos. Development 2022; 149:dev200920. [PMID: 36196602 PMCID: PMC9686995 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
In animals with germ plasm, specification of the germline involves 'germ granules', cytoplasmic condensates that enrich maternal transcripts in the germline founder cells. In Caenorhabditis elegans embryos, P granules enrich maternal transcripts, but surprisingly P granules are not essential for germ cell fate specification. Here, we describe a second condensate in the C. elegans germ plasm. Like canonical P-bodies found in somatic cells, 'germline P-bodies' contain regulators of mRNA decapping and deadenylation and, in addition, the intrinsically-disordered proteins MEG-1 and MEG-2 and the TIS11-family RNA-binding protein POS-1. Embryos lacking meg-1 and meg-2 do not stabilize P-body components, misregulate POS-1 targets, mis-specify the germline founder cell and do not develop a germline. Our findings suggest that specification of the germ line involves at least two distinct condensates that independently enrich and regulate maternal mRNAs in the germline founder cells. This article has an associated 'The people behind the papers' interview.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline Cassani
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Geraldine Seydoux
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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10
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Baker FC, Neiswender H, Veeranan-Karmegam R, Gonsalvez GB. In vivo proximity biotin ligation identifies the interactome of Egalitarian, a Dynein cargo adaptor. Development 2021; 148:dev199935. [PMID: 35020877 PMCID: PMC8645207 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Numerous motors of the Kinesin family contribute to plus-end-directed microtubule transport. However, almost all transport towards the minus-end of microtubules involves Dynein. Understanding the mechanism by which Dynein transports this vast diversity of cargo is the focus of intense research. In selected cases, adaptors that link a particular cargo with Dynein have been identified. However, the sheer diversity of cargo suggests that additional adaptors must exist. We used the Drosophila egg chamber as a model to address this issue. Within egg chambers, Egalitarian is required for linking mRNA with Dynein. However, in the absence of Egalitarian, Dynein transport into the oocyte is severely compromised. This suggests that additional cargoes might be linked to Dynein in an Egalitarian-dependent manner. We therefore used proximity biotin ligation to define the interactome of Egalitarian. This approach yielded several novel interacting partners, including P body components and proteins that associate with Dynein in mammalian cells. We also devised and validated a nanobody-based proximity biotinylation strategy that can be used to define the interactome of any GFP-tagged protein.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Graydon B. Gonsalvez
- Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1460 Laney Walker Blvd, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
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11
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Sankaranarayanan M, Emenecker RJ, Wilby EL, Jahnel M, Trussina IREA, Wayland M, Alberti S, Holehouse AS, Weil TT. Adaptable P body physical states differentially regulate bicoid mRNA storage during early Drosophila development. Dev Cell 2021; 56:2886-2901.e6. [PMID: 34655524 PMCID: PMC8555633 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2021.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Ribonucleoprotein condensates can exhibit diverse physical states in vitro and in vivo. Despite considerable progress, the relevance of condensate physical states for in vivo biological function remains limited. Here, we investigated the physical properties of processing bodies (P bodies) and their impact on mRNA storage in mature Drosophila oocytes. We show that the conserved DEAD-box RNA helicase Me31B forms viscous P body condensates, which adopt an arrested physical state. We demonstrate that structurally distinct proteins and protein-protein interactions, together with RNA, regulate the physical properties of P bodies. Using live imaging and in situ hybridization, we show that the arrested state and integrity of P bodies support the storage of bicoid (bcd) mRNA and that egg activation modulates P body properties, leading to the release of bcd for translation in the early embryo. Together, this work provides an example of how physical states of condensates regulate cellular function in development.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Sankaranarayanan
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK.
| | - Ryan J Emenecker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Center for Science and Engineering of Living Systems, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Elise L Wilby
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Marcus Jahnel
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Biotechnology Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Tatzberg 47/49, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Irmela R E A Trussina
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Biotechnology Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Tatzberg 47/49, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Matt Wayland
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Simon Alberti
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Biotechnology Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Tatzberg 47/49, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Alex S Holehouse
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Center for Science and Engineering of Living Systems, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Timothy T Weil
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK.
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12
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Hecw controls oogenesis and neuronal homeostasis by promoting the liquid state of ribonucleoprotein particles. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5488. [PMID: 34531401 PMCID: PMC8446043 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25809-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Specialised ribonucleoprotein (RNP) granules are a hallmark of polarized cells, like neurons and germ cells. Among their main functions is the spatial and temporal modulation of the activity of specific mRNA transcripts that allow specification of primary embryonic axes. While RNPs composition and role are well established, their regulation is poorly defined. Here, we demonstrate that Hecw, a newly identified Drosophila ubiquitin ligase, is a key modulator of RNPs in oogenesis and neurons. Hecw depletion leads to the formation of enlarged granules that transition from a liquid to a gel-like state. Loss of Hecw activity results in defective oogenesis, premature aging and climbing defects associated with neuronal loss. At the molecular level, reduced ubiquitination of the Fmrp impairs its translational repressor activity, resulting in altered Orb expression in nurse cells and Profilin in neurons. Ribonucleoprotein (RNP) granules are responsible for mRNA transport and local translation required for neuronal and oocyte maturation. Here the authors show that loss of the Drosophila Ub ligase Hecw enlarges RNP granules, leads to a liquid to gel-like transition, and results in defective oogenesis and neuronal loss.
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13
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Drosophila to Explore Nucleolar Stress. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22136759. [PMID: 34201772 PMCID: PMC8267670 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleolar stress occurs when ribosome production or function declines. Nucleolar stress in stem cells or progenitor cells often leads to disease states called ribosomopathies. Drosophila offers a robust system to explore how nucleolar stress causes cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, or autophagy depending on the cell type. We provide an overview of nucleolar stress in Drosophila by depleting nucleolar phosphoprotein of 140 kDa (Nopp140), a ribosome biogenesis factor (RBF) in nucleoli and Cajal bodies (CBs). The depletion of Nopp140 in eye imaginal disc cells generates eye deformities reminiscent of craniofacial deformities associated with the Treacher Collins syndrome (TCS), a human ribosomopathy. We show the activation of c-Jun N-terminal Kinase (JNK) in Drosophila larvae homozygous for a Nopp140 gene deletion. JNK is known to induce the expression of the pro-apoptotic Hid protein and autophagy factors Atg1, Atg18.1, and Atg8a; thus, JNK is a central regulator in Drosophila nucleolar stress. Ribosome abundance declines upon Nopp140 loss, but unusual cytoplasmic granules accumulate that resemble Processing (P) bodies based on marker proteins, Decapping Protein 1 (DCP1) and Maternal expression at 31B (Me31B). Wild type brain neuroblasts (NBs) express copious amounts of endogenous coilin, but coilin levels decline upon nucleolar stress in most NB types relative to the Mushroom body (MB) NBs. MB NBs exhibit resilience against nucleolar stress as they maintain normal coilin, Deadpan, and EdU labeling levels.
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14
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Wang J, Li T, Deng S, Ma E, Zhang J, Xing S. DDX6 Is Essential for Oocyte Development and Maturation in Locusta migratoria. INSECTS 2021; 12:70. [PMID: 33466820 PMCID: PMC7830464 DOI: 10.3390/insects12010070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
DEAD-box protein 6 (DDX6) is a member of the DDX RNA helicase family that exists in all eukaryotes. It has been extensively studied in yeast and mammals and has been shown to be involved in messenger ribonucleoprotein assembly, mRNA storage, and decay, as well as in miRNA-mediated gene silencing. DDX6 participates in many developmental processes but the biological function of DDX6 in insects has not yet been adequately addressed. Herein, we characterized the LmDDX6 gene that encodes the LmDDX6 protein in Locusta migratoria, a global, destructive pest. LmDDX6 possesses five motifs unique to the DDX6 subfamily. In the phylogenetic tree, LmDDX6 was closely related to its orthologs in Apis dorsata and Zootermopsis nevadensis. RT-qPCR data revealed high expression of LmDDX6 in the ovary, muscle, and fat body, with a declining trend in the ovary after adult ecdysis. LmDDX6 knockdown downregulated the expression levels of the juvenile hormone receptor Met, and genes encoding Met downstream targeted Grp78-1 and Grp78-2, reduced LmVg expression, and impaired ovary development and oocyte maturation. These results demonstrate that LmDDX6 plays an essential role in locust female reproduction and, thus, could be a novel target for locust biological control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junxiu Wang
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, China; (J.W.); (T.L.); (S.D.); (E.M.); (J.Z.)
- College of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, China
| | - Tingting Li
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, China; (J.W.); (T.L.); (S.D.); (E.M.); (J.Z.)
- College of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, China
| | - Sufang Deng
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, China; (J.W.); (T.L.); (S.D.); (E.M.); (J.Z.)
- College of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, China
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Jinzhong University, Jinzhong 030600, Shanxi, China
| | - Enbo Ma
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, China; (J.W.); (T.L.); (S.D.); (E.M.); (J.Z.)
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural Integrated Pest Management, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, China
| | - Jianzhen Zhang
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, China; (J.W.); (T.L.); (S.D.); (E.M.); (J.Z.)
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural Integrated Pest Management, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, China
| | - Shuping Xing
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, China; (J.W.); (T.L.); (S.D.); (E.M.); (J.Z.)
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural Integrated Pest Management, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, China
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