1
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Chen Y, Luo S, Hu Y, Mao B, Wang X, Lu Z, Shan Q, Zhang J, Wang S, Feng G, Wang C, Liang C, Tang N, Niu R, Wang J, Han J, Yang N, Wang H, Zhou Q, Li W. All-RNA-mediated targeted gene integration in mammalian cells with rationally engineered R2 retrotransposons. Cell 2024; 187:4674-4689.e18. [PMID: 38981481 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.06.020] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
All-RNA-mediated targeted gene integration methods, rendering reduced immunogenicity, effective deliverability with non-viral vehicles, and a low risk of random mutagenesis, are urgently needed for next-generation gene addition technologies. Naturally occurring R2 retrotransposons hold promise in this context due to their site-specific integration profile. Here, we systematically analyzed the biodiversity of R2 elements and screened several R2 orthologs capable of full-length gene insertion in mammalian cells. Robust R2 system gene integration efficiency was attained using combined donor RNA and protein engineering. Importantly, the all-RNA-delivered engineered R2 system showed effective integration activity, with efficiency over 60% in mouse embryos. Unbiased high-throughput sequencing demonstrated that the engineered R2 system exhibited high on-target integration specificity (99%). In conclusion, our study provides engineered R2 tools for applications based on hit-and-run targeted DNA integration and insights for further optimization of retrotransposon systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangcan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Bejing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Shengqiu Luo
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yanping Hu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Bejing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Bangwei Mao
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xinge Wang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zongbao Lu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qingtong Shan
- Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Siqi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Bejing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Guihai Feng
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Bejing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Chenxin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Bejing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Chen Liang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Na Tang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Bejing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Rui Niu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jiaqiang Wang
- Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Jiabao Han
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ning Yang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Haoyi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Bejing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Qi Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Bejing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Wei Li
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Bejing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China.
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2
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Faulkner GJ. Two HUSH complexes connect a direct LINE to innate immunity. Mol Cell 2024; 84:2801-2803. [PMID: 39121841 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2024.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
In this issue of Molecular Cell, Danac et al.1 identify a second HUSH complex, HUSH2, that represses interferon-stimulated genes and, by competing for subunits with the canonical HUSH complex, couples LINE-1 (L1) retrotransposon transcription with immune activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey J Faulkner
- Mater Research Institute - University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia.
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3
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Frost B, Dubnau J. The Role of Retrotransposons and Endogenous Retroviruses in Age-Dependent Neurodegenerative Disorders. Annu Rev Neurosci 2024; 47:123-143. [PMID: 38663088 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-neuro-082823-020615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
Over 40% of the human genome is composed of retrotransposons, DNA species that hold the potential to replicate via an RNA intermediate and are evolutionarily related to retroviruses. Retrotransposons are most studied for their ability to jump within a genome, which can cause DNA damage and novel insertional mutations. Retrotransposon-encoded products, including viral-like proteins, double-stranded RNAs, and extrachromosomal circular DNAs, can also be potent activators of the innate immune system. A growing body of evidence suggests that retrotransposons are activated in age-related neurodegenerative disorders and that such activation causally contributes to neurotoxicity. Here we provide an overview of retrotransposon biology and outline evidence of retrotransposon activation in age-related neurodegenerative disorders, with an emphasis on those involving TAR-DNA binding protein-43 (TDP-43) and tau. Studies to date provide the basis for ongoing clinical trials and hold promise for innovative strategies to ameliorate the adverse effects of retrotransposon dysregulation in neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bess Frost
- Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Diseases, and Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA;
| | - Josh Dubnau
- Department of Anesthesiology and Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York, USA;
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4
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Yano N, Chong PF, Kojima KK, Miyoshi T, Luqmen-Fatah A, Kimura Y, Kora K, Kayaki T, Maizuru K, Hayashi T, Yokoyama A, Ajiro M, Hagiwara M, Kondo T, Kira R, Takita J, Yoshida T. Long-read sequencing identifies an SVA_D retrotransposon insertion deep within the intron of ATP7A as a novel cause of occipital horn syndrome. J Med Genet 2024:jmg-2024-110056. [PMID: 38960580 DOI: 10.1136/jmg-2024-110056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND SINE-VNTR-Alu (SVA) retrotransposons move from one genomic location to another in a 'copy-and-paste' manner. They continue to move actively and cause monogenic diseases through various mechanisms. Currently, disease-causing SVA retrotransposons are classified into human-specific young SVA_E or SVA_F subfamilies. In this study, we identified an evolutionarily old SVA_D retrotransposon as a novel cause of occipital horn syndrome (OHS). OHS is an X-linked, copper metabolism disorder caused by dysfunction of the copper transporter, ATP7A. METHODS We investigated a 16-year-old boy with OHS whose pathogenic variant could not be detected via routine molecular genetic analyses. RESULTS A 2.8 kb insertion was detected deep within the intron of the patient's ATP7A gene. This insertion caused aberrant mRNA splicing activated by a new donor splice site located within it. Long-read circular consensus sequencing enabled us to accurately read the entire insertion sequence, which contained highly repetitive and GC-rich segments. Consequently, the insertion was identified as an SVA_D retrotransposon. Antisense oligonucleotides (AOs) targeting the new splice site restored the expression of normal transcripts and functional ATP7A proteins. AO treatment alleviated excessive accumulation of copper in patient fibroblasts in a dose-dependent manner. Pedigree analysis revealed that the retrotransposon had moved into the OHS-causing position two generations ago. CONCLUSION This is the first report of a human monogenic disease caused by the SVA_D retrotransposon. The fact that the evolutionarily old SVA_D is still actively transposed, leading to increased copy numbers may make a notable impact on rare genetic disease research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoko Yano
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Pin Fee Chong
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Fukuoka Children's Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kenji K Kojima
- Genetic Information Research Institute, Cupertino, CA, USA
| | - Tomoichiro Miyoshi
- Laboratory for Retrotransposon Dynamics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
- Department of Gene Mechanisms, Kyoto University Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ahmad Luqmen-Fatah
- Laboratory for Retrotransposon Dynamics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yu Kimura
- Department of Energy and Hydrocarbon Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kengo Kora
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Taisei Kayaki
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kanako Maizuru
- Department of Pediatrics, Tenri Yorozu Hospital, Tenri, Japan
| | - Takahiro Hayashi
- Department of Pediatrics, Kurashiki Central Hospital, Kurashiki, Japan
| | - Atsushi Yokoyama
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masahiko Ajiro
- Division of Cancer RNA Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Hagiwara
- Department of Drug Discovery Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Teruyuki Kondo
- Department of Energy and Hydrocarbon Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ryutaro Kira
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Fukuoka Children's Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Junko Takita
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takeshi Yoshida
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
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5
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Bodea GO, Botto JM, Ferreiro ME, Sanchez-Luque FJ, de Los Rios Barreda J, Rasmussen J, Rahman MA, Fenlon LR, Jansz N, Gubert C, Gerdes P, Bodea LG, Ajjikuttira P, Da Costa Guevara DJ, Cumner L, Bell CC, Kozulin P, Billon V, Morell S, Kempen MJHC, Love CJ, Saha K, Palmer LM, Ewing AD, Jhaveri DJ, Richardson SR, Hannan AJ, Faulkner GJ. LINE-1 retrotransposons contribute to mouse PV interneuron development. Nat Neurosci 2024; 27:1274-1284. [PMID: 38773348 PMCID: PMC11239520 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-024-01650-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Retrotransposons are mobile DNA sequences duplicated via transcription and reverse transcription of an RNA intermediate. Cis-regulatory elements encoded by retrotransposons can also promote the transcription of adjacent genes. Somatic LINE-1 (L1) retrotransposon insertions have been detected in mammalian neurons. It is, however, unclear whether L1 sequences are mobile in only some neuronal lineages or therein promote neurodevelopmental gene expression. Here we report programmed L1 activation by SOX6, a transcription factor critical for parvalbumin (PV) interneuron development. Mouse PV interneurons permit L1 mobilization in vitro and in vivo, harbor unmethylated L1 promoters and express full-length L1 mRNAs and proteins. Using nanopore long-read sequencing, we identify unmethylated L1s proximal to PV interneuron genes, including a novel L1 promoter-driven Caps2 transcript isoform that enhances neuron morphological complexity in vitro. These data highlight the contribution made by L1 cis-regulatory elements to PV interneuron development and transcriptome diversity, uncovered due to L1 mobility in this milieu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela O Bodea
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
- Mater Research Institute - University of Queensland, TRI Building, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Juan M Botto
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Maria E Ferreiro
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Francisco J Sanchez-Luque
- Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine 'López-Neyra', Spanish National Research Council, Granada, Spain
| | | | - Jay Rasmussen
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Muhammed A Rahman
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Laura R Fenlon
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Natasha Jansz
- Mater Research Institute - University of Queensland, TRI Building, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Carolina Gubert
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Patricia Gerdes
- Mater Research Institute - University of Queensland, TRI Building, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Liviu-Gabriel Bodea
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Prabha Ajjikuttira
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Darwin J Da Costa Guevara
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Mater Research Institute - University of Queensland, TRI Building, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Linda Cumner
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Charles C Bell
- Mater Research Institute - University of Queensland, TRI Building, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Peter Kozulin
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Victor Billon
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Biology Department, École Normale Supérieure Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Santiago Morell
- Mater Research Institute - University of Queensland, TRI Building, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Marie-Jeanne H C Kempen
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Chloe J Love
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Karabi Saha
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA
| | - Lucy M Palmer
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Adam D Ewing
- Mater Research Institute - University of Queensland, TRI Building, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Dhanisha J Jhaveri
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Mater Research Institute - University of Queensland, TRI Building, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sandra R Richardson
- Mater Research Institute - University of Queensland, TRI Building, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Anthony J Hannan
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Geoffrey J Faulkner
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
- Mater Research Institute - University of Queensland, TRI Building, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia.
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6
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Wang ZY, Ge LP, Ouyang Y, Jin X, Jiang YZ. Targeting transposable elements in cancer: developments and opportunities. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189143. [PMID: 38936517 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs), comprising nearly 50% of the human genome, have transitioned from being perceived as "genomic junk" to key players in cancer progression. Contemporary research links TE regulatory disruptions with cancer development, underscoring their therapeutic potential. Advances in long-read sequencing, computational analytics, single-cell sequencing, proteomics, and CRISPR-Cas9 technologies have enriched our understanding of TEs' clinical implications, notably their impact on genome architecture, gene regulation, and evolutionary processes. In cancer, TEs, including long interspersed element-1 (LINE-1), Alus, and long terminal repeat (LTR) elements, demonstrate altered patterns, influencing both tumorigenic and tumor-suppressive mechanisms. TE-derived nucleic acids and tumor antigens play critical roles in tumor immunity, bridging innate and adaptive responses. Given their central role in oncology, TE-targeted therapies, particularly through reverse transcriptase inhibitors and epigenetic modulators, represent a novel avenue in cancer treatment. Combining these TE-focused strategies with existing chemotherapy or immunotherapy regimens could enhance efficacy and offer a new dimension in cancer treatment. This review delves into recent TE detection advancements, explores their multifaceted roles in tumorigenesis and immune regulation, discusses emerging diagnostic and therapeutic approaches centered on TEs, and anticipates future directions in cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Yu Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Li-Ping Ge
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yang Ouyang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xi Jin
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yi-Zhou Jiang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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7
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Rodríguez-Vargas A, Collins K. Distinct and overlapping RNA determinants for binding and target-primed reverse transcription by Bombyx mori R2 retrotransposon protein. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:6571-6585. [PMID: 38499488 PMCID: PMC11194090 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic retrotransposons encode a reverse transcriptase that binds RNA to template DNA synthesis. The ancestral non-long terminal repeat (non-LTR) retrotransposons encode a protein that performs target-primed reverse transcription (TPRT), in which the nicked genomic target site initiates complementary DNA (cDNA) synthesis directly into the genome. The best understood model system for biochemical studies of TPRT is the R2 protein from the silk moth Bombyx mori. The R2 protein selectively binds the 3' untranslated region of its encoding RNA as template for DNA insertion to its target site in 28S ribosomal DNA. Here, binding and TPRT assays define RNA contributions to RNA-protein interaction, template use for TPRT and the fidelity of template positioning for TPRT cDNA synthesis. We quantify both sequence and structure contributions to protein-RNA interaction. RNA determinants of binding affinity overlap but are not equivalent to RNA features required for TPRT and its fidelity of template positioning for full-length TPRT cDNA synthesis. Additionally, we show that a previously implicated RNA-binding protein surface of R2 protein makes RNA binding affinity dependent on the presence of two stem-loops. Our findings inform evolutionary relationships across R2 retrotransposon RNAs and are a step toward understanding the mechanism and template specificity of non-LTR retrotransposon mobility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Rodríguez-Vargas
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Kathleen Collins
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
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8
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de la Gándara Á, Spínola-Amilibia M, Araújo-Bazán L, Núñez-Ramírez R, Berger JM, Arias-Palomo E. Molecular basis for transposase activation by a dedicated AAA+ ATPase. Nature 2024; 630:1003-1011. [PMID: 38926614 PMCID: PMC11208146 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07550-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Transposases drive chromosomal rearrangements and the dissemination of drug-resistance genes and toxins1-3. Although some transposases act alone, many rely on dedicated AAA+ ATPase subunits that regulate site selectivity and catalytic function through poorly understood mechanisms. Using IS21 as a model transposase system, we show how an ATPase regulator uses nucleotide-controlled assembly and DNA deformation to enable structure-based site selectivity, transposase recruitment, and activation and integration. Solution and cryogenic electron microscopy studies show that the IstB ATPase self-assembles into an autoinhibited pentamer of dimers that tightly curves target DNA into a half-coil. Two of these decamers dimerize, which stabilizes the target nucleic acid into a kinked S-shaped configuration that engages the IstA transposase at the interface between the two IstB oligomers to form an approximately 1 MDa transpososome complex. Specific interactions stimulate regulator ATPase activity and trigger a large conformational change on the transposase that positions the catalytic site to perform DNA strand transfer. These studies help explain how AAA+ ATPase regulators-which are used by classical transposition systems such as Tn7, Mu and CRISPR-associated elements-can remodel their substrate DNA and cognate transposases to promote function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lidia Araújo-Bazán
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - James M Berger
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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9
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Lee RJ, Horton CA, Van Treeck B, McIntyre JJR, Collins K. Conserved and divergent DNA recognition specificities and functions of R2 retrotransposon N-terminal domains. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114239. [PMID: 38753487 PMCID: PMC11204384 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
R2 non-long terminal repeat (non-LTR) retrotransposons are among the most extensively distributed mobile genetic elements in multicellular eukaryotes and show promise for applications in transgene supplementation of the human genome. They insert new gene copies into a conserved site in 28S ribosomal DNA with exquisite specificity. R2 clades are defined by the number of zinc fingers (ZFs) at the N terminus of the retrotransposon-encoded protein, postulated to additively confer DNA site specificity. Here, we illuminate general principles of DNA recognition by R2 N-terminal domains across and between clades, with extensive, specific recognition requiring only one or two compact domains. DNA-binding and protection assays demonstrate broadly shared as well as clade-specific DNA interactions. Gene insertion assays in cells identify the N-terminal domains sufficient for target-site insertion and reveal roles in second-strand cleavage or synthesis for clade-specific ZFs. Our results have implications for understanding evolutionary diversification of non-LTR retrotransposon insertion mechanisms and the design of retrotransposon-based gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Jooyoung Lee
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Connor A Horton
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Briana Van Treeck
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Jeremy J R McIntyre
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Kathleen Collins
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
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10
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Hong Y, Bie L, Zhang T, Yan X, Jin G, Chen Z, Wang Y, Li X, Pei G, Zhang Y, Hong Y, Gong L, Li P, Xie W, Zhu Y, Shen X, Liu N. SAFB restricts contact domain boundaries associated with L1 chimeric transcription. Mol Cell 2024; 84:1637-1650.e10. [PMID: 38604171 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2024.03.021] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Long interspersed element-1 (LINE-1 or L1) comprises 17% of the human genome, continuously generates genetic variations, and causes disease in certain cases. However, the regulation and function of L1 remain poorly understood. Here, we uncover that L1 can enrich RNA polymerase IIs (RNA Pol IIs), express L1 chimeric transcripts, and create contact domain boundaries in human cells. This impact of L1 is restricted by a nuclear matrix protein scaffold attachment factor B (SAFB) that recognizes transcriptionally active L1s by binding L1 transcripts to inhibit RNA Pol II enrichment. Acute inhibition of RNA Pol II transcription abolishes the domain boundaries associated with L1 chimeric transcripts, indicating a transcription-dependent mechanism. Deleting L1 impairs domain boundary formation, and L1 insertions during evolution have introduced species-specific domain boundaries. Our data show that L1 can create RNA Pol II-enriched regions that alter genome organization and that SAFB regulates L1 and RNA Pol II activity to preserve gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqiang Hong
- Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Luyao Bie
- Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xiaohan Yan
- Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Guangpu Jin
- Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Zhuo Chen
- Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xiufeng Li
- Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Gaofeng Pei
- Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yongyan Zhang
- Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yantao Hong
- Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Liang Gong
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Pilong Li
- Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Wei Xie
- Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yanfen Zhu
- International Institutes of Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu 322000, China
| | - Xiaohua Shen
- Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Nian Liu
- Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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11
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Pabis K, Barardo D, Sirbu O, Selvarajoo K, Gruber J, Kennedy BK. A concerted increase in readthrough and intron retention drives transposon expression during aging and senescence. eLife 2024; 12:RP87811. [PMID: 38567944 PMCID: PMC10990488 DOI: 10.7554/elife.87811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Aging and senescence are characterized by pervasive transcriptional dysfunction, including increased expression of transposons and introns. Our aim was to elucidate mechanisms behind this increased expression. Most transposons are found within genes and introns, with a large minority being close to genes. This raises the possibility that transcriptional readthrough and intron retention are responsible for age-related changes in transposon expression rather than expression of autonomous transposons. To test this, we compiled public RNA-seq datasets from aged human fibroblasts, replicative and drug-induced senescence in human cells, and RNA-seq from aging mice and senescent mouse cells. Indeed, our reanalysis revealed a correlation between transposons expression, intron retention, and transcriptional readthrough across samples and within samples. Both intron retention and readthrough increased with aging or cellular senescence and these transcriptional defects were more pronounced in human samples as compared to those of mice. In support of a causal connection between readthrough and transposon expression, analysis of models showing induced transcriptional readthrough confirmed that they also show elevated transposon expression. Taken together, our data suggest that elevated transposon reads during aging seen in various RNA-seq dataset are concomitant with multiple transcriptional defects. Intron retention and transcriptional readthrough are the most likely explanation for the expression of transposable elements that lack a functional promoter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamil Pabis
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Centre for Healthy Longevity, National University Health SystemSingaporeSingapore
| | - Diogo Barardo
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Centre for Healthy Longevity, National University Health SystemSingaporeSingapore
| | - Olga Sirbu
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)SingaporeSingapore
| | - Kumar Selvarajoo
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)SingaporeSingapore
- Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)SingaporeSingapore
- NUS Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI), National University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological UniversitySingaporeSingapore
| | - Jan Gruber
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Science Divisions, Yale-NUS CollegeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Brian K Kennedy
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Centre for Healthy Longevity, National University Health SystemSingaporeSingapore
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12
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Oomen ME, Torres-Padilla ME. Jump-starting life: balancing transposable element co-option and genome integrity in the developing mammalian embryo. EMBO Rep 2024; 25:1721-1733. [PMID: 38528171 PMCID: PMC11015026 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-024-00118-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Remnants of transposable elements (TEs) are widely expressed throughout mammalian embryo development. Originally infesting our genomes as selfish elements and acting as a source of genome instability, several of these elements have been co-opted as part of a complex system of genome regulation. Many TEs have lost transposition ability and their transcriptional potential has been tampered as a result of interactions with the host throughout evolutionary time. It has been proposed that TEs have been ultimately repurposed to function as gene regulatory hubs scattered throughout our genomes. In the early embryo in particular, TEs find a perfect environment of naïve chromatin to escape transcriptional repression by the host. As a consequence, it is thought that hosts found ways to co-opt TE sequences to regulate large-scale changes in chromatin and transcription state of their genomes. In this review, we discuss several examples of TEs expressed during embryo development, their potential for co-option in genome regulation and the evolutionary pressures on TEs and on our genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlies E Oomen
- Institute of Epigenetics and Stem Cells, Helmholtz Zentrum München, München, Germany
| | - Maria-Elena Torres-Padilla
- Institute of Epigenetics and Stem Cells, Helmholtz Zentrum München, München, Germany.
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität, München, Germany.
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13
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Zhao H, Liu LL, Sun J, Jin L, Xie HB, Li JB, Xu H, Wu DD, Zhuang XL, Peng MS, Guo YJ, Qian WZ, Otecko NO, Sun WJ, Qu LH, He J, Chen ZL, Liu R, Chen CS, Zhang YP. A human-specific insertion promotes cell proliferation and migration by enhancing TBC1D8B expression. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024; 67:765-777. [PMID: 38110796 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-023-2442-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Human-specific insertions play important roles in human phenotypes and diseases. Here we reported a 446-bp insertion (Insert-446) in intron 11 of the TBC1D8B gene, located on chromosome X, and traced its origin to a portion of intron 6 of the EBF1 gene on chromosome 5. Interestingly, Insert-446 was present in the human Neanderthal and Denisovans genomes, and was fixed in humans after human-chimpanzee divergence. We have demonstrated that Insert-446 acts as an enhancer through binding transcript factors that promotes a higher expression of human TBC1D8B gene as compared with orthologs in macaques. In addition, over-expression TBC1D8B promoted cell proliferation and migration through "a dual finger" catalytic mechanism (Arg538 and Gln573) in the TBC domain in vitro and knockdown of TBC1D8B attenuated tumorigenesis in vivo. Knockout of Insert-446 prevented cell proliferation and migration in cancer and normal cells. Our results reveal that the human-specific Insert-446 promotes cell proliferation and migration by upregulating the expression of TBC1D8B gene. These findings provide a significant insight into the effects of human-specific insertions on evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-resource, School of Life Sciences, School of Ecology and Environmental Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China.
| | - Lin-Lin Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-resource, School of Life Sciences, School of Ecology and Environmental Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China
- School of Forensic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Jian Sun
- The Third Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650118, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Lian Jin
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-resource, School of Life Sciences, School of Ecology and Environmental Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China
| | - Hai-Bing Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Yunnan Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Domestic Animals, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Jian-Bo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Yunnan Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Domestic Animals, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Hui Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Dong-Dong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Yunnan Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Domestic Animals, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Xiao-Lin Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Yunnan Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Domestic Animals, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Min-Sheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Yunnan Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Domestic Animals, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Ya-Jun Guo
- National Engineering Research Center for Antibody Medicine and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Cell Engineering and Antibody, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Wei-Zhu Qian
- National Engineering Research Center for Antibody Medicine and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Cell Engineering and Antibody, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Newton O Otecko
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Yunnan Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Domestic Animals, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Wei-Jie Sun
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-resource, School of Life Sciences, School of Ecology and Environmental Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China
| | - Liang-Hu Qu
- The Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Jie He
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Cancer Institute and Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Zhao-Li Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Cancer Institute and Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Rong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Ce-Shi Chen
- Academy of Biomedical Engineering, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, China.
- The Third Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650118, China.
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China.
| | - Ya-Ping Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-resource, School of Life Sciences, School of Ecology and Environmental Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Yunnan Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Domestic Animals, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China.
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14
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Kutnowski N, Ghanim GE, Lee Y, Rio DC. Activity of zebrafish THAP9 transposase and zebrafish P element-like transposons. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.22.586318. [PMID: 38562726 PMCID: PMC10983969 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.22.586318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Transposable elements are mobile DNA segments that are found ubiquitously across the three domains of life. One family of transposons, called P elements, were discovered in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. Since their discovery, P element transposase-homologous genes (called THAP-domain containing 9 or THAP9) have been discovered in other animal genomes. Here, we show that the zebrafish (Danio rerio) genome contains both an active THAP9 transposase (zfTHAP9) and mobile P-like transposable elements (called Pdre). zfTHAP9 transposase can excise one of its own elements (Pdre2) and Drosophila P elements. Drosophila P element transposase (DmTNP) is also able to excise the zebrafish Pdre2 element, even though it's distinct from the Drosophila P element. However, zfTHAP9 cannot transpose Pdre2 or Drosophila P elements, indicating partial transposase activity. Characterization of the N-terminal THAP DNA binding domain of zfTHAP9 shows distinct DNA binding site preferences from DmTNP and mutation of the zfTHAP9, based on known mutations in DmTNP, generated a hyperactive protein,. These results define an active vertebrate THAP9 transposase that can act on the endogenous zebrafish Pdre and Drosophila P elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitzan Kutnowski
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - George E Ghanim
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Yeon Lee
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Donald C Rio
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
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15
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Mecca M, Picerno S, Cortellino S. The Killer's Web: Interconnection between Inflammation, Epigenetics and Nutrition in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2750. [PMID: 38473997 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is a key contributor to both the initiation and progression of tumors, and it can be triggered by genetic instability within tumors, as well as by lifestyle and dietary factors. The inflammatory response plays a critical role in the genetic and epigenetic reprogramming of tumor cells, as well as in the cells that comprise the tumor microenvironment. Cells in the microenvironment acquire a phenotype that promotes immune evasion, progression, and metastasis. We will review the mechanisms and pathways involved in the interaction between tumors, inflammation, and nutrition, the limitations of current therapies, and discuss potential future therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisabel Mecca
- Laboratory of Preclinical and Translational Research, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico della Basilicata (IRCCS-CROB), 85028 Rionero in Vulture, PZ, Italy
| | - Simona Picerno
- Laboratory of Preclinical and Translational Research, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico della Basilicata (IRCCS-CROB), 85028 Rionero in Vulture, PZ, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cortellino
- Laboratory of Preclinical and Translational Research, Responsible Research Hospital, 86100 Campobasso, CB, Italy
- Scuola Superiore Meridionale (SSM), Clinical and Translational Oncology, 80138 Naples, NA, Italy
- S.H.R.O. Italia Foundation ETS, 10060 Candiolo, TO, Italy
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16
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Ghosh T, Almeida RG, Zhao C, Mannioui A, Martin E, Fleet A, Chen CZ, Assinck P, Ellams S, Gonzalez GA, Graham SC, Rowitch DH, Stott K, Adams I, Zalc B, Goldman N, Lyons DA, Franklin RJM. A retroviral link to vertebrate myelination through retrotransposon-RNA-mediated control of myelin gene expression. Cell 2024; 187:814-830.e23. [PMID: 38364788 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Myelin, the insulating sheath that surrounds neuronal axons, is produced by oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS). This evolutionary innovation, which first appears in jawed vertebrates, enabled rapid transmission of nerve impulses, more complex brains, and greater morphological diversity. Here, we report that RNA-level expression of RNLTR12-int, a retrotransposon of retroviral origin, is essential for myelination. We show that RNLTR12-int-encoded RNA binds to the transcription factor SOX10 to regulate transcription of myelin basic protein (Mbp, the major constituent of myelin) in rodents. RNLTR12-int-like sequences (which we name RetroMyelin) are found in all jawed vertebrates, and we further demonstrate their function in regulating myelination in two different vertebrate classes (zebrafish and frogs). Our study therefore suggests that retroviral endogenization played a prominent role in the emergence of vertebrate myelin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanay Ghosh
- Altos Labs-Cambridge Institute of Science, Cambridge CB21 6GP, UK; Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK; Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK.
| | - Rafael G Almeida
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, MS society Edinburgh Centre for MS Research, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor's Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Chao Zhao
- Altos Labs-Cambridge Institute of Science, Cambridge CB21 6GP, UK; Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK; Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Abdelkrim Mannioui
- Sorbonne Université, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS), Aquatic Facility, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Elodie Martin
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau - Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, APHP, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Alex Fleet
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK; Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Civia Z Chen
- Altos Labs-Cambridge Institute of Science, Cambridge CB21 6GP, UK; Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK; Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Peggy Assinck
- Altos Labs-Cambridge Institute of Science, Cambridge CB21 6GP, UK; Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK; Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Sophie Ellams
- Altos Labs-Cambridge Institute of Science, Cambridge CB21 6GP, UK
| | - Ginez A Gonzalez
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK; Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Stephen C Graham
- Division of Virology, Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK
| | - David H Rowitch
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK; Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Katherine Stott
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QW, UK
| | - Ian Adams
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Bernard Zalc
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau - Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, APHP, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Nick Goldman
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome, Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SD, UK
| | - David A Lyons
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, MS society Edinburgh Centre for MS Research, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor's Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Robin J M Franklin
- Altos Labs-Cambridge Institute of Science, Cambridge CB21 6GP, UK; Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK; Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK.
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17
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Workman S, Richardson SR. Every repeat is unique: Exploring the genomic impact of human L1 retrotransposons at locus-specific resolution. CELL GENOMICS 2024; 4:100504. [PMID: 38359785 PMCID: PMC10879126 DOI: 10.1016/j.xgen.2024.100504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Fully understanding the impact of the human retrotransposon L1 requires that each of ∼500,000 L1 copies be evaluated as a potentially unique genomic entity. In this issue of Cell Genomics, Lanciano et al.1 strive toward this goal, illuminating the reciprocal regulatory influence between individual L1s and their genomic integration sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Workman
- Mater Research Institute-University of Queensland, TRI Building, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Sandra R Richardson
- Mater Research Institute-University of Queensland, TRI Building, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia.
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18
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Cristofari G. Snapshots of genetic copy-and-paste machinery in action. Nature 2024; 626:40-42. [PMID: 38287184 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-024-00112-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
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19
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Thawani A, Ariza AJF, Nogales E, Collins K. Template and target-site recognition by human LINE-1 in retrotransposition. Nature 2024; 626:186-193. [PMID: 38096901 PMCID: PMC10830416 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06933-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
The long interspersed element-1 (LINE-1, hereafter L1) retrotransposon has generated nearly one-third of the human genome and serves as an active source of genetic diversity and human disease1. L1 spreads through a mechanism termed target-primed reverse transcription, in which the encoded enzyme (ORF2p) nicks the target DNA to prime reverse transcription of its own or non-self RNAs2. Here we purified full-length L1 ORF2p and biochemically reconstituted robust target-primed reverse transcription with template RNA and target-site DNA. We report cryo-electron microscopy structures of the complete human L1 ORF2p bound to structured template RNAs and initiating cDNA synthesis. The template polyadenosine tract is recognized in a sequence-specific manner by five distinct domains. Among them, an RNA-binding domain bends the template backbone to allow engagement of an RNA hairpin stem with the L1 ORF2p C-terminal segment. Moreover, structure and biochemical reconstitutions demonstrate an unexpected target-site requirement: L1 ORF2p relies on upstream single-stranded DNA to position the adjacent duplex in the endonuclease active site for nicking of the longer DNA strand, with a single nick generating a staggered DNA break. Our research provides insights into the mechanism of ongoing transposition in the human genome and informs the engineering of retrotransposon proteins for gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akanksha Thawani
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
| | - Alfredo Jose Florez Ariza
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), Berkeley, CA, USA
- Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Eva Nogales
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA.
- Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA.
| | - Kathleen Collins
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
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20
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Baldwin ET, van Eeuwen T, Hoyos D, Zalevsky A, Tchesnokov EP, Sánchez R, Miller BD, Di Stefano LH, Ruiz FX, Hancock M, Işik E, Mendez-Dorantes C, Walpole T, Nichols C, Wan P, Riento K, Halls-Kass R, Augustin M, Lammens A, Jestel A, Upla P, Xibinaku K, Congreve S, Hennink M, Rogala KB, Schneider AM, Fairman JE, Christensen SM, Desrosiers B, Bisacchi GS, Saunders OL, Hafeez N, Miao W, Kapeller R, Zaller DM, Sali A, Weichenrieder O, Burns KH, Götte M, Rout MP, Arnold E, Greenbaum BD, Romero DL, LaCava J, Taylor MS. Structures, functions and adaptations of the human LINE-1 ORF2 protein. Nature 2024; 626:194-206. [PMID: 38096902 PMCID: PMC10830420 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06947-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The LINE-1 (L1) retrotransposon is an ancient genetic parasite that has written around one-third of the human genome through a 'copy and paste' mechanism catalysed by its multifunctional enzyme, open reading frame 2 protein (ORF2p)1. ORF2p reverse transcriptase (RT) and endonuclease activities have been implicated in the pathophysiology of cancer2,3, autoimmunity4,5 and ageing6,7, making ORF2p a potential therapeutic target. However, a lack of structural and mechanistic knowledge has hampered efforts to rationally exploit it. We report structures of the human ORF2p 'core' (residues 238-1061, including the RT domain) by X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy in several conformational states. Our analyses identified two previously undescribed folded domains, extensive contacts to RNA templates and associated adaptations that contribute to unique aspects of the L1 replication cycle. Computed integrative structural models of full-length ORF2p show a dynamic closed-ring conformation that appears to open during retrotransposition. We characterize ORF2p RT inhibition and reveal its underlying structural basis. Imaging and biochemistry show that non-canonical cytosolic ORF2p RT activity can produce RNA:DNA hybrids, activating innate immune signalling through cGAS/STING and resulting in interferon production6-8. In contrast to retroviral RTs, L1 RT is efficiently primed by short RNAs and hairpins, which probably explains cytosolic priming. Other biochemical activities including processivity, DNA-directed polymerization, non-templated base addition and template switching together allow us to propose a revised L1 insertion model. Finally, our evolutionary analysis demonstrates structural conservation between ORF2p and other RNA- and DNA-dependent polymerases. We therefore provide key mechanistic insights into L1 polymerization and insertion, shed light on the evolutionary history of L1 and enable rational drug development targeting L1.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Trevor van Eeuwen
- Laboratory of Cellular and Structural Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - David Hoyos
- Computational Oncology, Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Arthur Zalevsky
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Quantitative Biology Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Egor P Tchesnokov
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Bryant D Miller
- Department of Pathology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Luciano H Di Stefano
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Francesc Xavier Ruiz
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine and Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Matthew Hancock
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Quantitative Biology Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Esin Işik
- Department of Pathology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carlos Mendez-Dorantes
- Department of Pathology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Thomas Walpole
- Charles River Laboratories, Chesterford Research Park, Saffron Walden, UK
| | - Charles Nichols
- Charles River Laboratories, Chesterford Research Park, Saffron Walden, UK
| | - Paul Wan
- Charles River Laboratories, Chesterford Research Park, Saffron Walden, UK
| | - Kirsi Riento
- Charles River Laboratories, Chesterford Research Park, Saffron Walden, UK
| | - Rowan Halls-Kass
- Charles River Laboratories, Chesterford Research Park, Saffron Walden, UK
| | | | - Alfred Lammens
- Proteros Biostructures GmbH, Martinsried, Planegg, Germany
| | - Anja Jestel
- Proteros Biostructures GmbH, Martinsried, Planegg, Germany
| | - Paula Upla
- Laboratory of Cellular and Structural Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kera Xibinaku
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Kacper B Rogala
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Anna M Schneider
- Structural Biology of Selfish RNA, Department of Protein Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Biology, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Andrej Sali
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Quantitative Biology Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Oliver Weichenrieder
- Structural Biology of Selfish RNA, Department of Protein Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Biology, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Kathleen H Burns
- Department of Pathology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Matthias Götte
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Michael P Rout
- Laboratory of Cellular and Structural Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Eddy Arnold
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine and Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
| | - Benjamin D Greenbaum
- Computational Oncology, Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Physiology, Biophysics & Systems Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
| | | | - John LaCava
- Laboratory of Cellular and Structural Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA.
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Martin S Taylor
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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21
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Liang Y, Qu X, Shah NM, Wang T. Towards targeting transposable elements for cancer therapy. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:123-140. [PMID: 38228901 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-023-00653-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) represent almost half of the human genome. Historically deemed 'junk DNA', recent technological advancements have stimulated a wave of research into the functional impact of TEs on gene-regulatory networks in evolution and development, as well as in diseases including cancer. The genetic and epigenetic evolution of cancer involves the exploitation of TEs, whereby TEs contribute directly to cancer-specific gene activities. This Review provides a perspective on the role of TEs in cancer as being a 'double-edged sword', both promoting cancer evolution and representing a vulnerability that could be exploited in cancer therapy. We discuss how TEs affect transcriptome regulation and other cellular processes in cancer. We highlight the potential of TEs as therapeutic targets for cancer. We also summarize technical hurdles in the characterization of TEs with genomic assays. Last, we outline open questions and exciting future research avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghao Liang
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
- Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Xuan Qu
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
- Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Nakul M Shah
- Division of Cancer Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
- Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
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22
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He Z, Chen O, Phillips N, Pasquesi GIM, Sabunciyan S, Florea L. Predicting Alu exonization in the human genome with a deep learning model. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.03.574099. [PMID: 38260329 PMCID: PMC10802380 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.03.574099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Alu exonization, or the recruitment of intronic Alu elements into gene sequences, has contributed to functional diversification; however, its extent and the ways in which it influences gene regulation are not fully understood. We developed an unbiased approach to predict Alu exonization events from genomic sequences implemented in a deep learning model, eXAlu, that overcomes the limitations of tissue or condition specificity and the computational burden of RNA-seq analysis. The model captures previously reported characteristics of exonized Alu sequences and can predict sequence elements important for Alu exonization. Using eXAlu, we estimate the number of Alu elements in the human genome undergoing exonization to be between 55-110K, 11-21 fold more than represented in the GENCODE gene database. Using RT-PCR we were able to validate selected predicted Alu exonization events, supporting the accuracy of our method. Lastly, we highlight a potential application of our method to identify polymorphic Alu insertion exonizations in individuals and in the population from whole genome sequencing data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zitong He
- Department of Computer Science, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205
| | - Ou Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205
| | - Noelani Phillips
- School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Giulia Irene Maria Pasquesi
- BioFrontiers Institute and Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309 and Crnic Institute Boulder Branch, BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303
| | - Sarven Sabunciyan
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205
| | - Liliana Florea
- Department of Computer Science, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205
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23
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Le Gall J, Dehainault C, Boutte M, Petitalot A, Caputo SM, Courtois L, Vacher S, Bieche I, Radvanyi F, Pacquement H, Doz F, Lumbroso-Le Rouic L, Gauthier Villars M, Stoppa-Lyonnet D, Lallemand F, Houdayer C, Golmard L. Germline HPF1 retrogene insertion in RB1 gene involved in cancer predisposition. J Med Genet 2023; 61:78-83. [PMID: 37541786 DOI: 10.1136/jmg-2022-109105] [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: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
About half of the human genome is composed of repeated sequences derived from mobile elements, mainly retrotransposons, generally without pathogenic effect. Familial forms of retinoblastoma are caused by germline pathogenic variants in RB1 gene. Here, we describe a family with retinoblastoma affecting a father and his son. No pathogenic variant was identified after DNA analysis of RB1 gene coding sequence and exon-intron junctions. However, RB1 mRNA analysis showed a chimeric transcript with insertion of 114 nucleotides from HPF1 gene inside RB1 gene. This chimeric transcript led to an insertion of 38 amino acids in functional domain of retinoblastoma protein. Subsequent DNA analysis in RB1 intron 17 revealed the presence of a full-length HPF1 retrogene insertion in opposite orientation. Functional assay shows that this insertion has a deleterious impact on retinoblastoma protein function. This is the first report of a full-length retrogene insertion involved in human Mendelian disease leading to a chimeric transcript and a non-functional chimeric protein. Some retrogene insertions may be missed by standard diagnostic genetic testing, so contribution of retrogene insertions to human disease may be underestimated. The increasing use of whole genome sequencing in diagnostic settings will help to get a more comprehensive view of retrogenes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Le Gall
- Department of Genetics, Institut Curie, Paris, France
- Department of Genetics, PSL University, Paris, France
| | - Catherine Dehainault
- Department of Genetics, Institut Curie, Paris, France
- Department of Genetics, PSL University, Paris, France
| | - Matteo Boutte
- Department of Genetics, Institut Curie, Paris, France
- Department of Genetics, PSL University, Paris, France
| | - Ambre Petitalot
- Department of Genetics, Institut Curie, Paris, France
- Department of Genetics, PSL University, Paris, France
| | - Sandrine M Caputo
- Department of Genetics, Institut Curie, Paris, France
- Department of Genetics, PSL University, Paris, France
| | - Laura Courtois
- Department of Genetics, Institut Curie, Paris, France
- Department of Genetics, PSL University, Paris, France
| | - Sophie Vacher
- Department of Genetics, Institut Curie, Paris, France
- Department of Genetics, PSL University, Paris, France
| | - Ivan Bieche
- Department of Genetics, Institut Curie, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - François Radvanyi
- Department of Genetics, PSL University, Paris, France
- Molecular Oncology Team, UMR144, Paris, France
| | - Hélène Pacquement
- Department of Genetics, PSL University, Paris, France
- Oncology Center SIREDO, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - François Doz
- Molecular Oncology Team, UMR144, Paris, France
- Oncology Center SIREDO, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Livia Lumbroso-Le Rouic
- Department of Genetics, PSL University, Paris, France
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Marion Gauthier Villars
- Department of Genetics, Institut Curie, Paris, France
- Department of Genetics, PSL University, Paris, France
| | - Dominique Stoppa-Lyonnet
- Department of Genetics, Institut Curie, Paris, France
- Department of Genetics, PSL University, Paris, France
| | - François Lallemand
- Department of Genetics, Institut Curie, Paris, France
- Department of Genetics, PSL University, Paris, France
| | - Claude Houdayer
- Department of Genetics, University Hospital Centre Rouen, Rouen, France
| | - Lisa Golmard
- Department of Genetics, Institut Curie, Paris, France
- Department of Genetics, PSL University, Paris, France
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24
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Switzer CH. Non-canonical nitric oxide signalling and DNA methylation: Inflammation induced epigenetic alterations and potential drug targets. Br J Pharmacol 2023. [PMID: 38116806 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation controls DNA accessibility to transcription factors and other regulatory proteins, thereby affecting gene expression and hence cellular identity and function. As epigenetic modifications control the transcriptome, epigenetic dysfunction is strongly associated with pathological conditions and ageing. The development of pharmacological agents that modulate the activity of major epigenetic proteins are in pre-clinical development and clinical use. However, recent publications have identified novel redox-based signalling pathways, and therefore novel drug targets, that may exert epigenetic effects. This review will discuss the recent developments in nitric oxide (NO) signalling on DNA methylation as well as potential epigenetic drug targets that have emerged from the intersection of inflammation/redox biology and epigenetic regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher H Switzer
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts & The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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25
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Doucet AJ, Cristofari G. Noninvasive and Multicancer Biomarkers: The Promise of LINE-1 Retrotransposons. Cancer Discov 2023; 13:2502-2504. [PMID: 38084092 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-23-1063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
SUMMARY LINE-1 retrotransposons are frequently active in epithelial tumors. In a new study, Taylor, Wu and colleagues now describe that one of the proteins encoded by LINE-1 elements, ORF1p, is detected in the bloodstream of patients with cancer, and can be used as a noninvasive and multicancer biomarker for diagnosis or treatment monitoring. See related article by Taylor, Wu et al., p. 2532 (7).
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurelien J Doucet
- University Cote d'Azur, Inserm, CNRS, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), Nice, France
| | - Gael Cristofari
- University Cote d'Azur, Inserm, CNRS, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), Nice, France
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26
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Torre D, Fstkchyan YS, Ho JSY, Cheon Y, Patel RS, Degrace EJ, Mzoughi S, Schwarz M, Mohammed K, Seo JS, Romero-Bueno R, Demircioglu D, Hasson D, Tang W, Mahajani SU, Campisi L, Zheng S, Song WS, Wang YC, Shah H, Francoeur N, Soto J, Salfati Z, Weirauch MT, Warburton P, Beaumont K, Smith ML, Mulder L, Villalta SA, Kessenbrock K, Jang C, Lee D, De Rubeis S, Cobos I, Tam O, Hammell MG, Seldin M, Shi Y, Basu U, Sebastiano V, Byun M, Sebra R, Rosenberg BR, Benner C, Guccione E, Marazzi I. Nuclear RNA catabolism controls endogenous retroviruses, gene expression asymmetry, and dedifferentiation. Mol Cell 2023; 83:4255-4271.e9. [PMID: 37995687 PMCID: PMC10842741 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.10.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are remnants of ancient parasitic infections and comprise sizable portions of most genomes. Although epigenetic mechanisms silence most ERVs by generating a repressive environment that prevents their expression (heterochromatin), little is known about mechanisms silencing ERVs residing in open regions of the genome (euchromatin). This is particularly important during embryonic development, where induction and repression of distinct classes of ERVs occur in short temporal windows. Here, we demonstrate that transcription-associated RNA degradation by the nuclear RNA exosome and Integrator is a regulatory mechanism that controls the productive transcription of most genes and many ERVs involved in preimplantation development. Disrupting nuclear RNA catabolism promotes dedifferentiation to a totipotent-like state characterized by defects in RNAPII elongation and decreased expression of long genes (gene-length asymmetry). Our results indicate that RNA catabolism is a core regulatory module of gene networks that safeguards RNAPII activity, ERV expression, cell identity, and developmental potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Torre
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Center for OncoGenomics and Innovative Therapeutics (COGIT), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Yesai S Fstkchyan
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Jessica Sook Yuin Ho
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Youngseo Cheon
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, South Korea; Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Center for Epigenetics and Metabolism, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Roosheel S Patel
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Emma J Degrace
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Slim Mzoughi
- Center for OncoGenomics and Innovative Therapeutics (COGIT), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Megan Schwarz
- Center for OncoGenomics and Innovative Therapeutics (COGIT), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Kevin Mohammed
- Center for OncoGenomics and Innovative Therapeutics (COGIT), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Ji-Seon Seo
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Center for Epigenetics and Metabolism, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Raquel Romero-Bueno
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Center for Epigenetics and Metabolism, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Deniz Demircioglu
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Bioinformatics for Next Generation Sequencing (BiNGS) Shared Resource Facility, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Dan Hasson
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Bioinformatics for Next Generation Sequencing (BiNGS) Shared Resource Facility, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Weijing Tang
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Sameehan U Mahajani
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Laura Campisi
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Simin Zheng
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Won-Suk Song
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Center for Epigenetics and Metabolism, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Ying-Chih Wang
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Hardik Shah
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Nancy Francoeur
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Juan Soto
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Zelda Salfati
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Matthew T Weirauch
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Peter Warburton
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Kristin Beaumont
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Melissa L Smith
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Lubbertus Mulder
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - S Armando Villalta
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Kai Kessenbrock
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Cholsoon Jang
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Center for Epigenetics and Metabolism, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Daeyoup Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, South Korea
| | - Silvia De Rubeis
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Department of Psychiatry, The Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Inma Cobos
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Oliver Tam
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | | | - Marcus Seldin
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Center for Epigenetics and Metabolism, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Yongsheng Shi
- Center for Epigenetics and Metabolism, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Uttiya Basu
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Vittorio Sebastiano
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Minji Byun
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Robert Sebra
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Brad R Rosenberg
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Chris Benner
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Ernesto Guccione
- Center for OncoGenomics and Innovative Therapeutics (COGIT), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Pharmacological Sciences and Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
| | - Ivan Marazzi
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Center for Epigenetics and Metabolism, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
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27
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Katsanou A, Kostoulas CA, Liberopoulos E, Tsatsoulis A, Georgiou I, Tigas S. Alu Methylation Patterns in Type 1 Diabetes: A Case-Control Study. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:2149. [PMID: 38136971 PMCID: PMC10742409 DOI: 10.3390/genes14122149] [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: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence suggests that genome-wide hypomethylation may promote genomic instability and cellular senescence, leading to chronic complications in people with diabetes mellitus. Limited data are however available on the Alu methylation status in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Methods: We investigated DNA methylation levels and patterns of Alu methylation in the peripheral blood of 36 patients with T1D and 29 healthy controls, matched for age and sex, by using the COmbined Bisulfite Restriction Analysis method (COBRA). Results: Total Alu methylation rate (mC) was similar between patients with T1D and controls (67.3% (64.4-70.9%) vs. 68.0% (62.0-71.1%), p = 0.874). However, patients with T1D had significantly higher levels of the partial Alu methylation pattern (mCuC + uCmC) (41.9% (35.8-45.8%) vs. 36.0% (31.7-40.55%), p = 0.004) compared to healthy controls. In addition, a positive correlation between levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and the partially methylated loci (mCuC + uCmC) was observed (Spearman's rho = 0.293, p = 0.018). Furthermore, significant differences were observed between patients with T1D diagnosed before and after the age of 15 years regarding the total methylation mC, the methylated pattern mCmC and the unmethylated pattern uCuC (p = 0.040, p = 0.044 and p = 0.040, respectively). Conclusions: In conclusion, total Alu methylation rates were similar, but the partial Alu methylation pattern (mCuC + uCmC) was significantly higher in patients with T1D compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, this pattern was associated positively with the levels of HbA1c and negatively with the age at diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andromachi Katsanou
- Department of Endocrinology, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.K.); (A.T.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hatzikosta General Hospital, 45445 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Charilaos A. Kostoulas
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (C.A.K.); (I.A.G.)
| | - Evangelos Liberopoulos
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Agathocles Tsatsoulis
- Department of Endocrinology, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.K.); (A.T.)
| | - Ioannis Georgiou
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (C.A.K.); (I.A.G.)
| | - Stelios Tigas
- Department of Endocrinology, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.K.); (A.T.)
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Katoh H, Honda T. Roles of Human Endogenous Retroviruses and Endogenous Virus-Like Elements in Cancer Development and Innate Immunity. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1706. [PMID: 38136578 PMCID: PMC10741599 DOI: 10.3390/biom13121706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are remnants of ancient retroviral infections in the host genome. Although mutations and silencing mechanisms impair their original role in viral replication, HERVs are believed to play roles in various biological processes. Long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs) are non-LTR retrotransposons that have a lifecycle resembling that of retroviruses. Although LINE expression is typically silenced in somatic cells, it also contributes to various biological processes. The aberrant expression of HERVs and LINEs is closely associated with the development of cancer and/or immunological diseases, suggesting that they are integrated into various pathways related to the diseases. HERVs/LINEs control gene expression depending on the context as promoter/enhancer elements. Some RNAs and proteins derived from HERVs/LINEs have oncogenic potential, whereas others stimulate innate immunity. Non-retroviral endogenous viral elements (nrEVEs) are a novel type of virus-like element in the genome. nrEVEs may also be involved in host immunity. This article provides a current understanding of how these elements impact cellular physiology in cancer development and innate immunity, and provides perspectives for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirokazu Katoh
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8558, Japan;
| | - Tomoyuki Honda
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8558, Japan;
- Department of Virology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
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29
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Cuenca-Guardiola J, Morena-Barrio BDL, Navarro-Manzano E, Stevens J, Ouwehand WH, Gleadall NS, Corral J, Fernández-Breis JT. Detection and annotation of transposable element insertions and deletions on the human genome using nanopore sequencing. iScience 2023; 26:108214. [PMID: 37953943 PMCID: PMC10638045 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Repetitive sequences represent about 45% of the human genome. Some are transposable elements (TEs) with the ability to change their position in the genome, creating genetic variability both as insertions or deletions, with potential pathogenic consequences. We used long-read nanopore sequencing to identify TE variants in the genomes of 24 patients with antithrombin deficiency. We identified 7 344 TE insertions and 3 056 TE deletions, 2 926 were not previously described in publicly available databases. The insertions affected 3 955 genes, with 6 insertions located in exons, 3 929 in introns, and 147 in promoters. Potential functional impact was evaluated with gene annotation and enrichment analysis, which suggested a strong relationship with neuron-related functions and autism. We conclude that this study encourages the generation of a complete map of TEs in the human genome, which will be useful for identifying new TEs involved in genetic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Cuenca-Guardiola
- Departamento de Informática y Sistemas, Universidad de Murcia, CEIR Campus Mare Nostrum, IMIB-Pascual Parrilla, Facultad de Informática, Campus de Espinardo, Murcia 30100, Spain
| | - Belén de la Morena-Barrio
- Servicio de Hematología, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, Centro Regional de Hemodonación, Universidad de Murcia, IMIB-Pascual Parrilla, CIBERER-III, Ronda de Garay S/N, Murcia 30003, Spain
| | - Esther Navarro-Manzano
- Servicio de Hematología, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, Centro Regional de Hemodonación, Universidad de Murcia, IMIB-Pascual Parrilla, CIBERER-III, Ronda de Garay S/N, Murcia 30003, Spain
| | - Jonathan Stevens
- Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, CB2 0PT, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, Cambridge, England, UK
- Blood and Transplant, National Health Service (NHS), CB2 0QQ, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, England, UK
| | - Willem H Ouwehand
- Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, CB2 0PT, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, Cambridge, England, UK
- Blood and Transplant, National Health Service (NHS), CB2 0QQ, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, England, UK
- British Heart Foundation Cambridge Centre of Excellence, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cambridge Heart and Lung Research Institute, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, England CB2 0AY, UK
- University College London Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust, London, England, UK
| | - Nicholas S Gleadall
- Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, CB2 0PT, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, Cambridge, England, UK
- Blood and Transplant, National Health Service (NHS), CB2 0QQ, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, England, UK
| | - Javier Corral
- Servicio de Hematología, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, Centro Regional de Hemodonación, Universidad de Murcia, IMIB-Pascual Parrilla, CIBERER-III, Ronda de Garay S/N, Murcia 30003, Spain
| | - Jesualdo Tomás Fernández-Breis
- Departamento de Informática y Sistemas, Universidad de Murcia, CEIR Campus Mare Nostrum, IMIB-Pascual Parrilla, Facultad de Informática, Campus de Espinardo, Murcia 30100, Spain
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30
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Garza R, Atacho DA, Adami A, Gerdes P, Vinod M, Hsieh P, Karlsson O, Horvath V, Johansson PA, Pandiloski N, Matas-Fuentes J, Quaegebeur A, Kouli A, Sharma Y, Jönsson ME, Monni E, Englund E, Eichler EE, Gale Hammell M, Barker RA, Kokaia Z, Douse CH, Jakobsson J. LINE-1 retrotransposons drive human neuronal transcriptome complexity and functional diversification. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadh9543. [PMID: 37910626 PMCID: PMC10619931 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh9543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
The genetic mechanisms underlying the expansion in size and complexity of the human brain remain poorly understood. Long interspersed nuclear element-1 (L1) retrotransposons are a source of divergent genetic information in hominoid genomes, but their importance in physiological functions and their contribution to human brain evolution are largely unknown. Using multiomics profiling, we here demonstrate that L1 promoters are dynamically active in the developing and the adult human brain. L1s generate hundreds of developmentally regulated and cell type-specific transcripts, many that are co-opted as chimeric transcripts or regulatory RNAs. One L1-derived long noncoding RNA, LINC01876, is a human-specific transcript expressed exclusively during brain development. CRISPR interference silencing of LINC01876 results in reduced size of cerebral organoids and premature differentiation of neural progenitors, implicating L1s in human-specific developmental processes. In summary, our results demonstrate that L1-derived transcripts provide a previously undescribed layer of primate- and human-specific transcriptome complexity that contributes to the functional diversification of the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Garza
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC A11, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
| | - Diahann A. M. Atacho
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC A11, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
| | - Anita Adami
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC A11, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
| | - Patricia Gerdes
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC A11, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Meghna Vinod
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC A11, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - PingHsun Hsieh
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Ofelia Karlsson
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC A11, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Vivien Horvath
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC A11, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Pia A. Johansson
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC A11, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Ninoslav Pandiloski
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC A11, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
- Epigenetics and Chromatin Dynamics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC B11, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Jon Matas-Fuentes
- Epigenetics and Chromatin Dynamics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC B11, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Annelies Quaegebeur
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge and Department of Pathology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Antonina Kouli
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Cambridge CB2 0PY, UK
| | - Yogita Sharma
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC A11, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Marie E. Jönsson
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC A11, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Emanuela Monni
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Restorative Neurology, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, SE-22184 Lund, Sweden
| | - Elisabet Englund
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Division of Pathology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Evan E. Eichler
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Molly Gale Hammell
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
- Institute for Systems Genetics, Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Neuroscience Institute, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Roger A. Barker
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Cambridge CB2 0PY, UK
| | - Zaal Kokaia
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Restorative Neurology, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, SE-22184 Lund, Sweden
| | - Christopher H. Douse
- Epigenetics and Chromatin Dynamics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC B11, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Johan Jakobsson
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC A11, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
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31
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Li Z, Duan S, Hua X, Xu X, Li Y, Menolfi D, Zhou H, Lu C, Zha S, Goff SP, Zhang Z. Asymmetric distribution of parental H3K9me3 in S phase silences L1 elements. Nature 2023; 623:643-651. [PMID: 37938774 PMCID: PMC11034792 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06711-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
In eukaryotes, repetitive DNA sequences are transcriptionally silenced through histone H3 lysine 9 trimethylation (H3K9me3). Loss of silencing of the repeat elements leads to genome instability and human diseases, including cancer and ageing1-3. Although the role of H3K9me3 in the establishment and maintenance of heterochromatin silencing has been extensively studied4-6, the pattern and mechanism that underlie the partitioning of parental H3K9me3 at replicating DNA strands are unknown. Here we report that H3K9me3 is preferentially transferred onto the leading strands of replication forks, which occurs predominantly at long interspersed nuclear element (LINE) retrotransposons (also known as LINE-1s or L1s) that are theoretically transcribed in the head-on direction with replication fork movement. Mechanistically, the human silencing hub (HUSH) complex interacts with the leading-strand DNA polymerase Pol ε and contributes to the asymmetric segregation of H3K9me3. Cells deficient in Pol ε subunits (POLE3 and POLE4) or the HUSH complex (MPP8 and TASOR) show compromised H3K9me3 asymmetry and increased LINE expression. Similar results were obtained in cells expressing a MPP8 mutant defective in H3K9me3 binding and in TASOR mutants with reduced interactions with Pol ε. These results reveal an unexpected mechanism whereby the HUSH complex functions with Pol ε to promote asymmetric H3K9me3 distribution at head-on LINEs to suppress their expression in S phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiming Li
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shoufu Duan
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xu Hua
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xiaowei Xu
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yinglu Li
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Demis Menolfi
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hui Zhou
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chao Lu
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shan Zha
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology, Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stephen P Goff
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zhiguo Zhang
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
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32
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Gambelli A, Ferrando A, Boncristiani C, Schoeftner S. Regulation and function of R-loops at repetitive elements. Biochimie 2023; 214:141-155. [PMID: 37619810 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
R-loops are atypical, three-stranded nucleic acid structures that contain a stretch of RNA:DNA hybrids and an unpaired, single stranded DNA loop. R-loops are physiological relevant and can act as regulators of gene expression, chromatin structure, DNA damage repair and DNA replication. However, unscheduled and persistent R-loops are mutagenic and can mediate replication-transcription conflicts, leading to DNA damage and genome instability if left unchecked. Detailed transcriptome analysis unveiled that 85% of the human genome, including repetitive regions, hold transcriptional activity. This anticipates that R-loops management plays a central role for the regulation and integrity of genomes. This function is expected to have a particular relevance for repetitive sequences that make up to 75% of the human genome. Here, we review the impact of R-loops on the function and stability of repetitive regions such as centromeres, telomeres, rDNA arrays, transposable elements and triplet repeat expansions and discuss their relevance for associated pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Gambelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Via E. Weiss 2, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandro Ferrando
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Via E. Weiss 2, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Chiara Boncristiani
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Via E. Weiss 2, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Stefan Schoeftner
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Via E. Weiss 2, 34127, Trieste, Italy.
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33
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Devine SE. Emerging Opportunities to Study Mobile Element Insertions and Their Source Elements in an Expanding Universe of Sequenced Human Genomes. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1923. [PMID: 37895272 PMCID: PMC10606232 DOI: 10.3390/genes14101923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Three mobile element classes, namely Alu, LINE-1 (L1), and SVA elements, remain actively mobile in human genomes and continue to produce new mobile element insertions (MEIs). Historically, MEIs have been discovered and studied using several methods, including: (1) Southern blots, (2) PCR (including PCR display), and (3) the detection of MEI copies from young subfamilies. We are now entering a new phase of MEI discovery where these methods are being replaced by whole genome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis to discover novel MEIs. We expect that the universe of sequenced human genomes will continue to expand rapidly over the next several years, both with short-read and long-read technologies. These resources will provide unprecedented opportunities to discover MEIs and study their impact on human traits and diseases. They also will allow the MEI community to discover and study the source elements that produce these new MEIs, which will facilitate our ability to study source element regulation in various tissue contexts and disease states. This, in turn, will allow us to better understand MEI mutagenesis in humans and the impact of this mutagenesis on human biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott E Devine
- Institute for Genome Sciences, Department of Medicine, and Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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34
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Liu M, Xie XJ, Li X, Ren X, Sun J, Lin Z, Hemba-Waduge RUS, Ji JY. Transcriptional coupling of telomeric retrotransposons with the cell cycle. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.30.560321. [PMID: 37808851 PMCID: PMC10557779 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.30.560321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Instead of employing telomerases to safeguard chromosome ends, dipteran species maintain their telomeres by transposition of telomeric-specific retrotransposons (TRs): in Drosophila , these are HeT-A , TART , and TAHRE . Previous studies have shown how these TRs create tandem repeats at chromosome ends, but the exact mechanism controlling TR transcription has remained unclear. Here we report the identification of multiple subunits of the transcription cofactor Mediator complex and transcriptional factors Scalloped (Sd, the TEAD homolog in flies) and E2F1-Dp as novel regulators of TR transcription and telomere length in Drosophila . Depletion of multiple Mediator subunits, Dp, or Sd increased TR expression and telomere length, while over-expressing E2F1-Dp or knocking down the E2F1 regulator Rbf1 (Retinoblastoma-family protein 1) stimulated TR transcription, with Mediator and Sd affecting TR expression through E2F1-Dp. The CUT&RUN analysis revealed direct binding of CDK8, Dp, and Sd to telomeric repeats. These findings highlight the essential role of the Mediator complex in maintaining telomere homeostasis by regulating TR transcription through E2F1-Dp and Sd, revealing the intricate coupling of TR transcription with the host cell-cycle machinery, thereby ensuring chromosome end protection and genomic stability during cell division.
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35
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Li J, Yuan P, Ma G, Liu Y, Zhang Q, Wang W, Guo Y. The composition dynamics of transposable elements in human blastocysts. J Hum Genet 2023; 68:681-688. [PMID: 37308564 DOI: 10.1038/s10038-023-01169-7] [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: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile DNA sequences that can replicate themselves and play significant roles in embryo development and chromosomal structure remodeling. In this study, we investigated the variation of TEs in blastocysts with different parental genetic backgrounds. We analyzed the proportions of 1137 TEs subfamilies from six classes at the DNA level using Bowtie2 and PopoolationTE2 in 196 blastocysts with abnormal parental chromosomal diseases. Our findings revealed that the parental karyotype was the dominant factor influencing TEs frequencies. Out of the 1116 subfamilies, different frequencies were observed in blastocysts with varying parental karyotypes. The development stage of blastocysts was the second most crucial factor influencing TEs proportions. A total of 614 subfamilies exhibited different proportions at distinct blastocyst stages. Notably, subfamily members belonging to the Alu family showed a high proportion at stage 6, while those from the LINE class exhibited a high proportion at stage 3 and a low proportion at stage 6. Moreover, the proportions of some TEs subfamilies also varied depending on blastocyst karyotype, inner cell mass status, and outer trophectoderm status. We found that 48 subfamilies displayed different proportions between balanced and unbalanced blastocysts. Additionally, 19 subfamilies demonstrated varying proportions among different inner cell mass scores, and 43 subfamilies exhibited different proportions among outer trophectoderm scores. This study suggests that the composition of TEs subfamilies may be influenced by various factors and undergoes dynamic modulation during embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ping Yuan
- IVF Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- IVF Center, The First People's Hospital of Kashi Prefecture, Kashi, China
| | - Guangwei Ma
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Key Laboratory of Tropical Animal and Plant Ecology of Hainan Province, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Reproductive Medical Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Qingxue Zhang
- IVF Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenjun Wang
- IVF Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yabin Guo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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36
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Shi Q, Chen X, Zhang Z. Decoding Human Biology and Disease Using Single-cell Omics Technologies. GENOMICS, PROTEOMICS & BIOINFORMATICS 2023; 21:926-949. [PMID: 37739168 PMCID: PMC10928380 DOI: 10.1016/j.gpb.2023.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decade, advances in single-cell omics (SCO) technologies have enabled the investigation of cellular heterogeneity at an unprecedented resolution and scale, opening a new avenue for understanding human biology and disease. In this review, we summarize the developments of sequencing-based SCO technologies and computational methods, and focus on considerable insights acquired from SCO sequencing studies to understand normal and diseased properties, with a particular emphasis on cancer research. We also discuss the technological improvements of SCO and its possible contribution to fundamental research of the human, as well as its great potential in clinical diagnoses and personalized therapies of human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Shi
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xueyan Chen
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Zemin Zhang
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Changping Laboratory, Beijing 102206, China.
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37
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Luqman-Fatah A, Miyoshi T. Human LINE-1 retrotransposons: impacts on the genome and regulation by host factors. Genes Genet Syst 2023; 98:121-154. [PMID: 36436935 DOI: 10.1266/ggs.22-00038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome sequencing revealed that nearly half of the human genome is comprised of transposable elements. Although most of these elements have been rendered inactive due to mutations, full-length intact long interspersed element-1 (LINE-1 or L1) copies retain the ability to mobilize through RNA intermediates by a so-called "copy-and-paste" mechanism, termed retrotransposition. L1 is the only known autonomous mobile genetic element in the genome, and its retrotransposition contributes to inter- or intra-individual genetic variation within the human population. However, L1 retrotransposition also poses a threat to genome integrity due to gene disruption and chromosomal instability. Moreover, recent studies suggest that aberrant L1 expression can impact human health by causing diseases such as cancer and chronic inflammation that might lead to autoimmune disorders. To counteract these adverse effects, the host cells have evolved multiple layers of defense mechanisms at the epigenetic, RNA and protein levels. Intriguingly, several host factors have also been reported to facilitate L1 retrotransposition, suggesting that there is competition between negative and positive regulation of L1 by host factors. Here, we summarize the known host proteins that regulate L1 activity at different stages of the replication cycle and discuss how these factors modulate disease-associated phenotypes caused by L1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Luqman-Fatah
- Department of Gene Mechanisms, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University
- Department of Stress Response, Radiation Biology Center, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University
| | - Tomoichiro Miyoshi
- Department of Gene Mechanisms, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University
- Department of Stress Response, Radiation Biology Center, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University
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38
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Rybacki K, Xia M, Ahsan MU, Xing J, Wang K. Assessing the Expression of Long INterspersed Elements (LINEs) via Long-Read Sequencing in Diverse Human Tissues and Cell Lines. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1893. [PMID: 37895242 PMCID: PMC10606529 DOI: 10.3390/genes14101893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Transposable elements, such as Long INterspersed Elements (LINEs), are DNA sequences that can replicate within genomes. LINEs replicate using an RNA intermediate followed by reverse transcription and are typically a few kilobases in length. LINE activity creates genomic structural variants in human populations and leads to somatic alterations in cancer genomes. Long-read RNA sequencing technologies, including Oxford Nanopore and PacBio, can directly sequence relatively long transcripts, thus providing the opportunity to examine full-length LINE transcripts. This study focuses on the development of a new bioinformatics pipeline for the identification and quantification of active, full-length LINE transcripts in diverse human tissues and cell lines. In our pipeline, we utilized RepeatMasker to identify LINE-1 (L1) transcripts from long-read transcriptome data and incorporated several criteria, such as transcript start position, divergence, and length, to remove likely false positives. Comparisons between cancerous and normal cell lines, as well as human tissue samples, revealed elevated expression levels of young LINEs in cancer, particularly at intact L1 loci. By employing bioinformatics methodologies on long-read transcriptome data, this study demonstrates the landscape of L1 expression in tissues and cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karleena Rybacki
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (K.R.); (M.X.)
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Mingyi Xia
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (K.R.); (M.X.)
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Mian Umair Ahsan
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Jinchuan Xing
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (K.R.); (M.X.)
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
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Ogarek N, Oboza P, Olszanecka-Glinianowicz M, Kocelak P. SARS-CoV-2 infection as a potential risk factor for the development of cancer. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1260776. [PMID: 37753372 PMCID: PMC10518417 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1260776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has a significant impact on public health and the estimated number of excess deaths may be more than three times higher than documented in official statistics. Numerous studies have shown an increased risk of severe COVID-19 and death in patients with cancer. In addition, the role of SARS-CoV-2 as a potential risk factor for the development of cancer has been considered. Therefore, in this review, we summarise the available data on the potential effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on oncogenesis, including but not limited to effects on host signal transduction pathways, immune surveillance, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, cell cycle dysregulation, potential viral genome integration, epigenetic alterations and genetic mutations, oncolytic effects and reactivation of dormant cancer cells. We also investigated the potential long-term effects and impact of the antiviral therapy used in COVID-19 on cancer development and its progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Ogarek
- Pathophysiology Unit, Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, The Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Paulina Oboza
- Students’ Scientific Society at the Pathophysiology Unit, Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, The Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Magdalena Olszanecka-Glinianowicz
- Health Promotion and Obesity Management Unit, Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, The Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Piotr Kocelak
- Pathophysiology Unit, Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, The Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
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Loubalova Z, Konstantinidou P, Haase AD. Themes and variations on piRNA-guided transposon control. Mob DNA 2023; 14:10. [PMID: 37660099 PMCID: PMC10474768 DOI: 10.1186/s13100-023-00298-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023] Open
Abstract
PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are responsible for preventing the movement of transposable elements in germ cells and protect the integrity of germline genomes. In this review, we examine the common elements of piRNA-guided silencing as well as the differences observed between species. We have categorized the mechanisms of piRNA biogenesis and function into modules. Individual PIWI proteins combine these modules in various ways to produce unique PIWI-piRNA pathways, which nevertheless possess the ability to perform conserved functions. This modular model incorporates conserved core mechanisms and accommodates variable co-factors. Adaptability is a hallmark of this RNA-based immune system. We believe that considering the differences in germ cell biology and resident transposons in different organisms is essential for placing the variations observed in piRNA biology into context, while still highlighting the conserved themes that underpin this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Loubalova
- National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Parthena Konstantinidou
- National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Astrid D Haase
- National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Alkailani MI, Gibbings D. The Regulation and Immune Signature of Retrotransposons in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4340. [PMID: 37686616 PMCID: PMC10486412 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in sequencing technologies and the bioinformatic analysis of big data facilitate the study of jumping genes' activity in the human genome in cancer from a broad perspective. Retrotransposons, which move from one genomic site to another by a copy-and-paste mechanism, are regulated by various molecular pathways that may be disrupted during tumorigenesis. Active retrotransposons can stimulate type I IFN responses. Although accumulated evidence suggests that retrotransposons can induce inflammation, the research investigating the exact mechanism of triggering these responses is ongoing. Understanding these mechanisms could improve the therapeutic management of cancer through the use of retrotransposon-induced inflammation as a tool to instigate immune responses to tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maisa I. Alkailani
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha P.O. Box 34110, Qatar
| | - Derrick Gibbings
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada;
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Berteli TS, Wang F, Navarro PA, Kohlrausch FB, Keefe DL. A pilot study of LINE-1 copy number and telomere length with aging in human sperm. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:1845-1854. [PMID: 37382785 PMCID: PMC10371944 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02857-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Unlike other cells in the body, in sperm, telomere length (TL) increases with age. TL can regulate nearby genes, and the subtelomeric region is rich in retrotransposons. We hypothesized that age-related telomere lengthening in sperm might suppress Long Interspersed Element 1 (LINE-1/L1), the only competent retrotransposon in humans. METHODS We measured L1 copy number (L1-CN) and sperm telomere length (STL) from young and older men to evaluate the relationship between age, TL and L1-CN. We also evaluated L1-CN and TL in individual sperm to determine whether these variables influence sperm morphology. STL was assayed by Multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction method (mmqPCR) and L1-CN by Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). RESULTS We found that STL increased, and L1-CN decreased significantly with paternal age. STL in normal single sperm was significantly higher than in abnormal sperm. L1-CN did not differ between normal and abnormal sperm. Furthermore, morphologically normal sperm have longer telomeres than abnormal sperm. CONCLUSIONS Elongation of telomeres in the male germline could repress retrotransposition, which tends to increase with cellular aging. More studies in larger cohorts across a wide age span are needed to confirm our conclusions and explore their biological and clinical significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thalita S Berteli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Langone Medical Center, New York University, 462, 1st Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
- Human Reproduction Division, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Langone Medical Center, New York University, 462, 1st Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Paula A Navarro
- Human Reproduction Division, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Fabiana B Kohlrausch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Langone Medical Center, New York University, 462, 1st Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- Human Genetics Laboratory, Fluminense Federal University, Niteroi, RJ, Brazil
| | - David L Keefe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Langone Medical Center, New York University, 462, 1st Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
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Berteli TS, Wang F, McKerrow W, Navarro PA, Fenyo D, Boeke JD, Kohlrausch FB, Keefe DL. Transposon insertion profiling by sequencing (TIPseq) identifies novel LINE-1 insertions in human sperm. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:1835-1843. [PMID: 37310664 PMCID: PMC10371950 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02852-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Long interspersed nuclear element-1 (LINE-1 or L1) comprises 17% of the human genome. Retrotransposons may perturb gene integrity or alter gene expression by altering regulatory regions in the genome. The germline employs a number of mechanisms, including cytosine methylation, to repress retrotransposon transcription throughout most of life. Demethylation during germ cell and early embryo development de-represses retrotransposons. Intriguingly, de novo genetic variation appearing in sperm has been implicated in a number of disorders in offspring, including autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. We hypothesize that human sperm exhibit de novo retrotransposition and employ a new sequencing method, single cell transposon insertion profiling by sequencing (scTIPseq) to map them in small amounts of human sperm. METHODS Cross-sectional case-control study of sperm samples (n=10 men; ages 32-55 years old) from consenting men undergoing IVF at NYU Langone Fertility Center. scTIPseq identified novel LINE-1 insertions in individual sperm and TIPseqHunter, a custom bioinformatics pipeline, compared the architecture of sperm LINE-1 to known LINE-1 insertions from the European database of Human specific LINE-1 (L1Hs) retrotransposon insertions (euL1db). RESULTS scTIPseq identified 17 novel insertions in sperm. New insertions were mainly intergenic or intronic. Only one sample did not exhibit new insertions. The location or number of novel insertions did not differ by paternal age. CONCLUSION This study for the first time reports novel LINE-1 insertions in human sperm, demonstrating the feasibility of scTIPseq, and identifies new contributors to genetic diversity in the human germ line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thalita S Berteli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Human Reproduction Division, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Wilson McKerrow
- Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Paula A Navarro
- Human Reproduction Division, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - David Fenyo
- Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jef D Boeke
- Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Fabiana B Kohlrausch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Biology Institute, Department of General Biology, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Niteroi, RJ, Brazil
| | - David L Keefe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Yang F, Su W, Chung OW, Tracy L, Wang L, Ramsden DA, Zhang ZZZ. Retrotransposons hijack alt-EJ for DNA replication and eccDNA biogenesis. Nature 2023; 620:218-225. [PMID: 37438532 PMCID: PMC10691919 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06327-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Retrotransposons are highly enriched in the animal genome1-3. The activation of retrotransposons can rewrite host DNA information and fundamentally impact host biology1-3. Although developmental activation of retrotransposons can offer benefits for the host, such as against virus infection, uncontrolled activation promotes disease or potentially drives ageing1-5. After activation, retrotransposons use their mRNA as templates to synthesize double-stranded DNA for making new insertions in the host genome1-3,6. Although the reverse transcriptase that they encode can synthesize the first-strand DNA1-3,6, how the second-strand DNA is generated remains largely unclear. Here we report that retrotransposons hijack the alternative end-joining (alt-EJ) DNA repair process of the host for a circularization step to synthesize their second-strand DNA. We used Nanopore sequencing to examine the fates of replicated retrotransposon DNA, and found that 10% of them achieve new insertions, whereas 90% exist as extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA). Using eccDNA production as a readout, further genetic screens identified factors from alt-EJ as essential for retrotransposon replication. alt-EJ drives the second-strand synthesis of the long terminal repeat retrotransposon DNA through a circularization process and is therefore necessary for eccDNA production and new insertions. Together, our study reveals that alt-EJ is essential in driving the propagation of parasitic genomic retroelements. Our study uncovers a conserved function of this understudied DNA repair process, and provides a new perspective to understand-and potentially control-the retrotransposon life cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu Yang
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Weijia Su
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Oliver W Chung
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Lauren Tracy
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Dale A Ramsden
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Z Z Zhao Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
- Duke Regeneration Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
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Holloway K, Neherin K, Dam KU, Zhang H. Cellular senescence and neurodegeneration. Hum Genet 2023; 142:1247-1262. [PMID: 37115318 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-023-02565-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Advancing age is a major risk factor of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The worldwide prevalence of AD is approximately 50 million people, and this number is projected to increase substantially. The molecular mechanisms underlying the aging-associated susceptibility to cognitive impairment in AD are largely unknown. As a hallmark of aging, cellular senescence is a significant contributor to aging and age-related diseases including AD. Senescent neurons and glial cells have been detected to accumulate in the brains of AD patients and mouse models. Importantly, selective elimination of senescent cells ameliorates amyloid beta and tau pathologies and improves cognition in AD mouse models, indicating a critical role of cellular senescence in AD pathogenesis. Nonetheless, the mechanisms underlying when and how cellular senescence contributes to AD pathogenesis remain unclear. This review provides an overview of cellular senescence and discusses recent advances in the understanding of the impact of cellular senescence on AD pathogenesis, with brief discussions of the possible role of cellular senescence in other neurodegenerative diseases including Down syndrome, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristopher Holloway
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Kashfia Neherin
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Kha Uyen Dam
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA.
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Soto DC, Uribe-Salazar JM, Shew CJ, Sekar A, McGinty S, Dennis MY. Genomic structural variation: A complex but important driver of human evolution. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2023; 181 Suppl 76:118-144. [PMID: 36794631 PMCID: PMC10329998 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Structural variants (SVs)-including duplications, deletions, and inversions of DNA-can have significant genomic and functional impacts but are technically difficult to identify and assay compared with single-nucleotide variants. With the aid of new genomic technologies, it has become clear that SVs account for significant differences across and within species. This phenomenon is particularly well-documented for humans and other primates due to the wealth of sequence data available. In great apes, SVs affect a larger number of nucleotides than single-nucleotide variants, with many identified SVs exhibiting population and species specificity. In this review, we highlight the importance of SVs in human evolution by (1) how they have shaped great ape genomes resulting in sensitized regions associated with traits and diseases, (2) their impact on gene functions and regulation, which subsequently has played a role in natural selection, and (3) the role of gene duplications in human brain evolution. We further discuss how to incorporate SVs in research, including the strengths and limitations of various genomic approaches. Finally, we propose future considerations in integrating existing data and biospecimens with the ever-expanding SV compendium propelled by biotechnology advancements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela C. Soto
- Genome Center, MIND Institute, and Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- Integrative Genetics and Genomics Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - José M. Uribe-Salazar
- Genome Center, MIND Institute, and Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- Integrative Genetics and Genomics Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Colin J. Shew
- Genome Center, MIND Institute, and Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- Integrative Genetics and Genomics Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Aarthi Sekar
- Genome Center, MIND Institute, and Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- Integrative Genetics and Genomics Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Sean McGinty
- Genome Center, MIND Institute, and Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- Integrative Genetics and Genomics Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Megan Y. Dennis
- Genome Center, MIND Institute, and Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- Integrative Genetics and Genomics Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
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Genetic 'parasites' hijack a DNA-repair pathway to form circular DNA and replicate. Nature 2023:10.1038/d41586-023-02108-4. [PMID: 37438621 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-023-02108-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
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48
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Zhang M, Sun W, You X, Xu D, Wang L, Yang J, Li E, He S. LINE-1 repression in Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric cancer through viral-host genome interaction. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:4867-4880. [PMID: 36942479 PMCID: PMC10250212 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Long INterspersed Element 1 (LINE-1 or L1) acts as a major remodeling force in genome regulation and evolution. Accumulating evidence shows that virus infection impacts L1 expression, potentially impacting host antiviral response and diseases. The underlying regulation mechanism is unclear. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a double-stranded DNA virus linked to B-cell and epithelial malignancies, is known to have viral-host genome interaction, resulting in transcriptional rewiring in EBV-associated gastric cancer (EBVaGC). By analyzing publicly available datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), we found that EBVaGC has L1 transcriptional repression compared with EBV-negative gastric cancer (EBVnGC). More specifically, retrotransposition-associated young and full-length L1s (FL-L1s) were among the most repressed L1s. Epigenetic alterations, especially increased H3K9me3, were observed on FL-L1s. H3K9me3 deposition was potentially attributed to increased TASOR expression, a key component of the human silencing hub (HUSH) complex for H3K9 trimethylation. The 4C- and HiC-seq data indicated that the viral DNA interacted in the proximity of the TASOR enhancer, strengthening the loop formation between the TASOR enhancer and its promoter. These results indicated that EBV infection is associated with increased H3K9me3 deposition, leading to L1 repression. This study uncovers a regulation mechanism of L1 expression by chromatin topology remodeling associated with viral-host genome interaction in EBVaGC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
- Yancheng Medical Research Center, Medical School, Nanjing University, Yancheng 224000, China
| | - Weikang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Xiaoxin You
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Dongge Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Lingling Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Jingping Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Erguang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
- Institute of Medical Virology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Nanjing University, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Susu He
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
- Yancheng Medical Research Center, Medical School, Nanjing University, Yancheng 224000, China
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49
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Felley-Bosco E. Exploring the Expression of the «Dark Matter» of the Genome in Mesothelioma for Potentially Predictive Biomarkers for Prognosis and Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15112969. [PMID: 37296931 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15112969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent high-throughput RNA sequencing technologies have confirmed that a large part of the non-coding genome is transcribed. The priority for further investigations is nevertheless generally given in cancer to coding sequences, due to the obvious interest of finding therapeutic targets. In addition, several RNA-sequencing pipelines eliminate repetitive sequences, which are difficult to analyze. In this review, we shall focus on endogenous retroviruses. These sequences are remnants of ancestral germline infections by exogenous retroviruses. These sequences represent 8% of human genome, meaning four-fold the fraction of the genome encoding for proteins. These sequences are generally mostly repressed in normal adult tissues, but pathological conditions lead to their de-repression. Specific mesothelioma-associated endogenous retrovirus expression and their association to clinical outcome is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Felley-Bosco
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zürich University Hospital, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
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50
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Du Q, Stow EC, LaCoste D, Freeman B, Baddoo M, Shareef A, Miller KM, Belancio VP. A novel role of TRIM28 B box domain in L1 retrotransposition and ORF2p-mediated cDNA synthesis. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:4429-4450. [PMID: 37070200 PMCID: PMC10201437 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The long interspersed element 1 (LINE-1 or L1) integration is affected by many cellular factors through various mechanisms. Some of these factors are required for L1 amplification, while others either suppress or enhance specific steps during L1 propagation. Previously, TRIM28 has been identified to suppress transposable elements, including L1 expression via its canonical role in chromatin remodeling. Here, we report that TRIM28 through its B box domain increases L1 retrotransposition and facilitates shorter cDNA and L1 insert generation in cultured cells. Consistent with the latter, we observe that tumor specific L1 inserts are shorter in endometrial, ovarian, and prostate tumors with higher TRIM28 mRNA expression than in those with lower TRIM28 expression. We determine that three amino acids in the B box domain that are involved in TRIM28 multimerization are critical for its effect on both L1 retrotransposition and cDNA synthesis. We provide evidence that B boxes from the other two members in the Class VI TRIM proteins, TRIM24 and TRIM33, also increase L1 retrotransposition. Our findings could lead to a better understanding of the host/L1 evolutionary arms race in the germline and their interplay during tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianhui Du
- Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane Health Sciences Center, 1700 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Tulane School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans 70112, USA
| | - Emily C Stow
- Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane Health Sciences Center, 1700 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Tulane School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans 70112, USA
| | - Dawn LaCoste
- Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane Health Sciences Center, 1700 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Tulane School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans 70112, USA
| | - Benjamin Freeman
- Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane Health Sciences Center, 1700 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Tulane School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans 70112, USA
| | - Melody Baddoo
- Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane Health Sciences Center, 1700 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Afzaal M Shareef
- Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane Health Sciences Center, 1700 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Tulane School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans 70112, USA
| | - Kyle M Miller
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, 100 E 24th Street, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Victoria P Belancio
- Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane Health Sciences Center, 1700 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Tulane School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans 70112, USA
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