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McGirr T, Onar O, Jafarnejad SM. Dysregulated ribosome quality control in human diseases. FEBS J 2024. [PMID: 38949989 DOI: 10.1111/febs.17217] [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: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Precise regulation of mRNA translation is of fundamental importance for maintaining homeostasis. Conversely, dysregulated general or transcript-specific translation, as well as abnormal translation events, have been linked to a multitude of diseases. However, driven by the misconception that the transient nature of mRNAs renders their abnormalities inconsequential, the importance of mechanisms that monitor the quality and fidelity of the translation process has been largely overlooked. In recent years, there has been a dramatic shift in this paradigm, evidenced by several seminal discoveries on the role of a key mechanism in monitoring the quality of mRNA translation - namely, Ribosome Quality Control (RQC) - in the maintenance of homeostasis and the prevention of diseases. Here, we will review recent advances in the field and emphasize the biological significance of the RQC mechanism, particularly its implications in human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom McGirr
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, UK
| | - Okan Onar
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, UK
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ankara University, Turkey
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2
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XIONG J, FENG T, YUAN BF. [Advances in mapping analysis of ribonucleic acid modifications through sequencing]. Se Pu 2024; 42:632-645. [PMID: 38966972 PMCID: PMC11224946 DOI: 10.3724/sp.j.1123.2023.12025] [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: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Over 170 chemical modifications have been discovered in various types of ribonucleic acids (RNAs), including messenger RNA (mRNA), ribosomal RNA (rRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and small nuclear RNA (snRNA). These RNA modifications play crucial roles in a wide range of biological processes such as gene expression regulation, RNA stability maintenance, and protein translation. RNA modifications represent a new dimension of gene expression regulation known as the "epitranscriptome". The discovery of RNA modifications and the relevant writers, erasers, and readers provides an important basis for studies on the dynamic regulation and physiological functions of RNA modifications. Owing to the development of detection technologies for RNA modifications, studies on RNA epitranscriptomes have progressed to the single-base resolution, multilayer, and full-coverage stage. Transcriptome-wide methods help discover new RNA modification sites and are of great importance for elucidating the molecular regulatory mechanisms of epitranscriptomics, exploring the disease associations of RNA modifications, and understanding their clinical applications. The existing RNA modification sequencing technologies can be categorized according to the pretreatment approach and sequencing principle as direct high-throughput sequencing, antibody-enrichment sequencing, enzyme-assisted sequencing, chemical labeling-assisted sequencing, metabolic labeling sequencing, and nanopore sequencing technologies. These methods, as well as studies on the functions of RNA modifications, have greatly expanded our understanding of epitranscriptomics. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in RNA modification detection technologies, focusing on the basic principles, advantages, and limitations of different methods. Direct high-throughput sequencing methods do not require complex RNA pretreatment and allow for the mapping of RNA modifications using conventional RNA sequencing methods. However, only a few RNA modifications can be analyzed by high-throughput sequencing. Antibody enrichment followed by high-throughput sequencing has emerged as a crucial approach for mapping RNA modifications, significantly advancing the understanding of RNA modifications and their regulatory functions in different species. However, the resolution of antibody-enrichment sequencing is limited to approximately 100-200 bp. Although chemical crosslinking techniques can achieve single-base resolution, these methods are often complex, and the specificity of the antibodies used in these methods has raised concerns. In particular, the issue of off-target binding by the antibodies requires urgent attention. Enzyme-assisted sequencing has improved the accuracy of the localization analysis of RNA modifications and enables stoichiometric detection with single-base resolution. However, the enzymes used in this technique show poor reactivity, specificity, and sequence preference. Chemical labeling sequencing has become a widely used approach for profiling RNA modifications, particularly by altering reverse transcription (RT) signatures such as RT stops, misincorporations, and deletions. Chemical-assisted sequencing provides a sequence-independent RNA modification detection strategy that enables the localization of multiple RNA modifications. Additionally, when combined with the biotin-streptavidin affinity method, low-abundance RNA modifications can be enriched and detected. Nevertheless, the specificity of many chemical reactions remains problematic, and the development of specific reaction probes for particular modifications should continue in the future to achieve the precise localization of RNA modifications. As an indirect localization method, metabolic labeling sequencing specifically localizes the sites at which modifying enzymes act, which is of great significance in the study of RNA modification functions. However, this method is limited by the intracellular labeling of RNA and cannot be applied to biological samples such as clinical tissues and blood samples. Nanopore sequencing is a direct RNA-sequencing method that does not require RT or the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). However, challenges in analyzing the data obtained from nanopore sequencing, such as the high rate of false positives, must be resolved. Discussing sequencing analysis methods for various types of RNA modifications is instructive for the future development of novel RNA modification mapping technologies, and will aid studies on the functions of RNA modifications across the entire transcriptome.
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Schiksnis EC, Nicastro IA, Pasquinelli AE. Full-length direct RNA sequencing reveals extensive remodeling of RNA expression, processing and modification in aging Caenorhabditis elegans. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.18.599640. [PMID: 38948813 PMCID: PMC11213008 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.18.599640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Organismal aging is marked by decline in cellular function and anatomy, ultimately resulting in death. To inform our understanding of the mechanisms underlying this degeneration, we performed standard RNA sequencing and Nanopore direct RNA sequencing over an adult time course in Caenorhabditis elegans. Long reads allowed for identification of hundreds of novel isoforms and age-associated differential isoform accumulation, resulting from alternative splicing and terminal exon choice. Genome-wide analysis reveals a decline in RNA processing fidelity and a rise in inosine and pseudouridine editing events in transcripts from older animals. In this first map of pseudouridine modifications for C. elegans , we find that they largely reside in coding sequences and that the number of genes with this modification increases with age. Collectively, this analysis discovers transcriptomic signatures associated with age and is a valuable resource to understand the many processes that dictate altered gene expression patterns and post-transcriptional regulation in aging.
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Sioud M, Juzeniene A, Sæbøe-Larssen S. Exploring the Impact of mRNA Modifications on Translation Efficiency and Immune Tolerance to Self-Antigens. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:624. [PMID: 38932353 PMCID: PMC11209393 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12060624] [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: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic modified mRNAs are being developed for a broad range of human diseases. However, the impact of potential miscoding of modified mRNAs on self-tolerance remains unknown. Additionally, more studies are needed to explore the effects of nucleoside alkylation on translation. While all six tested modifications are tolerated as substrates by T7 RNA polymerase and inhibited mRNA immunogenicity, the translation efficiency varied significantly depending on the type of modification. In contrast to methylation, ethylation at the N1 position of pseudouridine (Ψ) hindered translation, suggesting that the C5-C1' glycosidic bond alone is not a critical element for high translation. Inhibition of mRNA translation was also observed with 5-methoxyuridine modification. However, this inhibition was partially alleviated through the optimization of mRNA coding sequences. BALB/c mice immunized with syngeneic ψ-modified mRNA encoding for Wilms' tumor antigen-1 (WT1) developed a low but significant level of anti-WT1 IgG antibodies compared to those immunized with either unmodified or N1-methyl ψ-modified mRNA. Overall, the data indicate that adding a simple ethyl group (-CH2CH3) at the N1 position of ψ has a major negative effect on translation despite its reduced immunogenicity. Additionally, mRNA containing Ψ may alter translation fidelity at certain codons, which could lead to a breakdown of immune tolerance to self-antigens. This concern should be taken into account during gene replacement therapies, although it could benefit mRNA-based vaccines by generating a diverse repertoire of antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mouldy Sioud
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Radiumhospitalet, Ullernchausseen 70, 0379 Oslo, Norway
| | - Asta Juzeniene
- Department of Radiation Biology, Oslo University Hospital, Radiumhospitalet, Ullernchausseen 70, 0379 Oslo, Norway;
| | - Stein Sæbøe-Larssen
- Department of cellular Therapy, Oslo University Hospital, Radiumhospitalet, Ullernchausseen 70, 0379 Oslo, Norway;
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5
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Knight HM, Demirbugen Öz M, PerezGrovas-Saltijeral A. Dysregulation of RNA modification systems in clinical populations with neurocognitive disorders. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1256-1261. [PMID: 37905873 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.385858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT The study of modified RNA known as epitranscriptomics has become increasingly relevant in our understanding of disease-modifying mechanisms. Methylation of N6 adenosine (m6A) and C5 cytosine (m5C) bases occur on mRNAs, tRNA, mt-tRNA, and rRNA species as well as non-coding RNAs. With emerging knowledge of RNA binding proteins that act as writer, reader, and eraser effector proteins, comes a new understanding of physiological processes controlled by these systems. Such processes when spatiotemporally disrupted within cellular nanodomains in highly specialized tissues such as the brain, give rise to different forms of disease. In this review, we discuss accumulating evidence that changes in the m6A and m5C methylation systems contribute to neurocognitive disorders. Early studies first identified mutations within FMR1 to cause intellectual disability Fragile X syndromes several years before FMR1 was identified as an m6A RNA reader protein. Subsequently, familial mutations within the m6A writer gene METTL5, m5C writer genes NSUN2, NSUN3, NSUN5, and NSUN6, as well as THOC2 and THOC6 that form a protein complex with the m5C reader protein ALYREF, were recognized to cause intellectual development disorders. Similarly, differences in expression of the m5C writer and reader effector proteins, NSUN6, NSUN7, and ALYREF in brain tissue are indicated in individuals with Alzheimer's disease, individuals with a high neuropathological load or have suffered traumatic brain injury. Likewise, an abundance of m6A reader and anti-reader proteins are reported to change across brain regions in Lewy bodies diseases, Alzheimer's disease, and individuals with high cognitive reserve. m6A-modified RNAs are also reported significantly more abundant in dementia with Lewy bodies brain tissue but significantly reduced in Parkinson's disease tissue, whilst modified RNAs are misplaced within diseased cells, particularly where synapses are located. In parahippocampal brain tissue, m6A modification is enriched in transcripts associated with psychiatric disorders including conditions with clear cognitive deficits. These findings indicate a diverse set of molecular mechanisms are influenced by RNA methylation systems that can cause neuronal and synaptic dysfunction underlying neurocognitive disorders. Targeting these RNA modification systems brings new prospects for neural regenerative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen M Knight
- Division of Cells, Organisms and Molecular Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Merve Demirbugen Öz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
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Aleem MT, Munir F, Shakoor A, Gao F. mRNA vaccines against infectious diseases and future direction. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 135:112320. [PMID: 38788451 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112320] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Vaccines are used for the control of infectious diseases of animals. Over other types of vaccinations like live attenuated or killed vaccines, mRNA-based vaccines have significant advantages. As only a small portion of the pathogen's genetic material is employed and the dose rate of mRNA-based vaccines is low, there is the least possibility that the pathogen will reverse itself. A carrier or vehicle that shields mRNA-based vaccines from the host's cellular RNases is necessary for their delivery. mRNA vaccines have been shown to be effective and to induce both a cell-mediated immune response and a humoral immune response in clinical trials against various infectious diseases (viral and parasitic) affecting the animals, including rabies, foot and mouth disease, toxoplasmosis, Zikavirus, leishmaniasis, and COVID-19. The current review aims to highlight the use of mRNA-based vaccines both in viral and parasitic diseases of animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Tahir Aleem
- Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China; Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, College of Sciences and Health Professions, Clevaland State University, Clevaland, OH 44115, USA.
| | - Furqan Munir
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan
| | - Amna Shakoor
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan
| | - Fenfei Gao
- Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China.
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Qian W, Yang L, Li T, Li W, Zhou J, Xie S. RNA modifications in pulmonary diseases. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e546. [PMID: 38706740 PMCID: PMC11068158 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Threatening public health, pulmonary disease (PD) encompasses diverse lung injuries like chronic obstructive PD, pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, pulmonary infections due to pathogen invasion, and fatal lung cancer. The crucial involvement of RNA epigenetic modifications in PD pathogenesis is underscored by robust evidence. These modifications not only shape cell fates but also finely modulate the expression of genes linked to disease progression, suggesting their utility as biomarkers and targets for therapeutic strategies. The critical RNA modifications implicated in PDs are summarized in this review, including N6-methylation of adenosine, N1-methylation of adenosine, 5-methylcytosine, pseudouridine (5-ribosyl uracil), 7-methylguanosine, and adenosine to inosine editing, along with relevant regulatory mechanisms. By shedding light on the pathology of PDs, these summaries could spur the identification of new biomarkers and therapeutic strategies, ultimately paving the way for early PD diagnosis and treatment innovation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Qian
- Emergency Department of Emergency MedicineLaboratory of Emergency Medicine, West China Hospital, And Disaster Medical, Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Emergency DepartmentShangjinnanfu Hospital, West China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Lvying Yang
- The Department of Respiratory and Critical Care MedicineThe First Veterans Hospital of Sichuan ProvinceChengduSichuanChina
| | - Tianlong Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine Sichuan Provincial People's HospitalUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduSichuanChina
| | - Wanlin Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's HospitalShenzhenGuangdongChina
| | - Jian Zhou
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, National‐Regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical SchoolShenzhenChina
- Department of ImmunologyInternational Cancer Center, Shenzhen University Health Science CenterShenzhenGuangdongChina
| | - Shenglong Xie
- Department of Thoracic SurgerySichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduSichuanChina
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8
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Gilbert WV. Recent developments, opportunities, and challenges in the study of mRNA pseudouridylation. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2024; 30:530-536. [PMID: 38531650 PMCID: PMC11019745 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079975.124] [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: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Pseudouridine is an abundant mRNA modification found in diverse organisms ranging from bacteria and viruses to multicellular plants and humans. New developments in pseudouridine profiling provide quantitative tools to map mRNA pseudouridylation sites. Sparse biochemical studies establish the potential for mRNA pseudouridylation to affect most stages of the mRNA life cycle from birth to death. This recent progress sets the stage for deeper investigations into the molecular and cellular functions of specific mRNA pseudouridines, including in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy V Gilbert
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA
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9
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Fanari O, Tavakoli S, Akeson S, Makhamreh A, Nian K, McCormick CA, Qiu Y, Bloch D, Jain M, Wanunu M, Rouhanifard SH. Probing enzyme-dependent pseudouridylation using direct RNA sequencing to assess neuronal epitranscriptome plasticity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.26.586895. [PMID: 38585714 PMCID: PMC10996719 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.26.586895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Chemical modifications in mRNAs such as pseudouridine (psi) can regulate gene expression, although our understanding of the functional impact of individual psi modifications, especially in neuronal cells, is limited. We apply nanopore direct RNA sequencing to investigate psi dynamics under cellular perturbations in SH-SY5Y cells. We assign sites to psi synthases using siRNA-based knockdown. A steady-state enzyme-substrate model reveals a strong correlation between psi synthase and mRNA substrate levels and psi modification frequencies. Next, we performed either differentiation or lead-exposure to SH-SY5Y cells and found that, upon lead exposure, not differentiation, the modification frequency is less dependent on enzyme levels suggesting translational control. Finally, we compared the plasticity of psi sites across cellular states and found that plastic sites can be condition-dependent or condition-independent; several of these sites fall within transcripts encoding proteins involved in neuronal processes. Our psi analysis and validation enable investigations into the dynamics and plasticity of RNA modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleksandra Fanari
- Dept. of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Sepideh Tavakoli
- Dept. of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Stuart Akeson
- Dept. of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA
| | - Amr Makhamreh
- Dept. of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA
| | - Keqing Nian
- Dept. of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA
| | | | - Yuchen Qiu
- Dept. of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA
| | - Dylan Bloch
- Dept. of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA
| | - Miten Jain
- Dept. of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA
- Dept. of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA
| | - Meni Wanunu
- Dept. of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA
- Dept. of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA
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10
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Wang M, Ali H, Xu Y, Xie J, Xu S. BiPSTP: Sequence feature encoding method for identifying different RNA modifications with bidirectional position-specific trinucleotides propensities. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107140. [PMID: 38447795 PMCID: PMC10997841 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107140] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
RNA modification, a posttranscriptional regulatory mechanism, significantly influences RNA biogenesis and function. The accurate identification of modification sites is paramount for investigating their biological implications. Methods for encoding RNA sequence into numerical data play a crucial role in developing robust models for predicting modification sites. However, existing techniques suffer from limitations, including inadequate information representation, challenges in effectively integrating positional and sequential information, and the generation of irrelevant or redundant features when combining multiple approaches. These deficiencies hinder the effectiveness of machine learning models in addressing the performance challenges associated with predicting RNA modification sites. Here, we introduce a novel RNA sequence feature representation method, named BiPSTP, which utilizes bidirectional trinucleotide position-specific propensities. We employ the parameter ξ to denote the interval between the current nucleotide and its adjacent forward or backward dinucleotide, enabling the extraction of positional and sequential information from RNA sequences. Leveraging the BiPSTP method, we have developed the prediction model mRNAPred using support vector machine classifier to identify multiple types of RNA modification sites. We evaluate the performance of our BiPSTP method and mRNAPred model across 12 distinct RNA modification types. Our experimental results demonstrate the superiority of the mRNAPred model compared to state-of-art models in the domain of RNA modification sites identification. Importantly, our BiPSTP method enhances the robustness and generalization performance of prediction models. Notably, it can be applied to feature extraction from DNA sequences to predict other biological modification sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhao Wang
- School of Computer Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Haider Ali
- School of Computer Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yandi Xu
- School of Computer Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China; College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Juanying Xie
- School of Computer Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Shengquan Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China.
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11
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Luo N, Huang Q, Dong L, Liu W, Song J, Sun H, Wu H, Gao Y, Yi C. Near-cognate tRNAs increase the efficiency and precision of pseudouridine-mediated readthrough of premature termination codons. Nat Biotechnol 2024:10.1038/s41587-024-02165-8. [PMID: 38448662 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-024-02165-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Programmable RNA pseudouridylation has emerged as a new type of RNA base editor to suppress premature termination codons (PTCs) that can lead to truncated and nonfunctional proteins. However, current methods to correct disease-associated PTCs suffer from low efficiency and limited precision. Here we develop RESTART v3, which uses near-cognate tRNAs to improve the readthrough efficiency of pseudouridine-modified PTCs. We show an average of ~5-fold (range: 2.1- to 9.5-fold) higher editing efficiency than RESTART v2 in cultured cells and achieve functional PTC readthrough in disease cell models of cystic fibrosis and Hurler syndrome. Furthermore, RESTART v3 enables accurate incorporation of the original amino acid for nearly half of the PTC sites, considering the naturally occurring frequencies of sense-to-nonsense codons, without affecting normal termination codons. Although off-target sites were detected, we did not observe changes to the coding information or the expression level of transcripts, and the overall natural tRNA abundance remained constant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Liting Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenqing Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jinghui Song
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Hanxiao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- Modit Therapeutics Beijing Limited, K115 Beijing ATLATL International Innovation Platform, Beijing, China
| | - Chengqi Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.
- Department of Chemical Biology and Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Advanced Center of RNA Biology (BEACON), Peking University, Beijing, China.
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12
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Kobayashi A, Kitagawa Y, Nasser A, Wakimoto H, Yamada K, Tanaka S. Emerging Roles and Mechanisms of RNA Modifications in Neurodegenerative Diseases and Glioma. Cells 2024; 13:457. [PMID: 38474421 DOI: 10.3390/cells13050457] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite a long history of research, neurodegenerative diseases and malignant brain tumor gliomas are both considered incurable, facing challenges in the development of treatments. Recent evidence suggests that RNA modifications, previously considered as static components of intracellular RNAs, are in fact dynamically regulated across various RNA species in cells and play a critical role in major biological processes in the nervous system. Innovations in next-generation sequencing have enabled the accurate detection of modifications on bases and sugars within various RNA molecules. These RNA modifications influence the stability and transportation of RNA, and crucially affect its translation. This review delves into existing knowledge on RNA modifications to offer a comprehensive inventory of these modifications across different RNA species. The detailed regulatory functions and roles of RNA modifications within the nervous system are discussed with a focus on neurodegenerative diseases and gliomas. This article presents a comprehensive overview of the fundamental mechanisms and emerging roles of RNA modifications in these diseases, which can facilitate the creation of innovative diagnostics and therapeutics for these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ami Kobayashi
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yosuke Kitagawa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Translational Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Ali Nasser
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Translational Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Hiroaki Wakimoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Translational Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Keisuke Yamada
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0075, Japan
| | - Shota Tanaka
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0075, Japan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
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13
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Song J, Luo N, Dong L, Peng J, Yi C. RNA base editors: The emerging approach of RNA therapeutics. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2024; 15:e1844. [PMID: 38576085 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1844] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
RNA-based therapeutics offer a flexible and reversible approach for treating genetic disorders, such as antisense oligonucleotides, RNA interference, aptamers, mRNA vaccines, and RNA editing. In recent years, significant advancements have been made in RNA base editing to correct disease-relevant point mutations. These achievements have significantly influenced the fields of biotechnology, biomedical research and therapeutics development. In this article, we provide a comprehensive overview of the design and performance of contemporary RNA base editors, including A-to-I, C-to-U, A-to-m6A, and U-to-Ψ. We compare recent innovative developments and highlight their applications in disease-relevant contexts. Lastly, we discuss the limitations and future prospects of utilizing RNA base editing for therapeutic purposes. This article is categorized under: RNA Processing > RNA Editing and Modification RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghui Song
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Liting Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jinying Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Chengqi Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Chemical Biology and Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Advanced Center of RNA Biology (BEACON), Peking University, Beijing, China
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14
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Zacchini F, Barozzi C, Venturi G, Montanaro L. How snoRNAs can contribute to cancer at multiple levels. NAR Cancer 2024; 6:zcae005. [PMID: 38406265 PMCID: PMC10894041 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcae005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
snoRNAs are a class of non-coding RNAs known to guide site specifically RNA modifications such as 2'-O-methylation and pseudouridylation. Recent results regarding snoRNA alterations in cancer has been made available and suggest their potential evaluation as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. A large part of these data, however, was not consistently confirmed and failed to provide mechanistic insights on the contribution of altered snoRNA expression to the neoplastic process. Here, we aim to critically review the available literature on snoRNA in cancer focusing on the studies elucidating the functional consequences of their deregulation. Beyond the canonical guide function in RNA processing and modification we also considered additional roles in which snoRNA, in various forms and through different modalities, are involved and that have been recently reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Zacchini
- Departmental Program in Laboratory Medicine, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, I-40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Chiara Barozzi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna I-40138, Italy
| | - Giulia Venturi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna I-40138, Italy
- Centre for Applied Biomedical Research – CRBA, University of Bologna, Sant’Orsola Hospital, Bologna I-40138, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Montanaro
- Departmental Program in Laboratory Medicine, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, I-40138 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna I-40138, Italy
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15
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Huang S, Wylder AC, Pan T. Simultaneous nanopore profiling of mRNA m 6A and pseudouridine reveals translation coordination. Nat Biotechnol 2024:10.1038/s41587-024-02135-0. [PMID: 38321115 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-024-02135-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and pseudouridine (Ψ) are the two most abundant modifications in mammalian messenger RNA, but the coordination of their biological functions remains poorly understood. We develop a machine learning-based nanopore direct RNA sequencing method (NanoSPA) that simultaneously analyzes m6A and Ψ in the human transcriptome. Applying NanoSPA to polysome profiling, we reveal opposing transcriptomic co-occurrence of m6A and Ψ and synergistic, hierarchical effects of m6A and Ψ on the polysome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sihao Huang
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Adam C Wylder
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Tao Pan
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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16
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VanKeulen-Miller R, Fenton OS. Messenger RNA Therapy for Female Reproductive Health. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:393-409. [PMID: 38189262 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00803] [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: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Female reproductive health has traditionally been an underrepresented area of research in the drug delivery sciences. This disparity is also seen in the emerging field of mRNA therapeutics, a class of medicines that promises to treat and prevent disease by upregulating protein expression in the body. Here, we review advances in mRNA therapies through the lens of improving female reproductive health. Specifically, we begin our review by discussing the fundamental structure and biochemical modifications associated with mRNA-based drugs. Then, we discuss various packaging technologies, including lipid nanoparticles, that can be utilized to protect and transport mRNA drugs to target cells in the body. Last, we conclude our review by discussing the usage of mRNA therapy for addressing pregnancy-related health and vaccination against sexually transmitted diseases in women. Of note, we also highlight relevant clinical trials using mRNA for female reproductive health while also providing their corresponding National Clinical Trial identifiers. In undertaking this review, our aim is to provide a fundamental background understanding of mRNA therapy and its usage to specifically address female health issues with an overarching goal of providing information toward addressing gender disparity in certain aspects of health research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel VanKeulen-Miller
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Owen S Fenton
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
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17
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Goh WSS, Kuang Y. Heterogeneity of chemical modifications on RNA. Biophys Rev 2024; 16:79-87. [PMID: 38495447 PMCID: PMC10937866 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-023-01128-8] [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: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The chemical modifications of RNAs broadly impact almost all cellular events and influence various diseases. The rapid advance of sequencing and other technologies opened the door to global methods for profiling all RNA modifications, namely the "epitranscriptome." The mapping of epitranscriptomes in different cells and tissues unveiled that RNA modifications exhibit extensive heterogeneity, in type, amount, and in location. In this mini review, we first introduce the current understanding of modifications on major types of RNAs and the methods that enabled their discovery. We next discuss the tissue and cell heterogeneity of RNA modifications and briefly address the limitations of current technologies. With much still remaining unknown, the development of the epitranscriptomic field lies in the further developments of novel technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- W. S. Sho Goh
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yi Kuang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
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18
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Roy A, Ghosh A. Epigenetic Restriction Factors (eRFs) in Virus Infection. Viruses 2024; 16:183. [PMID: 38399958 PMCID: PMC10892949 DOI: 10.3390/v16020183] [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: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The ongoing arms race between viruses and their hosts is constantly evolving. One of the ways in which cells defend themselves against invading viruses is by using restriction factors (RFs), which are cell-intrinsic antiviral mechanisms that block viral replication and transcription. Recent research has identified a specific group of RFs that belong to the cellular epigenetic machinery and are able to restrict the gene expression of certain viruses. These RFs can be referred to as epigenetic restriction factors or eRFs. In this review, eRFs have been classified into two categories. The first category includes eRFs that target viral chromatin. So far, the identified eRFs in this category include the PML-NBs, the KRAB/KAP1 complex, IFI16, and the HUSH complex. The second category includes eRFs that target viral RNA or, more specifically, the viral epitranscriptome. These epitranscriptomic eRFs have been further classified into two types: those that edit RNA bases-adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR) and pseudouridine synthases (PUS), and those that covalently modify viral RNA-the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) writers, readers, and erasers. We delve into the molecular machinery of eRFs, their role in limiting various viruses, and the mechanisms by which viruses have evolved to counteract them. We also examine the crosstalk between different eRFs, including the common effectors that connect them. Finally, we explore the potential for new discoveries in the realm of epigenetic networks that restrict viral gene expression, as well as the future research directions in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arunava Roy
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
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19
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Chen JL, Leeder WM, Morais P, Adachi H, Yu YT. Pseudouridylation-mediated gene expression modulation. Biochem J 2024; 481:1-16. [PMID: 38174858 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20230096] [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: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
RNA-guided pseudouridylation, a widespread post-transcriptional RNA modification, has recently gained recognition for its role in cellular processes such as pre-mRNA splicing and the modulation of premature termination codon (PTC) readthrough. This review provides insights into its mechanisms, functions, and potential therapeutic applications. It examines the mechanisms governing RNA-guided pseudouridylation, emphasizing the roles of guide RNAs and pseudouridine synthases in catalyzing uridine-to-pseudouridine conversion. A key focus is the impact of RNA-guided pseudouridylation of U2 small nuclear RNA on pre-mRNA splicing, encompassing its influence on branch site recognition and spliceosome assembly. Additionally, the review discusses the emerging role of RNA-guided pseudouridylation in regulating PTC readthrough, impacting translation termination and genetic disorders. Finally, it explores the therapeutic potential of pseudouridine modifications, offering insights into potential treatments for genetic diseases and cancer and the development of mRNA vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan L Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Center for RNA Biology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, U.S.A
| | | | | | - Hironori Adachi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Center for RNA Biology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, U.S.A
| | - Yi-Tao Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Center for RNA Biology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, U.S.A
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20
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Rodell R, Robalin N, Martinez NM. Why U matters: detection and functions of pseudouridine modifications in mRNAs. Trends Biochem Sci 2024; 49:12-27. [PMID: 38097411 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2023.10.008] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
The uridine modifications pseudouridine (Ψ), dihydrouridine, and 5-methyluridine are present in eukaryotic mRNAs. Many uridine-modifying enzymes are associated with human disease, underscoring the importance of uncovering the functions of uridine modifications in mRNAs. These modified uridines have chemical properties distinct from those of canonical uridines, which impact RNA structure and RNA-protein interactions. Ψ, the most abundant of these uridine modifications, is present across (pre-)mRNAs. Recent work has shown that many Ψs are present at intermediate to high stoichiometries that are likely conducive to function and at locations that are poised to influence pre-/mRNA processing. Technological innovations and mechanistic investigations are unveiling the functions of uridine modifications in pre-mRNA splicing, translation, and mRNA stability, which are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Rodell
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Nicolas Robalin
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Nicole M Martinez
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Sarafan ChEM-H Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
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21
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Mulroney TE, Pöyry T, Yam-Puc JC, Rust M, Harvey RF, Kalmar L, Horner E, Booth L, Ferreira AP, Stoneley M, Sawarkar R, Mentzer AJ, Lilley KS, Smales CM, von der Haar T, Turtle L, Dunachie S, Klenerman P, Thaventhiran JED, Willis AE. N 1-methylpseudouridylation of mRNA causes +1 ribosomal frameshifting. Nature 2024; 625:189-194. [PMID: 38057663 PMCID: PMC10764286 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06800-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
In vitro-transcribed (IVT) mRNAs are modalities that can combat human disease, exemplified by their use as vaccines for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). IVT mRNAs are transfected into target cells, where they are translated into recombinant protein, and the biological activity or immunogenicity of the encoded protein exerts an intended therapeutic effect1,2. Modified ribonucleotides are commonly incorporated into therapeutic IVT mRNAs to decrease their innate immunogenicity3-5, but their effects on mRNA translation fidelity have not been fully explored. Here we demonstrate that incorporation of N1-methylpseudouridine into mRNA results in +1 ribosomal frameshifting in vitro and that cellular immunity in mice and humans to +1 frameshifted products from BNT162b2 vaccine mRNA translation occurs after vaccination. The +1 ribosome frameshifting observed is probably a consequence of N1-methylpseudouridine-induced ribosome stalling during IVT mRNA translation, with frameshifting occurring at ribosome slippery sequences. However, we demonstrate that synonymous targeting of such slippery sequences provides an effective strategy to reduce the production of frameshifted products. Overall, these data increase our understanding of how modified ribonucleotides affect the fidelity of mRNA translation, and although there are no adverse outcomes reported from mistranslation of mRNA-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in humans, these data highlight potential off-target effects for future mRNA-based therapeutics and demonstrate the requirement for sequence optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tuija Pöyry
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Maria Rust
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Lajos Kalmar
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Emily Horner
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Lucy Booth
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Mark Stoneley
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - Kathryn S Lilley
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - C Mark Smales
- School of Biosciences, Division of Natural Sciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
- National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training, University College Dublin, Foster Avenue, Mount Merrion, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Tobias von der Haar
- School of Biosciences, Division of Natural Sciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | - Lance Turtle
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit for Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Susanna Dunachie
- NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
- NDM Centre for Global Health Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Paul Klenerman
- NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Anne E Willis
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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22
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Metkar M, Pepin CS, Moore MJ. Tailor made: the art of therapeutic mRNA design. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2024; 23:67-83. [PMID: 38030688 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00827-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
mRNA medicine is a new and rapidly developing field in which the delivery of genetic information in the form of mRNA is used to direct therapeutic protein production in humans. This approach, which allows for the quick and efficient identification and optimization of drug candidates for both large populations and individual patients, has the potential to revolutionize the way we prevent and treat disease. A key feature of mRNA medicines is their high degree of designability, although the design choices involved are complex. Maximizing the production of therapeutic proteins from mRNA medicines requires a thorough understanding of how nucleotide sequence, nucleotide modification and RNA structure interplay to affect translational efficiency and mRNA stability. In this Review, we describe the principles that underlie the physical stability and biological activity of mRNA and emphasize their relevance to the myriad considerations that factor into therapeutic mRNA design.
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23
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Valdes Angues R, Perea Bustos Y. SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination and the Multi-Hit Hypothesis of Oncogenesis. Cureus 2023; 15:e50703. [PMID: 38234925 PMCID: PMC10792266 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.50703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a complex and dynamic disease. The "hallmarks of cancer" were proposed by Hanahan and Weinberg (2000) as a group of biological competencies that human cells attain as they progress from normalcy to neoplastic transformation. These competencies include self-sufficiency in proliferative signaling, insensitivity to growth-suppressive signals and immune surveillance, the ability to evade cell death, enabling replicative immortality, reprogramming energy metabolism, inducing angiogenesis, and activating tissue invasion and metastasis. Underlying these competencies are genome instability, which expedites their acquisition, and inflammation, which fosters their function(s). Additionally, cancer exhibits another dimension of complexity: a heterogeneous repertoire of infiltrating and resident host cells, secreted factors, and extracellular matrix, known as the tumor microenvironment, that through a dynamic and reciprocal relationship with cancer cells supports immortality, local invasion, and metastatic dissemination. This staggering intricacy calls for caution when advising all people with cancer (or a previous history of cancer) to receive the COVID-19 primary vaccine series plus additional booster doses. Moreover, because these patients were not included in the pivotal clinical trials, considerable uncertainty remains regarding vaccine efficacy, safety, and the risk of interactions with anticancer therapies, which could reduce the value and innocuity of either medical treatment. After reviewing the available literature, we are particularly concerned that certain COVID-19 vaccines may generate a pro-tumorigenic milieu (i.e., a specific environment that could lead to neoplastic transformation) that predisposes some (stable) oncologic patients and survivors to cancer progression, recurrence, and/or metastasis. This hypothesis is based on biological plausibility and fulfillment of the multi-hit hypothesis of oncogenesis (i.e., induction of lymphopenia and inflammation, downregulation of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) expression, activation of oncogenic cascades, sequestration of tumor suppressor proteins, dysregulation of the RNA-G quadruplex-protein binding system, alteration of type I interferon responses, unsilencing of retrotransposable elements, etc.) together with growing evidence and safety reports filed to Vaccine Adverse Effects Report System (VAERS) suggesting that some cancer patients experienced disease exacerbation or recurrence following COVID-19 vaccination. In light of the above and because some of these concerns (i.e., alteration of oncogenic pathways, promotion of inflammatory cascades, and dysregulation of the renin-angiotensin system) also apply to cancer patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, we encourage the scientific and medical community to urgently evaluate the impact of both COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination on cancer biology and tumor registries, adjusting public health recommendations accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Valdes Angues
- Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University School of Medicine, Portland, USA
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24
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Dhingra Y, Lahiri M, Bhandari N, Kaur I, Gupta S, Agarwal M, Katiyar-Agarwal S. Genome-wide identification, characterization, and expression analysis unveil the roles of pseudouridine synthase (PUS) family proteins in rice development and stress response. PHYSIOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF PLANTS : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 29:1981-2004. [PMID: 38222285 PMCID: PMC10784261 DOI: 10.1007/s12298-023-01396-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Pseudouridylation, the conversion of uridine (U) to pseudouridine (Ѱ), is one of the most prevalent and evolutionary conserved RNA modifications, which is catalyzed by pseudouridine synthase (PUS) enzymes. Ѱs play a crucial epitranscriptomic role by regulating attributes of cellular RNAs across diverse organisms. However, the precise biological functions of PUSs in plants remain largely elusive. In this study, we identified and characterized 21 members in the rice PUS family which were categorized into six distinct subfamilies, with RluA and TruA emerging as the most extensive. A comprehensive analysis of domain structures, motifs, and homology modeling revealed that OsPUSs possess all canonical features of true PUS proteins, essential for substrate recognition and catalysis. The exploration of OsPUS promoters revealed presence of cis-acting regulatory elements associated with hormone and abiotic stress responses. Expression analysis of OsPUS genes showed differential expression at developmental stages and under stress conditions. Notably, OsTruB3 displayed high expression in salt, heat, and drought stresses. Several OsRluA members showed induction in heat stress, while a significant decline in expression was observed for various OsTruA members in drought and salinity. Furthermore, miRNAs predicted to target OsPUSs were themselves responsive to variable stresses, adding an additional layer of regulatory complexity of OsPUSs. Study of protein-protein interaction networks provided substantial support for the potential regulatory role of OsPUSs in numerous cellular and stress response pathways. Conclusively, our study provides functional insights into the OsPUS family, contributing to a better understanding of their crucial roles in shaping the development and stress adaptation in rice. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-023-01396-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashika Dhingra
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi, South Campus, Benito Juarez Marg, Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi, 110021 India
| | - Milinda Lahiri
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi, South Campus, Benito Juarez Marg, Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi, 110021 India
| | - Nikunj Bhandari
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi, South Campus, Benito Juarez Marg, Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi, 110021 India
| | - Inderjit Kaur
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi, South Campus, Benito Juarez Marg, Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi, 110021 India
| | - Shitij Gupta
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi, South Campus, Benito Juarez Marg, Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi, 110021 India
- Present Address: Institute of Plant Sciences, Universität Bern, Altenbergrain 21, 3013 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Manu Agarwal
- Department of Botany, University of Delhi, North Campus, Delhi, 110007 India
| | - Surekha Katiyar-Agarwal
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi, South Campus, Benito Juarez Marg, Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi, 110021 India
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25
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Monziani A, Ulitsky I. Noncoding snoRNA host genes are a distinct subclass of long noncoding RNAs. Trends Genet 2023; 39:908-923. [PMID: 37783604 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2023.09.001] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian genomes are pervasively transcribed into different noncoding (nc)RNA classes, each one with its own hallmarks and exceptions. Some of them are nested into each other, such as host genes for small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs), which were long believed to simply act as molecular containers strictly facilitating snoRNA biogenesis. However, recent findings show that noncoding snoRNA host genes (ncSNHGs) display features different from those of 'regular' long ncRNAs (lncRNAs) and, more importantly, they can exert independent and unrelated functions to those of the encoded snoRNAs. Here, we review and summarize past and recent evidence that ncSNHGs form a defined subclass among the plethora of lncRNAs, and discuss future research that can further elucidate their biological relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Monziani
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001 Rehovot, Israel; Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001 Rehovot, Israel
| | - Igor Ulitsky
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001 Rehovot, Israel; Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001 Rehovot, Israel.
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26
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Hu YX, Diao LT, Hou YR, Lv G, Tao S, Xu WY, Xie SJ, Ren YH, Xiao ZD. Pseudouridine synthase 1 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma through mRNA pseudouridylation to enhance the translation of oncogenic mRNAs. Hepatology 2023:01515467-990000000-00664. [PMID: 38015993 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Pseudouridine is a prevalent RNA modification and is highly present in the serum and urine of patients with HCC. However, the role of pseudouridylation and its modifiers in HCC remains unknown. We investigated the function and underlying mechanism of pseudouridine synthase 1 (PUS1) in HCC. APPROACH AND RESULTS By analyzing the TCGA data set, PUS1 was found to be significantly upregulated in human HCC specimens and positively correlated with tumor grade and poor prognosis of HCC. Knockdown of PUS1 inhibited cell proliferation and the growth of tumors in a subcutaneous xenograft mouse model. Accordingly, increased cell proliferation and tumor growth were observed in PUS1-overexpressing cells. Furthermore, overexpression of PUS1 significantly accelerates tumor formation in a mouse HCC model established by hydrodynamic tail vein injection, while knockout of PUS1 decreases it. Additionally, PUS1 catalytic activity is required for HCC tumorigenesis. Mechanistically, we profiled the mRNA targets of PUS1 by utilizing surveying targets by apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing enzyme 1 (APOBEC1)-mediated profiling and found that PUS1 incorporated pseudouridine into mRNAs of a set of oncogenes, thereby endowing them with greater translation capacity. CONCLUSIONS Our study highlights the critical role of PUS1 and pseudouridylation in HCC development, and provides new insight that PUS1 enhances the protein levels of a set of oncogenes, including insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) and c-MYC, by means of pseudouridylation-mediated mRNA translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Xia Hu
- Biotherapy Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Li-Ting Diao
- Biotherapy Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Ya-Rui Hou
- Biotherapy Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Guo Lv
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Shuang Tao
- Biotherapy Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Wan-Yi Xu
- Biotherapy Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Shu-Juan Xie
- Institute of Vaccine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Ya-Han Ren
- Biotherapy Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Zhen-Dong Xiao
- Biotherapy Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
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27
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Niu Y, Liu L. RNA pseudouridine modification in plants. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2023; 74:6431-6447. [PMID: 37581601 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erad323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Pseudouridine is one of the well-known chemical modifications in various RNA species. Current advances to detect pseudouridine show that the pseudouridine landscape is dynamic and affects multiple cellular processes. Although our understanding of this post-transcriptional modification mainly depends on yeast and human models, the recent findings provide strong evidence for the critical role of pseudouridine in plants. Here, we review the current knowledge of pseudouridine in plant RNAs, including its synthesis, degradation, regulatory mechanisms, and functions. Moreover, we propose future areas of research on pseudouridine modification in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanli Niu
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475001, China
| | - Lingyun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475001, China
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28
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Araujo Tavares RDC, Mahadeshwar G, Wan H, Pyle AM. MRT-ModSeq - Rapid Detection of RNA Modifications with MarathonRT. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:168299. [PMID: 37802215 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Chemical modifications are essential regulatory elements that modulate the behavior and function of cellular RNAs. Despite recent advances in sequencing-based RNA modification mapping, methods combining accuracy and speed are still lacking. Here, we introduce MRT-ModSeq for rapid, simultaneous detection of multiple RNA modifications using MarathonRT. MRT-ModSeq employs distinct divalent cofactors to generate 2-D mutational profiles that are highly dependent on nucleotide identity and modification type. As a proof of concept, we use the MRT fingerprints of well-studied rRNAs to implement a general workflow for detecting RNA modifications. MRT-ModSeq rapidly detects positions of diverse modifications across a RNA transcript, enabling assignment of m1acp3Y, m1A, m3U, m7G and 2'-OMe locations through mutation-rate filtering and machine learning. m1A sites in sparsely modified targets, such as MALAT1 and PRUNE1 could also be detected. MRT-ModSeq can be trained on natural and synthetic transcripts to expedite detection of diverse RNA modification subtypes across targets of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gandhar Mahadeshwar
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA. https://twitter.com/gandzmakerdance
| | - Han Wan
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA. https://twitter.com/HanWan19744358
| | - Anna Marie Pyle
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA.
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29
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Jones JD, Franco MK, Tardu M, Smith TJ, Snyder LR, Eyler DE, Polikanov Y, Kennedy RT, Niederer RO, Koutmou KS. Conserved 5-methyluridine tRNA modification modulates ribosome translocation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.12.566704. [PMID: 37986750 PMCID: PMC10659410 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.12.566704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
While the centrality of post-transcriptional modifications to RNA biology has long been acknowledged, the function of the vast majority of modified sites remains to be discovered. Illustrative of this, there is not yet a discrete biological role assigned for one the most highly conserved modifications, 5-methyluridine at position 54 in tRNAs (m 5 U54). Here, we uncover contributions of m 5 U54 to both tRNA maturation and protein synthesis. Our mass spectrometry analyses demonstrate that cells lacking the enzyme that installs m 5 U in the T-loop (TrmA in E. coli , Trm2 in S. cerevisiae ) exhibit altered tRNA modifications patterns. Furthermore, m 5 U54 deficient tRNAs are desensitized to small molecules that prevent translocation in vitro. This finding is consistent with our observations that, relative to wild-type cells, trm2 Δ cell growth and transcriptome-wide gene expression are less perturbed by translocation inhibitors. Together our data suggest a model in which m 5 U54 acts as an important modulator of tRNA maturation and translocation of the ribosome during protein synthesis.
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Chen H, Luo W, Lu X, Zhang T. Regulatory role of RNA modifications in the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Heliyon 2023; 9:e20969. [PMID: 37928039 PMCID: PMC10623179 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20969] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an extremely life-threatening malignancy with a relatively unfavorable prognosis. The early occurrence of metastasis and local recurrence subsequent to surgery contribute to the poor survival rates of PDAC patients, thereby limiting the effectiveness of surgical intervention. Additionally, the desmoplastic and immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment of PDAC diminishes its responsiveness to conventional treatment modalities such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. Therefore, it is imperative to identify novel therapeutic targets for PDAC treatment. Chemical modifications are prevalent in various types of RNA and exert significant influence on their structure and functions. RNA modifications, exemplified by m6A, m5C, m1A, and Ψ, have been identified as general regulators of cellular functions. The abundance of specific modifications, such as m6A, has been correlated with cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and patient prognosis in PDAC. Pre-clinical data has indicated that manipulating RNA modification regulators could enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. Therefore, targeting RNA modifications in conjunction with current adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapy holds promise. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of RNA modifications in PDAC treatment, encompassing their behaviors, mechanisms, and potential treatment targets. Therefore, it aims to stimulate the development of novel therapeutic approaches and future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenhao Luo
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyue Lu
- Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Taiping Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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31
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Wang C, Hou X, Guan Q, Zhou H, Zhou L, Liu L, Liu J, Li F, Li W, Liu H. RNA modification in cardiovascular disease: implications for therapeutic interventions. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:412. [PMID: 37884527 PMCID: PMC10603151 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01638-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the world, with a high incidence and a youth-oriented tendency. RNA modification is ubiquitous and indispensable in cell, maintaining cell homeostasis and function by dynamically regulating gene expression. Accumulating evidence has revealed the role of aberrant gene expression in CVD caused by dysregulated RNA modification. In this review, we focus on nine common RNA modifications: N6-methyladenosine (m6A), N1-methyladenosine (m1A), 5-methylcytosine (m5C), N7-methylguanosine (m7G), N4-acetylcytosine (ac4C), pseudouridine (Ψ), uridylation, adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing, and modifications of U34 on tRNA wobble. We summarize the key regulators of RNA modification and their effects on gene expression, such as RNA splicing, maturation, transport, stability, and translation. Then, based on the classification of CVD, the mechanisms by which the disease occurs and progresses through RNA modifications are discussed. Potential therapeutic strategies, such as gene therapy, are reviewed based on these mechanisms. Herein, some of the CVD (such as stroke and peripheral vascular disease) are not included due to the limited availability of literature. Finally, the prospective applications and challenges of RNA modification in CVD are discussed for the purpose of facilitating clinical translation. Moreover, we look forward to more studies exploring the mechanisms and roles of RNA modification in CVD in the future, as there are substantial uncultivated areas to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Center for Gene Diagnosis and Therapy, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xuyang Hou
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Center for Gene Diagnosis and Therapy, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qing Guan
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Center for Gene Diagnosis and Therapy, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Huiling Zhou
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Center for Gene Diagnosis and Therapy, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Li Zhou
- Department of Pathology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, The Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lijun Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Center for Gene Diagnosis and Therapy, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jijia Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Haidan Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Clinical Center for Gene Diagnosis and Therapy, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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32
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Paiva ACF, Lemos AR, Busse P, Martins MT, Silva DO, Freitas MC, Santos SP, Freire F, Barrey EJ, Manival X, Koetzner L, Heinrich T, Wegener A, Grädler U, Bandeiras TM, Schwarz D, Sousa PMF. Extract2Chip-Bypassing Protein Purification in Drug Discovery Using Surface Plasmon Resonance. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:913. [PMID: 37887106 PMCID: PMC10605449 DOI: 10.3390/bios13100913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Modern drug discovery relies on combinatorial screening campaigns to find drug molecules targeting specific disease-associated proteins. The success of such campaigns often relies on functional and structural information of the selected therapeutic target, only achievable once its purification is mastered. With the aim of bypassing the protein purification process to gain insights on the druggability, ligand binding, and/or characterization of protein-protein interactions, herein, we describe the Extract2Chip method. This approach builds on the immobilization of site-specific biotinylated proteins of interest, directly from cellular extracts, on avidin-coated sensor chips to allow for the characterization of molecular interactions via surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The developed method was initially validated using Cyclophilin D (CypD) and subsequently applied to other drug discovery projects in which the targets of interest were difficult to express, purify, and crystallize. Extract2Chip was successfully applied to the characterization of Yes-associated protein (YAP): Transcriptional enhancer factor TEF (TEAD1) protein-protein interaction inhibitors, in the validation of a ternary complex assembly composed of Dyskerin pseudouridine synthase 1 (DKC1) and RuvBL1/RuvBL2, and in the establishment of a fast-screening platform to select the most suitable NUAK family SNF1-like kinase 2 (NUAK2) surrogate for binding and structural studies. The described method paves the way for a potential revival of the many drug discovery campaigns that have failed to deliver due to the lack of suitable and sufficient protein supply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana C. F. Paiva
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal; (A.C.F.P.); (A.R.L.); (P.B.); (M.T.M.); (D.O.S.); (M.C.F.); (S.P.S.); (F.F.); (T.M.B.)
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Ana R. Lemos
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal; (A.C.F.P.); (A.R.L.); (P.B.); (M.T.M.); (D.O.S.); (M.C.F.); (S.P.S.); (F.F.); (T.M.B.)
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Philipp Busse
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal; (A.C.F.P.); (A.R.L.); (P.B.); (M.T.M.); (D.O.S.); (M.C.F.); (S.P.S.); (F.F.); (T.M.B.)
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Madalena T. Martins
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal; (A.C.F.P.); (A.R.L.); (P.B.); (M.T.M.); (D.O.S.); (M.C.F.); (S.P.S.); (F.F.); (T.M.B.)
| | - Diana O. Silva
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal; (A.C.F.P.); (A.R.L.); (P.B.); (M.T.M.); (D.O.S.); (M.C.F.); (S.P.S.); (F.F.); (T.M.B.)
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Micael C. Freitas
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal; (A.C.F.P.); (A.R.L.); (P.B.); (M.T.M.); (D.O.S.); (M.C.F.); (S.P.S.); (F.F.); (T.M.B.)
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Sandra P. Santos
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal; (A.C.F.P.); (A.R.L.); (P.B.); (M.T.M.); (D.O.S.); (M.C.F.); (S.P.S.); (F.F.); (T.M.B.)
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Filipe Freire
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal; (A.C.F.P.); (A.R.L.); (P.B.); (M.T.M.); (D.O.S.); (M.C.F.); (S.P.S.); (F.F.); (T.M.B.)
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Evelyne J. Barrey
- Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany; (E.J.B.); (L.K.); (T.H.); (A.W.); (U.G.)
| | - Xavier Manival
- IMoPA, CNRS, Université de Lorraine, F-54000 Nancy, France;
| | - Lisa Koetzner
- Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany; (E.J.B.); (L.K.); (T.H.); (A.W.); (U.G.)
| | - Timo Heinrich
- Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany; (E.J.B.); (L.K.); (T.H.); (A.W.); (U.G.)
| | - Ansgar Wegener
- Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany; (E.J.B.); (L.K.); (T.H.); (A.W.); (U.G.)
| | - Ulrich Grädler
- Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany; (E.J.B.); (L.K.); (T.H.); (A.W.); (U.G.)
| | - Tiago M. Bandeiras
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal; (A.C.F.P.); (A.R.L.); (P.B.); (M.T.M.); (D.O.S.); (M.C.F.); (S.P.S.); (F.F.); (T.M.B.)
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Daniel Schwarz
- Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany; (E.J.B.); (L.K.); (T.H.); (A.W.); (U.G.)
| | - Pedro M. F. Sousa
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal; (A.C.F.P.); (A.R.L.); (P.B.); (M.T.M.); (D.O.S.); (M.C.F.); (S.P.S.); (F.F.); (T.M.B.)
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
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33
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Lee H, Park Y, Seo PJ. A New Epigenetic Crosstalk: Chemical Modification Information Flow. ADVANCED GENETICS (HOBOKEN, N.J.) 2023; 4:2200033. [PMID: 37766805 PMCID: PMC10520411 DOI: 10.1002/ggn2.202200033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Central dogma is the most fundamental hypothesis in the field of molecular biology and explains the genetic information flow from DNA to protein. Beyond residue-by-residue transmission of sequential information, chemical modifications of DNA, RNA, and protein are also relayed in the course of gene expression. Here, this work presents recent evidence supporting bidirectional interplay between chromatin modifications and RNA modifications. Furthermore, several RNA modifications likely affect chemical modifications of proteins. The relay of chemical modifications occurs co-transcriptionally or co-translationally, ensuring crosstalk among chemical modifications at the DNA, RNA, and protein levels. Overall, this work proposes a hypothetical framework that represents transmission of chemical modification information among chromatin, RNA, and proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwoo Lee
- Department of ChemistrySeoul National UniversitySeoul08826Republic of Korea
| | - Young‐Joon Park
- Department of ChemistrySeoul National UniversitySeoul08826Republic of Korea
- Department of Smart Farm ScienceKyung Hee UniversityYongin17104Republic of Korea
| | - Pil Joon Seo
- Department of ChemistrySeoul National UniversitySeoul08826Republic of Korea
- Plant Genomics and Breeding InstituteSeoul National UniversitySeoul08826Republic of Korea
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34
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Kang DD, Li H, Dong Y. Advancements of in vitro transcribed mRNA (IVT mRNA) to enable translation into the clinics. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 199:114961. [PMID: 37321375 PMCID: PMC10264168 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The accelerated progress and approval of two mRNA-based vaccines to address the SARS-CoV-2 virus were unprecedented. This record-setting feat was made possible through the solid foundation of research on in vitro transcribed mRNA (IVT mRNA) which could be utilized as a therapeutic modality. Through decades of thorough research to overcome barriers to implementation, mRNA-based vaccines or therapeutics offer many advantages to rapidly address a broad range of applications including infectious diseases, cancers, and gene editing. Here, we describe the advances that have supported the adoption of IVT mRNA in the clinics, including optimization of the IVT mRNA structural components, synthesis, and lastly concluding with different classes of IVT RNA. Continuing interest in driving IVT mRNA technology will enable a safer and more efficacious therapeutic modality to address emerging and existing diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana D Kang
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States; Genomics Institute, Precision Immunology Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Haoyuan Li
- Genomics Institute, Precision Immunology Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Yizhou Dong
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Center for Clinical and Translational Science, The Comprehensive Cancer Center; Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States; Genomics Institute, Precision Immunology Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States.
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35
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Han G, Noh D, Lee H, Lee S, Kim S, Yoon HY, Lee SH. Advances in mRNA therapeutics for cancer immunotherapy: From modification to delivery. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 199:114973. [PMID: 37369262 PMCID: PMC10290897 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
RNA vaccines have demonstrated their ability to solve the issues posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This success has led to the renaissance of research into mRNA and their nanoformulations as potential therapeutic modalities for various diseases. The potential of mRNA as a template for synthesizing proteins and protein fragments for cancer immunotherapy is now being explored. Despite the promise, the use of mRNA in cancer immunotherapy is limited by challenges, such as low stability against extracellular RNases, poor delivery efficiency to the target organs and cells, short circulatory half-life, variable expression levels and duration. This review highlights recent advances in chemical modification and advanced delivery systems that are helping to address these challenges and unlock the biological and pharmacological potential of mRNA therapeutics in cancer immunotherapy. The review concludes by discussing future perspectives for mRNA-based cancer immunotherapy, which holds great promise as a next-generation therapeutic modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geonhee Han
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea; Medicinal Materials Research Center, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Dahye Noh
- Medicinal Materials Research Center, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; Division of Bio-Medical Science &Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology, Hwarang-ro14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea 02792; Chemical and Biological Integrative Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Hokyung Lee
- Medicinal Materials Research Center, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; Department of Fundamental Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 1 Hoegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangmin Lee
- Department of Fundamental Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 1 Hoegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Sehoon Kim
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea; Department of Fundamental Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 1 Hoegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Yeol Yoon
- Medicinal Materials Research Center, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; Division of Bio-Medical Science &Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology, Hwarang-ro14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea 02792.
| | - Soo Hyeon Lee
- Molecular Surgery Laboratory, Byers Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA.
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36
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Pederiva C, Trevisan DM, Peirasmaki D, Chen S, Savage SA, Larsson O, Ule J, Baranello L, Agostini F, Farnebo M. Control of protein synthesis through mRNA pseudouridylation by dyskerin. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg1805. [PMID: 37506213 PMCID: PMC10381945 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg1805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Posttranscriptional modifications of mRNA have emerged as regulators of gene expression. Although pseudouridylation is the most abundant, its biological role remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that the pseudouridine synthase dyskerin associates with RNA polymerase II, binds to thousands of mRNAs, and is responsible for their pseudouridylation, an action that occurs in chromatin and does not appear to require a guide RNA with full complementarity. In cells lacking dyskerin, mRNA pseudouridylation is reduced, while at the same time, de novo protein synthesis is enhanced, indicating that this modification interferes with translation. Accordingly, mRNAs with fewer pseudouridines due to knockdown of dyskerin are translated more efficiently. Moreover, mRNA pseudouridylation is severely reduced in patients with dyskeratosis congenita caused by inherited mutations in the gene encoding dyskerin (i.e., DKC1). Our findings demonstrate that pseudouridylation by dyskerin modulates mRNA translatability, with important implications for both normal development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Pederiva
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna 17165, Sweden
| | - Davide M. Trevisan
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge 14152, Sweden
| | - Dimitra Peirasmaki
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna 17165, Sweden
| | - Shan Chen
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna 17165, Sweden
- Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm 17165, Sweden
| | - Sharon A. Savage
- Clinical Genetics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology & Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD 20852, USA
| | - Ola Larsson
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna 17165, Sweden
- Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm 17165, Sweden
| | - Jernej Ule
- The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, King’s College London, London W1T 7NF, UK
- National Institute of Chemistry, 1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Laura Baranello
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna 17165, Sweden
| | - Federico Agostini
- Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm 17165, Sweden
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Solna 17165, Sweden
| | - Marianne Farnebo
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna 17165, Sweden
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge 14152, Sweden
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37
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Tavares RDCA, Mahadeshwar G, Wan H, Pyle AM. MRT-ModSeq - Rapid detection of RNA modifications with MarathonRT. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.25.542276. [PMID: 37292902 PMCID: PMC10245971 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.25.542276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Chemical modifications are essential regulatory elements that modulate the behavior and function of cellular RNAs. Despite recent advances in sequencing-based RNA modification mapping, methods combining accuracy and speed are still lacking. Here, we introduce MRT- ModSeq for rapid, simultaneous detection of multiple RNA modifications using MarathonRT. MRT-ModSeq employs distinct divalent cofactors to generate 2-D mutational profiles that are highly dependent on nucleotide identity and modification type. As a proof of concept, we use the MRT fingerprints of well-studied rRNAs to implement a general workflow for detecting RNA modifications. MRT-ModSeq rapidly detects positions of diverse modifications across a RNA transcript, enabling assignment of m1acp3Y, m1A, m3U, m7G and 2'-OMe locations through mutation-rate filtering and machine learning. m1A sites in sparsely modified targets, such as MALAT1 and PRUNE1 could also be detected. MRT-ModSeq can be trained on natural and synthetic transcripts to expedite detection of diverse RNA modification subtypes across targets of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gandhar Mahadeshwar
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Han Wan
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Anna Marie Pyle
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
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38
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Gamper H, McCormick C, Makhamreh A, Wanunu M, Rouhanifard SH, Hou YM. Enzymatic synthesis of RNA standards for mapping and quantifying RNA modifications in sequencing analysis. Methods Enzymol 2023; 692:127-153. [PMID: 37925177 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2023.04.024] [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] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Synthesis of RNA standards that contain an internal site-specific modification is important for mapping and quantification of the modified nucleotide in sequencing analysis. While RNA containing a site-specific modification can be readily synthesized by solid-state coupling for less than 100-mer nucleotides, longer RNA must be synthesized by enzymatic ligation in the presence of a DNA splint. However, long RNAs have structural heterogeneity, and those generated by in vitro transcription have 3'-end sequence heterogeneity, which together substantially reduce the yield of ligation. Here we describe a method of 3-part splint ligation that joins an in vitro transcribed left-arm RNA, an in vitro transcribed right-arm RNA, and a chemically synthesized modification-containing middle RNA, with an efficiency higher than previously reported. We report that the improved efficiency is largely attributed to the inclusion of a pair of DNA disruptors proximal to the ligation sites, and to a lesser extent to the homogeneous processing of the 3'-end of the left-arm RNA. The yields of the ligated long RNA are sufficiently high to afford purification to homogeneity for practical RNA research. We also verify the sequence accuracy at each ligation junction by nanopore sequencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Howard Gamper
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Caroline McCormick
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Amr Makhamreh
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Meni Wanunu
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sara H Rouhanifard
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ya-Ming Hou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
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39
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Jones JD, Franco MK, Smith TJ, Snyder LR, Anders AG, Ruotolo BT, Kennedy RT, Koutmou KS. Methylated guanosine and uridine modifications in S. cerevisiae mRNAs modulate translation elongation. RSC Chem Biol 2023; 4:363-378. [PMID: 37181630 PMCID: PMC10170649 DOI: 10.1039/d2cb00229a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemical modifications to protein encoding messenger RNAs (mRNAs) influence their localization, translation, and stability within cells. Over 15 different types of mRNA modifications have been observed by sequencing and liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) approaches. While LC-MS/MS is arguably the most essential tool available for studying analogous protein post-translational modifications, the high-throughput discovery and quantitative characterization of mRNA modifications by LC-MS/MS has been hampered by the difficulty of obtaining sufficient quantities of pure mRNA and limited sensitivities for modified nucleosides. We have overcome these challenges by improving the mRNA purification and LC-MS/MS pipelines. The methodologies we developed result in no detectable non-coding RNA modifications signals in our purified mRNA samples, quantify 50 ribonucleosides in a single analysis, and provide the lowest limit of detection reported for ribonucleoside modification LC-MS/MS analyses. These advancements enabled the detection and quantification of 13 S. cerevisiae mRNA ribonucleoside modifications and reveal the presence of four new S. cerevisiae mRNA modifications at low to moderate levels (1-methyguanosine, N2-methylguanosine, N2,N2-dimethylguanosine, and 5-methyluridine). We identified four enzymes that incorporate these modifications into S. cerevisiae mRNAs (Trm10, Trm11, Trm1, and Trm2, respectively), though our results suggest that guanosine and uridine nucleobases are also non-enzymatically methylated at low levels. Regardless of whether they are incorporated in a programmed manner or as the result of RNA damage, we reasoned that the ribosome will encounter the modifications that we detect in cells. To evaluate this possibility, we used a reconstituted translation system to investigate the consequences of modifications on translation elongation. Our findings demonstrate that the introduction of 1-methyguanosine, N2-methylguanosine and 5-methyluridine into mRNA codons impedes amino acid addition in a position dependent manner. This work expands the repertoire of nucleoside modifications that the ribosome must decode in S. cerevisiae. Additionally, it highlights the challenge of predicting the effect of discrete modified mRNA sites on translation de novo because individual modifications influence translation differently depending on mRNA sequence context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua D Jones
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, 930 N University Ann Arbor MI 48109 USA +1-734-764-5650
| | - Monika K Franco
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, 930 N University Ann Arbor MI 48109 USA
| | - Tyler J Smith
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, 930 N University Ann Arbor MI 48109 USA +1-734-764-5650
| | - Laura R Snyder
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, 930 N University Ann Arbor MI 48109 USA +1-734-764-5650
| | - Anna G Anders
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, 930 N University Ann Arbor MI 48109 USA +1-734-764-5650
| | - Brandon T Ruotolo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, 930 N University Ann Arbor MI 48109 USA +1-734-764-5650
| | - Robert T Kennedy
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, 930 N University Ann Arbor MI 48109 USA +1-734-764-5650
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, 930 N University Ann Arbor MI 48109 USA
| | - Kristin S Koutmou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, 930 N University Ann Arbor MI 48109 USA +1-734-764-5650
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, 930 N University Ann Arbor MI 48109 USA
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40
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Cheng Y, Song H, Ming GL, Weng YL. Epigenetic and epitranscriptomic regulation of axon regeneration. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:1440-1450. [PMID: 36922674 PMCID: PMC10650481 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02028-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Effective axonal regeneration in the adult mammalian nervous system requires coordination of elevated intrinsic growth capacity and decreased responses to the inhibitory environment. Intrinsic regenerative capacity largely depends on the gene regulatory network and protein translation machinery. A failure to activate these pathways upon injury is underlying a lack of robust axon regeneration in the mature mammalian central nervous system. Epigenetics and epitranscriptomics are key regulatory mechanisms that shape gene expression and protein translation. Here, we provide an overview of different types of modifications on DNA, histones, and RNA, underpinning the regenerative competence of axons in the mature mammalian peripheral and central nervous systems. We highlight other non-neuronal cells and their epigenetic changes in determining the microenvironment for tissue repair and axon regeneration. We also address advancements of single-cell technology in charting transcriptomic and epigenetic landscapes that may further facilitate the mechanistic understanding of differential regenerative capacity in neuronal subtypes. Finally, as epigenetic and epitranscriptomic processes are commonly affected by brain injuries and psychiatric disorders, understanding their alterations upon brain injury would provide unprecedented mechanistic insights into etiology of injury-associated-psychiatric disorders and facilitate the development of therapeutic interventions to restore brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yating Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Neuroregeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Hongjun Song
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- The Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Guo-Li Ming
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Yi-Lan Weng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Center for Neuroregeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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41
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Song W, Podicheti R, Rusch DB, Tracey WD. Transcriptome-wide analysis of pseudouridylation in Drosophila melanogaster. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2023; 13:jkac333. [PMID: 36534986 PMCID: PMC9997552 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkac333] [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: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Pseudouridine (Psi) is one of the most frequent post-transcriptional modification of RNA. Enzymatic Psi modification occurs on rRNA, snRNA, snoRNA, tRNA, and non-coding RNA and has recently been discovered on mRNA. Transcriptome-wide detection of Psi (Psi-seq) has yet to be performed for the widely studied model organism Drosophila melanogaster. Here, we optimized Psi-seq analysis for this species and have identified thousands of Psi modifications throughout the female fly head transcriptome. We find that Psi is widespread on both cellular and mitochondrial rRNAs. In addition, more than a thousand Psi sites were found on mRNAs. When pseudouridylated, mRNAs frequently had many Psi sites. Many mRNA Psi sites are present in genes encoding for ribosomal proteins, and many are found in mitochondrial encoded RNAs, further implicating the importance of pseudouridylation for ribosome and mitochondrial function. The 7SLRNA of the signal recognition particle is the non-coding RNA most enriched for Psi. The 3 mRNAs most enriched for Psi encode highly expressed yolk proteins (Yp1, Yp2, and Yp3). By comparing the pseudouridine profiles in the RluA-2 mutant and the w1118 control genotype, we identified Psi sites that were missing in the mutant RNA as potential RluA-2 targets. Finally, differential gene expression analysis of the mutant transcriptome indicates a major impact of loss of RluA-2 on the ribosome and translational machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan Song
- Gill Center for Biomolecular Research, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Ram Podicheti
- Center for Genomics and Bioinformatics, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Douglas B Rusch
- Center for Genomics and Bioinformatics, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - William Daniel Tracey
- Gill Center for Biomolecular Research, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
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42
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Drzeniek NM, Kahwaji N, Schlickeiser S, Reinke P, Geißler S, Volk HD, Gossen M. Immuno-engineered mRNA combined with cell adhesive niche for synergistic modulation of the MSC secretome. Biomaterials 2023; 294:121971. [PMID: 36634491 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121971] [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: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
In vitro transcribed (IVT-)mRNA has entered center stage for vaccine development due to its immune co-stimulating properties. Given the widely demonstrated safety of IVT-mRNA-based vaccines, we aimed to adopt IVT-mRNA encoding VEGF for secretory phenotype modulation of therapeutic cells. However, we observed that the immunogenicity of IVT-mRNA impairs the endogenous secretion of pro-angiogenic mediators from transfected mesenchymal stromal cells, instead inducing anti-angiogenic chemokines. This inflammatory secretome modulation limits the application potential of unmodified IVT-mRNA for cell therapy manufacturing, pro-angiogenic therapy and regenerative medicine. To uncouple immunogenicity from the protein expression functionality, we immuno-engineered IVT-mRNA with different chemically modified ribonucleotides. 5-Methoxy-uridine-modification of IVT-mRNA rescued the endogenous secretome pattern of transfected cells and prolonged secretion of IVT-mRNA-encoded VEGF. We found that high secretion of IVT-mRNA-encoded protein further depends on optimized cell adhesion. Cell encapsulation in a collagen-hyaluronic acid hydrogel increased secretion of IVT-mRNA-encoded VEGF and augmented the endogenous secretion of supporting pro-angiogenic mediators, such as HGF. Integrating minimally immunogenic mRNA technology with predesigned matrix-derived cues allows for the synergistic combination of multiple dimensions of cell manipulation and opens routes for biomaterial-based delivery of mRNA-engineered cell products. Such multimodal systems could present a more biologically relevant way to therapeutically address complex multifactorial processes such as tissue ischemia, angiogenesis, and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norman Michael Drzeniek
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Immunology, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Föhrer Straße 15, 13353, Berlin, Germany; Berlin-Brandenburg School for Regenerative Therapies (BSRT; Graduate School 203 of the German Excellence Initiative), Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nourhan Kahwaji
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Immunology, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Föhrer Straße 15, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephan Schlickeiser
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Immunology, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Föhrer Straße 15, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Petra Reinke
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Föhrer Straße 15, 13353, Berlin, Germany; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies (BeCAT), Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sven Geißler
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Föhrer Straße 15, 13353, Berlin, Germany; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies (BeCAT), Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Julius Wolff Institute (JWI), Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hans-Dieter Volk
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Immunology, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Föhrer Straße 15, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Manfred Gossen
- Institute of Active Polymers, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Kantstraße 55, 14513, Teltow, Germany; Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
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43
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Dai Q, Zhang LS, Sun HL, Pajdzik K, Yang L, Ye C, Ju CW, Liu S, Wang Y, Zheng Z, Zhang L, Harada BT, Dou X, Irkliyenko I, Feng X, Zhang W, Pan T, He C. Quantitative sequencing using BID-seq uncovers abundant pseudouridines in mammalian mRNA at base resolution. Nat Biotechnol 2023; 41:344-354. [PMID: 36302989 PMCID: PMC10017504 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-022-01505-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 68.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Functional characterization of pseudouridine (Ψ) in mammalian mRNA has been hampered by the lack of a quantitative method that maps Ψ in the whole transcriptome. We report bisulfite-induced deletion sequencing (BID-seq), which uses a bisulfite-mediated reaction to convert pseudouridine stoichiometrically into deletion upon reverse transcription without cytosine deamination. BID-seq enables detection of abundant Ψ sites with stoichiometry information in several human cell lines and 12 different mouse tissues using 10-20 ng input RNA. We uncover consensus sequences for Ψ in mammalian mRNA and assign different 'writer' proteins to individual Ψ deposition. Our results reveal a transcript stabilization role of Ψ sites installed by TRUB1 in human cancer cells. We also detect the presence of Ψ within stop codons of mammalian mRNA and confirm the role of Ψ in promoting stop codon readthrough in vivo. BID-seq will enable future investigations of the roles of Ψ in diverse biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Dai
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Li-Sheng Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Hui-Lung Sun
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kinga Pajdzik
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Lei Yang
- First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chang Ye
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Cheng-Wei Ju
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Shun Liu
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Yuru Wang
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Zhong Zheng
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Linda Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Bryan T Harada
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Xiaoyang Dou
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Iryna Irkliyenko
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Xinran Feng
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Tao Pan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Chuan He
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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44
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Mapping mRNA modifications for functional studies. Nat Biotechnol 2023; 41:324-325. [PMID: 36302991 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-022-01537-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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45
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Adachi H, Pan Y, He X, Chen JL, Klein B, Platenburg G, Morais P, Boutz P, Yu YT. Targeted pseudouridylation: An approach for suppressing nonsense mutations in disease genes. Mol Cell 2023; 83:637-651.e9. [PMID: 36764303 PMCID: PMC9975048 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Nonsense mutations create premature termination codons (PTCs), activating the nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) pathway to degrade most PTC-containing mRNAs. The undegraded mRNA is translated, but translation terminates at the PTC, leading to no production of the full-length protein. This work presents targeted PTC pseudouridylation, an approach for nonsense suppression in human cells. Specifically, an artificial box H/ACA guide RNA designed to target the mRNA PTC can suppress both NMD and premature translation termination in various sequence contexts. Targeted pseudouridylation exhibits a level of suppression comparable with that of aminoglycoside antibiotic treatments. When targeted pseudouridylation is combined with antibiotic treatment, a much higher level of suppression is observed. Transfection of a disease model cell line (carrying a chromosomal PTC) with a designer guide RNA gene targeting the PTC also leads to nonsense suppression. Thus, targeted pseudouridylation is an RNA-directed gene-specific approach that suppresses NMD and concurrently promotes PTC readthrough.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hironori Adachi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Center for RNA Biology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Yi Pan
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Center for RNA Biology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Xueyang He
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Center for RNA Biology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Jonathan L Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Center for RNA Biology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Bart Klein
- ProQR Therapeutics, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Paul Boutz
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Center for RNA Biology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA; Center for Biomedical Informatics and Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.
| | - Yi-Tao Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Center for RNA Biology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.
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von der Haar T, Mulroney TE, Hedayioglu F, Kurusamy S, Rust M, Lilley KS, Thaventhiran JE, Willis AE, Smales CM. Translation of in vitro-transcribed RNA therapeutics. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1128067. [PMID: 36845540 PMCID: PMC9943971 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1128067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro transcribed, modified messenger RNAs (IVTmRNAs) have been used to vaccinate billions of individuals against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and are currently being developed for many additional therapeutic applications. IVTmRNAs must be translated into proteins with therapeutic activity by the same cellular machinery that also translates native endogenous transcripts. However, different genesis pathways and routes of entry into target cells as well as the presence of modified nucleotides mean that the way in which IVTmRNAs engage with the translational machinery, and the efficiency with which they are being translated, differs from native mRNAs. This review summarises our current knowledge of commonalities and differences in translation between IVTmRNAs and cellular mRNAs, which is key for the development of future design strategies that can generate IVTmRNAs with improved activity in therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias von der Haar
- School of Biosciences, Division of Natural Sciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas E. Mulroney
- MRC Toxicology Unit, Gleeson Building, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Fabio Hedayioglu
- School of Biosciences, Division of Natural Sciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
| | - Sathishkumar Kurusamy
- School of Biosciences, Division of Natural Sciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Rust
- MRC Toxicology Unit, Gleeson Building, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Kathryn S. Lilley
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - James E. Thaventhiran
- MRC Toxicology Unit, Gleeson Building, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Anne E. Willis
- MRC Toxicology Unit, Gleeson Building, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - C. Mark Smales
- School of Biosciences, Division of Natural Sciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
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47
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Rozman B, Fisher T, Stern-Ginossar N. Translation-A tug of war during viral infection. Mol Cell 2023; 83:481-495. [PMID: 36334591 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2022.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Viral reproduction is contingent on viral protein synthesis that relies on the host ribosomes. As such, viruses have evolved remarkable strategies to hijack the host translational apparatus in order to favor viral protein production and to interfere with cellular innate defenses. Here, we describe the approaches viruses use to exploit the translation machinery, focusing on commonalities across diverse viral families, and discuss the functional relevance of this process. We illustrate the complementary strategies host cells utilize to block viral protein production and consider how cells ensure an efficient antiviral response that relies on translation during this tug of war over the ribosome. Finally, we highlight potential roles mRNA modifications and ribosome quality control play in translational regulation and innate immunity. We address these topics in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and focus on the gaps in our current knowledge of these mechanisms, specifically in viruses with pandemic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Batsheva Rozman
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Tal Fisher
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Noam Stern-Ginossar
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel.
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48
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The Repertoire of RNA Modifications Orchestrates a Plethora of Cellular Responses. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032387. [PMID: 36768716 PMCID: PMC9916637 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Although a plethora of DNA modifications have been extensively investigated in the last decade, recent breakthroughs in molecular biology, including high throughput sequencing techniques, have enabled the identification of post-transcriptional marks that decorate RNAs; hence, epitranscriptomics has arisen. This recent scientific field aims to decode the regulatory layer of the transcriptome and set the ground for the detection of modifications in ribose nucleotides. Until now, more than 170 RNA modifications have been reported in diverse types of RNA that contribute to various biological processes, such as RNA biogenesis, stability, and transcriptional and translational accuracy. However, dysfunctions in the RNA-modifying enzymes that regulate their dynamic level can lead to human diseases and cancer. The present review aims to highlight the epitranscriptomic landscape in human RNAs and match the catalytic proteins with the deposition or deletion of a specific mark. In the current review, the most abundant RNA modifications, such as N6-methyladenosine (m6A), N5-methylcytosine (m5C), pseudouridine (Ψ) and inosine (I), are thoroughly described, their functional and regulatory roles are discussed and their contributions to cellular homeostasis are stated. Ultimately, the involvement of the RNA modifications and their writers, erasers, and readers in human diseases and cancer is also discussed.
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49
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Tavakoli S, Nabizadeh M, Makhamreh A, Gamper H, McCormick CA, Rezapour NK, Hou YM, Wanunu M, Rouhanifard SH. Semi-quantitative detection of pseudouridine modifications and type I/II hypermodifications in human mRNAs using direct long-read sequencing. Nat Commun 2023; 14:334. [PMID: 36658122 PMCID: PMC9852470 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-35858-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Here, we develop and apply a semi-quantitative method for the high-confidence identification of pseudouridylated sites on mammalian mRNAs via direct long-read nanopore sequencing. A comparative analysis of a modification-free transcriptome reveals that the depth of coverage and specific k-mer sequences are critical parameters for accurate basecalling. By adjusting these parameters for high-confidence U-to-C basecalling errors, we identify many known sites of pseudouridylation and uncover previously unreported uridine-modified sites, many of which fall in k-mers that are known targets of pseudouridine synthases. Identified sites are validated using 1000-mer synthetic RNA controls bearing a single pseudouridine in the center position, demonstrating systematic under-calling using our approach. We identify mRNAs with up to 7 unique modification sites. Our workflow allows direct detection of low-, medium-, and high-occupancy pseudouridine modifications on native RNA molecules from nanopore sequencing data and multiple modifications on the same strand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Tavakoli
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mohammad Nabizadeh
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amr Makhamreh
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Howard Gamper
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Neda K Rezapour
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ya-Ming Hou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Meni Wanunu
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
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50
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Song J, Dong L, Sun H, Luo N, Huang Q, Li K, Shen X, Jiang Z, Lv Z, Peng L, Zhang M, Wang K, Liu K, Hong J, Yi C. CRISPR-free, programmable RNA pseudouridylation to suppress premature termination codons. Mol Cell 2023; 83:139-155.e9. [PMID: 36521489 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2022.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Nonsense mutations, accounting for >20% of disease-associated mutations, lead to premature translation termination. Replacing uridine with pseudouridine in stop codons suppresses translation termination, which could be harnessed to mediate readthrough of premature termination codons (PTCs). Here, we present RESTART, a programmable RNA base editor, to revert PTC-induced translation termination in mammalian cells. RESTART utilizes an engineered guide snoRNA (gsnoRNA) and the endogenous H/ACA box snoRNP machinery to achieve precise pseudouridylation. We also identified and optimized gsnoRNA scaffolds to increase the editing efficiency. Unexpectedly, we found that a minor isoform of pseudouridine synthase DKC1, lacking a C-terminal nuclear localization signal, greatly improved the PTC-readthrough efficiency. Although RESTART induced restricted off-target pseudouridylation, they did not change the coding information nor the expression level of off-targets. Finally, RESTART enables robust pseudouridylation in primary cells and achieves functional PTC readthrough in disease-relevant contexts. Collectively, RESTART is a promising RNA-editing tool for research and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghui Song
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, PRC
| | - Liting Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, PRC; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, PRC
| | - Hanxiao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, PRC
| | - Nan Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, PRC
| | - Qiang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, PRC
| | - Kai Li
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, PRC; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, PRC; Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, PRC
| | - Xiaowen Shen
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, PRC
| | - Zhe Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, PRC
| | - Zhicong Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, PRC
| | - Luxin Peng
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, PRC
| | | | - Kun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, PRC
| | - Ke Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, PRC
| | - Jiaxu Hong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and Ear, Nose, Throat Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, PRC
| | - Chengqi Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, PRC; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, PRC; Department of Chemical Biology and Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, PRC.
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