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Zha X, Gao Z, Li M, Xia X, Mao Z, Wang S. Insight into the regulatory mechanism of m 6A modification: From MAFLD to hepatocellular carcinoma. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 177:116966. [PMID: 38906018 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116966] [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: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the incidence of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), which has been attributed to the increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity. MAFLD affects more than one-third of adults worldwide, making it the most prevalent liver disease globally. Moreover, MAFLD is considered a significant risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with MAFLD-related HCC cases increasing. Approximately 1 in 6 HCC patients are believed to have MAFLD, and nearly 40 % of these HCC patients do not progress to cirrhosis, indicating direct transformation from MAFLD to HCC. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is commonly distributed in eukaryotic mRNA and plays a crucial role in normal development and disease progression, particularly in tumors. Numerous studies have highlighted the close association between abnormal m6A modification and cellular metabolic alterations, underscoring its importance in the onset and progression of MAFLD. However, the specific impact of m6A modification on the progression of MAFLD to HCC remains unclear. Can targeting m6A effectively halt the progression of MAFLD-related HCC? In this review, we investigated the pivotal role of abnormal m6A modification in the transition from MAFLD to HCC, explored the potential of m6A modification as a therapeutic target for MAFLD-related HCC, and proposed possible directions for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Zha
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China; Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Zewei Gao
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xueli Xia
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Zhenwei Mao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.
| | - Shengjun Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China; Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.
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2
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Geens B, Goossens S, Li J, Van de Peer Y, Vanden Broeck J. Untangling the gordian knot: The intertwining interactions between developmental hormone signaling and epigenetic mechanisms in insects. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 585:112178. [PMID: 38342134 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2024.112178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Hormones control developmental and physiological processes, often by regulating the expression of multiple genes simultaneously or sequentially. Crosstalk between hormones and epigenetics is pivotal to dynamically coordinate this process. Hormonal signals can guide the addition and removal of epigenetic marks, steering gene expression. Conversely, DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs can modulate regional chromatin structure and accessibility and regulate the expression of numerous (hormone-related) genes. Here, we provide a review of the interplay between the classical insect hormones, ecdysteroids and juvenile hormones, and epigenetics. We summarize the mode-of-action and roles of these hormones in post-embryonic development, and provide a general overview of epigenetic mechanisms. We then highlight recent advances on the interactions between these hormonal pathways and epigenetics, and their involvement in development. Furthermore, we give an overview of several 'omics techniques employed in the field. Finally, we discuss which questions remain unanswered and possible avenues for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Geens
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Stijn Goossens
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Jia Li
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Yves Van de Peer
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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3
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Wang H, Feng J, Zeng C, Liu J, Fu Z, Wang D, Wang Y, Zhang L, Li J, Jiang A, He M, Cao Y, Yan K, Tang H, Guo D, Xu K, Zhou X, Zhou L, Lan K, Zhou Y, Chen Y. NSUN2-mediated M 5c methylation of IRF3 mRNA negatively regulates type I interferon responses during various viral infections. Emerg Microbes Infect 2023; 12:2178238. [PMID: 36748584 PMCID: PMC9946332 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2023.2178238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
5-Methylcytosine (m5C) is a widespread post-transcriptional RNA modification and is reported to be involved in manifold cellular responses and biological processes through regulating RNA metabolism. However, its regulatory role in antiviral innate immunity has not yet been elucidated. Here, we report that NSUN2, a typical m5C methyltransferase, negatively regulates type I interferon responses during various viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2. NSUN2 specifically mediates m5C methylation of IRF3 mRNA and accelerates its degradation, resulting in low levels of IRF3 and downstream IFN-β production. Knockout or knockdown of NSUN2 enhanced type I interferon and downstream ISGs during various viral infection in vitro. And in vivo, the antiviral innate response is more dramatically enhanced in Nsun2+/- mice than in Nsun2+/+ mice. The highly m5C methylated cytosines in IRF3 mRNA were identified, and their mutation enhanced cellular IRF3 mRNA levels. Moreover, infection with Sendai virus (SeV), vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), or Zika virus (ZIKV) resulted in a reduction of endogenous NSUN2 levels. Especially, SARS-CoV-2 infection (WT strain and BA.1 omicron variant) also decreased endogenous levels of NSUN2 in COVID-19 patients and K18-hACE2 KI mice, further increasing type I interferon and downstream ISGs. Together, our findings reveal that NSUN2 serves as a negative regulator of interferon response by accelerating the fast turnover of IRF3 mRNA, while endogenous NSUN2 levels decrease during SARS-CoV-2 and various viral infections to boost antiviral responses for effective elimination of viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiangpeng Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cong Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China,College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jiejie Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiying Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dehe Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yafen Wang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiali Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ao Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Miao He
- School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Cao
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kun Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hao Tang
- Heart Center of Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Central China Fuwai Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Deyin Guo
- School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ke Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiang Zhou
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China,Animal Bio-Safety Level III Laboratory at Center for Animal Experiment, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ke Lan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China, Yu Chen State Key Laboratory of Virology, Modern Virology Research Center, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan430072, People’s Republic of China
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4
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Jiao Y, Palli SR. N 6-adenosine (m 6A) mRNA methylation is required for Tribolium castaneum development and reproduction. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 159:103985. [PMID: 37422274 PMCID: PMC10528953 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2023.103985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
Gene expression is regulated at various levels, including post-transcriptional mRNA modifications, where m6A methylation is the most common modification of mRNA. The m6A methylation regulates multiple stages of mRNA processing, including splicing, export, decay, and translation. How m6A modification is involved in insect development is not well known. We used the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, as a model insect to identify the role of m6A modification in insect development. RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated knockdown of genes coding for m6A writers (m6A methyltransferase complex, depositing m6A to mRNA) and readers (YTH-domain proteins, recognizing and executing the function of m6A) was conducted. Knockdown of most writers during the larval stage caused a failure of ecdysis during eclosion. The loss of m6A machinery sterilized both females and males by interfering with the functioning of reproductive systems. Females treated with dsMettl3, the main m6A methyltransferase, laid significantly fewer and reduced-size eggs than the control insects. In addition, the embryonic development in eggs laid by dsMettl3 injected females was terminated in the early stages. Knockdown studies also showed that the cytosol m6A reader, YTHDF, is likely responsible for executing the function of m6A modifications during insect development. These data suggest that m6A modifications are critical for T. castaneum development and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaoyu Jiao
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA
| | - Subba Reddy Palli
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA.
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5
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McQuarrie DWJ, Read AM, Stephens FHS, Civetta A, Soller M. Indel driven rapid evolution of core nuclear pore protein gene promoters. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8035. [PMID: 37198214 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34985-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear pore proteins (Nups) prominently are among the few genes linked to speciation from hybrid incompatibility in Drosophila. These studies have focused on coding sequence evolution of Nup96 and Nup160 and shown evidence of positive selection driving nucleoporin evolution. Intriguingly, channel Nup54 functionality is required for neuronal wiring underlying the female post-mating response induced by male-derived sex-peptide. A region of rapid evolution in the core promoter of Nup54 suggests a critical role for general transcriptional regulatory elements at the onset of speciation, but whether this is a general feature of Nup genes has not been determined. Consistent with findings for Nup54, additional channel Nup58 and Nup62 promoters also rapidly accumulate insertions/deletions (indels). Comprehensive examination of Nup upstream regions reveals that core Nup complex gene promoters accumulate indels rapidly. Since changes in promoters can drive changes in expression, these results indicate an evolutionary mechanism driven by indel accumulation in core Nup promoters. Compensation of such gene expression changes could lead to altered neuronal wiring, rapid fixation of traits caused by promoter changes and subsequently the rise of new species. Hence, the nuclear pore complex may act as a nexus for species-specific changes via nucleo-cytoplasmic transport regulated gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W J McQuarrie
- School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
- Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Adam M Read
- School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Frannie H S Stephens
- School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Alberto Civetta
- Department of Biology, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 2E9, Canada.
| | - Matthias Soller
- School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
- Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
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6
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Dix TC, Haussmann IU, Brivio S, Nallasivan MP, HadzHiev Y, Müller F, Müller B, Pettitt J, Soller M. CMTr mediated 2'- O-ribose methylation status of cap-adjacent nucleotides across animals. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2022; 28:1377-1390. [PMID: 35970556 PMCID: PMC9479742 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079317.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Cap methyltransferases (CMTrs) O methylate the 2' position of the ribose (cOMe) of cap-adjacent nucleotides of animal, protist, and viral mRNAs. Animals generally have two CMTrs, whereas trypanosomes have three, and many viruses encode one in their genome. In the splice leader of mRNAs in trypanosomes, the first four nucleotides contain cOMe, but little is known about the status of cOMe in animals. Here, we show that cOMe is prominently present on the first two cap-adjacent nucleotides with species- and tissue-specific variations in Caenorhabditis elegans, honeybees, zebrafish, mouse, and human cell lines. In contrast, Drosophila contains cOMe primarily on the first cap-adjacent nucleotide. De novo RoseTTA modeling of CMTrs reveals close similarities of the overall structure and near identity for the catalytic tetrad, and for cap and cofactor binding for human, Drosophila and C. elegans CMTrs. Although viral CMTrs maintain the overall structure and catalytic tetrad, they have diverged in cap and cofactor binding. Consistent with the structural similarity, both CMTrs from Drosophila and humans methylate the first cap-adjacent nucleotide of an AGU consensus start. Because the second nucleotide is also methylated upon heat stress in Drosophila, these findings argue for regulated cOMe important for gene expression regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C Dix
- School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
- Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Irmgard U Haussmann
- Department of Life Science, Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, B15 3TN, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Brivio
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Mohannakarthik P Nallasivan
- School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
- Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Yavor HadzHiev
- Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, United Kingdom
| | - Ferenc Müller
- Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, United Kingdom
| | - Berndt Müller
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Pettitt
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Matthias Soller
- School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
- Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
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7
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CMTr cap-adjacent 2'-O-ribose mRNA methyltransferases are required for reward learning and mRNA localization to synapses. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1209. [PMID: 35260552 PMCID: PMC8904806 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28549-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cap-adjacent nucleotides of animal, protist and viral mRNAs can be O-methylated at the 2‘ position of the ribose (cOMe). The functions of cOMe in animals, however, remain largely unknown. Here we show that the two cap methyltransferases (CMTr1 and CMTr2) of Drosophila can methylate the ribose of the first nucleotide in mRNA. Double-mutant flies lack cOMe but are viable. Consistent with prominent neuronal expression, they have a reward learning defect that can be rescued by conditional expression in mushroom body neurons before training. Among CMTr targets are cell adhesion and signaling molecules. Many are relevant for learning, and are also targets of Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP). Like FMRP, cOMe is required for localization of untranslated mRNAs to synapses and enhances binding of the cap binding complex in the nucleus. Hence, our study reveals a mechanism to co-transcriptionally prime mRNAs by cOMe for localized protein synthesis at synapses. The two cap methyltransferases (CMTrs) redundantly methylate riboses of first cap adjacent nucleotides in messenger RNAs in Drosophila. Here, CMTrs are required for reward learning and localization of untranslated messenger RNAs to synapses.
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8
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Li T, Wei Y, Qu M, Mou L, Miao J, Xi M, Liu Y, He R. Formaldehyde and De/Methylation in Age-Related Cognitive Impairment. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12060913. [PMID: 34199279 PMCID: PMC8231798 DOI: 10.3390/genes12060913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Formaldehyde (FA) is a highly reactive substance that is ubiquitous in the environment and is usually considered as a pollutant. In the human body, FA is a product of various metabolic pathways and participates in one-carbon cycle, which provides carbon for the synthesis and modification of bio-compounds, such as DNA, RNA, and amino acids. Endogenous FA plays a role in epigenetic regulation, especially in the methylation and demethylation of DNA, histones, and RNA. Recently, epigenetic alterations associated with FA dysmetabolism have been considered as one of the important features in age-related cognitive impairment (ARCI), suggesting the potential of using FA as a diagnostic biomarker of ARCI. Notably, FA plays multifaceted roles, and, at certain concentrations, it promotes cell proliferation, enhances memory formation, and elongates life span, effects that could also be involved in the aetiology of ARCI. Further investigation of and the regulation of the epigenetics landscape may provide new insights about the aetiology of ARCI and provide novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Li
- Bayannur Hospital, Bayannur 015000, China;
| | - Yan Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 15 Datun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China; (Y.W.); (L.M.); (J.M.)
| | - Meihua Qu
- Translational Medical Center, Weifang Second People’s Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261041, China;
| | - Lixian Mou
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 15 Datun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China; (Y.W.); (L.M.); (J.M.)
| | - Junye Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 15 Datun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China; (Y.W.); (L.M.); (J.M.)
| | - Mengqi Xi
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China; (M.X.); (Y.L.)
| | - Ying Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China; (M.X.); (Y.L.)
| | - Rongqiao He
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 15 Datun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China; (Y.W.); (L.M.); (J.M.)
- Correspondence:
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9
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A neural m 6A/Ythdf pathway is required for learning and memory in Drosophila. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1458. [PMID: 33674589 PMCID: PMC7935873 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21537-1] [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: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Epitranscriptomic modifications can impact behavior. Here, we used Drosophila melanogaster to study N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most abundant modification of mRNA. Proteomic and functional analyses confirm its nuclear (Ythdc1) and cytoplasmic (Ythdf) YTH domain proteins as major m6A binders. Assays of short term memory in m6A mutants reveal neural-autonomous requirements of m6A writers working via Ythdf, but not Ythdc1. Furthermore, m6A/Ythdf operate specifically via the mushroom body, the center for associative learning. We map m6A from wild-type and Mettl3 mutant heads, allowing robust discrimination of Mettl3-dependent m6A sites that are highly enriched in 5' UTRs. Genomic analyses indicate that Drosophila m6A is preferentially deposited on genes with low translational efficiency and that m6A does not affect RNA stability. Nevertheless, functional tests indicate a role for m6A/Ythdf in translational activation. Altogether, our molecular genetic analyses and tissue-specific m6A maps reveal selective behavioral and regulatory defects for the Drosophila Mettl3/Ythdf pathway.
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10
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Anreiter I, Mir Q, Simpson JT, Janga SC, Soller M. New Twists in Detecting mRNA Modification Dynamics. Trends Biotechnol 2021; 39:72-89. [PMID: 32620324 PMCID: PMC7326690 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2020.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Modified nucleotides in mRNA are an essential addition to the standard genetic code of four nucleotides in animals, plants, and their viruses. The emerging field of epitranscriptomics examines nucleotide modifications in mRNA and their impact on gene expression. The low abundance of nucleotide modifications and technical limitations, however, have hampered systematic analysis of their occurrence and functions. Selective chemical and immunological identification of modified nucleotides has revealed global candidate topology maps for many modifications in mRNA, but further technical advances to increase confidence will be necessary. Single-molecule sequencing introduced by Oxford Nanopore now promises to overcome such limitations, and we summarize current progress with a particular focus on the bioinformatic challenges of this novel sequencing technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ina Anreiter
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, ON M5G 0A3, Canada; Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 2E4, Canada
| | - Quoseena Mir
- Department of BioHealth Informatics, School of Informatics and Computing, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Jared T Simpson
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, ON M5G 0A3, Canada; Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 2E4, Canada
| | - Sarath C Janga
- Department of BioHealth Informatics, School of Informatics and Computing, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Medical Research and Library Building, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, 5021 Health Information and Translational Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Matthias Soller
- School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
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11
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Huo FC, Zhu ZM, Pei DS. N 6 -methyladenosine (m 6 A) RNA modification in human cancer. Cell Prolif 2020; 53:e12921. [PMID: 33029866 PMCID: PMC7653258 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
N6 -methyladenosine (m6 A) RNA modification, first discovered in 1974, is the most prevalent, abundant and penetrating messenger RNA (mRNA) modification in eukaryotes. This governs the fate of modified transcripts, regulates RNA metabolism and biological processes, and participates in pathogenesis of numerous human diseases, especially in cancer through the reciprocal regulation of m6 A methyltransferases ("writers") and demethylases ("erasers") and the binding proteins decoding m6 A methylation ("readers"). Accumulating evidence indicates a complicated regulation network of m6 A modification involving multiple m6 A-associated regulatory proteins whose biological functions have been further analysed. This review aimed to summarize the current knowledge on the potential significance and molecular mechanisms of m6 A RNA modification in the initiation and progression of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu-Chun Huo
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Man Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Dong-Sheng Pei
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
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12
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Navarro-Martín L, Martyniuk CJ, Mennigen JA. Comparative epigenetics in animal physiology: An emerging frontier. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY D-GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2020; 36:100745. [PMID: 33126028 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2020.100745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The unprecedented access to annotated genomes now facilitates the investigation of the molecular basis of epigenetic phenomena in phenotypically diverse animals. In this critical review, we describe the roles of molecular epigenetic mechanisms in regulating mitotically and meiotically stable spatiotemporal gene expression, phenomena that provide the molecular foundation for the intra-, inter-, and trans-generational emergence of physiological phenotypes. By focusing principally on emerging comparative epigenetic roles of DNA-level and transcriptome-level epigenetic mark dynamics in the emergence of phenotypes, we highlight the relationship between evolutionary conservation and innovation of specific epigenetic pathways, and their interplay as a priority for future study. This comparative approach is expected to significantly advance our understanding of epigenetic phenomena, as animals show a diverse array of strategies to epigenetically modify physiological responses. Additionally, we review recent technological advances in the field of molecular epigenetics (single-cell epigenomics and transcriptomics and editing of epigenetic marks) in order to (1) investigate environmental and endogenous factor dependent epigenetic mark dynamics in an integrative manner; (2) functionally test the contribution of specific epigenetic marks for animal phenotypes via genome and transcript-editing tools. Finally, we describe advantages and limitations of emerging animal models, which under the Krogh principle, may be particularly useful in the advancement of comparative epigenomics and its potential translational applications in animal science, ecotoxicology, ecophysiology, climate change science and wild-life conservation, as well as organismal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laia Navarro-Martín
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, Barcelona, Catalunya 08034, Spain.
| | - Christopher J Martyniuk
- Department of Physiological Sciences and Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, University of Florida Genetics Institute, Interdisciplinary Program in Biomedical Sciences Neuroscience, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Jan A Mennigen
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N6N5, Canada
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13
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Karthiya R, Khandelia P. m6A RNA Methylation: Ramifications for Gene Expression and Human Health. Mol Biotechnol 2020; 62:467-484. [PMID: 32840728 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-020-00269-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cellular transcriptomes are frequently adorned by a variety of chemical modification marks, which in turn have a profound influence on its functioning. Of these modifications, the one which has invited a lot of attention in the recent years is m6A RNA methylation, leading to the development of RNA epigenetics or epitranscriptomics as a frontier research area. m6A RNA methylation is one of the most abundant reversible internal modification seen in cellular RNAs. Studies in the last few years have not only shed light on the molecular machinery involved in m6A RNA methylation but also on the impact of this modification in regulating gene expression and hence biological processes. In this review, we will emphasize the biological impact of this modification in normal organismal development and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Karthiya
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani - Hyderabad Campus, Jawahar Nagar, Kapra Mandal, Medchal District, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500078, India
| | - Piyush Khandelia
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani - Hyderabad Campus, Jawahar Nagar, Kapra Mandal, Medchal District, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500078, India.
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14
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Arribere JA, Kuroyanagi H, Hundley HA. mRNA Editing, Processing and Quality Control in Caenorhabditis elegans. Genetics 2020; 215:531-568. [PMID: 32632025 PMCID: PMC7337075 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.119.301807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
While DNA serves as the blueprint of life, the distinct functions of each cell are determined by the dynamic expression of genes from the static genome. The amount and specific sequences of RNAs expressed in a given cell involves a number of regulated processes including RNA synthesis (transcription), processing, splicing, modification, polyadenylation, stability, translation, and degradation. As errors during mRNA production can create gene products that are deleterious to the organism, quality control mechanisms exist to survey and remove errors in mRNA expression and processing. Here, we will provide an overview of mRNA processing and quality control mechanisms that occur in Caenorhabditis elegans, with a focus on those that occur on protein-coding genes after transcription initiation. In addition, we will describe the genetic and technical approaches that have allowed studies in C. elegans to reveal important mechanistic insight into these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hidehito Kuroyanagi
- Laboratory of Gene Expression, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan, and
| | - Heather A Hundley
- Medical Sciences Program, Indiana University School of Medicine-Bloomington, Indiana 47405
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15
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The m 6A epitranscriptome: transcriptome plasticity in brain development and function. Nat Rev Neurosci 2019; 21:36-51. [PMID: 31804615 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-019-0244-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The field of epitranscriptomics examines the recently deciphered form of gene expression regulation that is mediated by type- and site-specific RNA modifications. Similarly to the role played by epigenetic mechanisms - which operate via DNA and histone modifications - epitranscriptomic modifications are involved in the control of the delicate gene expression patterns that are needed for the development and activity of the nervous system and are essential for basic and higher brain functions. Here we describe the mechanisms that are involved in the writing, erasing and reading of N6-methyladenosine, the most prevalent internal mRNA modification, and the emerging roles played by N6-methyladenosine in the nervous system.
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16
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RNA modifications in gene expression control. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2019; 1862:219-221. [PMID: 30832897 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2019.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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17
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Rong ZX, Li Z, He JJ, Liu LY, Ren XX, Gao J, Mu Y, Guan YD, Duan YM, Zhang XP, Zhang DX, Li N, Deng YZ, Sun LQ. Downregulation of Fat Mass and Obesity Associated (FTO) Promotes the Progression of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma. Front Oncol 2019; 9:369. [PMID: 31143705 PMCID: PMC6521779 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) ranks as the second most malignant type of primary liver cancer with a high degree of incidence and a very poor prognosis. Fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) functions as an eraser of the RNA m6A modification, but its roles in ICC tumorigenesis and development remain unknown. We showed here that the protein level of FTO was downregulated in clinical ICC samples and cell lines and that FTO expression was inversely correlated with the expression of CA19-9 and micro-vessel density (MVD). A Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that a low expression of FTO predicted poor prognosis in ICC. in vitro, decreased endogenous expression of FTO obviously reduced apoptosis of ICC cells. Moreover, FTO suppressed the anchorage-independent growth and mobility of ICC cells. Through mining the database, FTO was found to regulate the integrin signaling pathway, inflammation signaling pathway, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway, angiogenesis, and the pyrimidine metabolism pathway. RNA decay assay showed that oncogene TEAD2 mRNA stability was impaired by FTO. In addition, the overexpression of FTO suppressed tumor growth in vivo. In conclusion, our study demonstrated the critical roles of FTO in ICC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo-Xian Rong
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology, Changsha, China
| | - Zhi Li
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology, Changsha, China
- Hunan International Collaboration Base for Science and Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Jun-Ju He
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology, Changsha, China
| | - Li-Yu Liu
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology, Changsha, China
| | - Xin-Xin Ren
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology, Changsha, China
| | - Jie Gao
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology, Changsha, China
| | - Yun Mu
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology, Changsha, China
| | - Yi-Di Guan
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology, Changsha, China
| | - Yu-Mei Duan
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiu-Ping Zhang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery VI (Ward I), Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - De-Xiang Zhang
- General Surgery Department, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Nan Li
- Department of Hepatic Surgery VI (Ward I), Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue-Zhen Deng
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology, Changsha, China
- Hunan International Collaboration Base for Science and Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Lun-Quan Sun
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology, Changsha, China
- Hunan International Collaboration Base for Science and Technology, Changsha, China
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18
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Abstract
The central dogma of molecular biology introduced by Crick describes a linear flow of information from DNA to mRNA to protein. Since then it has become evident that RNA undergoes several maturation steps such as capping, splicing, 3'-end processing, and editing. Likewise, nucleotide modifications are common in mRNA and are present in all organisms impacting on the regulation of gene expression. The most abundant modification found in mRNA is N6-methyladenosine (m6A). Deposition of m6A is a nuclear process and is performed by a megadalton writer complex primarily on mRNAs, but also on microRNAs and lncRNAs. The m6A methylosome is composed of the enzymatic core components METTL3 and METTL14, and several auxiliary proteins necessary for its correct positioning and functioning, which are WTAP, VIRMA, FLACC, RBM15, and HAKAI. The m6A epimark is decoded by YTH domain-containing reader proteins YTHDC and YTHDF, but METTLs can act as "readers" as well. Eraser proteins, such as FTO and ALKBH5, can remove the methyl group. Here we review recent progress on the role of m6A in regulating gene expression in light of Crick's central dogma of molecular biology. In particular, we address the complexity of the writer complex from an evolutionary perspective to obtain insights into the mechanism of ancient m6A methylation and its regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario L Balacco
- School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences , University of Birmingham , Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT , United Kingdom
| | - Matthias Soller
- School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences , University of Birmingham , Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT , United Kingdom
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19
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Aučynaitė A, Rutkienė R, Tauraitė D, Meškys R, Urbonavičius J. Identification of a 2'- O-Methyluridine Nucleoside Hydrolase Using the Metagenomic Libraries. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23112904. [PMID: 30405065 PMCID: PMC6278475 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23112904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ribose methylation is among the most ubiquitous modifications found in RNA. 2'-O-methyluridine is found in rRNA, snRNA, snoRNA and tRNA of Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukaryota. Moreover, 2'-O-methylribonucleosides are promising starting materials for the production of nucleic acid-based drugs. Despite the countless possibilities of practical use for the metabolic enzymes associated with methylated nucleosides, there are very few reports regarding the metabolic fate and enzymes involved in the metabolism of 2'-O-alkyl nucleosides. The presented work focuses on the cellular degradation of 2'-O-methyluridine. A novel enzyme was found using a screening strategy that employs Escherichia coli uracil auxotroph and the metagenomic libraries. A 2'-O-methyluridine hydrolase (RK9NH) has been identified together with an aldolase (RK9DPA)-forming a part of a probable gene cluster that is involved in the degradation of 2'-O-methylated nucleosides. The RK9NH is functional in E. coli uracil auxotroph and in vitro. The RK9NH nucleoside hydrolase could be engineered to enzymatically produce 2'-O-methylated nucleosides that are of great demand as raw materials for production of nucleic acid-based drugs. Moreover, RK9NH nucleoside hydrolase converts 5-fluorouridine, 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine and 5-fluoro-2'-O-methyluridine into 5-fluorouracil, which suggests it could be employed in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agota Aučynaitė
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania.
- Department of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, LT-10223 Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Rasa Rutkienė
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Daiva Tauraitė
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania.
- Department of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, LT-10223 Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Rolandas Meškys
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Jaunius Urbonavičius
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania.
- Department of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, LT-10223 Vilnius, Lithuania.
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20
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Morena F, Argentati C, Bazzucchi M, Emiliani C, Martino S. Above the Epitranscriptome: RNA Modifications and Stem Cell Identity. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:E329. [PMID: 29958477 PMCID: PMC6070936 DOI: 10.3390/genes9070329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sequence databases and transcriptome-wide mapping have revealed different reversible and dynamic chemical modifications of the nitrogen bases of RNA molecules. Modifications occur in coding RNAs and noncoding-RNAs post-transcriptionally and they can influence the RNA structure, metabolism, and function. The result is the expansion of the variety of the transcriptome. In fact, depending on the type of modification, RNA molecules enter into a specific program exerting the role of the player or/and the target in biological and pathological processes. Many research groups are exploring the role of RNA modifications (alias epitranscriptome) in cell proliferation, survival, and in more specialized activities. More recently, the role of RNA modifications has been also explored in stem cell biology. Our understanding in this context is still in its infancy. Available evidence addresses the role of RNA modifications in self-renewal, commitment, and differentiation processes of stem cells. In this review, we will focus on five epitranscriptomic marks: N6-methyladenosine, N1-methyladenosine, 5-methylcytosine, Pseudouridine (Ψ) and Adenosine-to-Inosine editing. We will provide insights into the function and the distribution of these chemical modifications in coding RNAs and noncoding-RNAs. Mainly, we will emphasize the role of epitranscriptomic mechanisms in the biology of naïve, primed, embryonic, adult, and cancer stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Morena
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Chiara Argentati
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Martina Bazzucchi
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Carla Emiliani
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
- CEMIN, Center of Excellence of Nanostructured Innovative Materials, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Sabata Martino
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
- CEMIN, Center of Excellence of Nanostructured Innovative Materials, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
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21
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Sánchez-Vásquez E, Alata Jimenez N, Vázquez NA, Strobl-Mazzulla PH. Emerging role of dynamic RNA modifications during animal development. Mech Dev 2018; 154:24-32. [PMID: 29654887 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2018.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Revised: 04/07/2018] [Accepted: 04/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The central dogma of molecular biology statically says that the information flows from DNA to messenger RNA to protein. But the recent advances in mass spectrometry and high throughput technology have helped the scientists to view RNA as little more than a courier of genetic information encoded in the DNA. The dynamics of RNA modifications in coding and non-coding RNAs are just emerging as a carrier of non-genetic information, uncovering a new layer of complexity in the regulation of gene expression and protein translation. In this review, we summarize about the current knowledge of N6-methyladenosine (m6A), N1-methyladenosine (m1A), 5-methylcytosine (m5C) and pseudouridine (Ψ) modifications in RNA, and described how these RNA modifications are implicated in early animal development and in several human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estefanía Sánchez-Vásquez
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas- Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (CONICET-UNSAM), Int. Marino 8200, Chascomús 7130, Argentina
| | - Nagif Alata Jimenez
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas- Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (CONICET-UNSAM), Int. Marino 8200, Chascomús 7130, Argentina
| | - Nicolás A Vázquez
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas- Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (CONICET-UNSAM), Int. Marino 8200, Chascomús 7130, Argentina
| | - Pablo H Strobl-Mazzulla
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas- Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (CONICET-UNSAM), Int. Marino 8200, Chascomús 7130, Argentina.
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22
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Knuckles P, Lence T, Haussmann IU, Jacob D, Kreim N, Carl SH, Masiello I, Hares T, Villaseñor R, Hess D, Andrade-Navarro MA, Biggiogera M, Helm M, Soller M, Bühler M, Roignant JY. Zc3h13/Flacc is required for adenosine methylation by bridging the mRNA-binding factor Rbm15/Spenito to the m 6A machinery component Wtap/Fl(2)d. Genes Dev 2018. [PMID: 29535189 PMCID: PMC5900714 DOI: 10.1101/gad.309146.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 399] [Impact Index Per Article: 66.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
In this study, Knuckles et al. identified Flacc/Zc3h13 as a novel interactor of m6A methyltransferase complex components in Drosophila and mice. They show that Flacc promotes the recruitment of the methyltransferase to mRNA by bridging Fl(2)d to the mRNA-binding factor Nito, providing novel insights into the conservation and regulation of the m6A machinery. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant mRNA modification in eukaryotes, playing crucial roles in multiple biological processes. m6A is catalyzed by the activity of methyltransferase-like 3 (Mettl3), which depends on additional proteins whose precise functions remain poorly understood. Here we identified Zc3h13 (zinc finger CCCH domain-containing protein 13)/Flacc [Fl(2)d-associated complex component] as a novel interactor of m6A methyltransferase complex components in Drosophila and mice. Like other components of this complex, Flacc controls m6A levels and is involved in sex determination in Drosophila. We demonstrate that Flacc promotes m6A deposition by bridging Fl(2)d to the mRNA-binding factor Nito. Altogether, our work advances the molecular understanding of conservation and regulation of the m6A machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Knuckles
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, 4058 Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel 4002, Switzerland
| | - Tina Lence
- Institute of Molecular Biology, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Irmgard U Haussmann
- School of Life Science, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 5FB, United Kingdom.,School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Dominik Jacob
- Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Nastasja Kreim
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, Institute of Molecular Biology, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Sarah H Carl
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, 4058 Basel, Switzerland.,Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel 4058, Switzerland
| | - Irene Masiello
- Institute of Molecular Biology, 55128 Mainz, Germany.,Laboratory of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Department of Animal Biology, University of Pavia, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Tina Hares
- Institute of Molecular Biology, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Rodrigo Villaseñor
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, 4058 Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel 4002, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Hess
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Miguel A Andrade-Navarro
- Institute of Molecular Biology, 55128 Mainz, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Marco Biggiogera
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Department of Animal Biology, University of Pavia, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Mark Helm
- Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Matthias Soller
- School of Life Science, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 5FB, United Kingdom
| | - Marc Bühler
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, 4058 Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel 4002, Switzerland
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23
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Jung Y, Goldman D. Role of RNA modifications in brain and behavior. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2018; 17:e12444. [PMID: 29244246 PMCID: PMC6233296 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Much progress in our understanding of RNA metabolism has been made since the first RNA nucleoside modification was identified in 1957. Many of these modifications are found in noncoding RNAs but recent interest has focused on coding RNAs. Here, we summarize current knowledge of cellular consequences of RNA modifications, with a special emphasis on neuropsychiatric disorders. We present evidence for the existence of an "RNA code," similar to the histone code, that fine-tunes gene expression in the nervous system by using combinations of different RNA modifications. Unlike the relatively stable genetic code, this combinatorial RNA epigenetic code, or epitranscriptome, may be dynamically reprogrammed as a cause or consequence of psychiatric disorders. We discuss potential mechanisms linking disregulation of the epitranscriptome with brain disorders and identify potential new avenues of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y. Jung
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland
| | - D. Goldman
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland
- Office of the Clinical Director, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland
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24
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Stojković V, Fujimori DG. Mutations in RNA methylating enzymes in disease. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2017; 41:20-27. [PMID: 29059606 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2017.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2017] [Revised: 10/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
RNA methylation is an abundant modification identified in various RNA species in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. However, the functional roles for the majority of these methylations remain largely unclear. In eukaryotes, many RNA methylations have been suggested to participate in fundamental cellular processes. Mutations in eukaryotic RNA methylating enzymes, and a consequent change in methylation, can lead to the development of diseases and disorders. In contrast, loss of RNA methylation in prokaryotes can be beneficial to microorganisms, especially under antibiotic pressure. Here we discuss several recent advances in understanding mutational landscape of both eukaryotic and prokaryotic RNA methylating enzymes and their relevance to disease and antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanja Stojković
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, 600 16th St, MC2280, San Francisco, CA 94158, United States
| | - Danica Galonić Fujimori
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, 600 16th St, MC2280, San Francisco, CA 94158, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, 600 16th St, MC2280, San Francisco, CA 94158, United States.
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25
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Roignant JY, Soller M. m 6A in mRNA: An Ancient Mechanism for Fine-Tuning Gene Expression. Trends Genet 2017; 33:380-390. [PMID: 28499622 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2017.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 299] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Modifications in mRNA constitute ancient mechanisms to regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prominent mRNA modification, and is installed by a large methyltransferase complex (the m6A 'writer'), not only specifically bound by RNA-binding proteins (the m6A 'readers'), but also removed by demethylases (the m6A 'erasers'). m6A mRNA modifications have been linked to regulation at multiple steps in mRNA processing. In analogy to the regulation of gene expression by miRNAs, we propose that the main function of m6A is post-transcriptional fine-tuning of gene expression. In contrast to miRNA regulation, which mostly reduces gene expression, we argue that m6A provides a fast mean to post-transcriptionally maximize gene expression. Additionally, m6A appears to have a second function during developmental transitions by targeting m6A-marked transcripts for degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Yves Roignant
- Laboratory of RNA Epigenetics, Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Mainz, 55128, Germany.
| | - Matthias Soller
- School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
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Ben-Nissan G, Belov ME, Morgenstern D, Levin Y, Dym O, Arkind G, Lipson C, Makarov AA, Sharon M. Triple-Stage Mass Spectrometry Unravels the Heterogeneity of an Endogenous Protein Complex. Anal Chem 2017; 89:4708-4715. [PMID: 28345864 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.7b00518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Protein complexes often represent an ensemble of different assemblies with distinct functions and regulation. This increased complexity is enabled by the variety of protein diversification mechanisms that exist at every step of the protein biosynthesis pathway, such as alternative splicing and post transcriptional and translational modifications. The resulting variation in subunits can generate compositionally distinct protein assemblies. These different forms of a single protein complex may comprise functional variances that enable response and adaptation to varying cellular conditions. Despite the biological importance of this layer of complexity, relatively little is known about the compositional heterogeneity of protein complexes, mostly due to technical barriers of studying such closely related species. Here, we show that native mass spectrometry (MS) offers a way to unravel this inherent heterogeneity of protein assemblies. Our approach relies on the advanced Orbitrap mass spectrometer capable of multistage MS analysis across all levels of protein organization. Specifically, we have implemented a two-step fragmentation process in the inject flatapole device, which was converted to a linear ion trap, and can now probe the intact protein complex assembly, through its constituent subunits, to the primary sequence of each protein. We demonstrate our approach on the yeast homotetrameric FBP1 complex, the rate-limiting enzyme in gluconeogenesis. We show that the complex responds differently to changes in growth conditions by tuning phosphorylation dynamics. Our methodology deciphers, on a single instrument and in a single measurement, the stoichiometry, kinetics, and exact position of modifications, contributing to the exposure of the multilevel diversity of protein complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gili Ben-Nissan
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science , Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | | | - David Morgenstern
- The Nancy and Stephen Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine, Weizmann Institute of Science , Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Yishai Levin
- The Nancy and Stephen Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine, Weizmann Institute of Science , Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Orly Dym
- Israel Structural Proteomics Center, Weizmann Institute of Science , Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Galina Arkind
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science , Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Carni Lipson
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science , Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | | | - Michal Sharon
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science , Rehovot 7610001, Israel
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Lence T, Soller M, Roignant JY. A fly view on the roles and mechanisms of the m 6A mRNA modification and its players. RNA Biol 2017; 14:1232-1240. [PMID: 28353398 PMCID: PMC5699544 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2017.1307484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA modifications are an emerging layer of posttranscriptional gene regulation in eukaryotes. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is among the most abundant modifications in mRNAs (mRNAs) that was shown to influence many physiological processes from yeast to mammals. Like DNA methylation, m6A in mRNA is dynamically regulated. A conserved methyltransferase complex catalyzes the deposition of the methyl group on adenosine, which can be removed by specific classes of demethylases. Furthermore, YTH-domain containing proteins can recognize this modification to mediate m6A-dependent activities. Here we review the functions and mechanisms of the main m6A players with a particular focus on Drosophila melanogaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Lence
- a Laboratory of RNA Epigenetics , Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB) , Mainz , Germany
| | - Matthias Soller
- b School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences , University of Birmingham , Edgbaston, Birmingham , UK
| | - Jean-Yves Roignant
- a Laboratory of RNA Epigenetics , Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB) , Mainz , Germany
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