1
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Jin H, Shi Z, Zhou T, Xie S. Regulation of m6Am RNA modification and its implications in human diseases. J Mol Cell Biol 2024; 16:mjae012. [PMID: 38509021 PMCID: PMC11345611 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjae012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
N 6,2'-O-dimethyladenosine (m6Am) is a prevalent modification frequently found at the 5' cap-adjacent adenosine of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) and the internal adenosine of snRNAs. This dynamic and reversible modification is under the regulation of methyltransferases phosphorylated CTD interacting factor 1 and methyltransferase-like protein 4, along with the demethylase fat mass and obesity-associated protein. m6Am RNA modification plays a crucial role in the regulation of pre-mRNA splicing, mRNA stability, and translation, thereby influencing gene expression. In recent years, there has been growing interest in exploring the functions of m6Am and its relevance to human diseases. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge concerning m6Am, with a focus on m6Am-modifying enzymes, sequencing approaches for its detection, and its impacts on pre-mRNA splicing, mRNA stability, and translation regulation. Furthermore, we highlight the roles of m6Am in the context of obesity, viral infections, and cancers, unravelling its underlying regulatory mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Jin
- Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou 310052, China
- Department of Cell Biology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhouyuanjing Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310020, China
| | - Tianhua Zhou
- Department of Cell Biology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310020, China
- Center for Medical Research and Innovation in Digestive System Tumors, Ministry of Education, Hangzhou 310020, China
| | - Shanshan Xie
- Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou 310052, China
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2
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Ignatochkina AV, Iguchi JA, Kore AR, Ho CK. Trypanosome mRNA recapping is triggered by hypermethylation originating from cap 4. Nucleic Acids Res 2024:gkae614. [PMID: 39011881 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
RNA methylation adjacent to the 5' cap plays a critical role in controlling mRNA stability and protein synthesis. In trypanosomes the 5'-terminus of mRNA is protected by hypermethylated cap 4. Trypanosomes encode a cytoplasmic recapping enzyme TbCe1 which possesses an RNA kinase and guanylyltransferase activities that can convert decapped 5'-monophosphate-terminated pRNA into GpppRNA. Here, we demonstrated that the RNA kinase activity is stimulated by two orders of magnitude on a hypermethylated pRNA derived from cap 4. The N6, N6-2'-O trimethyladenosine modification on the first nucleotide was primarily accountable for enhancing both the RNA kinase and the guanylyltransferase activity of TbCe1. In contrast, N6 methyladenosine severely inhibits the guanylyltransferase activity of the mammalian capping enzyme. Furthermore, we showed that TbCmt1 cap (guanine N7) methyltransferase was localized in the cytoplasm, and its activity was also stimulated by hypermethylation at 2'-O ribose, suggesting that TbCe1 and TbCmt1 act together as a recapping enzyme to regenerate translatable mRNA from decapped mRNA. Our result establishes the functional role of cap 4 hypermethylation in recruitment and activation of mRNA recapping pathway. Methylation status at the 5'-end of transcripts could serve as a chemical landmark to selectively regulate the level of functional mRNA by recapping enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna V Ignatochkina
- Department of Infection Biology, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Jesavel A Iguchi
- Department of Infection Biology, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Anilkumar R Kore
- Life Sciences Solutions Group, Thermo Fisher Scientific, 2130 Woodward Street, Austin, TX 78744-1832, USA
| | - C Kiong Ho
- Department of Infection Biology, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
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3
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Xie S, Kuang W, Guo M, Yang F, Jin H, Chen X, Yi L, Huo C, Xu Z, Lin A, Liu W, Mao J, Shu Q, Zhou T. m6Am methyltransferase PCIF1 negatively regulates ciliation by inhibiting BICD2 expression. J Cell Biol 2024; 223:e202307002. [PMID: 38526325 PMCID: PMC10965392 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202307002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
N6, 2'-O-dimethyladenosine (m6Am) is a widespread RNA modification catalyzed by the methyltransferase PCIF1 (phosphorylated CTD interacting factor 1). Despite its prevalence, the biological functions of m6Am in RNA remain largely elusive. Here, we report a critical role of PCIF1-dependent m6Am RNA modification in ciliogenesis in RPE-1 cells. Our findings demonstrate that PCIF1 acts as a negative regulator of ciliation through its m6Am methyltransferase activity. A quantitative proteomic analysis identifies BICD2 as a downstream target of PCIF1, with PCIF1 depletion resulting in a significant increase in BICD2 levels. BICD2 depletion leads to a significant reduction in ciliation. Crucially, the ciliary phenotype in PCIF1-depleted cells is reversed upon BICD2 knockdown. Further investigations reveal that PCIF1 regulates BICD2 protein levels through its m6Am catalytic activity, which reduces the stability and translation efficiency of BICD2 mRNA. Single-base resolution LC-MS analysis identifies the m6Am site on BICD2 mRNA modified by PCIF1. These findings establish the essential involvement of PCIF1-dependent m6Am modification in ciliogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Xie
- Children’s Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenjun Kuang
- International Institutes of Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, China
| | - Mengzhe Guo
- School of Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Feng Yang
- Children’s Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hao Jin
- Department of Cell Biology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiying Chen
- Department of Cell Biology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li Yi
- Department of Cell Biology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chunxiao Huo
- Department of Cell Biology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhangqi Xu
- Children’s Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Aifu Lin
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystem Homeostasis and Protection, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Metabolic Medicine Center, International Institutes of Medicine and the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, China
| | - Jianhua Mao
- Children’s Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiang Shu
- Children’s Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tianhua Zhou
- Department of Cell Biology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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4
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Tat TT, Raza S, Khan S, Watson TL, Jung SY, Kiss DL. PCIF1 is partly cytoplasmic, dynamically localizes to stress granules and binds mRNA coding regions upon oxidative stress. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.08.593175. [PMID: 38766247 PMCID: PMC11100685 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.08.593175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
PCIF1 (Phosphorylated CTD-Interacting Factor 1) is the mRNA (2'-O-methyladenosine-N(6)-)-methyltransferase that catalyzes the formation of cap-adjacent N6,2'-O-dimethyladenosine (m6Am) by methylating adenosines at the first transcribed position of capped mRNAs. While previous studies assumed that PCIF1 was nuclear, cell fractionation and immunofluorescence both show that a population of PCIF1 is localized to the cytoplasm. Further, PCIF1 redistributes to stress granules upon oxidative stress. Immunoprecipitation studies with stressed cells show that PCIF1 also physically interacts with G3BP and other stress granule components. In addition, PCIF1 behaves as a stress granule component as it disassociates from stress granules upon recovery from stress. Overexpressing full-length PCIF1 also inhibits stress granule formation, while knocking out PCIF1 slows stress granule disassembly. Next, our enhanced crosslinking and immunoprecipitation (eCLIP) data show that PCIF1 binds mRNAs in their coding sequences rather than cap-proximal regions. Further PCIF1's association with mRNAs increased upon NaAsO2 stress. In contrast to eCLIP data, ChIP-Seq experiments show that PCIF1 is predominantly associated with transcription start sites rather than gene bodies, indicating that PCIF1's association with mature mRNA is not co-transcriptional. Collectively, our data suggest that PCIF1 has cytoplasmic RNA surveillance role(s) independent of transcription-associated cap-adjacent mRNA modification, particularly during the stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trinh T. Tat
- Center for RNA Therapeutics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX
- Houston Methodist Academic Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX
- Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner Ave, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Sabeen Raza
- Technology Operations, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX
- Houston Methodist Academic Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX
- Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner Ave, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Shaheerah Khan
- Center for RNA Therapeutics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX
- Houston Methodist Academic Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX
- Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner Ave, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Tiara L. Watson
- Center for RNA Therapeutics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX
- Houston Methodist Academic Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX
- Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner Ave, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Sung Yun Jung
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX
| | - Daniel L. Kiss
- Center for RNA Therapeutics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX
- Houston Methodist Academic Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX
- Weil Cornell Medical College, 6670 Bertner Ave, Houston, TX 77030 USA
- Houston Methodist Cancer Center, 6670 Bertner Ave, Houston, TX 77030 USA
- Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner Ave, Houston, TX 77030 USA
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5
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Warminski M, Trepkowska E, Smietanski M, Sikorski PJ, Baranowski MR, Bednarczyk M, Kedzierska H, Majewski B, Mamot A, Papiernik D, Popielec A, Serwa RA, Shimanski BA, Sklepkiewicz P, Sklucka M, Sokolowska O, Spiewla T, Toczydlowska-Socha D, Warminska Z, Wolosewicz K, Zuberek J, Mugridge JS, Nowis D, Golab J, Jemielity J, Kowalska J. Trinucleotide mRNA Cap Analogue N6-Benzylated at the Site of Posttranscriptional m6A m Mark Facilitates mRNA Purification and Confers Superior Translational Properties In Vitro and In Vivo. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:8149-8163. [PMID: 38442005 PMCID: PMC10979456 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c12629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Eukaryotic mRNAs undergo cotranscriptional 5'-end modification with a 7-methylguanosine cap. In higher eukaryotes, the cap carries additional methylations, such as m6Am─a common epitranscriptomic mark unique to the mRNA 5'-end. This modification is regulated by the Pcif1 methyltransferase and the FTO demethylase, but its biological function is still unknown. Here, we designed and synthesized a trinucleotide FTO-resistant N6-benzyl analogue of the m6Am-cap-m7GpppBn6AmpG (termed AvantCap) and incorporated it into mRNA using T7 polymerase. mRNAs carrying Bn6Am showed several advantages over typical capped transcripts. The Bn6Am moiety was shown to act as a reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) purification handle, allowing the separation of capped and uncapped RNA species, and to produce transcripts with lower dsRNA content than reference caps. In some cultured cells, Bn6Am mRNAs provided higher protein yields than mRNAs carrying Am or m6Am, although the effect was cell-line-dependent. m7GpppBn6AmpG-capped mRNAs encoding reporter proteins administered intravenously to mice provided up to 6-fold higher protein outputs than reference mRNAs, while mRNAs encoding tumor antigens showed superior activity in therapeutic settings as anticancer vaccines. The biochemical characterization suggests several phenomena potentially underlying the biological properties of AvantCap: (i) reduced propensity for unspecific interactions, (ii) involvement in alternative translation initiation, and (iii) subtle differences in mRNA impurity profiles or a combination of these effects. AvantCapped-mRNAs bearing the Bn6Am may pave the way for more potent mRNA-based vaccines and therapeutics and serve as molecular tools to unravel the role of m6Am in mRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Warminski
- Division
of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Edyta Trepkowska
- Explorna
Therapeutics sp. z o.o. Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Pawel J. Sikorski
- Centre
of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
- Laboratory
of Epitranscriptomics, Department of Environmental Microbiology and
Biotechnology, Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, Biological
and Chemical Research Centre, University
of Warsaw, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Marcelina Bednarczyk
- Centre
of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
- Explorna
Therapeutics sp. z o.o. Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Hanna Kedzierska
- Explorna
Therapeutics sp. z o.o. Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bartosz Majewski
- Explorna
Therapeutics sp. z o.o. Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Adam Mamot
- Centre
of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Diana Papiernik
- Explorna
Therapeutics sp. z o.o. Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Popielec
- Explorna
Therapeutics sp. z o.o. Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Remigiusz A. Serwa
- Proteomics
Core Facility, IMol Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-247 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Brittany A. Shimanski
- Department
of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University
of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Piotr Sklepkiewicz
- Explorna
Therapeutics sp. z o.o. Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Sklucka
- Explorna
Therapeutics sp. z o.o. Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Olga Sokolowska
- Explorna
Therapeutics sp. z o.o. Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Spiewla
- Division
of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
- Explorna
Therapeutics sp. z o.o. Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Zofia Warminska
- Centre
of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karol Wolosewicz
- Explorna
Therapeutics sp. z o.o. Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Zuberek
- Division
of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jeffrey S. Mugridge
- Department
of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University
of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Dominika Nowis
- Explorna
Therapeutics sp. z o.o. Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
- Laboratory
of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jakub Golab
- Explorna
Therapeutics sp. z o.o. Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
- Laboratory
of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Jemielity
- Centre
of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
- Explorna
Therapeutics sp. z o.o. Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Kowalska
- Division
of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
- Explorna
Therapeutics sp. z o.o. Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
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6
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Avila-Bonilla RG, Macias S. The molecular language of RNA 5' ends: guardians of RNA identity and immunity. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2024; 30:327-336. [PMID: 38325897 PMCID: PMC10946433 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079942.124] [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: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
RNA caps are deposited at the 5' end of RNA polymerase II transcripts. This modification regulates several steps of gene expression, in addition to marking transcripts as self to enable the innate immune system to distinguish them from uncapped foreign RNAs, including those derived from viruses. Specialized immune sensors, such as RIG-I and IFITs, trigger antiviral responses upon recognition of uncapped cytoplasmic transcripts. Interestingly, uncapped transcripts can also be produced by mammalian hosts. For instance, 5'-triphosphate RNAs are generated by RNA polymerase III transcription, including tRNAs, Alu RNAs, or vault RNAs. These RNAs have emerged as key players of innate immunity, as they can be recognized by the antiviral sensors. Mechanisms that regulate the presence of 5'-triphosphates, such as 5'-end dephosphorylation or RNA editing, prevent immune recognition of endogenous RNAs and excessive inflammation. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the complexity of RNA cap structures and 5'-triphosphate RNAs, highlighting their roles in transcript identity, immune surveillance, and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Gamaliel Avila-Bonilla
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, EH9 3FL Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Sara Macias
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, EH9 3FL Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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7
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Benak D, Kolar F, Zhang L, Devaux Y, Hlavackova M. RNA modification m 6Am: the role in cardiac biology. Epigenetics 2023; 18:2218771. [PMID: 37331009 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2023.2218771] [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: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Epitranscriptomic modifications have recently emerged into the spotlight of researchers due to their vast regulatory effects on gene expression and thereby cellular physiology and pathophysiology. N6,2'-O-dimethyladenosine (m6Am) is one of the most prevalent chemical marks on RNA and is dynamically regulated by writers (PCIF1, METTL4) and erasers (FTO). The presence or absence of m6Am in RNA affects mRNA stability, regulates transcription, and modulates pre-mRNA splicing. Nevertheless, its functions in the heart are poorly known. This review summarizes the current knowledge and gaps about m6Am modification and its regulators in cardiac biology. It also points out technical challenges and lists the currently available techniques to measure m6Am. A better understanding of epitranscriptomic modifications is needed to improve our knowledge of the molecular regulations in the heart which may lead to novel cardioprotective strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Benak
- Laboratory of Developmental Cardiology, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Frantisek Kolar
- Laboratory of Developmental Cardiology, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lu Zhang
- Bioinformatics Platform, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Strassen, Luxembourg
| | - Yvan Devaux
- Cardiovascular Research Unit, Department of Population Health, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Strassen, Luxembourg
| | - Marketa Hlavackova
- Laboratory of Developmental Cardiology, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
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8
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Shen S, Zhang LS. The regulation of antiviral innate immunity through non-m 6A RNA modifications. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1286820. [PMID: 37915585 PMCID: PMC10616867 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1286820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The post-transcriptional RNA modifications impact the dynamic regulation of gene expression in diverse biological and physiological processes. Host RNA modifications play an indispensable role in regulating innate immune responses against virus infection in mammals. Meanwhile, the viral RNAs can be deposited with RNA modifications to interfere with the host immune responses. The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) has boosted the recent emergence of RNA epigenetics, due to its high abundance and a transcriptome-wide widespread distribution in mammalian cells, proven to impact antiviral innate immunity. However, the other types of RNA modifications are also involved in regulating antiviral responses, and the functional roles of these non-m6A RNA modifications have not been comprehensively summarized. In this Review, we conclude the regulatory roles of 2'-O-methylation (Nm), 5-methylcytidine (m5C), adenosine-inosine editing (A-to-I editing), pseudouridine (Ψ), N1-methyladenosine (m1A), N7-methylguanosine (m7G), N6,2'-O-dimethyladenosine (m6Am), and N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C) in antiviral innate immunity. We provide a systematic introduction to the biogenesis and functions of these non-m6A RNA modifications in viral RNA, host RNA, and during virus-host interactions, emphasizing the biological functions of RNA modification regulators in antiviral responses. Furthermore, we discussed the recent research progress in the development of antiviral drugs through non-m6A RNA modifications. Collectively, this Review conveys knowledge and inspiration to researchers in multiple disciplines, highlighting the challenges and future directions in RNA epitranscriptome, immunology, and virology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenghai Shen
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Li-Sheng Zhang
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
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9
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Wu Y, Pu X, Wu S, Zhang Y, Fu S, Tang H, Wang X, Xu M. PCIF1, the only methyltransferase of N6,2-O-dimethyladenosine. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:226. [PMID: 37779183 PMCID: PMC10544176 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03066-7] [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: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine(m6A), is the most abundant post-transcriptional modification of mRNA in biology. When the first nucleotide after the m7G cap is adenosine, it is methylated at the N6 position to form N6,2-O-dimethyladenosine (m6Am). m6Am is a reversible modification located at the first transcribed nucleotide, which is present in about 30% of cellular mRNAs, thus m6Am can have a significant impact on gene expression in the transcriptome. Phosphorylated CTD interaction factor 1(PCIF1), the unique and specific methyltransferase of m6Am, has been shown to affect mRNA stability, transcription, and translation. Several studies have shown that PCIF1 is clearly associated with tumor, viral, and endocrine diseases. Moreover, PCIF1 may be related to the tumor microenvironment, immune cell typing, and programmed cell death protein 1(PD-1) drug resistance. Here, we summarize the mechanism of PCIF1 involvement in mRNA modifications, and outline m6Am modifications and diseases in which PCIF1 is involved. We also summarized the role of PCIF1 in immune and immune checkpoint blockade(ICB) treatment, and predicted the possibility of PCIF1 as a biomarker and therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xi Pu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Sihui Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yiran Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shengqiao Fu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Institute of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haowen Tang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Institute of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Institute of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Min Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, Jiangsu, China.
- Digestive Disease Research Institute of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, Jiangsu, China.
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10
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Abstract
N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) is one of the most abundant modifications of the epitranscriptome and is found in cellular RNAs across all kingdoms of life. Advances in detection and mapping methods have improved our understanding of the effects of m6A on mRNA fate and ribosomal RNA function, and have uncovered novel functional roles in virtually every species of RNA. In this Review, we explore the latest studies revealing roles for m6A-modified RNAs in chromatin architecture, transcriptional regulation and genome stability. We also summarize m6A functions in biological processes such as stem-cell renewal and differentiation, brain function, immunity and cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Boulias
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School Initiative for RNA Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eric Lieberman Greer
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School Initiative for RNA Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
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11
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Wang L, Wu L, Zhu Z, Zhang Q, Li W, Gonzalez GM, Wang Y, Rana TM. Role of PCIF1-mediated 5'-cap N6-methyladeonsine mRNA methylation in colorectal cancer and anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. EMBO J 2023; 42:e111673. [PMID: 36514940 PMCID: PMC9841328 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2022111673] [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: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenosine N6-methylation (m6A) and N6,2'-O-dimethylation (m6Am) are regulatory modifications of eukaryotic mRNAs. m6Am formation is catalyzed by the methyl transferase phosphorylated CTD-interacting factor 1 (PCIF1); however, the pathophysiological functions of this RNA modification and PCIF1 in cancers are unclear. Here, we show that PCIF1 expression is upregulated in colorectal cancer (CRC) and negatively correlates with patient survival. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated depletion of PCIF1 in human CRC cells leads to loss of cell migration, invasion, and colony formation in vitro and loss of tumor growth in athymic mice. Pcif1 knockout in murine CRC cells inhibits tumor growth in immunocompetent mice and enhances the effects of anti-PD-1 antibody treatment by decreasing intratumoral TGF-β levels and increasing intratumoral IFN-γ, TNF-α levels, and tumor-infiltrating natural killer cells. We further show that PCIF1 modulates CRC growth and response to anti-PD-1 in a context-dependent mechanism with PCIF1 directly targeting FOS, IFITM3, and STAT1 via m6Am modifications. PCIF1 stabilizes FOS mRNA, which in turn leads to FOS-dependent TGF-β regulation and tumor growth. While during immunotherapy, Pcif1-Fos-TGF-β, as well as Pcif1-Stat1/Ifitm3-IFN-γ axes, contributes to the resistance of anti-PD-1 therapy. Collectively, our findings reveal a role of PCIF1 in promoting CRC tumorigenesis and resistance to anti-PD-1 therapy, supporting that the combination of PCIF1 inhibition with anti-PD-1 treatment is a potential therapeutic strategy to enhance CRC response to immunotherapy. Finally, we developed a lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and chemically modified small interfering RNAs (CMsiRNAs)-based strategy to silence PCIF1 in vivo and found that this treatment significantly reduced tumor growth in mice. Our results therefore provide a proof-of-concept for tumor growth suppression using LNP-CMsiRNA to silence target genes in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Wang
- Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Program in Immunology, Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Lujing Wu
- Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Program in Immunology, Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Zhouting Zhu
- Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Program in Immunology, Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Qiong Zhang
- Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Program in Immunology, Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Wanyu Li
- Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Program in Immunology, Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Gwendolyn Michelle Gonzalez
- Environmental Toxicology Graduate Program and Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Yinsheng Wang
- Environmental Toxicology Graduate Program and Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Tariq M Rana
- Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Program in Immunology, Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,San Diego Center for Precision Immunotherapy, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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12
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Drazkowska K, Tomecki R, Warminski M, Baran N, Cysewski D, Depaix A, Kasprzyk R, Kowalska J, Jemielity J, Sikorski P. 2'-O-Methylation of the second transcribed nucleotide within the mRNA 5' cap impacts the protein production level in a cell-specific manner and contributes to RNA immune evasion. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:9051-9071. [PMID: 36018811 PMCID: PMC9458431 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, m7G-adjacent nucleotides undergo extensive modifications. Ribose of the first or first and second transcribed nucleotides can be subjected to 2'-O-methylation to form cap1 or cap2, respectively. When the first transcribed nucleotide is 2'-O-methylated adenosine, it can be additionally modified to N6,2'-O-dimethyladenosine (m6Am). Recently, the crucial role of cap1 in distinguishing between 'self' and 'non-self' in mammalian cells during viral infection was revealed. Here, we attempted to understand the impact of cap methylations on RNA-related processes. Therefore, we synthesized tetranucleotide cap analogues and used them for RNA capping during in vitro transcription. Using this tool, we found that 2'-O-methylation of the second transcribed nucleotide within the mRNA 5' cap influences protein production levels in a cell-specific manner. This modification can strongly hamper protein biosynthesis or have no influence on protein production levels, depending on the cell line. Interestingly, 2'-O-methylation of the second transcribed nucleotide and the presence of m6Am as the first transcribed nucleotide serve as determinants that define transcripts as 'self' and contribute to transcript escape from the host innate immune response. Additionally, cap methylation status does not influence transcript affinity towards translation initiation factor eIF4E or in vitro susceptibility to decapping by DCP2; however, we observe the resistance of cap2-RNA to DXO (decapping exoribonuclease)-mediated decapping and degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Drazkowska
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Rafal Tomecki
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawinskiego 5a, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland,Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Pawinskiego 5a, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marcin Warminski
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 5, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Natalia Baran
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland,Department of Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dominik Cysewski
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawinskiego 5a, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland,Clinical Research Centre, Medical University of Bialystok, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 24a, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Anaïs Depaix
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Renata Kasprzyk
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Kowalska
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 5, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Jemielity
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Pawel J Sikorski
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +48 22 55 43775; Fax: +48 22 55 43771;
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13
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Mersinoglu B, Cristinelli S, Ciuffi A. The Impact of Epitranscriptomics on Antiviral Innate Immunity. Viruses 2022; 14:v14081666. [PMID: 36016289 PMCID: PMC9412694 DOI: 10.3390/v14081666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Epitranscriptomics, i.e., chemical modifications of RNA molecules, has proven to be a new layer of modulation and regulation of protein expression, asking for the revisiting of some aspects of cellular biology. At the virological level, epitranscriptomics can thus directly impact the viral life cycle itself, acting on viral or cellular proteins promoting replication, or impacting the innate antiviral response of the host cell, the latter being the focus of the present review.
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14
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Boris-Lawrie K, Singh G, Osmer PS, Zucko D, Staller S, Heng X. Anomalous HIV-1 RNA, How Cap-Methylation Segregates Viral Transcripts by Form and Function. Viruses 2022; 14:935. [PMID: 35632676 PMCID: PMC9145092 DOI: 10.3390/v14050935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The acquisition of m7G-cap-binding proteins is now recognized as a major variable driving the form and function of host RNAs. This manuscript compares the 5'-cap-RNA binding proteins that engage HIV-1 precursor RNAs, host mRNAs, small nuclear (sn)- and small nucleolar (sno) RNAs and sort into disparate RNA-fate pathways. Before completion of the transcription cycle, the transcription start site of nascent class II RNAs is appended to a non-templated guanosine that is methylated (m7G-cap) and bound by hetero-dimeric CBP80-CBP20 cap binding complex (CBC). The CBC is a nexus for the co-transcriptional processing of precursor RNAs to mRNAs and the snRNA and snoRNA of spliceosomal and ribosomal ribonucleoproteins (RNPs). Just as sn/sno-RNAs experience hyper-methylation of m7G-cap to trimethylguanosine (TMG)-cap, so do select HIV RNAs and an emerging cohort of mRNAs. TMG-cap is blocked from Watson:Crick base pairing and disqualified from participating in secondary structure. The HIV TMG-cap has been shown to license select viral transcripts for specialized cap-dependent translation initiation without eIF4E that is dependent upon CBP80/NCBP3. The exceptional activity of HIV precursor RNAs secures their access to maturation pathways of sn/snoRNAs, canonical and non-canonical host mRNAs in proper stoichiometry to execute the retroviral replication cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Boris-Lawrie
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA; (G.S.); (D.Z.)
| | - Gatikrushna Singh
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA; (G.S.); (D.Z.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Patrick S. Osmer
- Department of Astronomy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
| | - Dora Zucko
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA; (G.S.); (D.Z.)
| | - Seth Staller
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA;
| | - Xiao Heng
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA;
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15
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Yu D, Dai N, Wolf EJ, Corrêa IR, Zhou J, Wu T, Blumenthal RM, Zhang X, Cheng X. Enzymatic characterization of mRNA cap adenosine-N6 methyltransferase PCIF1 activity on uncapped RNAs. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101751. [PMID: 35189146 PMCID: PMC8931429 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The phosphorylated RNA polymerase II CTD interacting factor 1 (PCIF1) is a methyltransferase that adds a methyl group to the N6-position of 2′O-methyladenosine (Am), generating N6, 2′O-dimethyladenosine (m6Am) when Am is the cap-proximal nucleotide. In addition, PCIF1 has ancillary methylation activities on internal adenosines (both A and Am), although with much lower catalytic efficiency relative to that of its preferred cap substrate. The PCIF1 preference for 2′O-methylated Am over unmodified A nucleosides is due mainly to increased binding affinity for Am. Importantly, it was recently reported that PCIF1 can methylate viral RNA. Although some viral RNA can be translated in the absence of a cap, it is unclear what roles PCIF1 modifications may play in the functionality of viral RNAs. Here we show, using in vitro assays of binding and methyltransfer, that PCIF1 binds an uncapped 5′-Am oligonucleotide with approximately the same affinity as that of a cap analog (KM = 0.4 versus 0.3 μM). In addition, PCIF1 methylates the uncapped 5′-Am with activity decreased by only fivefold to sixfold compared with its preferred capped substrate. We finally discuss the relationship between PCIF1-catalyzed RNA methylation, shown here to have broader substrate specificity than previously appreciated, and that of the RNA demethylase fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO), which demonstrates PCIF1-opposing activities on capped RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Yu
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Nan Dai
- New England Biolabs, Inc, Ipswich, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Eric J Wolf
- New England Biolabs, Inc, Ipswich, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ivan R Corrêa
- New England Biolabs, Inc, Ipswich, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jujun Zhou
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Tao Wu
- Department of Molecular & Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Robert M Blumenthal
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, and Program in Bioinformatics, The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio, USA
| | - Xing Zhang
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
| | - Xiaodong Cheng
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
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16
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Li N, Rana TM. Regulation of antiviral innate immunity by chemical modification of viral RNA. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2022; 13:e1720. [PMID: 35150188 PMCID: PMC9786758 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
More than 100 chemical modifications of RNA, termed the epitranscriptome, have been described, most of which occur in prokaryotic and eukaryotic ribosomal, transfer, and noncoding RNA and eukaryotic messenger RNA. DNA and RNA viruses can modify their RNA either directly via genome-encoded enzymes or by hijacking the host enzymatic machinery. Among the many RNA modifications described to date, four play particularly important roles in promoting viral infection by facilitating viral gene expression and replication and by enabling escape from the host innate immune response. Here, we discuss our current understanding of the mechanisms by which the RNA modifications such as N6 -methyladenosine (m6A), N6 ,2'-O-dimethyladenosine (m6Am), 5-methylcytidine (m5C), N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C), and 2'-O-methylation (Nm) promote viral replication and/or suppress recognition by innate sensors and downstream activation of the host antiviral response. This article is categorized under: RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease RNA Structure and Dynamics > Influence of RNA Structure in Biological Systems RNA Evolution and Genomics > RNA and Ribonucleoprotein Evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Program in ImmunologyInstitute for Genomic MedicineLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Tariq M. Rana
- Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Program in ImmunologyInstitute for Genomic MedicineLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
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17
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Jin MZ, Zhang YG, Jin WL, Wang XP. A Pan-Cancer Analysis of the Oncogenic and Immunogenic Role of m6Am Methyltransferase PCIF1. Front Oncol 2021; 11:753393. [PMID: 34888238 PMCID: PMC8650698 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.753393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Phosphorylated CTD-interacting factor 1 (PCIF1) is identified as the only known methyltransferase of N6,2′-O-dimethyladenosine (m6Am) in mRNA. However, its oncogenic and immunogenic role in cancer research is at an initial stage. Methods Herein, we carried out a pan-cancer analysis of PCIF1, with a series of datasets (e.g., TIMER2.0, GEPIA2, cBioPortal). Results PCIF1 expression was higher in most cancers than normal tissues and was discrepant across pathological stages. Highly expressed PCIF1 was positively correlated with overall survival (OS) or disease-free survival (DFS) of some tumors. PCIF1 expression had a positive correlation with CD4+ T-cell infiltration in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC), CD8+ T cells, macrophages, and B cells in thyroid carcinoma (THCA), and immune checkpoint genes (ICGs) in LIHC but a negative correlation with CD4+ T cells, neutrophils, myeloid dendritic cells, and ICGs in THCA. It also affected tumor mutational burden (TMB) and microsatellite instability (MSI) of most tumors. Conclusion PCIF1 expression was correlated with cancer prognosis and immune infiltration, suggesting it to be a potential target for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Zhu Jin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-Gan Zhang
- Institute of Cancer Neuroscience, Medical Frontier Innovation Research Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wei-Lin Jin
- Institute of Cancer Neuroscience, Medical Frontier Innovation Research Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xi-Peng Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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18
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Thompson MG, Sacco MT, Horner SM. How RNA modifications regulate the antiviral response. Immunol Rev 2021; 304:169-180. [PMID: 34405413 PMCID: PMC8616813 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Induction of the antiviral innate immune response is highly regulated at the RNA level, particularly by RNA modifications. Recent discoveries have revealed how RNA modifications play key roles in cellular surveillance of nucleic acids and in controlling gene expression in response to viral infection. These modifications have emerged as being essential for a functional antiviral response and maintaining cellular homeostasis. In this review, we will highlight these and other discoveries that describe how the antiviral response is controlled by modifications to both viral and cellular RNA, focusing on how mRNA cap modifications, N6-methyladenosine, and RNA editing all contribute to coordinating an efficient response that properly controls viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew G Thompson
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Matthew T Sacco
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Stacy M Horner
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
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19
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Lisy S, Rothamel K, Ascano M. RNA Binding Proteins as Pioneer Determinants of Infection: Protective, Proviral, or Both? Viruses 2021; 13:2172. [PMID: 34834978 PMCID: PMC8625426 DOI: 10.3390/v13112172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
As the first intracellular host factors that directly interact with the genomes of RNA viruses, RNA binding proteins (RBPs) have a profound impact on the outcome of an infection. Recent discoveries brought about by new methodologies have led to an unprecedented ability to peer into the earliest events between viral RNA and the RBPs that act upon them. These discoveries have sparked a re-evaluation of current paradigms surrounding RBPs and post-transcriptional gene regulation. Here, we highlight questions that have bloomed from the implementation of these novel approaches. Canonical RBPs can impact the fates of both cellular and viral RNA during infection, sometimes in conflicting ways. Noncanonical RBPs, some of which were first characterized via interactions with viral RNA, may encompass physiological roles beyond viral pathogenesis. We discuss how these RBPs might discriminate between an RNA of either cellular or viral origin and thus exert either pro- or antiviral effects-which is a particular challenge as viruses contain mechanisms to mimic molecular features of cellular RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Lisy
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (S.L.); (K.R.)
| | - Katherine Rothamel
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (S.L.); (K.R.)
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Manuel Ascano
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (S.L.); (K.R.)
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20
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Zhang M, Sun H, Li K, Xiao Y, Yi C. m 6Am RNA modification detection by m 6Am-seq. Methods 2021; 203:242-248. [PMID: 34624505 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2021.10.001] [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: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Reversible and dynamic RNA modifications play important roles in fine-tuning gene expression. N6, 2'-O-dimethyladenosine (m6Am), a terminal modification at mRNA cap, mediates various biological effects. However, limitations of the current m6Am detection methods lead to a lack of potential applications. Here, we describe a specific and sensitive method, termed m6Am-seq, that can detect m6Am at single-base resolution. m6Am-seq is based on optimized in-vitro demethylation assay and RNA immunoprecipitation, which can distinguish m6Am from 5'-UTR m6A. We provide a step by step protocol to perform m6Am-seq, including experimental procedures and sequencing data analysis. Collectively, we describe m6Am-seq, a robust tool to reveal both m6Am and 5'-UTR m6A methylome, enabling further functional and mechanistic study of m6Am modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiling Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Hanxiao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Kai Li
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Ye Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Chengqi Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, 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 100871, China.
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21
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McFadden MJ, Sacco MT, Murphy KA, Park M, Gokhale NS, Somfleth KY, Horner SM. FTO Suppresses STAT3 Activation and Modulates Proinflammatory Interferon-Stimulated Gene Expression. J Mol Biol 2021; 434:167247. [PMID: 34537236 PMCID: PMC8924017 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.167247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Signaling initiated by type I interferon (IFN) results in the induction of hundreds of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs). The type I IFN response is important for antiviral restriction, but aberrant activation of this response can lead to inflammation and autoimmunity. Regulation of this response is incompletely understood. We previously reported that the mRNA modification m6A and its deposition enzymes, METTL3 and METTL14 (METTL3/14), promote the type I IFN response by directly modifying the mRNA of a subset of ISGs to enhance their translation. Here, we determined the role of the RNA demethylase fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) in the type I IFN response. FTO, which can remove either m6A or cap-adjacent m6Am RNA modifications, has previously been associated with obesity and body mass index, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and inflammation. We found that FTO suppresses the transcription of a distinct set of ISGs, including many known pro-inflammatory genes, and that this regulation requires its catalytic activity but is not through the actions of FTO on m6Am. Interestingly, depletion of FTO led to activation of the transcription factor STAT3, whose role in the type I IFN response is not well understood. This activation of STAT3 increased the expression of a subset of ISGs. Importantly, this increased ISG induction resulting from FTO depletion was partially ablated by depletion of STAT3. Together, these results reveal that FTO negatively regulates STAT3-mediated signaling that induces proinflammatory ISGs during the IFN response, highlighting an important role for FTO in suppression of inflammatory genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J McFadden
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
| | - Matthew T Sacco
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
| | - Kristen A Murphy
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
| | - Moonhee Park
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
| | - Nandan S Gokhale
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
| | - Kim Y Somfleth
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
| | - Stacy M Horner
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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