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Bhatt U, Cucchiarini A, Luo Y, Evans CW, Mergny JL, Iyer KS, Smith NM. Preferential formation of Z-RNA over intercalated motifs in long noncoding RNA. Genome Res 2024; 34:217-230. [PMID: 38355305 PMCID: PMC10984386 DOI: 10.1101/gr.278236.123] [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: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Secondary structure is a principal determinant of lncRNA function, predominantly regarding scaffold formation and interfaces with target molecules. Noncanonical secondary structures that form in nucleic acids have known roles in regulating gene expression and include G-quadruplexes (G4s), intercalated motifs (iMs), and R-loops (RLs). In this paper, we used the computational tools G4-iM Grinder and QmRLFS-finder to predict the formation of each of these structures throughout the lncRNA transcriptome in comparison to protein-coding transcripts. The importance of the predicted structures in lncRNAs in biological contexts was assessed by combining our results with publicly available lncRNA tissue expression data followed by pathway analysis. The formation of predicted G4 (pG4) and iM (piM) structures in select lncRNA sequences was confirmed in vitro using biophysical experiments under near-physiological conditions. We find that the majority of the tested pG4s form highly stable G4 structures, and identify many previously unreported G4s in biologically important lncRNAs. In contrast, none of the piM sequences are able to form iM structures, consistent with the idea that RNA is unable to form stable iMs. Unexpectedly, these C-rich sequences instead form Z-RNA structures, which have not been previously observed in regions containing cytosine repeats and represent an interesting and underexplored target for protein-RNA interactions. Our results highlight the prevalence and potential structure-associated functions of noncanonical secondary structures in lncRNAs, and show G4 and Z-RNA structure formation in many lncRNA sequences for the first time, furthering the understanding of the structure-function relationship in lncRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uditi Bhatt
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Anne Cucchiarini
- Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences, École Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120 Palaiseau, France
| | - Yu Luo
- Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences, École Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120 Palaiseau, France
| | - Cameron W Evans
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Jean-Louis Mergny
- Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences, École Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120 Palaiseau, France
| | - K Swaminathan Iyer
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Nicole M Smith
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia;
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2
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Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are significant contributors in maintaining genomic integrity through epigenetic regulation. LncRNAs can interact with chromatin-modifying complexes in both cis and trans pathways, drawing them to specific genomic loci and influencing gene expression via DNA methylation, histone modifications, and chromatin remodeling. They can also operate as building blocks to assemble different chromatin-modifying components, facilitating their interactions and gene regulatory functions. Deregulation of these molecules has been associated with various human diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurological disorders. Thus, lncRNAs are implicated as potential diagnostic indicators and therapeutic targets. This review discusses the current understanding of how lncRNAs mediate epigenetic control, genomic integrity, and their putative functions in disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganesan Arunkumar
- The LncRNA, Epigenetics, and Genome Organization Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
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3
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Li L, Qin C, Chen Y, Zhao W, Zhu Q, Dai D, Zhan S, Guo J, Zhong T, Wang L, Cao J, Zhang H. The novel RNA-RNA activation of H19 on MyoD transcripts promoting myogenic differentiation of goat muscle satellite cells. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:127341. [PMID: 37852400 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127341] [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: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
The elaborate interplay of coding and noncoding factors governs muscle growth and development. Here, we reported a mutual activation between long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) H19 and MyoD (myogenic determination gene number 1) in the muscle process. We successfully cloned the two isoforms of goat H19, which were significantly enriched and positively correlated with MyoD transcripts in skeletal muscles or differentiating muscle satellite cells (MuSCs). To systematically screen genes altered by H19, we performed RNA-seq using cDNA libraries of differentiating H19-deficiency MuSCs and consequently anchored MyoD as the critical genes in mediating H19 function. Intriguingly, some transcripts of MyoD and H19 overlapped in the cytoplasm, which was dramatically damaged when the core complementary nucleotides were mutated. Meanwhile, MyoD RNA successfully pulled down H19 in MS2-RIP experiments. Furthermore, HuR could bind both H19 and MyoD transcripts, while H19 or its truncated mutants successfully stabilized MyoD mRNA, with or without HuR deficiency. In turn, novel functional MyoD protein-binding sites were identified in the promoter and exons of the H19 gene. Our results suggest that MyoD activates H19 transcriptionally, and RNA-RNA hybridization is critical for H19-promoted MyoD expression, which extends our knowledge of the hierarchy of regulatory networks in muscle growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211# Huimin Rd., Wenjiang District, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Chenyu Qin
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211# Huimin Rd., Wenjiang District, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yuan Chen
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211# Huimin Rd., Wenjiang District, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211# Huimin Rd., Wenjiang District, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Qi Zhu
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211# Huimin Rd., Wenjiang District, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Dinghui Dai
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211# Huimin Rd., Wenjiang District, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Siyuan Zhan
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211# Huimin Rd., Wenjiang District, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Jiazhong Guo
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211# Huimin Rd., Wenjiang District, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Tao Zhong
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211# Huimin Rd., Wenjiang District, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Linjie Wang
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211# Huimin Rd., Wenjiang District, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Jiaxue Cao
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211# Huimin Rd., Wenjiang District, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Hongping Zhang
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211# Huimin Rd., Wenjiang District, Chengdu 611130, China.
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4
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Romano F, Di Porzio A, Iaccarino N, Riccardi G, Di Lorenzo R, Laneri S, Pagano B, Amato J, Randazzo A. G-quadruplexes in cancer-related gene promoters: from identification to therapeutic targeting. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2023; 33:745-773. [PMID: 37855085 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2023.2271168] [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: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Guanine-rich DNA sequences can fold into four-stranded noncanonical secondary structures called G-quadruplexes (G4s) which are widely distributed in functional regions of the human genome, such as telomeres and gene promoter regions. Compelling evidence suggests their involvement in key genome functions such as gene expression and genome stability. Notably, the abundance of G4-forming sequences near transcription start sites suggests their potential involvement in regulating oncogenes. AREAS COVERED This review provides an overview of current knowledge on G4s in human oncogene promoters. The most representative G4-binding ligands have also been documented. The objective of this work is to present a comprehensive overview of the most promising targets for the development of novel and highly specific anticancer drugs capable of selectively impacting the expression of individual or a limited number of genes. EXPERT OPINION Modulation of G4 formation by specific ligands has been proposed as a powerful new tool to treat cancer through the control of oncogene expression. Actually, most of G4-binding small molecules seem to simultaneously target a range of gene promoter G4s, potentially influencing several critical driver genes in cancer, thus producing significant therapeutic benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Romano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Di Porzio
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Nunzia Iaccarino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Sonia Laneri
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Bruno Pagano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Jussara Amato
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Randazzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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5
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Melnik BC, Schmitz G. Milk Exosomal microRNAs: Postnatal Promoters of β Cell Proliferation but Potential Inducers of β Cell De-Differentiation in Adult Life. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911503. [PMID: 36232796 PMCID: PMC9569743 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic β cell expansion and functional maturation during the birth-to-weaning period is driven by epigenetic programs primarily triggered by growth factors, hormones, and nutrients provided by human milk. As shown recently, exosomes derived from various origins interact with β cells. This review elucidates the potential role of milk-derived exosomes (MEX) and their microRNAs (miRs) on pancreatic β cell programming during the postnatal period of lactation as well as during continuous cow milk exposure of adult humans to bovine MEX. Mechanistic evidence suggests that MEX miRs stimulate mTORC1/c-MYC-dependent postnatal β cell proliferation and glycolysis, but attenuate β cell differentiation, mitochondrial function, and insulin synthesis and secretion. MEX miR content is negatively affected by maternal obesity, gestational diabetes, psychological stress, caesarean delivery, and is completely absent in infant formula. Weaning-related disappearance of MEX miRs may be the critical event switching β cells from proliferation to TGF-β/AMPK-mediated cell differentiation, whereas continued exposure of adult humans to bovine MEX miRs via intake of pasteurized cow milk may reverse β cell differentiation, promoting β cell de-differentiation. Whereas MEX miR signaling supports postnatal β cell proliferation (diabetes prevention), persistent bovine MEX exposure after the lactation period may de-differentiate β cells back to the postnatal phenotype (diabetes induction).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bodo C. Melnik
- Department of Dermatology, Environmental Medicine and Health Theory, University of Osnabrück, D-49076 Osnabrück, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-52-4198-8060
| | - Gerd Schmitz
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital of Regensburg, University of Regensburg, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
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6
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Cave JW, Willis DE. G-quadruplex regulation of neural gene expression. FEBS J 2021; 289:3284-3303. [PMID: 33905176 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes are four-stranded helical nucleic acid structures characterized by stacked tetrads of guanosine bases. These structures are widespread throughout mammalian genomic DNA and RNA transcriptomes, and prevalent across all tissues. The role of G-quadruplexes in cancer is well-established, but there has been a growing exploration of these structures in the development and homeostasis of normal tissue. In this review, we focus on the roles of G-quadruplexes in directing gene expression in the nervous system, including the regulation of gene transcription, mRNA processing, and trafficking, as well as protein translation. The role of G-quadruplexes and their molecular interactions in the pathology of neurological diseases is also examined. Outside of cancer, there has been only limited exploration of G-quadruplexes as potential intervention targets to treat disease or injury. We discuss studies that have used small-molecule ligands to manipulate G-quadruplex stability in order to treat disease or direct neural stem/progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation into therapeutically relevant cell types. Understanding the many roles that G-quadruplexes have in the nervous system not only provides critical insight into fundamental molecular mechanisms that control neurological function, but also provides opportunities to identify novel therapeutic targets to treat injury and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W Cave
- InVitro Cell Research LLC, Englewood, NJ, USA
| | - Dianna E Willis
- Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, NY, USA.,Feil Family Brain & Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Long, Noncoding RNA Dysregulation in Glioblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13071604. [PMID: 33807183 PMCID: PMC8037018 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Developing effective therapies for glioblastoma (GBM), the most common primary brain cancer, remains challenging due to the heterogeneity within tumors and therapeutic resistance that drives recurrence. Noncoding RNAs are transcribed from a large proportion of the genome and remain largely unexplored in their contribution to the evolution of GBM tumors. Here, we will review the general mechanisms of long, noncoding RNAs and the current knowledge of how these impact heterogeneity and therapeutic resistance in GBM. A better understanding of the molecular drivers required for these aggressive tumors is necessary to improve the management and outcomes of this challenging disease. Abstract Transcription occurs across more than 70% of the human genome and more than half of currently annotated genes produce functional noncoding RNAs. Of these transcripts, the majority—long, noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs)—are greater than 200 nucleotides in length and are necessary for various roles in the cell. It is increasingly appreciated that these lncRNAs are relevant in both health and disease states, with the brain expressing the largest number of lncRNAs compared to other organs. Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive, fatal brain tumor that demonstrates remarkable intratumoral heterogeneity, which has made the development of effective therapies challenging. The cooperation between genetic and epigenetic alterations drives rapid adaptation that allows therapeutic evasion and recurrence. Given the large repertoire of lncRNAs in normal brain tissue and the well-described roles of lncRNAs in molecular and cellular processes, these transcripts are important to consider in the context of GBM heterogeneity and treatment resistance. Herein, we review the general mechanisms and biological roles of lncRNAs, with a focus on GBM, as well as RNA-based therapeutics currently in development.
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8
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G-quadruplex, Friend or Foe: The Role of the G-quartet in Anticancer Strategies. Trends Mol Med 2020; 26:848-861. [PMID: 32467069 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2020.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The clinical applicability of G-quadruplexes (G4s) as anticancer drugs is currently being evaluated. Several G4 ligands and aptamers are undergoing clinical trials following the notable examples of quarfloxin and AS1411, respectively. In this review, we summarize the latest achievements and breakthroughs in the use of G4 nucleic acids as both therapeutic tools ('friends', as healing anticancer drugs) and targets ('foes', within the harmful cancer cell), particularly using aptamers and quadruplex-targeted ligands, respectively. We explore the recent research on synthetic G4 ligands toward the discovery of anticancer therapeutics and their mechanism of action. Additionally, we highlight recent advances in chemical and structural biology that enable the design of specific G4 aptamers to be used as novel anticancer agents.
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9
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Yan T, Zhao B, Wu Q, Wang W, Shi J, Li D, Stovall DB, Sui G. Characterization of G-quadruplex formation in the ARID1A promoter. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 147:750-761. [PMID: 31982538 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.01.210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
As a member of the SWI/SNF family, ARID1A plays an essential role in modulating chromatin structure and gene expression. The tumor suppressive function of ARID1A has been well-defined and its downregulation in cancers is attributed to genomic deletion, DNA methylation and microRNA-mediated inhibition. In this study, we demonstrated that the negative strand of a C-rich region in the upstream vicinity of the human ARID1A transcription start site could form G-quadruplexes. Synthesized oligonucleotides based on the sequence of this region exhibited molar ellipticity at specific wavelengths characteristic of G-quadruplex structures in circular dichroism analyses. The formation of G-quadruplexes by these oligonucleotides were also proved by native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, DNA synthesis block assays, immunofluorescent staining and dimethyl sulfate footprinting studies. In reporter assays, mutations of the G-quadruplex forming sequence reduced ARID1A promoter-mediated transcription. Transfection of the oligonucleotide with the full length of G-quadruplex motif region, but not its partial sequences or the mutants, could both promote endogenous ARID1A expression and reduce cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Yan
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Bo Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Qiong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Wenmeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Jinming Shi
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Dangdang Li
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Daniel B Stovall
- College of Arts and Sciences, Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC 29733, United States
| | - Guangchao Sui
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China.
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10
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Lightfoot HL, Hagen T, Tatum NJ, Hall J. The diverse structural landscape of quadruplexes. FEBS Lett 2019; 593:2083-2102. [PMID: 31325371 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes are secondary structures formed in G-rich sequences in DNA and RNA. Considerable research over the past three decades has led to in-depth insight into these unusual structures in DNA. Since the more recent exploration into RNA G-quadruplexes, such structures have demonstrated their in cellulo existence, function and roles in pathology. In comparison to Watson-Crick-based secondary structures, most G-quadruplexes display highly redundant structural characteristics. However, numerous reports of G-quadruplex motifs/structures with unique features (e.g. bulges, long loops, vacancy) have recently surfaced, expanding the repertoire of G-quadruplex scaffolds. This review addresses G-quadruplex formation and structure, including recent reports of non-canonical G-quadruplex structures. Improved methods of detection will likely further expand this collection of novel structures and ultimately change the face of quadruplex-RNA targeting as a therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen L Lightfoot
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Timo Hagen
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Natalie J Tatum
- Newcastle Cancer Centre, Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jonathan Hall
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
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HnRNPA1 interacts with G-quadruplex in the TRA2B promoter and stimulates its transcription in human colon cancer cells. Sci Rep 2019; 9:10276. [PMID: 31311954 PMCID: PMC6635519 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-46659-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The human TRA2B gene consists of 10 exons and 9 introns and produces 5 splice isoforms (TRA2β1 to TRA2β5). TRA2B exon 2 encodes multiple premature termination codons. TRA2β1 lacks exon 2 and is translated into a functional transformer 2β (Tra2β) protein, whereas TRA2β4 contains 10 exons and works as a functional RNA. Overexpressed Tra2β and ectopic expression of TRA2β4 may be oncogenic. We found that heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP)A1 and hnRNPU interacted with TRA2β4 exon 2. Minigene assays revealed that hnRNPA1 facilitated inclusion of exon 2, whereas hnRNPU promoted its skipping. However, knockdown of hnRNPA1 or hnRNPU reduced both TRA2β1 and TRA2β4 levels, and overexpression of these hnRNPs increased levels of both isoforms, suggesting that hnRNPA1 and hnRNPU mainly regulate the transcription of TRA2B. In fact, hnRNPA1 and hnRNPU positively regulated the promoter activity of TRA2B. Circular dichroism analyses, electrophoretic mobility shift assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated the presence of G-quadruplex (G4) formation in the promoter of TRA2B. Formation of G4 suppressed TRA2B transcription, whereas hnRNPA1, but not hnRNPU, interacted with the G4 to facilitate transcription. Our results suggest that hnRNPA1 may modulate TRA2B transcription through its regulation of G4 formation in its promoter in colon cancer cells.
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12
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Kopec PM, Karlowski WM. Sequence Dynamics of Pre-mRNA G-Quadruplexes in Plants. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 10:812. [PMID: 31316532 PMCID: PMC6610454 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.00812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Intramolecular G-quadruplexes (G4s) are secondary structures that may form within G-rich stretches of nucleic acids. Although their presence has been associated with genomic instability and mutagenicity, recent reports suggest their involvement in regulation of diverse cellular events, including transcription and translation. The majority of data regarding G4s stems from mammalian and yeast studies, leaving the plant G4s almost unexplored. Using the publicly available Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa WGS data, we examined the single nucleotide variability of sequences predicted to form G4s (pG4s) structures. We focused our analysis on protein coding transcripts and compared the results to well-characterized Homo sapiens data. We demonstrate that the overall high variability of pG4s is not uniform and differs between gene structural elements. Specifically, plant AUG-containing pG4s, located within 5'UTR/CDS junctions, are abundant and appear not to be affected by a higher frequency of sequence change, indicating their functional relevance. Furthermore, we show that substitutions lowering the probability of G4s' formation are preferred over neutral or stabilizing modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wojciech M. Karlowski
- Department of Computational Biology, Faculty of Biology, Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
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13
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Sengupta A, Ganguly A, Chowdhury S. Promise of G-Quadruplex Structure Binding Ligands as Epigenetic Modifiers with Anti-Cancer Effects. Molecules 2019; 24:E582. [PMID: 30736345 PMCID: PMC6384772 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24030582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidences from more than three decades of work support the function of non-duplex DNA structures called G-quadruplex (G4) in important processes like transcription and replication. In addition, G4 structures have been studied in connection with DNA base modifications and chromatin/nucleosome arrangements. Recent work, interestingly, shows promise of G4 structures, through interaction with G4 structure-interacting proteins, in epigenetics-in both DNA and histone modification. Epigenetic changes are found to be intricately associated with initiation as well as progression of cancer. Multiple oncogenes have been reported to harbor the G4 structure at regulatory regions. In this context, G4 structure-binding ligands attain significance as molecules with potential to modify the epigenetic state of chromatin. Here, using examples from recent studies we discuss the emerging role of G4 structures in epigenetic modifications and, therefore, the promise of G4 structure-binding ligands in epigenetic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antara Sengupta
- Integrative and Functional Biology Unit, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mathura Road, New Delhi-110025, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Rafi Marg, New Delhi-110001, India.
| | - Akansha Ganguly
- Integrative and Functional Biology Unit, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mathura Road, New Delhi-110025, India.
| | - Shantanu Chowdhury
- Integrative and Functional Biology Unit, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mathura Road, New Delhi-110025, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Rafi Marg, New Delhi-110001, India.
- GNR Knowledge Centre for Genome Informatics, CSIR Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mathura Road, New Delhi-110025, India.
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14
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Zhang X, Zhao B, Yan T, Hao A, Gao Y, Li D, Sui G. G-quadruplex structures at the promoter of HOXC10 regulate its expression. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2018; 1861:1018-1028. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2018.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Revised: 09/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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15
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Qu X, Bian F, Guo Q, Ge Q, Sun Q, Huang X. Ligation-Rolling Circle Amplification on Quantum Dot-Encoded Microbeads for Detection of Multiplex G-Quadruplex-Forming Sequences. Anal Chem 2018; 90:12051-12058. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.8b02820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojun Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Biomedical Engineering Education, School of Biological Science & Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Feika Bian
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Biomedical Engineering Education, School of Biological Science & Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Qingsheng Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Biomedical Engineering Education, School of Biological Science & Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Qinyu Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Biomedical Engineering Education, School of Biological Science & Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Qingjiang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Biomedical Engineering Education, School of Biological Science & Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Xuebin Huang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
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16
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G-quadruplexes in the BAP1 promoter positively regulate its expression. Exp Cell Res 2018; 369:147-157. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2018.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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17
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Donlic A, Hargrove AE. Targeting RNA in mammalian systems with small molecules. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2018; 9:e1477. [PMID: 29726113 PMCID: PMC6002909 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Revised: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The recognition of RNA functions beyond canonical protein synthesis has challenged the central dogma of molecular biology. Indeed, RNA is now known to directly regulate many important cellular processes, including transcription, splicing, translation, and epigenetic modifications. The misregulation of these processes in disease has led to an appreciation of RNA as a therapeutic target. This potential was first recognized in bacteria and viruses, but discoveries of new RNA classes following the sequencing of the human genome have invigorated exploration of its disease-related functions in mammals. As stable structure formation is evolving as a hallmark of mammalian RNAs, the prospect of utilizing small molecules to specifically probe the function of RNA structural domains and their interactions is gaining increased recognition. To date, researchers have discovered bioactive small molecules that modulate phenotypes by binding to expanded repeats, microRNAs, G-quadruplex structures, and RNA splice sites in neurological disorders, cancers, and other diseases. The lessons learned from achieving these successes both call for additional studies and encourage exploration of the plethora of mammalian RNAs whose precise mechanisms of action remain to be elucidated. Efforts toward understanding fundamental principles of small molecule-RNA recognition combined with advances in methodology development should pave the way toward targeting emerging RNA classes such as long noncoding RNAs. Together, these endeavors can unlock the full potential of small molecule-based probing of RNA-regulated processes and enable us to discover new biology and underexplored avenues for therapeutic intervention in human disease. This article is categorized under: RNA Methods > RNA Analyses In Vitro and In Silico RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Small Molecule-RNA Interactions RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Donlic
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Amanda E Hargrove
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
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18
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Das RN, Chevret E, Desplat V, Rubio S, Mergny JL, Guillon J. Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of New Substituted Diquinolinyl-Pyridine Ligands as Anticancer Agents by Targeting G-Quadruplex. Molecules 2017; 23:molecules23010081. [PMID: 29301210 PMCID: PMC6017375 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23010081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Revised: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4) are stacked non-canonical nucleic acid structures found in specific G-rich DNA or RNA sequences in the human genome. G4 structures are liable for various biological functions; transcription, translation, cell aging as well as diseases such as cancer. These structures are therefore considered as important targets for the development of anticancer agents. Small organic heterocyclic molecules are well known to target and stabilize G4 structures. In this article, we have designed and synthesized 2,6-di-(4-carbamoyl-2-quinolyl)pyridine derivatives and their ability to stabilize G4-structures have been determined through the FRET melting assay. It has been established that these ligands are selective for G4 over duplexes and show a preference for the parallel conformation. Next, telomerase inhibition ability has been assessed using three cell lines (K562, MyLa and MV-4-11) and telomerase activity is no longer detected at 0.1 μM concentration for the most potent ligand 1c. The most promising G4 ligands were also tested for antiproliferative activity against the two human myeloid leukaemia cell lines, HL60 and K562.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabindra Nath Das
- Université de Bordeaux, ARNA laboratory, INSERM U1212, UMR CNRS 5320, UFR des Sciences Pharmaceutiques, 33076 Bordeaux CEDEX, France.
| | - Edith Chevret
- Université de Bordeaux, INSERM U1053, Cutaneous Lymphoma Oncogenesis Team, 33076 Bordeaux CEDEX, France.
| | - Vanessa Desplat
- Université de Bordeaux, INSERM U1035, Cellules souches hématopoïétiques normales et leucémiques, UFR des Sciences Pharmaceutiques, 33076 Bordeaux CEDEX, France.
| | - Sandra Rubio
- Université de Bordeaux, ARNA laboratory, INSERM U1212, UMR CNRS 5320, UFR des Sciences Pharmaceutiques, 33076 Bordeaux CEDEX, France.
| | - Jean-Louis Mergny
- Université de Bordeaux, ARNA laboratory, INSERM U1212, UMR CNRS 5320, UFR des Sciences Pharmaceutiques, 33076 Bordeaux CEDEX, France.
- Institute of Biophysics of the CAS, v.v.i., Královopolská 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Jean Guillon
- Université de Bordeaux, ARNA laboratory, INSERM U1212, UMR CNRS 5320, UFR des Sciences Pharmaceutiques, 33076 Bordeaux CEDEX, France.
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Shen L, Liu Y, Tso P, Wang DQH, Davidson WS, Woods SC, Liu M. Silencing steroid receptor coactivator-1 in the nucleus of the solitary tract reduces estrogenic effects on feeding and apolipoprotein A-IV expression. J Biol Chem 2017; 293:2091-2101. [PMID: 29263093 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra117.000237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Revised: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
We previously found that 17β-estradiol (E2) stimulates apolipoprotein A-IV (apoA-IV) gene expression in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) of lean ovariectomized (OVX) rodents. Here we report that in the NTS of high-fat diet-induced obese (DIO) rats, the apoA-IV mRNA level is significantly reduced and that the estrogenic effects on apoA-IV gene expression and food intake are impaired. E2 regulates apoA-IV gene expression through its nuclear receptor α (ERα), which requires co-activators, such as steroid receptor coactivator-1 (SRC-1), to facilitate the transcription of targeted genes. Interestingly, SRC-1 gene expression is significantly reduced in DIO OVX rats. SRC-1 is colocalized with apoA-IV in the cells of the NTS and E2 treatment enhances the recruitment of ERα and SRC-1 to the estrogen response element at the apoA-V promoter, implying the participation of SRC-1 in E2's stimulatory effect on apoA-IV gene expression. Using small hairpin RNA (shRNA), which was validated in cultured neuronal cells, we found that SRC-1 gene knockdown specifically in the NTS significantly diminished E2's anorectic action, leading to increased food intake and body weight. More importantly, the stimulatory effect of E2 on apoA-IV gene expression in the NTS was significantly attenuated in SRC-1 knockdown rats. These results collectively demonstrate the critical roles of NTS SRC-1 in mediating E2's actions on food intake and apoA-IV gene expression and suggest that reduced levels of endogenous SRC-1 and apoA-IV expression are responsible for the impaired E2's anorectic action in obese females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Shen
- From the Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and
| | - Yin Liu
- From the Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and
| | - Patrick Tso
- From the Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and
| | - David Q-H Wang
- the Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Marion Bessin Liver Research Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461
| | - W Sean Davidson
- From the Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and
| | - Stephen C Woods
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45237 and
| | - Min Liu
- From the Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and
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