1
|
Delgado S, Armijo Á, Bravo V, Orellana O, Salazar JC, Katz A. Impact of the chemical modification of tRNAs anticodon loop on the variability and evolution of codon usage in proteobacteria. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1412318. [PMID: 39161601 PMCID: PMC11332805 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1412318] [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: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the highly conserved nature of the genetic code, the frequency of usage of each codon can vary significantly. The evolution of codon usage is shaped by two main evolutionary forces: mutational bias and selection pressures. These pressures can be driven by environmental factors, but also by the need for efficient translation, which depends heavily on the concentration of transfer RNAs (tRNAs) within the cell. The data presented here supports the proposal that tRNA modifications play a key role in shaping the overall preference of codon usage in proteobacteria. Interestingly, some codons, such as CGA and AGG (encoding arginine), exhibit a surprisingly low level of variation in their frequency of usage, even across genomes with differing GC content. These findings suggest that the evolution of GC content in proteobacterial genomes might be primarily driven by changes in the usage of a specific subset of codons, whose usage is itself influenced by tRNA modifications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Álvaro Armijo
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Verónica Bravo
- Programa Centro de Investigacion Biomédica y Aplicada, Escuela de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Omar Orellana
- Programa de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Juan Carlos Salazar
- Programa de Microbiología y Micología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Assaf Katz
- Programa de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ji L, Jia Z, Bai X. Comparative Analysis of the Mitochondrial Genomes of Three Species of Yangiella (Hemiptera: Aradidae) and the Phylogenetic Implications of Aradidae. INSECTS 2024; 15:533. [PMID: 39057266 PMCID: PMC11276747 DOI: 10.3390/insects15070533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
The mitochondrial genomes of three species of Yangiella were sequenced, annotated, and analyzed. The genome length of the three species of the genus is 15,070-15,202 bp, with a typical gene number, including a control region, 2 ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), and 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs). It was found that the mitochondrial genome of Yangiella had AT bias. Except for the lack of a DHU arm of the trnS1 gene, the other tRNAs had a typical cloverleaf structure, and the codon usage preferences of the three species exhibited high similarity. In addition, tRNA gene rearrangements were observed among the three subfamilies of Aradidae (Mezirinae, Calisiinae, Aradinae), and it was found that codon usage preferences appeared to be less affected by base mutation and more by natural selection. The Pi and Ka/Ks values indicated that cox1 was the most conserved gene in the mitochondrial genome of Aradidae, while atp8 and nad6 were rapidly evolved genes. Substitution saturation level analysis showed that the nucleic acid sequence of mitochondrial protein-coding genes in Aradidae did not reach saturation, suggesting the rationality of the phylogenetic analysis data. Bayesian and maximum likelihood methods were used to analyze the phylogeny of 16 species of Hemiptera insects, which supported the monophyly of Aneurinae, Carventinae, and Mezirinae, as well as the monophyly of Yangiella. Based on fossils and previous studies, the differentiation time was inferred, indicating that Yangiella diverged about 57 million years ago.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Xiaoshuan Bai
- College of Life Sciences and Technology, Inner Mongolia Normal University, Hohhot 010022, China; (L.J.); (Z.J.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Reautschnig P, Fruhner C, Wahn N, Wiegand CP, Kragness S, Yung JF, Hofacker DT, Fisk J, Eidelman M, Waffenschmidt N, Feige M, Pfeiffer LS, Schulz AE, Füll Y, Levanon EY, Mandel G, Stafforst T. Precise in vivo RNA base editing with a wobble-enhanced circular CLUSTER guide RNA. Nat Biotechnol 2024:10.1038/s41587-024-02313-0. [PMID: 38997581 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-024-02313-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Recruiting the endogenous editing enzyme adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR) with tailored guide RNAs for adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) RNA base editing is promising for safely manipulating genetic information at the RNA level. However, the precision and efficiency of editing are often compromised by bystander off-target editing. Here, we find that in 5'-UAN triplets, which dominate bystander editing, G•U wobble base pairs effectively mitigate off-target events while maintaining high on-target efficiency. This strategy is universally applicable to existing A-to-I RNA base-editing systems and complements other suppression methods such as G•A mismatches and uridine (U) depletion. Combining wobble base pairing with a circularized format of the CLUSTER approach achieves highly precise and efficient editing (up to 87%) of a disease-relevant mutation in the Mecp2 transcript in cell culture. Virus-mediated delivery of the guide RNA alone realizes functional MeCP2 protein restoration in the central nervous system of a murine Rett syndrome model with editing yields of up to 19% and excellent bystander control in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Reautschnig
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Carolin Fruhner
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Nicolai Wahn
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Charlotte P Wiegand
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sabrina Kragness
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - John F Yung
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Daniel T Hofacker
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jenna Fisk
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Michelle Eidelman
- Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
- The Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Nils Waffenschmidt
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Maximilian Feige
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Laura S Pfeiffer
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Annika E Schulz
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Yvonne Füll
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Erez Y Levanon
- Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
- The Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Gail Mandel
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Thorsten Stafforst
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
- Gene and RNA Therapy Center (GRTC), Faculty of Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
- iFIT Cluster of Excellence (EXC2180) Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Menon AP, Villanueva H, Meraviglia-Crivelli D, van Santen HM, Hellmeier J, Zheleva A, Nonateli F, Peters T, Wachsmann TL, Hernandez-Rueda M, Huppa JB, Schütz GJ, Sevcsik E, Moreno B, Pastor F. CD3 aptamers promote expansion and persistence of tumor-reactive T cells for adoptive T cell therapy in cancer. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102198. [PMID: 38745854 PMCID: PMC11091522 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The CD3/T cell receptor (TCR) complex is responsible for antigen-specific pathogen recognition by T cells, and initiates the signaling cascade necessary for activation of effector functions. CD3 agonistic antibodies are commonly used to expand T lymphocytes in a wide range of clinical applications, including in adoptive T cell therapy for cancer patients. A major drawback of expanding T cell populations ex vivo using CD3 agonistic antibodies is that they expand and activate T cells independent of their TCR antigen specificity. Therapeutic agents that facilitate expansion of T cells in an antigen-specific manner and reduce their threshold of T cell activation are therefore of great interest for adoptive T cell therapy protocols. To identify CD3-specific T cell agonists, several RNA aptamers were selected against CD3 using Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment combined with high-throughput sequencing. The extent and specificity of aptamer binding to target CD3 were assessed through surface plasma resonance, P32 double-filter assays, and flow cytometry. Aptamer-mediated modulation of the threshold of T cell activation was observed in vitro and in preclinical transgenic TCR mouse models. The aptamers improved efficacy and persistence of adoptive T cell therapy by low-affinity TCR-reactive T lymphocytes in melanoma-bearing mice. Thus, CD3-specific aptamers can be applied as therapeutic agents which facilitate the expansion of tumor-reactive T lymphocytes while conserving their tumor specificity. Furthermore, selected CD3 aptamers also exhibit cross-reactivity to human CD3, expanding their potential for clinical translation and application in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashwathi Puravankara Menon
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Center for Applied Medical Research, CIMA, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Helena Villanueva
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Center for Applied Medical Research, CIMA, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Daniel Meraviglia-Crivelli
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Center for Applied Medical Research, CIMA, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Hisse M. van Santen
- Immune System Development and Function Unit, Centro Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC/UAM), 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Joschka Hellmeier
- Institute of Applied Physics, TU Wien, Lehargasse 6, 1060 Vienna, Austria
| | - Angelina Zheleva
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Center for Applied Medical Research, CIMA, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Francesca Nonateli
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Center for Applied Medical Research, CIMA, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Timo Peters
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology, Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Mercedes Hernandez-Rueda
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Center for Applied Medical Research, CIMA, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Johannes B. Huppa
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology, Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerhard J. Schütz
- Institute of Applied Physics, TU Wien, Lehargasse 6, 1060 Vienna, Austria
| | - Eva Sevcsik
- Institute of Applied Physics, TU Wien, Lehargasse 6, 1060 Vienna, Austria
| | - Beatriz Moreno
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Center for Applied Medical Research, CIMA, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Fernando Pastor
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Center for Applied Medical Research, CIMA, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Spanish Center for Biomedical Research Network in Oncology (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhang Z, Khanal N, Dykstra AB, Daris K. Stop-Codon Readthrough in Therapeutic Protein Candidates Expressed from Mammalian Cells. J Pharm Sci 2024; 113:1498-1505. [PMID: 38342339 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2024.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Stop codon readthroughs were examined in 48 recombinant therapeutic protein candidates produced from multiple clones of Chinese hamster ovary cells, using peptide mapping with LC-MS/MS detection. We found that stop codon readthrough is a common phenomenon occurring in most of these candidates, with levels varying from below the detection limit of ∼0.001 % to ∼1 %. The readthrough propensity depends on the stop codon being used, as well as the nucleotides surrounding it. The amino acids misincorporated into the stop position can be well-predicted by a third-base wobble mismatch and a first-base U/G mismatch during codon recognition, i.e., tyrosine or glutamine insertion for the UAA and UAG stop codons, and tryptophan, cysteine or arginine insertion for the UGA stop codon. Data shown in this report demonstrate the importance of optimizing the DNA sequence near the stop codon, and the importance of detecting stop codon readthroughs during the development of a therapeutic product.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhongqi Zhang
- Process Development, Amgen Inc. Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA.
| | - Neelam Khanal
- Process Development, Amgen Inc. Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA
| | | | - Kristi Daris
- Process Development, Amgen Inc. Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bugnon LA, Di Persia L, Gerard M, Raad J, Prochetto S, Fenoy E, Chorostecki U, Ariel F, Stegmayer G, Milone DH. sincFold: end-to-end learning of short- and long-range interactions in RNA secondary structure. Brief Bioinform 2024; 25:bbae271. [PMID: 38855913 PMCID: PMC11163250 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbae271] [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: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION Coding and noncoding RNA molecules participate in many important biological processes. Noncoding RNAs fold into well-defined secondary structures to exert their functions. However, the computational prediction of the secondary structure from a raw RNA sequence is a long-standing unsolved problem, which after decades of almost unchanged performance has now re-emerged due to deep learning. Traditional RNA secondary structure prediction algorithms have been mostly based on thermodynamic models and dynamic programming for free energy minimization. More recently deep learning methods have shown competitive performance compared with the classical ones, but there is still a wide margin for improvement. RESULTS In this work we present sincFold, an end-to-end deep learning approach, that predicts the nucleotides contact matrix using only the RNA sequence as input. The model is based on 1D and 2D residual neural networks that can learn short- and long-range interaction patterns. We show that structures can be accurately predicted with minimal physical assumptions. Extensive experiments were conducted on several benchmark datasets, considering sequence homology and cross-family validation. sincFold was compared with classical methods and recent deep learning models, showing that it can outperform the state-of-the-art methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leandro A Bugnon
- Research Institute for Signals, Systems and Computational Intelligence, sinc(i), FICH-UNL, CONICET, Ciudad Universitaria UNL, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Leandro Di Persia
- Research Institute for Signals, Systems and Computational Intelligence, sinc(i), FICH-UNL, CONICET, Ciudad Universitaria UNL, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Matias Gerard
- Research Institute for Signals, Systems and Computational Intelligence, sinc(i), FICH-UNL, CONICET, Ciudad Universitaria UNL, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Jonathan Raad
- Research Institute for Signals, Systems and Computational Intelligence, sinc(i), FICH-UNL, CONICET, Ciudad Universitaria UNL, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Santiago Prochetto
- Research Institute for Signals, Systems and Computational Intelligence, sinc(i), FICH-UNL, CONICET, Ciudad Universitaria UNL, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología del Litoral, CONICET-UNL, CCT-Santa Fe, Ruta Nacional N° 168 Km 0, s/n, Paraje el Pozo, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Emilio Fenoy
- Research Institute for Signals, Systems and Computational Intelligence, sinc(i), FICH-UNL, CONICET, Ciudad Universitaria UNL, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Uciel Chorostecki
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Federico Ariel
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología del Litoral, CONICET-UNL, CCT-Santa Fe, Ruta Nacional N° 168 Km 0, s/n, Paraje el Pozo, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Georgina Stegmayer
- Research Institute for Signals, Systems and Computational Intelligence, sinc(i), FICH-UNL, CONICET, Ciudad Universitaria UNL, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Diego H Milone
- Research Institute for Signals, Systems and Computational Intelligence, sinc(i), FICH-UNL, CONICET, Ciudad Universitaria UNL, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wang Z, Wang Y, Zhou T, Chen S, Morris D, Magalhães RDM, Li M, Wang S, Wang H, Xie Y, McSwiggin H, Oliver D, Yuan S, Zheng H, Mohammed J, Lai EC, McCarrey JR, Yan W. The rapidly evolving X-linked MIR-506 family fine-tunes spermatogenesis to enhance sperm competition. eLife 2024; 13:RP90203. [PMID: 38639482 PMCID: PMC11031087 DOI: 10.7554/elife.90203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite rapid evolution across eutherian mammals, the X-linked MIR-506 family miRNAs are located in a region flanked by two highly conserved protein-coding genes (SLITRK2 and FMR1) on the X chromosome. Intriguingly, these miRNAs are predominantly expressed in the testis, suggesting a potential role in spermatogenesis and male fertility. Here, we report that the X-linked MIR-506 family miRNAs were derived from the MER91C DNA transposons. Selective inactivation of individual miRNAs or clusters caused no discernible defects, but simultaneous ablation of five clusters containing 19 members of the MIR-506 family led to reduced male fertility in mice. Despite normal sperm counts, motility, and morphology, the KO sperm were less competitive than wild-type sperm when subjected to a polyandrous mating scheme. Transcriptomic and bioinformatic analyses revealed that these X-linked MIR-506 family miRNAs, in addition to targeting a set of conserved genes, have more targets that are critical for spermatogenesis and embryonic development during evolution. Our data suggest that the MIR-506 family miRNAs function to enhance sperm competitiveness and reproductive fitness of the male by finetuning gene expression during spermatogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhuqing Wang
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of MedicineRenoUnited States
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical CenterTorranceUnited States
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of MedicineRenoUnited States
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical CenterTorranceUnited States
| | - Tong Zhou
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of MedicineRenoUnited States
| | - Sheng Chen
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of MedicineRenoUnited States
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical CenterTorranceUnited States
| | - Dayton Morris
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical CenterTorranceUnited States
| | | | - Musheng Li
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of MedicineRenoUnited States
| | - Shawn Wang
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of MedicineRenoUnited States
| | - Hetan Wang
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of MedicineRenoUnited States
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical CenterTorranceUnited States
| | - Yeming Xie
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of MedicineRenoUnited States
| | - Hayden McSwiggin
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of MedicineRenoUnited States
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical CenterTorranceUnited States
| | - Daniel Oliver
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of MedicineRenoUnited States
| | - Shuiqiao Yuan
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of MedicineRenoUnited States
| | - Huili Zheng
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of MedicineRenoUnited States
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical CenterTorranceUnited States
| | - Jaaved Mohammed
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering InstituteNew YorkUnited States
| | - Eric C Lai
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering InstituteNew YorkUnited States
| | - John R McCarrey
- Department of Neuroscience, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, University of Texas at San AntonioSan AntonioUnited States
| | - Wei Yan
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of MedicineRenoUnited States
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical CenterTorranceUnited States
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Tepper O, Appella DH, Zheng H, Dzikowski R, Yavin E. A Biotinylated cpFIT-PNA Platform for the Facile Detection of Drug Resistance to Artemisinin in Plasmodium falciparum. ACS Sens 2024; 9:1458-1464. [PMID: 38446423 PMCID: PMC10964236 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.3c02553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
The evolution of drug resistance to many antimalarial drugs in the lethal strain of malaria (Plasmodium falciparum) has been a great concern over the past 50 years. Among these drugs, artemisinin has become less effective for treating malaria. Indeed, several P. falciparum variants have become resistant to this drug, as elucidated by specific mutations in the pfK13 gene. This study presents the development of a diagnostic kit for the detection of a common point mutation in the pfK13 gene of P. falciparum, namely, the C580Y point mutation. FIT-PNAs (forced-intercalation peptide nucleic acid) are DNA mimics that serve as RNA sensors that fluoresce upon hybridization to their complementary RNA. Herein, FIT-PNAs were designed to sense the C580Y single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and were conjugated to biotin in order to bind these molecules to streptavidin-coated plates. Initial studies with synthetic RNA were conducted to optimize the sensing system. In addition, cyclopentane-modified PNA monomers (cpPNAs) were introduced to improve FIT-PNA sensing. Lastly, total RNA was isolated from red blood cells infected with P. falciparum (WT strain - NF54-WT or mutant strain - NF54-C580Y). Streptavidin plates loaded with either FIT-PNA or cpFIT-PNA were incubated with the total RNA. A significant difference in fluorescence for mutant vs WT total RNA was found only for the cpFIT-PNA probe. In summary, this study paves the way for a simple diagnostic kit for monitoring artemisinin drug resistance that may be easily adapted to malaria endemic regions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Odelia Tepper
- The
Institute for Drug Research, The School of Pharmacy, The Faculty of
Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem,
Hadassah Ein-Kerem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Daniel H. Appella
- Synthetic
Bioactive Molecules Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry (LBC),
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health, 8 Center Drive, Room 404, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Hongchao Zheng
- Synthetic
Bioactive Molecules Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry (LBC),
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health, 8 Center Drive, Room 404, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Ron Dzikowski
- Department
of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The institute for Medical
Research Israel - Canada, The Kuvin Center for the Study of Infectious
and Tropical Diseases, The Hebrew University-Hadassah
Medical School, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Eylon Yavin
- The
Institute for Drug Research, The School of Pharmacy, The Faculty of
Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem,
Hadassah Ein-Kerem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Qin Q, Chen L, Zhang F, Xu J, Zeng Y. Characterization of the Complete Mitochondrial Genome of Schizothorax kozlovi (Cypriniformes, Cyprinidae, Schizothorax) and Insights into the Phylogenetic Relationships of Schizothorax. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:721. [PMID: 38473106 DOI: 10.3390/ani14050721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Schizothorax kozlovi is an endemic and vulnerable fish species found in the upper Yangtze River in China. Over the past few years, the population resources of S. kozlovi have been nearly completely depleted owing to multiple contributing threats. While the complete mitochondrial genomes serve as important molecular markers for phylogenetic and genetic studies, the mitochondrial genome of S. kozlovi has still received little attention. In this study, we analyzed the characterization of the mitochondrial genome of S. kozlovi and investigated the phylogenetic relationships of Schizothorax. The complete mitochondrial genome of S. kozlovi was 16,585 bp in length, which contained thirty-seven genes (thirteen protein-coding genes (PCGs), two ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs), twenty-two transfer RNA genes (tRNAs)) and two non-coding regions for the origin of light strand (OL) and the control region (CR). There were nine overlapping regions and seventeen intergenic spacers regions in the mitochondrial genome. The genome also showed a bias towards A + T content (55.01%) and had a positive AT-skew (0.08) and a negative GC-skew (-0.20). All the PCGs employed the ATG or GTG as the start codon and TAA, TAG, or single T as the stop codon. Additionally, all of the tRNAs displayed a typical cloverleaf secondary structure, except trnS1 which lacked the D arm. The phylogenetic analysis, based on the maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) methods, revealed that the topologies of the phylogenetic tree divided the Schizothorax into four clades and did not support the classification of Schizothorax based on morphology. The phylogenetic status of S. kozlovi was closely related to that of S. chongi. The present study provides valuable genomic information for S. kozlovi and new insights in phylogenetic relationships of Schizothorax. These data could also offer fundamental references and guidelines for the management and conservation of S. kozlovi and other species of Schizothorax.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Qin
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Powerchina Chengdu Engineering Corporation Limited, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Fubin Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
| | - Jianghaoyue Xu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
| | - Yu Zeng
- College of Life Science, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kundu S, Kang HE, Kim AR, Lee SR, Kim EB, Amin MHF, Andriyono S, Kim HW, Kang K. Mitogenomic Characterization and Phylogenetic Placement of African Hind, Cephalopholis taeniops: Shedding Light on the Evolution of Groupers (Serranidae: Epinephelinae). Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1822. [PMID: 38339100 PMCID: PMC10855530 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The global exploration of evolutionary trends in groupers, based on mitogenomes, is currently underway. This research extensively investigates the structure of and variations in Cephalopholis species mitogenomes, along with their phylogenetic relationships, focusing specifically on Cephalopholis taeniops from the Eastern Atlantic Ocean. The generated mitogenome spans 16,572 base pairs and exhibits a gene order analogous to that of the ancestral teleost's, featuring 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), and an AT-rich control region. The mitogenome of C. taeniops displays an AT bias (54.99%), aligning with related species. The majority of PCGs in the mitogenome initiate with the start codon ATG, with the exceptions being COI (GTG) and atp6 (TTG). The relative synonymous codon usage analysis revealed the maximum abundance of leucine, proline, serine, and threonine. The nonsynonymous/synonymous ratios were <1, which indicates a strong negative selection among all PCGs of the Cephalopholis species. In C. taeniops, the prevalent transfer RNAs display conventional cloverleaf secondary structures, except for tRNA-serine (GCT), which lacks a dihydrouracil (DHU) stem. A comparative examination of conserved domains and sequence blocks across various Cephalopholis species indicates noteworthy variations in length and nucleotide diversity. Maximum likelihood, neighbor-joining, and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses, employing the concatenated PCGs and a combination of PCGs + rRNAs, distinctly separate all Cephalopholis species, including C. taeniops. Overall, these findings deepen our understanding of evolutionary relationships among serranid groupers, emphasizing the significance of structural considerations in mitogenomic analyses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shantanu Kundu
- Institute of Fisheries Science, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea;
| | - Hye-Eun Kang
- Institute of Marine Life Science, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea;
| | - Ah Ran Kim
- Marine Integrated Biomedical Technology Center, National Key Research Institutes in Universities, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea; (A.R.K.); (S.R.L.)
| | - Soo Rin Lee
- Marine Integrated Biomedical Technology Center, National Key Research Institutes in Universities, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea; (A.R.K.); (S.R.L.)
| | - Eun-Bi Kim
- Ocean Georesources Research Department, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Busan 49111, Republic of Korea;
| | - Muhammad Hilman Fu’adil Amin
- Advance Tropical Biodiversity, Genomics, and Conservation Research Group, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Airlangga University, Surabaya 60115, Indonesia;
| | - Sapto Andriyono
- Department of Marine, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine, Airlangga University, Surabaya 60115, Indonesia
| | - Hyun-Woo Kim
- Marine Integrated Biomedical Technology Center, National Key Research Institutes in Universities, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea; (A.R.K.); (S.R.L.)
- Department of Marine Biology, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoungmi Kang
- International Graduate Program of Fisheries Science, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Krahn N, Zhang J, Melnikov SV, Tharp JM, Villa A, Patel A, Howard R, Gabir H, Patel T, Stetefeld J, Puglisi J, Söll D. tRNA shape is an identity element for an archaeal pyrrolysyl-tRNA synthetase from the human gut. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:513-524. [PMID: 38100361 PMCID: PMC10810272 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad1188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein translation is orchestrated through tRNA aminoacylation and ribosomal elongation. Among the highly conserved structure of tRNAs, they have distinguishing features which promote interaction with their cognate aminoacyl tRNA synthetase (aaRS). These key features are referred to as identity elements. In our study, we investigated the tRNA:aaRS pair that installs the 22nd amino acid, pyrrolysine (tRNAPyl:PylRS). Pyrrolysyl-tRNA synthetases (PylRSs) are naturally encoded in some archaeal and bacterial genomes to acylate tRNAPyl with pyrrolysine. Their large amino acid binding pocket and poor recognition of the tRNA anticodon have been instrumental in incorporating >200 noncanonical amino acids. PylRS enzymes can be divided into three classes based on their genomic structure. Two classes contain both an N-terminal and C-terminal domain, however the third class (ΔpylSn) lacks the N-terminal domain. In this study we explored the tRNA identity elements for a ΔpylSn tRNAPyl from Candidatus Methanomethylophilus alvus which drives the orthogonality seen with its cognate PylRS (MaPylRS). From aminoacylation and translation assays we identified five key elements in ΔpylSn tRNAPyl necessary for MaPylRS activity. The absence of a base (position 8) and a G-U wobble pair (G28:U42) were found to affect the high-resolution structure of the tRNA, while molecular dynamic simulations led us to acknowledge the rigidity imparted from the G-C base pairs (G3:C70 and G5:C68).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Krahn
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Jingji Zhang
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Sergey V Melnikov
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Jeffery M Tharp
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Alessandra Villa
- PDC-Center for High Performance Computing, KTH-Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, SE-100 44, Sweden
| | - Armaan Patel
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Rebecca J Howard
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm University, Solna, SE-171 65, Sweden
| | - Haben Gabir
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Trushar R Patel
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 2E1, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Infectious Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Jörg Stetefeld
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Joseph Puglisi
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Dieter Söll
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ojha M, Vogt J, Das NK, Redmond E, Singh K, Banna HA, Sadat T, Koirala D. Structure of saguaro cactus virus 3' translational enhancer mimics 5' cap for eIF4E binding. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2313677121. [PMID: 38241435 PMCID: PMC10823258 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2313677121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The genomes of several plant viruses contain RNA structures at their 3' ends called cap-independent translation enhancers (CITEs) that bind the host protein factors such as mRNA 5' cap-binding protein eIF4E for promoting cap-independent genome translation. However, the structural basis of such 5' cap-binding protein recognition by the uncapped RNA remains largely unknown. Here, we have determined the crystal structure of a 3' CITE, panicum mosaic virus-like translation enhancer (PTE) from the saguaro cactus virus (SCV), using a Fab crystallization chaperone. The PTE RNA folds into a three-way junction architecture with a pseudoknot between the purine-rich R domain and pyrimidine-rich Y domain, which organizes the overall structure to protrude out a specific guanine nucleotide, G18, from the R domain that comprises a major interaction site for the eIF4E binding. The superimposable crystal structures of the wild-type, G18A, G18C, and G18U mutants suggest that the PTE scaffold is preorganized with the flipped-out G18 ready to dock into the eIF4E 5' cap-binding pocket. The binding studies with wheat and human eIF4Es using gel electrophoresis and isothermal titration calorimetry, and molecular docking computation for the PTE-eIF4E complex demonstrated that the PTE structure essentially mimics the mRNA 5' cap for eIF4E binding. Such 5' cap mimicry by the uncapped and structured viral RNA highlights how viruses can exploit RNA structures to mimic the host protein-binding partners and bypass the canonical mechanisms for their genome translation, providing opportunities for a better understanding of virus-host interactions and non-canonical translation mechanisms found in many pathogenic RNA viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manju Ojha
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD21250
| | - Jeff Vogt
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD21250
| | - Naba Krishna Das
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD21250
| | - Emily Redmond
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD21250
| | - Karndeep Singh
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD21250
- HHMI, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD21250
| | - Hasan Al Banna
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD21250
| | - Tasnia Sadat
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD21250
| | - Deepak Koirala
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD21250
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Wang Z, Wang Y, Zhou T, Chen S, Morris D, Magalhães RDM, Li M, Wang S, Wang H, Xie Y, McSwiggin H, Oliver D, Yuan S, Zheng H, Mohammed J, Lai EC, McCarrey JR, Yan W. The Rapidly Evolving X-linked miR-506 Family Finetunes Spermatogenesis to Enhance Sperm Competition. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.06.14.544876. [PMID: 37398484 PMCID: PMC10312769 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.14.544876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Despite rapid evolution across eutherian mammals, the X-linked miR-506 family miRNAs are located in a region flanked by two highly conserved protein-coding genes (Slitrk2 and Fmr1) on the X chromosome. Intriguingly, these miRNAs are predominantly expressed in the testis, suggesting a potential role in spermatogenesis and male fertility. Here, we report that the X-linked miR-506 family miRNAs were derived from the MER91C DNA transposons. Selective inactivation of individual miRNAs or clusters caused no discernable defects, but simultaneous ablation of five clusters containing nineteen members of the miR-506 family led to reduced male fertility in mice. Despite normal sperm counts, motility and morphology, the KO sperm were less competitive than wild-type sperm when subjected to a polyandrous mating scheme. Transcriptomic and bioinformatic analyses revealed that these X-linked miR-506 family miRNAs, in addition to targeting a set of conserved genes, have more targets that are critical for spermatogenesis and embryonic development during evolution. Our data suggest that the miR-506 family miRNAs function to enhance sperm competitiveness and reproductive fitness of the male by finetuning gene expression during spermatogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhuqing Wang
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Tong Zhou
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Sheng Chen
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Dayton Morris
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | | | - Musheng Li
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Shawn Wang
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Hetan Wang
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Yeming Xie
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Hayden McSwiggin
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Daniel Oliver
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Shuiqiao Yuan
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Huili Zheng
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Jaaved Mohammed
- Department of Developmental Biology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Institute, 1275 York Ave, Box 252, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Eric C. Lai
- Department of Developmental Biology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Institute, 1275 York Ave, Box 252, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - John R. McCarrey
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Wei Yan
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Ke Z, Zhou K, Hou M, Luo H, Li Z, Pan X, Zhou J, Jing T, Ye H. Characterization of the Complete Mitochondrial Genome of the Elongate Loach and Its Phylogenetic Implications in Cobitidae. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3841. [PMID: 38136877 PMCID: PMC10740543 DOI: 10.3390/ani13243841] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The elongate loach is an endemic fish in China. Previous studies have provided some insights into the mitochondrial genome composition and the phylogenetic relationships of the elongate loach inferred using protein-coding genes (PCGs), yet detailed information about it remains limited. Therefore, in this study we sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome of the elongate loach and analyzed its structural characteristics. The PCGs and mitochondrial genome were used for selective stress analysis and genomic comparative analysis. The complete mitochondrial genome of the elongate loach, together with those of 35 Cyprinidae species, was used to infer the phylogenetic relationships of the Cobitidae family through maximum likelihood (ML) reconstruction. The results showed that the genome sequence has a full length of 16,591 bp, which includes 13 PCGs, 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNA), 2 ribosomal RNA genes (rRNA), and 2 non-coding regions (CR D-loop and light chain sub-chain replication origin OL). Overall, the elongate loach shared the same gene arrangement and composition of the mitochondrial genes with other teleost fishes. The Ka/Ks ratios of all mitochondrial PCGs were less than 1, indicating that all of the PCGs were evolving under purifying selection. Genome comparison analyses showed a significant sequence homology of species of Leptobotia. A significant identity between L. elongata and the other five Leptobotia species was observed in the visualization result, except for L. mantschurica, which lacked the tRNA-Arg gene and had a shorter tRNA-Asp gene. The phylogenetic tree revealed that the Cobitidae species examined here can be grouped into two clades, with the elongate loach forming a sister relationship with L. microphthalma. This study could provide additional inferences for a better understanding of the phylogenetic relationships among Cobitidae species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenlin Ke
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, China; (Z.K.); (M.H.); (H.L.); (T.J.)
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, Chongqing 400175, China
| | - Kangqi Zhou
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genetic Breeding and Healthy Aquaculture, Guangxi Academy of Fishery Sciences, Nanning 530021, China; (K.Z.); (Z.L.); (X.P.)
| | - Mengdan Hou
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, China; (Z.K.); (M.H.); (H.L.); (T.J.)
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, Chongqing 400175, China
| | - Hui Luo
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, China; (Z.K.); (M.H.); (H.L.); (T.J.)
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, Chongqing 400175, China
| | - Zhe Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genetic Breeding and Healthy Aquaculture, Guangxi Academy of Fishery Sciences, Nanning 530021, China; (K.Z.); (Z.L.); (X.P.)
| | - Xianhui Pan
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genetic Breeding and Healthy Aquaculture, Guangxi Academy of Fishery Sciences, Nanning 530021, China; (K.Z.); (Z.L.); (X.P.)
| | - Jian Zhou
- Fisheries Institute, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Tingsen Jing
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, China; (Z.K.); (M.H.); (H.L.); (T.J.)
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, Chongqing 400175, China
| | - Hua Ye
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, China; (Z.K.); (M.H.); (H.L.); (T.J.)
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, Chongqing 400175, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Tieng FYF, Abdullah-Zawawi MR, Md Shahri NAA, Mohamed-Hussein ZA, Lee LH, Mutalib NSA. A Hitchhiker's guide to RNA-RNA structure and interaction prediction tools. Brief Bioinform 2023; 25:bbad421. [PMID: 38040490 PMCID: PMC10753535 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbad421] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA biology has risen to prominence after a remarkable discovery of diverse functions of noncoding RNA (ncRNA). Most untranslated transcripts often exert their regulatory functions into RNA-RNA complexes via base pairing with complementary sequences in other RNAs. An interplay between RNAs is essential, as it possesses various functional roles in human cells, including genetic translation, RNA splicing, editing, ribosomal RNA maturation, RNA degradation and the regulation of metabolic pathways/riboswitches. Moreover, the pervasive transcription of the human genome allows for the discovery of novel genomic functions via RNA interactome investigation. The advancement of experimental procedures has resulted in an explosion of documented data, necessitating the development of efficient and precise computational tools and algorithms. This review provides an extensive update on RNA-RNA interaction (RRI) analysis via thermodynamic- and comparative-based RNA secondary structure prediction (RSP) and RNA-RNA interaction prediction (RIP) tools and their general functions. We also highlighted the current knowledge of RRIs and the limitations of RNA interactome mapping via experimental data. Then, the gap between RSP and RIP, the importance of RNA homologues, the relationship between pseudoknots, and RNA folding thermodynamics are discussed. It is hoped that these emerging prediction tools will deepen the understanding of RNA-associated interactions in human diseases and hasten treatment processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francis Yew Fu Tieng
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute (UMBI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | | | - Nur Alyaa Afifah Md Shahri
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute (UMBI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Zeti-Azura Mohamed-Hussein
- Institute of Systems Biology (INBIOSIS), UKM, Selangor 43600, Malaysia
- Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Science and Technology, UKM, Selangor 43600, Malaysia
| | - Learn-Han Lee
- Sunway Microbiomics Centre, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Sunway City 47500, Malaysia
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group, Microbiome and Bioresource Research Strength, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University of Malaysia, Selangor 47500, Malaysia
| | - Nurul-Syakima Ab Mutalib
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute (UMBI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group, Microbiome and Bioresource Research Strength, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University of Malaysia, Selangor 47500, Malaysia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, UKM, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Jacob P, Lindelöf H, Rustad CF, Sutton VR, Moosa S, Udupa P, Hammarsjö A, Bhavani GS, Batkovskyte D, Tveten K, Dalal A, Horemuzova E, Nordgren A, Tham E, Shah H, Merckoll E, Orellana L, Nishimura G, Girisha KM, Grigelioniene G. Clinical, genetic and structural delineation of RPL13-related spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia suggest extra-ribosomal functions of eL13. NPJ Genom Med 2023; 8:39. [PMID: 37993442 PMCID: PMC10665555 DOI: 10.1038/s41525-023-00380-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia with severe short stature, RPL13-related (SEMD-RPL13), MIM#618728), is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by short stature and skeletal changes such as mild spondylar and epimetaphyseal dysplasia affecting primarily the lower limbs. The genetic cause was first reported in 2019 by Le Caignec et al., and six disease-causing variants in the gene coding for a ribosomal protein, RPL13 (NM_000977.3) have been identified to date. This study presents clinical and radiographic data from 12 affected individuals aged 2-64 years from seven unrelated families, showing highly variable manifestations. The affected individuals showed a range from mild to severe short stature, retaining the same radiographic pattern of spondylar- and epi-metaphyseal dysplasia, but with varying severity of the hip and knee deformities. Two new missense variants, c.548 G>A, p.(Arg183His) and c.569 G>T, p.(Arg190Leu), and a previously known splice variant c.477+1G>A were identified, confirming mutational clustering in a highly specific RNA binding motif. Structural analysis and interpretation of the variants' impact on the protein suggests that disruption of extra-ribosomal functions of the protein through binding of mRNA may play a role in the skeletal phenotype of SEMD-RPL13. In addition, we present gonadal and somatic mosaicism for the condition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prince Jacob
- Department of Medical Genetics, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Hillevi Lindelöf
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cecilie F Rustad
- Department of Medial Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Vernon Reid Sutton
- Department of Molecular & Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shahida Moosa
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University and Medical Genetics, Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Prajna Udupa
- Department of Medical Genetics, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Anna Hammarsjö
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gandham SriLakshmi Bhavani
- Department of Medical Genetics, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Dominyka Batkovskyte
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kristian Tveten
- Department of Medical Genetics, Telemark Hospital Trust, Skien, Norway
| | - Ashwin Dalal
- Diagnostics Division, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting & Diagnostics, Hyderabad, India
| | - Eva Horemuzova
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ann Nordgren
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Genetics and Genomics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Emma Tham
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hitesh Shah
- Department of Pediatric Orthopedics, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Else Merckoll
- Department of Radiology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Laura Orellana
- Protein Dynamics and Mutation lab, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gen Nishimura
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Radiology, Musashino-Yowakai Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Katta M Girisha
- Department of Medical Genetics, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India.
| | - Giedre Grigelioniene
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Sabalette KB, Makarova L, Marcia M. G·U base pairing motifs in long non-coding RNAs. Biochimie 2023; 214:123-140. [PMID: 37353139 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are recently-discovered transcripts involved in gene expression regulation and associated with diseases. Despite the unprecedented molecular complexity of these transcripts, recent studies of the secondary and tertiary structure of lncRNAs are starting to reveal the principles of lncRNA structural organization, with important functional implications. It therefore starts to be possible to analyze lncRNA structures systematically. Here, using a set of prototypical and medically-relevant lncRNAs of known secondary structure, we specifically catalogue the distribution and structural environment of one of the first-identified and most frequently occurring non-canonical Watson-Crick interactions, the G·U base pair. We compare the properties of G·U base pairs in our set of lncRNAs to those of the G·U base pairs in other well-characterized transcripts, like rRNAs, tRNAs, ribozymes, and riboswitches. Furthermore, we discuss how G·U base pairs in these targets participate in establishing interactions with proteins or miRNAs, and how they enable lncRNA tertiary folding by forming intramolecular or metal-ion interactions. Finally, by identifying highly-G·U-enriched regions of yet unknown function in our target lncRNAs, we provide a new rationale for future experimental investigation of these motifs, which will help obtain a more comprehensive understanding of lncRNA functions and molecular mechanisms in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karina Belen Sabalette
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Grenoble, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, Grenoble, 38042, France
| | - Liubov Makarova
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Grenoble, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, Grenoble, 38042, France
| | - Marco Marcia
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Grenoble, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, Grenoble, 38042, France.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Jongejan YK, Schrader Echeverri E, Dirven RJ, Paunovska K, Linthorst NA, de Jong A, Wellershoff JC, van der Gouw KD, van Vlijmen BJM, Dahlman JE, Eikenboom JCJ. Small interfering RNA-mediated allele-selective silencing of von Willebrand factor in vitro and in vivo. Blood Adv 2023; 7:6108-6119. [PMID: 37467023 PMCID: PMC10582391 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023010643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
An imbalance in von Willebrand factor (VWF) may either lead to bleeding (von Willebrand disease, VWD) or thrombosis. Both disorders have shortcomings in the currently available treatments. VWF itself could be a potential therapeutic target because of its role in both bleeding and thrombosis. Inhibiting VWF gene expression through allele-selective silencing of VWF with small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) could be a personalized approach to specifically inhibit mutant VWF in VWD or to normalize increased VWF levels in thrombotic disorders without complete VWF knockdown. Therefore, we investigated a method to allele-selectively silence the VWF gene in mice as a therapeutic strategy. Fourteen candidate siRNAs targeting murine Vwf of either the C57BL/6J (B6) or the 129S1/SvImJ (129S) strain were tested in vitro in cells expressing B6- and 129S-Vwf for inhibitory effect and allele-selective potential. Together with a nonselective siVwf, 2 lead candidate siRNAs, siVwf.B6 and siVwf.129S, were further tested in vivo in B6 and 129S mice. Efficient endothelial siRNA delivery was achieved by siRNA encapsulation into 7C1 oligomeric lipid nanoparticles. Treatment with the nonselective siVwf resulted in dose-dependent inhibition of up to 80% of both lung messenger RNA and plasma VWF protein in both mouse strains. In contrast, the allele-selective siVwf.B6 and siVwf.129S were shown to be effective in and selective solely for their corresponding mouse strain. To conclude, we showed efficient endothelial delivery of siRNAs that are highly effective in allele-selective inhibition of Vwf in mice, which constitutes an in vivo proof of principle of allele-selective VWF silencing as a therapeutic approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne K. Jongejan
- Division of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Department of Internal Medicine, Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Elisa Schrader Echeverri
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Richard J. Dirven
- Division of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Department of Internal Medicine, Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Kalina Paunovska
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Noa A. Linthorst
- Division of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Department of Internal Medicine, Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Annika de Jong
- Division of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Department of Internal Medicine, Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes C. Wellershoff
- Division of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Department of Internal Medicine, Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Kim D. van der Gouw
- Division of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Department of Internal Medicine, Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Bart J. M. van Vlijmen
- Division of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Department of Internal Medicine, Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - James E. Dahlman
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Jeroen C. J. Eikenboom
- Division of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Department of Internal Medicine, Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Wang Y, Zhang H, Xu Z, Zhang S, Guo R. TransUFold: Unlocking the structural complexity of short and long RNA with pseudoknots. MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES AND ENGINEERING : MBE 2023; 20:19320-19340. [PMID: 38052602 DOI: 10.3934/mbe.2023854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
The RNA secondary structure is like a blueprint that holds the key to unlocking the mysteries of RNA function and 3D structure. It serves as a crucial foundation for investigating the complex world of RNA, making it an indispensable component of research in this exciting field. However, pseudoknots cannot be accurately predicted by conventional prediction methods based on free energy minimization, which results in a performance bottleneck. To this end, we propose a deep learning-based method called TransUFold to train directly on RNA data annotated with structure information. It employs an encoder-decoder network architecture, named Vision Transformer, to extract long-range interactions in RNA sequences and utilizes convolutions with lateral connections to supplement short-range interactions. Then, a post-processing program is designed to constrain the model's output to produce realistic and effective RNA secondary structures, including pseudoknots. After training TransUFold on benchmark datasets, we outperform other methods in test data on the same family. Additionally, we achieve better results on longer sequences up to 1600 nt, demonstrating the outstanding performance of Vision Transformer in extracting long-range interactions in RNA sequences. Finally, our analysis indicates that TransUFold produces effective pseudoknot structures in long sequences. As more high-quality RNA structures become available, deep learning-based prediction methods like Vision Transformer can exhibit better performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunxiang Wang
- School of Cyber Security and Computer, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- School of Cyber Security and Computer, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - Zhenchao Xu
- School of Cyber Security and Computer, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - Shouhua Zhang
- Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Rui Guo
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Kundu S, Palimirmo FS, Kang HE, Kim AR, Lee SR, Gietbong FZ, Song SH, Kim HW. Insights into the Mitochondrial Genetic Makeup and Miocene Colonization of Primitive Flatfishes (Pleuronectiformes: Psettodidae) in the East Atlantic and Indo-West Pacific Ocean. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1317. [PMID: 37887027 PMCID: PMC10604034 DOI: 10.3390/biology12101317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
The mitogenomic evolution of the Psettodes flatfishes is still poorly known from their range distribution in eastern Atlantic and Indo-West Pacific Oceans. The study delves into the matrilineal evolutionary pathway of these primitive flatfishes, with a specific focus on the complete mitogenome of the Psettodes belcheri species, as determined through next-generation sequencing. The mitogenome in question spans a length of 16,747 base pairs and comprises a total of 37 genes, including 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, and a control region. Notably, the mitogenome of P. belcheri exhibits a bias towards AT base pairs, with a composition of 54.15%, mirroring a similar bias observed in its close relative, Psettodes erumei, which showcases percentages of 53.07% and 53.61%. Most of the protein-coding genes commence with an ATG initiation codon, except for Cytochrome c oxidase I (COI), which initiates with a GTG codon. Additionally, four protein-coding genes commence with a TAA termination codon, while seven others exhibit incomplete termination codons. Furthermore, two protein-coding genes, namely NAD1 and NAD6, terminate with AGG and TAG stop codons, respectively. In the mitogenome of P. belcheri, the majority of transfer RNAs demonstrate the classical cloverleaf secondary structures, except for tRNA-serine, which lacks a DHU stem. Comparative analysis of conserved blocks within the control regions of two Psettodidae species unveiled that the CSB-II block extended to a length of 51 base pairs, surpassing the other blocks and encompassing highly variable sites. A comprehensive phylogenetic analysis using mitochondrial genomes (13 concatenated PCGs) categorized various Pleuronectiformes species, highlighting the basal position of the Psettodidae family and showed monophyletic clustering of Psettodes species. The approximate divergence time (35-10 MYA) between P. belcheri and P. erumei was estimated, providing insights into their separation and colonization during the early Miocene. The TimeTree analysis also estimated the divergence of two suborders, Psettodoidei and Pleuronectoidei, during the late Paleocene to early Eocene (56.87 MYA). The distribution patterns of Psettodes flatfishes were influenced by ocean currents and environmental conditions, contributing to their ecological speciation. In the face of climate change and anthropogenic activities, the conservation implications of Psettodes flatfishes are emphasized, underscoring the need for regulated harvesting and adaptive management strategies to ensure their survival in changing marine ecosystems. Overall, this study contributes to understanding the evolutionary history, genetic diversity, and conservation needs of Psettodes flatfishes globally. However, the multifaceted exploration of mitogenome and larger-scale genomic data of Psettodes flatfish will provide invaluable insights into their genetic characterization, evolutionary history, environmental adaptation, and conservation in the eastern Atlantic and Indo-West Pacific Oceans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shantanu Kundu
- Institute of Fisheries Science, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea
- Department of Marine Biology, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea
| | - Flandrianto Sih Palimirmo
- Department of Marine Biology, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea
- Research Center for Conservation of Marine and Inland Water Resources, National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong 16911, Indonesia
| | - Hye-Eun Kang
- Institute of Marine Life Science, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea
| | - Ah Ran Kim
- Marine Integrated Biomedical Technology Center, National Key Research Institutes in Universities, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Rin Lee
- Marine Integrated Biomedical Technology Center, National Key Research Institutes in Universities, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Se Hyun Song
- Fisheries Resources Management Division, National Institute of Fisheries Science, Busan 46083, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Woo Kim
- Institute of Fisheries Science, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea
- Department of Marine Biology, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea
- Marine Integrated Biomedical Technology Center, National Key Research Institutes in Universities, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Yang YJ, Fu H, Li XL, Yang HY, Zhou EC, Xie CY, Wu SW, He F, Zhang Y, Zhang XH. A mutation-sensitive, multiplexed and amplification-free detection of nucleic acids by stretching single-molecule tandem hairpin probes. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:e90. [PMID: 37562941 PMCID: PMC10516651 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The detection of nucleic acid sequences in parallel with the discrimination of single nucleotide variations (SNVs) is critical for research and clinical applications. A few limitations make the detection technically challenging, such as too small variation in probe-hybridization energy caused by SNVs, the non-specific amplification of false nucleic acid fragments and the few options of dyes limited by spectral overlaps. To circumvent these limitations, we developed a single-molecule nucleic acid detection assay without amplification or fluorescence termed THREF (hybridization-induced tandem DNA hairpin refolding failure) based on multiplexed magnetic tweezers. THREF can detect DNA and RNA sequences at femtomolar concentrations within 30 min, monitor multiple probes in parallel, quantify the expression level of miR-122 in patient tissues, discriminate SNVs including the hard-to-detect G-U or T-G wobble mutations and reuse the probes to save the cost. In our demonstrative detections using mock clinic samples, we profiled the let-7 family microRNAs in serum and genotyped SARS-CoV-2 strains in saliva. Overall, the THREF assay can discriminate SNVs with the advantages of high sensitivity, ultra-specificity, multiplexing, reusability, sample hands-free and robustness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Jun Yang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Hang Fu
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325011, China
- School of Physics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiao-Lu Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Hong-Yu Yang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Er-Chi Zhou
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Cheng-Yu Xie
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Shu-Wen Wu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Fan He
- Department of Nephrology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Xing-Hua Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Sutanto K, Turcotte M. Assessing Global-Local Secondary Structure Fingerprints to Classify RNA Sequences With Deep Learning. IEEE/ACM TRANSACTIONS ON COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY AND BIOINFORMATICS 2023; 20:2736-2747. [PMID: 34633933 DOI: 10.1109/tcbb.2021.3118358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
RNA elements that are transcribed but not translated into proteins are called non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). They play wide-ranging roles in biological processes and disorders. Just like proteins, their structure is often intimately linked to their function. Many examples have been documented where structure is conserved across taxa despite sequence divergence. Thus, structure is often used to identify function. Specifically, the secondary structure is predicted and ncRNAs with similar structures are assumed to have same or similar functions. However, a strand of RNA can fold into multiple possible structures, and some strands even fold differently in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, ncRNAs often function as RNA-protein complexes, which can affect structure. Because of these, we hypothesized using one structure per sequence may discard information, possibly resulting in poorer classification accuracy. Therefore, we propose using secondary structure fingerprints, comprising two categories: a higher-level representation derived from RNA-As-Graphs (RAG), and free energy fingerprints based on a curated repertoire of small structural motifs. The fingerprints take into account the difference between global and local structural matches. We also evaluated our deep learning architecture with k-mers. By combining our global-local fingerprints with 6-mer, we achieved an accuracy, precision, and recall of 91.04%, 91.10%, and 91.00%.
Collapse
|
23
|
Nanape AB, Haine HM, Sugimoto K, Kobayashi F, Oono Y, Handa H, Komatsuda T, Kakeda K. Mutations within the miR172 target site of wheat AP2 homoeologs regulate lodicule size and rachis internode length. BREEDING SCIENCE 2023; 73:401-407. [PMID: 38106507 PMCID: PMC10722097 DOI: 10.1270/jsbbs.23019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Closed fertilization in flowers, or cleistogamy, reduces the risk of fungal infection in Triticeae crops. In barley (Hordeum vulgare), cleistogamy is determined by a single recessive gene, cly1, which results from a single nucleotide polymorphism within the microRNA172 target site of the Apetala2 (AP2) transcription factor gene. The recessive cly1 allele negatively regulates the development of lodicules, keeping florets closed at anthesis. However, cleistogamy is not evident in hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum) cultivars. This study aimed at identifying mutations in wheat AP2 orthologs by ethyl methane sulfonate-induced mutagenesis and high-resolution melt analysis. Although flowers of AP2 mutants induced in the A and D genomes opened at anthesis, their lodicule size was significantly smaller, especially in the direction of depth, than that of wild-type plants. One of the mutants that carried a nucleotide replacement in AP2 from the D genome produced a compact spike caused by a substantial decrease in rachis internode length, analogous to the barley dense spike. Cleistogamous hexaploid wheat might be generated by combining effective mutant alleles of AP2-homoeologous genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agetha Bigie Nanape
- Graduate School of Bioresources, Mie University, 1577 Kurimamachiya-cho, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Hlaing Moe Haine
- Graduate School of Bioresources, Mie University, 1577 Kurimamachiya-cho, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Sugimoto
- Institute of Crop Science, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), 2-1-2 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8518, Japan
| | - Fuminori Kobayashi
- Institute of Crop Science, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), 2-1-2 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8518, Japan
| | - Youko Oono
- Institute of Crop Science, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), 2-1-2 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8518, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Handa
- Institute of Crop Science, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), 2-1-2 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8518, Japan
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Kyoto Prefectural University, 1-5 Shimogamohangi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8522, Japan
| | - Takao Komatsuda
- Institute of Crop Science, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), 2-1-2 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8518, Japan
- Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences (SAAS), Crop Research Institute, 202 Gongyebei Road, Licheng District, Jinan, Shandong 250100, China
| | - Katsuyuki Kakeda
- Graduate School of Bioresources, Mie University, 1577 Kurimamachiya-cho, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Buscà R, Onesto C, Egensperger M, Pouysségur J, Pagès G, Lenormand P. N-terminal alanine-rich (NTAR) sequences drive precise start codon selection resulting in elevated translation of multiple proteins including ERK1/2. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:7714-7735. [PMID: 37414542 PMCID: PMC10450180 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
We report the discovery of N-terminal alanine-rich sequences, which we term NTARs, that act in concert with their native 5'-untranslated regions to promote selection of the proper start codon. NTARs also facilitate efficient translation initiation while limiting the production of non-functional polypeptides through leaky scanning. We first identified NTARs in the ERK1/2 kinases, which are among the most important signaling molecules in mammals. Analysis of the human proteome reveals that hundreds of proteins possess NTARs, with housekeeping proteins showing a particularly high prevalence. Our data indicate that several of these NTARs act in a manner similar to those found in the ERKs and suggest a mechanism involving some or all of the following features: alanine richness, codon rarity, a repeated amino acid stretch and a nearby second AUG. These features may help slow down the leading ribosome, causing trailing pre-initiation complexes (PICs) to pause near the native AUG, thereby facilitating accurate translation initiation. Amplification of erk genes is frequently observed in cancer, and we show that NTAR-dependent ERK protein levels are a rate-limiting step for signal output. Thus, NTAR-mediated control of translation may reflect a cellular need to precisely control translation of key transcripts such as potential oncogenes. By preventing translation in alternative reading frames, NTAR sequences may be useful in synthetic biology applications, e.g. translation from RNA vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roser Buscà
- Université Côte d’Azur (UCA), CNRS UMR 7284 and INSERM U 1081, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging Nice (IRCAN), 28 Avenue de Valombrose, 06107 Nice, France
- Centre Antoine Lacassagne, Nice, France
| | - Cercina Onesto
- Université Côte d’Azur (UCA), CNRS UMR 7284 and INSERM U 1081, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging Nice (IRCAN), 28 Avenue de Valombrose, 06107 Nice, France
- Centre Antoine Lacassagne, Nice, France
- Polytech’Nice Sophia, Bioengineering Department, Sophia-Antipolis, France
| | - Mylène Egensperger
- Université Côte d’Azur (UCA), CNRS UMR 7284 and INSERM U 1081, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging Nice (IRCAN), 28 Avenue de Valombrose, 06107 Nice, France
- Centre Antoine Lacassagne, Nice, France
| | - Jacques Pouysségur
- Université Côte d’Azur (UCA), CNRS UMR 7284 and INSERM U 1081, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging Nice (IRCAN), 28 Avenue de Valombrose, 06107 Nice, France
- Centre Antoine Lacassagne, Nice, France
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Biomedical Department, Principality of Monaco
| | - Gilles Pagès
- Université Côte d’Azur (UCA), CNRS UMR 7284 and INSERM U 1081, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging Nice (IRCAN), 28 Avenue de Valombrose, 06107 Nice, France
- Centre Antoine Lacassagne, Nice, France
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Biomedical Department, Principality of Monaco
| | - Philippe Lenormand
- Université Côte d’Azur (UCA), CNRS UMR 7284 and INSERM U 1081, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging Nice (IRCAN), 28 Avenue de Valombrose, 06107 Nice, France
- Centre Antoine Lacassagne, Nice, France
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Gingras H, Peillard-Fiorente F, Godin C, Patron K, Leprohon P, Ouellette M. New Resistance Mutations Linked to Decreased Susceptibility to Solithromycin in Streptococcus pneumoniae Revealed by Chemogenomic Screens. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2023; 67:e0039523. [PMID: 37409958 PMCID: PMC10433811 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00395-23] [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: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Two strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, one expressing the methyltransferase Erm(B) and the other negative for erm(B), were selected for solithromycin resistance in vitro either with direct drug selection or with chemical mutagenesis followed by drug selection. We obtained a series of mutants that we characterized by next-generation sequencing. We found mutations in various ribosomal proteins (L3, L4, L22, L32, and S4) and in the 23S rRNA. We also found mutations in subunits of the phosphate transporter, in the DEAD box helicase CshB, and in the erm(B)L leader peptide. All mutations were shown to decrease solithromycin susceptibility when transformed into sensitive isolates. Some of the genes derived from our in vitro screens were found to be mutated also in clinical isolates with decreased susceptibility to solithromycin. While many mutations were in coding sequences, some were found in regulatory regions. These included novel phenotypic mutations in the intergenic regions of the macrolide resistance locus mef(E)/mel and in the vicinity of the ribosome binding site of erm(B). Our screens highlighted that macrolide-resistant S. pneumoniae can easily acquire resistance to solithromycin, and they revealed many new phenotypic mutations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Gingras
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie du Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec and Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Flora Peillard-Fiorente
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie du Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec and Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Chantal Godin
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie du Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec and Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Kevin Patron
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie du Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec and Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Philippe Leprohon
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie du Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec and Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Marc Ouellette
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie du Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec and Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Kundu S, De Alwis PS, Kim AR, Lee SR, Kang HE, Go Y, Gietbong FZ, Wibowo A, Kim HW. Mitogenomic Characterization of Cameroonian Endemic Coptodon camerunensis (Cichliformes: Cichlidae) and Matrilineal Phylogeny of Old-World Cichlids. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1591. [PMID: 37628642 PMCID: PMC10454717 DOI: 10.3390/genes14081591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The mitogenomic evolution of old-world cichlids is still largely incomplete in Western Africa. In this present study, the complete mitogenome of the Cameroon endemic cichlid, Coptodon camerunensis, was determined by next-generation sequencing. The mitogenome was 16,557 bp long and encoded with 37 genes (13 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, and a control region). The C. camerunensis mitogenome is AT-biased (52.63%), as exhibited in its congener, Coptodon zillii (52.76% and 53.04%). The majority of PCGs start with an ATG initiation codon, except COI, which starts with a GTG codon and five PCGs and ends with the TAA termination codon and except seven PCGs with an incomplete termination codon. In C. camerunensis mitogenome, most tRNAs showed classical cloverleaf secondary structures, except tRNA-serine with a lack of DHU stem. Comparative analyses of the conserved blocks of two Coptodonini species control regions revealed that the CSB-II block was longer than other blocks and contained highly variable sites. Using 13 concatenated PCGs, the mitogenome-based Bayesian phylogeny easily distinguished all the examined old-world cichlids. Except for Oreochromini and Coptodinini tribe members, the majority of the taxa exhibited monophyletic clustering within their respective lineages. C. camerunensis clustered closely with Heterotilapia buttikoferi (tribe Heterotilapiini) and had paraphyletic clustering with its congener, C. zillii. The Oreochromini species also displayed paraphyletic grouping, and the genus Oreochromis showed a close relationship with Coptodinini and Heterotilapiini species. In addition, illustrating the known distribution patterns of old-world cichlids, the present study is congruent with the previous hypothesis and proclaims that prehistoric geological evolution plays a key role in the hydroclimate of the African continent during Mesozoic, which simultaneously disperses and/or colonizes cichlids in different ichthyological provinces and Rift Lake systems in Africa. The present study suggests that further mitogenomes of cichlid species are required, especially from western Africa, to understand their unique evolution and adaptation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shantanu Kundu
- Department of Marine Biology, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea; (S.K.); (P.S.D.A.)
| | - Piyumi S. De Alwis
- Department of Marine Biology, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea; (S.K.); (P.S.D.A.)
| | - Ah Ran Kim
- Marine Integrated Biomedical Technology Center, National Key Research Institutes in Universities, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea; (A.R.K.); (S.R.L.)
| | - Soo Rin Lee
- Marine Integrated Biomedical Technology Center, National Key Research Institutes in Universities, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea; (A.R.K.); (S.R.L.)
| | - Hye-Eun Kang
- Institute of Marine Life Science, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea;
| | - Yunji Go
- Industry 4.0 Convergence Bionics Engineering, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea;
| | | | - Arif Wibowo
- Research Center for Conservation of Marine and Inland Water Resources, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), South Tangerang 15314, Indonesia;
| | - Hyun-Woo Kim
- Department of Marine Biology, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea; (S.K.); (P.S.D.A.)
- Marine Integrated Biomedical Technology Center, National Key Research Institutes in Universities, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea; (A.R.K.); (S.R.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Wu KE, Zou JY, Chang H. Machine learning modeling of RNA structures: methods, challenges and future perspectives. Brief Bioinform 2023; 24:bbad210. [PMID: 37280185 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbad210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The three-dimensional structure of RNA molecules plays a critical role in a wide range of cellular processes encompassing functions from riboswitches to epigenetic regulation. These RNA structures are incredibly dynamic and can indeed be described aptly as an ensemble of structures that shifts in distribution depending on different cellular conditions. Thus, the computational prediction of RNA structure poses a unique challenge, even as computational protein folding has seen great advances. In this review, we focus on a variety of machine learning-based methods that have been developed to predict RNA molecules' secondary structure, as well as more complex tertiary structures. We survey commonly used modeling strategies, and how many are inspired by or incorporate thermodynamic principles. We discuss the shortcomings that various design decisions entail and propose future directions that could build off these methods to yield more robust, accurate RNA structure predictions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin E Wu
- Department of Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - James Y Zou
- Department of Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Howard Chang
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Beattie AT, Dunkelmann DL, Chin JW. Quintuply orthogonal pyrrolysyl-tRNA synthetase/tRNA Pyl pairs. Nat Chem 2023; 15:948-959. [PMID: 37322102 PMCID: PMC7615293 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-023-01232-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Mutually orthogonal aminoacyl transfer RNA synthetase/transfer RNA pairs provide a foundation for encoding non-canonical amino acids into proteins, and encoded non-canonical polymer and macrocycle synthesis. Here we discover quintuply orthogonal pyrrolysyl-tRNA synthetase (PylRS)/pyrrolysyl-tRNA (tRNAPyl) pairs. We discover empirical sequence identity thresholds for mutual orthogonality and use these for agglomerative clustering of PylRS and tRNAPyl sequences; this defines numerous sequence clusters, spanning five classes of PylRS/tRNAPyl pairs (the existing classes +N, A and B, and newly defined classes C and S). Most of the PylRS clusters belong to classes that were unexplored for orthogonal pair generation. By testing pairs from distinct clusters and classes, and pyrrolysyl-tRNAs with unusual structures, we resolve 80% of the pairwise specificities required to make quintuply orthogonal PylRS/tRNAPyl pairs; we control the remaining specificities by engineering and directed evolution. Overall, we create 924 mutually orthogonal PylRS/tRNAPyl pairs, 1,324 triply orthogonal pairs, 128 quadruply orthogonal pairs and 8 quintuply orthogonal pairs. These advances may provide a key foundation for encoded polymer synthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam T Beattie
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Jason W Chin
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Westhof E, Watson ZL, Zirbel CL, Cate JHD. Anionic G•U pairs in bacterial ribosomal rRNAs. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 29:1069-1076. [PMID: 37068913 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079583.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Wobble GU pairs (or G•U) occur frequently within double-stranded RNA helices interspersed between standard G=C and A-U Watson-Crick pairs. Another type of G•U pair interacting via their Watson-Crick edges has been observed in the A site of ribosome structures between a modified U34 in the tRNA anticodon triplet and G + 3 in the mRNA. In such pairs, the electronic structure of the U is changed with a negative charge on N3(U), resulting in two H-bonds between N1(G)…O4(U) and N2(G)…N3(U). Here, we report that such pairs occur in other highly conserved positions in ribosomal RNAs of bacteria in the absence of U modification. An anionic cis Watson-Crick G•G pair is also observed and well conserved in the small subunit. These pairs are observed in tightly folded regions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Westhof
- Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, Université de Strasbourg, Institut de biologie moléculaire et cellulaire du CNRS, F-67084 Strasbourg, France
| | - Zoe L Watson
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Craig L Zirbel
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio 43403, USA
| | - Jamie H D Cate
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
- Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Wang H, Zhu X, Liu Y, Luo S, Zhangsun D. Mitogenome Characterization of Four Conus Species and Comparative Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119411. [PMID: 37298363 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cone snails, as a type of marine organism, have rich species diversity. Traditionally, classifications of cone snails were based mostly on radula, shell, and anatomical characters. Because of these phenotypic features' high population variability and propensity for local adaptation and convergence, identifying species can be difficult and occasionally inaccurate. In addition, mitochondrial genomes contain high phylogenetic information, so complete mitogenomes have been increasingly employed for inferring molecular phylogeny. To enrich the mitogenomic database of cone snails (Caenogastropoda: Conidae), mitogenomes of four Conus species, i.e., C. imperialis (15,505 bp), C. literatus (15,569 bp), C. virgo (15,594 bp), and C. marmoreus (15,579 bp), were characterized and compared. All 4 of these mitogenomes included 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, and non-coding regions. All the Protein Codon Genes (PCGs) of both newly sequenced mitogenomes used TAA or TAG as a terminal codon. Most PCGs used conventional start codon ATG, but an alternative initiation codon GTG was detected in a gene (NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4 (nad4)) of C. imperialis. In addition, the phylogenetic relationships were reconstructed among 20 Conus species on the basis of PCGs, COX1, and the complete mitogenome using both Bayesian Inference (BI) and Maximum Likelihood (ML). The phylogenetic results supported that C. litteratus, C. quercinus, and C. virgo were clustered together as a sister group (PP = 1, BS = 99), but they did not support the phylogenetic relation of C. imperialis and C. tribblei (PP = 0.79, BS = 50). In addition, our study established that PCGs and complete mitogenome are the two useful markers for phylogenetic inference of Conus species. These results enriched the data of the cone snail's mitochondrion in the South China Sea and provided a reliable basis for the interpretation of the phylogenetic relationship of the cone snail based on the mitochondrial genome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Xiaopeng Zhu
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Yuepeng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Sulan Luo
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Dongting Zhangsun
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Bednar RM, Karplus PA, Mehl RA. Site-specific dual encoding and labeling of proteins via genetic code expansion. Cell Chem Biol 2023; 30:343-361. [PMID: 36977415 PMCID: PMC10764108 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2023.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
The ability to selectively modify proteins at two or more defined locations opens new avenues for manipulating, engineering, and studying living systems. As a chemical biology tool for the site-specific encoding of non-canonical amino acids into proteins in vivo, genetic code expansion (GCE) represents a powerful tool to achieve such modifications with minimal disruption to structure and function through a two-step "dual encoding and labeling" (DEAL) process. In this review, we summarize the state of the field of DEAL using GCE. In doing so, we describe the basic principles of GCE-based DEAL, catalog compatible encoding systems and reactions, explore demonstrated and potential applications, highlight emerging paradigms in DEAL methodologies, and propose novel solutions to current limitations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Riley M Bednar
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Oregon State University, 2011 Agricultural and Life Sciences Building, Corvallis, OR 97331-7305, USA; GCE4All Research Center, Oregon State University, 2011 Agricultural and Life Sciences, Corvallis, OR 97331-7305, USA
| | - P Andrew Karplus
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Oregon State University, 2011 Agricultural and Life Sciences Building, Corvallis, OR 97331-7305, USA; GCE4All Research Center, Oregon State University, 2011 Agricultural and Life Sciences, Corvallis, OR 97331-7305, USA
| | - Ryan A Mehl
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Oregon State University, 2011 Agricultural and Life Sciences Building, Corvallis, OR 97331-7305, USA; GCE4All Research Center, Oregon State University, 2011 Agricultural and Life Sciences, Corvallis, OR 97331-7305, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Leski TA, Spangler JR, Wang Z, Schultzhaus Z, Taitt CR, Dean SN, Stenger DA. Machine learning for design of degenerate Cas13a crRNAs using lassa virus as a model of highly variable RNA target. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6506. [PMID: 37081092 PMCID: PMC10119381 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33494-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The design of minimum CRISPR RNA (crRNA) sets for detection of diverse RNA targets using sequence degeneracy has not been systematically addressed. We tested candidate degenerate Cas13a crRNA sets designed for detection of diverse RNA targets (Lassa virus). A decision tree machine learning (ML) algorithm (RuleFit) was applied to define the top attributes that determine the specificity of degenerate crRNAs to elicit collateral nuclease activity. Although the total number of mismatches (0-4) is important, the specificity depends as well on the spacing of mismatches, and their proximity to the 5' end of the spacer. We developed a predictive algorithm for design of candidate degenerate crRNA sets, allowing improved discrimination between "included" and "excluded" groups of related target sequences. A single degenerate crRNA set adhering to these rules detected representatives of all Lassa lineages. Our general ML approach may be applied to the design of degenerate crRNA sets for any CRISPR/Cas system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T A Leski
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science & Engineering, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, USA.
| | - J R Spangler
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science & Engineering, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, USA
| | - Z Wang
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science & Engineering, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, USA
| | - Z Schultzhaus
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science & Engineering, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, USA
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Riverdale, MD, USA
| | - C R Taitt
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science & Engineering, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, USA
- Nova Research Inc., Alexandria, VA, USA
| | - S N Dean
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science & Engineering, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, USA
| | - D A Stenger
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science & Engineering, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Fontecilla-Camps JC. Reflections on the Origin and Early Evolution of the Genetic Code. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202300048. [PMID: 37052530 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Examination of the genetic code (GeCo) reveals that amino acids coded by (A/U) codons display a large functional spectrum and bind RNA whereas, except for Arg, those coded by (G/C) codons do not. From a stereochemical viewpoint, the clear preference for (A/U)-rich codons to be located at the GeCo half blocks suggests they were specifically determined. Conversely, the overall lower affinity of cognate amino acids for their (G/C)-rich anticodons points to their late arrival to the GeCo. It is proposed that i) initially the code was composed of the eight (A/U) codons; ii) these codons were duplicated when G/C nucleotides were added to their wobble positions, and three new codons with G/C in their first position were incorporated; and iii) a combination of A/U and G/C nucleotides progressively generated the remaining codons.
Collapse
|
34
|
Chen CC, Chan YM. REDfold: accurate RNA secondary structure prediction using residual encoder-decoder network. BMC Bioinformatics 2023; 24:122. [PMID: 36977986 PMCID: PMC10044938 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-023-05238-8] [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: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As the RNA secondary structure is highly related to its stability and functions, the structure prediction is of great value to biological research. The traditional computational prediction for RNA secondary prediction is mainly based on the thermodynamic model with dynamic programming to find the optimal structure. However, the prediction performance based on the traditional approach is unsatisfactory for further research. Besides, the computational complexity of the structure prediction using dynamic programming is [Formula: see text]; it becomes [Formula: see text] for RNA structure with pseudoknots, which is computationally impractical for large-scale analysis. RESULTS In this paper, we propose REDfold, a novel deep learning-based method for RNA secondary prediction. REDfold utilizes an encoder-decoder network based on CNN to learn the short and long range dependencies among the RNA sequence, and the network is further integrated with symmetric skip connections to efficiently propagate activation information across layers. Moreover, the network output is post-processed with constrained optimization to yield favorable predictions even for RNAs with pseudoknots. Experimental results based on the ncRNA database demonstrate that REDfold achieves better performance in terms of efficiency and accuracy, outperforming the contemporary state-of-the-art methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Chi Chen
- Department of Electrical Engineering, National Chiayi University, Chiayi, Taiwan.
| | - Yi-Ming Chan
- MindtronicAI Co., Ltd., 7F, No. 218, Sec. 6, Roosevelt Rd., 24105, Taipei, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
General Strategies for RNA X-ray Crystallography. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28052111. [PMID: 36903357 PMCID: PMC10004510 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28052111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023] Open
Abstract
An extremely small proportion of the X-ray crystal structures deposited in the Protein Data Bank are of RNA or RNA-protein complexes. This is due to three main obstacles to the successful determination of RNA structure: (1) low yields of pure, properly folded RNA; (2) difficulty creating crystal contacts due to low sequence diversity; and (3) limited methods for phasing. Various approaches have been developed to address these obstacles, such as native RNA purification, engineered crystallization modules, and incorporation of proteins to assist in phasing. In this review, we will discuss these strategies and provide examples of how they are used in practice.
Collapse
|
36
|
Mitochondriomics of Clarias Fishes (Siluriformes: Clariidae) with a New Assembly of Clarias camerunensis: Insights into the Genetic Characterization and Diversification. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13020482. [PMID: 36836839 PMCID: PMC9960581 DOI: 10.3390/life13020482] [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: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The mitogenome of an endemic catfish Clarias camerunensis was determined from the Cameroon water. This circular mitogenome was 16,511 bp in length and comprised 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNAs, 22 transfer RNAs, and a single AT-rich control region. The heavy strand accommodates 28 genes, whereas the light strand is constituted by ND6 and eight transfer RNA (tRNA) genes. The C. camerunensis mitochondrial genome is AT biased (56.89%), as showcased in other Clarias species. The comparative analyses revealed that most of the Clarias species have 6 overlapping and 11 intergenic spacer regions. Most of the PCGs were initiated and terminated with the ATG start codon and TAA stop codon, respectively. The tRNAs of C. camerunensis folded into the distinctive cloverleaf secondary structure, except trnS1. The placement of the conserved domains in the control region was similar in all the Clarias species with highly variable nucleotides in CSB-I. Both maximum likelihood and Bayesian-based matrilineal phylogenies distinctly separated all Clarias species into five clades on the basis of their known distributions (South China, Sundaland, Indochina, India, and Africa). The TimeTree analysis revealed that the two major clades (Indo-Africa and Asia) of Clarias species might have diverged during the Paleogene (≈28.66 MYA). Our findings revealed the separation of Indian species (C. dussumieri) and African species (C. camerunensis and Clarias gariepinus) took place during the Paleogene, as well as the South Chinese species (Clarias fuscus) and Sundaland species (Clarias batrachus) splits from the Indochinese species (Clarias macrocephalus) during the Neogene through independent colonization. This pattern of biotic relationships highlights the influence of topography and geological events in determining the evolutionary history of Clarias species. The enrichment of mitogenomic data and multiple nuclear loci from their native range or type locality will confirm the true diversification of Clarias species in African and Asian countries.
Collapse
|
37
|
Myatt DP, Wharram L, Graham C, Liddell J, Branton H, Pizzey C, Cowieson N, Rambo R, Shattock RJ. Biophysical characterization of the structure of a SARS-CoV-2 self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) vaccine. Biol Methods Protoc 2023; 8:bpad001. [PMID: 36915370 PMCID: PMC10008065 DOI: 10.1093/biomethods/bpad001] [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: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The current SARS-Covid-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has led to an acceleration of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccine technology. The development of production processes for these large mRNA molecules, especially self-amplifying mRNA (saRNA), has required concomitant development of analytical characterization techniques. Characterizing the purity, shape and structure of these biomolecules is key to their successful performance as drug products. This article describes the biophysical characterization of the Imperial College London Self-amplifying viral RNA vaccine (IMP-1) developed for SARS-CoV-2. A variety of analytical techniques have been used to characterize the IMP-1 RNA molecule. In this article, we use ultraviolet spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, size-exclusion chromatography small-angle X-ray scattering and circular dichroism to determine key biophysical attributes of IMP-1. Each technique provides important information about the concentration, size, shape, structure and purity of the molecule.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel P Myatt
- The National Biologics Manufacturing Centre (NBMC), The Centre for Process Innovation, Darlington DL1 1GL, UK
| | - Lewis Wharram
- The National Biologics Manufacturing Centre (NBMC), The Centre for Process Innovation, Darlington DL1 1GL, UK
| | - Charlotte Graham
- The National Biologics Manufacturing Centre (NBMC), The Centre for Process Innovation, Darlington DL1 1GL, UK
| | - John Liddell
- The National Biologics Manufacturing Centre (NBMC), The Centre for Process Innovation, Darlington DL1 1GL, UK
| | - Harvey Branton
- The National Biologics Manufacturing Centre (NBMC), The Centre for Process Innovation, Darlington DL1 1GL, UK
| | - Claire Pizzey
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Nathan Cowieson
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Robert Rambo
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Robin J Shattock
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London W21PG, UK
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Rasmussen RA, Wang S, Camarillo JM, Sosnowski V, Cho BK, Goo Y, Lucks J, O’Halloran T. Zur and zinc increase expression of E. coli ribosomal protein L31 through RNA-mediated repression of the repressor L31p. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:12739-12753. [PMID: 36533433 PMCID: PMC9825181 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac1086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria can adapt in response to numerous stress conditions. One such stress condition is zinc depletion. The zinc-sensing transcription factor Zur regulates the way numerous bacterial species respond to severe changes in zinc availability. Under zinc sufficient conditions, Zn-loaded Zur (Zn2-Zur) is well-known to repress transcription of genes encoding zinc uptake transporters and paralogues of a few ribosomal proteins. Here, we report the discovery and mechanistic basis for the ability of Zur to up-regulate expression of the ribosomal protein L31 in response to zinc in E. coli. Through genetic mutations and reporter gene assays, we find that Zur achieves the up-regulation of L31 through a double repression cascade by which Zur first represses the transcription of L31p, a zinc-lacking paralogue of L31, which in turn represses the translation of L31. Mutational analyses show that translational repression by L31p requires an RNA hairpin structure within the l31 mRNA and involves the N-terminus of the L31p protein. This work uncovers a new genetic network that allows bacteria to respond to host-induced nutrient limiting conditions through a sophisticated ribosomal protein switching mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A Rasmussen
- Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Graduate Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Chemistry of Life Process Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Suning Wang
- Chemistry of Life Process Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Jeannie M Camarillo
- Northwestern Proteomics Core, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Victoria Sosnowski
- Northwestern Proteomics Core, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Byoung-Kyu Cho
- Northwestern Proteomics Core, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Mass Spectrometry Technology Access Center, Washington University in St Louis, School of Medicine, USA
| | - Young Ah Goo
- Northwestern Proteomics Core, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Mass Spectrometry Technology Access Center, Washington University in St Louis, School of Medicine, USA
| | - Julius B Lucks
- Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Graduate Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Chemistry of Life Process Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Thomas V O’Halloran
- Chemistry of Life Process Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Paloncýová M, Pykal M, Kührová P, Banáš P, Šponer J, Otyepka M. Computer Aided Development of Nucleic Acid Applications in Nanotechnologies. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2204408. [PMID: 36216589 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202204408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Utilization of nucleic acids (NAs) in nanotechnologies and nanotechnology-related applications is a growing field with broad application potential, ranging from biosensing up to targeted cell delivery. Computer simulations are useful techniques that can aid design and speed up development in this field. This review focuses on computer simulations of hybrid nanomaterials composed of NAs and other components. Current state-of-the-art molecular dynamics simulations, empirical force fields (FFs), and coarse-grained approaches for the description of deoxyribonucleic acid and ribonucleic acid are critically discussed. Challenges in combining biomacromolecular and nanomaterial FFs are emphasized. Recent applications of simulations for modeling NAs and their interactions with nano- and biomaterials are overviewed in the fields of sensing applications, targeted delivery, and NA templated materials. Future perspectives of development are also highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Markéta Paloncýová
- Regional Center of Advanced Technologies and Materials, The Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN), Palacký University Olomouc, Šlechtitelů 27, Olomouc, 779 00, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Pykal
- Regional Center of Advanced Technologies and Materials, The Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN), Palacký University Olomouc, Šlechtitelů 27, Olomouc, 779 00, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Kührová
- Regional Center of Advanced Technologies and Materials, The Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN), Palacký University Olomouc, Šlechtitelů 27, Olomouc, 779 00, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Banáš
- Regional Center of Advanced Technologies and Materials, The Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN), Palacký University Olomouc, Šlechtitelů 27, Olomouc, 779 00, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Šponer
- Regional Center of Advanced Technologies and Materials, The Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN), Palacký University Olomouc, Šlechtitelů 27, Olomouc, 779 00, Czech Republic
- Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, v. v. i., Královopolská 135, Brno, 612 65, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Otyepka
- Regional Center of Advanced Technologies and Materials, The Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN), Palacký University Olomouc, Šlechtitelů 27, Olomouc, 779 00, Czech Republic
- IT4Innovations, VŠB - Technical University of Ostrava, 17. listopadu 2172/15, Ostrava-Poruba, 708 00, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Kiliszek A, Pluta M, Bejger M, Rypniewski W. Structure and thermodynamics of a UGG motif interacting with Ba2+ and other metal ions: accommodating changes in the RNA structure and the presence of a G(syn)-G(syn) pair. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2022; 29:rna.079414.122. [PMID: 36319090 PMCID: PMC9808570 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079414.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The self-complementary triplet 5'UGG3'/5'UGG3' is a particular structural motif containing noncanonical G-G pair and two U·G wobble pairs. It constitutes a specific structural and electrostatic environment attracting metal ions, particularly Ba2+ ions. Crystallographic research has shown that two Ba2+ cations are located in the major groove of the helix and interact directly with the UGG triplet. A comparison with the unliganded structure has revealed global changes in the RNA structure in the presence of metal ions, whereas thermodynamic measurements have shown increased stability. Moreover, in the structure with Ba2+, an unusual noncanonical G(syn)-G(syn) pair is observed instead of the common G(anti)-G(syn). We further elucidate the metal binding properties of the UGG/UGG triplet by performing crystallographic and thermodynamic studies using DSC and UV melting with other metal ions. The results explain the preferences of the UGG sequence for Ba2+ cations and point to possible applications of this metal-binding propensity.
Collapse
|
41
|
Alternative RNA Conformations: Companion or Combatant. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13111930. [DOI: 10.3390/genes13111930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA molecules, in one form or another, are involved in almost all aspects of cell physiology, as well as in disease development. The diversity of the functional roles of RNA comes from its intrinsic ability to adopt complex secondary and tertiary structures, rivaling the diversity of proteins. The RNA molecules form dynamic ensembles of many interconverting conformations at a timescale of seconds, which is a key for understanding how they execute their cellular functions. Given the crucial role of RNAs in various cellular processes, we need to understand the RNA molecules from a structural perspective. Central to this review are studies aimed at revealing the regulatory role of conformational equilibria in RNA in humans to understand genetic diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as in pathogens such as bacteria and viruses so as to understand the progression of infectious diseases. Furthermore, we also summarize the prior studies on the use of RNA structures as platforms for the rational design of small molecules for therapeutic applications.
Collapse
|
42
|
Conroy F, Miller R, Alterman JF, Hassler MR, Echeverria D, Godinho BMDC, Knox EG, Sapp E, Sousa J, Yamada K, Mahmood F, Boudi A, Kegel-Gleason K, DiFiglia M, Aronin N, Khvorova A, Pfister EL. Chemical engineering of therapeutic siRNAs for allele-specific gene silencing in Huntington's disease models. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5802. [PMID: 36192390 PMCID: PMC9530163 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33061-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Small interfering RNAs are a new class of drugs, exhibiting sequence-driven, potent, and sustained silencing of gene expression in vivo. We recently demonstrated that siRNA chemical architectures can be optimized to provide efficient delivery to the CNS, enabling development of CNS-targeted therapeutics. Many genetically-defined neurodegenerative disorders are dominant, favoring selective silencing of the mutant allele. In some cases, successfully targeting the mutant allele requires targeting single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) heterozygosities. Here, we use Huntington’s disease (HD) as a model. The optimized compound exhibits selective silencing of mutant huntingtin protein in patient-derived cells and throughout the HD mouse brain, demonstrating SNP-based allele-specific RNAi silencing of gene expression in vivo in the CNS. Targeting a disease-causing allele using RNAi-based therapies could be helpful in a range of dominant CNS disorders where maintaining wild-type expression is essential. Chemically modified siRNAs distinguish between mutant and normal huntingtin based on a single nucleotide difference and lower mutant huntingtin specifically in patient derived cells and in a mouse model of Huntington’s disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Faith Conroy
- Department of Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Rachael Miller
- Department of Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Julia F Alterman
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Matthew R Hassler
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Bruno M D C Godinho
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Emily G Knox
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Ellen Sapp
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Jaquelyn Sousa
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Ken Yamada
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Farah Mahmood
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Adel Boudi
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Kimberly Kegel-Gleason
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Marian DiFiglia
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Neil Aronin
- Department of Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.,RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
| | - Edith L Pfister
- Department of Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Complete Mitogenomes of Polypedates Tree Frogs Unveil Gene Rearrangement and Concerted Evolution within Rhacophoridae. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12182449. [PMID: 36139309 PMCID: PMC9494961 DOI: 10.3390/ani12182449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Duplicated control regions have been reported several times in the tree frog family Rhacophoridae, and previous studies have mostly relied on sequence analysis to reconstruct their evolution. This is the first study to employ a phylogenetic method to demonstrate the existence of concerted and parallel evolution succinctly and intuitively in the duplicated control regions of the family Rhacophoridae. Phylogenetic relationships were also used to illustrate the parallel evolution of ATP8 loss of function in the genus Polypedates. In general, this study elucidated the evolutionary patterns and pathways of mitochondrial gene rearrangement of the family Rhacophoridae from a phylogenetic perspective, which aids in understanding the evolutionary history of this fascinating tree frog taxon from a molecular evolution standpoint. Abstract New developments in sequencing technology and nucleotide analysis have allowed us to make great advances in reconstructing anuran phylogeny. As a clade of representative amphibians that have radiated from aquatic to arboreal habitats, our understanding of the systematic status and molecular biology of rhacophorid tree frogs is still limited. We determined two new mitogenomes for the genus Polypedates (Rhacophoridae): P. impresus and P. mutus. We conducted comparative and phylogenetic analyses using our data and seven other rhacophorid mitogenomes. The mitogenomes of the genera Polypedates, Buergeria, and Zhangixalus were almost identical, except that the ATP8 gene in Polypedates had become a non-coding region; Buergeria maintained the legacy “LTPF” tRNA gene cluster compared to the novel “TLPF” order in the other two genera; and B. buergeri and Z. dennysi had no control region (CR) duplication. The resulting phylogenetic relationship supporting the above gene rearrangement pathway suggested parallel evolution of ATP8 gene loss of function (LoF) in Polypedates and CR duplication with concerted evolution of paralogous CRs in rhacophorids. Finally, conflicting topologies in the phylograms of 185 species reflected the advantages of phylogenetic analyses using multiple loci.
Collapse
|
44
|
Wang W, Wang H, Huang H, Zhao Y, Zhou Z. Mitochondrial genomes of 10 Mantidae species and their phylogenetic implications. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 111:e21874. [PMID: 35112399 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This article aims to present a phylogenetic evaluation of Mantidae based on a mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) data set. The mitogenome of 10 Mantidae species were sequenced using next-generation sequencing. The length of nine the complete mitogenomes ranged from 15,371 bp in Tenodera aridifolia to 16,063 bp in Hierodula longa. Mantidae mitogenomes have 37 genes and control region with two exceptions: five trnR copies in Statilia maculata, and H. zhangi was incomplete missing trnI, trnQ, trnM and a portion of the control region. There was a large noncoding region (LNC) between trnM and nad2 in H. chinensis, H. longa, H. maculata and Titanodula sp. Most of protein-coding genes (PCGs) used the typical start ATN codon and TAA/TAG stop codons. All tRNAs fold into the typical clover-leaf secondary structure except trnS1 which lacks a dihydrouracil (DHU) arm. Nucleotide diversity and Ka/Ks analysis of 13 PCGs showed that atp8 had the highest variability and fastest evolutionary rate. Phylogenetic relationships among 42 Mantidae species were reconstructed using the 13 PCGs and two rRNA genes using Bayesian Inference (BI) and Maximum Likelihood (ML) methods. Of the seven mantid subfamilies included in this analysis, only four had multiple exemplars, and of those only Mantinae and Vatinae formed monophyletic groups in BI and ML trees. Consistent with previous studies, the monophyly of the Hierudulinae and Tenoderinae were not been supported. The present results imply that it is necessary to combine nuclear molecular markers and external characteristic to understand the phylogenetic relationships within Mantidae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Hui Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Huimin Huang
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Yizheng Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Zhijun Zhou
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding, China
- The Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Application of Hebei Province, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Sharaf R, Frampton GM, Albacker LA. Mutations in the TERC template sequence can be incorporated into the telomeres of human tumors. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272707. [PMID: 36006930 PMCID: PMC9409504 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomerase-mediated lengthening is a mechanism by which some cancer cells avoid senescence-mediated cell cycle arrest due to shortened telomeres. By reverse transcribing an RNA template, encoded by TERC, the enzyme telomerase synthesizes the elongation of telomeric DNA using the 3’ end of the chromosome as a primer. TERC harbors a highly conserved template region consisting of 11 nucleotides spanning hg19 coordinates chr3:169482793–169482803. In human cell lines, when TERC was mutated to alter its template region, telomerase generated the predicted mutant telomeric repeats. However, it is unknown if this can occur in human clinical samples. Here, we report on the rare occurrence of two tumor samples where TERC template mutations were reflected in telomeric repeats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Radwa Sharaf
- Foundation Medicine Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | | | - Lee A. Albacker
- Foundation Medicine Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Benitah A, Qualley DF, Woski SA. Substituent effects on indole universal bases in DNA. NUCLEOSIDES, NUCLEOTIDES & NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 41:1187-1204. [PMID: 35921554 DOI: 10.1080/15257770.2022.2105354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
A series of eleven 5-substituted-indole nucleoside residues were synthesized and incorporated into 15-mer oligodeoxynucleotide duplexes with each of the four natural bases (A, G, C, T) paired with the non-natural residues. The universal base properties of these residues were evaluated by comparing the stabilities of these complexes determined by UV thermal denaturation experiments. All of the substituted indoles were more stable than an unsubstituted indole residue, and measures of electronic influences of substituents on the indole pi system correlate with stability. Several residues were more promiscuous than the previously studied 5-nitroindole residue, but the relationship between substituents and selectivity is not clear.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Avi Benitah
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Dominic F Qualley
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Stephen A Woski
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Duan Y, Zhang X, Zhai W, Zhang J, Zhang X, Xu G, Li H, Deng Z, Shi J, Xu Z. Deciphering the Rules of Ribosome Binding Site Differentiation in Context Dependence. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:2726-2740. [PMID: 35877551 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The ribosome binding site (RBS) is a crucial element regulating translation. However, the activity of RBS is poorly predictable, because it is strongly affected by the local possible secondary structure, that is, context dependence. By the Flowseq technique, over 20 000 RBS variants were sorted and sequenced, and the translation of multiple genes under the same RBS was quantitatively characterized to evaluate the context dependence of each RBS variant in E. coli. Two regions, (-7 to -2) and (-17 to -12), of RBS were predicted with a higher possibility to pair with each other to slow down the translation initiation. Associations between phenotypes and the intrinsic factors suspected to affect translation efficiency and context dependence of the RBS, including nucleotide bias at each position, free energy, and conservation, were disentangled. The results showed that translation efficiency was influenced more significantly by conservation of the SD region (-16 to -8), while an AC-rich spacer region (-7 to -1) was associated with low context dependence. We confirmed these characteristics using a series of synthesized RBSs. The average correlation between multiple reporters was significantly higher for RBSs with an AC-rich spacer (0.714) compared with a GU-rich spacer (0.286). Overall, we proposed general design criteria to improve programmability and minimize context dependence of RBS. The characteristics unraveled here can be adapted to other bacteria for fine-tuning target-gene expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanting Duan
- Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.,National Engineering Research Center for Cereal Fermentation and Food Biomanufacturing, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Xiaojuan Zhang
- Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.,National Engineering Research Center for Cereal Fermentation and Food Biomanufacturing, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Weiji Zhai
- Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.,National Engineering Research Center for Cereal Fermentation and Food Biomanufacturing, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Jinpeng Zhang
- Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.,National Engineering Research Center for Cereal Fermentation and Food Biomanufacturing, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Xiaomei Zhang
- School of Life Science and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.,Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Bioactive Products Processing Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Guoqiang Xu
- Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.,National Engineering Research Center for Cereal Fermentation and Food Biomanufacturing, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Hui Li
- School of Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Zhaohong Deng
- School of Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Jinsong Shi
- School of Life Science and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.,Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Bioactive Products Processing Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Zhenghong Xu
- Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.,National Engineering Research Center for Cereal Fermentation and Food Biomanufacturing, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Mg2+ Ions Regulating 3WJ-PRNA to Construct Controllable RNA Nanoparticle Drug Delivery Platforms. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14071413. [PMID: 35890308 PMCID: PMC9320661 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14071413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA nanotechnology has shown great progress over the past decade. Diverse controllable and multifunctional RNA nanoparticles have been developed for various applications in many areas. For example, RNA nanoparticles can participate in the construction of drug delivery nanoplatforms. Recently, a three-way junction packaging RNA (3WJ-pRNA) has been exploited for its characteristics of self-assembly and ultrahigh stability in many aspects. 3WJ-pRNA is the 3WJ part of bacteriophage φ29 pRNA and joins different components of φ29 as a linker element. In this work, we used all-atom MD simulation to study the thermal stability of 3WJ-pRNA and the underlying mechanisms. While 3WJ-pRNA can remain in its original structure without Mg2+ ions at room temperature, only Mg-bound 3WJ-pRNA still maintains its initial three-way junction structure at a higher temperature (T = 400 K). The Mg-free 3WJ-pRNA undergoes dramatic deformation under high temperature condition. The contribution of Mg ions can be largely attributed to the protective effect of two Mg clamps on the hydrogen bond and base stacking interactions in helices. Taken together, our results reveal the extraordinary thermal stability of 3WJ-pRNA, which can be regulated by Mg2+ ions. Comprehensive depictions of thermal stability of pRNA and the regulation mechanism are helpful for the further development of controllable RNA nanoparticle drug delivery platforms.
Collapse
|
49
|
Mair S, Erharter K, Renard E, Brillet K, Brunner M, Lusser A, Kreutz C, Ennifar E, Micura R. Towards a comprehensive understanding of RNA deamination: synthesis and properties of xanthosine-modified RNA. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:6038-6051. [PMID: 35687141 PMCID: PMC9226506 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleobase deamination, such as A-to-I editing, represents an important posttranscriptional modification of RNA. When deamination affects guanosines, a xanthosine (X) containing RNA is generated. However, the biological significance and chemical consequences on RNA are poorly understood. We present a comprehensive study on the preparation and biophysical properties of X-modified RNA. Thermodynamic analyses revealed that base pairing strength is reduced to a level similar to that observed for a G•U replacement. Applying NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography, we demonstrate that X can form distinct wobble geometries with uridine depending on the sequence context. In contrast, X pairing with cytidine occurs either through wobble geometry involving protonated C or in Watson–Crick-like arrangement. This indicates that the different pairing modes are of comparable stability separated by low energetic barriers for switching. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the flexible pairing properties directly affect the recognition of X-modified RNA by reverse transcription enzymes. Primer extension assays and PCR-based sequencing analysis reveal that X is preferentially read as G or A and that the ratio depends on the type of reverse transcriptase. Taken together, our results elucidate important properties of X-modified RNA paving the way for future studies on its biological significance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Mair
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Kevin Erharter
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Eva Renard
- Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN - CNRS UPR 9002, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Karl Brillet
- Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN - CNRS UPR 9002, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Melanie Brunner
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Alexandra Lusser
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Christoph Kreutz
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Eric Ennifar
- Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN - CNRS UPR 9002, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Ronald Micura
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Ma B, Li Z, Lv Y, E Z, Fang J, Ren C, Luo P, Hu C. Analysis of Complete Mitochondrial Genome of Bohadschia argus (Jaeger, 1833) (Aspidochirotida, Holothuriidae). Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12111437. [PMID: 35681901 PMCID: PMC9179316 DOI: 10.3390/ani12111437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Bohadschia argu is a kind of sea cucumber with high economic value; it is the only undisputed species in the genus Bohadschia. In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of B. argus was acquired through high-throughput sequencing. The mitochondrial genome of B. argus was 15,656 bp in total length and contained a putative control region (CR) and 37 typical genes of animal mitochondrial genomes, including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 ribosomal RNA genes (rrnS and rrnL) and 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNA). The sizes of the PCGs ranged from 168 bp to 1833 bp, and all PCGs except nad6 were encoded on the heavy chain (H). Both rrnS and rrnL were also encoded on the H chain. Twenty-two tRNA genes had positive AT skew and GC skew. All tRNAs had a typical cloverleaf secondary structure except for trnI, in which an arm of dihydrouridine was missing. B. argus shared the same gene arrangement order (the echinoderm ground pattern) as other species in Aspidochirotida. Phylogenetic analysis clearly revealed that B. argus belongs as a member of the Holothuriidae, and it is closely related to members of Actinopyga and Holothuria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Ma
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bioresources and Ecology (LMB), South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; (B.M.); (Z.L.); (Z.E.); (J.F.); (C.R.); (C.H.)
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 510301, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhuobo Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bioresources and Ecology (LMB), South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; (B.M.); (Z.L.); (Z.E.); (J.F.); (C.R.); (C.H.)
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 510301, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ying Lv
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Beibu Gulf Marine Biodiversity Conservation, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China;
| | - Zixuan E
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bioresources and Ecology (LMB), South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; (B.M.); (Z.L.); (Z.E.); (J.F.); (C.R.); (C.H.)
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 510301, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jianxiang Fang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bioresources and Ecology (LMB), South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; (B.M.); (Z.L.); (Z.E.); (J.F.); (C.R.); (C.H.)
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 510301, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chunhua Ren
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bioresources and Ecology (LMB), South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; (B.M.); (Z.L.); (Z.E.); (J.F.); (C.R.); (C.H.)
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 510301, China
| | - Peng Luo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bioresources and Ecology (LMB), South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; (B.M.); (Z.L.); (Z.E.); (J.F.); (C.R.); (C.H.)
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 510301, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-18520090836
| | - Chaoqun Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bioresources and Ecology (LMB), South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; (B.M.); (Z.L.); (Z.E.); (J.F.); (C.R.); (C.H.)
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 510301, China
| |
Collapse
|