1
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Wu F, Chai B, Qi P, Han Y, Gu Z, Pan W, Zhang H, Wang X, Liu X, Zou H, Liang C, Li Y, Fang W, Ma Z. Oncogenic tRNA-derived fragment tRF-Leu-CAG promotes tumorigenesis of lung cancer via targeting TCEA3 and increasing autophagy. J Gene Med 2024; 26:e3737. [PMID: 39198937 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.3737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung cancer is a prevalent and severe form of malignant tumors worldwide. tRF-Leu-CAG, a recently discovered non-coding single-stranded small RNA derived from transfer RNA, has sparked interest in exploring its biological functions and potential molecular mechanisms in lung cancer. METHODS The abundance of tRF-Leu-CAG was measured via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in 96 sets of lung cancer tissue samples obtained from clinical patients. Subsequently, both in vivo and in vitro experiments were conducted to validate the biological functions of tRF-Leu-CAG in lung cancer. Furthermore, an exploration of the potential target genes of tRF-Leu-CAG and its association with autophagy and drug resistance in lung cancer was undertaken. RESULTS Our analysis revealed a significant upregulation of tRF-Leu-CAG in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues. Additionally, we observed that heightened expression of tRF-Leu-CAG significantly augmented the proliferation and migration of NSCLC cells, facilitated cell cycle progression, and suppressed apoptosis. Furthermore, we identified transcription elongation factor A3 (TCEA3) as a direct target gene of tRF-Leu-CAG. TCEA3 inhibited the proliferation and migration of NSCLC, and tRF-Leu-CAG promoted the proliferation and migration of NSCLC by mediating the silencing of TCEA3. Moreover, we demonstrated that the augmentation of paclitaxel resistance by tRF-Leu-CAG was contingent on autophagy. Finally, tRF-Leu-CAG notably accelerated tumor growth and promoted the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vivo. CONCLUSIONS tRF-Leu-CAG promotes NSCLC tumor growth and metastasis by targeting TCEA3 and promotes paclitaxel resistance by enhancing cellular autophagy. These results provide potentially effective targets and therapeutic options for the clinical treatment of NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Wu
- Lab for Noncoding RNA & Cancer, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Binshu Chai
- Lab for Noncoding RNA & Cancer, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pengfei Qi
- Lab for Noncoding RNA & Cancer, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yaqi Han
- Lab for Noncoding RNA & Cancer, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhitao Gu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Pan
- Lab for Noncoding RNA & Cancer, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Lab for Noncoding RNA & Cancer, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianyi Wang
- Lab for Noncoding RNA & Cancer, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaomin Liu
- Lab for Noncoding RNA & Cancer, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Heng Zou
- Lab for Noncoding RNA & Cancer, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Liang
- Lab for Noncoding RNA & Cancer, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - YanLi Li
- Lab for Noncoding RNA & Cancer, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wentao Fang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongliang Ma
- Lab for Noncoding RNA & Cancer, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
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2
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Velázquez-Flores MÁ, Ruiz Esparza-Garrido R. Fragments derived from non-coding RNAs: how complex is genome regulation? Genome 2024; 67:292-306. [PMID: 38684113 DOI: 10.1139/gen-2023-0136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
The human genome is highly dynamic and only a small fraction of it codes for proteins, but most of the genome is transcribed, highlighting the importance of non-coding RNAs on cellular functions. In addition, it is now known the generation of non-coding RNA fragments under particular cellular conditions and their functions have revealed unexpected mechanisms of action, converging, in some cases, with the biogenic pathways and action machineries of microRNAs or Piwi-interacting RNAs. This led us to the question why the cell produces so many apparently redundant molecules to exert similar functions and regulate apparently convergent processes? However, non-coding RNAs fragments can also function similarly to aptamers, with secondary and tertiary conformations determining their functions. In the present work, it was reviewed and analyzed the current information about the non-coding RNAs fragments, describing their structure and biogenic pathways, with special emphasis on their cellular functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Ángel Velázquez-Flores
- Laboratorio de RNAs No Codificantes de la Unidad de Investigación Médica en Genética Humana, Hospital de Pediatría del Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), CDMX, México
| | - Ruth Ruiz Esparza-Garrido
- Investigadora por México, Laboratorio de RNAs No Codificantes de la Unidad de Investigación Médica en Genética Humana, Hospital de Pediatría del Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), CDMX, México
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3
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Li X, Mills WT, Jin DS, Meffert MK. Genome-wide and cell-type-selective profiling of in vivo small noncoding RNA:target RNA interactions by chimeric RNA sequencing. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2024; 4:100836. [PMID: 39127045 PMCID: PMC11384083 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2024.100836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Small noncoding RNAs (sncRNAs) regulate biological processes by impacting post-transcriptional gene expression through repressing the translation and levels of targeted transcripts. Despite the clear biological importance of sncRNAs, approaches to unambiguously define genome-wide sncRNA:target RNA interactions remain challenging and not widely adopted. We present CIMERA-seq, a robust strategy incorporating covalent ligation of sncRNAs to their target RNAs within the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) and direct detection of in vivo interactions by sequencing of the resulting chimeric RNAs. Modifications are incorporated to increase the capacity for processing low-abundance samples and permit cell-type-selective profiling of sncRNA:target RNA interactions, as demonstrated in mouse brain cortex. CIMERA-seq represents a cohesive and optimized method for unambiguously characterizing the in vivo network of sncRNA:target RNA interactions in numerous biological contexts and even subcellular fractions. Genome-wide and cell-type-selective CIMERA-seq enhances researchers' ability to study gene regulation by sncRNAs in diverse model systems and tissue types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinbei Li
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - William T Mills
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Daniel S Jin
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Mollie K Meffert
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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4
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Zhang Y, Gu X, Li Y, Huang Y, Ju S. Multiple regulatory roles of the transfer RNA-derived small RNAs in cancers. Genes Dis 2024; 11:597-613. [PMID: 37692525 PMCID: PMC10491922 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.02.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
With the development of sequencing technology, transfer RNA (tRNA)-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) have received extensive attention as a new type of small noncoding RNAs. Based on the differences in the cleavage sites of nucleases on tRNAs, tsRNAs can be divided into two categories, tRNA halves (tiRNAs) and tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs), each with specific subcellular localizations. Additionally, the biogenesis of tsRNAs is tissue-specific and can be regulated by tRNA modifications. In this review, we first elaborated on the classification and biogenesis of tsRNAs. After summarizing the latest mechanisms of tsRNAs, including transcriptional gene silencing, post-transcriptional gene silencing, nascent RNA silencing, translation regulation, rRNA regulation, and reverse transcription regulation, we explored the representative biological functions of tsRNAs in tumors. Furthermore, this review summarized the clinical value of tsRNAs in cancers, thus providing theoretical support for their potential as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Xinliang Gu
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Yang Li
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Yuejiao Huang
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Shaoqing Ju
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
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5
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Hejret V, Varadarajan NM, Klimentova E, Gresova K, Giassa IC, Vanacova S, Alexiou P. Analysis of chimeric reads characterises the diverse targetome of AGO2-mediated regulation. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22895. [PMID: 38129478 PMCID: PMC10739727 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49757-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Argonaute proteins are instrumental in regulating RNA stability and translation. AGO2, the major mammalian Argonaute protein, is known to primarily associate with microRNAs, a family of small RNA 'guide' sequences, and identifies its targets primarily via a 'seed' mediated partial complementarity process. Despite numerous studies, a definitive experimental dataset of AGO2 'guide'-'target' interactions remains elusive. Our study employs two experimental methods-AGO2 CLASH and AGO2 eCLIP, to generate thousands of AGO2 target sites verified by chimeric reads. These chimeric reads contain both the AGO2 loaded small RNA 'guide' and the target sequence, providing a robust resource for modeling AGO2 binding preferences. Our novel analysis pipeline reveals thousands of AGO2 target sites driven by microRNAs and a significant number of AGO2 'guides' derived from fragments of other small RNAs such as tRNAs, YRNAs, snoRNAs, rRNAs, and more. We utilize convolutional neural networks to train machine learning models that accurately predict the binding potential for each 'guide' class and experimentally validate several interactions. In conclusion, our comprehensive analysis of the AGO2 targetome broadens our understanding of its 'guide' repertoire and potential function in development and disease. Moreover, we offer practical bioinformatic tools for future experiments and the prediction of AGO2 targets. All data and code from this study are freely available at https://github.com/ML-Bioinfo-CEITEC/HybriDetector/ .
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaclav Hejret
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, National Centre for Biomolecular Research, Masaryk University, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Nandan Mysore Varadarajan
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, National Centre for Biomolecular Research, Masaryk University, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Klimentova
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, National Centre for Biomolecular Research, Masaryk University, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Katarina Gresova
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ilektra-Chara Giassa
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Stepanka Vanacova
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Panagiotis Alexiou
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic.
- Department of Applied Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, Msida, MSD 2080, Malta.
- Centre for Molecular Medicine & Biobanking, University of Malta, Msida, MSD 2080, Malta.
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6
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Zeidler M, Tavares-Ferreira D, Brougher J, Price TJ, Kress M. NOCICEPTRA2.0 - A comprehensive ncRNA atlas of human native and iPSC-derived sensory neurons. iScience 2023; 26:108525. [PMID: 38162030 PMCID: PMC10755718 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108525] [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: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are pivotal in gene regulation during development and disease. MicroRNAs have been extensively studied in neurogenesis. However, limited knowledge exists about the developmental signatures of other ncRNA species in sensory neuron differentiation, and human dorsal root ganglia (DRG) ncRNA expression remains undocumented. To address this gap, we generated a comprehensive atlas of small ncRNA species during iPSC-derived sensory neuron differentiation. Utilizing iPSC-derived sensory neurons and human DRG RNA sequencing, we unveiled signatures describing developmental processes. Our analysis identified ncRNAs associated with various sensory neuron stages. Striking similarities in ncRNA expression signatures between human DRG and iPSC-derived neurons support the latter as a model to bridge the translational gap between preclinical findings and human disorders. In summary, our research sheds light on the role of ncRNA species in human nociceptors, and NOCICEPTRA2.0 offers a comprehensive ncRNA database for sensory neurons that researchers can use to explore ncRNA regulators in nociceptors thoroughly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Zeidler
- Institute of Physiology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Omiqa Bioinformatics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Diana Tavares-Ferreira
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA
| | | | - Theodore J. Price
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Michaela Kress
- Institute of Physiology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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7
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Karousi P, Samiotaki M, Makridakis M, Zoidakis J, Sideris DC, Scorilas A, Carell T, Kontos CK. 3'-tRF-Cys GCA overexpression in HEK-293 cells alters the global expression profile and modulates cellular processes and pathways. Funct Integr Genomics 2023; 23:341. [PMID: 37987851 PMCID: PMC10663186 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-023-01272-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
tRNA fragments (tRFs) are small non-coding RNAs generated through specific cleavage of tRNAs and involved in various biological processes. Among the different types of tRFs, the 3'-tRFs have attracted scientific interest due to their regulatory role in gene expression. In this study, we investigated the role of 3'-tRF-CysGCA, a tRF deriving from cleavage in the T-loop of tRNACysGCA, in the regulation of gene expression in HEK-293 cells. Previous studies have shown that 3'-tRF-CysGCA is incorporated into the RISC complex and interacts with Argonaute proteins, suggesting its involvement in the regulation of gene expression. However, the general role and effect of the deregulation of 3'-tRF-CysGCA levels in human cells have not been investigated so far. To fill this gap, we stably overexpressed 3'-tRF-CysGCA in HEK-293 cells and performed transcriptomic and proteomic analyses. Moreover, we validated the interaction of this tRF with putative targets, the levels of which were found to be affected by 3'-tRF-CysGCA overexpression. Lastly, we investigated the implication of 3'-tRF-CysGCA in various pathways using extensive bioinformatics analysis. Our results indicate that 3'-tRF-CysGCA overexpression led to changes in the global gene expression profile of HEK-293 cells and that multiple cellular pathways were affected by the deregulation of the levels of this tRF. Additionally, we demonstrated that 3'-tRF-CysGCA directly interacts with thymopoietin (TMPO) transcript variant 1 (also known as LAP2α), leading to modulation of its levels. In conclusion, our findings suggest that 3'-tRF-CysGCA plays a significant role in gene expression regulation and highlight the importance of this tRF in cellular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paraskevi Karousi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, 15701, Athens, Greece
| | - Martina Samiotaki
- Institute for Bioinnovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Center, "Alexander Fleming", Vari, Greece
| | - Manousos Makridakis
- Center of Systems Biology, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Jerome Zoidakis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, 15701, Athens, Greece
- Center of Systems Biology, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Diamantis C Sideris
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, 15701, Athens, Greece
| | - Andreas Scorilas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, 15701, Athens, Greece
| | - Thomas Carell
- Department for Chemistry, Institute for Chemical Epigenetics, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christos K Kontos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, 15701, Athens, Greece.
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8
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Kuhle B, Chen Q, Schimmel P. tRNA renovatio: Rebirth through fragmentation. Mol Cell 2023; 83:3953-3971. [PMID: 37802077 PMCID: PMC10841463 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.09.016] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
tRNA function is based on unique structures that enable mRNA decoding using anticodon trinucleotides. These structures interact with specific aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases and ribosomes using 3D shape and sequence signatures. Beyond translation, tRNAs serve as versatile signaling molecules interacting with other RNAs and proteins. Through evolutionary processes, tRNA fragmentation emerges as not merely random degradation but an act of recreation, generating specific shorter molecules called tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs). These tsRNAs exploit their linear sequences and newly arranged 3D structures for unexpected biological functions, epitomizing the tRNA "renovatio" (from Latin, meaning renewal, renovation, and rebirth). Emerging methods to uncover full tRNA/tsRNA sequences and modifications, combined with techniques to study RNA structures and to integrate AI-powered predictions, will enable comprehensive investigations of tRNA fragmentation products and new interaction potentials in relation to their biological functions. We anticipate that these directions will herald a new era for understanding biological complexity and advancing pharmaceutical engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Kuhle
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Cellular Biochemistry, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Qi Chen
- Molecular Medicine Program, Department of Human Genetics, and Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Paul Schimmel
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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9
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Akiyama Y, Ivanov P. tRNA-derived RNAs: Biogenesis and roles in translational control. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2023; 14:e1805. [PMID: 37406666 PMCID: PMC10766869 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Transfer RNA (tRNA)-derived RNAs (tDRs) are a class of small non-coding RNAs that play important roles in different aspects of gene expression. These ubiquitous and heterogenous RNAs, which vary across different species and cell types, are proposed to regulate various biological processes. In this review, we will discuss aspects of their biogenesis, and specifically, their contribution into translational control. We will summarize diverse roles of tDRs and the molecular mechanisms underlying their functions in the regulation of protein synthesis and their impact on related events such as stress-induced translational reprogramming. This article is categorized under: RNA Processing > Processing of Small RNAs Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Biogenesis of Effector Small RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasutoshi Akiyama
- Laboratory of Oncology, Pharmacy Practice and Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sendai, Japan
| | - Pavel Ivanov
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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10
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Wu C, Liu D, Zhang L, Wang J, Ding Y, Sun Z, Wang W. 5'-tiRNA-Gln inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma progression by repressing translation through the interaction with eukaryotic initiation factor 4A-I. Front Med 2023; 17:476-492. [PMID: 36973570 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-022-0966-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) are novel non-coding RNAs that are involved in the occurrence and progression of diverse diseases. However, their exact presence and function in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear. Here, differentially expressed tsRNAs in HCC were profiled. A novel tsRNA, tRNAGln-TTG derived 5'-tiRNA-Gln, is significantly downregulated, and its expression level is correlated with progression in patients. In HCC cells, 5'-tiRNA-Gln overexpression impaired the proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro and in vivo, while 5'-tiRNA-Gln knockdown yielded opposite results. 5'-tiRNA-Gln exerted its function by binding eukaryotic initiation factor 4A-I (EIF4A1), which unwinds complex RNA secondary structures during translation initiation, causing the partial inhibition of translation. The suppressed downregulated proteins include ARAF, MEK1/2 and STAT3, causing the impaired signaling pathway related to HCC progression. Furthermore, based on the construction of a mutant 5'-tiRNA-Gln, the sequence of forming intramolecular G-quadruplex structure is crucial for 5'-tiRNA-Gln to strongly bind EIF4A1 and repress translation. Clinically, 5'-tiRNA-Gln expression level is negatively correlated with ARAF, MEK1/2, and STAT3 in HCC tissues. Collectively, these findings reveal that 5'-tiRJNA-Gln interacts with EIF4A1 to reduce related mRNA binding through the intramolecular G-quadruplex structure, and this process partially inhibits translation and HCC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengdong Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Clinical Medicine Innovation Center of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Dekai Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Clinical Medicine Innovation Center of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Lufei Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Clinical Medicine Innovation Center of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Jingjie Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Clinical Medicine Innovation Center of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Yuan Ding
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Clinical Medicine Innovation Center of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Zhongquan Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Clinical Medicine Innovation Center of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Weilin Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
- Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
- Clinical Medicine Innovation Center of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
- Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
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11
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Rawal HC, Ali S, Mondal TK. Role of non-coding RNAs against salinity stress in Oryza species: Strategies and challenges in analyzing miRNAs, tRFs and circRNAs. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 242:125172. [PMID: 37268077 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Salinity is an imbalanced concentration of mineral salts in the soil or water that causes yield loss in salt-sensitive crops. Rice plant is vulnerable to soil salinity stress at seedling and reproductive stages. Different non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) post-transcriptionally regulate different sets of genes during different developmental stages under varying salinity tolerance levels. While microRNAs (miRNAs) are well known small endogenous ncRNAs, tRNA-derived RNA fragments (tRFs) are an emerging class of small ncRNAs derived from tRNA genes with a demonstrated regulatory role, like miRNAs, in humans but unexplored in plants. Circular RNA (circRNA), another ncRNA produced by back-splicing events, acts as target mimics by preventing miRNAs from binding with their target mRNAs, thereby reducing the miRNA's action upon its target. Same may hold true between circRNAs and tRFs. Hence, the work done on these ncRNAs was reviewed and no reports were found for circRNAs and tRFs under salinity stress in rice, either at seedling or reproductive stages. Even the reports on miRNAs are restricted to seedling stage only, in spite of severe effects on rice crop production due to salt stress during reproductive stage. Moreover, this review sheds light on strategies to predict and analyze these ncRNAs in an effective manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hukam Chand Rawal
- ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, LBS Centre, Pusa, New Delhi 110012, India; School of Interdisciplinary Sciences and Technology, Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard University), Hamdard Nagar, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Shakir Ali
- School of Interdisciplinary Sciences and Technology, Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard University), Hamdard Nagar, New Delhi 110062, India; Department of Biochemistry, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard University), Hamdard Nagar, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Tapan Kumar Mondal
- ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, LBS Centre, Pusa, New Delhi 110012, India.
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12
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Sharma M, Zhang H, Ehrenkaufer G, Singh U. Stress Response in Entamoeba histolytica Is Associated with Robust Processing of tRNA to tRNA Halves. mBio 2023; 14:e0345022. [PMID: 36809068 PMCID: PMC10127584 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03450-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
tRNA-derived fragments have been reported in many different organisms and have diverse cellular roles, such as regulating gene expression, inhibiting protein translation, silencing transposable elements, and modulating cell proliferation. In particular, tRNA halves, a class of tRNA fragments produced by the cleavage of tRNAs in the anti-codon loop, have been widely reported to accumulate under stress and regulate translation in cells. Here, we report the presence of tRNA-derived fragments in Entamoeba, with tRNA halves being the most abundant. We further established that tRNA halves accumulate in the parasites upon different stress stimuli such as oxidative stress, heat shock, and serum starvation. We also observed differential expression of tRNA halves during developmental changes of trophozoite-to-cyst conversion, with various tRNA halves accumulating during early encystation. In contrast to other systems, the stress response does not appear to be mediated by a few specific tRNA halves, as multiple tRNAs appear to be processed during the various stresses. Furthermore, we identified some tRNA-derived fragments associated with Entamoeba Argonaute proteins, EhAgo2-2 and EhAgo2-3, which have a preference for different tRNA-derived fragment species. Finally, we show that tRNA halves are packaged inside extracellular vesicles secreted by amoebas. The ubiquitous presence of tRNA-derived fragments, their association with the Argonaute proteins, and the accumulation of tRNA halves during multiple different stresses, including encystation, suggest a nuanced level of gene expression regulation mediated by different tRNA-derived fragments in Entamoeba. IMPORTANCE In the present study, we report for the first time the presence of tRNA-derived fragments in Entamoeba. tRNA-derived fragments were identified by bioinformatics analyses of small-RNA sequencing data sets from the parasites and also confirmed experimentally. We found that tRNA halves accumulated in parasites exposed to environmental stress or during the developmental process of encystation. We also found that shorter tRNA-derived fragments are bound to Entamoeba Argonaute proteins, indicating that they may have a potential role in the Argonaute-mediated RNA-interference pathway, which mediates robust gene silencing in Entamoeba. We noticed that in response to heat shock, the protein translation levels were elevated in the parasites. This effect was reversed in the presence of an analog of leucine, which also reduced the levels of the tRNA halves in the stressed cells. Our results suggest that tRNA-derived fragments in Entamoeba have a possible role in regulating gene expression during environmental stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manu Sharma
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Hanbang Zhang
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Gretchen Ehrenkaufer
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Upinder Singh
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
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13
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Gong M, Deng Y, Xiang Y, Ye D. The role and mechanism of action of tRNA-derived fragments in the diagnosis and treatment of malignant tumors. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:62. [PMID: 36964534 PMCID: PMC10036988 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01079-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and death worldwide. While various factors are established as causing malignant tumors, the mechanisms underlying cancer development remain poorly understood. Early diagnosis and the development of effective treatments for cancer are important research topics. Transfer RNA (tRNA), the most abundant class of RNA molecules in the human transcriptome, participates in both protein synthesis and cellular metabolic processes. tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs) are produced by specific cleavage of pre-tRNA and mature tRNA molecules, which are highly conserved and occur widely in various organisms. tRFs were initially thought to be random products with no physiological function, but have been redefined as novel functional small non-coding RNA molecules that help to regulate RNA stability, modulate translation, and influence target gene expression, as well as other biological processes. There is increasing evidence supporting roles for tRFs in tumorigenesis and cancer development, including the regulation of tumor cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and drug resistance. Understanding the regulatory mechanisms by which tRFs impact these processes has potential to inform malignant tumor diagnosis and treatment. Further, tRFs are expected to become new biological markers for early diagnosis and prognosis prediction in patients with tumors, as well as a targets for precision cancer therapies. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengdan Gong
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315040, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yongqin Deng
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315040, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yizhen Xiang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315040, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dong Ye
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315040, Zhejiang, China.
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14
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Suresh PS, Thankachan S, Venkatesh T. Landscape of Clinically Relevant Exosomal tRNA-Derived Non-coding RNAs. Mol Biotechnol 2023; 65:300-310. [PMID: 35997930 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-022-00546-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Exosomes are extra-cellular vesicles that are < 150 nm that is formed by invagination of the plasma membrane and are released as vesicles. These contain proteins, RNA, and DNA as their cargo. In recent times, the non-coding RNA (ncRNA) present within exosomes has been studied extensively in the context of sorting, localization, and their potential as biomarkers. For example, miR-1246, miR-1290, miR-21, and miR-23a are exosomal biomarkers of cancer, and YBX1 (Y-Box Binding Protein 1) is attributed to exosomal RNA sorting. Transfer RNA-derived fragments are a class of small ncRNAs that were discovered in 2009. They are classified as tRFs (tRNA-derived fragments) and tsRNAs (tRNA halves). Interestingly, these tRNA-derived ncRNAs are emerging as biomarkers in various diseases, and these are found in exosomes. To date, the literature has covered only the biomarker potential of plasma/serum tRNA-derived ncRNAs. Hence, in the current review, we discuss the exosomal tRNA-derived fragments that are clinically relevant in pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Padmanaban S Suresh
- School of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Calicut, Kozhikode, 673601, India
| | - Sanu Thankachan
- School of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Calicut, Kozhikode, 673601, India
| | - Thejaswini Venkatesh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Central University of Kerala, Kerala, 671316, Periye, Kasaragod, India.
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15
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U A, Viswam P, Kattupalli D, Eppurathu Vasudevan S. Elucidation of transfer RNAs as stress regulating agents and the experimental strategies to conceive the functional role of tRNA-derived fragments in plants. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2023; 43:275-292. [PMID: 35382663 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2022.2026288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
In plants, the transfer RNAs (tRNAs) exhibit their profound influence in orchestrating diverse physiological activities like cell growth, development, and response to several surrounding stimuli. The tRNAs, which were known to restrict their function solely in deciphering the codons, are now emerging as frontline defenders in stress biology. The plants that are constantly confronted with a huge panoply of stresses rely on tRNA-mediated stress regulation by altering the tRNA abundance, curbing the transport of tRNAs, fragmenting the mature tRNAs during stress. Among them, the studies on the generation of transfer RNA-derived fragments (tRFs) and their biological implication in stress response have attained huge interest. In plants, the tRFs hold stable expression patterns and regulate biological functions under diverse environmental conditions. In this review, we discuss the fate of plant tRNAs upon stress and thereafter how the tRFs are metamorphosed into sharp ammunition to wrestle with stress. We also address the various methods developed to date for uncovering the role of tRFs and their function in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aswathi U
- Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Transdisciplinary Biology Laboratory, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Pooja Viswam
- Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Transdisciplinary Biology Laboratory, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Divya Kattupalli
- Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Transdisciplinary Biology Laboratory, Thiruvananthapuram, India
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16
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Guan L, Grigoriev A. tatDB: a database of Ago1-mediated targets of transfer RNA fragments. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:D297-D305. [PMID: 36350638 PMCID: PMC9825446 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac1018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs) are a class of emerging post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression likely binding to the transcripts of target genes. However, only a few tRFs targets have been experimentally validated, making it hard to extrapolate the functions or binding mechanisms of tRFs. The paucity of resources supporting the identification of the targets of tRFs creates a bottleneck in the fast-developing field. We have previously analyzed chimeric reads in crosslinked Argonaute1-RNA complexes to help infer the guide-target pairs and binding mechanisms of multiple tRFs based on experimental data in human HEK293 cells. To efficiently disseminate these results to the research community, we designed a web-based database tatDB (targets of tRFs DataBase) populated with close to 250 000 experimentally determined guide-target pairs with ∼23 000 tRF isoforms. tatDB has a user-friendly interface with flexible query options/filters allowing one to obtain comprehensive information on given tRFs (or targets). Modes of interactions are supported by secondary structures of potential guide-target hybrids and binding motifs, essential for understanding the targeting mechanisms of tRFs. Further, we illustrate the value of the database on an example of hypothesis-building for a tRFs potentially involved in the lifecycle of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. tatDB is freely accessible at https://grigoriev-lab.camden.rutgers.edu/tatdb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyu Guan
- Department of Biology, Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Rutgers University, Camden, NJ, USA
| | - Andrey Grigoriev
- Department of Biology, Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Rutgers University, Camden, NJ, USA
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17
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Mills WT, Eadara S, Jaffe AE, Meffert MK. SCRAP: a bioinformatic pipeline for the analysis of small chimeric RNA-seq data. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2022; 29:rna.079240.122. [PMID: 36316086 PMCID: PMC9808574 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079240.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) that function in post-transcriptional gene regulation through imperfect base pairing with mRNA targets which results in inhibition of translation and typically destabilization of bound transcripts. Sequence-based algorithms historically used to predict miRNA targets face inherent challenges in reliably reflecting in vivo interactions. Recent strategies have directly profiled miRNA-target interactions by crosslinking and ligation of sncRNAs to their targets within the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), followed by high throughput sequencing of the chimeric sncRNA:target RNAs. Despite the strength of these direct profiling approaches, standardized pipelines for effectively analyzing the resulting chimeric sncRNA:target RNA sequencing data are not readily available. Here we present SCRAP, a robust Small Chimeric RNA Analysis Pipeline for the bioinformatic processing of chimeric sncRNA:target RNA sequencing data. SCRAP consists of two parts, each of which are specifically optimized for the distinctive characteristics of chimeric small RNA sequencing reads: first, read processing and alignment and second, peak calling and annotation. We apply SCRAP to benchmark chimeric sncRNA:target RNA sequencing datasets generated by distinct molecular approaches, and compare SCRAP to existing chimeric RNA analysis pipelines. SCRAP has minimal hardware requirements, is cross-platform, and contains extensive annotation to broaden accessibility for processing small chimeric RNA sequencing data and enable insights about the targets of small non-coding RNAs in regulating diverse biological systems.
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18
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George S, Rafi M, Aldarmaki M, ElSiddig M, Al Nuaimi M, Amiri KMA. tRNA derived small RNAs—Small players with big roles. Front Genet 2022; 13:997780. [PMID: 36199575 PMCID: PMC9527309 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.997780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past 2 decades, small non-coding RNAs derived from tRNA (tsRNAs or tRNA derived fragments; tRFs) have emerged as new powerful players in the field of small RNA mediated regulation of gene expression, translation, and epigenetic control. tRFs have been identified from evolutionarily divergent organisms from Archaea, the higher plants, to humans. Recent studies have confirmed their roles in cancers and other metabolic disorders in humans and experimental models. They have been implicated in biotic and abiotic stress responses in plants as well. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on tRFs including types of tRFs, their biogenesis, and mechanisms of action. The review also highlights recent studies involving differential expression profiling of tRFs and elucidation of specific functions of individual tRFs from various species. We also discuss potential considerations while designing experiments involving tRFs identification and characterization and list the available bioinformatics tools for this purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suja George
- Khalifa Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohammed Rafi
- Khalifa Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Maitha Aldarmaki
- Khalifa Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohamed ElSiddig
- Khalifa Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mariam Al Nuaimi
- Khalifa Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Khaled M. A. Amiri
- Khalifa Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- *Correspondence: Khaled M. A. Amiri,
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19
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Su Z, Monshaugen I, Wilson B, Wang F, Klungland A, Ougland R, Dutta A. TRMT6/61A-dependent base methylation of tRNA-derived fragments regulates gene-silencing activity and the unfolded protein response in bladder cancer. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2165. [PMID: 35444240 PMCID: PMC9021294 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29790-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA modifications are important regulatory elements of RNA functions. However, most genome-wide mapping of RNA modifications has focused on messenger RNAs and transfer RNAs, but such datasets have been lacking for small RNAs. Here we mapped N1-methyladenosine (m1A) in the cellular small RNA space. Benchmarked with synthetic m1A RNAs, our workflow identified specific groups of m1A-containing small RNAs, which are otherwise disproportionally under-represented. In particular, 22-nucleotides long 3' tRNA-fragments are highly enriched for TRMT6/61A-dependent m1A located within the seed region. TRMT6/61A-dependent m1A negatively affects gene silencing by tRF-3s. In urothelial carcinoma of the bladder, where TRMT6/61A is over-expressed, higher m1A modification on tRFs is detected, correlated with a dysregulation of tRF targetome. Lastly, TRMT6/61A regulates tRF-3 targets involved in unfolded protein response. Together, our results reveal a mechanism of regulating gene expression via base modification of small RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangli Su
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22901, USA
| | - Ida Monshaugen
- Department of Microbiology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, 0372, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, 0317, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Surgery, Baerum Hospital Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, 1346, Gjettum, Norway
| | - Briana Wilson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22901, USA
| | - Fengbin Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22901, USA
| | - Arne Klungland
- Department of Microbiology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, 0372, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, P.O. 10 Box 1066 Blindern, 0316, Oslo, Norway
| | - Rune Ougland
- Department of Microbiology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, 0372, Oslo, Norway.
- Department of Surgery, Baerum Hospital Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, 1346, Gjettum, Norway.
| | - Anindya Dutta
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22901, USA.
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20
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Shi J, Zhou T, Chen Q. Exploring the expanding universe of small RNAs. Nat Cell Biol 2022; 24:415-423. [PMID: 35414016 PMCID: PMC9035129 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-022-00880-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The world of small noncoding RNAs (sncRNAs) is ever-expanding, from small interfering RNA, microRNA and Piwi-interacting RNA to the recently emerging non-canonical sncRNAs derived from longer structured RNAs (for example, transfer, ribosomal, Y, small nucleolar, small nuclear and vault RNAs), showing distinct biogenesis and functional principles. Here we discuss recent tools for sncRNA identification, caveats in sncRNA expression analysis and emerging methods for direct sequencing of sncRNAs and systematic mapping of RNA modifications that are integral to their function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junchao Shi
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Tong Zhou
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, USA.
| | - Qi Chen
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA.
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21
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Kazimierczyk M, Wojnicka M, Biała E, Żydowicz-Machtel P, Imiołczyk B, Ostrowski T, Kurzyńska-Kokorniak A, Wrzesinski J. Characteristics of Transfer RNA-Derived Fragments Expressed during Human Renal Cell Development: The Role of Dicer in tRF Biogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073644. [PMID: 35409004 PMCID: PMC8998818 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
tRNA-derived fragments participate in the regulation of many processes, such as gene silencing, splicing and translation in many organisms, ranging from bacteria to humans. We were interested to know how tRF abundance changes during the different stages of renal cell development. The research model used here consisted of the following human renal cells: hESCs, HEK-293T, HK-2 and A-489 kidney tumor cells, which, together, mimic the different stages of kidney development. The characteristics of the most abundant tRFs, tRFGly(CCC), tRFVal(AAC) and tRFArg(CCU), were presented. It was found that these parental tRNAs present in cells are the source of many tRFs, thus increasing the pool of potential regulatory RNAs. Indeed, a bioinformatic analysis showed the possibility that tRFGly(CCC) and tRRFVal(AAC) could regulate the activity of a range of kidney proteins. Moreover, the distribution of tRFs and the efficiency of their expression is similar in adult and embryonic stem cells. During the formation of tRFs, HK-2 cells resemble A-498 cancer cells more than other cells. Additionally, we postulate the involvement of Dicer nuclease in the formation of tRF-5b in all the analyzed tRNAs. To confirm this, 293T NoDice cells, which in the absence of Dicer activity do not generate tRF-5b, were used.
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22
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Circulating tRNA-Derived Small RNAs as Novel Radiation Biomarkers of Heavy Ion, Proton and X-ray Exposure. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413476. [PMID: 34948273 PMCID: PMC8706565 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The effective and minimally invasive radiation biomarkers are valuable for exposure scenarios in nuclear accidents or space missions. Recent studies have opened the new sight of circulating small non-coding RNA (sncRNA) as radiation biomarkers. The tRNA-derived small RNA (tsRNA) is a new class of sncRNA. It is more abundant than other kinds of sncRNAs in extracellular vesicles or blood, presenting great potential as promising biomarkers. However, the circulating tsRNAs in response to ionizing radiation have not been reported. In this research, Kunming mice were total-body exposed to 0.05-2 Gy of carbon ions, protons, or X-rays, and the RNA sequencing was performed to profile the expression of sncRNAs in serum. After conditional screening and validation, we firstly identified 5 tsRNAs including 4 tRNA-related fragments (tRFs) and 1 tRNA half (tiRNA) which showed a significant level decrease after exposure to three kinds of radiations. Moreover, the radiation responses of these 5 serum tsRNAs were reproduced in other mouse strains, and the sequences of them could be detected in serum of humans. Furthermore, we developed multi-factor models based on tsRNA biomarkers to indicate the degree of radiation exposure with high sensitivity and specificity. These findings suggest that the circulating tsRNAs can serve as new minimally invasive biomarkers and can make a triage or dose assessment from blood sample collection within 4 h in exposure scenarios.
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23
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24
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Tosar JP, Ivanov P, Ribas de Pouplana L, Torres AG. Editorial: Understanding the Importance of Non-Canonical tRNA Function. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:769784. [PMID: 34692774 PMCID: PMC8529061 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.769784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Pablo Tosar
- Functional Genomics Unit, Institute Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Faculty of Science, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Pavel Ivanov
- Division of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- The Broad Institute of Harvard and M.I.T., Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Lluís Ribas de Pouplana
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adrian Gabriel Torres
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
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25
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Li X, Liu X, Zhao D, Cui W, Wu Y, Zhang C, Duan C. tRNA-derived small RNAs: novel regulators of cancer hallmarks and targets of clinical application. Cell Death Discov 2021; 7:249. [PMID: 34537813 PMCID: PMC8449783 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-021-00647-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
tRNAs are a group of conventional noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) with critical roles in the biological synthesis of proteins. Recently, tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) were found to have important biological functions in the development of human diseases including carcinomas, rather than just being considered pure degradation material. tsRNAs not only are abnormally expressed in the cancer tissues and serum of cancer patients, but also have been suggested to regulate various vital cancer hallmarks. On the other hand, the application of tsRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets is promising. In this review, we focused on the basic characteristics of tsRNAs, and their biological functions known thus far, and explored the regulatory roles of tsRNAs in cancer hallmarks including proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, tumor microenvironment, drug resistance, cancer stem cell phenotype, and cancer cell metabolism. In addition, we also discussed the research progress on the application of tsRNAs as tumor biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xizhe Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Xiangya Road 87th, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, P. R. China.,Hunan Engineering Research Center for Pulmonary Nodules Precise Diagnosis & Treatment, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Xianyu Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Xiangya Road 87th, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, P. R. China.,Hunan Engineering Research Center for Pulmonary Nodules Precise Diagnosis & Treatment, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Deze Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Xiangya Road 87th, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, P. R. China.,Hunan Engineering Research Center for Pulmonary Nodules Precise Diagnosis & Treatment, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Weifang Cui
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Xiangya Road 87th, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, P. R. China.,Hunan Engineering Research Center for Pulmonary Nodules Precise Diagnosis & Treatment, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Yingfang Wu
- Centre of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Xiangya Road 87th, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Chunfang Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Xiangya Road 87th, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, P. R. China. .,Hunan Engineering Research Center for Pulmonary Nodules Precise Diagnosis & Treatment, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, P. R. China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, P. R. China.
| | - Chaojun Duan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Xiangya Road 87th, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, P. R. China. .,Hunan Engineering Research Center for Pulmonary Nodules Precise Diagnosis & Treatment, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, P. R. China. .,Institute of Medical Sciences, Xiangya Lung Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, P. R. China.
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26
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Grigoriev A. Transfer RNA and Origins of RNA Interference. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:708984. [PMID: 34368233 PMCID: PMC8343393 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.708984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andrey Grigoriev
- Department of Biology, Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Rutgers University, Camden, NY, Uinted States
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27
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Polacek N, Ivanov P. The regulatory world of tRNA fragments beyond canonical tRNA biology. RNA Biol 2021; 17:1057-1059. [PMID: 32715957 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2020.1785196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Norbert Polacek
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern , Bern, Switzerland
| | - Pavel Ivanov
- Division of Rheumatology, Immunity, and Inflammation, Brigham and Women's Hospital , Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School , Boston, MA, USA
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28
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Guan L, Lam V, Grigoriev A. Large-Scale Computational Discovery of Binding Motifs in tRNA Fragments. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:647449. [PMID: 34239893 PMCID: PMC8258673 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.647449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence has suggested that tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs) could be loaded to Argonaute proteins and function as regulatory small RNAs. However, their mode of action remains largely unknown, and investigations of their binding mechanisms have been limited, revealing little more than microRNA-like seed regions in a handful of tRFs and a few targets. Here, we identified such regions of potential interaction on a larger scale, using in vivo formed hybrids of guides and targets in crosslinked chimeric reads in two orientations. We considered "forward pairs" (with guides located on the 5' ends and targets on the 3' ends of hybrids) and "reverse pairs" (opposite orientation) and compared them as independent sets of biological constructs. We observed intriguing differences between the two chimera orientations, including the paucity of tRNA halves and abundance of polyT-containing targets in forward pairs. We found a total of 197 quality-ranked motifs supported by ∼120,000 tRF-mRNA chimeras, with 103 interacting motifs common in forward and reverse pairs. By analyzing T→C conversions in human and mouse PAR-CLIP datasets, we detected Argonaute crosslinking sites in tRFs, conserved across species. We proposed a novel model connecting the formation of asymmetric pairs in two sets to the potential binding mechanisms of tRFs, involving the identified interaction motifs and crosslinking sites to Argonaute proteins. Our results suggest the way forward for further experimental elucidation of tRF-binding mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyu Guan
- Department of Biology, Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Rutgers University, Camden, NJ, United States
| | - Vincent Lam
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Andrey Grigoriev
- Department of Biology, Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Rutgers University, Camden, NJ, United States
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29
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Guan L, Grigoriev A. Computational meta-analysis of ribosomal RNA fragments: potential targets and interaction mechanisms. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:4085-4103. [PMID: 33772581 PMCID: PMC8053083 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The most abundant cellular RNA species, ribosomal RNA (rRNA), appears to be a source of massive amounts of non-randomly generated fragments. We found rRNA fragments (rRFs) in immunoprecipitated Argonaute (Ago-IP) complexes in human and mouse cells and in small RNA sequencing datasets. In human Ago1-IP, guanine-rich rRFs were preferentially cut in single-stranded regions of mature rRNAs between pyrimidines and adenosine, and non-randomly paired with cellular transcripts in crosslinked chimeras. Numerous identical rRFs were found in the cytoplasm and nucleus in mouse Ago2-IP. We report specific interaction motifs enriched in rRF-target pairs. Locations of such motifs on rRFs were compatible with the Ago structural features and patterns of the Ago-RNA crosslinking in both species. Strikingly, many of these motifs may bind to double-stranded regions on target RNAs, suggesting a potential pathway for regulating translation by unwinding mRNAs. Occurring on either end of rRFs and matching intronic, untranslated or coding regions in targets, such interaction sites extend the concept of microRNA seed regions. Targeting both borders of certain short introns, rRFs may be involved in their biogenesis or function, facilitated by Ago. Frequently dismissed as noise, rRFs are poised to greatly enrich the known functional spectrum of small RNA regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyu Guan
- Department of Biology, Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Rutgers University, Camden, NJ 08102, USA
| | - Andrey Grigoriev
- Department of Biology, Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Rutgers University, Camden, NJ 08102, USA
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30
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Li N, Shan N, Lu L, Wang Z. tRFtarget: a database for transfer RNA-derived fragment targets. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:D254-D260. [PMID: 33035346 PMCID: PMC7779015 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Transfer RNA-derived fragments (tRFs) are a new class of small non-coding RNAs and play important roles in biological and physiological processes. Prediction of tRF target genes and binding sites is crucial in understanding the biological functions of tRFs in the molecular mechanisms of human diseases. We developed a publicly accessible web-based database, tRFtarget (http://trftarget.net), for tRF target prediction. It contains the computationally predicted interactions between tRFs and mRNA transcripts using the two state-of-the-art prediction tools RNAhybrid and IntaRNA, including location of the binding sites on the target, the binding region, and free energy of the binding stability with graphic illustration. tRFtarget covers 936 tRFs and 135 thousand predicted targets in eight species. It allows researchers to search either target genes by tRF IDs or tRFs by gene symbols/transcript names. We also integrated the manually curated experimental evidence of the predicted interactions into the database. Furthermore, we provided a convenient link to the DAVID® web server to perform downstream functional pathway analysis and gene ontology annotation on the predicted target genes. This database provides useful information for the scientific community to experimentally validate tRF target genes and facilitate the investigation of the molecular functions and mechanisms of tRFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningshan Li
- SJTU-Yale Joint Center for Biostatistics and Data Science, Department of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.,Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Nayang Shan
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.,Center for Statistical Science, Department of Industrial Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Lingeng Lu
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Zuoheng Wang
- SJTU-Yale Joint Center for Biostatistics and Data Science, Department of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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31
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Yu X, Xie Y, Zhang S, Song X, Xiao B, Yan Z. tRNA-derived fragments: Mechanisms underlying their regulation of gene expression and potential applications as therapeutic targets in cancers and virus infections. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:461-469. [PMID: 33391486 PMCID: PMC7681095 DOI: 10.7150/thno.51963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs) are a new category of regulatory noncoding RNAs with distinct biological functions in cancers and stress-induced diseases. Herein, we first summarize the classification and biogenesis of tRFs. tRFs are produced from pre-tRNAs or mature tRNAs. Based on the incision loci, tRFs are classified into several types: tRF-1, tRF-2, tRF-3, tRF-5, and i-tRF. Some tRFs participate in posttranscriptional regulation through microRNA-like actions or by displacing RNA binding proteins and regulating protein translation by promoting ribosome biogenesis or interfering with translation initiation. Other tRFs prevent cell apoptosis by binding to cytochrome c or promoting virus replication. More importantly, the dysregulation of tRFs has important clinical implications. They are potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of gastric cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. tRFs may become new therapeutic targets for the treatment of diseases such as hepatocellular carcinoma and respiratory syncytial virus infection. Finally, we point out the existing problems and future research directions associated with tRFs. In conclusion, the current progress in the research of tRFs reveals that they have important clinical implications and may constitute novel molecular therapeutic targets for modulating pathological processes.
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32
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Avcilar-Kucukgoze I, Kashina A. Hijacking tRNAs From Translation: Regulatory Functions of tRNAs in Mammalian Cell Physiology. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:610617. [PMID: 33392265 PMCID: PMC7773854 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.610617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Transfer tRNAs (tRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that are highly conserved in all kingdoms of life. Originally discovered as the molecules that deliver amino acids to the growing polypeptide chain during protein synthesis, tRNAs have been believed for a long time to play exclusive role in translation. However, recent studies have identified key roles for tRNAs and tRNA-derived small RNAs in multiple other processes, including regulation of transcription and translation, posttranslational modifications, stress response, and disease. These emerging roles suggest that tRNAs may be central players in the complex machinery of biological regulatory pathways. Here we overview these non-canonical roles of tRNA in normal physiology and disease, focusing largely on eukaryotic and mammalian systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irem Avcilar-Kucukgoze
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Anna Kashina
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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33
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The Importance of AGO 1 and 4 in Post-Transcriptional Gene Regulatory Function of tRF5-GluCTC, an Respiratory Syncytial Virus-Induced tRNA-Derived RNA Fragment. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228766. [PMID: 33233493 PMCID: PMC7699471 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of lower respiratory tract infection in infants, the elderly, and immune-compromised patients. It is also a significant contributor to upper respiratory tract infection in the pediatric population. However, its disease mechanisms are still largely unknown. We have recently shown that a tRNA-derived RNA fragment (tRF) from the 5′-end of mature tRNA encoding GluCTC (tRF5-GluCTC), a recently discovered non-coding RNA, is functionally important for RSV replication and host gene regulation at the post-transcriptional level. However, how tRF5-GluCTC carries out the gene regulation is not fully known. In this study, we found that tRF5-GluCTC has impaired gene trans-silencing function in cells deficient of AGO1 or 4, while AGO2 and 3 seem not involved in tRF5-GluCTC-mediated gene regulation. By pulling down individual AGO protein, we discovered that tRF5-GluCTC is detectable only in the AGO4 complex, confirming the essential role of AGO4 in gene regulation and also suggesting that AGO1 contributes to the gene trans-silencing activity of tRF5-GluCTC in an atypical way. We also found that the P protein of RSV is associated with both AGO1 and 4 and AGO4 deficiency leads to reduced infectious viral particles. In summary, this study demonstrates the importance of AGO1 and 4 in mediating the gene trans-silencing function of tRF5-GluCTC.
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34
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Gámez-Valero A, Guisado-Corcoll A, Herrero-Lorenzo M, Solaguren-Beascoa M, Martí E. Non-Coding RNAs as Sensors of Oxidative Stress in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:E1095. [PMID: 33171576 PMCID: PMC7695195 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9111095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress (OS) results from an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species and the cellular antioxidant capacity. OS plays a central role in neurodegenerative diseases, where the progressive accumulation of reactive oxygen species induces mitochondrial dysfunction, protein aggregation and inflammation. Regulatory non-protein-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are essential transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene expression controllers, showing a highly regulated expression in space (cell types), time (developmental and ageing processes) and response to specific stimuli. These dynamic changes shape signaling pathways that are critical for the developmental processes of the nervous system and brain cell homeostasis. Diverse classes of ncRNAs have been involved in the cell response to OS and have been targeted in therapeutic designs. The perturbed expression of ncRNAs has been shown in human neurodegenerative diseases, with these changes contributing to pathogenic mechanisms, including OS and associated toxicity. In the present review, we summarize existing literature linking OS, neurodegeneration and ncRNA function. We provide evidences for the central role of OS in age-related neurodegenerative conditions, recapitulating the main types of regulatory ncRNAs with roles in the normal function of the nervous system and summarizing up-to-date information on ncRNA deregulation with a direct impact on OS associated with major neurodegenerative conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Gámez-Valero
- Department de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, C/Casanova 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (A.G.-V.); (A.G.-C.); (M.H.-L.); (M.S.-B.)
| | - Anna Guisado-Corcoll
- Department de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, C/Casanova 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (A.G.-V.); (A.G.-C.); (M.H.-L.); (M.S.-B.)
| | - Marina Herrero-Lorenzo
- Department de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, C/Casanova 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (A.G.-V.); (A.G.-C.); (M.H.-L.); (M.S.-B.)
| | - Maria Solaguren-Beascoa
- Department de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, C/Casanova 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (A.G.-V.); (A.G.-C.); (M.H.-L.); (M.S.-B.)
| | - Eulàlia Martí
- Department de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, C/Casanova 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (A.G.-V.); (A.G.-C.); (M.H.-L.); (M.S.-B.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Ministerio de Ciencia Innovación y Universidades, 28046 Madrid, Spain
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35
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Molla-Herman A, Angelova MT, Ginestet M, Carré C, Antoniewski C, Huynh JR. tRNA Fragments Populations Analysis in Mutants Affecting tRNAs Processing and tRNA Methylation. Front Genet 2020; 11:518949. [PMID: 33193603 PMCID: PMC7586317 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.518949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
tRNA fragments (tRFs) are a class of small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) derived from tRNAs. tRFs are highly abundant in many cell types including stem cells and cancer cells, and are found in all domains of life. Beyond translation control, tRFs have several functions ranging from transposon silencing to cell proliferation control. However, the analysis of tRFs presents specific challenges and their biogenesis is not well understood. They are very heterogeneous and highly modified by numerous post-transcriptional modifications. Here we describe a bioinformatic pipeline (tRFs-Galaxy) to study tRFs populations and shed light onto tRNA fragments biogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster. Indeed, we used small RNAs Illumina sequencing datasets extracted from wild type and mutant ovaries affecting two different highly conserved steps of tRNA biogenesis: 5'pre-tRNA processing (RNase-P subunit Rpp30) and tRNA 2'-O-methylation (dTrm7_34 and dTrm7_32). Using our pipeline, we show how defects in tRNA biogenesis affect nuclear and mitochondrial tRFs populations and other small non-coding RNAs biogenesis, such as small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs). This tRF analysis workflow will advance the current understanding of tRFs biogenesis, which is crucial to better comprehend tRFs roles and their implication in human pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anahi Molla-Herman
- Collège de France, CIRB, CNRS Inserm UMR 7241, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Margarita T. Angelova
- Transgenerational Epigenetics & Small RNA Biology, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Paris, France
| | - Maud Ginestet
- Collège de France, CIRB, CNRS Inserm UMR 7241, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Clément Carré
- Transgenerational Epigenetics & Small RNA Biology, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Paris, France
| | - Christophe Antoniewski
- ARTbio Bioinformatics Analysis Facility, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Paris, France
| | - Jean-René Huynh
- Collège de France, CIRB, CNRS Inserm UMR 7241, PSL Research University, Paris, France
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36
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Yan Y, Chang C, Su J, Venø MT, Kjems J. Osteoblastogenesis Alters Small RNA Profiles in EVs Derived from Bone Marrow Stem Cells (BMSCs) and Adipose Stem Cells (ASCs). Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8100387. [PMID: 32998458 PMCID: PMC7599808 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8100387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Multipotent stem cells (MSCs) are used in various therapeutic applications based on their paracrine secretion activity. Here, we set out to identify and characterize the paracrine factors released during osteoblastogenesis, with a special focus on small non-coding RNAs released in extracellular vesicles (EVs). Bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) and adipose stem cells (ASCs) from healthy human donors were used as representatives of MSCs. We isolated EVs secreted before and after induction of osteoblastic differentiation and found that the EVs contained a specific subset of microRNAs (miRNAs) and tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNA) compared to their parental cells. Osteoblastic differentiation had a larger effect on the small RNA profile of BMSC-EVs relative to ASC-EVs. Our data showed that EVs from different MSC origin exhibited distinct expression profiles of small RNA profiles when undergoing osteoblastogenesis, a factor that should be taken into consideration for stem cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yan
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark; (Y.Y.); (C.C.); (J.S.); (M.T.V.)
- Omiics ApS, Åbogade 15, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Clare Chang
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark; (Y.Y.); (C.C.); (J.S.); (M.T.V.)
| | - Junyi Su
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark; (Y.Y.); (C.C.); (J.S.); (M.T.V.)
| | - Morten T. Venø
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark; (Y.Y.); (C.C.); (J.S.); (M.T.V.)
- Omiics ApS, Åbogade 15, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Kjems
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark; (Y.Y.); (C.C.); (J.S.); (M.T.V.)
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +45-289-920-86
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