1
|
Zhu Z, Huo F, Zhang J, Shan H, Pei D. Crosstalk between m6A modification and alternative splicing during cancer progression. Clin Transl Med 2023; 13:e1460. [PMID: 37850412 PMCID: PMC10583157 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most prevalent internal mRNA modification in eukaryotes, is added by m6A methyltransferases, removed by m6A demethylases and recognised by m6A-binding proteins. This modification significantly influences carious facets of RNA metabolism and plays a pivotal role in cellular and physiological processes. Main body Pre-mRNA alternative splicing, a process that generates multiple splice isoforms from multi-exon genes, contributes significantly to the protein diversity in mammals. Moreover, the presence of crosstalk between m6A modification and alternative splicing, with m6A modifications on pre-mRNAs exerting regulatory control, has been established. The m6A modification modulates alternative splicing patterns by recruiting specific RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) that regulate alternative splicing or by directly influencing the interaction between RBPs and their target RNAs. Conversely, alternative splicing can impact the deposition or recognition of m6A modification on mRNAs. The integration of m6A modifications has expanded the scope of therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment, while alternative splicing offers novel insights into the mechanistic role of m6A methylation in cancer initiation and progression. Conclusion This review aims to highlight the biological functions of alternative splicing of m6A modification machinery and its implications in tumourigenesis. Furthermore, we discuss the clinical relevance of understanding m6A-dependent alternative splicing in tumour therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhi‐Man Zhu
- Department of PathologyXuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouJiangsuChina
| | - Fu‐Chun Huo
- Department of PathologyXuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouJiangsuChina
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Respiratory MedicineSecond Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouJiangsuChina
| | - Hong‐Jian Shan
- Department of OrthopedicsThe Affiliated Jiangning Hospital with Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsuChina
| | - Dong‐Sheng Pei
- Department of PathologyXuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouJiangsuChina
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Abstract
Over the past decade, mRNA modifications have emerged as important regulators of gene expression control in cells. Fueled in large part by the development of tools for detecting RNA modifications transcriptome wide, researchers have uncovered a diverse epitranscriptome that serves as an additional layer of gene regulation beyond simple RNA sequence. Here, we review the proteins that write, read, and erase these marks, with a particular focus on the most abundant internal modification, N6-methyladenosine (m6A). We first describe the discovery of the key enzymes that deposit and remove m6A and other modifications and discuss how our understanding of these proteins has shaped our views of modification dynamics. We then review current models for the function of m6A reader proteins and how our knowledge of these proteins has evolved. Finally, we highlight important future directions for the field and discuss key questions that remain unanswered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu N Flamand
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA;
| | - Matthew Tegowski
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA;
| | - Kate D Meyer
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA;
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Therapeutic Algorithm for Localized and Advanced Disease. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:3817724. [PMID: 36624801 PMCID: PMC9825221 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3817724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer in patients with liver cirrhosis of various etiologies. In recent years, there has been an advance in the knowledge of molecular mechanisms and a better staging definition of patients which has allowed the development of new therapies that have entered the therapeutic workup of these patients. Deep information on molecular drivers of HCC contributed to the development of targeted therapies with remarkable benefits. The novel strategies of targeting immune evasion using immune checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T and TCR-T therapeutics have also shown promising results. For advanced diseases, the therapeutic algorithm has been recently updated, thanks to the efficacy of combining immunotherapy and antiangiogenic therapy in the first-line setting, and new drugs, both as single-agents or combinations, are currently under investigation.
Collapse
|
4
|
Zou J, Liu H, Tan W, Chen YQ, Dong J, Bai SY, Wu ZX, Zeng Y. Dynamic regulation and key roles of ribonucleic acid methylation. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:1058083. [PMID: 36601431 PMCID: PMC9806184 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.1058083] [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: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Ribonucleic acid (RNA) methylation is the most abundant modification in biological systems, accounting for 60% of all RNA modifications, and affects multiple aspects of RNA (including mRNAs, tRNAs, rRNAs, microRNAs, and long non-coding RNAs). Dysregulation of RNA methylation causes many developmental diseases through various mechanisms mediated by N 6-methyladenosine (m6A), 5-methylcytosine (m5C), N 1-methyladenosine (m1A), 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (hm5C), and pseudouridine (Ψ). The emerging tools of RNA methylation can be used as diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic markers. Here, we review the accumulated discoveries to date regarding the biological function and dynamic regulation of RNA methylation/modification, as well as the most popularly used techniques applied for profiling RNA epitranscriptome, to provide new ideas for growth and development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia Zou
- Community Health Service Center, Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China,Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Community Health Service Center, Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China,Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Tan
- Community Health Service Center, Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi-qi Chen
- Community Health Service Center, Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China,Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Dong
- Community Health Service Center, Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China,Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shu-yuan Bai
- Community Health Service Center, Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China,Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhao-xia Wu
- Community Health Service Center, Wuchang Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Zeng
- Community Health Service Center, Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China,Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China,School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China,*Correspondence: Yan Zeng,
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhang X, Li MJ, Xia L, Zhang H. The biological function of m6A methyltransferase KIAA1429 and its role in human disease. PeerJ 2022; 10:e14334. [PMID: 36389416 PMCID: PMC9657180 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14334] [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: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
KIAA1429 is a major m6A methyltransferase, which plays important biological and pharmacological roles in both human cancer or non-cancer diseases. KIAA1429 produce a tumorigenic role in various cancers through regulating DAPK3, ID2, GATA3, SMC1A, CDK1, SIRT1 and other targets, promoting cell proliferation, migration, invasion, metastasis and tumor growth . At the same time, KIAA1429 is also effective in non-tumor diseases, such as reproductive system and cardiovascular system diseases. The potential regulatory mechanism of KIAA1429 dependent on m6A modification is related to mRNA, lncRNA, circRNA and miRNAs. In this review, we summarized the current evidence on KIAA1429 in various human cancers or non-cancer diseases and its potential as a prognostic target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Zhang
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Meng jiao Li
- Liaocheng Vocational and Technical College, Liaocheng, China
| | - Lei Xia
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Department of Pathology, Jinan, China
| | - Hairong Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Third Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jinan, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
The RNA m 6A writer WTAP in diseases: structure, roles, and mechanisms. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:852. [PMID: 36207306 PMCID: PMC9546849 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05268-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a widely investigated RNA modification in studies on the "epigenetic regulation" of mRNAs that is ubiquitously present in eukaryotes. Abnormal changes in m6A levels are closely related to the regulation of RNA metabolism, heat shock stress, tumor occurrence, and development. m6A modifications are catalyzed by the m6A writer complex, which contains RNA methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3), methyltransferase-like 14 (METTL14), Wilms tumor 1-associated protein (WTAP), and other proteins with methyltransferase (MTase) capability, such as RNA-binding motif protein 15 (RBM15), KIAA1429 and zinc finger CCCH-type containing 13 (ZC3H13). Although METTL3 is the main catalytic subunit, WTAP is a regulatory subunit whose function is to recruit the m6A methyltransferase complex to the target mRNA. Specifically, WTAP is required for the accumulation of METTL3 and METTL14 in nuclear speckles. In this paper, we briefly introduce the molecular mechanism of m6A modification. Then, we focus on WTAP, a component of the m6A methyltransferase complex, and introduce its structure, localization, and physiological functions. Finally, we describe its roles and mechanisms in cancer.
Collapse
|
7
|
Huang X, Abuduwaili N, Wang X, Tao M, Wang X, Huang G. Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) VIRMA as an N6-Methyladenosine RNA Methylation Regulator Participates in Controlling Chloroplast-Dependent and Independent Leaf Development. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179887. [PMID: 36077287 PMCID: PMC9456376 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is one of the most abundant internal modifications of mRNA, which plays important roles in gene expression regulation, and plant growth and development. Vir-like m6A methyltransferase associated (VIRMA) serves as a scaffold for bridging the catalytic core components of the m6A methyltransferase complex. The role of VIRMA in regulating leaf development and its related mechanisms have not been reported. Here, we identified and characterized two upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) VIRMA genes, named as GhVIR-A and GhVIR-D, which share 98.5% identity with each other. GhVIR-A and GhVIR-D were ubiquitously expressed in different tissues and relatively higher expressed in leaves and main stem apexes (MSA). Knocking down the expression of GhVIR genes by the virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) system influences leaf cell size, cell shape, and total cell numbers, thereby determining cotton leaf morphogenesis. The dot-blot assay and colorimetric experiment showed the ratio of m6A to A in mRNA is lower in leaves of GhVIR-VIGS plants compared with control plants. Messenger RNA (mRNA) high-throughput sequencing (RNA-seq) and a qRT-PCR experiment showed that GhVIRs regulate leaf development through influencing expression of some transcription factor genes, tubulin genes, and chloroplast genes including photosystem, carbon fixation, and ribosome assembly. Chloroplast structure, chlorophyll content, and photosynthetic efficiency were changed and unsuitable for leaf growth and development in GhVIR-VIGS plants compared with control plants. Taken together, our results demonstrate GhVIRs function in cotton leaf development by chloroplast dependent and independent pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Huang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Nigara Abuduwaili
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Special Species Conservation and Regulatory Biology, College of Life Science, Xinjiang Normal University, Urumuqi 830054, China
| | - Xinting Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Miao Tao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Xiaoqian Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Gengqing Huang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Special Species Conservation and Regulatory Biology, College of Life Science, Xinjiang Normal University, Urumuqi 830054, China
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
RNA splicing: a dual-edged sword for hepatocellular carcinoma. MEDICAL ONCOLOGY (NORTHWOOD, LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 39:173. [PMID: 35972700 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-022-01726-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
RNA splicing is the fundamental process that brings diversity at the transcriptome and proteome levels. The spliceosome complex regulates minor and major processes of RNA splicing. Aberrant regulation is often associated with different diseases, including diabetes, stroke, hypertension, and cancer. In the majority of cancers, dysregulated alternative RNA splicing (ARS) events directly affect tumor progression, invasiveness, and often lead to poor survival of the patients. Alike the rest of the gastrointestinal malignancies, in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which alone contributes to ~ 75% of the liver cancers, a large number of ARS events have been observed, including intron retention, exon skipping, presence of alternative 3'-splice site (3'SS), and alternative 5'-splice site (5'SS). These events are reported in spliceosome and non-spliceosome complexes genes. Molecules such as MCL1, Bcl-X, and BCL2 in different isoforms can behave as anti-apoptotic or pro-apoptotic, making the spliceosome complex a dual-edged sword. The anti-apoptotic isoforms of such molecules bring in resistance to chemotherapy or cornerstone drugs. However, in contrast, multiple malignant tumors, including HCC that target the pro-apoptotic favoring isoforms/variants favor apoptotic induction and make chemotherapy effective. Herein, we discuss different splicing events, aberrations, and antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) in modulating RNA splicing in HCC tumorigenesis with a possible therapeutic outcome.
Collapse
|
9
|
Epitranscriptomics Changes the Play: m 6A RNA Modifications in Apoptosis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1401:163-171. [PMID: 35781217 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2022_721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Apoptosis is a form of programmed cell death that is essential for cellular and organismal homeostasis. Any irregularities that disturb the balance between apoptosis and cell survival have severe implications, such as improper development or life-threatening diseases. Thus, it is highly critical to maintain a proper rate of apoptosis throughout development. In fact, several complex transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms exist in eukaryotes to critically regulate the rate of apoptotic processes. Recent studies suggest that not only RNA sequences but also their modifications, such as m6A methylation, play a fundamental role in these transcriptional and posttranscriptional processes. A specific set of proteins, called writer, eraser, and reader of m6A marks, modulate the rate of apoptosis by determining the m6A repertoire and the fate of certain transcripts associated with apoptosis. In this Review, we will cover the dynamic m6A RNA modifications and their impact on modulation of apoptosis.
Collapse
|
10
|
Cui J, Liu J, Li J, Cheng D, Dai C. Genome-wide sequence identification and expression analysis of N6 -methyladenosine demethylase in sugar beet ( Beta vulgaris L.) under salt stress. PeerJ 2022; 10:e12719. [PMID: 35036097 PMCID: PMC8742538 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
In eukaryotes, N6 -methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant and highly conserved RNA modification. In vivo, m6A demethylase dynamically regulates the m6A level by removing the m6A marker where it plays an important role in plant growth, development and response to abiotic stress. The confirmed m6A demethylases in Arabidopsis thaliana include ALKBH9B and ALKBH10B, both belonging to the ALKB family. In this study, BvALKB family members were identified in sugar beet genome-wide database, and their conserved domains, gene structures, chromosomal locations, phylogeny, conserved motifs and expression of BvALKB genes were analyzed. Almost all BvALKB proteins contained the conserved domain of 2OG-Fe II-Oxy. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that the ten proteins were clustered into five groups, each of which had similar motifs and gene structures. Three Arabidopsis m6A demethylase-homologous proteins (BvALKBH6B, BvALKBH8B and BvALKBH10B) were of particular interest in our study. Expression profile analysis showed that almost all genes were up-regulated or down-regulated to varying degrees under salt stress. More specifically, BvALKBH10B homologous to AtALKBH10B was significantly up-regulated, suggesting that the transcriptional activity of this gene is responsive to salt stress. This study provides a theoretical basis for further screening of m6A demethylase in sugar beet, and also lays a foundation for studying the role of ALKB family proteins in growth, development and response to salinity stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Cui
- Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Junli Liu
- Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Junliang Li
- Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China,College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dayou Cheng
- Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Cuihong Dai
- Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Xu Y, Huang C. Progress and application of epitranscriptomic m 6A modification in gastric cancer. RNA Biol 2022; 19:885-896. [PMID: 35796515 PMCID: PMC9272831 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2022.2096793] [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] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The relationship between epitranscriptomics and malignant tumours has become a popular research topic in recent years. N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most common post-transcriptional modification in mammals, is involved in various physiological processes in different cancer types, including gastric cancer (GC). The incidence and mortality of GC have been increasing annually, especially in developing countries. Insights into the epitranscriptomic mechanisms of gastric carcinogenesis could provide potential strategies for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of GC. In this review, we describe the mechanisms of RNA m6A modification; the functions of m6A regulators in GC; the functional crosstalk among m6A, messenger RNA, and noncoding RNA; and the promising application of m6A in the diagnosis and treatment of GC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yitian Xu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Chen Huang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Horiuchi K, Kawamura T, Hamakubo T. Wilms' Tumor 1-Associating Protein complex regulates alternative splicing and polyadenylation at potential G-quadruplex-forming splice site sequences. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:101248. [PMID: 34582888 PMCID: PMC8605363 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Wilms’ tumor 1-associating protein (WTAP) is a core component of the N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-methyltransferase complex, along with VIRMA, CBLL1, ZC3H13 (KIAA0853), RBM15/15B, and METTL3/14, which generate m6A, a key RNA modification that affects various processes of RNA metabolism. WTAP also interacts with splicing factors; however, despite strong evidence suggesting a role of Drosophila WTAP homolog fl(2)d in alternative splicing (AS), its role in splicing regulation in mammalian cells remains elusive. Here we demonstrate using RNAi coupled with RNA-seq that WTAP, VIRMA, CBLL1, and ZC3H13 modulate AS, promoting exon skipping and intron retention in AS events that involve short introns/exons with higher GC content and introns with weaker polypyrimidine-tract and branch points. Further analysis of GC-rich sequences involved in AS events regulated by WTAP, together with minigene assay analysis, revealed potential G-quadruplex formation at splice sites where WTAP has an inhibitory effect. We also found that several AS events occur in the last exon of one isoform of MSL1 and WTAP, leading to competition for polyadenylation. Proteomic analysis also suggested that WTAP/CBLL1 interaction promotes recruitment of the 3′-end processing complex. Taken together, our results indicate that the WTAP complex regulates AS and alternative polyadenylation via inhibitory mechanisms in GC-rich sequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Horiuchi
- Department of Protein-Protein Interaction Research, Institute for Advanced Medical Sciences, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, 113-0011, Japan.
| | - Takeshi Kawamura
- Laboratory for Systems Biology and Medicine, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1, Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8904, Japan
| | - Takao Hamakubo
- Department of Protein-Protein Interaction Research, Institute for Advanced Medical Sciences, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, 113-0011, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Loss of WTAP Impairs Early Parthenogenetic Embryo Development. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11061675. [PMID: 34199793 PMCID: PMC8229322 DOI: 10.3390/ani11061675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
m6A is one of the most common and abundant modifications of RNA molecules present in eukaryotes. The methyltransferase complex, consisting of methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3), METTL14, and WTAP, is responsible for the m6A modification of RNA. WTAP was identified as an mRNA splicing regulator. Its role as a regulatory subunit of the m6A methyltransferase complex in embryonic development remains largely unknown. To investigate the role of WTAP in porcine early embryonic development, si-WTAP was microinjected into porcine parthenogenetic zygotes. WTAP knockdown significantly reduced the blastocyst rate and global m6A levels, but did not affect the cleavage rate. Betaine was supplemented into the in vitro culture (IVC) to increase the m6A levels. Betaine significantly increased the global m6A levels but did not affect the blastocyst rate. Furthermore, the pluripotency genes, including OCT4, SOX2, and NANOG, were downregulated following WTAP knockdown. The apoptotic genes BAX and CASPASE 3 were upregulated, while the anti-apoptotic gene BCL2 was downregulated in WTAP knockdown blastocysts. TUNEL staining revealed that the number of apoptotic cells was significantly increased following WTAP knockdown. Our study indicated that WTAP has an indispensable role in porcine early embryonic development.
Collapse
|
14
|
Gundert L, Strick A, Hagen F, Schmidt D, Klümper N, Tolkach Y, Toma M, Kristiansen G, Ritter M, Ellinger J. Systematic expression analysis of m
6
A RNA methyltransferases in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. BJUI COMPASS 2021; 2:402-411. [PMID: 35474700 PMCID: PMC8988738 DOI: 10.1002/bco2.89] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives To investigate the regulation of the N‐6‐methyladenosine (m6A) methyltransferases METTL3, METTL14, WTAP, KIAA1429, and METTL4, referred to as “m6A writers,” in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), and other RCC subtypes in respect of the potential prognostic value. Patients and methods Tissue samples were collected within the framework of the Biobank at the Center for Integrated Oncology Bonn. The expression of the methyltransferases was systematically determined in clear cell renal carcinoma (ccRCC) on the RNA (real‐time PCR) and protein level (immunohistochemistry). Additionally, protein expression of the m6A writers was further investigated in papillary RCC, chromophobe RCC, sarcomatoid RCC, oncocytoma, and normal renal tissue (immunohistochemistry). Results The expression of all m6A‐methyltransferases was significantly downregulated in ccRCC compared to benign renal tissue. Low m6A‐methyltransferase levels were correlated with higher histological grade, advanced pT‐stage, pN‐stage, and metastatic disease. Reduced m6A‐methyltransferase expression was associated with shorter overall survival. Conclusion In conclusion, m6A‐methyltransferases are dysregulated in ccRCC and might act as tumor suppressor genes, which could be of particular importance for future diagnostic and therapeutic options.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Felix Hagen
- Department of Urology University Hospital Bonn Bonn Germany
| | - Doris Schmidt
- Department of Urology University Hospital Bonn Bonn Germany
| | - Niklas Klümper
- Department of Urology University Hospital Bonn Bonn Germany
| | - Yuri Tolkach
- Department of Pathology University Hospital Bonn Bonn Germany
- Department of Pathology University Hospital Cologne Cologne Germany
| | - Marieta Toma
- Department of Pathology University Hospital Bonn Bonn Germany
| | | | - Manuel Ritter
- Department of Urology University Hospital Bonn Bonn Germany
| | - Jörg Ellinger
- Department of Urology University Hospital Bonn Bonn Germany
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Liu W, Gao X, Chen X, Zhao N, Sun Y, Zou Y, Guan Y, Yang L, Pei X, Wang G, Wang B, Li M, Song W. miR-139-5p Loss-Mediated WTAP Activation Contributes to Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression by Promoting the Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition. Front Oncol 2021; 11:611544. [PMID: 33937023 PMCID: PMC8083052 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.611544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary aggressive gastrointestinal neoplasm that affects patients worldwide. It has been shown that Wilms' tumor 1-associating protein (WTAP) is frequently upregulated in various cancers. However, the potential role of WTAP in HCC remains largely unknown. Methods: The expression levels of WTAP in human HCC tissues were determined by the western blotting and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. A correlation between the WTAP expression, clinicopathological features, and the HCC prognosis was analyzed. The WTAP expression was silenced by short hairpin RNA (shRNA), and effects of the knockdown of WTAP on the proliferation and invasion of HCC cells were assessed. The microRNAs (miRNAs) involved in the regulation of the WTAP expression were identified by a bioinformatics analysis and further confirmed by in vitro assays. Results: The expression levels of WTAP in liver cancer tissues were significantly elevated and compared with those in the adjacent normal tissues and significantly correlated with the clinical stage and prognosis in patients with HCC. Further investigation revealed that the knockdown of WTAP drastically suppressed HCC cell proliferation and invasion abilities. Luciferase reporter assay and validation experiments confirmed that WTAP was a direct target of miR-139-5p. Moreover, the overexpression of WTAP could partly abolish the inhibitory effects of miR-139-5p on the HCC cell growth and invasion. Mechanistically, we revealed that the miR-139-5p/WTAP axis regulated the HCC progression by controlling the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Conclusions: In summary, the results indicate that WTAP is a potential oncogene in HCC and miR-139-5p negatively regulates the WTAP expression. MiR-139-5p/WTAP can be utilized as a potential therapeutic target for HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenli Liu
- Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical Technology College, Beihua University, Jilin, China
| | - Xuewei Gao
- Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical Technology College, Beihua University, Jilin, China
| | - Xiaolong Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Na Zhao
- Institute of Military Veterinary Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Ying Sun
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yawen Zou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yize Guan
- Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical Technology College, Beihua University, Jilin, China
| | - Lin Yang
- Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical Technology College, Beihua University, Jilin, China
| | - Xiaoxian Pei
- Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical Technology College, Beihua University, Jilin, China
| | - Guozhen Wang
- Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical Technology College, Beihua University, Jilin, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical Technology College, Beihua University, Jilin, China
| | - Mingcheng Li
- Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical Technology College, Beihua University, Jilin, China
| | - Wengang Song
- Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical Technology College, Beihua University, Jilin, China.,School of Medicine, Beihua University, Jilin, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Wang Y, Zhang L, Ren H, Ma L, Guo J, Mao D, Lu Z, Lu L, Yan D. Role of Hakai in m 6A modification pathway in Drosophila. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2159. [PMID: 33846330 PMCID: PMC8041851 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22424-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most abundant internal modification in eukaryotic mRNA, is installed by a multi-component writer complex; however, the exact roles of each component remain poorly understood. Here we show that a potential E3 ubiquitin ligase Hakai colocalizes and interacts with other m6A writer components, and Hakai mutants exhibit typical m6A pathway defects in Drosophila, such as lowered m6A levels in mRNA, aberrant Sxl alternative splicing, wing and behavior defects. Hakai, Vir, Fl(2)d and Flacc form a stable complex, and disruption of either Hakai, Vir or Fl(2)d led to the degradation of the other three components. Furthermore, MeRIP-seq indicates that the effective m6A modification is mostly distributed in 5’ UTRs in Drosophila, in contrast to the mammalian system. Interestingly, we demonstrate that m6A modification is deposited onto the Sxl mRNA in a sex-specific fashion, which depends on the m6A writer. Together, our work not only advances the understanding of mechanism and regulation of the m6A writer complex, but also provides insights into how Sxl cooperate with the m6A pathway to control its own splicing. Drosophila m6A writer complex regulates alternative splicing of the Sex-lethal gene. Here the authors show that a potential E3 ligase Hakai interacts with the fly m6A writer complex and that m6A level is reduced in Hakai mutant flies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanhua Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lifeng Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hang Ren
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lijuan Ma
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Guo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Decai Mao
- Gene Regulatory Lab, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongwen Lu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Lijun Lu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Dong Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Li H, Wu H, Wang Q, Ning S, Xu S, Pang D. Dual effects of N 6-methyladenosine on cancer progression and immunotherapy. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2021; 24:25-39. [PMID: 33738136 PMCID: PMC7933696 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
According to the latest global cancer statistics, cancer has become a major threat to human health, but cancer treatment has encountered many bottlenecks. As an emerging topic in epigenetics, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common internal modification on eukaryotic mRNA, which has attracted increasing attention in recent years. Accumulating studies have shown that aberrant m6A modifications have profound effects on the characteristics of tumors, which undoubtedly led to a significant breakthrough in cancer treatment. Although m6A function as an oncogene or tumor suppressor is not fully revealed, determining its precise function in the development and evolution of malignant tumors is crucial in improving clinical decisions involving targeted therapies. In this review, we briefly introduce the composition of the m6A methylation machinery and mainly summarize the biological mechanism of m6A in cancer cell death, angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and therapeutic resistance. Subsequently, we present the exogenous regulatory factors of m6A and highlight the role of m6A on immune cells and cancer immunotherapy. The potential therapeutic strategies of m6A in human cancer are also discussed, considering research gaps and future applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Harbin 150086, China.,Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping Road, Harbin 150081, China.,Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, 157 Baojian Road, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Harbin 150086, China.,Sino-Russian Medical Research Center, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping Road, Harbin 150081, China.,Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, 157 Baojian Road, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Qin Wang
- Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Harbin 150086, China.,Sino-Russian Medical Research Center, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping Road, Harbin 150081, China.,Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, 157 Baojian Road, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Shipeng Ning
- Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Harbin 150086, China.,Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping Road, Harbin 150081, China.,Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, 157 Baojian Road, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Shouping Xu
- Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Harbin 150086, China.,Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping Road, Harbin 150081, China.,Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, 157 Baojian Road, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Da Pang
- Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Harbin 150086, China.,Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping Road, Harbin 150081, China.,Sino-Russian Medical Research Center, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping Road, Harbin 150081, China.,Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, 157 Baojian Road, Harbin 150086, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Li Q, He W, Wan G. Methyladenosine Modification in RNAs: Classification and Roles in Gastrointestinal Cancers. Front Oncol 2021; 10:586789. [PMID: 33598423 PMCID: PMC7883673 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.586789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular ribonucleic acids (RNAs), including messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), harbor more than 150 forms of chemical modifications, among which methylation modifications are dynamically regulated and play significant roles in RNA metabolism. Recently, dysregulation of RNA methylation modifications is found to be linked to various physiological bioprocesses and many human diseases. Gastric cancer (GC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) are two main gastrointestinal-related cancers (GIC) and the most leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. In-depth understanding of molecular mechanisms on GIC can provide important insights in developing novel treatment strategies for GICs. In this review, we focus on the multitude of epigenetic changes of RNA methlyadenosine modifications in gene expression, and their roles in GIC tumorigenesis, progression, and drug resistance, and aim to provide the potential therapeutic regimens for GICs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qinghai Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Center for Precision Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiling He
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Center for Precision Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guohui Wan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Tian S, Lai J, Yu T, Li Q, Chen Q. Regulation of Gene Expression Associated With the N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) Enzyme System and Its Significance in Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 10:623634. [PMID: 33552994 PMCID: PMC7859513 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.623634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A), an important RNA modification, is a reversible behavior catalyzed by methyltransferase complexes (m6A "writers"), demethylated transferases (m6A "erasers"), and binding proteins (m6A "readers"). It plays a vital regulatory role in biological functions, involving in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. The level of m6A will affect the RNA metabolism including the degradation of mRNA, and processing or translation of the modified RNA. Its abnormal changes will lead to disrupting the regulation of gene expression and promoting the occurrence of aberrant cell behavior. The abnormal expression of m6A enzyme system can be a crucial impact disturbing the abundance of m6A, thus affecting the expression of oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes in various types of cancer. In this review, we elucidate the special role of m6A "writers", "erasers", and "readers" in normal physiology, and how their altered expression affects the cell metabolism and promotes the occurrence of tumors. We also discuss the potential to target these enzymes for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and the development of new therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuoran Tian
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Junzhong Lai
- The Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Tingting Yu
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qiumei Li
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qi Chen
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Xu J, Liu Y, Liu J, Xu T, Cheng G, Shou Y, Tong J, Liu L, Zhou L, Xiao W, Xiong Z, Yuan C, Chen Z, Liu D, Yang H, Liang H, Chen K, Zhang X. The Identification of Critical m 6A RNA Methylation Regulators as Malignant Prognosis Factors in Prostate Adenocarcinoma. Front Genet 2020; 11:602485. [PMID: 33343639 PMCID: PMC7746824 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.602485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA methylation accounts for over 60% of all RNA modifications, and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common modification on mRNA and lncRNA of human beings. It has been found that m6A modification occurs in microRNA, circRNA, rRNA, and tRNA, etc. The m6A modification plays an important role in regulating gene expression, and the abnormality of its regulatory mechanism refers to many human diseases, including cancers. Pitifully, as it stands there is a serious lack of knowledge of the extent to which the expression and function of m6A RNA methylation can influence prostate cancer (PC). Herein, we systematically analyzed the expression levels of 35 m6A RNA methylation regulators mentioned in literatures among prostate adenocarcinoma patients in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), finding that most of them expressed differently between cancer tissues and normal tissues with the significance of p < 0.05. Utilizing consensus clustering, we divided PC patients into two subgroups based on the differentially expressed m6A RNA methylation regulators with significantly different clinical outcomes. To appraise the discrepancy in total transcriptome between subgroups, the functional enrichment analysis was conducted for differential signaling pathways and cellular processes. Next, we selected five critical genes by the criteria that the regulators had a significant impact on prognosis of PC patients from TCGA through the last absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression and obtained a risk score by weighted summation for prognosis prediction. The survival analysis curve and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed that this signature could excellently predict the prognosis of PC patients. The univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses proved the independent prognostic value of the signature. In summary, our effort revealed the significance of m6A RNA methylation regulators in prostate cancer and determined a m6A gene expression classifier that well predicted the prognosis of prostate cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiaju Xu
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuenan Liu
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingchong Liu
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tianbo Xu
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Gong Cheng
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Shou
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Junwei Tong
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lilong Liu
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lijie Zhou
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wen Xiao
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhiyong Xiong
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Changfei Yuan
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhixian Chen
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Di Liu
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongmei Yang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huageng Liang
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ke Chen
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoping Zhang
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Huo FC, Zhu ZM, Pei DS. N 6 -methyladenosine (m 6 A) RNA modification in human cancer. Cell Prolif 2020; 53:e12921. [PMID: 33029866 PMCID: PMC7653258 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
N6 -methyladenosine (m6 A) RNA modification, first discovered in 1974, is the most prevalent, abundant and penetrating messenger RNA (mRNA) modification in eukaryotes. This governs the fate of modified transcripts, regulates RNA metabolism and biological processes, and participates in pathogenesis of numerous human diseases, especially in cancer through the reciprocal regulation of m6 A methyltransferases ("writers") and demethylases ("erasers") and the binding proteins decoding m6 A methylation ("readers"). Accumulating evidence indicates a complicated regulation network of m6 A modification involving multiple m6 A-associated regulatory proteins whose biological functions have been further analysed. This review aimed to summarize the current knowledge on the potential significance and molecular mechanisms of m6 A RNA modification in the initiation and progression of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fu-Chun Huo
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Man Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Dong-Sheng Pei
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Chen S, Li Y, Zhi S, Ding Z, Wang W, Peng Y, Huang Y, Zheng R, Yu H, Wang J, Hu M, Miao J, Li J. WTAP promotes osteosarcoma tumorigenesis by repressing HMBOX1 expression in an m 6A-dependent manner. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:659. [PMID: 32814762 PMCID: PMC7438489 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-02847-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) regulators are involved in the progression of various cancers via regulating m6A modification. However, the potential role and mechanism of the m6A modification in osteosarcoma remains obscure. In this study, WTAP was found to be highly expressed in osteosarcoma tissue and it was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival in osteosarcoma. Functionally, WTAP, as an oncogene, was involved in the proliferation and metastasis of osteosarcoma in vitro and vivo. Mechanistically, M6A dot blot, RNA-seq and MeRIP-seq, MeRIP-qRT-PCR and luciferase reporter assays showed that HMBOX1 was identified as the target gene of WTAP, which regulated HMBOX1 stability depending on m6A modification at the 3′UTR of HMBOX1 mRNA. In addition, HMBOX1 expression was downregulated in osteosarcoma and was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival in osteosarcoma patients. Silenced HMBOX1 evidently attenuated shWTAP-mediated suppression on osteosarcoma growth and metastasis in vivo and vitro. Finally, WTAP/HMBOX1 regulated osteosarcoma growth and metastasis via PI3K/AKT pathway. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the critical role of the WTAP-mediated m6A modification in the progression of osteosarcoma, which could provide novel insights into osteosarcoma treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shijie Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Rd, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Yuezhan Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Rd, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Shuang Zhi
- Four Gynecological Wards, Ningbo Women and Children's Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315000, China
| | - Zhiyu Ding
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Rd, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Weiguo Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Rd, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Yi Peng
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Rd, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Yan Huang
- The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ruping Zheng
- School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Haiyang Yu
- School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jianlong Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Rd, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Minghua Hu
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, China
| | - Jinglei Miao
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Rd, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China.
| | - Jinsong Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Rd, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Garcias Morales D, Reyes JL. A birds'-eye view of the activity and specificity of the mRNA m 6 A methyltransferase complex. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2020; 12:e1618. [PMID: 32686365 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Appropriate control of the transcriptome is essential to regulate different aspects of gene expression during development and in response to environmental stimuli. Fast accumulating reports are recognizing and functionally characterizing several types of modifications across transcripts, which have created a new field of RNA study named epitranscriptomics. The most abundant modification found in messenger RNA (mRNA) is N6-methyladenosine (m6 A). m6 A addition is achieved by a large methyltransferase complex (MTC). The m6 A-MTC is composed of the methyltransferases METTL3 and METTL14 as the catalytic core, and several protein factors necessary for its correct catalysis, which include WTAP, RBM15, VIRMA, HAKAI, and ZC3H13. To fully appreciate the relevance of this modification, it is important to dissect the basis for the MTC function as well as to define its interaction with other cellular partners. Here, we summarize previous and recent knowledge on these issues to provide a guide for future research and put forward ideas on the flexibility and specificity of this process. This article is categorized under: RNA Processing > RNA Editing and Modification RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein-RNA Recognition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Garcias Morales
- Departamento de Biología Molecular de Plantas, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Chamilpa, Cuernavaca Morelos, Mexico
| | - José L Reyes
- Departamento de Biología Molecular de Plantas, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Chamilpa, Cuernavaca Morelos, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Reversible N6-methyladenosine of RNA: The regulatory mechanisms on gene expression and implications in physiology and pathology. Genes Dis 2020; 7:585-597. [PMID: 33335958 PMCID: PMC7729110 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2020.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant inner RNA modification in eukaryotes. Due to the development of RNA sequencing technology, the distribution pattern of m6A in the transcriptome has been uncovered. Dynamically, the reversible N6-methylation is mediated by two types of proteins, which are classified as "writers" and "erasers". Under the association of specific co-factors, writers show spatiotemporal N6-methyltransferase activity. Mechanically, m6A can be recognized by "reader" proteins or can directly modify RNA conformation, and it widely affects gene expression by mediating RNA stability, translation, splicing and export. m6A is involved in a series of physiology processes. Dysregulation of m6A is gradually defined as the pathogenesis of some diseases, e.g., cancer and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, a good understanding of m6A is essential for molecular biology and pathology research. In this article we systemically present an overview of the functions and mechanisms of identified m6A regulators. The discovered biological and pathological processes affected by m6A are also summarized. We hope that readers with related research interests benefit from our review.
Collapse
|
25
|
Yang J, Chen J, Fei X, Wang X, Wang K. N6-methyladenine RNA modification and cancer. Oncol Lett 2020; 20:1504-1512. [PMID: 32724392 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.11739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) in messenger RNA (mRNA) is regulated by m6A methyltransferases and demethylases. Modifications of m6A are dynamic and reversible, may regulate gene expression levels and serve vital roles in numerous life processes, such as cell cycle regulation, cell fate decision and cell differentiation. In recent years, m6A modifications have been reported to exhibit functions in human cancers via regulation of RNA stability, microRNA processing, mRNA splicing and mRNA translation, including lung cancer, breast tumor and acute myeloid leukemia. In the present review, the roles of m6A modifications in the onset and progression of cancer were summarized. These modifications display an oncogenic role in certain types of cancer, whereas in other types of cancer they exhibit a tumor suppressor role. Therefore, understanding the biological functions performed by m6A in different types of tumors and identifying pivotal m6A target genes to deduce the potential mechanisms underlying the progression of cancer may assist in the development of novel therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, P.R. China
| | - Junwen Chen
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, P.R. China
| | - Xiang Fei
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, P.R. China
| | - Xia Wang
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, P.R. China
| | - Kefeng Wang
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Hu Y, Wang S, Liu J, Huang Y, Gong C, Liu J, Xiao Y, Yang S. New sights in cancer: Component and function of N6-methyladenosine modification. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 122:109694. [PMID: 31918269 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
M6A is the most prevalent modification among epigenetics. M6A occurs on different sites of RNA and exerts important functions in specific circumstances, such as mRNA splicing, stability, nuclear export, translation or damage response. Different aspects of the concrete machinery of m6A modification have been studied, including its writing, erasing and reading capabilities. The molecular and biological functions of the m6A modification and enzymes, as well as their functions in different cancers have been substantially published. The present review summarizes these findings and provides clear description of the problems involved. The probable roles of m6A modification may acts on other cancers, suggesting that it may be a treatment target for these cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiyang Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Sumin Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Jiao Liu
- Department of Endoscope, The General Hospital of Shenyang Military Region, China
| | - Yu Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Chunli Gong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Jingjing Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Yufeng Xiao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China.
| | - Shiming Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Gatsiou A, Stellos K. Dawn of Epitranscriptomic Medicine. CIRCULATION-GENOMIC AND PRECISION MEDICINE 2019; 11:e001927. [PMID: 30354331 DOI: 10.1161/circgen.118.001927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Medicine is at the crossroads of expanding disciplines. Prompt adaptation of medicine to each rapidly advancing research field, bridging bench to bedside, is a key step toward health improvement. Cardiovascular disease still ranks first among the mortality causes in the Western world, indicating a poor adaptation rate of cardiovascular medicine, albeit the gigantic scientific breakthroughs of this century. This urges the cardiovascular research field to explore novel concepts with promising prognostic and therapeutic potential. This review attempts to introduce the newly emerging field of epitranscriptome (or else known as RNA epigenetics) to cardiovascular researchers and clinicians summarizing its applications on health and disease. The traditionally perceived, intermediate carrier of genetic information or as contemporary revised as, occasionally, even the final product of gene expression, RNA, is dynamically subjected to >140 different kinds of chemical modifications determining its fate, which may profoundly impact the cellular responses and thus both health and disease course. Which are the most prevalent types of these RNA modifications, how are they catalyzed, how are they regulated, which role may they play in health and disease, and which are the implications for the cardiovascular medicine are few important questions that are discussed in the present review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aikaterini Gatsiou
- Institute of Cardiovascular Regeneration, Center of Molecular Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany (A.G., K.S.).,Department of Cardiology, Center of Internal Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany (A.G., K.S.).,German Center of Cardiovascular Research, Rhein-Main Partner Site, Frankfurt (A.G., K.S.)
| | - Konstantinos Stellos
- Institute of Cardiovascular Regeneration, Center of Molecular Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany (A.G., K.S.).,Department of Cardiology, Center of Internal Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany (A.G., K.S.).,German Center of Cardiovascular Research, Rhein-Main Partner Site, Frankfurt (A.G., K.S.).,Cardiovascular Research Centre, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom (K.S.).,Department of Cardiology, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals National Health System Foundation Trust, United Kingdom (K.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Xie W, Wei L, Guo J, Guo H, Song X, Sheng X. Physiological functions of Wilms' tumor 1-associating protein and its role in tumourigenesis. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:10884-10892. [PMID: 30756410 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.28402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The Wilms' tumor-associated gene WT1 encodes a tumor suppressor gene, which is implicated in renal differentiation and development of adult urogenital system. Wilms' tumor 1-associating protein (WTAP) is initially identified as a nuclear protein that specifically interacts with WT1 in both in vitro and in vivo assays. WTAP is ubiquitously expressed in different tissues and various growth periods, and its expression is involved in cell cycle, RNA splicing and stabilization, N6-methyladenosine RNA modification, cell proliferation, and apoptosis as well as embryonic development. In the present review, we aimed to summarize the functions of WTAP in various physiological and pathological processes, in particular with regard to the current knowledge about the role of WTAP in tumorigenesis of different cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenli Xie
- Shandong Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Ling Wei
- Shandong Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Jing Guo
- Shandong Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, University of Jinan, Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Hui Guo
- Shandong Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, University of Jinan, Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Xianrang Song
- Shandong Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Xiugui Sheng
- Shandong Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Cheng X, Li M, Rao X, Zhang W, Li X, Wang L, Huang G. KIAA1429 regulates the migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma by altering m6A modification of ID2 mRNA. Onco Targets Ther 2019; 12:3421-3428. [PMID: 31118692 PMCID: PMC6510231 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s180954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most abundant mRNA modification in mammals, is involved in various biological processes. KIAA1429 is an important methyltransferase participating in m6A modification. However, the role of KIAA1429 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still not well understood. Here, we aimed to investigate the function of KIAA1429 and its corresponding regulation mechanisms in HCC. Patients and methods HCC-related genes were analyzed by clinical and expression data of HCC patients in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Expression of KIAA1429 was verified by quantitative reverse-transcription PCR, and interference efficiency was obtained using small interfering RNA (siRNA). Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were assessed by cell counting kit-8 and transwell assays, and the m6A modification was detected by methylated RNA immunoprecipitation-PCR (MeRIP-PCR). Results We found a difference in the expression of KIAA1429 between HCC and normal hepatic tissues by analyzing data from the TCGA database. Comparing HCC cell lines (HepG2, Huh-7, HepG2.2.15) with normal hepatic cells (HL-7702), we observed an identically significant difference in KIAA1429 expression. KIAA1429 significantly enhanced proliferation, migration, and invasion of HepG2 cells. Moreover, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes functional enrichment analysis and correlation analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between KIAA1429 and ID2. In the subsequent MeRIP-PCR assay, downregulation of KIAA1429 inhibited m6A modification of ID2 mRNA. Conclusion KIAA1429 facilitated migration and invasion of HCC by inhibiting ID2 via upregulating m6A modification of ID2 mRNA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Cheng
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, JiangXi, China
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, JiangXi, China
| | - Xi Rao
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, JiangXi, China
| | - Wenfeng Zhang
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, JiangXi, China
| | - Xiaopeng Li
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, JiangXi, China
| | - Liang Wang
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, JiangXi, China
| | - Guanjun Huang
- Department of Endocrinology, Shangrao People's Hospital, Shangrao, JiangXi, China,
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Bi Z, Liu Y, Zhao Y, Yao Y, Wu R, Liu Q, Wang Y, Wang X. A dynamic reversible RNA N 6 -methyladenosine modification: current status and perspectives. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:7948-7956. [PMID: 30644095 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
N6 -methyladenosine (m6 A), as the most abundant RNA epigenetic modifications, has been shown to play critical roles in various biological functions. Research about enzymes that can catalyze and remove m6 A have revealed its comprehensive roles in messenger RNA (mRNA) metabolism and other physiological processes. The "readers" including YTH domain-containing proteins, hnRNPC, hnRNPG, hnRNPA2B1, IGF2BP1, IGF2BP2, and IGF2BP3, which can affect the fates of mRNA in an m6 A-dependent manner. In this review, we focus on recent advances in the research of the m6 A modifications, especially about the latest functions of its writers, erasers, readers in RNA metabolism, cancer, and lipid metabolism. In the end, we provide insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms of m6 A modifications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Bi
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition & Feed Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Feed and Animal Nutrition, No. 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Youhua Liu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition & Feed Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Feed and Animal Nutrition, No. 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuanling Zhao
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition & Feed Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Feed and Animal Nutrition, No. 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yongxi Yao
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition & Feed Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Feed and Animal Nutrition, No. 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ruifan Wu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition & Feed Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Feed and Animal Nutrition, No. 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qing Liu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition & Feed Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Feed and Animal Nutrition, No. 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yizhen Wang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition & Feed Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Feed and Animal Nutrition, No. 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xinxia Wang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition & Feed Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Feed and Animal Nutrition, No. 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Abstract
The central dogma of molecular biology introduced by Crick describes a linear flow of information from DNA to mRNA to protein. Since then it has become evident that RNA undergoes several maturation steps such as capping, splicing, 3'-end processing, and editing. Likewise, nucleotide modifications are common in mRNA and are present in all organisms impacting on the regulation of gene expression. The most abundant modification found in mRNA is N6-methyladenosine (m6A). Deposition of m6A is a nuclear process and is performed by a megadalton writer complex primarily on mRNAs, but also on microRNAs and lncRNAs. The m6A methylosome is composed of the enzymatic core components METTL3 and METTL14, and several auxiliary proteins necessary for its correct positioning and functioning, which are WTAP, VIRMA, FLACC, RBM15, and HAKAI. The m6A epimark is decoded by YTH domain-containing reader proteins YTHDC and YTHDF, but METTLs can act as "readers" as well. Eraser proteins, such as FTO and ALKBH5, can remove the methyl group. Here we review recent progress on the role of m6A in regulating gene expression in light of Crick's central dogma of molecular biology. In particular, we address the complexity of the writer complex from an evolutionary perspective to obtain insights into the mechanism of ancient m6A methylation and its regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dario L Balacco
- School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences , University of Birmingham , Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT , United Kingdom
| | - Matthias Soller
- School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences , University of Birmingham , Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT , United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Duan HC, Wang Y, Jia G. Dynamic and reversible RNA N 6 -methyladenosine methylation. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2018; 10:e1507. [PMID: 30252201 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Revised: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
N6 -methyladenosine (m6 A) is the most abundant internal chemical modification in eukaryotic messenger RNAs (mRNAs). The discovery in 2011 that m6 A is reversed by the fat mass and obesity-associated protein stimulated extensive worldwide research efforts on the regulatory biological functions of dynamic m6 A and other RNA modifications. The epitranscriptomic mark m6 A is written, read, and erased through the activities of a complicated network of enzymes and other proteins. m6 A-binding proteins read m6 A marks and transduce their downstream regulatory effects by altering RNA metabolic processes. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of m6 A modifications, with particular focus on the functions of its writer, eraser, and reader proteins in posttranscriptional gene regulation and discuss the impact of m6 A marks on human health. This article is categorized under: RNA Processing > RNA Editing and Modification RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Chao Duan
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Ye Wang
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Guifang Jia
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Lesbirel S, Viphakone N, Parker M, Parker J, Heath C, Sudbery I, Wilson SA. The m 6A-methylase complex recruits TREX and regulates mRNA export. Sci Rep 2018; 8:13827. [PMID: 30218090 PMCID: PMC6138711 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-32310-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant internal modification of eukaryotic mRNA. This modification has previously been shown to alter the export kinetics for mRNAs though the molecular details surrounding this phenomenon remain poorly understood. Recruitment of the TREX mRNA export complex to mRNA is driven by transcription, 5' capping and pre-mRNA splicing. Here we identify a fourth mechanism in human cells driving the association of TREX with mRNA involving the m6A methylase complex. We show that the m6A complex recruits TREX to m6A modified mRNAs and this process is essential for their efficient export. TREX also stimulates recruitment of the m6A reader protein YTHDC1 to the mRNA and the m6A complex influences the interaction of TREX with YTHDC1. Together our studies reveal a key role for TREX in the export of m6A modified mRNAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Lesbirel
- Sheffield Institute For Nucleic Acids (SInFoNiA), Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Firth Court Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Nicolas Viphakone
- Sheffield Institute For Nucleic Acids (SInFoNiA), Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Firth Court Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Matthew Parker
- Sheffield Institute For Nucleic Acids (SInFoNiA), Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Firth Court Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Jacob Parker
- Sheffield Institute For Nucleic Acids (SInFoNiA), Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Firth Court Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Catherine Heath
- Sheffield Institute For Nucleic Acids (SInFoNiA), Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Firth Court Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Ian Sudbery
- Sheffield Institute For Nucleic Acids (SInFoNiA), Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Firth Court Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Stuart A Wilson
- Sheffield Institute For Nucleic Acids (SInFoNiA), Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Firth Court Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Martinez NM, Gilbert WV. Pre-mRNA modifications and their role in nuclear processing. QUANTITATIVE BIOLOGY 2018; 6:210-227. [PMID: 30533247 DOI: 10.1007/s40484-018-0147-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Background Cellular non-coding RNAs are extensively modified post-transcriptionally, with more than 100 chemically distinct nucleotides identified to date. In the past five years, new sequencing based methods have revealed widespread decoration of eukaryotic messenger RNA with diverse RNA modifications whose functions in mRNA metabolism are only beginning to be known. Results Since most of the identified mRNA modifying enzymes are present in the nucleus, these modifications have the potential to function in nuclear pre-mRNA processing including alternative splicing. Here we review recent progress towards illuminating the role of pre-mRNA modifications in splicing and highlight key areas for future investigation in this rapidly growing field. Conclusions Future studies to identify which modifications are added to nascent pre-mRNA and to interrogate the direct effects of individual modifications are likely to reveal new mechanisms by which nuclear pre-mRNA processing is regulated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Martinez
- Department of Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Wendy V Gilbert
- Department of Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Chang G, Leu JS, Ma L, Xie K, Huang S. Methylation of RNA N 6-methyladenosine in modulation of cytokine responses and tumorigenesis. Cytokine 2018; 118:35-41. [PMID: 30017390 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2018.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Among myriads of distinct chemical modification in RNAs, the dynamic, reversible and fine-tuned methylation of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent modification in eukaryotic mRNAs. This RNA mark is generated by proteins that act as m6A writers and can be reversed by proteins that act as m6A erasers. The RNA m6A modification is also mediated by another group of proteins capable of recognizing m6A that act as m6A readers. The m6A modification exerts direct control over the RNA metabolism including mRNA processing, mRNA exporting, translation initiation, mRNA stability and the biogenesis of long-non-coding RNA (LncRNA), thereby can influence various aspects of cell function. Evidently, m6A is intimately associated with cancer development and progression such as self-renewal capacity of cancer stem cells, proliferation, apoptosis and therapeutic resistance, and immune response. In this review, we will discuss the regulation and function of m6A, the various functions ascribed to these proteins and the emerging concepts that impact our knowledge of these proteins and their roles in the epitranscriptome. Conceivably, m6A may play pivotal roles in cytokine and immune response and carcinogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guoqiang Chang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Jia-Shiun Leu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Li Ma
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Keping Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, United States; Program in Cancer Biology, The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Suyun Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, United States; Program in Cancer Biology, The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Dynamic transcriptomic m 6A decoration: writers, erasers, readers and functions in RNA metabolism. Cell Res 2018; 28:616-624. [PMID: 29789545 PMCID: PMC5993786 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-018-0040-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 911] [Impact Index Per Article: 151.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a chemical modification present in multiple RNA species, being most abundant in mRNAs. Studies on enzymes or factors that catalyze, recognize, and remove m6A have revealed its comprehensive roles in almost every aspect of mRNA metabolism, as well as in a variety of physiological processes. This review describes the current understanding of the m6A modification, particularly the functions of its writers, erasers, readers in RNA metabolism, with an emphasis on its role in regulating the isoform dosage of mRNAs.
Collapse
|
37
|
Schöller E, Weichmann F, Treiber T, Ringle S, Treiber N, Flatley A, Feederle R, Bruckmann A, Meister G. Interactions, localization, and phosphorylation of the m 6A generating METTL3-METTL14-WTAP complex. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2018; 24:499-512. [PMID: 29348140 PMCID: PMC5855951 DOI: 10.1261/rna.064063.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 271] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
N6-methyladenine (m6A) is found on many eukaryotic RNAs including mRNAs. m6A modification has been implicated in mRNA stability and turnover, localization, or translation efficiency. A heterodimeric enzyme complex composed of METTL3 and METTL14 generates m6A on mRNAs. METTL3/14 is found in the nucleus where it is localized to nuclear speckles and the splicing regulator WTAP is required for this distinct nuclear localization pattern. Although recent crystal structures revealed how the catalytic MT-A70 domains of METTL3 and METTL14 interact with each other, a more global architecture including WTAP and RNA interactions has not been reported so far. Here, we used recombinant proteins and mapped binding surfaces within the METTL3/14-WTAP complex. Furthermore, we identify nuclear localization signals and identify phosphorylation sites on the endogenous proteins. Using an in vitro methylation assay, we confirm that monomeric METTL3 is soluble and inactive while the catalytic center of METTL14 is degenerated and thus also inactive. In addition, we show that the C-terminal RGG repeats of METTL14 are required for METTL3/14 activity by contributing to RNA substrate binding. Our biochemical work identifies characteristic features of METTL3/14-WTAP and reveals novel insight into the overall architecture of this important enzyme complex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Schöller
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Franziska Weichmann
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Treiber
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sam Ringle
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Nora Treiber
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Andrew Flatley
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health GmbH, Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Monoclonal Antibody Core Facility and Research Group, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Regina Feederle
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health GmbH, Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Monoclonal Antibody Core Facility and Research Group, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Astrid Bruckmann
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Gunter Meister
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Ullmark T, Montano G, Gullberg U. DNA and RNA binding by the Wilms' tumour gene 1 (WT1) protein +KTS and −KTS isoforms-From initial observations to recent global genomic analyses. Eur J Haematol 2018; 100:229-240. [DOI: 10.1111/ejh.13010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tove Ullmark
- Department of Haematology and Transfusion Medicine; Lund University; Lund Sweden
| | - Giorgia Montano
- Department of Haematology and Transfusion Medicine; Lund University; Lund Sweden
| | - Urban Gullberg
- Department of Haematology and Transfusion Medicine; Lund University; Lund Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Rambout X, Dequiedt F, Maquat LE. Beyond Transcription: Roles of Transcription Factors in Pre-mRNA Splicing. Chem Rev 2017; 118:4339-4364. [PMID: 29251915 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.7b00470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Whereas individual steps of protein-coding gene expression in eukaryotes can be studied in isolation in vitro, it has become clear that these steps are intimately connected within cells. Connections not only ensure quality control but also fine-tune the gene expression process, which must adapt to environmental changes while remaining robust. In this review, we systematically present proven and potential mechanisms by which sequence-specific DNA-binding transcription factors can alter gene expression beyond transcription initiation and regulate pre-mRNA splicing, and thereby mRNA isoform production, by (i) influencing transcription elongation rates, (ii) binding to pre-mRNA to recruit splicing factors, and/or (iii) blocking the association of splicing factors with pre-mRNA. We propose various mechanistic models throughout the review, in some cases without explicit supportive evidence, in hopes of providing fertile ground for future studies.
Collapse
|
40
|
Abstract
In recent years, m6A has emerged as an abundant and dynamically regulated modification throughout the transcriptome. Recent technological advances have enabled the transcriptome-wide identification of m6A residues, which in turn has provided important insights into the biology and regulation of this pervasive regulatory mark. Also central to our current understanding of m6A are the discovery and characterization of m6A readers, writers, and erasers. Over the last few years, studies into the function of these proteins have led to important discoveries about the regulation and function of m6A. However, during this time our understanding of these proteins has also evolved considerably, sometimes leading to the reversal of early concepts regarding the reading, writing and erasing of m6A. In this review, we summarize recent advances in m6A research, and we highlight how these new findings have reshaped our understanding of how m6A is regulated in the transcriptome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kate D Meyer
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina 27710;
| | - Samie R Jaffrey
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Medical College, Cornell University, New York, New York 10065;
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Kan L, Grozhik AV, Vedanayagam J, Patil DP, Pang N, Lim KS, Huang YC, Joseph B, Lin CJ, Despic V, Guo J, Yan D, Kondo S, Deng WM, Dedon PC, Jaffrey SR, Lai EC. The m 6A pathway facilitates sex determination in Drosophila. Nat Commun 2017; 8:15737. [PMID: 28675155 PMCID: PMC5500889 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms15737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The conserved modification N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modulates mRNA processing and activity. Here, we establish the Drosophila system to study the m6A pathway. We first apply miCLIP to map m6A across embryogenesis, characterize its m6A ‘writer’ complex, validate its YTH ‘readers’ CG6422 and YT521-B, and generate mutants in five m6A factors. While m6A factors with additional roles in splicing are lethal, m6A-specific mutants are viable but present certain developmental and behavioural defects. Notably, m6A facilitates the master female determinant Sxl, since multiple m6A components enhance female lethality in Sxl sensitized backgrounds. The m6A pathway regulates Sxl processing directly, since miCLIP data reveal Sxl as a major intronic m6A target, and female-specific Sxl splicing is compromised in multiple m6A pathway mutants. YT521-B is a dominant m6A effector for Sxl regulation, and YT521-B overexpression can induce female-specific Sxl splicing. Overall, our transcriptomic and genetic toolkit reveals in vivo biologic function for the Drosophila m6A pathway. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a conserved RNA modification that has recently emerged as an important regulator of messenger RNA processing and activity. Here, the authors provide evidence that m6A pathway facilitates female-specific splicing of Sxl, regulating sex determination in Drosophila.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Kan
- Department of Developmental Biology, Sloan-Kettering Institute, 1275 York Ave, Box 252, New York City, New York 10065, USA
| | - Anya V Grozhik
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Medical College, Cornell University, New York City, New York 10065, USA
| | - Jeffrey Vedanayagam
- Department of Developmental Biology, Sloan-Kettering Institute, 1275 York Ave, Box 252, New York City, New York 10065, USA
| | - Deepak P Patil
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Medical College, Cornell University, New York City, New York 10065, USA
| | - Nan Pang
- Department of Developmental Biology, Sloan-Kettering Institute, 1275 York Ave, Box 252, New York City, New York 10065, USA
| | - Kok-Seong Lim
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - Yi-Chun Huang
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306, USA
| | - Brian Joseph
- Department of Developmental Biology, Sloan-Kettering Institute, 1275 York Ave, Box 252, New York City, New York 10065, USA
| | - Ching-Jung Lin
- Department of Developmental Biology, Sloan-Kettering Institute, 1275 York Ave, Box 252, New York City, New York 10065, USA
| | - Vladimir Despic
- Department of Developmental Biology, Sloan-Kettering Institute, 1275 York Ave, Box 252, New York City, New York 10065, USA
| | - Jian Guo
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Dong Yan
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Shu Kondo
- Invertebrate Genetics Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
| | - Wu-Min Deng
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306, USA
| | - Peter C Dedon
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - Samie R Jaffrey
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Medical College, Cornell University, New York City, New York 10065, USA
| | - Eric C Lai
- Department of Developmental Biology, Sloan-Kettering Institute, 1275 York Ave, Box 252, New York City, New York 10065, USA
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Růžička K, Zhang M, Campilho A, Bodi Z, Kashif M, Saleh M, Eeckhout D, El‐Showk S, Li H, Zhong S, De Jaeger G, Mongan NP, Hejátko J, Helariutta Y, Fray RG. Identification of factors required for m 6 A mRNA methylation in Arabidopsis reveals a role for the conserved E3 ubiquitin ligase HAKAI. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2017; 215:157-172. [PMID: 28503769 PMCID: PMC5488176 DOI: 10.1111/nph.14586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 251] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/19/2017] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
N6-adenosine methylation (m6 A) of mRNA is an essential process in most eukaryotes, but its role and the status of factors accompanying this modification are still poorly understood. Using combined methods of genetics, proteomics and RNA biochemistry, we identified a core set of mRNA m6 A writer proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana. The components required for m6 A in Arabidopsis included MTA, MTB, FIP37, VIRILIZER and the E3 ubiquitin ligase HAKAI. Downregulation of these proteins led to reduced relative m6 A levels and shared pleiotropic phenotypes, which included aberrant vascular formation in the root, indicating that correct m6 A methylation plays a role in developmental decisions during pattern formation. The conservation of these proteins amongst eukaryotes and the demonstration of a role in writing m6 A for the E3 ubiquitin ligase HAKAI is likely to be of considerable relevance beyond the plant sciences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kamil Růžička
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics of PlantsCentral European Institute of Technology and National Centre for Biomolecular ResearchMasaryk University62500BrnoCzech Republic
- Institute of BiotechnologyUniversity of Helsinki00014HelsinkiFinland
| | - Mi Zhang
- Plant Sciences DivisionSchool of BiosciencesUniversity of NottinghamSutton Bonington CampusLoughboroughLE12 5RDUK
| | - Ana Campilho
- Institute of BiotechnologyUniversity of Helsinki00014HelsinkiFinland
- Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic ResourcesUniversity of Porto4485‐661 VairãoPortugal
| | - Zsuzsanna Bodi
- Plant Sciences DivisionSchool of BiosciencesUniversity of NottinghamSutton Bonington CampusLoughboroughLE12 5RDUK
| | - Muhammad Kashif
- Institute of BiotechnologyUniversity of Helsinki00014HelsinkiFinland
| | - Mária Saleh
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics of PlantsCentral European Institute of Technology and National Centre for Biomolecular ResearchMasaryk University62500BrnoCzech Republic
| | - Dominique Eeckhout
- Department of Plant Systems BiologyVIB9052GentBelgium
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and BioinformaticsGhent University9052GentBelgium
| | - Sedeer El‐Showk
- Institute of BiotechnologyUniversity of Helsinki00014HelsinkiFinland
| | - Hongying Li
- Plant Sciences DivisionSchool of BiosciencesUniversity of NottinghamSutton Bonington CampusLoughboroughLE12 5RDUK
- Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Enhancement on Loess PlateauMinistry of AgricultureTaiyuanShanxi030031China
| | - Silin Zhong
- Plant Sciences DivisionSchool of BiosciencesUniversity of NottinghamSutton Bonington CampusLoughboroughLE12 5RDUK
- The State Key Laboratory of AgrobiotechnologyThe School of Life SciencesThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Geert De Jaeger
- Department of Plant Systems BiologyVIB9052GentBelgium
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and BioinformaticsGhent University9052GentBelgium
| | - Nigel P. Mongan
- School of Veterinary Medicine and SciencesUniversity of NottinghamSutton BoningtonLoughboroughLE12 5RDUK
| | - Jan Hejátko
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics of PlantsCentral European Institute of Technology and National Centre for Biomolecular ResearchMasaryk University62500BrnoCzech Republic
| | - Ykä Helariutta
- Institute of BiotechnologyUniversity of Helsinki00014HelsinkiFinland
- Sainsbury LaboratoryUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 1LRUK
| | - Rupert G. Fray
- Plant Sciences DivisionSchool of BiosciencesUniversity of NottinghamSutton Bonington CampusLoughboroughLE12 5RDUK
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Moschall R, Gaik M, Medenbach J. Promiscuity in post-transcriptional control of gene expression: Drosophila sex-lethal and its regulatory partnerships. FEBS Lett 2017; 591:1471-1488. [PMID: 28391641 PMCID: PMC5488161 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.12652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Revised: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The Drosophila RNA‐binding protein Sex‐lethal (Sxl) is a potent post‐transcriptional regulator of gene expression that controls female development. It regulates the expression of key factors involved in sex‐specific differences in morphology, behavior, and dosage compensation. Functional Sxl protein is only expressed in female flies, where it binds to U‐rich RNA motifs present in its target mRNAs to regulate their fate. Sxl is a very versatile regulator that, by shuttling between the nucleus and the cytoplasm, can regulate almost all aspects of post‐transcriptional gene expression including RNA processing, nuclear export, and translation. For these functions, Sxl employs multiple interactions to either antagonize RNA‐processing factors or to recruit various coregulators, thus allowing it to establish a female‐specific gene expression pattern. Here, we summarize the current knowledge about Sxl function and review recent mechanistic and structural studies that further our understanding of how such a seemingly ‘simple’ RNA‐binding protein can exert this plethora of different functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Monika Gaik
- Max Planck Research Group at the Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Jan Medenbach
- Institute of Biochemistry I, University of Regensburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Abstract
The recent discovery of reversible mRNA methylation has opened a new realm of post-transcriptional gene regulation in eukaryotes. The identification and functional characterization of proteins that specifically recognize RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) unveiled it as a modification that cells utilize to accelerate mRNA metabolism and translation. N6-adenosine methylation directs mRNAs to distinct fates by grouping them for differential processing, translation and decay in processes such as cell differentiation, embryonic development and stress responses. Other mRNA modifications, including N1-methyladenosine (m1A), 5-methylcytosine (m5C) and pseudouridine, together with m6A form the epitranscriptome and collectively code a new layer of information that controls protein synthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Boxuan Simen Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, 929 East 57th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
| | - Ian A Roundtree
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, 929 East 57th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
| | - Chuan He
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, 929 East 57th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Butler JS, Qiu YH, Zhang N, Yoo SY, Coombes KR, Dent SYR, Kornblau SM. Low expression of ASH2L protein correlates with a favorable outcome in acute myeloid leukemia. Leuk Lymphoma 2016; 58:1207-1218. [PMID: 28185526 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2016.1235272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
ASH2L encodes a trithorax group protein that is a core component of all characterized mammalian histone H3K4 methyltransferase complexes, including mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) complexes. ASH2L protein levels in primary leukemia patient samples have not yet been defined. We analyzed ASH2L protein expression in 511 primary AML patient samples using reverse phase protein array (RPPA) technology. We discovered that ASH2L expression is significantly increased in a subset of patients carrying fms-related tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) mutations. Furthermore, we observed that low levels of ASH2L are associated with increased overall survival. We also compared ASH2L levels to the expression of 230 proteins previously analyzed on this array. ASH2L expression was inversely correlated with 32 proteins, mostly involved in cell adhesion and cell cycle inhibition, while a positive correlation was observed for 50 proteins, many of which promote cell proliferation. Together, these results indicate that a lower level of ASH2L protein is beneficial to AML patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jill S Butler
- a Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis , The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Science Park , Smithville , TX , USA.,b Center for Cancer Epigenetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston , TX , USA
| | - Yi Hua Qiu
- c Division of Molecular Hematology, Department of Leukemia , The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston , TX , USA
| | | | - Suk-Young Yoo
- e Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology , The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston , TX , USA
| | - Kevin R Coombes
- f Department of Biomedical Informatics , The Ohio State University College of Medicine , Columbus , OH , USA
| | - Sharon Y R Dent
- a Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis , The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Science Park , Smithville , TX , USA.,b Center for Cancer Epigenetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston , TX , USA
| | - Steven M Kornblau
- c Division of Molecular Hematology, Department of Leukemia , The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston , TX , USA
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent internal modification that occurs in the messenger RNA (mRNA) of most eukaryotes. In this review, Yue et al. summarize recent progress in the study of the m6A mRNA methylation machineries across eukaryotes and discuss their newly uncovered roles in post-transcriptional gene expression regulation. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent and internal modification that occurs in the messenger RNAs (mRNA) of most eukaryotes, although its functional relevance remained a mystery for decades. This modification is installed by the m6A methylation “writers” and can be reversed by demethylases that serve as “erasers.” In this review, we mainly summarize recent progress in the study of the m6A mRNA methylation machineries across eukaryotes and discuss their newly uncovered biological functions. The broad roles of m6A in regulating cell fates and embryonic development highlight the existence of another layer of epigenetic regulation at the RNA level, where mRNA is subjected to chemical modifications that affect protein expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Yue
- Department of Chemistry, Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
| | - Jianzhao Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
| | - Chuan He
- Department of Chemistry, Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Alarcón CR, Goodarzi H, Lee H, Liu X, Tavazoie S, Tavazoie SF. HNRNPA2B1 Is a Mediator of m(6)A-Dependent Nuclear RNA Processing Events. Cell 2015; 162:1299-308. [PMID: 26321680 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2015.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1018] [Impact Index Per Article: 113.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Revised: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 07/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
N(6)-methyladenosine (m(6)A) is the most abundant internal modification of messenger RNA. While the presence of m(6)A on transcripts can impact nuclear RNA fates, a reader of this mark that mediates processing of nuclear transcripts has not been identified. We find that the RNA-binding protein HNRNPA2B1 binds m(6)A-bearing RNAs in vivo and in vitro and its biochemical footprint matches the m(6)A consensus motif. HNRNPA2B1 directly binds a set of nuclear transcripts and elicits similar alternative splicing effects as the m(6)A writer METTL3. Moreover, HNRNPA2B1 binds to m(6)A marks in a subset of primary miRNA transcripts, interacts with the microRNA Microprocessor complex protein DGCR8, and promotes primary miRNA processing. Also, HNRNPA2B1 loss and METTL3 depletion cause similar processing defects for these pri-miRNA precursors. We propose HNRNPA2B1 to be a nuclear reader of the m(6)A mark and to mediate, in part, this mark's effects on primary microRNA processing and alternative splicing. PAPERCLIP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudio R Alarcón
- Laboratory of Systems Cancer Biology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Hani Goodarzi
- Laboratory of Systems Cancer Biology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Hyeseung Lee
- Laboratory of Systems Cancer Biology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Xuhang Liu
- Laboratory of Systems Cancer Biology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Saeed Tavazoie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics and Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Sohail F Tavazoie
- Laboratory of Systems Cancer Biology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Abstract
Mammalian messenger RNA (mRNA) and long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) contain tens of thousands of posttranscriptional chemical modifications. Among these, the N(6)-methyl-adenosine (m(6)A) modification is the most abundant and can be removed by specific mammalian enzymes. m(6)A modification is recognized by families of RNA binding proteins that affect many aspects of mRNA function. mRNA/lncRNA modification represents another layer of epigenetic regulation of gene expression, analogous to DNA methylation and histone modification.
Collapse
|
49
|
|
50
|
Schwartz S, Mumbach MR, Jovanovic M, Wang T, Maciag K, Bushkin GG, Mertins P, Ter-Ovanesyan D, Habib N, Cacchiarelli D, Sanjana NE, Freinkman E, Pacold ME, Satija R, Mikkelsen TS, Hacohen N, Zhang F, Carr SA, Lander ES, Regev A. Perturbation of m6A writers reveals two distinct classes of mRNA methylation at internal and 5' sites. Cell Rep 2014; 8:284-96. [PMID: 24981863 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2014.05.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 880] [Impact Index Per Article: 88.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2014] [Revised: 04/07/2014] [Accepted: 05/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a common modification of mRNA with potential roles in fine-tuning the RNA life cycle. Here, we identify a dense network of proteins interacting with METTL3, a component of the methyltransferase complex, and show that three of them (WTAP, METTL14, and KIAA1429) are required for methylation. Monitoring m6A levels upon WTAP depletion allowed the definition of accurate and near single-nucleotide resolution methylation maps and their classification into WTAP-dependent and -independent sites. WTAP-dependent sites are located at internal positions in transcripts, topologically static across a variety of systems we surveyed, and inversely correlated with mRNA stability, consistent with a role in establishing "basal" degradation rates. WTAP-independent sites form at the first transcribed base as part of the cap structure and are present at thousands of sites, forming a previously unappreciated layer of transcriptome complexity. Our data shed light on the proteomic and transcriptional underpinnings of this RNA modification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marko Jovanovic
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Tim Wang
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Karolina Maciag
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Graduate Program in Immunology, Division of Medical Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - G Guy Bushkin
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Philipp Mertins
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | | | - Naomi Habib
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Davide Cacchiarelli
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute and Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | | | | | - Michael E Pacold
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Rahul Satija
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Tarjei S Mikkelsen
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute and Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Nir Hacohen
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Feng Zhang
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Steven A Carr
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Eric S Lander
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Aviv Regev
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 4000 Jones Bridge Road, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA.
| |
Collapse
|